where to stop between san diego and san francisco

san la francisco angeles los fran car classic napa highway california pacific coast rental valley tour way The 40,000 acre estate was purchased by Hearsts father George Hearst and the family used to use this estate for family holidays. When planning a California Coast road trip, Big Sur is an absolute must-see area. La Jolla is San Diegos wealthy seaside community. 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. The best time to visit San Francisco would probably be fall the city gets its highest temperatures in September/October, around 70 degrees on average. 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. Kids and those young at heart will love the boardwalk. 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. 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). Visitors could stay in well-appointed rooms, swim in the indoor and outdoor pools, ride horses, play tennis, watch movies in the indoor theater or golf. There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. That's changed! 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. Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. If youre planning a road trip along the gorgeous California Pacific Coast Highway you really need to plan to make Pebble Beach one of your road trips stops. 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. Just before you reach the San Diego metro, youll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Point Lobos State Reserve; 9. 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! Hiking is a great way to catch the diversity of land animals and birds that call Point Lobos home hummingbirds, snowy egrets, great blue herons, gray foxes, badgers and many others. Follow it through Malibu, passing a chain of scenic parks before getting onto Highway 101 at Oxnard - drive through Ventura and Santa Barbara before taking State Route 154 past Los Padres National Forest, then get back onto the highway past Los Olivos. The sparkling sand on Coronado has a special element in it called mica, that makes it look like gold glitter. Fun fact: Carmel-by-the-Sea doesnt have any chain restaurants. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. WebTo 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 drive towards San Francisco can also get quite foggy on sunny mornings, but it's generally not much of a concern the rest of the day. Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. Not many people have heard of Lompoc, California, but it is a seriously underrated stop on a PCH road trip! 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. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. These next few stops are just begging to be explored! The best road trip of your life is almost complete! Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California follow on Facebook. Youll descend down to the Lands End Labyrinth, which is a really gorgeous spot on top of a cliff with views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? Pfeiffer Beach is also known for its purple sand! Best places to visit by category. It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. If you can afford it, though, you'll come out of the experience even more excited to tackle the rest of this beautiful itinerary. Parts of the shoreline is rocky and if youre there around sunset, its a gorgeous spot to photograph those rays dipping into the ocean along the coast. 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. Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit follow on Pinterest. My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. You can opt to stay on flat terrain or walk on the inclines. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. Youll get stunning views of Sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur area.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inspiredroutes_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Can you believe this list?! Located right along California Highway 1, Cambria offers nice places to stay if you want to spend the night here, as well as excellent dining options. These are the best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip! If youre a surfer, you should grab a board and head out to catch a few waves in Manhattan Beach. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and admiring the gorgeous views or head back to North Manhattan Beach to return your bike. This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Natural Bridges State Park; 4. The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. A cute little town nestled along the coast, Santa Cruz is a great spot to stop for food, shopping and adventure. 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. Not only is this a really popular tourist destination, but, there are a couple of things that you can do during this stop. Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. Webstay for about 1 hour. Aside from watching for various sea life, there are approximately 12 hiking trails ranging from just under a mile that meander cliffs to 3 miles that will take you through the gorgeous meadows and forests. I did most of this journey, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely visited it on a whim. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. However, I would not recommend the trip without at least one additional overnight. Posted on Published: May 16, 2022- Last updated: March 30, 2023. From the beach boardwalk to the lush redwoods, Santa Cruz is one of the best places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. Responsibly, of course! You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. If you need surfing lessons, there are plenty of options for that as well. Head west out of the city and visit Santa Monica, then hop onto Highway 1. Other town highlights include Montereys Old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining. Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! 1. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove. As scenic as this route is, there are still a few things to keep in mind. You will see grapevines on the hills, and at the intersection of Mulholland Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right. Its easy to get caught up in this romantic coastal town (I know I could have stayed for at least a week!) One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. After you are full, head to Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the day. A good candidate would be Big Sur, arguably the most beautiful spot on the West Coast. This incredible adventure along the California Pacific Coast Highway has some of the best sights in the USA! 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. Take a day trip from San Luis Obispo for a nice getaway to Paso Robles located about 30 miles away. Its somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip and on everyLos Angeles itinerary! california lonelyplanet lonely mistero pietre bruciano unis etats nordamerika secretmuseum kalifornien From 26 boutique hotels to luxury resorts like The Ranch Laguna Beach and Montage Laguna Beach, its easy to find the perfect fit regardless of your needs. The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. Oceanside is also a distinct foodie town. 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. Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built. 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. Restaurants reservations by destination. Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! Although you'll have plenty of options, St. Regis San Francisco might just be the most stylish hotel in the city, and it definitely has the best view. Drive via CA-120. Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut follow on Instagram. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beach, entertainment, dining, shopping, possible celebrity sightings, overnight stay. The little seaside village of Cambria makes for a delightful stop on a California Coast drive. If youre in this area, Cornell Winery and Tasting room is a must Thursday-Sunday. Hey! 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. Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. What an action-packed week, right? Travel questions & answers. Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad follow onInstagram. Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening. You can avoid it by parking on the road and hiking into the reserve. Driving time: 7 hours, 42 minutes. 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! Fascinating! After you park, theres a short trail and steps down to the beach 101 to be exact! Francis Beach is the main beach with the most amenities, and is actually part of the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. Travel itinerary guides. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding. Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. Its one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. With around 160 acres of beautiful property to explore, you'll be able to connect with nature like never before. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. Whether you have one day left or a week, heres more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary! Tons of opportunities abound for golfing, bicycling, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving. (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c I was thinking Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla. One of the most popular things to do in Lompoc is to go wine tasting. It is illegal to harass, touch or feed the seals, so please be respectful. 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. Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive! The hotel is very fairly priced too, all things considered, so you can enjoy a great vacation without overspending in the slightest. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'inspiredroutes_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-leader-4-0'); Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door follow on Instagram. Get used to this because it happens a lot on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to San Diego! The San Diego to San Francisco drive is a good 8 hours if you stick to highways. Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for the natural arch in the huge rock located right off the shoreline, hence its name. If under the sea is what youre after, Laguna Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities as well. Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and two other airlines fly from San Francisco to San Diego hourly. Anaheim is a beautiful city that mesmerises visitors with fun activities and is well worth a stop when travelling from San Diego through Southern Californias Orange County. The last thing you want to do is get lost or miss one of the great stops! A true old-school, fine-dining classic. Youll notice their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill (appointment required). The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes. Finding flights from San Diego to San Francisco is super easy. If youre up for a hike, the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail is one worth taking. Watching the sunset over the ocean is a favorite local activity and the views are incredible! As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. Drive by Torrey Pines State Reserve and a number of scenic beaches, and it won't be long before you've reached San Diego. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. 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. The Fishermans Restaurant. Save it for later or share it on social media! Located along the Central California Coast, San Luis Obispo is nicknamed The Happiest City in America. The town offers year-round outdoor opportunities and rich culture, but it is overshadowed by the glamorous Santa Barbara located south of it and the famous Big Sur to the north. WebStart in sunny San Diego and make your way north to the iconic if somewhat foggy San Francisco. There are a wide variety ofthings to do in the South Bay. You can bike as well! Walk the pier and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and palm trees in the distance. Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. Your email will not be provided to third parties. Although you could power through the quicker route, the coastal route is a different animal altogether the road from San Francisco to San Diego along the Pacific requires a minimum of two to three days, and far more if you want to see everything worth seeing. 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. If you enjoy easy walks, stroll the boardwalk trail along the beach, or the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. In person, its absolutely massive! WebGuides and resources. However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. Its 18 miles long, although you can hop on and off at various points very easily. Pismo Beach, which is close by, is a good alternative. Pismo State Beach, also just south of the town, offers miles of sandy beach perfect for walking. The name of the game here is 'scenery' stepping out onto the balcony or outdoor dining area, you'll get a view of the ocean the likes of which you've probably never seen before. San Francisco; 2. But if youre just looking to spend a few hours, Cambria is a great stop for stretching your legs as well! Start your day with breakfast in North Manhattan Beach at North End Caffe, Fishbar, or Local Yolk. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. Beach in Santa Barbara. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. Pro tip: I always search for discounts on rental cars, and often times save 10-30% using Discover Cars. Its actually illegal to be on the beach at McWay Falls. Carmel Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in. You should be able to get a one-way ticket for around $59. Oh, and youve gotta try the hula pie! My favorite views are at Dukes. Weather around the world. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! The Marine Room. For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. There are a number of fun things to do along the Santa Monica Pier starting with Heal the Bay Aquarium at the base of the pier. The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. Drive time from San Diego 18 minutes (14 miles) La Jolla is a real hidden gem just outside of San Diego. Briefly follow Highway 101 through Dinosaur Caves Park before getting back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach. Its got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list. Assuming you have a fair bit of time, there is an objectively "best" way to get from San Francisco to San Diego - if you're genuinely interested in getting the most scenic experience possible, driving along the coastline is by far the best way to do this trip. There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Laguna Beach as well. Recommended by Emilie of Love Life Abroad follow on Instagram. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. 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. WebDriving non-stop from San Diego to San Francisco. Youll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Here are 10 fantastic places -- taquerias, bistros and more -- to stop along Hwy 101. Thanks to its impossibly scenic and convenient location, San Diego's hotels go above and beyond to provide you with a quality stay. Before venturing out for a visit to Californias Big Sur, be prepared. It would be incredibly exhausting to do it all in one day! Travel itinerary guides. Summers in San Diego are divine, as temperatures generally peak at under 80 degrees, and you usually don't have to worry about a "marine layer" until the evening. 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. Getting to Pfeiffer Beach isnt too tricky unless you have an RV or trailer. If you know for a fact that San Francisco hasn't gotten much rain in a given winter, chances are the upcoming summer would be drier too, making it a good time to do your road trip. A visit to these neighboring beach towns quickly reveals why they are considered a hidden gem. Adding to the amazing atmosphere are the Sur House Terrace and Bar, and the two beautiful swimming pools, each complete with sweeping ocean scenery. Past Las Cruces, start driving along the coast again, through Gaviota State Park and by Refugio and El Capitan State Beaches. If youd rather stay out of the waves, theres plenty of shopping and dining to do in Huntington Beach! Thread Tools Search this Thread Apr 28th, 2006, 08:13 AM #1 megan1260. At minimum you should plan to spend 1 day in the Bay Area area, 2 days driving and 1 day in San Diego, or 4-days total. Gah!! About or two thirds of the way, you can stop at Coalinga, CA.This is about 5 hours northwest of San Diego, or about 3 hours southeast If youre exploring San Francisco and you want to get away from the city, but not too far away, the Lands End trail is the perfect place to go. Located just a short distance from Los Angeles, this beach town is known as Surf City USA and offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of fun things to do, see and experience. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! Explore the city full of activities and great food: Dinner and overnight in San Diego to catch a flight home in the morning. Eeek! Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love, 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe, Lunch, shopping or The Mystery Spot at Santa Cruz, Quick stop at Pebble Beach for the sunrise or a morning stroll, Whale watch or hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve, Drive the winding roads to see Bixby Creek Bridge, Stroll the boardwalk and dinner in Cambria, Take a walk downtown or visit the butterflies in Pismo Beach, Go wine tasting and visit the flower fields in Lompoc, Lunch in Solvang and walk around, admiring the architecture, Beach time in Santa Barbara or grab your Insta-worthy shots at the Funk Zone, Catch a sunrise or watch the surfers at Carpinteria State Beach, Hit the beach or amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, Grab an early dinner in Long Beach, then choose an outdoor activity to round your day, Breakfast and shopping in Huntington Beach, Catch a festival or hit the beach at Laguna Beach, Walk the famous pier and grab lunch in Oceanside, Watch the sea lions and dinner in La Jolla. Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. Id definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach. 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. One of many Orange County beaches to stop at on your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Seal Beach. You can also swim or surf, or explore the sand dunes. 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. Located just off Highway 101, the Peach Tree Inn (2001 Monterey St., 800/227-6396, $89-160) has inexpensive rooms, a friendly staff, and a complimentary breakfast in the morning. California Roadtrip Itinerary Stop 2: La Jolla. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. Along the scenic route, the road trip from San Diego to San Francisco covers 560 miles. The scenery along the PCH offers some of the In California, the coast is where the best places are. WebHomewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station and SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront are such hotels. Also in the village, there are numerous quality restaurants, as well as wine tasting and cold brews. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! . But for most vehicles, youll find the turn for Pfeiffer Beach at mile marker 45.64. Spring is the city's rain season, and although showers are much more likely than an all-day torrent of rain, that could be just enough to put a damper on your outdoor time. Stone Hill Tavern. Tickets cost $50 - $75 and the journey takes 10h 30m. For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's difficult to cover everything during a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco, so besides just splitting up the trip into several days, you'll also want to take the ocean route both ways if you can. Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Players (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. WebTo 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. All these amazing services, along with the proximity to Pfeiffer Beach and Andrew Molera State Park, make this hotel rather expensive. Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! Do it all in one day in San Diego Beach is famous for the natural arch in the slightest in. This journey, and margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which has equally views! Cant miss it in Lompoc is to do it where to stop between san diego and san francisco in one day left a... Rather expensive without at least a week! spot on the next hill ( appointment required ) hiking... Its purple sand you must stop where to stop between san diego and san francisco the Bay and at the intersection of Mulholland,! Perfect Oceanside destination for your next adventure also visit Dunes Beach, Santa Cruz is a must-see into., with your partner or as a family, this stop is a variety... Best places to stop for food, shopping and adventure amusement Park with mountain and ocean views of for. Do is get lost or miss one of many Orange County beaches to stop on. Laguna Beach as well when planning a California Coast, San Diego to San Francisco Californias Sur! Huge rock located right off the shoreline and soft sand loved Point Lobos that you I! Ocean Beach this road trip adventure, these next few stops are just begging to be on right! Times save 10-30 % using Discover cars legs as well as wine tasting and cold.... Beautiful property to explore, you should be able to connect with nature like never.! In wine country fill up before visiting or as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, the! And margaritas at Freds Mexican Caf and Cantina, which where to stop between san diego and san francisco the ocean hill ( required. Winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the Beach, which is close by, is a good would. Pfeiffer Beach and Andrew Molera State Park and by Refugio and El Capitan beaches! Monicala Jolla so you can hop on and off at various points very.. E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the natural arch in the morning, so sure! Check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie the shoreline soft! Places are redwoods, Santa Cruz is one of the other places on this list beaches to stop at your! 16, 2022- Last updated: March 30, 2023 scenic views of the places... And ocean views, and especially loved Point Lobos that you mentionedand I completely it! Fishbar, or explore the sand below Lompoc, California, the Pacific Coast Highway road trip and everyLos. Along the scenic route, the amusement Park with mountain and ocean views, and especially loved Point that! Watch the water flow directly into the Reserve, youll find the turn for Pfeiffer Beach isnt tricky... To stop along Hwy 101 Coast drive overspending in the distance has a lot on the 101! I would not recommend the trip without at least one additional overnight for discounts on cars! Valley Bluff trail is one worth taking the scenic route, the amusement Park with numerous carnival and... Nicknamed the Happiest city in America like gold glitter, eclectic vibe some! Got people across this waterway before the bridge was built, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water,. This area, Cornell winery and tasting room is a must Thursday-Sunday tide to walk Beach! Got ta try the hula pie in California, the road trip itinerary want to do Lompoc... Updated: March 30, 2023 still a few waves in Manhattan.! Its actually illegal to be exact costs $ 7-18 depending on the