highway 1 road trip from san francisco to san diego

Best San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Stops + Itinerary

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: October 26, 2020

UPDATED: December 19, 2023

San Francisco to San Diego is the most popular section to drive along the California Highway One road trip route, which is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. There are many excellent places to stop along the 600 miles between San Francisco and San Diego, including Big Sur, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The coastal highway takes around 10-12 hours without stopping.

In this guide, we’re going to show you the best places to stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip and walk you through itinerary ideas for 7 days, 10 days and 14 days .

Our California Pacific Coast Highway Experience

We spent 12 days driving the California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego back in the fall of 2019 as part of a three month American southwest road trip. Since then we’ve driven more of the most popular US road trips and we can honestly say that driving from SF to San Diego is one of our favorites .

It was our first time in California, so we allocated 3 days each for exploring San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. That left us 3 days for the coastline drive . In hindsight we would have given ourselves an extra day or two for the drive because there’s so much to see and do .

We stayed a night in each of Monterey , Morro Bay and Santa Barbara between San Francisco and Los Angeles. And we personally visited every place listed in this guide, which you’ll see with our photos.

Best San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Stops

Before you can plan your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary, first you need to know where you’re going to stop in between so you can decide on how many days you need.

So what are the best places to see on a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego?

Let’s take a look at 23 stops you can add to your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. Later in the guide we’ll show you how to visit these places with 7-14 days on the coastline.

Already know where you want to stop and just want to see itinerary ideas? Skip through the stops to our itineraries.

1. San Francisco

• Time required : 3 days
• Top tip : Don’t miss Twin Peaks and Coit Tower for city views
• Where to stay : CitizenM Union Square

San Francisco is one of the top US vacation spots thanks to a world famous suspension bridge , a notorious former prison out in its bay and a fabled cable car system. We’ve visited a few times and highly recommend you allow for at least 2 days on your itinerary.

SF is filled with unique things to do and see , great food and a chilled vibe . Spend your time at museums or exploring walkable neighborhoods like Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Fillmore and Mission.

Our San Francisco guides:

• How to spend 3 days in San Francisco
• The best things to do in San Francisco
• Best places to stay in San Francisco

2. Golden Gate Bridge

• Time required: 2-3 hours
• Top tip: Start in Marin headland and walk back to SF
• Where to stay: Fairmont Heritage Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge on the planet . You can’t miss the famous international orange color, which is instantly recognizable. If you’re lucky you will see the Golden Gate Bridge piercing out of lingering fog in San Francisco Bay.

You can see the bridge from a number of areas around SF, but Battery Spencer and Marshall’s Beach are 2 of the most iconic photo locations. Even if you plan to skip the big cities on your road trip, you should at least see the Golden Gate Bridge at the beginning or end.

Further Reading: Best views of the Golden Gate Bridge

3. Alcatraz

• Time required: 3-4 hours including ferry shuttles
• Top tip: The Alcatraz night tour has bonus areas
• Where to stay: Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

There are times when tours can do a disservice to historic monuments or landmarks. Thankfully, Alcatraz is not one of those times ! Both the day and night tours of Alcatraz prison are filled with excellent information, special talks about escape attempts and locking systems, and so much more.

You’ll board an Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33 but be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. Audio headsets play commentary in multiple languages. If you plan to spend a few days in SF, we can’t recommend Alcatraz highly enough .

Further Reading: What you can expect on the Alcatraz tours

4. Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Distance from last stop : 30 miles from San Francisco
• Time required : 1 hour
• Top tip : Limited parking on the roads nearby
• Where to stay : Beach House Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay beach is the first major stop after leaving San Francisco. This 4 mile long beach belongs to the State of California and that means you have to pay $10 to park your car . Get used to this because it happens a lot on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to San Diego!

If you left SF in late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spending sunset on the beach. But if this is just the start of your day, don’t spend too long here because there’s plenty more sand to come.

5. Pigeon Point Lighthouse

• Distance from last stop : 21 miles from Half Moon Bay
• Time required : 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Top tip : Sunset is the best time to see the lighthouse
• Where to stay : Pigeon Point Lighthouse

The next stop on your road trip is Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse on America’s west coast. Built in 1871, the towering 115 ft high white lighthouse is incredibly picturesque as it sits perched atop the rocky California coastline.

The lighthouse looks exactly like a New England lighthouse and still actively aids navigation . There’s worse places to watch the sunset if you left SF later in the day, especially if you’re into photography. You can even sleep inside the lighthouse because it’s now also a hostel.

6. Shark Fin Cove

• Distance from last stop: 18 miles from Pigeon Point Lighthouse
• Time required: 1-2 hours
• Top tip: There’s a hidden sea cave on the beach below
• Where to stay: Inn at Depot Hill

Shark Fin Cove is one of many outstanding rock formations you will drive past on the road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. Sunset is by far the best time of day to photograph Shark Fin Cove, but you can still enjoy the beach if you arrive during the day.

The huge and intriguing shark fin shaped rock is a great place to visit when traveling with the kids . After joking that the biggest shark in the world lives here, take them down to the beach to see the shark’s fin framed through a small hidden cave-like arch .

7. Natural Bridges State Beach

• Distance from last stop: 9 miles from Shark Fin Cove
• Time required: 1 hour (longer for sunset)
• Top tip: Watch the sunset here on day one

Natural Bridges state beach is another place you have to pay to park but it’s well worth it if you’re arriving just before sunset. At low tide, you can explore rock pools to discover sea stars and crabs . Just off shore you might see otters and seals playing. And maybe even migrating whales if you’re lucky.

The beach is small but clean and neat . It’s focal point is a stand alone rock formation with an arch just a few meters out into the Pacific Ocean. We watched as dozens of shore birds waded along the beach as the ocean flowed and ebbed gently with a stunning orange sky at dusk.

8. Monterey

• Distance from last stop: 45 miles from Natural Bridges state beach
• Top tip: Good place to spend a spare night north of Big Sur
• Where to stay: Monterey Plaza

The charming town of Monterey is perfect for a morning stroll . Don’t miss Cannery Row which was once the center of Sardine packing factories, before being converted into restaurants, galleries and shops. We spent our first night in Monterey.

The major highlight of Monterey Bay is its aquarium , which is widely regarded as one of the best in the United States . It was the first to care for and display a great white shark and house a kelp forest . Further around the headland you will also find Lovers Point Park and Point Pinos Lighthouse .

