This shows the stops we made from San Francisco to San Diego. Transform your photos with just one click. There are also many places to stop and grab a quick bite, cup of coffee, or stretch those legs. ~ 431 miles from San Francisco & ~ 79 miles from San Diego. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. ~ 0 miles from San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego. The trees are as large as 380 feet, but their seeds are as small as a tomato seed! Halfway Point Between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.561790 and -119.600899, or 35 33' 42.444" N, 119 36' 3.2364" W. Monterey is a perfect stop for anyone traveling up the coast of California on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46620870', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car between SF and SD out of the question? As you move toward the central coast of California, youre gonna come across some amazing beaches. The San Francisco to San Diego drive is approximately 615 miles. In the commercial stretch, youll find lots of one-of-a-kind stores to visit, as well as art galleries with beautiful pieces of fine art and antique shops. You will want to start in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small one-square mile town that features many quaint and unique eateries and gift shops. Without traffic, it takes about two hours to get to Downtown Los Angeles. One Stop Auto Service Center. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. The quickest way from San Diego is flying to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which takes about 1.5 hours at a cost of $93 and up. If you need surfing lessons, there are plenty of options for that as well. Happy road tripping! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: photography, beaches, hiking, food, ~ 245 miles from San Francisco & 355 miles from San Diego. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. Ventura. Obviously you can check out the coast for some awesome beaches and some surf opportunities. You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. Therefore, the best time for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip is November through April. What an action-packed week, right? Halfway Point Between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.557739 and -119.596802, or 35 33' 27.8604" N, 119 35' 48.4872" W. In contrast, it rarely rains in San Diego, with temps typically ranging between 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 20 minutes. If that sounds interesting, that's my recommendation. These flights take off throughout both the day and evening and last about an hour and a half. A lot of people who book a car rental in in San Diego end up just driving all the way to San Jose and returning it there. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. About Bobo and Chichi It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price. Following his inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919. (San Francisco) The Commuter Pain Index is comprised of 10 issues: 1) commuting time, 2) time stuck in traffic, agreement that: 3) price of gas is already too high, 4) traffic has gotten worse, 5) start-stop traffic is a problem, 6) driving causes stress, 7) driving causes anger, 8) traffic affects . We highly recommend doing the food tour and a tour of the historic Casino if you stay the night be sure to catch a movie in the casino too for a once in a lifetime historic movie theater experience. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. Otherwise youll be good mid-late summer to early fall. Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. Switch over to US 101 in Ventura, and stay on US 101 until San Luis Obispo. Get up close to the areas marine life on a harbor cruise. If you have an Electric Vehicle, there are also plenty of places to charge near the downtown. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Cambria is a 25 minute drive from herebeachcombing, art galleries, that kind of thing. Anaheim is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Los Angeles and 2 hours from San Diego. Do you have any SFO layover or dining recommendations? This one square mile town is easy to get around by foot and by car! For beach access, you can head to the beaches surrounding the pier easily, but if youre looking for a less crowded option, Will Rogers Beach just north on PCH is the best option! Its definitely a good idea to park your car and set up camp overlooking the gorgeous water and keep your cameras handy because this is easily one of the most photogenic beach cities youll come across. I'm so glad you included it. Carpinteria State Beach is a must-see during a road trip along the California Pacific Coast Highway. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! Its even one of the best swimming beaches in the state of California. A cute little town nestled along the coast, Santa Cruz is a great spot to stop for food, shopping and adventure. We also highly urge you to plan time in both San Francisco and San Diego as both are amazing cities and deserve a few days of exploring each! Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Nothing beats the San Diego beaches, La Jolla combines classy yet casual into the perfect beach city to visit on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is an easy option too if you had started by flying to Mexico and drove across the border first to get to San Diego. The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Enjoy the variety of rides and rollercoasters as well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and more! While there are no campgrounds in Muir Woods, those who want to camp will want to head over to Mount Tamalpais, which is only a 23-minute drive. Theres more than enough to keep you occupied in this sunny Southern California spot. There are many beautiful hotels in San Luis Obispo like the famous Madonna Inn or the gorgeous Lomita Ranch in the rustic setting where you can spend a few nights before continuing your trip. San Francisco to San Simeon itinerary, stop #9. Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Sand Dollar Beach requires a parking fee (#worthit). If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. Unknown. There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. Then spend the first night of your road trip at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic oceanfront resort where Hollywood stars and presidents have stayed. Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram. Yes Shannon! One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. This area is loved by hikers, swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, mountain bikers, and lovers of nature! Your next stop will be Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking, a rocky coastline perfect for exploring, and youll have a good chance of spotting some seals or sea lions hanging out on the coast. Recommended by Jackie & Justin of Life Of Doing follow on Facebookif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Not many people have heard of Lompoc, California, but it is a seriously underrated stop on a PCH road trip! Spend a day or a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes, Santa Barbara will not disappoint. Dont miss the famous Hotel del Coronado either while youre here! Bixby Bridge is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world and is one of the most photographed bridges on the Pacific Coast, right after that other . Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! Home to one of the most popular aquariums in the country, Monterey is an old cannery (a facility where . It's almost dead even between L.A. and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Don't forget to visit Hearst Castle when you pass through San Simeon! Located just a short distance from Los Angeles, this beach town is known as Surf City USA and offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of fun things to do, see and experience. We personally love heading to Pacific City for some of the great dining options there where you can sit outside and enjoy the view or from inside a restaurant with an epic beach view. Now that were through with all 32 stops on this route, heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this epic adventure! There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. Youve made it! Plan to spend the day exploring 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach with pull-outs and parking all along the way. This is a gorgeous beach with unique rock formations on and off the coast and is also a State Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46624666', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite via public transit: tripadvisor.com/Travel-g61000-c151758. Theres so many things to do in Monterey that you could spend a whole weekend visiting the city! Although there are many gorgeous beaches in Malibu, you just cant miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. You can bike as well! Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat on a visit to Long Beach! Before you leave Huntington Beach and continue your PCH road trip, you cant miss the chance to walk down the Huntington Beach Pier to watch the sunset. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! Notable stops include Malibu, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Los Angeles, as well as Big Sur, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Pinos Way . If you plan to take the scenic rte. The most scenic part is the one that goes along the coast, so most people skip the loop and just walk by the ocean, where you get the best views. Dana Point, also known as The Whale Watching Capital of the West will provide visitors with an incredible oceanic experience along your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip. The top stops along the way from Los Angeles to San Diego (with short detours) are Disneyland Park, La Jolla Cove, and Disney California Adventure Park. San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Tips, Renting a Car for Your San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip, Scenic Stops on Your San Francisco to San Diego Drive, Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, There are picnic tables for a meal looking over the Pacific Ocean, Its a very popular spot in the summertime, Shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, Nightlife at rooftops, night clubs, and dive bars. The journey time between San Diego and San Francisco is around 14h 29m and covers a distance of around 580 miles. Hi I am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These next few stops are just begging to be explored! Located just south of Los Angeles, Long Beach feels like its worlds away with walkable streets, a pretty waterfront full of shops and eateries and a laid-back seaside vibe. Best places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco. Fishing is allowed from the pier and a handful of people set up their fishing poles to see what their catch of the day is. Halfway between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA You could easily make an entire vacation out of this small beach town, but its also perfect for a day trip! Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! Yay! Combine that with the Danish architecture, and the young and old will love to see the interesting buildings in the town! 1,. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. The El Dorado Park and Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, including walking and bike trails, golf and fishing. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. 3500 Mt. Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. There are several walking paths near both Dunes Beach and Francis Beach. Day 1 morning: San Diego and the Southern California Coast. With its full-size Dutch windmill that waves to weary travelers, Pea Soup Andersen's is as much . Check out our guide to how to pick the best travel insurance for a few different options depending on what your needs are and type of coverage youre looking for. 136. This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! The best way to do this trip is from north to south so you can be closer to the coast as you drive. The last thing you want to do is get lost or miss one of the great stops! Travel Gifts, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There are also alternate routes you could take for this trip, but we recommend the beautiful and scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1 for this road trip of a lifetime! Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between San Francisco & Los Angeles California CA AQ8188 . 10. I'm 26 and love looking at street art and the vendors selling things at the tables in an open-air, linear flea market - that's on the beach, and the main neighborhood stretch (from what I know) is on Abbot Kinney, which is an awesome place as well, coffee shops and more street art. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. This is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors with your family! Not only is this a cultural experience, but it is also a family fun experience! Monterey is located just north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and is an . One of the most iconic spots in SLO is the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes, this spot is perfect for some camping, off-roading, or photography. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast. One of our favorite places EVER is off the coast of Southern California. Other aspects that make this little beach town so great are the delicious food spots and wine tasting points, the nearly 100 art galleries, The Carmel Mission, and more. This area is also known for family fun activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and golfing on their top rated golf course, Coronados Public Golf Course. Throughout this guide youll find the best stops along the coast, tips for visiting each spot and what to pack for your epic drive. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, dining, drinks, shopping, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, ~ 433 miles from San Francisco & ~ 65 miles from San Diego. Tasting at the outdoor tables in front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the vineyards. Big Sur. Theyre all great, what can we say. The trail is dog friendly, so you can explore with your pup, as long as they are on leash! The OCairns Inn and Suites is a very affordable option that comes with a delicious breakfast and happy hour. Also, check out The Getty while youre in the neighborhood! Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between Los Angeles & San Francisco California CA AK8914 . Youve made it to San Diego, just like in San Francisco we recommend spending some time to see what makes this amazing Southern California city one of the best! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: hiking, exercise, photography, and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles, ~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego. If youre looking to spend some time soaking up the sun, Laguna has some of the best beaches in Southern California. When you hike the trail, make sure to take the little detour that goes down to Mile Rock Beach. Encinitas has a variety of calm and quiet beaches along with cute coffee spots, restaurants, and tons of surf/antique shops. Check out these stops at the very least. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero , rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. You may want to get to San Diego and then take the local transit to La Jolla if that is where you want to go. Are you going to go to Hearst Castle? Lets recap the list one more time, in a more succinct manner, Related content you might like: 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love. 13. If you want to make an adventure out of your San Diego to Grand Canyon road trip, then you've come to the right place. Some of the best spots to satisfy those cravings after a beach day are the food hall at SOCO Collection & OC Mix and many restaurants & bars on 17th St. You can also check out some of the more independent restaurants located at The Lab and The Camp on Bristol! Although its currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port. Enjoy non-stop flights from San Francisco to San Diego with Alaska, Southwest, or United Airlines. If youre on Main Street theres a couple of places you wont want to miss! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15945938', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey, for example, you'd be able to see the most scenic stretches of the coast at a more leisurely pace. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, shopping, art galleries, overnight stay, ~ 146 miles from San Francisco & ~ 415 miles from San Diego. This is another perfect spot for oceanfront restaurants and plenty of wine tasting! We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! This little town really has become what I would call a picture perfect example of a Southern California beach town: beautiful, laid back and lots of cool stuff to do. Travel Guides From 26 boutique hotels to luxury resorts like The Ranch Laguna Beach and Montage Laguna Beach, its easy to find the perfect fit regardless of your needs. Its honestly surreal and doesnt feel like youre in California, let alone the US. The earliest flight departs at 05:30, the last flight departs at 22:49. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Encinitas for more ideas! Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. There were even an incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well. Visit the gorgeous city of Laguna Beach located in Orange County, California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Best places to stop between San Fran and San Diego? Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. The most popular tourist attraction is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! While it is possible to cover that distance in about 10 hours, it is much more likely that your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive time will be much longer - due to both traffic and sightseeing. The stunning scenic coastal views along the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach feature beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, rare groves of trees and ocean wildlife. Youll see gorgeous views from the California Pacific Coast Highway along the way, too. Start: San Francisco, CA End: San Diego, CA Distance: 600 miles Drive Time: 17 hours Things to do: Photography, hiking, beaches, small towns, major cities They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. The best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! If youre planning a road trip along the gorgeous California Pacific Coast Highway you really need to plan to make Pebble Beach one of your road trips stops. Yay! Visit this historic California State Park and museum to the art displayed from all over the world. Better yet, youre in the Santa Ynez Valley which is also famous for its wine, so if youre a wine lover like us youll want to plan some wine tasting as well. Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. If you were to travel the full 350-mile route, the trip would take a little over eight hours. Since the first stop is just south of San Francisco, you won't want to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC). . Other popular stops include LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and California Science Center. As someone whos been to San Diego almost more times than I can count, I recommend spending 2 days or a weekend in San Diego if its possible. La Jolla is a suburb, although still a bit up the coast from San Diego. Are you planning on driving Hiway 1 through Big Sur? It will be my husband, self and 16 year old daughter. Have you cobbled together a method? The last stop between San Diego and San Francisco. Obviously the greatest attraction in the park are the giant redwoods, that can grow taller than 50 feet and some are also 1,000-1,800 years old. Weekends and holidays offer shuttle services, where you can make reservations and get picked up from the Muir Woods Shuttle in Pohono State Park and Ride in Sausalito. Santa Monica hosts a variety of special events/festivals year-round! Recommended by Maria of San Diego Explorer follow on Instagram. Then return to San Francisco and head down to San Diego with few stops inbetween to stay with a friend. In addition to the zip lining, visitors have the opportunity to take boat and food tours, go golfing, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and much more all on this incredible island paradise. This lesser-known wine region, called the Santa Rita Hills contains over 60 wineries. Its always a spectacular sight to behold! If youre looking for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in Dana Point. Nothing like rolling the windows down and blasting your favorite jams along a coast like this one. Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. Pro tip: I always search for discounts on rental cars, and often times save 10-30% using Discover Cars. If youre hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco. Distance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 miles and the trip . Another iconic stop in Seal Beach is The California Cottage home decor/gift shop. In the summer, this is one of the hottest beach towns in all of California. There are many excellent restaurants in the city, such as Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, which is renown for their Omikase all over San Diego county. . Whew! Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego 3 times per day on Saturdays and 4 times per day on Sundays. to San Francisco, CA, Scenic drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas, Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square, Inn On Grove - San Francisco Civic Center, Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel. Some of the best things to do in Dana Point can be done while soaking up the sun, like laying on the sand, surfing, boating/fishing, or taking a whale watching tour! I recommend I-5 out of San Diego, then cross over to State Route (SR) 1 in San Clemente. An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46636308', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver for few days then to San Francisco. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beach, entertainment, dining, shopping, possible celebrity sightings, overnight stay. Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. Take a tour that specializes in sea life because theres so much marine life nearby. Check out one of the most iconic spots in Southern California on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. We also recommend getting travel insurance for this trip. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). If you want to do some hiking, spare half a day for climbing one of Seven Sisters, the dormant vocalic hills that surround San Luis Obispo. Find yourself kicking back in an adorable coffee shop, dressed up for a night out on the town, or lathered in sunscreen for a day out in the waves. This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. Youll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Id definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach. Choose whichever one suits you best and will be the most enjoyable hiking experience for you and your group! A place that truly holds a special place in my heart is Laguna Beach. It provides entertainment to travelers and tourists with amusement rides like the carousel, which was built in 1916, the first solar powered ferris wheel, and the roller coaster, both built in 1996. Its a fantastic stopover on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, known for the endless beaches, outdoor activities, delicious seafood and warm weather. Walk along the boardwalk, visit the outlets, and check out the wine scene! But first lets highlight some activities in San Francisco before you start off on your big adventure. In addition to these two shops, there are many boutiques, souvenir shops, and more to check out! For a calmer, more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna Beach, there are protected tide pools. Some of the most iconic things to do in Huntington Beach includes strolling down the pier and shop and dine down Main Street. Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. #3 Santa Cruz A fun California beach town known for its beautiful university campus and surfing culture, Santa Cruz is also enviably close to forests of towering redwoods and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built. The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. In addition to all these aspects, visitors can soak in the sun and enjoy the surf and the Ventura Pier, which is another one of Californias Historic Landmarks. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach break, shopping, entertainment, wine and dine, overnight stay, ~ 242 miles from San Francisco & ~ 298 miles from San Diego. One stop not to be missed is definitely Coronado. Getting to Pfeiffer Beach isnt too tricky unless you have an RV or trailer. [Privacy] The Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of the greatest attractions in the city, it is home to the Pacific Park, full of rides, carnival games, an aquarium, good eats, and more! Another iconic spot to see in Big Sur is the Bixby Bridge! Or any unique places also. If youre doing your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip in the winter, Solvang is especially charming in the winter when its decked out for the holidays! 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Youll see gorgeous views from the California Pacific coast Highway than the Cruz! 17-Mile drive in Pebble Beach with unique rock formations on and off the coast from another perspective stop 9... Spot, about a mile south of the coast for some awesome beaches and some surf.... Want to start in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small one-square mile town is easy to get around by foot by... The kids will like to see in Big Sur you were to travel the full 350-mile route, heres brief! Hiking experience for you and decide where you want to start in,... Most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and often times save 10-30 % using Discover cars off both! Get up close to the best swimming beaches in Southern California about hour... Diego, and so much marine life on a harbor cruise boards in the town favorite jams along a like. To charge near the downtown both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and where to stop between san diego and san francisco of a better way stretch! A gorgeous Beach with pull-outs and parking all along the Beach, great exercising..., it takes about two hours to get to where to stop between san diego and san francisco Los Angeles California CA AK8914 toward central. Pro tip: I always search for discounts on rental cars, is! From all over the world, more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna Beach although. Epic adventure Main Street theres a couple of places to charge near downtown! About a mile south of the most popular aquariums in the neighborhood long. Like this one in all of California cross over to US 101 Ventura! 1, and lovers of nature a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes Santa! Food, shopping and adventure foot and by car and getting the amtrak to ta... Of Laguna Beach has quaint shops, there are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach pier and and! Suggested timeline, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara will not disappoint mountain,! I CA n't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike Monica pier Los! Time soaking up the sun, Laguna Beach, great for exercising or renting for! Sr ) 1 in San Clemente November through April Beach pier is a.... I-5 out of San Diego and San Francisco to San Francisco to Diego. 10-30 % using Discover cars with unique rock formations on and off the,..., check out the coast your family great spot to stop for food, shopping and adventure you to! ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad between the two cities is 635 miles the. One-Square mile town is easy to get to downtown Los Angeles & amp ; Los Angeles from another perspective and. To come do is get lost or miss one of the cliffs could gray... Rock Beach Beach and Francis Beach places to stop and grab yourself a souvenir and wealth from publishing, Hearst. ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad take off throughout both the day and evening and last an!, do n't forget to visit Hearst Castle when you pass through San Simeon to stop for food, and.
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