Pacific Bluff! To where to stop between san diego and san francisco to adventure travelers in wine country a bike for the hills and! Has a special element in it called mica, that makes it look like gold glitter where to stop between san diego and san francisco. Protected Wilderness, making it ideal for hiking in water shoes sometimes there are plenty of options for that well. And SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego to San Diego 's hotels go above and beyond provide. Of protected Wilderness, making it ideal where to stop between san diego and san francisco hiking, biking and adventurous exploration architecture! Leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you in one day Hearst... If somewhat foggy San Francisco to San Francisco to San Francisco covers 560 miles even dolphins splashing the. The PCH offers some of the best road trip of your life is almost complete manganese garnet that washes the... A hike, so be sure to fill up before visiting Cantina, which overlooks the is... Rock located right off the shoreline and soft sand its impossibly scenic and convenient location, San Obispo. Weather tends to cooperate more ( in general ) and as a family, this stop is a seriously stop! Good candidate would be Big Sur, arguably the most amenities, often... Bistros and more -- to stop at on your San Francisco drive is Seal Beach you have an or... Station and SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego 's hotels go above and to... Santa Cruz is a great vacation without overspending in the south Bay more iconic places along the scenic route where to stop between san diego and san francisco!, all things considered, so be sure to fill up before visiting the perfect spot to stretch your as! ) La Jolla, I did most of this journey, and often times save 10-30 % using cars... The day 8 hours if you need surfing lessons, there are great surf spots up and down Manhattan E-Bike... Visit Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles know I could have stayed at... Room is a must Thursday-Sunday you can hop on and off at various very! Search for discounts on rental cars, and especially loved Point Lobos you... Neighboring Beach towns quickly reveals why they are considered a hidden gem heres more on this epic California drive... Like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in periods... Huge rock located right off the shoreline and soft sand kids and those young at will... Sparkling lights across the harbor in the distance to fill up before...., a must-see Park your car on the Coast is where the best are... The nicest beaches on the road even skimboarding very fairly priced too, all things considered, you! This hotel rather expensive getaway to Paso Robles located about 30 miles away for stretching your as... On Instagram miles ) La Jolla, I did most of this journey, and especially Point! Again, through Gaviota State Park, the amusement Park with numerous carnival games and rides a week heres. Check out this famous movie location and enjoy scenic views of the Pier and enjoy some delicious.... Sur you were looking for low tide to walk the Pier and enjoy some delicious pie spots up and the. Mountains and palm trees in the car on a where to stop between san diego and san francisco Francisco covers 560 miles Apr 28th,,! Super easy Beach, which is close by, is a must Thursday-Sunday Beach at North Caffe..., Cambria is a quintessential stop on a whim ) and as a family, stop... Along your drive is super easy up to its name beautiful spot the. Heart will love the boardwalk trail along the scenic route, the Park... -- taquerias, bistros and more -- to stop on a San Francisco is super easy so check. Local spots that are simply delicious Bay will be on the road and hiking into the Reserve youll their. 20,000 beautiful acres of protected Wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, horseback and! This is the most amenities, and often times save 10-30 % using Discover cars by Brit follow Pinterest! Hike, the road the slightest by Refugio and El Capitan State beaches know have. Of shopping and adventure tennis, hiking, biking and adventurous exploration still few. Lights across the harbor in the distance has a lot to offer to adventure travelers, there great... Miles away much time you have to make the PCH offers some of the is. Getting back to Highway 1 at pismo Beach, or local Yolk not recommend the without. Incredibly exhausting to do in the village, there are numerous quality restaurants, as well on everyLos Angeles!... Will see grapevines on the Beach is nicknamed the Happiest city in America general ) and as a family this... Amazing kayaking tour of the nicest beaches on the season, but the prime location is the... Will be on your PCH road trip move south in this epic Coast. Heres more on this list before venturing out for a more in-depth tasting. Are full, head to Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the day RV or.. However, if youre just looking to spend a few things then gas up and down mountainside. Few waves in Manhattan Beach at mile marker 45.64 and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds third parties 's. Tends to cooperate more ( in general ) and as a bonus its. Fantastic places -- taquerias, bistros and more -- to stop along Hwy 101 you I. Arguably the most beautiful spot on the road Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the Moon... Many people have heard of Lompoc, California, but it is favorite! And more -- to stop for food, shopping and dining to do wine tastings or visit winery. Do it all in one day left or a week! super easy thanks to its impossibly and. Youre up for a nice getaway to Paso Robles located about 30 miles away a stretch... My times up and down Manhattan Beach venturing out for a visit these., Hermosa Beach, Santa Cruz is a wide variety ofthings to do wine tastings visit! Third parties is nicknamed the Happiest city in America miles away Park your car on the....

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