Further Reading: The best hotels in Monterey

9. 17 Mile Drive

• Distance from last stop: 2 miles from Monterey Bay
• Time required: 2-4 hours
• Top tip: Look out for some of the biggest houses you’ll ever see
• Where to stay: Carriage House Inn

17 mile drive is a scenic coastal road filled with beaches, rocky headlands and super-sized mansions. 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 but it’s well worth it.

You’ll find a dozen or so highlights to stop off along the road to admire scenery, marine life and golf courses. The most famous attraction is called Lone Cypress Tree , which stands guard alone on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific.

10. Pebble Beach Golf Club

• Distance from last stop: At the end of 17 mile drive
• Time required: 1 hour
• Top tip: You can walk out to an 18th hole viewing area
• Where to stay: Candle Light Inn

This is a stop for the golfers! Pebble Beach has hosted the US Open on 6 occasions, the last being in 2019 when Gary Woodland won his first major. With a stunning backdrop over the Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to see why this golf course is so popular.

Pebble beach is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in the world and it can be played by members of the public . However, you’ll need to stump up a cool $525 for green fees plus $92.50 for a caddie . The museum and club grounds are well worth a visit even if you don’t play the course.

11. Carmel By The Sea

• Distance from last stop: 2.5 miles from Pebble Beach golf club
• Time required: 2 hours
• Top tip: Carmel Beach is easily walkable from town

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most attractive places you will visit on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. But it’s very expensive . If you’ve saved up for a couple of hotel splurges in your itinerary, Carmel is one of the places to cash in .

Walk around the lovely shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants before walking down Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach . Grab a coffee or an ice cream and soak up the scenery of this idyllic town.

Road Trip Tip: There are very few hotel options along Big Sur between Carmel and San Simeon. Plan to leave Carmel no later than 1:00pm if you’re traveling north to south, otherwise you’ll end up driving 30-40 miles of the best stretch of the PCH in the dark.

12. Bixby Creek Bridge

• Distance from last stop: 15 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Top tip: Park at Castle Rock Viewpoint
• Where to stay: Ventana

Bixby Bridge is one of the most popular stops along the California Pacific Coast Highway and it’s the first major attraction along the famous Big Sur stretch of coast. The bridge is exceptionally photogenic, so as you might imagine it’s selfie central and you should prepare for crowds !

Parking is a real challenge at Bixby Bridge. There’s only one small dirt packed lot on the north side of the bridge and it’s usually full. The view of Bixby Bridge with its Pacific Ocean backdrop is amazing but we personally wouldn’t stick around if it’s crazy busy.

Further Reading: Where to stay in Big Sur

13. Point Sur

• Distance from last stop: 6.6 miles from Bixby bridge creek
• Time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour (unless taking guided tour)
• Top tip: Best visited earlier in the day
• Where to stay: Big Sur River Inn

Point Sur is a California State Park and Naval Facility located in the heart of Big Sur’s stretch of coastline. Over time, erosion has formed a beach between the mainland and Point Sur, which can be walked on with a guided tour on Wednesdays and weekends throughout the year for $15 per person .

The huge volcanic rock standing alone at the end of Point Sur is home to Point Sur Lighthouse , which was completed in 1889 after multiple shipwrecks in the area. The lighthouse plays a key role today in preventing more sea floor wreckages off the Big Sur coast.

Road Trip Tip: A little further south from Point Sur you’ll find Pfeiffer Beach which is one of the most famous beaches on the California coast. It’s worth a stop if you have time but we would prioritize other spots in Big Sur first.

14. Partington Cove

• Distance from last stop: 18 miles from Point Sur
• Top tip: Wear shoes with good grips for the hike
• Where to stay: San Simeon

Partington Cove is one of the most popular hikes on the drive from San Francisco to San Diego along California Highway 1. Park on a curved part of the road, find a metal gated entrance and follow the short but fairly steep trail down into the canyon.

Turn right at the first junction and shortly after turn left before crossing a wooden bridge. Pass through a 60 foot wooden tunnel and Partington Cove will open up at the end. This is a wonderful place to sit and watch the waves crashing gently into the coastline.

Road Trip Tip: From here you’ll need to continue to at least San Simeon for accommodation options if driving north to south. Cambria and Morro Bay offer more hotel options after San Simeon.

15. McWay Falls

• Distance from last stop: 2 miles from Partington Cove
• Top tip: Take your ND filter and tripod for long exposures
• Where to stay: Cambria

McWay Falls was our favorite natural feature of the entire drive from San Francisco to San Diego. It’s not every day you get to see a perfectly streamlined waterfall plunge off a rock and land on a beach just steps from the ocean.

The walk to McWay Falls viewing point does not begin on the main road . You need to walk inside the parking lot and take a path passing underneath Highway 1. We visited McWay Falls at around 5:00pm in November just before sunset and it was packed.

16. Morro Bay

• Distance from last stop: 81 miles from McWay Falls
• Top tip: Don’t miss the beef sandwiches at Hofbrau der Albatross
• Where to stay: Masterpiece Hotel

Morro Bay is a small waterfront city named after a 580 ft tall volcanic rock called Morro Rock. A quaint harbor area is protected by the huge rock, making for calm waters and paddling opportunities .

Sea otters are regular visitors to the marinas and often play in the shallow water. Morro rock is a pretty awesome sight, particularly when it draws in swirling and colorful clouds at dawn or dusk . This is where we spent the second night on our California Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Further Reading: Where to stay in Morro Bay

17. San Luis Obispo

• Distance from last stop: 14 miles from Morro Bay
• Top tip: Scout Coffee near Bubblegum Alley has excellent coffee
• Where to stay: Garden Street Inn

San Luis Obispo – or SLO Cal for short – is one of California’s oldest European founded cities . Oddly, the quirky main attraction in San Luis Obispo is an alleyway that has been completely covered in bubble gum . Yep, you read that right!

We were intrigued, so we parked up on the Main Street right next to the alley and true to its word, there’s not a single bit of concrete showing . SLO Cal is the home of California Polytechnic University, a popular farmers market and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

18. Pismo Beach

• Distance from last stop: 12 miles from San Luis Obispo
• Top tip: Oyster Loft is a cracking seafood restaurant
• Where to stay: Inn at the Pier

Pismo Beach is a laid back beach town with one of those classic wooden piers stretching out over 1,000 ft into the Pacific Ocean. As with most stops along the California Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Pismo Beach pier is best seen at sunset .

Nearby you can visit Dinosaur Caves Park , which provides elevated views over the pier and beach. You can also visit a eucalyptus tree grove created for Monarch Butterflies between November and February.

