Hike the trails at Californias crown jewel of state parks, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. If youre picking up a car in Los Angeles, the most convenient and cheapest place to rent is from the Los Angeles International Airport. You cant go into the lighthouse, but you can follow the dirt path and check out the exterior. You could easily extend the five-day Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip itinerary with an extra night in Santa Barbara and Carmel or a night in Ventura to visit the Channel Islands. Here are my picks for 12 marvelous day trips from LA. The national park is a huge draw, promising dark skies for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and bouldering. Savor an authentic Danish pastry at one of the bakeries. Parks: 4. Go right across the street to Malibu Lagoon State Beach before driving up to do the easy hike at Point Dume. For the majority of this drive (which takes about 6 to 7 hours without stops), youll find yourself on a rather unexciting section of the I-5 in the middle of California. The drive from Monterey Bay to San Francisco is about two hours, so spend the morning exploring Carmel and Monterey. The Morro Bay T Pier (and the walkway near the pier) is a great place to spot them. Rates will generally be cheaper if you drive inland a bit; hotels in Salinas can easily be half the cost of Monterey. Drive 15 minutes inland to hike Inspiration Point Trail, and then head back to the coast to relax by the water at West Beach. 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. How Many Days Do You Need to Drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco? A road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco is so much fun. Distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco: approximately 500 miles. Drive over to the Bishop Peak Trail trailhead (about 10 minutes), and hike up to the peak. Drive Time from Point Lobos to Monterey: 15 minutes / 7 miles. View Trip Tailor-Made trips Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary Learn More Los Angeles to San Francisco highlights Lay out on a Los Angeles beach Malibu is home to a variety of state parks and natural areas, with amazing hikes and some of the best beaches in Southern California. 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. For this road trip, youll fly into Los Angeles, and then head home from San Francisco. Inspiration Point Trail: This gorgeous hillside out-and-back trail leads you to an outlook where youll get gorgeous views of the coast and Downtown Santa Barbara. Rise early and head north on the Pacific Coast Highway toward Carmel. As you continue north and make your way out of Big Sur, youll hit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Two-bed apartment in Russian Hill Stay centrally in Russian Hill, a neighborhood famous for its beautiful homes and steep streets. Of the cities in the US, San Francisco has more to do than most. Ticket prices are the same for all ages. Theres also a $10 parking fee, and no dogs are allowed in the park. Avila Beach glamping Sleep by the ocean in your own RV or stay in one of the seaside cottages in Avila Beach at Flying Flags Avila Beach. At around nine hours, you can do it in a day if you must, but that would hardly be in the spirit of an easygoing sightseeing coastal drive. Pismo Beach 6. Why its worth visiting: Dont let the fairytale cottages fool you. There are two locations in SLO, but head to the one downtown on Higuera Street. Read our guides to the best things to do in Malibu, the best Malibu hikes, and the best beaches in Malibu. Enjoy a local seafood dinner at Old Fishermans Wharf. Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant is a popular steakhouse about three hours north of LA in Coalinga. Malibu 3. 7. Read our guides to the best things to do in Carmel and the best restaurants in Carmel. Its managed by Los Padres National Forest, so you will need to pay a separate $12 day use fee. Susannah is a freelance writer based in Berlin. Browse the boutiques and bakeries of Main Street. Distance. Finally, head north up the peninsula to stay in San Francisco. So, if youre planning a road trip from LA to San Francisco, read on for essential travel tips. BEST USS Midway,Balboa Park,Old Town San Diego Grand City Tour from Los Angeles. But try to see both before taking a walk or drive along West Cliff Drive, which affords killer views of both sea and talented surfers riding the waves. Drive about an hour and a half into Big Sur, and make your way to McWay Falls. Walk along State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. A warning on insurance: there are two types of rental insurance: third-party liability and collision damage waiver. More of a Frank Lloyd Wright guy? The parks Waterfall Overlook Trail is an easy half-mile walk, while Partington Cove Trail is one mile roundtrip, with a pass through a historic tunnel that eventually opens onto stunning coastal views. Eat your way around the citywhether thats, Due to winter storms, many drivers get stuck when roads suddenly close. We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you plan an amazing day in Santa Barbara (or a weekend in Santa Barbara, if youre lucky enough to have more time). Best of the West 14-Day Road Trip: SF, Yosemite, Vegas, LA Theres a lot to do within the citys seven square miles. Explore the Danish-American town of Solvang. Theres one final route you can take thats more roundabout and inland: Highway 395. tourradar.com Walk up to Lovers Point before hitting the road and making your way to Santa Cruz (about an hour drive). You can book a self-guided tour of the still-operational lighthouse online. Best Hotels Along the Pacific Coast Highway, Best Restaurants on the Pacific Coast Highway, Best Restaurants in Oceanside, California. Stop by Bixby Creek Bridge on your way out of Big Sur, and then visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to do (at least part of) the loop trail. Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles - Day Trip Tips Of course, in San Francisco, youll have only about a billion options for hotels, hostels and even camping in the Presidio. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Once youve completed your drive from L.A. to San Francisco, youll want to fly out of either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). For the ultimate West Coast adventure, combine one of these road trips with a few days in San Diego. Partington Cove Trail: If you want to get in a bit of hiking while in Big Sur, check out this 1.1-mile and 347-foot elevation trail, which is also part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. And if youd rather extend this part of your excursion, youve got tons of campgrounds to choose from in the park. 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. Overnight accommodation and one meal additionally included. Additionally, explore various attractions of San Francisco and find yourself close to nature in this tour to Yosemite National park. If youve done a full day of city sightseeing and would rather keep making tracks and then camp, you can set up at El Capitan State Beach, about 23 miles farther along the overall route. Morning departure is around 11% more expensive than an evening flight, on . During the rainy season, you may spot a small waterfall, and youll also get lovely views of the town from up above. Head another 30 minutes over to Morro Bay, where you can get lunch at Giovannis Fish Market. Morning departure is around 39% cheaper than an evening flight . Los Angeles and San Francisco Californias two primary metropolitan jewels couldnt be more different. After the bridge, drive into Monterey (30 minutes north), and grab dinner at Old Fishermans Grotto. Drive about an hour and 15 minutes to Santa Barbara. Why its worth visiting: This charming Central Coast town is perfect for whale watching and a day at the beach. This inland route takes you across the Sierra Nevada past some of Californias most spectacular national parks, including Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Yosemite. Its a pricey town, but youll find a few affordable options like the basic-but-clean Rio Sands just south of the city. Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to travel between Santa Cruz and San Francisco to enjoy the picturesque beaches along the way. If you time it right, avoiding rush hour traffic around both cities, the 383-mile drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes less than six-and-a-half hours. The best option for you to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco depends on time available, comfort and convenience. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Prices and availability are subject to change. That said, LAX gets insanely busy, and can be a hassle to get in and out of (especially if youll be using a rideshare its recently become a nightmare!). Or visit Chinatown. 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. 6 Day Trip to Los Angeles, San Francisco from Los Angeles - TripHobo Youll stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea tonight. It sees heavy traffic even mid-week, and youll probably see people climbing over rocks and accessing terrain they shouldnt. Go wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. In SLO, go for a hike at Bishop Peak Trail before heading downtown for lunch at Old SLO BBQ. Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail: On the opposite side of town is this moderate 5.4-mile loop trail, which has a 1,400-foot elevation gain. Or ride the trolley. Carmel is about a 40-minute drive from the Pfeiffer Big Sur campground, and Monterey is another 15 minutes north. Days: 7. Currency: USD (US$) . Greg Panosian/Getty Images. Stop for lunch in Pismo Beach or Morro Bay, then end the day in San Luis Obispo. From Los Angeles: 7-Day Golden Experience Tour | GetYourGuide Big Basin Redwood State Park: This state park which is Californias oldest is located north of Santa Cruz. There are over 200 exhibits to explore, including the sea otter exhibit and giant kelp forest. Theres a beach at Emigrant Landing, and boating is allowed on the lake, which you can reach from the Smokey Bear exit near Castaic. San Francisco to Big Sur: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip In addition to long sandy stretches and scenic cliffs, the small coastal city offers a sweet, walkable downtown and some great multi-use trails. Advanced reservations are required, and a tour currently costs $10. Find cheap flights from San Francisco to Los Angeles from Pyramid Lake is another good stop. Pfeiffer Beach: Pfeiffer Beach Big Surs most popular beach is known for its purple sand and massive, picturesque rock formations. There are few roads, and winter storms often wash away whole sections of Highway 1, cutting off Big Sur communities entirely. Drive inland to hike Inspiration Point Trail. The final must-see town youll pass through on