But summer is the best time to make this road trip as driving conditions are predictable. There are two Dune locations in the Downtown Santa Barbara area, and Dart (which is located in The Funk Zone) has a beautiful garden space. Get dinner at La Bicyclette, and stay at the Candle Light Inn. Theres a beach at Emigrant Landing, and boating is allowed on the lake, which you can reach from the Smokey Bear exit near Castaic. Additionally, explore various attractions of San Francisco and find yourself close to nature in this tour to Yosemite National park. Monterey is a charming coastal city located just about 7 miles up Highway 1 from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The shortest driving distance between San Francisco and LA is 383 miles, which takes about six to seven hours on I-5. How nice ease your way in to the trip with a mere 90-minute, 95-mile drive to Santa Barbaras historic architecture, pretty bay beaches, and wine tasting rooms galore. San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip: Stops You'll Want to Make Los Angeles to San Francisco: 3 ways to get there - Tripadvisor One-bedroom stone cottage in West LA Stay in a cozy cottage close to the action in this guesthouse, which comes with its own pool and hot tub. This moderate hike is 3.4 miles long, and has a 935-foot elevation gain. Take a ride on the San Diego Harbor Cruise. Get dinner at Old SLO BBQ and drinks at Sidecar. Highway 120 (also known as Tioga Road or Tioga Pass) takes you past some of the most beautiful parts of Yosemite, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point. Read our guides to the best things to do in Yosemite, the two-day Yosemite itinerary, the best views in Yosemite, where to stay in Yosemite, and Yosemite camping. Free bikes are also available to explore the city. An LA to San Francisco tour is an alternative that allows you to see all the sights without driving anywhere. Stay two nights in Death Valley and visit the unique landscape of canyons, salt flats, and incredible vistas. Kyra is a freelance writer and a California native who has lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Drive time: LA to Joshua Tree just under three hours. This inland route takes you across the Sierra Nevada past some of Californias most spectacular national parks, including Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Yosemite. Grab dinner at Loquita, and stay at Palihouse Santa Barbara. Prices and availability are subject to change. Vista Point 8. We've built a team of West Coast experts who write helpful, practical, and well-informed guides to the best places on the West Coast of the United States to help you plan the perfect adventure, big or small. Best of all, you can set your own schedule, spending as much time in each place as you like. Solvang 5. Seen in: California, Road Trips, Things to Do in California. Embarking on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco will prove very rewarding for any happy traveller. 15 Incredible Stops on a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Pacifica State Beach: For your final beach stop on this road trip, consider hanging out at the idyllic Pacifica State Beach, which is a popular surf spot. Or go to one of the citys biggest flea markets. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we dont stand behind 100%. She loves spending her free time hiking, taking photos, and exploring Southern California and the rest of her home state. Angel Island camping Bring your own camping gear and stay on Angel Island, a car-free island in the San Francisco Bay. The drive to the Big Oak Flat entrance takes at least four hours; however, traffic, especially in summer and on weekends, can make it much longer. As a California native, Im probably a bit biased, but I think a drive up the Golden States coast is one of the most exciting and beautiful road trips you can take. Rather than making one of these two destinations into an optional side trip, it makes the most sense to start out early and visit both Carmel and Monterey in one hop, spending the night in whichever spot suits you best. The Morro Bay T Pier (and the walkway near the pier) is a great place to spot them. Tour the fairy tale cottages of Carmel, shop the boutiques and art galleries, then take a mini-road trip up the 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach, one of the best golf courses in the world. Please try again. If youve got time, trade wineries and historic architecture for your hiking boots. Hop in the car and follow Highway 101 north again as it heads away from the Pacific Ocean and cuts through Californias agricultural heartland. This isnt necessarily a bad thing, especially if youre planning on spending a day or two in Los Angeles before hitting the road just something to keep in mind! Theres also a cute little KOA with basic cabins and shared bathroom facilities. Morning departure is around 39% cheaper than an evening flight . On your first day, stop in Santa Monica to see the famous Santa Monica Pier, Malibu for the beach, and Ventura for its vibrant harbor and downtown. Best car for this road trip: Convertible. There are over 200 exhibits to explore, including the sea otter exhibit and giant kelp forest. Then walk past the oceanfront Della Walker House. These best weekend road trips from Detroit offer plenty to do around the Midwest and beyond. While its currently closed, if it reopens when you visit, another great hike is the Skyline to the Sea Trail Short Loop. Pfeiffer State Park, in the heart of Big Sur, is close to cute bakeries, luxury resorts, and art galleries. These are the top sights that you wont want to miss: McWay Falls: McWay Falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and is one of Big Surs most famous (and most photographed) sights. California Dreaming Mural Los Angeles. Stop for a picture of the famous Bixby Bridge just north of the park. This is the route that youll follow for the road trip outlined below. Check to make sure the road is open before starting your trip. Head another 30 minutes over to Morro Bay, where you can get lunch at Giovannis Fish Market. 