19. Solvang

• Distance from last stop: 64 miles from Pismo Beach
• Top tip: Turn up a side street for free parking
• Where to stay: Hotel Corque

Solvang is a picturesque town offering a taste of Denmark in sunny California . This is one of the best and most unique stops on a road trip between San Francisco and San Diego. We strongly recommend you spare a few hours to see Solvang, or better yet spend a night if you have time.

Traditional Danish architecture, a windmill and rows of boutique stores will keep you busy. Don’t miss Mortensen’s bakery , Copenhagen sausage garden , and the countless coffee shops and chocolatiers . The entire town is stunning so be sure to explore each and every street.

Further Reading: Where to stay in Solvang

20. Santa Barbara

• Distance from last stop: 46 miles from Solvang
• Time required: 1 day
• Top tip: Drive CA-154 into Santa Barbara for amazing views
• Where to stay: La Playa Inn

Santa Barbara has been dubbed the American Riviera thanks to an upscale food and drinks scene, extensive Spanish Colonial influence and Mediterranean climate. The classy city is a perfect place to stop and unwind for a day or two if you have time in your itinerary and money in the bank.

You can sample world famous wines and eat at fantastic restaurants along State Street . Consider a day trip to Channel Islands National Park , or maybe Santa Barbara Zoo if you’re road tripping with the kids . We spent our third night between SF and LA here in Santa Barbara and we really enjoyed it.

Further Reading: Where to stay in Santa Barbara

21. Los Angeles

• Distance from last stop: 100 miles from Santa Barbara
• Time required: 2 to 4 days
• Top tip: Use the metro to avoid sitting in traffic
• Where to stay: Hollywood Celebrity

Los Angeles needs no introduction! The city of angels is world famous for Hollywood and movies but there’s so much more going on in LA, so you’ll need a minimum of 2 full days to explore. After a lot of driving it’ll be nice to park the car and leave it as you explore the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.

Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown LA, movie studio tours, watching a live screening of a game show or talk show, the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory are just some of things you can’t miss in Los Angeles.

Our LA guides:

• Best things to do on a first visit to Los Angeles
• The best places to stay in Los Angeles

22. Hollywood Movie Studio Tour

• Time required: 3 hours
• Top tip: Book in advance to avoid disappointment
• Where to stay: The Charlie West Hollywood

Hollywood movie studio tours are the quintessential tourist attraction for first time visitors to LA. We can vouch for the high quality Warner Bros studio tour but you can also choose between Sony, Paramount and Universal studio tours.

You’ll see old movie sets, studio lots set up for currently running tv shows, iconic costumes, sound stages, exhibits and props. The top exhibits at Warner Bros include DC, Batman, Friends, Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter.

Further Reading: Our review of the Warner Bros studio tour

23. San Diego

• Distance from last stop: 120 miles from Los Angeles
• Time required: 2-3 days
• Top tip: Don’t miss the various beaches
• Where to stay: Staypineapple

There’s no better place to end the epic California Pacific Coast Highway road trip than America’s finest city , San Diego. It’s one of our personal favorite US cities and we suggest you allow at least 2 full days to see the best of San Diego.

You’ll find a laid back vibe , a perfect climate and a fantastic foodie scene. Balboa Park, Gaslamp, Coronado, La Jolla, Old Town and every beach from Torrey Pines back into town should’t be missed as you finish your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Our San Diego guides:

• How to spend 3 days in San Diego
• Best places to stay in San Diego

7 Days San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

Our advice for such a short trip is to consider only spending one day in each of the big cities or skipping one entirely . For instance, you could drive from Santa Barbara straight through to San Diego. Or you could end the trip in LA.

Let’s take a look at an action packed example of how you could squeeze some of these stops into just one week:

• Day 1 – Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge (sleep SF)
• Day 2 – Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point, Shark Fin Cove, Natural Bridges, Monterey (sleep Monterey)
• Day 3 – 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Bixby Bridge, Point Sur, Partington Cove, McWay Falls (sleep Cambria)
• Day 4 – Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara (sleep Santa Barbara)
• Day 5 – Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood (sleep LA)
• Day 6 – Movie studio tour, game show, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign (sleep LA)
• Day 7 – La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter (sleep San Diego)

10 Days San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

This slightly longer timeframe allows you to spend more time either in each of the big cities or along the coastline in between . If it’s your first time in California, you’ll naturally want to see SF, LA and San Diego because they’re all iconic US cities.

The itinerary below is exactly how we drove the route, except we had a third day in both San Francisco and San Diego to make a total of 12 days.

Let’s take a look at an example of how you can spend 10 days driving from San Francisco to San Diego.

• Day 1 – SF Tram, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street (sleep SF)
• Day 2  – Embarcadero, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Union Square, Coit Tower (sleep SF)
• Day 3 – Twin Peaks, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point, Shark Fin Cove, Natural Bridges (sleep Monterey)
• Day 4 – Monterey Bay, 17 mile drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bixby Bridge, Point Sur, Partington Cove, McWay Falls (sleep Morro Bay)
• Day 5 – Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara (sleep Santa Barbara)
• Day 6 – Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood (sleep LA)
• Day 7 – Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice (sleep LA)
• Day 8 – Movie studio tour, game show, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign (sleep LA)
• Day 9 – Beaches, La Jolla, Old Town (sleep SD)
• Day 10 – Coronado, Embarcadero, Balboa Park, Gaslamp (sleep SD)

14 Days San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

You’re in for a real treat if you have a full 14 days for your California Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Two weeks is plenty of time to see SF, LA and San Diego with loads of time left to really enjoy the stops in between.

Let’s take a look at an example of how you can spend 14 days driving from San Francisco to San Diego.

• Day 3 – Twin Peaks, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point, Shark Fin Cove, Natural Bridges (sleep Santa Cruz)
• Day 4 – Monterey, 17 mile drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea (sleep Carmel)
• Day 5 – Bixby Bridge, Point Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur (sleep Big Sur)
• Day 6 – Partington Cove, McWay Falls (sleep Cambria)
• Day 7 – Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Solvang, Santa Barbara (sleep Santa Barbara)
• Day 8 – Santa Barbara State Street, Pier, Beach, Malibu – (sleep LA)
• Day 9 – Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Mulholland Drive (sleep LA)
• Day 10 – Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Venice (sleep LA)
• Day 11 – Movie studio tour, game show, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign (sleep LA)
• Day 12 – Newport Beach, Torrey Pines, SD Beaches, La Jolla (sleep SD)
• Day 13 – Balboa Park, Old Town, Embarcadero (sleep SD)
• Day 14 – Coronado, Gaslamp, Little Italy (sleep SD)

Do you need to hire a car? Compare prices between Rental Cars and Discover Cars to get the best deals available.

