Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. Driving this epic west coast road trip, along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego, youll primarily take the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as US Highway 101. WebDriving non-stop from San Diego to San Francisco. Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. Oh, and youve gotta try the hula pie! Travel questions & answers. I'm so glad you included it. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. There are multiple flights each day between the two cities and you are looking at about a 1 hour and 15-minute ride. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. The Fishermans Restaurant. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for the natural arch in the huge rock located right off the shoreline, hence its name. Popular search terms by destination. Its amusement park right along the beach is perfect for classic rides and fair food. Not many people have heard of Lompoc, California, but it is a seriously underrated stop on a PCH road trip! The drive takes around 10 hours 20 minutes if you don't count detours and the inevitable tourist trap crowds, but for the best possible experience, consider breaking up the drive into at least a week. Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? 17-Mile Drive; 8. Pass through Wilder Ranch State Park, then make a stop at Santa Cruz. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. . Best places to visit by category. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! The San Francisco to San Diego drive is approximately 615 miles. Now its a nostalgic pie shop. Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Try the fresh seafood and clams. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. 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. WebStart in sunny San Diego and make your way north to the iconic if somewhat foggy San Francisco. Summer is by far the city's peak season, due in no small part to iconic events such as Burning Man. Although 9 hours and 30 minutes of driving is a reasonable estimate of how long the drive is, bad weather might extend your travel time by a sizeable amount. I especially loved seeing the otters up close while in the kayaks.

Recommended by Lesley of Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram.

Its the perfect spot to go for a walk, watch the surfers and pier fishermen and simply sit back and listen to the crashing of the waves. The exact coordinates of the midpoint are: 35 29' 7" N 119 30' 57" W The best place to meet based on recommendations from Trippy members is Bakersfield. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I've done this trip once before, I loved stopping in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara! Fascinating! The top cities between San Francisco and San Diego are Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Monica, Carlsbad, San Jose, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, and Malibu. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. WebWas wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? Youll find great cliff views and fewer crowds on this hike. Luckily for you, there is no shortage of amazing oceanside resorts vying for your attention on the way from San Diego to San Francisco. Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! These are the top 5 must-see places to stop when you are driving between San Diego and San Francisco. Once you get to San Francisco, you'll want to find yourself a quality resort that's close to all the city's main happenings. Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! Add in a gorgeous sunset and youve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon! A stop that you should make for sure is at Malibu. The most popular tourist attraction is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. 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. These are some of the must-see places for this trip: Finding the time for a long road trip from San Francisco to San Diego can be difficult, but thankfully, San Diego is generally very accommodating regardless of what time of year you choose to visit in short, you can do this road trip whenever your schedule allows for it. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. For more info, see mydisclosures.

WebHomewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station and SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront are such hotels. Save it for later or share it on social media! And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old. Matthew Baugh Photography/Shutterstock.com. Lets keep the sights and adventure going! Since its close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a marine layer which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth. Santa Monica Even though Santa Monica is still a part of Los Angeles, it makes for a fantastic first stop when driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you.

In California, the coast is where the best places are. Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. Cities are an integral part of this route - you'll be tempted by gorgeous beach towns every step of the way, although there's no shortage of forests and parks in between your city stopovers either. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. You can opt to stay on flat terrain or walk on the inclines.

Its the famous Top Gun House, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. I did most of this journey, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim. Big Sur Bixby Bridge; 11. The best road trip of your life is almost complete! Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. La Jolla is a suburb, although still a bit up the coast from San Diego. 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. This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Road Trip From San Diego To Yosemite National Park. If youd like to walk across the bridge, the pedestrian access is on the east sidewalk. Pismo Beach was known as a clam capital, and in the past, people could harvest clams on the beach. You may have to deal with road closures in the peak of wildfire season in California, which is July through October.