your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip is Pacifica! Drive Time from Malibu to Ventura: 50 minutes / 40 miles. Heres a look at what a week-long journey will look like. Youll want to spend at least two days on this route, but can easily make it a week-long trip. Travel by train and by small car, combining the best of both. The narrow-gauge steam train is one of the most unusual way to see Californias iconic redwoods. Multi-day trip From Los Angeles: 7-Day Golden Experience Tour. Drive about 35 minutes over to Montaa de Oro State Park and hike the Bluff Trail (you can easily cut it down if this is too much hiking in a day). There are several coastal cities to stop at on this stretch, including Pescadero, Half Moon Bay, and Pacifica. There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Enjoy views of the jagged Big Sur coastline and travel along 17-Mile Drive to world-famous Pebble Beach. Overview. Los Angeles to San Francisco Train - Amtrak Tickets $53 - Wanderu Why its worth visiting: The Monterey Bay Aquarium gets almost two million annual visitors, but theres plenty more to see in this fun seaside town. Another factor to note is that BUR is further from the road trip route than LAX its about a 30-mile drive from the southern part of Malibu. Hike at Los Leones Trail, and then drive to Broad Street Oyster for lunch. This incredibly scenic tree-covered reserve is located right on the water, and youll get plenty of amazing views of the rocky coast. Pelican Bay Trail: This trail is another popular Santa Cruz Island option thats accessible via Prisoners Harbor. 8-Day Tour From Los Angeles To San Francisco - TripHobo We offer a wide selection of departure dates for cruises . Exactly How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles, A Weekend in L.A.: A Perfect 2 Day Los Angeles Itinerary, Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide, Exactly How to Spend One Day in San Francisco, 3 Days in San Francisco: A Perfect San Francisco Itinerary, Where to Stay in San Francisco: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in SF, 14 Incredible Day Trips from San Francisco, The Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can also take a look at the Urban Wine Trail for more options in the greater Santa Barbara area! Dying to get out of the city and hit the road? There are hotels, motels, and inns around Santa Cruz, particularly near the wharf. You could drive the I-5 highway for maximum time efficiency, but there's really nothing to look at other than farmland. Traveling in your own accommodation? Theres so much to do in Monterey and so much written online about it that youll want to do your own research on area activities before deciding where to spend the precious time you have to spare on your LA to San Francisco road trip. The Atlas Heart is a space where you'll find local tips, guides, and first-hand knowledge about gear & products, destinations, and everything the Golden State has to offer. Redondo Beach: This beautiful beach has scenic eroded bluffs, and is a great spot for tidepooling. Once you arrive, get a sense of Santa Barbaras local scenery with a stroll through Chase Palm Park and a beach walk on the adjacent sandy strand. In Big Sur are several different parks. The fastest routes complete the journey in roughly eight hours, but some trips make more stops and can take up to 12 hours. 12 wonderful day trips from Los Angeles! [2023] - Blogger at Large 15.38 miles, 2, What a beautiful day for a banna Day 2 of the, Mehndi part II The best way to start off the. 2 days (approx.) 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. The remote location of Channel Islands (which is located off the coast of Ventura) makes it one of the least visited national parks in California, but this means its that much more special for those who decide to visit! This spacious, palm-tree lined beach is a popular spot for surfers and paddle boarders. Five or seven days gives you more time to do some good hikes, explore some of the cities along the coast (like Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz), and take it a little slower, basking in the warm California sun and enjoying this incredible stretch of coast. 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. Santa Cruz KOA This camping resort is perfect for families, with a pool and playground to keep the kids entertained. Looking for cruises from Los Angeles to San Francisco? Aside from the historic home, this is where you can get up close to an extraordinary elephant seal colony. Language: English En. Stop 1: Natural Bridges State Beach This stop is about 90 minutes from San Francisco and situated just outside of Santa Cruz. Coastal Walk to Lovers Point: Just over a mile up the coast from the aquarium is Lovers Point, a gorgeous rocky coastal spot. Here are a few pictures from that trail. Find cheap flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco from Id recommend looking at flights heading into BUR or SNA first, since these airports are less stressful to navigate. Unfortunately, much of the park is closed due to wildfire damage check the park website for the most up-to-date info. Start your day with coffee and pastries from Scout Coffee, or grab a bigger breakfast at Seeds. Highway 101 and I-5 are open year-round, so you can generally do those routes during any season. El Capitan Santa Barbara Stay in the Santa Ynez Mountains with all your creature comforts at El Capitan Canyon. Relax with a beer