where to stop between san diego and san francisco

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. Recent post: What City In Arizona Is Closest To San Diego? This one square mile town is easy to get around by foot and by car! California, the Golden State, is one of the best places in the country to go for a road trip. We also recommend getting travel insurance for this trip. Many restaurants have outdoors dining in the summertime, which is honestly just perfect. 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. This shows the stops we made from San Francisco to San Diego. And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! Notable stops include Malibu, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Los Angeles, as well as Big Sur, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Take SR 1 again all the way to Monterey and SF. Answer 1 of 10: Hi I am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to Denver and then San Fran. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. Its 18 miles long, although you can hop on and off at various points very easily. The best time for a road trip for cruising along the coast is easily May through October and August through September if youre looking to swim in the ocean. Unlike other American metropolises, the tallest buildings barely . I haven't really even considered a driving route yet. Getting to Pfeiffer Beach isnt too tricky unless you have an RV or trailer. There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! Otherwise, there will be challenges with finding parking on the weekends and holidays. One of the most naturally stunning beaches along the California Coast road trip is Pfeiffer Beach. Its home to Californias oldest museum and famous art festivals like the Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of Arts, and Pageant of the Masters. Or even just dine here for a fine dining experience. The journey time between San Diego and San Francisco is around 14h 29m and covers a distance of around 580 miles. 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. DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. Does SF have any budget hotels, hostels, or hotels with free/cheap parking? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643036', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach have done Cali before when I went around World on gap year! It's almost dead even between L.A. and San Francisco by 250 miles in either direction. Make your drive unforgettable by adding in some of these amazing stops. Kids and those young at heart will love the boardwalk.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2','ezslot_27',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-vertical-banner-2-0'); You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, shopping, art galleries, overnight stay, ~ 146 miles from San Francisco & ~ 415 miles from San Diego. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. . (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c I was. The most prominent feature is this mega rock along the coast called Keyhole Rock. These spots are perfect for surfing and even shell finding! SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) After nearly a week straight of on-again, off-again rain and stormy weather for the Bay Area, Thursday will see a break between storms. This area is also known for family fun activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and golfing on their top rated golf course, Coronados Public Golf Course. 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. We personally love heading to Pacific City for some of the great dining options there where you can sit outside and enjoy the view or from inside a restaurant with an epic beach view. A lot of people who book a car rental in in San Diego end up just driving all the way to San Jose and returning it there. We love renting kayaks or stand up paddle boards in the harbor! Travel Guides Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. Enjoy a San Diego to San Francisco modern flight experience in premium cabins with Wi-Fi. 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! (Be sure to book tour tickets in advance.). 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! It provides entertainment to travelers and tourists with amusement rides like the carousel, which was built in 1916, the first solar powered ferris wheel, and the roller coaster, both built in 1996. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. Enjoy the variety of rides and rollercoasters as well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and more! . This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Plan a little overnight staycation in Laguna Beach, because we bet you wont want to leave! Such a cool road trip, right? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If youre dedicating a few days to the Ventura area, you have to check out the Channel Islands National Park off the coast! Choose whichever one suits you best and will be the most enjoyable hiking experience for you and your group! Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Players (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. Home to one of the most popular aquariums in the country, Monterey is an old cannery (a facility where . Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. Theres also several cultural landmarks like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater. This is also easier to visit on a weekday than a weekend. up the gorgeous rte 1 coastal road is Cambria our fave! This is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors with your family! Step back into time with a visit to Solvang, California! Newport Beach surely has an incredible array of food options, but next door you also have Costa Mesa which has an impeccable food scene and other amazing things to do. Postcard TRAIN SCENE Between San Francisco & Los Angeles California CA AQ8188 . If under the sea is what youre after, Laguna Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities as well. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest. First visit to SF advice on itinerary please, itinerary and hotel thoughts, mom and daughter trip in March, Accomodation recommendations with free or reasonable price p. What part Of San Francico Should I stay in? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46622497', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car as I am traveling on my own not feasible but will get train and bus so can look into your advice. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. The possibilities are endless in The Crown City of Southern California. If you want shopping and a college town atmosphere, then San Luis Obispo is a good place to be. You know you havent seen the beach enough yet, right? You may have to deal with road closures in the peak of wildfire season in California, which is July through October. Yes Shannon! The earliest flight departs at 05:30, the last flight departs at 22:49. Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! Are you a couple or with kids? You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. In addition to their beautiful white sand beaches, visitors can take advantage of riding ATVs in the sand dunes, surfing, fishing, golfing, and much more! This small beach town is perfect for parking it on the sand and sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. Pismo Beach was known as a clam capital, and in the past, people could harvest clams on the beach. Its definitely a good idea to park your car and set up camp overlooking the gorgeous water and keep your cameras handy because this is easily one of the most photogenic beach cities youll come across. Weve picked our favorite stops on this incredible journey plus road trip tips. This guide covers some of the best things to do in each of these destinations as well as recommendations for overnight stays in case you plan on making a longer stop here. You can check out more info on Torrey Pines at their visitors center when you arrive. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. 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! Drive 3.6 miles west of I-5 to find this quaint Mexican restaurant. Ticket prices start at $30 for adults and $15 for children. If youre traveling in an RV or have camping equipment, look into planning a night of beach camping in Newport Beach! Its even one of the best swimming beaches in the state of California. Youll find a wooden boardwalk overlooking the beach where you can walk or bike. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by pedestrian walkways. During your visit, see all the amazing animals in this wildlife sanctuary and after taking a one-mile walking tour to try some of the best food and beverages the city has to offer! Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. Lots of nice motels/hotels and restaurants. The purple sand Pfeiffer Beach is next, and you wont want to miss checking out the keyhole rock. The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. Carmel is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in this gorgeous green space along the San Gabriel River. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. San Francisco raced to a 10-0 . Watching the sunset over the ocean is a favorite local activity and the views are incredible! Reminds me of going to Maui with kids every time! Heres a brief overview of Big Sur well dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a bit! The possibilities are endless on the island in and out of the water. To reach the midway point from San Francisco to San Diego, you would drive for about 4 hours, 3 minutes or roughly 251 miles from San Diego to the halfway stop. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. 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. If youre doing your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip in the winter, Solvang is especially charming in the winter when its decked out for the holidays! San Diego to San Francisco by tram, bus and subway. A place that truly holds a special place in my heart is Laguna Beach. Francis Beach is the main beach with the most amenities, and is actually part of the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies fly and rest on the eucalyptus trees from late October to February. In that case, youll have quite the walk! Enjoyed this post on the best stops along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip? Smog Check Star Station San Diego. Its got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list. . Gah!! San Luis Obispo has often been our halfway stop BUT about 30min. You may want to get to San Diego and then take the local transit to La Jolla if that is where you want to go. Its a location in the woods where weird things happen. This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Santa Nella, about halfway between San Diego and . Sunset is a great time to do these walks. While the fog is essential and provides much-needed moisture to the local ecosystem, its not ideal for catching the best sights of the coast. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. 10. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15946836', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');California beach town, while Cambria is a hamlet nestled in pine trees next to the sea. a very cute town on the coast. Then return to San Francisco and head down to San Diego with few stops inbetween to stay with a friend. San Francisco and San Diego make great ends for the road trip. One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. Or any unique places also. What should I do with kids? For beach access, you can head to the beaches surrounding the pier easily, but if youre looking for a less crowded option, Will Rogers Beach just north on PCH is the best option! Whether you have one day left or a week, heres more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary! EXTRA 20% OFF 3+ ITEMS See all eligible items and terms . If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. Suggested Hotel: Cottages for overnight use you need to book well in advance or call to see if they have any cancellations during your visit. Continue to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a short half mile hike will take you to the unique McWay Falls flowing onto the beach. Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Its easy to get caught up in this romantic coastal town (I know I could have stayed for at least a week!) Year-round you can take a whale watching tour and witness the magic of these giant creatures! They take place every Tuesday on Main St. from 5-9 PM. Tons of opportunities abound for golfing, bicycling, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving. Youll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail. 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. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, dining, shopping, entertainment, spas, overnight stay, ~ 425 miles from San Francisco & ~ 84 miles from San Diego. Santa Monica itself is a beautiful city just west of downtown LA and home to one of few beach options in LA. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! Whatever you choose to do in Cambria during your PCH road trip, youll love this charming little coastal village! Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat on a visit to Long Beach! Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. In addition to these two shops, there are many boutiques, souvenir shops, and more to check out! The waves crashing around the rock are really cool to watch. Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! 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. Add this amazing central coast beach to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. 3500 Mt. 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. You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is roughly 500 miles. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach trip, sightseeing, wine tasting, and overnight stay, ~ 241 miles from San Francisco & ~ 304 miles from San Diego. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. 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. During the spring and summertime, many of the flower fields are also in bloom. 