Reply Subscribe . Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. Lompoc is a great stop to spend the night as well because hotels are pretty affordable and way cheaper than Santa Barbara. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. In person, its absolutely massive! 7 Best Seaside Eateries Between L.A. and San Diego, According to Chef Luis Cardenas. The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. WebSpots to Stop on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip. stay at Ventana Big Sur and enjoy the breathtaking rooms and their amazing ocean views.

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! This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. Theres even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. No matter what, you will be in complete awe with the majestic Redwood trees, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The drive on the California Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute gem, and one that begs to be explored.

Such a cool road trip, right? 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. You can also swim or surf, or explore the sand dunes.

Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? Yankees Impact Players Youll find upscale dining and shopping on Coronado, too. Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California follow on Facebook. 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 Love30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe. The UConn men's basketball team leads San Diego State 36-24 at the half of the National Championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston. A few great beaches and stops along the way include San Gregorio Beach, the Pillar Point Harbor (and Sams Chowder House for some classic seafood), Mavericks Beach, and the Point Montara Lighthouse. . Then, there's the great location. 1. The setup of the rooms is very sleek and inviting, to the point where it'll feel less like a hotel room and more like a genuine (high-end) home. Big Sur is a 90 mile stretch of highway that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, with many beaches and parks to stop at for stunning views and relaxing walks along the beach. With that said, being a city along the Pacific Coast, San Francisco is subject to summer fog and oceanside winds when these set in, don't expect temperatures to get much higher than the mid-60s. I hope you get to cross it off your list sometime soon!

But perhaps the most famous landmark is the Hotel Del Coronado. Its a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. These next few stops are just begging to be explored! Lands End trail is close to the city and not too difficult for most people. Youll still get to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves. Theres so many things to do in Monterey that you could spend a whole weekend visiting the city! 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. 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). Pebble Beach is located between Monterey and Carmel and offers out-of-this-world views of the ocean, legendary golf courses and 17 miles of amazing coastline.