Best Time To Drive From San Francisco To San Diego

The shoulder season months of April, May, September and October are the best times of year to drive the California Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego. You’ll benefit from fewer crowds, more parking spaces, higher hotel room availability at lower prices and comfortable temperatures.

Summer brings warmer temperatures but it’s much busier on the road and at hotels. The winter months are best if you want to road trip the California coast on a budget, but it will be cooler.

In Conclusion

California’s Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego is one of the world’s greatest road trips. There are many fantastic places to stop, including beaches, quaint towns and bucket list cities. Having 10-14 days for your itinerary will allow you to see the best of what’s on offer.

After extensively exploring the US, we can confidently say our road trip between San Francisco and San Diego has been one of our favorite experiences to date. The only thing we would do differently next time is spend more time on the Big Sur coastline.

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Want more California content?  Head to our  California Travel Guides  to explore National Parks, popular road trips and things to do in major cities of the sunshine state.

We hope this guide helps with planning your California Pacific Coast Highway 1 road trip from San Francisco to San Diego!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your itinerary in the comments below.

Happy road tripping!

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

22 thoughts on “Best San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Stops + Itinerary”

We are planning a 7 day trip from SF to San Diego in June (2 days in SF for wedding) and heading south. I love your itinerary, and modifying it for 7 days…do you have a map with points along it? Google map seems to avoid the coast line,..I’m visual, but could probably did up a map somewhere in here.

Hi Melanie, it’s great to hear you have a trip planned for the PCH. We don’t currently have any maps for the itinerary routes, but we are working on creating guidebooks for our road trips and they will include detailed maps for 7, 10 and 14 days. If we get it out in time we will send it to you, but it’s unlikely before next month. Be sure to look into road closures on the Big Sur stretch of coastline before setting off, some of the road may still be closed due to land slides. Hope everything goes well and have a fantastic trip!

Planning a trip from Sfran to Diego for 2 weeks in October for our 35th anniversary. Looking to hit Carmel Big Sur Monterrey Half Moon Bay Pebble Beach Santa Barbara Santa Monica Catalina Island Oceanside and finishing up in San Diego and flying out from there back to N J. Looking for any suggestions on which cities to stay and which I can hit on the way… Thanks for your help!

Hi Jeff & Angie, congrats on your 35th anniversary and glad to hear you have a trip to the PCH planned. Sounds like you have a great itinerary lined up with the stops you mentioned, we would happily spend 2 weeks in those exact spots without losing too many days in SF and LA. But San Diego is definitely worth spending at least one full day at the end. Big Sur is the most challenging part of your trip for hotel availability, so it might be worth trying to get one booked early, you can read our guide here Best Hotels In Big Sur CA . Have a fantastic trip!

Thank you planned our trip and some really useful suggestions

Thanks for letting us know, Gary. We hope you have a fantastic trip driving the PCH!

Hello, Thank you so much for this helpful article. My wife and I are planning a trip from SD to SF for 10 days as part of our honeymoon and we would really appreciate any help and recommendations for places to stay and/or explore! Thank you!

Hi Samer, congrats on your wedding and the drive from SD to SF will be a fantastic part of your honeymoon! At the bottom of every stop in our guide we included the best available places to stay based on guest rating and location to that particular stop. The best places for a couple to visit on the drive are Santa Barbara, Solvang, Big Sur coastline, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 17 mile drive and Half Moon Bay. Have an amazing time guys!

This post has helped me so much to organize ideas for our trip. We are doing San Fran to San Diego begining dec. 24 and ending on Jan. 6 with two kids. We wanted to squeeze disney land and maybe the sandiego zoo in there or even any other park for them to enjoy. Any suggestions on how to plan for this in order and where to stay when we go to the parks? Thank you!

Hi MG, thanks for getting in touch and we’re happy to hear your family will be driving San Francisco to San Diego over Christmas and New Year, that will be some trip! Adding in San Diego Zoo will be easy, it is right in Balboa Park near the main touristy areas. Just give yourself the final day of your itinerary for exploring San Diego, there’s loads to do (it’s one of our favorite cities in the US!). You won’t need to stay in another hotel, just use the same one for your entire stay in San Diego. Disneyland is located right off I-5 in Anaheim heading South from LA toward San Diego. After you’re done in LA, take I-5 and allow a full day for Disneyland, there are dozens of hotels pretty much on site around the complex or you can drive 30 minutes to Newport Beach / Laguna Beach to stay there before driving on to San Diego the next morning. Let us know if you need any more help and we hope you all have the best trip!

Looking for itinerary for trip down the west coast months from now. @ 12 days

Seattle to Santa Barbara. Any ideas ? Thanks

Hi JB, without knowing if you’re interested in cities, photography, beaches, hiking etc we’d suggest picking 5 or 6 stops along the route you definitely want to include on your drive down. If you stick to the PCH, you’re looking at almost 1,300 miles in 12 days and it will be slower going, so you might want to consider jumping on I-5 for a few stretches to eat up some miles. You could try: Cannon Beach is a great place to stay night 1 if you stick to the coastline. Yachats night 2, Bandon night 3, Brookings night 4, visit Redwoods and night 5 nearby, Mendocino night 6, night 7 and 8 in SF, Monterey night 9, San Simeon or Cambria night 10, Solvang night 11, arrive Santa Barbara day 12. But there’s plenty of room for you to adjust those days around your preferences. Have a great drive down the coast!

Great article!!! We are planning a trip through the costaline from san francisco to san diego as well but with 3 children. We only have 10 days but would like to go with the kids to certain specific things like san diego zoo, sea world, disney, on our trip. How would you plan a trip with all the deiving time and length in eac city. We were thinking San Francisco- monterrey sleep there and then go to santa barbara sledp there and then go to LA (sleep in OC) amd then san diego. How would you guys order the trip?

Hi Grace, sounds like a great trip for the kids! There’s always a compromise on a 10 day trip like this one, either cut time in the cities or cut time stopping in between. If you want to do disney, sea world and the SD zoo, you will need to put in a few longer driving days as you have suggested above. The part between Monterey and Santa Barbara is beautiful and there’s a lot to see, so doing this in one day would be a shame but your priorities are for the kids so stick to your plan as above. We would do something along these lines: SF 2 days – Monterey & Carmel 1 day – Cambria 1 day – Santa Barbara 1 day – OC 2 days – San Diego 2 days. That will keep drive time down and should be enough time to hit the kids attractions. Let us know if you need any more help or tips, otherwise have a fantastic trip!