24 Best Stops on a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Finally, head north up the peninsula to stay in San Francisco. The desert destination is known for its Seussian trees, scenery seemingly ripped from an old-timey western, and animal skulls-and-macram aesthetic. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. There are two major benefits of flying out of SFO. With a 7-day road trip, youll be able to add Channel Islands and San Simeon to the itinerary, and dedicate more time to many of the destinations, particularly in the southern half of the trip. Around three hours and 170-200 miles up the coast (depending on how far you go), youll find yourself in what feels like another planet: Big Sur. Your third option is John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, which is approximately the same size as BUR. Although the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is best in the summer, the city is vibrant all year. If you need one more hit of salty air before heading to San Francisco, make a stop at Half Moon Bay. Related read: 6 Stunning National Parks near Los Angeles, California. Day 1 10:15 pm Los Angeles International Airport 11:25 pm Oakland International Airport 11:56 pm Hotel Whitcomb Day 2 08:40 am Hotel Whitcomb 09:00 am Alcatraz Island 12:00 pm Fishermans Wharf 02:10 pm Pier 39 03:48 pm Musee Mecanique Free Time 08:00 pm Hotel Whitcomb Day 3 09:36 am Hotel Whitcomb 10:30 am Cathedral Basilica Of St. Joseph San Francisco to Los Angeles Tours & Trips - TourRadar Hit up one of Santa Cruzs authentic Mexican eateries for lunch, such as Taqueria Vallarta, Tortilla Flats, or El Palomar, then make your way over to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for classic seaside fun. Language: English En. Its managed by Los Padres National Forest, so you will need to pay a separate $12 day use fee. Savor an authentic Danish pastry at one of the bakeries. The road then descends into the Central Valley, where it continues straight across miles of flat farmland. Youll find plenty of attractions, but even if you dont plan on hopping on any rides, you can enjoy a stroll through this colorful beachside amusement park. Why its worth visiting: This charming Central Coast town is perfect for whale watching and a day at the beach. Best day trips from Los Angeles - Lonely Planet P.S. There are few roads, and winter storms often wash away whole sections of Highway 1, cutting off Big Sur communities entirely. At Point Piedras Blancas, pull into the car park at Point Piedras Blancas and check out the elephant seal colony. The best travel options between Los Angeles and San Francisco - The Sign up for the Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel and gear ideas every week. Soak up the sunshine and the glamor in this unique, boisterous, and exciting place. Drive down the scenic 17-Mile Drive Dr! This laid-back oceanside city has gorgeous beaches and some amazing hikes in and around town. Read our guides to the best hikes in Big Sur and Big Sur camping. Read our guides to the best things to do in San Francisco and the best hikes in San Francisco. You can do the Los Angeles to San Francisco drive in one day, but you wont be able to do much except grab lunch along the way. Enjoy a glass of wine in The Funk Zone before grabbing dinner at Loquita. From the west entrance of Death Valley National Park, its about two hours to Lone Pine, the gateway to Mount Whitney. Explore Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Planning to spend some time in Los Angeles before your road trip? Snap a pic with your favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After exiting Yosemites western gate, stay in Mariposa. 12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Mimi founded The Atlas Heart to share her love for her home state of California and the outdoors. Whe, Mount Tamalpais Peak Hike Youll end in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 3-day one-way California coast tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. And if youre going inland, you might as well stop at a few wineries, see the Steinbeck Museum, and visit Pinnacles National Park.yeah, theres a lot to do around here. For Days 5, 6, and 7: Follow days 3, 4, and 5 from the 5-day itinerary above! Advanced reservations are required, and a tour currently costs $10. The narrow-gauge steam train is one of the most unusual way to see Californias iconic redwoods. Explore San Franciscos bustling Chinatown. You can also follow it down to Westward Beach. This drive is located in a gated neighborhood, and youll need to pay a fee (currently $11.25 per car) at the gate. There was an error submitting your subscription. Drive to Montaa de Oro State Park (35 minutes) and go for a hike on the Bluff Trail. Make a quick stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a hike in the redwoods, and Point Lobos State Park to see the tide pools. Take in the view from the Griffith Observatory. Traveling in your own accommodation? If you have 2 or 3 days to spare, consider driving along the Pacific coastline instead for amazing scenery and great places to stop along the way. The major operators are Flixbus, Megabus, and Greyhound, and all offer decent legroom, bathrooms, Wi-Fi service, and power outlets. Start your day with coffee and pastries from Scout Coffee, or grab a bigger breakfast at Seeds. Like we mentioned above, the I-5 route is useful if you're just looking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Swim at Santa Monica Beach and go on the swings. Buying an insurance policy at the counter is expensive, adding up to $25 a day to the cost of the rental car. It is by far the largest of the three (its the biggest on the west coast) and therefore has the most flight options. This is an 8-day and 7-night adventure on the Golden Coast of California from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Even though the first stop of Santa Barbara is less than two hours out of Los Angeless clutches, youll want to give the elegant, radically different-feeling destination its due.
