Read our complete Warner Bros Studio Tour Review to see exactly what you can expect from a Hollywood movie tour. For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights! *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. Looking for an app that can recommend distance travel per day, routes/alternate routes, camping spots, restaurants, etc.. any recommendations? This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast. 21 Ultimate Road Trips from San Diego Tired of airport hassles and layovers? Stop for pictures, do a little beach combing or enjoy a picnic by the ocean. 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. It has the cutest town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage. From the stark beauty of Joshua Tree National Park to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, and the stunning Sedona red rocks, this itinerary showcases some of the best of the Southwest. Adding in San Diego Zoo will be easy, it is right in Balboa Park near the main touristy areas. One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. 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. Oh cool Erin! In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. If you want to know what to do in San Diego, we recommend starting the day at the San Diego Zoo , Sea World, or the Safari Park . Want to visit Warner Bros? Monterey is the first town to spend a good amount of time in after leaving SF. Driving south on the right-hand side of the road, you'll have a great view of the ocean and coastline. 20 Best Road Trips From San Diego, California | Trip101 The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. However, if you want to see all the highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway, you should aim to spend at least 10 days driving between the two cities. Pebble beach is a gated community and 17 mile drive is part of the community so you do have to pay $10.50 to drive the road. The walks are easy and family-friendly. This then leads you to a viewing terrace which will be crammed full of tourists and locals. You can also visit a eucalyptus tree grove created for Monarch Butterflies between November and February. I'm glad it is finally back open - after such a long delay due to road work. We are doing San Fran to San Diego begining dec. 24 and ending on Jan. 6 with two kids. Again, if you left SF later in the day, there are worse places to watch the sunset, particularly if you are into photography. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. But if you bring your water shoes, you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand. Posted on Published: May 16, 2022- Last updated: July 7, 2023. Santa Monica Why go: Santa Monica is quintessential SoCal and makes for a super fun getaway from 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. Of course, while in Santa Barbara, you must have the wine! Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. Upmarket, classy and a very popular tourist destination, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to park the car and unwind for a day or two if you have the spare time on your drive to San Diego from San Francisco. There are plenty of ways to explore this city. Pismo Beach is a small coastal city located south of San Luis Obispo. From charming little mountain towns to dramatic desert parks and beautiful beaches to wine country, San Diego is within day trip distance of many exciting places. day 2 driving 10.5 hours. While it is possible to drive the 600 miles in a day or two, I would highly recommend spending at least a few days or even better, a week driving up the California coast. However, if you want to drive California Pacific Coast Highway 1 between San Francisco and San Diego, you should plan for at least one week to 10 days. San Diego to Redwood National Park drive - plan a road trip We wanted to squeeze disney land and maybe the sandiego zoo in there or even any other park for them to enjoy. 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 has hosted the US Open on 6 occasions, the last being in 2019 when Gary Woodland won his first major. If youre taking a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip to San Diego, a stop to do someMalibu wine tastingshould be on your list. However, if youre lucky enough to see it during high tide, youll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. Or head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a nonprofit public aquarium known for its ocean conservation efforts and educational programs. Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening. 17 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from San Diego | PlanetWare It would be incredibly exhausting to do it all in one day! You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Pismo Beach is a laid back beach town offering the classic Californian wooden pier extending across golden sand and out over 1,000 ft into the Pacific Ocean. Quaint towns and bucket list cities, fresh ocean air and pristine beaches, epic sunsets and stunning coastal views all combine to make driving Californias Pacific Coast Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego one of the most picturesque and famous US road trips. Four-Day Best of Southern California Itinerary - Moon Guides Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Players (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. 1. We have driven the Washington portion and half the Oregon portion in one trip, plus the most famous section of the PCH from San Francisco to San Diego on a separate road trip. My favorite views are at Dukes. As with many other California campgrounds, its important to reserve in advance to have a chance to secure a site. Have a fantastic trip! What better place to end the epic Pacific Coast Highway road trip?! Spend a morning hiking and the afternoon wine tasting. Explore its charming downtown with a food walking tour. 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. Her husband Mikeis the American naturalist and wildlife photographerbehindWaking Up Wild;an online magazinededicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world. 21 Ultimate Road Trips from San Diego Interstate 5 tightly hugs the coastline, so it isnt as boring as your typical drive on a freeway! Greater Palm . From: and leave at 4:02 pm. Its considered the whale and dolphin watching capital of the world and day trips or sunset cruises are nice options here. Whew! The best road trip of your life is almost complete! Santa Monica's iconic Ferris wheel at night Santa BarbaraSoak Up the Scene Santa Barbara is a jewel of a little coastal town in Southern California and makes a perfect romantic weekend getaway from San Diego. 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. Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built. Unlike other places around the Golden state that often feel too touristy during the peak season, San Luis Obispo has a calmer atmosphere and authentic flair. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration. I'm Nikki. Oh how awesome, Gloria! Prepare for temperatures ranging from 50 degrees F to 90 degrees F. Water Always pack extra water in your car. Many visitors are so focused on San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego that they forget about everything in between. See more of the hills on a walkabout at Santa Ysabel Preserves; expect wildlife encounters, grazing cows, soaring red-tail hawks, and maybe some wild turkeys along the trails. Natural Bridges focal point is a stand alone rock formation with an arched doorway-like cave just a few meters out into the Pacific Ocean. We now help over 2 million people each year to travel, hike and photograph their bucket list destinations. Sunset is a great time to do these walks. This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! Oh, and youve gotta try the hula pie! Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. The next stop on your road trip itinerary should be Pismo Beach. Responsibly, of course! So if youre hungry by the time you get to Carmel, California, this is the place to stop! Built in 1871, the towering 115 ft white lighthouse is incredibly picturesque as it sits atop the rocky coastline. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip, youll love this California Coast road trip! 