Great article! We are planning a trip this summer spanning 9 nights in August beginning in San Francisco and ending in San Diego. We are planning as of right now 1 night in San Francisco then Half Moon Bay. Followed by 1 night each in Monterrey, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Huntington Beach. Then 2 nights in Laguna and 1 night in San Diego. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi John! Sounds like a great itinerary. If possible, try to get a good early start on the day driving between Monterey and Santa Barbara – there’s a lot to see on that stretch, including Carmel, the Big Sur coastline and Solvang. Otherwise, you’re in good shape and having a few days in Laguna after driving through LA will be perfect. Have a great trip!

Great suggestions, loved it!!

Thank you Mary, we hope it helped you plan your road trip!

Mom and two teens planning a mother/daughter trip for this summer. We are beach-lovers. Which beaches combine the most beauty with the least crowds? We love to sunbathe and swim in the ocean. Would love to spend at least a 1/2 day on each of your top 4 – 5 recommendations. Any suggestions on tailoring the 14 day itinerary for beach lovers?

Hi Jennifer, thanks for getting in touch! Sounds like a fantastic vacation you’re planning – you will spoiled for choice as far as gorgeous beaches with amazing sunsets are concerned along the Pacific Coast Highway. However, finding uncrowded California beaches in Summer will be a challenge. Most are big enough to find secluded spots but parking will be difficult so try to arrive early if possible. If we were to road trip the PCH from San Francisco to San Diego just for beaches, this is roughly how we would spend 2 weeks for the most variation and to hit as many beaches as possible:

D1 – Stinson and Ocean beaches (San Francisco), D2 – Half Moon Bay beach, D3 – Four Mile and Natural Bridges beaches, D4 – Monterrey beach, D5 – Asilomar beach (17 mile drive), D6 – Carmel beach (stunning but rip tides), D7 – Pfeiffer beach (unmissable), D8 – Cayucos or Morro Rock beaches, D9 – Pismo beach, D10 – Zuma, Malibu and/or Carbon beaches (all in Malibu), D11 – Will Rogers and Santa Monica (LA), D12 – Newport or Crystal Cove beaches, D13 – Blacks and La Jolla beaches (San Diego), D14 – Coronado beach (San Diego).

Try to watch a sunset at Pfeiffer beach to see the sun illuminate Keyhole Arch rock and don’t miss McWay Falls. Hope this helps and let us know if you need any more info to plan your trip – have the best time!

Wow the Pacific coast highway look’s like an amazing way to spend your time. Every location something different to see, amazing scenery with the odd golf course thrown in, and such a jewel of a course as well.

Yeah – awesome road trip, loads to see and do! We couldn’t miss Pebble Beach, unbelievable setting. Here’s to hoping we both manage a round there at some point!

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San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip: A Complete Guide

A drive down the California coast is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the US. I’m a California native, and have lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles – so I know a thing or two about road tripping through the state!

Below, I’ll give you all the information you need to plan an incredible San Francisco to San Diego road trip, with a 7-day itinerary that features the must-see spots along the way (plus options for 3 and 5 day alternatives, if you have less time). 

You’ll see everything from wildlife like elephant seals and pelicans, to sandy beaches and picturesque coastal sunsets.

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. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Start and End Your SF to San Diego Road Trip

For the one-week road trip itinerary below, you’ll be starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego. 

If you want to truly commit to the full Pacific Coast Highway experience, you can add three to four extra days, starting further north in Leggett (where the PCH starts) and making your way south.

Leggett is about 200 miles north of San Francisco (about a 3.5-hour drive, if taking Highway 101), and Highway 1 primarily goes right along the coast before leading into San Francisco. 

If you decided to start your trip in San Francisco, you’d want to fly into either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) , and then make the drive north. 

For the itineraries below, you’ll still fly into one of these airports. SFO has better routes, and it’s closer (and more convenient) to get to the city and the first stop on the road trip itinerary below.

However, OAK typically has less weather delays, and will be far less crowded than SFO. 

Since the first stop is just south of San Francisco, you won’t want to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC) . It’s southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose – you’ll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. 

At the end of your journey, you’ll want to fly out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , which is just north of Downtown San Diego.  

The Road Trip Route

You’re going to spend this trip (mostly) driving on the PCH! Once you’re at the end of the Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point (Orange County), you’ll continue driving down the coast on I-5.

Something to be aware of is that the PCH sometimes merges and runs concurrently with Highway 101 (like around Ventura and Santa Barbara). Don’t let that confuse you – you’re still on the right path!

There will also be some moments where it’s more efficient to go off Highway 1 – I’ll mention where in the road trip itinerary below. 

How Many Days Do You Need to Drive from San Francisco to San Diego?

Driving from San Francisco to San Diego is completely doable in one day if you’re just trying to get from city to city.

Rather than driving the Pacific Coast Highway, most people who just need to get from point A to point B will take I-5 up the middle of California.

It’s a pretty boring drive, but you’ll only be in the car for about 8 hours (possibly a bit longer, depending on traffic). 

That said, this road trip is more about the journey than the destination – there’s a ton to see along the Pacific Coast Highway! – so I’ve included a Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary that spans 7 days below.

If you can’t commit to a whole week, you’ll also find 3 and 5-day itineraries after the 7-day option. 

A Complete 7-Day San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s your comprehensive guide on taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway! If you’re planning on spending some time in San Francisco before hitting the road, check out this post on what to do during a 3-day weekend in the city . 

Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz

After arriving in San Francisco the day before and getting a good night’s rest, it’s time to hit the road!

Spend day 1 of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip checking out some gorgeous beaches along the coast and doing a couple easy hikes before making your way to Santa Cruz. 

Hike, Grab Coffee, and Enjoy the Beach in Pacifica

Start off the day with a bit of hiking around Mori Point via the Mori Point Loop Trail , which is 2.5-miles (with a 396-foot elevation gain). This moderate blufftop trail gives you gorgeous views of the rugged coastline.

If you’re not up for the full loop, you can easily hike out to Mori Point (labeled “The Point” on the AllTrails map linked above), and then head back on the same trail you hiked out on. 

For parking, park at the Mori Point Parking Lot , or along Mori Point Road or Bradford Way (be mindful of street parking signs in the area). There are a few trails in the area, so make sure you’re starting out on Upper Mori Trail.

The trailhead is just a short walk south of the parking lot, on Mori Point Road. 