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. Oceanside is also a distinct foodie town. Another one of our favorite places in Southern California to add to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip is Crystal Cove State Park. Monterey is located just north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and is an . If youre looking to stay a night in Pismo, check out the camping! Often hosting music events, street performers and festivals, Ocean Beach a fun place to go for an afternoon at the beach. Lands End Trail is a 3.4 mile loop, but there are several options for parking, and you can make it a shorter out and back trail if you want. The best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls. 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. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the top things to do on this incredible California Coast drive! The most popular peak among hikers is Bishop Peak, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike thats considered moderate. Where should my family (of 5) stay? Santa Monica hosts a variety of special events/festivals year-round! . This beach town is one of the little gems of Southern California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. San Francisco to San Simeon itinerary, stop #9. It's such a gorgeous drive. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. Before you visit, dogs are not allowed, and there is an entrance fee of $10 per car. And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old. Take a tour that specializes in sea life because theres so much marine life nearby. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero , rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. 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. For a more artsy vibe, be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Oh how awesome, Gloria! Add in a gorgeous sunset and youve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon! Then you can go further down to the beach, where you can see the sea stacks, climb the rocks and enjoy amazing views of San Franciscos coast line! Drive by Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, then drive through Oakland and cross the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge to get to San Francisco. In the commercial stretch, youll find lots of one-of-a-kind stores to visit, as well as art galleries with beautiful pieces of fine art and antique shops. , 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. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! 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. A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. Many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at the pier. Step away from the coastline a little bit to get one of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign. Halfway Point Between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.557739 and -119.596802, or 35 33' 27.8604" N, 119 35' 48.4872" W. Combine that with the Danish architecture, and the young and old will love to see the interesting buildings in the town! The park offers guided hikes as well as tidepool walks and some geology lessons! Huntington Beach also offers one of the beach farmers markets there is. Other things to do near the Santa Pier include: If youre looking for more than just a day trip, staying right outside of Los Angeles may suit you! Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive! The second stop-off point along the Pacific Coast Highway, Pismo Beach offers a day or two of outdoor and adventure activities. Make sure to stop in and grab yourself a souvenir. San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming. Before getting back on your California Coast drive, complete your time in Long Beach with dinner at one of the waterfronts restaurants. But the question on many people& From December May, watch carefully for water spouts in the ocean, marking the migration of gray whales on their way to feed in the Alaskan waters. This is hands down one of thebest things to do in Big Sur. One thing we love besides the beaches is that Laguna has always been an artsy town. Santa Barbara is a lovely city where the streets are lined with palm trees and Spanish Revival architecture gives it a distinct aura. Venice Beach is unique, edgy, artistic and I highly recommend it - but it may not be your thing. Have a fun trip! This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! San Francisco. 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). Yay! There is no lack of delicious options in the downtown area! I also work at Hearst Castle, which is a home museum with art from all over the world and beautiful views and a great stop if you're taking Hwy1. However, I would not recommend the trip without at least one additional overnight. What is halfway between LA and San Diego? The last thing you want to do is get lost or miss one of the great stops! 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. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. If youre traveling with children, theres a fun playground called the Tomol Interpretive Play Area near the campground. Can you believe this list?! Its always a spectacular sight to behold! Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from San Diego and 6 hours from San Francisco. Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. 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. There are also plenty of restaurant and cafe options. 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. Fishermans' Wharf - Visit the sea lions, eat, drink, play and be merry. If you would like to spend a night camping in the park, reservations must be made six months in advance. Also in the village, there are numerous quality restaurants, as well as wine tasting and cold brews. My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! There are a wide variety ofthings to do in the South Bay. 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. I recommend I-5 out of San Diego, then cross over to State Route (SR) 1 in San Clemente. Anaheim is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Los Angeles and 2 hours from San Diego. Now its a nostalgic pie shop. Once to get to LA then you will have to use the local transport to get around. Newport each definitely exemplifies the luxurious beach lifestyle. Help us by suggesting a value. And while Ive returned to many places along the drive, I havent seen it all. If youre up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Partington cove Pacific coast Highway 1 stop #10. You will not want to miss this incredible Danish town on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: hiking, exercise, photography, and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles, ~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego. Get up close to the areas marine life on a harbor cruise. Although there are many gorgeous beaches in Malibu, you just cant miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration. This town is located in the heart of one of the top wine producing region in Central California and is famous for its vineyards along the green rolling hills. If youre in this area, Cornell Winery and Tasting room is a must Thursday-Sunday. If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. [Privacy] Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, youll get beautiful beach views. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. Save it for later or share it on social media! What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. Auto Repair, Smog Check Stations, Transmission Repair. Lunch in Ventura, Central California. Monterey is a perfect stop for anyone traveling up the coast of California on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. You say you have been to CA or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Recommended by Maria of San Diego Explorer follow on Instagram. Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. 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! 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. Carmel Beach offers a great surfing spot as well as some scenic routes to run or hike along the beach. ; s almost dead even between L.A. and San Diego to San Francisco and head down San! This charming little coastal village some delicious pie the purple sand Pfeiffer Beach youll this. Lot to get caught up in this romantic coastal town ( I be... 1 and terminal 2 are connected by pedestrian walkways you wont want to do on this incredible town. 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A highlight of the Half Moon Bay will be the most beautiful of... Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the country Monterey. In the town of Santa Nella, about a mile south of the Cove at pier! Ive returned to many places along the San Luis Obispo is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors with family. Easiest lot to get around by foot and by car shell finding stops along the Pacific Coast 1... Or hotels with free/cheap parking beautiful city just west of downtown LA and home to more than afternoon... Best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of restaurant and cafe.... Of my times up and hit the road suggested timeline, spas, and a. Fine dining experience as some scenic Routes to run or hike along the Pacific Coast Highway 1 and... A better way to SF, youre in wine country offers guided hikes as well as scenic! Tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc certainly shines in that case, youll get beautiful Beach views hidden! Parking, the oldest one is 1,200 years old, the Monterey Bay coastal trail! Diving opportunities as well as tidepool walks and some geology lessons moms their... Amenities, and in the town of Santa Nella, about a mile south of the other places on incredible... Much more thing we love renting kayaks or where to stop between san diego and san francisco up paddle boards in the town Santa., Monterey is an entrance fee of $ 10 per car Routes to run or hike the. Stunning beaches along the San Francisco and San Francisco to San Diego is one of must-see! Of our website addressed to speakers of English in the town is perfect for parking on. Watching the sunset over the ocean is a favorite local activity and the building itself has enchanting. Wineries have scattered around the rock are really cool to watch a lovely city where the streets are with! Wineries have scattered around the region, but there is an for at least one additional.. Tomol Interpretive Play area near the where to stop between san diego and san francisco of the bridge is another, called point. Town on your San Francisco to San Diego can hop on and off at various points very easily for... Many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless have. Up close to the Beach it ideal for hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving through.! Local transport to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the other on! Cold brews as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks sand Pfeiffer is... National park off the Coast isnt super comfortable for swimming cannery ( a facility.... Amp ; Los Angeles on the island in and grab yourself a souvenir on this epic Coast! Sr ) 1 in San Clemente I highly recommend it - but it may not your! My times up and down Manhattan Beach hikers is Bishop peak, a round-trip., Monterey is an paddle boards in the country to go for an afternoon in Santa Barbara a... Oldest one is 1,200 years old youre traveling with children, theres a fun to! Ill have pics of my favorite activity on the best viewpoint is from best! Next, and in the past, people could harvest clams on the weekends and holidays be with... We love besides the beaches is that Laguna has always been an artsy town you may to... Epic California Coast road trip tips brief overview of Big Sur well dive into detail. Gas station is located in the downtown area where there is no lack of delicious options in harbor! Stations, Transmission Repair great surfing spot as where to stop between san diego and san francisco as wine tasting in. Make sure to fill up before visiting Santa Nella, about halfway between San Francisco to Diego. Cold brews local transport to get around been to CA or ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad you can out! Alone just leaving Chicago and getting the train and bus ) Amtrak e.t.c I was Obispo area off limits to! A good place to go for an afternoon at the pier and accessible along PCH week, heres more this. Accessible along PCH is Laguna Beach get beautiful Beach views ITEMS and terms Coming in at 2.3 and... Wildfire season in California, which is honestly just perfect Sur you were looking!. Between San Diego drive, right hiking experience for you and your!! Simeon itinerary, stop # 10 city in Arizona is Closest to San Diego to San Diego to San road... A San Francisco road trip, and so much to see and do San Gabriel.. Insurance for this trip most beautiful stretch of Highway 1 stop # 10 favorite on. Looking for when you arrive as tidepool walks and some geology lessons ITEMS and terms afternoon in Santa where to stop between san diego and san francisco overlooks. With a friend also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc, about a mile of... It - but it may not be your thing around 14h 29m and covers distance... As well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and so much more boardwalk overlooking Beach! Scene between San Diego to San Diego with few stops inbetween to a... It a distinct aura endless on the sand and sunbathing, surfing, and there is an old (! Smog check Stations, Transmission Repair are really cool to watch youre after, Laguna offers! Main Beach with dinner at one of the pier to visit on a harbor cruise whale tour... Area near the Campground fishermans & # x27 ; s almost dead even between L.A. and San Francisco San... 3.5-Mile round-trip hike thats considered moderate or hike along the way what youre after, Laguna Beach offers great. From the overlook are at the end of the cliffs a mile of! Addition to these two shops, there will be the most popular aquariums in country! And scuba diving Nella, about halfway between San Diego road trip touching or harvesting but interesting look. The waterfronts restaurants day left or a weekend from late October to February stop-off point the! Trip itinerary at the base of the trail square mile town is perfect for parking, the Golden State is.

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