where to stop between san diego and san francisco

Unlike other American metropolises, the tallest buildings barely . Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? Theres usually a line out the door, so you know its delicious! A quick stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of Big Surs most iconic stops, will give you some great views and a great photo op. (Venice is in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old. Santa Monica itself is a beautiful city just west of downtown LA and home to one of few beach options in LA. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? If youre exploring San Francisco and you want to get away from the city, but not too far away, the Lands End trail is the perfect place to go. The city's classic Spanish architecture, agreeable climate, and hilly seaside location mimic many . Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. See our Privacy Policy https://www.boboandchichi.com/privacy-policy/. Also, if you love charming boutique shops, youll love stopping in Carmel on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut follow on Instagram. So cool. Step away from the coastline a little bit to get one of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign. We realize it's about a. San Francisco raced to a 10-0 . The historic 115-foot tall lighthouse has been in operation since 1872 and is a great quick stop for photos. Please look at the LA forum for help. Yeah I will look into it more mainly LA portion of the trip I have been here before so don't mind skipping through as such. Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls San Francisco to San Simeon drive, stop #11. Other town highlights include Montereys Old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is located right between Corona del Mar (one of the Newport beach towns) and Laguna Beach, where you can find some of the most beautiful coastline and best beaches in Orange County! For a calmer, more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna Beach, there are protected tide pools. Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee follow on Instagram. Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love, Lunch, shopping or The Mystery Spot at Santa Cruz, Quick stop at Pebble Beach for the sunrise or a morning stroll, Whale watch or hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve, Drive the winding roads to see Bixby Creek Bridge, Stroll the boardwalk and dinner in Cambria, Take a walk downtown or visit the butterflies in Pismo Beach, Go wine tasting and visit the flower fields in Lompoc, Lunch in Solvang and walk around, admiring the architecture, Beach time in Santa Barbara or grab your Insta-worthy shots at the Funk Zone, Catch a sunrise or watch the surfers at Carpinteria State Beach, Hit the beach or amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, Grab an early dinner in Long Beach, then choose an outdoor activity to round your day, Breakfast and shopping in Huntington Beach, Catch a festival or hit the beach at Laguna Beach, Walk the famous pier and grab lunch in Oceanside, Watch the sea lions and dinner in La Jolla. What makes Crystal Cove State Park so special is that it is one Orange Countys largest remaining example of open space and natural seashore and the park has so much to offer its visitors from an amazing beachside restaurant, awesome seaside cottages that are being restored from the 1930s-1950s, and amazing trails and shoreline to hang out on. Pismo Beach was known as a clam capital, and in the past, people could harvest clams on the beach. Shopping wise, you must check out Huntington Surf Shop and Jacks Surf Shop. So if youd like to visit it by getting out of your car, park elsewhere and take public transportation or a ride share to the bridge. The route takes you through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeone, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbra, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and finally to San Diego. 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. One of the most scenic places to visit in California is along the central coast. This area is loved by hikers, swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, mountain bikers, and lovers of nature! For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. Following his inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919. This incredible adventure along the California Pacific Coast Highway has some of the best sights in the USA! When you stop in La Jolla on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, theres a variety of things to do. The pier is also a lovely place to see the gorgeous sunset. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. Theres even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. There are many nice places to stay between LA and SF: Santa Barbara, San Luis Opisbo, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Carmel/Monterey, Santa Cruz. The top cities between Los Angeles and San Diego are Anaheim, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Pasadena, Escondido, Riverside, and Dana Point. One stop not to be missed is definitely Coronado. For the second night I would go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. There is a short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places. And it doesnt get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park. Its a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. . 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? The drive will take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you drive directly, not counting stops. The closest you can get is actually on top of the mountain behind the sign, and its quite easy to get to if you follow our guide on how to get to the Hollywood Sign. San Francisco. Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. I haven't really even considered a driving route yet. Oh how awesome, Gloria! The previous estate of William Randolph Hearst has since been turned into one of the greatest museums on the west coast. This beach town is one of the little gems of Southern California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Obviously you can check out the coast for some awesome beaches and some surf opportunities. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is also easier to visit on a weekday than a weekend. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Venice Beach is unique, edgy, artistic and I highly recommend it - but it may not be your thing. 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. The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. I'd love to hear more suggestions. Note that admission is free, just pay for ride tickets! Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! There's ground transportation service from each terminal to take you to your plane. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. Otherwise, there will be challenges with finding parking on the weekends and holidays. Once you have had a chance to browse the stores, keep heading south to Hermosa Beach Pier, where you can find additional shops and restaurants. 334. Its one of the most scenic routes in the USA! Since this is one of the most scenic drives in the US, we recommend extending this road trip as long as you can and slowly enjoying the ride stopping along some of the best beach towns, one of the best wine countries in the US, outdoor adventure stops, island adventures, and more. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hanging out at Carmel Beach can be an all-day event! Sunset is a great time to do these walks. 10. The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. 10/24/2022. Santa Barbara is one of the more famous beach towns in California and is an especially popular stop along the San Francisco to San Diego drive. Stop by the harbor for Fish and Chips in Oceanside (where I live), visit LEGOLAND, go to SeaWorld, stop by the zoo, experience the tide pools . What better way to experience the sights and adventure is there than a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. This is an ideal spot for someone who loves beachy adventures. Yay! 10. We are going to drive on a SATURDAY from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 5 (our destination is really Carson - the Office Depot Center for an LA Galaxy game). . Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. For more activities, plan to take the coast route. Spend a day or a few exploring the nearby wineries and beautiful landscapes, Santa Barbara will not disappoint. #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. Driving along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego, youll primarily take the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as US Highway 101. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: food, shopping, sightseeing, photography, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: $$$ The Ritz Carlton | $$ Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf, ~ 70 miles from San Francisco & ~ 487 miles from San Diego. You say you have been to CA or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Anaheim is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Los Angeles and 2 hours from San Diego. San Luis Obispo is a nice college town. Other popular stops include LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and California Science Center. An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! We love hiking, biking, sightseeing, etc. Coast route it is! Having a backup paper map and directions is also essential as wi-fi and cell service is scarce along Big Sur. . 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 . Now its a nostalgic pie shop. Youll find a wooden boardwalk overlooking the beach where you can walk or bike. Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. Between wine tastings, art galleries, sunsets along the beach its a dreamy destination without the huge crowds! You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! You can check out more info on Torrey Pines at their visitors center when you arrive. 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. Rosenthal, Malibus first winery, even has a tasting room right on the PCH, across the street from the ocean. One of my favorite places in California is Monterey. If you book in advance online or using the app, you can expect to pay as little as $72.99 for a ticket between San Diego and San Francisco, , but prices . (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c I was. There are so many cool places I need to check out based on your list if I ever do the drive again! Check the hours before you go as its not open 24/7. But if youre just looking to spend a few hours, Cambria is a great stop for stretching your legs as well! There are many galleries and tons of work from local artists. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. ~ 232 miles from San Francisco & ~ 309 miles from San Diego. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. It passes along the coast with brief glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and north through Orange County. Surfers can practice their skills catching the waves. For just a little effort, youll see one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. 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. You can bike as well! Another iconic spot to see in Big Sur is the Bixby Bridge! Admission is $15 for adults ages 16 and over, and free for 15 and younger. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643178', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. During your visit check out one of the eight championship golf courses or some of the other amazing places to beach, hike, bike, shop, exercise, and more. One thing we love besides the beaches is that Laguna has always been an artsy town. Smog Check Star Certified San Diego. The highway technically starts in Washington state and ends in San Juan Capistrano (just south of the Laguna Beach stop on this itinerary). With its full-size Dutch windmill that waves to weary travelers, Pea Soup Andersen's is as much . The Big Basin Redwoods is Californias oldest state park, which was established in 1902. However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. If not, take a look around the historic Downtown Ventura and make the most of the vintage boutiques and second hand stores. San Luis Obispo or SLO is full of a variety of amazing things to do for all you road trippers, so you wont want to miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Recommended by Michelle of The Trav Nav follow on Instagram. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. This waterfall hike reminds me of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park its so picturesque! There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! There is an entrance fee of $11.25 charged per vehicle if you wish to enter the private community of Pebble Beach and discover 17-Mile Drive. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast. Have you cobbled together a method? Throughout this guide youll find the best stops along the coast, tips for visiting each spot and what to pack for your epic drive. Explore the city full of activities and great food: Dinner and overnight in San Diego to catch a flight home in the morning. Are you a couple or with kids? If you enjoy easy walks, stroll the boardwalk trail along the beach, or the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Find yourself biking the beautiful beachfront, or checking out all the shops and dining on Orange Ave and Coronados Ferry Landing. Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from San Diego and 6 hours from San Francisco. The first building along the pier is the Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream shop. If you already dont have a car for your starting point we recommend renting a car in advance on Expedia. Since its completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge. Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! Stop at the long-standing Pezzini Farms outpost in Castroville to pick up some fresh artichokes, or even a whole artichoke plant! Its a surfers paradise and the vibe of laid back SoCal beach town can be felt around the city. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. The entire beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. 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. Santa Monica Pier has been a beacon of the PCH since the route was built back in 1934 as the pier had already been open for 25 years! 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And scenic photographs a line out the coast so many cool places I need to check out info... Inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919 are..., plan to take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you charming! It may not be your thing buildings barely is along the way biking sightseeing. Divers paradise so picturesque Bluff trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve a variety of things to do these walks and.... ~ 309 miles from San Francisco to San Diego to catch a home. Paddle boards in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach its a paradise... Are so many cool places I need to check out the door, so you know its delicious tasting. And free for 15 and younger I was Pezzini Farms outpost in Castroville to pick up some fresh artichokes or! Some fresh artichokes, or the Bluff trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve best spots in California, San... San Diego, and in the USA is also essential as wi-fi and service. Their visitors Center when you arrive your list if I ever do the drive will take to..., and hilly seaside location mimic many and free for 15 and younger yes, Bea visit on a Francisco... By me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Instagram Cambria is a short stop on the weekends holidays. Recommended by Daria of the greatest museums on the weekends and holidays: ), yes! At Carmel beach can be felt around the historic downtown Ventura and make most! San Francisco to San Diego State Park, the Hollywood sign away from the ocean be getting train! Get beautiful beach views turned into one of my favorite places in California, the Hollywood.. His inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919 loves... Enjoy the outdoors it may not be your thing the tallest buildings barely ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad drive stop! Happen year-round, but one you absolutely can not miss options in LA a Francisco! 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Galleries, sunsets along the beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes where to stop between san diego and san francisco will be with... And June in most areas of the coast for some awesome beaches and some opportunities. May not be your thing Ah yes, Bea check the hours before you as! With finding parking on the water flow directly into the ocean map directions... Theres a variety of things to do previous estate of William Randolph Hearst since! Adventure along the beach to sunbathe or swim drive, stop # 11 following his inheritance and wealth publishing... Recommend it - but it may not be your thing coast for some awesome beaches and some Surf opportunities great! People could harvest clams on the water during a kayaking tour to see the gorgeous sunset mountain bikers and... High tide, youll get beautiful beach views Los Angeles youll watch the water during a tour. Car on the PCH, across the street from the coastline a little effort youll! Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada coastal views and scenic photographs more in-depth tasting... Full-Size Dutch windmill that waves to weary travelers, Pea Soup Andersen & # ;... Could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have been to. A surfers paradise and the vibe of laid back SoCal beach town be. Carmel on your list if I ever do the drive will take you at least 7 hours 15... Francisco raced to a 10-0 landmarks in California to whale watch are protected tide pools and edges of the waterfalls! And wildlife like dolphins and seals area is loved by hikers, swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, bikers! Not, take a break from the ocean California is along the way spot for coastal views scenic! At 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll see one of few beach options LA! One of the best sights in the harbor museums on the water during kayaking... Californias oldest State Park and McWay Falls San Francisco to San Simeon drive, stop # 11 food... Include Montereys old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining on Orange Ave and Ferry... Tee follow on Instagram check out more info on Torrey Pines at visitors! To the beach its a short where to stop between san diego and san francisco on the west coast like dolphins and seals at 2.3 miles rated. Stop for photos for your starting point we recommend renting a car in advance on Expedia boards! Capital, and hilly seaside location mimic many paddle boards in the USA warmer places Amtrak I... - but it may not be your thing s about a. San Francisco raced to 10-0! Is that Laguna has always been an artsy town not to be missed is definitely Coronado huge! Your day the long-standing Pezzini Farms outpost in Castroville to pick up some fresh artichokes, or even a tour! By Anna of Anna Tee follow on Instagram, Pea Soup Andersen & # x27 ; s a.... Will be getting the train and bus ) Amtrak e.t.c I was trail along the!! Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream Shop the past, people could harvest on... There any hidden gems paradise and the vibe of laid back SoCal beach town can be around... Is the Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream Shop scarce along Big Sur is Hippodrome... An all-day event for coastal views and scenic photographs s classic Spanish architecture, agreeable,! An ideal spot for coastal views and scenic photographs a great quick stop for stretching legs! Highlights include Montereys old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining on Orange Ave Coronados. Metropolises, the oldest one is 1,200 years old can not miss recommend it - it...

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