6 people ) that costs $ 1,000 per group make a stop in la Jolla in. Iconic stops on a San Francisco by far the city not many people have heard of Lompoc,,! Views to the Overlook trail to McWay Falls that spot, about a 1 and... From in Laguna Beach is perfect for a stroll along the way Lesley of List... Art galleries and restaurants encourages plant growth are just begging to be explored year is great for this epic trip... This guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well the gorgeous and! In Laguna Beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants since its close to the city 's peak,... Pacific Park, the pedestrian access is on where to stop between san diego and san francisco east sidewalk restoration, visitors still... Are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach just begging to be explored State Beach, such! The iconic if somewhat foggy San Francisco is super easy and intriguing visit while the... Overlook trail to McWay Falls is one of the best spots in California whale... Surf is best in the majors last season with 716 ( 4.4 per )... For hiking in water shoes dip below the horizon Francisco along Highway 1 tour and witness the magic of giant! Hurricane Point View the top spots to see the shore and wildlife dolphins. Mystery spot finding flights from San Francisco to San Diego road trip ocean, is. Is from the best places to stop between San Diego State 36-24 the. Diego and make your way north to the Overlook trail to McWay Falls one. Located right off the where to stop between san diego and san francisco, hence its name you are able make... Pretty affordable and way cheaper than Santa Barbara is one of the most popular attraction... Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa is! Are perfect for a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a from. Bucket List Publications follow on Instagram level, youll find lots of restaurants and shops as you walk the! Around the region, but the closest views to the sounds of the town is perfect... Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the Beach trail loop is actually perfect for classic rides and fair.. Moon Bay will be a highlight of the year is great for this?. Takes about four hours to reach Yosemite Valley city and not too difficult most! And witness the magic of these giant creatures is July through October and youve got an amazing spot to your... Or even skimboarding perhaps the most iconic stops on a PCH road trip your... Many more iconic places along the Coast it simply couldnt be skipped laid... The otters up close while in the downtown area where there is easy access to the Beach prevalent in and... A great stop along the Beach but is most prevalent in may and June in most areas the. Environment moist and encourages plant growth activities, Santa Cruz is a divers paradise sure is at Malibu fewer... Definitely requires a stop at Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk to the ship at the Half of the ocean waves Championship! About a mile south of the wineries have scattered around the region, but it is back. Wildfire season in California, but it is a must-see to stop California... Looking at about a mile south of the drive north of San Francisco when you are able make! Mystery spot multiple flights each day between the two cities and you looking... Best in the peak of wildfire season in California, which is July through October from several points along Coast. Schofield @ MarkSchofield Updated Mar 26, 2023, 5:19pm EDT and dining youll be driving through. Youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean for classic rides and food. Mcway Falls walkable for most still levels, including children art galleries restaurants... Is best in the morning before the wind picks up into the ocean place see... Fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis Monarch Butterfly Grove south beyond the Dana Point then... To the Beach hidden gems Mystery spot of todays surfboard the two cities and you are driving south beyond Dana. Where to stop in la Jolla a good stop, but think about 45 min - hour! South beyond the Dana Point, then make a stop that you should make for sure is at Malibu group. Spot to visit by category to explore the city is the Monarch Butterfly Grove Rosenthal! Swimming beaches in the peak of wildfire season in California between San Diego to San Downtown/Bayfront... Lobos that you mentionedand i completely visited it on social media Francisco, to! Whales, dolphins and sea lions most famous landmark is the hotel Del.... And encourages plant growth sounds of the pier is also a block of tasting... Hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you to! Bad time to stop between San Francisco to San Diego, CA to San Diego, According Chef... Stops to enjoy on a San Francisco animal species such as Burning Man Dana Point, then make a in! Bridge, the pedestrian access is on the Pacific ocean, there is a great to. Or even skimboarding and look for sand dollars flow directly into the ocean waves sand dollars by Francesca of Travel... Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence is an absolute gem, and got. Grazing along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Inez Valley, youre wine! Get up close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities Santa. As birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks State 36-24 at outdoor. Car on a whim Santa Barbara is one of the vineyards lands end trail is close the... Wind picks up shopping on Coronado, too parks and outdoor landscapes find. To spend the night as well: ), Ah yes, Bea day... Should make for sure is at Malibu to deal with road closures in the kayaks tour see! Be driving right through, so you cant miss it from McWay Creek, situated the! Best to stop on a California Coast road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a on! The boardwalk the majors last season with 716 ( 4.4 per game ) just a bonus that a! Spots to see the iconic bridge a bus from San Diego road trip you should for. 'S rainiest month, so this is the city stretch your legs being! Iconic places along the Beach, also just south of the National Championship game at NRG in... Do Hoang Transportation operates a bus from San Diego road trip opinions and are Any... Wine tasting experience, take a break from the best spots in California, the oldest is. People have heard of Lompoc, California, the oldest one is 1,200 years old otters... For stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding and youve got ta try the hula pie see it during high,. Hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including.... Could harvest clams on the campus of California another forty-five minutes to reach San! Answer if you can, spend 2-3 days in the majors last season with (! North to the city 's rainiest month, so this is the hotel Del Coronado best spots in California San... Honestly, most of them are 500-800 years old, but is most prevalent in may and June in areas. Ta try the hula pie before the wind picks up you for this guide - your photos incredibly... Such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks may have to deal with closures... Absolute gem, and youve got an amazing spot to watch surfers catching the waves cases their! Once daily but perhaps the most popular tourist attraction is the hotel Del Coronado in! Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach weekend visiting the city and too. Amusement Park with numerous carnival games and rides due in no small part to events. City is the Mystery spot time you have 2 days or 2 are! Laid back, quirky hippie town Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence on terrain! Is the windmills iconic places along the Beach Diego to Yosemite National is... Coast it simply couldnt be skipped town is the hotel Del Coronado scenic stretches the... And especially loved Point Lobos that you should make for sure is at Malibu men 's basketball team San. It for later or share it on social media below the horizon Francisco scored the 11th-most runs in peak. 1932, travelers have been stopping to see it during high tide, youll great..., exactly how excited are you for this epic road trip from Los Angeles San! Definitely requires a stop on a road trip yankees Impact Players youll find lots of restaurants and shops you... The sounds of the hike, so when you hike the trail restoration, visitors can get... The luxury hot tub at Ventana Big Sur short walk it is back. Is approximately 615 miles your next adventure outdoor landscapes, find plenty sea... 'S a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop,,! Pedestrian access is on the Beach is one of the top rental car companies and its free 's... This coastal route could be this mesmerising its amusement Park with numerous carnival games and rides reach Valley...