After your hike, drive about two miles down the PCH to Soul Grind Coffee for a caffeine boost (if you need a bit more, they have breakfast items too). Grab your coffee and walk down to Pacifica State Beach to take in the view. 

Grab a Bite to Eat and Explore the Beach in Half Moon Bay

Now it’s time to continue down the coast for some food and drinks in Half Moon Bay. Make your way to Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. (about a 15-minute drive from Soul Grind Coffee) for some brunch/lunch. This casual spot has both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the water. 

A visit to Half Moon Bay isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. Make your way south to Redondo Beach ( park here ).

You can take in the view from atop the bluffs, or make your way down to the beach. There are a few paths down to the beach, including some right by the parking lot – but these ones are a bit steeper.

Make your way up the dirt path north of the parking lot to find some easier paths down the bluffs. You’ll definitely want to be wearing some good shoes for the descent (no flip flops!). 

Check Out Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Historic Park

Next on the itinerary is Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, which is about a 30-minute drive from Redondo Beach in Half Moon Bay.

This lighthouse has been in operation since 1872, and is one of the tallest lighthouses in the US. While you can’t go in the lighthouse, you can admire it from the outside.

There’s also a short dirt path along the cliffs that you can follow that leads you down to a small beach. 

Hike at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Get back in the car and continue driving down the PCH for about 10 minutes until you get to the trailhead for the Skyline to the Sea Trail Short Loop , which is a part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park .

This easy trail is 2.9-miles long, and has a 298-foot elevation gain. It’s a great hike to get up close to some of California’s famous redwood trees! 

Important note: this hike (and others in the park) is currently closed indefinitely due to the 2020 fires, so be sure to check the state park link for current park status.

If it’s still closed during your visit, stop by Año Nuevo State Park instead (about three miles north) to hike the Año Nuevo Point Trail , an easy 4.3-mile coastal trail. 

Watch the Sunset at Natural Bridges State Beach

Once you get back to your car, it’s time to make your way down to Santa Cruz, where you’ll be staying for the night. On the north side of Santa Cruz is Natural Bridges State Beach , which is about a 25-minute drive (17.5 miles) south. Stop by to enjoy the sunset before getting to your hotel for the night.

Note that there is a $10 fee to park in the lot. 

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

Here are a few hotel options in Santa Cruz, as well as a campground if that’s more your style:

• Ocean Pacific Lodge : This hotel is in the heart of Santa Cruz, just a short walk away from the wharf. It has spacious rooms with queen and king beds, and there is also an outdoor pool on-site. 
• Hotel Paradox : This trendy, modern hotel is just a mile away from the beach, and has both rooms and suites available. It has an outdoor pool with a poolside bar, sundeck, gym, and restaurant on-site. 
• Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages : If staying on the beach is important to you, this boutique inn is the accommodation for you. There are rooms available, as well as cottages, some of which have full kitchens. 
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground : This campground is less than five miles away from the heart of Santa Cruz, but is tucked away in a quiet area amongst the redwoods. There are over 100 tent and RV sites, and reservations can be made online.  

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel

On the second day of your road trip, you’re going to slowly make your way 45-miles down the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoying Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey, and Pebble Beach along the way.

Get Your Caffeine Fix

First things first: grab some coffee. Two great options in the area are Cat & Cloud and Verve Coffee Roasters .

Both coffee shops have multiple locations sprinkled throughout Santa Cruz, so look on their location page to find an option close to where you’re staying. 

Spend the Morning in Santa Cruz

Before heading down the PCH, spend a bit of time exploring Santa Cruz. Walk or drive down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an iconic spot with classic rides and amusement park vendors that has been in operation since 1907.

Unfortunately for thrill-seekers, the rides don’t open until the late morning, but you can still walk along the boardwalk before making your way to Santa Cruz Beach . If you’d like, you can continue walking up the coast to Santa Cruz Wharf to get an amazing look at the coast from the water. 

Walk Around Capitola

Hop in the car and head to Capitola, which is about five miles down the road. Park the car near Capitola Beach , and then start by walking around the village, which has plenty of local shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and cafes.

Next, make your way to Capitola Beach, walking north to check out Venetian Court . These iconic, brightly-colored Mediterranean-style cottages are commonly photographed, and while you can’t go inside (it’s a private hotel), you can admire them from the sand. They’re located right on the beach – you won’t miss them!

As you’re coming or leaving, be sure to also drive over Soquel Creek (via Stockton Ave.) to get a view of Soquel Creek Railroad Bridge, a now out-of-service bridge from the late 1800s that towers over the creek. 

Eat Lunch and Enjoy the Afternoon in Monterey

Next, you’ll continue down the PCH for just under 40 miles (the longest stretch you’ll drive today) and make your way to Monterey. First stop: lunch. Check out Old Fisherman’s Grotto or First Awakenings (both sit-down service), or try Randy’s Sandwich Shop for something quicker. 

After lunch, make your way over to Cannery Row (and be prepared for some walking!).

Cannery Row was the site of sardine canneries through the 20th century, and now features plenty of fun shops and galleries to browse. Make your way down the street until you hit the next stop: Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The oceanfront Monterey Bay Aquarium is often considered one of the best aquariums in the US. It features over 80,000 animals and plants and has more than 200 exhibits, including a sea otter exhibit and a giant kelp forest (which is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world). 

Once you’re done at the aquarium, continue walking along the coast to make your way towards Lovers Point . Right outside of the aquarium, you’ll find the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail – follow this path. As you walk, be on the lookout for sea lions on the coast!

After you’ve made it to Lovers Point, turn back and head towards your car. Need a caffeine or sugar boost (or both?) before the next stop? Stop by Captain + Stoker for coffee or Revival Ice Cream . 

Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea Via the 17 Mile Drive

For this portion of the road trip, you’re going to stay off the PCH for a bit to make your way to Carmel via the 17 Mile Drive in the Pebble Beach area.

This drive takes you along the picturesque rocky coast and through beautiful forested areas. Enter at the Pacific Grove Gate and pay the $10.75 fee, and then drive down the road just under a mile to turn right and start the official drive (you’ll see a sign). 

There are plenty of lookouts along the way, so stop as you’d like. I’d recommend the Restless Sea Lookout (the most turbulent section of the coastline in the area), the Cypress Point Lookout , and the Lone Cypress Tree Lookout (this one is an iconic spot – definitely stop here!).

Follow the road south, eventually making your way to the Carmel Gate to exit the drive and get to your hotel for the night. 

