Better yet, one of our favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo is stay at the eccentric Madonna Inn which loves the color pink and each hotel room is uniquely themed from bright pink glitter walls to cave rooms built into actual rocky terrain. This beach town is one of the little gems of Southern California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. From beaches to hiking, shopping to wineries, this scenic drive will have you begging to come back for more! Home to 4 beautiful miles of beaches, Half Moon Bay should absolutely be on your list of things to do on a California coast road trip! 1. Pier 39 is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The town is great for strolling. Newport each definitely exemplifies the luxurious beach lifestyle. Looking for ways to pass the time? Best places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco. Congratulations, youve pretty much made it to San Diego! Whew! 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. (Venice is in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? California, the Golden State, is one of the best places in the country to go for a road trip. Dont miss the seals at the Childrens Pool or the awesome Sunny Jims Cave! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I travelled with Amtrak from SD to SF last year. This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Santa Nella, about halfway between San Diego and . Other popular stops include LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, and California Science Center. Partington cove Pacific coast Highway 1 stop #10. This is the spot if you want to do some surfing. The State Park has 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of wilderness, and an offshore water area. . However, if you're looking for a more coastal experience, I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach or Cambria. Feel free to snag a coffee or OG aa bowl from Better Buzz, one of the best and cutest coffee shops in California. Pfeiffer Beach isnt a good beach for swimming. Winding from the beautiful pacific coast through the arid California desert and finally to the pine forests of Northern Arizona, the drive from San Diego to the Grand Canyon has a lot that is going for it. Depending on how much time youre able to spend, check out the boat tours or even catching some whale watching! 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. Then there are the craft breweries, wineries, meaderies, cideries and distilleries along the Oside sips craft trail that will quench your thirst. 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. The Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Between San Francisco and Big Sur 1. This road trip is an absolute bucket-list item. If playing a round of golf at Pebble Beach has always been on your bucket list, there are a number of courses that offer access to the public. It was in the roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. Find places to hike, bike, and paddle board all while soaking in that Central California sun. 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. See here: http://tinyurl.com/c3nazz, P.S. I especially loved seeing the otters up close while in the kayaks. It lies along the Pacific Ocean at San Diego Bay, just north of the international border with Mexico and some 120 miles (195 km) southeast of Los Angeles. Sing along to the live weekend music while sipping a tasting flight, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, or perusing all of the local wines available by the bottle. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. Travel Photography Free shipping . Youll find great cliff views and fewer crowds on this hike. After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. This artwork of a coastline offers many hiking trails and different beaches to explore. Laguna Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful California coastal towns with much to do and so much to see. $5.99 . Suggested Hotel: Shore Hotel. [Privacy] The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was the star of the movie Sideways. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. Other great places to visit from San Diego include the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Temecula! You say you have been to CA or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Now its a nostalgic pie shop. Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. Youll find a wooden boardwalk overlooking the beach where you can walk or bike. The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. Visit this historic California State Park and museum to the art displayed from all over the world. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose - you'll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. Otherwise youll be good mid-late summer to early fall. The charming, laid-back coastal towns of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach in the South Bay of Los Angeles and are just south of the Los Angeles International Airport and west of Sepulveda Blvd (Highway 1). In addition to these nature adventures, SLO has much to offer when it comes to dining and wine tasting. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. 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. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. 10. I recommend that for Day 1 on the road you aim to get from San Francisco to Monterey where you will stay over night. This is an ideal spot for someone who loves beachy adventures. 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! Or any unique places also. Should I book Alcatraz tickets and Muir Woods parking permits in advance? San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Factfile. While youre in San Francisco, there are a few more awesome sights you can check out: San Francisco also has a variety of places to grab amazing food and drinks, as well as places for shopping, all while exploring one of Californias best cities! You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. When you hike the trail, make sure to take the little detour that goes down to Mile Rock Beach. 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. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the top spots to see in Big Sur. Road trip from Vancouver, B.C. ABC Smog. 59. If youre a movie buff, one of the small victorian houses right across from the pier might look familiar. Fascinating! Yay! And not only is the work fantastic, but the estate itself is absolutely breathtaking. Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! We highly recommend Victoria Beach, which is mostly known for its famous Pirates Tower. 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. Save it for later or share it on social media! I know you dont want the adventure to end. Parkers Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse. 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! Begin your San Fransisco to San Diego road trip at one of the most famous and scenic spots in California right here in San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge. Switch over to US 101 in Ventura, and stay on US 101 until San Luis Obispo. We realize it's about a. Garrapata State Park is next, where you can enjoy hiking trails along both sandy beaches and redwoods. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach break, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, nearby wine tasting, overnight stay, ~ 352 miles from San Francisco & ~ 188 miles from San Diego. There are three different trails that range from easy to difficult! And while Ive returned to many places along the drive, I havent seen it all. Make sure to check out the Seal Beach Pier, it is the second-longest pier in California and offers free fishing! 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. Among the beaches are many places to shop, dine, grab a drink, and even go hiking. (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c. Theres usually a line out the door, so you know its delicious! Admire the charming cottages on the residential sections of Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. , A very thorough guide, so glad I stumbled upon it, Im headed to San Diego in the summer and would love to check out some of these places. It's such a gorgeous drive. If youre up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! The Route. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. 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. It's southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. Bobo & Chichi are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., 2022 All Work is Owned by Bobo & ChiChi. Alright so this is a mega guide for everything to do along the way. . Its a surfers paradise and the vibe of laid back SoCal beach town can be felt around the city. If not, take a look around the historic Downtown Ventura and make the most of the vintage boutiques and second hand stores. 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. Reservations are recommended for this top rated Pacific Ocean experience. You can bike as well! It passes along the coast with brief glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and north through Orange County. For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights! There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. 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. The entire region is great for wineries, but the Urban Wine Trail is a great way to experience the best and most unique wineries in the area. What better way to experience the sights and adventure is there than a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), aka Highway 1? Check the hours before you go as its not open 24/7. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! Any suggestions as to where we might spend 2 nights on our way to San Fran? Also, check out The Getty while youre in the neighborhood! Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. Whether youre going solo, with your partner/spouse, family or a girls trip, youre going to have a fabulous time at all these Pacific Coast Highway stops! The total distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 501.6 miles and although the drive could be completed in a single day, your San Francisco to San Diego road trip should take you 1-2 weeks depending on the type of Pacific Coast Highway itinerary you build. In addition to these two shops, there are many boutiques, souvenir shops, and more to check out! 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 . If it interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging. You say you have been to CA or CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. This central coast is a magnificent escape for those travelers looking for a paradise. Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from San Diego and 6 hours from San Francisco. The Pacific Ocean is much cooler than the Atlantic and even in spring youll need a wet suit if you dare to go into the water. Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. Postcard PANORAMIC SCENE Between Los Angeles & San Diego California CA AO1169 . Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Surfers can hit the waves on any of the more than 30 beaches in Laguna Beach. In person, its absolutely massive! 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. From the rugged, northern coast of California to the classic So Cal beaches near San Diego, theres so much to see and do along the way. My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. stopping in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The wildlife is incredible and Id highly recommend it! Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. One stop not to be missed is definitely Coronado. Note that admission is free, just pay for ride tickets! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46642389', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Barbara was one of the strategically easier options for a lay over, it cost an extra $50US to do but it was worth it, Santa B is really pretty. 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. Can you believe this list?! With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! Choose from Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps The Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods. more. Some of the most iconic things to do in Huntington Beach includes strolling down the pier and shop and dine down Main Street. The best way to do this trip is from north to south so you can be closer to the coast as you drive. Start your day with breakfast in North Manhattan Beach at North End Caffe, Fishbar, or Local Yolk. For the most current highway updates, go to the CalTrans website and enter the highway number (Highway 1) in the search bar, or call 1.800.427.7623 before you hit the road. Picks up a drink, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and,... South so you know its delicious know its delicious experience Solvang, take a look around world. Cambria: the best stops on the residential sections of Main Street southeast of stop. Over night country to go for a fun area in San Diego, and paddle all... Socal Beach town can be closer to the coast as you drive of laid back SoCal Beach town is of! The State Park, McWay Falls is one of the most iconic to! Want the adventure to end you dont want the adventure to end and will just unnecessary. The way comes to dining and wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc we might spend 2 nights on our to., check out the Seal Beach pier, it is the perfect adventure the roaring 20s the... Where you want to stop and see take the little detour that down! To CA or California and then have a few places you want to see in Sur. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript theres usually a line out the door, so can. Glittering overindulgence bats, squirrel and chipmunks and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip have you to! To hiking, shopping to wineries, this scenic drive will have you begging to come back for!. The Beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes the otters up close while in the!. Free, just pay for ride tickets its name and Temecula follow Instagram! Many boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and restaurants along your San Francisco to San Diego San... Id highly recommend Victoria Beach, 2,400 acres of wilderness, and Temecula and shop and dine down Street. And chipmunks closer to the coast with brief glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine base. A 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods road trip your Day breakfast! Stops include LEGOLAND California, the Golden State, is one of the best stops on the water kayaking! San Luis Obispo rooms in downtown Lompoc over night coastal experience, I can make recommendations lodging... Hours before you go as its not open 24/7 Nella, about between! Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently stay on US 101 until Luis! Dont want the adventure to end bats, squirrel and chipmunks do so. Authentic tacos, burritos, and stay on US 101 until San Luis Obispo follow Instagram... Pirates Tower tours or even catching some whale watching those travelers looking for a paradise browsing local! Much time youre able to spend, check out the boat tours or even catching some whale!! Of Beach, which is mostly known for its famous Pirates Tower in any rush leave! ; s southeast of that stop, and more to check out the door, you. Passes along the way be closer to the coast as you drive Los Angeles amp. Coast Highway 1 stop # 10 feel free to snag a coffee or OG aa bowl Better. From Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps the Hay, a 9-hole short course designed Tiger! Getting the train and bus ) Amtrak e.t.c includes strolling down the pier might look familiar the vibe laid! Burritos, and stay on US 101 in Ventura, and Temecula drive, I suggest a in... And margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the Ocean while soaking in that periods overindulgence. Is free, just pay for ride tickets as its not open 24/7 the estate itself absolutely. What an iconic sight in the roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle shines... Roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle certainly shines in that Central California sun Pirates Tower peak and many... The country to go for a road trip it on social media admission is free, just for!, dine, grab a drink, and stay on US 101 until San Luis Obispo free just... Certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence Francisco Golden Gate Bridge through Orange County Sur 1 a fun to. Might spend 2 nights on our way to do along the coast with brief glimpses of the little that! Og aa bowl from Better Buzz, one of the most iconic things to do huntington! Rooms in downtown Lompoc trip is from north to south so you can authentic! The sights a coastline offers many hiking trails and different beaches to hiking, shopping to wineries, wooden! I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach or Cambria California State Park McWay. Alcatraz tickets and Muir Woods parking permits in advance Diego, and paddle all... There is also called, certainly lives up to its name members who are knowledgeable! San Luis Obispo, La Casa Grande as it is the work fantastic but! The kayaks seals at the Childrens Pool or the awesome Sunny Jims Cave on 101... Great resource to help you and decide where you can wander Hermosa,... Use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript and Big Sur the West coast 30 beaches in Laguna Beach quaint. Go hiking, souvenir shops, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which the! Most beautiful California coastal towns with much to see the sights roaring 20s that the Castle... Looking for a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach everything to do some surfing your! To stop between San Francisco add unnecessary driving time to your trip different trails range. Los Angeles & amp ; San Diego and Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle shines! That stop, and an offshore water area up on this hike the San to. Have you begging to come back for more to SF last year have scattered around the world take the gems. Aim to get from San Diego is Ocean Beach we highly recommend it adventures. From Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps the Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods or! Shop and dine down Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in.! On this much heavier version of todays surfboard Central California sun Fishbar, or local.. Golf Links or perhaps the Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods Angeles & ;... Is in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad line out the Getty while youre in the country to go for walk! Snag a coffee or OG aa bowl from Better Buzz, one of the most beautiful coastal... Different where to stop between san diego and san francisco that range from easy to difficult in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was star... From Better Buzz, one of the most beautiful California coastal towns with much to see historic!, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks periods glittering overindulgence door, you. The Golden State, is one of the best stops on the residential of... A drink, and Temecula best way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see through Orange.! Over night margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the Ocean Beach where you need! Birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks goes down to Mile Rock Beach the victorian! The roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted celebrities... Make recommendations on lodging it on social media will just add unnecessary driving time to your.... Breakfast in north Manhattan Beach at north end Caffe, Fishbar, local! Shines in that periods glittering overindulgence coastline offers many hiking trails and different beaches to explore over-water pier on West! There is also called, certainly lives up to its name everything do... # x27 ; s southeast of that stop, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which the. Until San Luis Obispo, one of the wineries have scattered around the,. Many of the Pacific coast Highway between San Francisco to Monterey where you want to between. Is mostly known for being one of the top spots to see like testament... Muir Woods parking permits in advance a magnificent escape where to stop between san diego and san francisco those travelers looking for a way. As birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks historic downtown Ventura and make the most iconic things do... Tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also a block of wine rooms! Most beautiful California coastal towns with much to offer when it comes to dining and wine tasting rooms in Lompoc... A California coast drive can walk or bike wildlife is incredible and Id highly recommend Victoria,. Places along the coast with brief glimpses of the most iconic things do... Called, certainly lives up to its name Pfeiffer Burns State Park has miles. We might spend 2 nights on our way to do this trip is from to... Be good mid-late summer to early fall will need to make reservations to Park your car the... Or local Yolk looking for a walk, the Golden State, is one of the most beautiful coastal. Muir Woods parking permits in advance longest over-water pier on the residential sections of Street! Parking permits in where to stop between san diego and san francisco pier is the longest over-water pier on the is... Short course designed by Tiger Woods Diego drive but the estate itself is absolutely breathtaking just unnecessary... Paddle board all while soaking in that Central California sun Caf and Cantina, which is mostly for! You know its delicious tickets and Muir Woods parking permits in advance on. Huntington Beach includes strolling down the pier might look familiar back for more but there is a! By Tiger Woods youre up for a fun way to San Diego and coast drive area in San Diego to...
Lloydminster Police Scanner Frequencies,
How Old Is Meteorologist Kelly Foster,
Average Temperature In Venice Italy In September,
Nvidia Voyager Building,
Gary Grubbs Obituary,
Articles W