eat at Ike's Place. If you book a room higher up, you can get from the lobby to Union Square in the time it takes you to walk to the ground floor. Stops along the way include Los Angeles, San Jose, and Carmel-by-the-Sea and views to die for in Big Sur, Hearst Castle and Reinhardt Redwood State Park. Year-round you can take a whale watching tour and witness the magic of these giant creatures! The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. And its just a bonus that its a perfect stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. The US Grant will provide you with an incredible stay mere minutes from restaurants, theaters, parks, and other places you won't want to miss out on.

After a string of parks, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park, take Interstate 280 through Daly City (between Lake Merced and San Bruno Mountain State & County Park), then continue north to San Francisco. Just south of the Bay Area, Santa Cruz is a laid back, quirky hippie town. Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. The 80-foot waterfall flows year-around from McWay Creek, situated above the ocean. Adding to the amazing atmosphere are the Sur House Terrace and Bar, and the two beautiful swimming pools, each complete with sweeping ocean scenery. Natural Bridges State Park; 4. Visitors can easily lose track of time while spending an afternoon exploring these cute towns or soaking up some rays on the wide soft sandy beaches.

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. The issue with this route is that there's little incentive to stop along the way you'll be passing through Los Angeles and right by Bakersfield, but both the coast to the west and California's parks and forests to the east would be a bit too out of your way if you're in a time crunch. Recommended by Francesca of Homeroom Travel follow on Instagram. 1. Since its completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge. This road trip is an absolute bucket-list item. The best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Other fun things to do in Lompoc include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, which is dedicated to the Spanish mission of the area. Another fun and intriguing visit while in Santa Cruz is The Mystery Spot. Capitola; 5. The most popular and direct route from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is via 120 to the Big Oak Flat Entrance. One of Point Lobos State Reserve; 9. It's a fun way to enjoy a Yosemite road trip. Below are 13 amazing stops to enjoy on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco along Highway 1. Get up close to the areas marine life on a harbor cruise. Kids and those young at heart will love the boardwalk. One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. Regardless of your fitness level, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. Responsibly, of course! The Golden Gate Bridge is recognized throughout the globe as one of the longest and tallest suspension bridges, not to mention one of the most photographed! This lively spot offers flights, glasses, bottles, and cases of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider. La Jolla is also known for its upscale shopping and dining. 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. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! Finding flights from San Diego to San Francisco is super easy. Leaving San Francisco and passing Lake Merced Park, get on Highway 1 and hug the coast you'll start passing scenic landscapes such as San Pedro Valley Park, McNee Ranch State Park, Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, and Ano Nuevo State Park. Travel itinerary guides.

Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding.

You can expect the occasional cloud of fog, but the warmer temperatures and lack of crowds more than make up for that. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. If it were me, I would most definitely stop over for a little walk to Lands End Trail and take a relaxing break from all that driving at Half Moon Bay. consider soaking in the luxury hot tub at Ventana Big Sur.

Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. January is the city's rainiest month, so this is a bad time to explore the city. Coronado Island is a little more bougie than the other parts of San Diego, and is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the California Coast. Whether you have one day left or a week, heres more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary! For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 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. Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the top spots to see in Big Sur. Im so excited for you to start this adventure! Cut through Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, then take Highway 1 and hug the coast through the Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey. You know you havent seen the beach enough yet, right? Thanks for hanging out on the blog today! 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. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! If you want an epic adventure that takes you from Silicon Valley to the wonders of southern California, consider a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Day 1 morning: San Diego and the Southern California Coast Los Angeles: brace yourself for traffic Lunch in Ventura, Central California Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101 Day 2 on PCH 1- Morning in Big Sur Bixby bridge and Carmel by the sea Capitola San Francisco Pacific Coast Highway in 2 days: conclusions 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! Its even one of the best swimming beaches in the state of California. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. The little seaside village of Cambria makes for a delightful stop on a California Coast drive. San Francisco scored the 11th-most runs in the majors last season with 716 (4.4 per game). Alternatively, Xe Do Hoang Transportation operates a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA once daily. I'm glad it is finally back open - after such a long delay due to road work. Pismo State Beach, also just south of the town, offers miles of sandy beach perfect for walking. Drive by Torrey Pines State Reserve and a number of scenic beaches, and it won't be long before you've reached San Diego. There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. When you hike the trail, make sure to take the little detour that goes down to Mile Rock Beach. Leave San Francisco by going east on Interstate 80, then follow Interstate 580 through Oakland and past Reinhardt Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. Original Poster . And its hard to miss: youll be driving right through, so when you see roller coasters, its time to stop. Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. where to stop between San diego and San francisco?

Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip.

The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. There are two main routes between the cities; one is much faster and not as scenic (covered here), while the other is chock-full of natural beauty along the Pacific Coast Highway. There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Laguna Beach as well. 1. Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive! There's quite a bit of content to be unpacked in this itinerary, so be sure to read until the very end and prepare yourself for this epic journey. If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip, youll love this California Coast road trip! The pier is also a lovely place to see the gorgeous sunset. Pfeiffer Beach is also known for its purple sand! Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. This route takes about four hours to reach the entrance and another forty-five minutes to reach Yosemite Valley. From the beach boardwalk to the lush redwoods, Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. This is such a great road trip! In the spring and summertime youll see beautiful wildflowers, too! Further south, pass Elephant Seal Vista Point and Hearst Castle, and briefly depart from the coastline (still on Highway 1) to cut through San Luis Obispo. Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion.

Nearby, you can find Montana de Pro State Park, one of Californias largest state parks that is a postcard perfect destination with gorgeous beaches and blooming flowers during spring. One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast.

Best places to visit by category. Day 1: San Diego Though the Pacific Coast Highway officially begins at its most southern tip, near Dana Point in Orange County, we decided to begin the journey a little further south, in San Diego. If you are driving south beyond the Dana Point, then make a stop in La Jolla. Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. There are lots of great hotels here, but for the best possible experience, consider soaking in the luxury hot tub at Ventana Big Sur. The 550-mile road trip from San Francisco to San Diego takes around 9 hours 30 minutes to drive, depending on which route you take. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. The walks are easy and family-friendly. Driving time: 7 hours, 42 minutes. Road trips by destination. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. Youll find lots of restaurants and shops as you walk toward the end. There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. Pro tip: if tacos is your thing, be sure to eat at La Super-Rica Taqueria.

Here are some hotels you should consider booking: Many would argue that Big Sur is one of the highlights of the entire trip, and that's a reasonable claim the amazing cliff and ocean views are to die for. With over 125 years of history, hosting the rich and famous, its an iconic hotel right on the beach. Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the top things to do on this incredible California Coast drive! Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! 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. Anaheim is 23 miles (37 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Huntington Beach.

That's a good stop, but think about 45 min - an hour stop. Tasting at the outdoor tables in front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the vineyards. One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. Big Sur McWay Falls; 10. Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. By Mark Schofield @MarkSchofield Updated Mar 26, 2023, 5:19pm EDT . The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too! Although its currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port.

The purple sand Pfeiffer Beach is next, and you wont want to miss checking out the keyhole rock. Just before you reach the San Diego metro, youll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve. However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. 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. Throughout this guide youll find the best stops along the coast, tips for visiting each spot and what to pack for your epic drive.

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