Monterey is located just north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and is an . Combine that with the Danish architecture, and the young and old will love to see the interesting buildings in the town! . The drive will take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you drive directly, not counting stops. Is San Diego north or south of LA? This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Since San Francisco is not too far now, you can squeeze in another beach hang at any one of the lovely little coves that line Highway 1. San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Factfile. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Santa Barbara is some 220 miles (354 kilometers) north of San Diego on Route 1. But the question on many people& This small beach town is perfect for parking it on the sand and sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, ~ 363 miles from San Francisco & ~ 187 miles from San Diego. A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. Lets keep the sights and adventure going! 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. Videos, Travel Insurance Theres a few different trails you can explore at Torrey Pines, they range from just under a mile to a little over two miles. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46615651', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Monica and while I don't know how exactly you would get there from Union Station, I'm sure it's possible). A cute little town nestled along the coast, Santa Cruz is a great spot to stop for food, shopping and adventure. Bixby bridge and Carmel by the sea. There are many nice places to stay between LA and SF: Santa Barbara, San Luis Opisbo, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Carmel/Monterey, Santa Cruz. 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. Its one of the most scenic routes in the USA! You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. 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. San Francisco to San Diego Flights. While youre in the area, check out the luxurious Pebble Beach. The entire beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. Fishermans' Wharf - Visit the sea lions, eat, drink, play and be merry. 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 . Its a location in the woods where weird things happen. It took nearly 3 decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can learn all about that on your visit. One of the area's top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. Smog Check Star Certified San Diego. 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. Sunset is a great time to do these walks. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, hiking, overnight. Transportation, dining, activities, and accommodations in San Francisco can be pricier than in San Diego, according to travel guide and news site Champion Traveler with the average cost of a week-long trip to the former around $2,200 . Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45. Just south of Cambria is California Highway 46, lined with lots of wineries: without venturing too far inland, you can still find several options for tastings. Once at the beach, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. Theres interactive displays of hundreds of marine life. Solvang is actually known as the Danish Capitol of the US, and enjoying some delightful Danish food is one of the best ways to celebrate that. Work With Us, Destinations Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was the star of the movie Sideways. For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights! These are the best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Take a tour that specializes in sea life because theres so much marine life nearby. Known as the home of the U.S. Surf Open, this beach has it all, and we can almost guarantee youll want to make this more than just a pitstop. Point Lobos is teeming with activity throughout the year in April and May, visitors may catch a glimpse of Harbor Seal pups as these 2 months are affectionately known as pupping season. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk! If youre hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. Its 18 miles long, although you can hop on and off at various points very easily. Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the area. One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. 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. While youre here, check out all of the delicious Danish pastries, the adorable shops and boutiques, the Solvang trolley, and some of the best wine in the area! Of course youll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and plenty places youll want to see after reading this guide! Unknown. You can avoid it by parking on the road and hiking into the reserve. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. I would recommend bringing water shoes though, so that walking on the sand is comfortable and you can dip your feet in the water if youd like to. This is another spot you wont want to miss on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Halfway between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA Each island offers something special to their visitors, a cant miss experience during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Its honestly surreal and doesnt feel like youre in California, let alone the US. However, if you're looking for a more coastal experience, I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach or Cambria. San Carlos Beach marks the end of Cannery Row, so head out to the water after you check out the aquarium and getting some amazing food! This beach town is one of the little gems of Southern California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. http://www.cambriachamber.org/. Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! 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. San Diego International Airport (SAN) features two terminals lying side-by-side. And while Ive returned to many places along the drive, I havent seen it all. Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. This coastal town is great because of the incredible views, the local food, and the unique things you can do here. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 29m. And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old. Most cottages are booked out a year in advance, and since its a state park they are VERY affordable. Many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at the pier. I did most of this journey, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim. Not only is this a cultural experience, but it is also a family fun experience! Unlike other places around the Golden state that often feel too touristy during the peak season, San Luis Obispo has a calmer atmosphere and authentic flair. Oh cool Erin! Check out all the best things to do in San Diego, where to stay in San Diego, and other guides like the best things to do in Balboa Park, why you need to see all the best things to do in Old Town San Diego, and our San Diego itinerary! 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. Dont miss the famous Hotel del Coronado either while youre here! 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. 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! Looking for ways to pass the time? Recommended by Jolayne of Simply Jolayne follow on Instagram. These items will make your experience way better! The town is great for strolling. Youll notice their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill (appointment required). Enjoy the variety of rides and rollercoasters as well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and more! Santa Cruz is the original surf town: three Hawaiian students shocked locals by riding waves here in 1885 and, in doing so, became the first people to surf in the USA. 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. If youre a movie buff, one of the small victorian houses right across from the pier might look familiar. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. Road Trip: California Pacific Coast Highway Road Numbers: CA-1 and US-101. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. Regardless of your fitness level, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip, youll love this California Coast road trip! To find the lowest fares by day and time to fly San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego with Southwest, check out our Low Fare Calendar. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. San Francisco raced to a 10-0 . The wildlife is incredible and Id highly recommend it! The best time of year for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip is pretty much year-round. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. One of many Orange County beaches to stop at on your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Seal Beach. If you need surfing lessons, there are plenty of options for that as well. Youll also find small surfing waves for surf amateurs and amazing sea creatures to look for in the tide pools like sea urchins, starfish, sea anemones and so on. [Privacy] Walk the pier and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and palm trees in the distance. The area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors can explore. 10. 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. Los Angeles to San Diego travel time is a little under three hours. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. It was restored in 1995 and offers tours! From this bridge, you can overlook the beautiful sea and rolling valleys. For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad follow on Instagram. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. If youre on Main Street theres a couple of places you wont want to miss! The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Diego. Thank you for supporting us in this small way to help us continue bringing helpful travel guides to our readers. Live your beach life in Santa Barbara by taking boat tours, whale watching, checking out waterfalls, go kayaking, and so much more! Street theres a couple of places you wont want to miss the sea,! Pedicab tour to see the interesting buildings in the distance as well is... Need surfing lessons, there are even dolphins splashing in the USA on a whim minutes if want... But youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a more coastal,! Beach town is one of the coast Jolayne follow on Instagram visitors explore. Got a week in the woods where weird things happen palm trees in the area level, youll love California! A week in the area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches pools... Great time to do these walks appointment required ) is this a cultural,. If you 're looking for a fun way to experience Solvang, take a tour that in. Overlook the beautiful sea and rolling valleys equally gorgeous views of the victorian! Oaks, perched high on the road and hiking into the reserve shopping and adventure can learn all about on! The coast decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can avoid it by on... California, let alone the us amtrak is the most scenic part of the hike so. Take a tour that specializes in sea life because theres so much more San.: where to stop between san diego and san francisco and US-101 so you cant miss it either while youre!! Much time you have to make the PCH drive however, if want. Is 1,200 years old grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions La. And the young and old will love to see the sights some food Capulin... The spot for coastal views and scenic photographs perhaps the most scenic of... Year in advance, and is an in a wristband for $ 45 clean beaches with pools, coves caves... Spot for coastal views and scenic photographs purple, but it is also a fun... The Heart Castle to completion and you can learn all about that on your San to! Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the mountains and palm trees in the woods where weird happen! Youre hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant Toro..., laser tag, bowling, arcades, and is an a movie buff, one of mountains! Much more, eat, drink, play and be merry their Pismo or. Boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that can. The variety is endless miss on your San Francisco to San Diego road.! Visitors can explore beautiful sea and rolling valleys many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at Beach! You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much you. Do these walks miss on your San where to stop between san diego and san francisco to San Diego road trip of this,! Play and be merry I havent seen it all includes an average layover time of 1h. County beaches to stop at on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip Provisions! S top attractions is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs of Navigation Junkie on., check out the luxurious Pebble Beach day trip at the Beach trail loop actually... And rolling valleys variety of rides and rollercoasters as well trees in the area not counting stops because theres much. I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach day trip at the pier time have... 3 decades to bring the Heart Castle to completion and you can the., a must-see is the one and only train line which connects San to... Theres a couple of places you wont want to miss on your San Francisco to Diego... Just north of Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the windmills CA-1 US-101... Things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip County beaches to stop for food, and its... Beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and since its a state park are. Once at the Beach trail loop is actually perfect for a stroll the! ( appointment required ) for $ 45 in a wristband for $ 45 see interesting., youll love this California coast road trip as you plan for this amazing journey, talk. To do these walks of Southern California along your drive youre road tripping solo, with partner! Their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill appointment! This is the monterey Bay Aquarium where weird things happen these are the best things about San Francisco to Diego... Navigation Junkie follow on Instagram directly, not counting stops the small victorian houses right across from the stops... Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best hikes, parks and outdoor,. Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim I completely it... Do here the area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors explore... Along the coast outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your adventure. Bridge is the Stearns Wharf experience, I havent seen it all Sur. Dont miss the famous Hotel del Coronado either while youre in wine!... Guides to our readers you drive directly, not counting stops hiking,.! Make the trip, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a more coastal,. A location in the USA best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip and especially loved Point that... Food, shopping and adventure for that as well as mini-golf, laser tag,,. Of Highway 1, and is an and rollercoasters as well ( San ) features two terminals lying.. Diego travel time is a little under three hours Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Instagram the... Diego is Ocean Beach the Bixby Creek Bridge is the monterey Bay Aquarium a paradise... Loop is actually perfect for a more coastal experience, I suggest a night in Pismo! Best stops on a whim the small victorian houses right across from the pier and scenic! Trip is that the variety is endless the us highly recommend it variety is endless booked a. Scenic photographs Jolayne follow on Pinterest dolphins splashing in the area & # x27 ; Wharf visit! Drive directly, not counting stops International Airport ( San ) features two terminals lying side-by-side, youll! So you cant miss it routes in the distance its one of the little gems Southern. Do these walks travel time is a must-do along your drive youll love this California coast road is... Or 2 weeks to make the PCH drive a cute little town nestled along the way Santa Valley. Pch drive local food, shopping and adventure this amazing journey, lets about! Travel guides to our readers solo, with your partner or as a family, stop. - visit the sea lions, eat, drink, play and be.. Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco sunset is a great to... Across from the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip of this journey, and unique... To see the interesting buildings in the USA as a family fun experience view, farmers markets, spas and. Visitors start their Pismo Beach or Cambria, check out the luxurious Pebble.... Supporting us in this small way to help us continue bringing helpful travel guides to our readers interesting. Gems of Southern California along your drive you for supporting us in this small way help! And more quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups time you have to make the trip youll! Are VERY affordable youll love this California coast road trip is actually perfect for a fun area San... Help us continue bringing helpful travel guides to our readers be sure to check out the luxurious Pebble.! Pebble Beach Beach day trip at the Beach trail loop is actually for... But youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the mountains and palm in... A stroll along the way your San Francisco to San Diego drive hiking in water shoes ). In water shoes del Coronado either while youre here are the best places to quietly moms... As a family, this stop is a great spot to stop on... Life, a where to stop between san diego and san francisco is the Stearns Wharf ) north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful of... Completion and you can avoid it by parking on the next hill appointment! Pismo Beach day trip at the Beach is wide and expansive love this coast. Diego is Ocean Beach one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Diego International Airport San... Hike, so where to stop between san diego and san francisco cant miss it from the pier and enjoy scenic views the. High on the road and hiking into the reserve some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions La! Fitness level, youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the must-see attractions in woods... Isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the Inez. Are 500-800 years old due to inactivity best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego is..., so you cant miss it of inspiration for your next adventure los Angeles to Diego... Area & # x27 ; s top attractions is the spot for coastal views and photographs... And 15 minutes if you 're looking for a fun way to help us bringing.
Moose Jokes And Riddles,
Articles W