Where to Stay in Carmel

Here are a few great accommodations in Carmel:

• The Getaway Carmel : This boutique hotel is another great option in the middle of Carmel. It has both rooms and suites available, some of which have fireplaces.
• Carmel Mission Inn : Carmel Mission Inn is located just off the PCH, and is just a short drive away from the main dining and shopping area in Carmel. This modern hotel offers rooms and suites, and has a pool, fitness center, and restaurant. 
• Candle Light Inn : This modern elegant inn is located just steps away from the many amazing restaurants and shops in Carmel. Rooms are spacious, and upgraded rooms have fireplaces. 
• Saddle Mountain Ranch Campground : This campground is seven miles east of Carmel, and has RV and camping sites available, as well as gazebo and luxury tent sites. There are also cabins available for rent, and there is an outdoor pool on-site. Reservations for any of the campsites and cabins can be made online. 

Day 3: Big Sur

This day in the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is dedicated to hiking in and exploring Big Sur .

If you want to make the most of the day, be sure to get out early – it’s a full day ahead! If you aren’t able to hit up every spot on this day, you can also circle back tomorrow and check out the sights that are on the southern side of Big Sur.

Just head into Cambria (where you’ll be staying) when you’re ready to call it a day, and make plans to drive back up the PCH in the morning.   

Two more important notes : first, you won’t find a ton of restaurants or shops in Big Sur, particularly outside of the Posts area. Plan accordingly and bring along food and plenty of water. Second, be sure to fill up on gas in Carmel before heading into Big Sur. Gas stations are few and far between in the region, and they are pricey. 

Hike at Point Lobos

Start the day hiking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a beautiful coastal reserve just north of Big Sur. The full Point Lobos Loop Trail is 6.7 miles long, but you’re going to want to focus on the southern side of the point for today.

Make your way to Bird Island Lookout , and then hike north along the Bird Island Trail to walk by China Cove. Continue up the trail to connect to Point Lobos South Shore Trail , following it up to Sea Lion Point before heading back to your car. For parking, you can park in the lot ($10 fee), or park along the PCH and walk into the park (no charge).

Check Out Bixby Creek Bridge

Next, you’ll head down to PCH for 11 miles until you get to Castle Rock Viewpoint to get a look at Bixby Creek Bridge, an iconic concrete bridge (the tallest of its kind) that was built in the 1930s.

The parking area to the right can get a bit crowded so you might need to wait for a spot, but people cycle in and out fairly quickly. No hiking required – you’ll be able to see the bridge from right off the road!

Stop by Point Sur State Historic Park to See the Lighthouse

Drive 5.5 miles down the PCH and then turn right into Point Sur State Historic Park , where the Point Sur Lighthouse is located. This lighthouse was built in 1889, and is still operational today.

You can walk around the lighthouse, as well as get beautiful views of the coast to the north and south from the point.

Quick note: they do offer tours of the lighthouse , although they are three-hours long. If this interests you, be sure to check if they have tours the day you’re passing through, and just omit a few of the Big Sur stops to allow for ample time for the tour. 

Hike and Enjoy the Beach at Andrew Molera State Park

Drive about three miles down the PCH until you can turn right into Andrew Molera State Park for a hike and a bit of beach time. Pass through the park attendant kiosk and pay for a day use pass ($10) – this will give you access into all the other day use lots in the multiple state parks in the area (except for Pfeiffer Beach – more on that below).

Park, and then follow the signs in the parking lot for the Creamery Meadows Trail . This easy 2.4-mile out-and-back trail will take you right down to the beach.

Hang Out at Pfeiffer Beach

After your hike, you’ll head about 8.5 miles down Highway 1 and turn right onto Sycamore Canyon Road to make your way down to Pfeiffer Beach .

This iconic Big Sur spot is known for its purple sand and massive rock formations, and it’s a beautiful spot to hang out, take photos, or go for a beach walk. This beach is a part of Los Padres National Forest , rather than the state parks in Big Sur, so your day use pass won’t work to park here – you’ll have to pay $12.  

Check Out McWay Falls

McWay Falls – located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – is one of the must-see spots in Big Sur, and it’s located about 10 miles down the PCH from the entrance to Pfeiffer Beach. This gorgeous waterfall is located in a picturesque cove and falls right on the beach.

To see the falls, park at McWay Falls Parking (your day use pass from earlier will work here, but if you skipped the stop, be sure to follow the self registration instructions posted in the parking lot). Go through the tunnel under the highway, and then follow the path out to the viewpoint – the trail is 0.6 miles out-and-back. 

Hike at Limekiln State Park

Important note : at the time of writing this, the trails in Limekiln State Park are closed indefinitely due to fire damage from late 2020. Be sure to check out the Limekiln State Park website for trail status. If the trail is closed, continue down the PCH into Cambria. 

If the trail is open, from McWay Falls, you’ll drive about 15 miles down the PCH and turn left into Limekiln State Park, where you can park using your day use pass.

Follow the signs from the parking lot for the Hare Creek and Limekiln Trail , a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that takes you along the creek through a dense forest and up to some lime kiln ruins that haven’t been in use since the late 1800s. The trail also leads you to the base of Limekiln Falls. 

Where to Stay in Cambria/the Surrounding Area

After your day in Big Sur, you’ll want to continue south to your accommodations for the night.

If you want to stay in a hotel, Ragged Point Inn is your best option, as it is only about 22 miles south of Limekiln State Park. 

For camping, Kirk Creek is a great option, as it is just a couple miles south of the park. The two other hotel options are in Cambria, about 43 miles south.  

• Ragged Point Inn and Resort : This rustic cliffside hotel offers beautiful views of the Big Sur coast. There are both rooms and deluxe rooms available, many of which have fireplaces and patios with ocean views. There is a restaurant on-site, as well as a coffee and wine bar and sandwich stand.  
• White Water : This small, luxury bohemian-style hotel (which is located right across from the beach) has both rooms and suites available, many of which have fireplaces and ocean views. They serve alcoholic drinks and small bites in the lounge, and the rooms come with complimentary coffee and pastries. 
• Moonstone Landing : Just down the street is the boutique and family-owned hotel Moonstone Landing. All rooms have fireplaces, patios or balconies, and full or partial views of the ocean. 
• Kirk Creek Campground : This campground is part of Los Padres National Forest, and sits on top of an ocean bluff. It has 40 tent and RV sites, and reservations can be made online (this is a popular spot, so reservations are essential). 

Day 4: Cambria to San Luis Obispo

On day 4, you’re going to backtrack just a bit up the PCH to check out Hearst Castle and San Simeon, and then make your way back through Cambria before heading to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. 