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. Pebble Beach has hosted the US Open on 6 occasions, the last being in 2019 when Gary Woodland won his first major. Relive San Diego's early days in Old Town, a state park that recreates life in the Mexican and Rancho California periods of 1821 to 1872. Fly into San Francisco, rent a car and drive to San Diego, where youll fly back out. Carmel-by-the-Sea is simply stunning but theres not a whole lot to do except walk around the lovely shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants before walking down Ocean Avenue to Carmel beach. The entire town is stunning so be sure to explore each and every street. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. The bridge is among the best photo spots on the Pacific Coast Highway, so as you might imagine it is selfie central and you should prepare for crowds! With so many beautiful sites and a variety of activities, this is a great option for a California road trip. Alright so this is a mega guide for everything to do along the way. Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise follow on Pinterest. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Read our complete guide to the 10 best hotels in Morro Bay CA to find the perfect place to stay. Its possible to see the seals year-round here and makes for a great lunch stop. There is a short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price. If you have an Electric Vehicle, there are also plenty of places to charge near the downtown. 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. The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. Thank you planned our trip and some really useful suggestions. From beautiful wildflowers to classic Southern California beaches, the views just dont stop. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Get used to this because it happens a lot on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to San Diego! Easygoing San Diego is a great place to end any vacation. Thank you! You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand. The food was amazing and the cliffside views were even better. Important: If you are traveling North to South from San Francisco to San Diego, there are very few hotel options between Carmel and San Simeon / Cambria / Morro Bay. The Ultimate 5 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. With a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, its easy to see why this place is so popular. You could also tuck your RV into National Forest land near Sedona for a secluded camp-venture with the areas iconic red rocks as your backdrop. If you need surfing lessons, there are plenty of options for that as well. Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. Cheers! The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too! From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Explore Palm Springs by taking a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive, the citys main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Or head to Pacific City for some popular retailers, local shops and tons of great restaurants, like Old Crow Smokehouse and Philz Coffee. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. In person, its absolutely massive! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The drive up the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best road trips you can take in California. San Diego, known for its year-round Mediterranean climate, beaches, and famous family attractions, is a great place to start your road trip adventure. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in this gorgeous green space along the San Gabriel River. Thank you so much for this helpful article. Your second choice is where to start your road trip. Important: If driving North to South from San Francisco to San Diego, youll need to continue to at least San Simeon for accommodation options. Road Trips Explore diverse landscapes and neighborhoods Find Your Open-Road Smile Explore San Diego's epic roadways along with the best places for visitors to stop along the way and live out their SoCal road trip dreams. 32 Amazing Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip (You Gotta Explore the city full of activities and great food: Dinner and overnight in San Diego to catch a flight home in the morning. Visit Natural Bridges State Beach to see an impressive rock formation, marine life, and tidepools. Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. Hope everything goes well and have a fantastic trip! My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon follow on Instagram. 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. 9:30 pm arrive at Idaho. An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. I would highly recommend this and here are some tips to get plan your road trip! From beaches to hiking, shopping to wineries, this scenic drive will have you begging to come back for more! Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day. Note: there is a $10 per car fee to enter the park. Hi Jeff & Angie, congrats on your 35th anniversary and glad to hear you have a trip to the PCH planned. You can opt to stay on flat terrain or walk on the inclines. Stop in acafe or grab an ice cream to accompany you as you take in the scenery of this idyllic town. 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 youre looking for a stop along Big Sur that offers gorgeous scenery, a variety of wildlife and hiking, dont miss Point Lobos State Reserve! The off-season is late fall to early spring. Wandering the village is among the bestthings to do in Cambria. Natural Bridges state beach is another place you have to pay to park but it is worth it if youre arriving just before sunset. When you reach the first junction, turn right and shortly after turn left before crossing a wooden bridge. Some of my favorite wineries include Spear Vineyards and Winery, Sweetzer Cellars and Montemar Winery. Solvang is actually known as the Danish Capitol of the US, and enjoying some delightful Danish food is one of the best ways to celebrate that. Its dramatic mountain landscape behind the coastline makes this a perfect place to spend a night along your road trip route. Theres so many sights to see and things to do along the way. Use a vacation rental and hotel search comparison site like Cozycozyto find literally any type of accommodation; you can search forairbnbs, apartments, hotels, villas, youth hostels, bed & breakfasts, or ahidden cabin in the woods in the one search. After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, hit the road toward Joshua Tree National Park, an otherworldly desert landscape located roughly 150 miles northeast of San Diego. 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. If you enjoy trekking, explore one of the many hiking trails at Big Basin State Park, home of the impressive California Redwood trees. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway without stopping would be like going to Paris and not going up the Eiffel Tower. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The San Francisco to San Diego drive is approximately 615 miles. Pfeiffer Beach is also known for its purple sand! Pin It For Your Road Trip! 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. You could potentially sacrifice a night in LA to add a night between Day 4 and Day 5 if you can find accommodation along the Big Sur stretch of Pacific Coast highway. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! Yes Shannon! If traveling with kids, Santa Barbara Zoo is very highly rated and just a few miles outside of town. Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit follow on Pinterest. There are a few ideal photography points near the bridge, the most popular is on the northern end at Castle Rock Viewpoint. If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. So pack your bags, hit the open road, and embark on the ultimate 4-day road trip from San Diegoa journey that promises adventure, natural beauty, and a taste of the Southwest lifestyle. Read about the 40 best attractions and cities to stop in between Chicago and San Diego, including places like Las Vegas, Horseshoe Council Bluffs, and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Both viewpoints are worth visiting if you have the time! Cambria and Morro Bay offer more hotel options after San Simeon. 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.