at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Two-bedroom 1920s bungalow in downtown San Luis Obispo, Two-bedroom home close to Santa Cruz Boardwalk in West Cliff, 25 BEST 20th Anniversary Gifts [2023 Gift and Ideas Guide], 31 BEST Gifts for Writers, Pros & Aspiring [2023 Gift Guide], How to get to the Hollywood Sign [The Best & Easiest Ways to Get to the Top]. Day 3: Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Big Sur. Visit Hearst Castle and take the Grand Rooms Tour to learn about this unique place. Essential Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway [With 2 Day Itinerary] Planning a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip instead? That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we dont stand behind 100%. Natural Bridges State Beach is located on the opposite end, so you can combine this walk with a visit to the beach. It is by far the largest of the three (its the biggest on the west coast) and therefore has the most flight options. Stay in your own RV or rent a retro Airstream trailer. These do sell out, so youll want to book your ride in advance online. I created The Atlas Heart with the intention of not only seeing the world, but understanding and writing about cultures from the perspectives of locals what I call seeing the world through a kaleidoscope lens. Take in the view from the Griffith Observatory. Its the oldest amusement park in the state, dating back to 1907. Los Angeles To San Francisco One Day Tour Along The Pacific Coast Highway One of the best trails in the park is the easy 4.1-mile Bluff Trail. Available Days : Sat (2022-07-03 To 2022-12-31) Highlights : Enjoy a complete three day trip and get away from the noisy city life to experience the essence of the calm and fresh environment. Some fun facts about Carmel: every beach is dog friendly, high heels are illegal, and Clint Eastwood of Spaghetti Western fame is the former mayor. seven days a week. July 11, 2022 Considering going on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip? To do the itinerary below youll need four nights. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World. Theres so much to see along Highway 1 through Big Sur that the questions is more where shouldnt you stop? Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, two of the areas most famous sights, and just off the side of the road on Highway 1. Take a guided kayak tour along the Pismo Beach coast and try to spot some sea life. The best route to take: The fastest way to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco is actually on Interstate 5 (which is inland). Almost there! Stop at Lillys Taqueria for lunch, and walk over to Dune Coffee for a caffeine boost this will give you a chance to stroll down the picturesque State Street in the downtown area. LA to San Francisco via Highway 101 and Highway 1 follows the Pacific Ocean coastline and is the more scenic of the two roads. Read our guides to the best things to do in San Francisco and the best hikes in San Francisco. With that, youll be able to make a few stops, but youll be pressed for time and wont be able to do as much along the way. The cheapest month to fly is January. Itinerary Day 1 Los Angeles - 17 Mile Bay - San Francisco Drive time: LA to Joshua Tree just under three hours. 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. Planning to spend some time in Los Angeles before your road trip? You can enter the drive at the Highway 1 Gate, and exit at the Samuel F.B. Santa Barbara is a vibrant coastal city that offers just about everything you could want: picturesque beaches, a variety of hikes, and great bars and restaurants. If youre hoping to camp, head inland to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a scenic spot you wont likely want to miss, whether or not youve brought your own tent. Read our related articles below! Watch the surfers and enjoy the laidback vibes at Pismo Beach Pier. Then walk past the oceanfront Della Walker House. 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. Best of all, you can set your own schedule, spending as much time in each place as you like. Best Stops Along the Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive, Where to Stay On Your Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip, Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Itineraries, Best Time to do a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip, Tips for Planning a Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, FAQs About Getting from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The historic museum is closed due to road renovations, but is expected to reopen sometime in 2022. Hike to McWay Falls to see the waterfall. This drive is located in a gated neighborhood, and youll need to pay a fee (currently $11.25 per car) at the gate. Within Point Lobos are several miles of coastal paths, a whaling museum, a nature trail, and more than a few places where youll want to whip out the camera. High season is considered to be October, November and December. 11 Days From $2,063 Travel from LA via Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, Sierra Nevada to. This sprawling beach is a great spot to hang out, jump in the water, or catch the sunset. Visit the elephant seal vista point at Point Piedras Blancas. Stop for a picture of the famous Bixby Bridge just north of the park. The 15 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles - TripSavvy Why its worth visiting: Half Moon Bay is the windswept, romantic seaside town of your dreams. For the coastal route, I recommend at least three days. Head over to Ventura Harbor to catch an Island Packers Cruise to Santa Cruz Island, and then do an Adventure Sea Cave Kayak tour (or another tour) with Santa Barbara Adventure Company (note: this should all be booked in advance!). Stop for lunch at Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., before making your way to Pacifica (about 15 minutes) to do two hikes before heading into San Francisco: Pedro Point Headlands Trail and Mori Point Loop Trail. After your hike, youll drive an hour and 45 minutes north to San Luis Obispo. Theres an easy 2-mile path that you can follow to explore the lagoon, beach, and pier. Planning to spend some time in San Francisco before you head home? Hit up the Exploratorium, head to Golden Gate Park to work on your hacky-sack skills or stroll through the Botanical Garden, or grab a drink in funky Haight-Ashbury. Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.: This casual brewpub is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and has a great outdoor seating space with views of the bay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. They have daily trips to Santa Cruz Island (with boats going to both of the marinas mentioned above), and also have regular trips to the other islands. 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. The Ultimate San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip | Expedia Big Sur is one of the spots you absolutely cannot miss during this road trip. Top 10 Tours & Trips from Los Angeles to San Francisco 2023/2024 - TourRadar Home / North America tours / USA tours / to San Francisco Los Angeles to San Francisco Tours & Trips Find adventures that start in Los Angeles and then finish in San Francisco. Keep in mind that you will need to pay $10 to park. Get dinner at Old SLO BBQ and drinks at Sidecar. Two-bedroom 1920s bungalow in downtown San Luis Obispo Stay in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo in your own cozy house. This easy hike is 2.9-miles long, and has a 298-foot elevation gain. California Dreaming Mural Los Angeles. This coastal Los Angeles to San Francisco California road trip covers: Related Read:11 Breezy Oceanfront Camping Spots in California. Like we mentioned above, the I-5 route is useful if youre just looking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Were Matt and Alysha, the creators of this site dedicated to sharing the best of the West Coast.Were both West Coast natives weve never lived anywhere else, and the West Coast is our home. Stops are made in Santa Barbara, Solvang, Monterey for wine tasting, and even bike rides on the beach. Youll stay in SLO this first night. One easy and beautiful hike that is currently open is the Marsh Trail, an out-and-back trail that is just under a mile long. LA to San Francisco, Hearst Castle 2-Day Tour and Train, Hotel - Viator Read our complete guide to the best things to do in Solvang. These trees are thousands of years old and form beautiful, sculptural shapes. Want to soak up even more of the area? Here, youll do another hike at Bishop Peak Trail. Three-bedroom cottage in downtown Carmel Walk to downtown and the beach from this classic Carmel cottage, which includes a private courtyard with a fire pit, plus a full kitchen. An easy 1.4-mile trail goes around the small preserve, and will guide you to some amazing overlooks. When driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you have two main route options: the coastal route or the main highway through the state, I-5. Theres a limited number of street parking spots on top of the bluffs, but you can also park at the beach lot. Big Sur 11. San Jose International Airport (SJC) which is about an hour south of SFO is also an option, but only if youre not planning on going into San Francisco. Here, youll find three sample itineraries for a 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day trip. Drive north on Highway 101 from Los Angeles. P.S. It takes nine to ten hours to drive the 430 miles of this route. Stop by The Hidden Kitchen for breakfast or lunch they have a variety of delicious sweet and savory blue corn waffle dishes! This national park has five islands where you can hike, snorkel, kayak, and explore sea caves. You can choose to either kayak or snorkel, or pick a tour package that does both. Is it worth driving from LA to San Francisco? Los Angeles to San Francisco: 3 ways to get there - Tripadvisor 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. You made it! Day 6: Solvang and Santa Barbara. Day 3: Driving from San Francisco to Yosemite (200 Miles/5 Hours) Grab a coffee from Blue Bottle Caf to wake up for the drive to Yosemite. Walking (or parking) on grass can damage the ability of plants to grow and lead to massive issues like erosion and habitat destruction. EPIC Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip (7 Day Itinerary) - byDeze 10 Day Trip to San Francisco from Los Angeles - TripHobo Dessert at Revival Ice Cream: For those with a sweet tooth, you can get amazing, high-quality handcrafted ice cream at Revival. Hike up to the peak via this moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back trail, which has a 1,130-foot elevation gain. Its accessible via the Scorpion Anchorage harbor. If you need one more hit of salty air before heading to San Francisco, make a stop at Half Moon Bay. 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.