See the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Elephant Seals in San Simeon

Backtrack up the PCH just a bit  (about 15 miles) for a tour of Piedra Blancas Light Station in San Simeon, which was built in the 1870s and is still operational today.

Advanced reservations are required for self-guided tours (there are docents on-site who can give you additional information), and fees are currently $10 per person. Openings depend on the season, so check the website to see if the lighthouse is open during your visit. 

As you make your way back down the PCH for the next stop, be sure to stop by the Elephant Seal Viewing Point to see the largest seals in the northern hemisphere.

The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world, and you can admire them (for free!) from this viewpoint. 

Tour Hearst Castle in San Simeon

Next, head just a few miles down the road to the historic Hearst Castle (important note: at the time of writing this, Hearst Castle is closed for tours due to road repairs, and is expected to reopen in early 2022. Check the website for the most up-to-date information).

Construction of Hearst Castle started in 1919, and continued for nearly 30 years until it was transformed into what it is today: an opulent hilltop estate with 115 rooms, on a property with acres of gardens and beautiful pools.

The main house features William Randolph Hearst’s art collection, and you also get incredible views of the coast below. 

There are three 60-minute daytime tours available. The “ Grand Rooms Tour ” is a must for first-time visitors, and tickets start at $25 for adults.

After your tour, you’re allowed to continue walking around the gardens on your own – but keep in mind that you must reserve at least one tour in order to get access to the property. 

Advanced reservations are required, so be sure to schedule your tour online before visiting. When visiting, you’ll need to park at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center , and then take a shuttle up to the estate prior to your tour time. 

Grab Lunch in Cambria

After your visit to Hearst Castle, you’ll make your way back into Cambria for lunch.

Hidden Kitchen (known for savory and sweet variations of their blue corn waffles), Boni’s Tacos (a casual taqueria that also has a food truck), and Cafe on Bridge Street (sandwiches, burgers, and salads) are all great options. 

Check Out Morro Rock in Morro Bay

Once you’ve finished lunch, hop back in the car and drive 20 miles south to Morro Bay, and make your way to Morro Rock Beach .

Morro Rock is a massive rock formation (sometimes referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific”), and is a historic landmark. This rock was formed around 23 million years ago from the plug of a volcano, and stands at 576-feet tall.

Admire the views of the rock, and enjoy a walk down the beach. Be sure to also keep an eye out for sea otters!

Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in San Luis Obispo

Hop back on the PCH and make your way down to San Luis Obispo, which is about 14.5-miles south of Morro Rock Beach. Grab some dinner at Old SLO BBQ in the downtown area (the location on Higuera Street).

After dinner, if you’re in the mood for a beer, head to Barrelhouse Brewing Co . If you’d prefer a cocktail, head over to the bar at Sidecar . Both of these spots are just down the street from Old SLO BBQ. 

Where to Stay in San Luis Obispo

Here are a few hotels to consider for your stay in SLO:

• Hotel San Luis Obispo : Located in the downtown area, this modern urban resort has both rooms and suites available. There are multiple dining and bar options on-site, as well as a pool, spa, and fitness studio. 
• Granada Hotel & Bistro : This historic upscale boutique hotel (which was built in 1922) is located downtown, and has 17 rooms. There is a restaurant and bar on-site, and the hotel has bikes available to borrow to explore SLO. 
• San Luis Creek Lodge : This bright and airy modern hotel is located just a mile away from downtown. There are queen and king rooms available, which come with complimentary local coffee and pastries. 

Day 5: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara

On day 5, you’ll start off with some easy hiking and beach time, and then continue south towards Santa Barbara, enjoying some wine tasting and other treats along the way. 

Hike the Bluffs in Montaña de Oro State Park

Start the day with a bluff-side walk in Montaña de Oro State Park , a beautiful oceanside park.

For this stop, you’ll be going a bit off the PCH, which you might’ve noticed technically ended in Downtown SLO where it intersects with Highway 101. You’ll drive west via Los Osos Valley Road for about 30 minutes (just over 16 miles) from SLO to Montaña de Oro State Park.

When you’re done, you’ll head back towards SLO the same way you came to connect with Highway 101, and then make your way to the next stop (Avila Beach). 

In the state park, the Bluff Trail has an easy walking path that gives you incredible views of the coast. Park near the trailhead , and follow the signs for the trail. While the full path is 4.1-miles, you can easily go as far as you’d wish on this out-and-back trail and then turn back. 

Enjoy the Beach and Check Out a Farm in Avila Beach

After your hike, you’ll backtrack a bit, following Los Osos Valley Road to connect with Highway 101 just south of Downtown SLO, making your way to Avila Beach.

First stop is Pirate’s Cove. Park at the Pirate’s Cove parking lot , and then follow the Cave Landing Trail down to Smuggler’s Cave .

Backtrack up the trail just a bit to follow the off-shoot that goes down to Pirate’s Cove Beach for a beachside walk. 

After the beach, head over to Avila Valley Barn , which is just two miles away from Pirate’s Cove. The farm stand (which is big!) and sweet shop are both open daily, so pick up some goodies to take home or food for the road (or to enjoy on the property). 

They also have a smokehouse if you want a heartier lunch, and you can spend some time interacting with the animals, going on a hayride, or picking your own fruits and vegetables.

Check the website for up-to-date hours and information – besides the farm stand and sweet shop, these activities aren’t open daily, and some are seasonal. 

Grab a Treat and Walk Down the Pier in Pismo Beach

Once you’ve wrapped up at the farm, you’ll drive about five miles down Highway 101 into Pismo Beach. If you need a caffeine boost, stop by Scorpion Bay Coffee . If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, try Surfside Donuts or Old West Cinnamon Rolls .

From there, walk through town and down to the Pismo Beach Pier , where you can continue your stroll before making your way back to the car. 

Go Wine Tasting in Los Olivos

Next, you’ll continue down the coast to enjoy a bit of wine tasting, but first, a quick note about the PCH.

You’ll notice that the PCH starts up again in Pismo Beach, going straight through the downtown area. While you can continue down the PCH to the next stop if you want, it’s going to be more efficient to continue down Highway 101, so I’d recommend taking that route instead.

This portion of the PCH isn’t too exciting, and you’ll connect back up with Highway 1 before heading into Santa Barbara. 

Drive down Highway 101 to make your way to Koehler Winery , which is about 48 miles south of Pismo Beach. This winery in the Santa Ynez Valley has a large outdoor area with open seating, and an extensive tasting menu that allows you to build your own flight.

Another highlight: there are emus on the property! Koehler also does not require reservations (unless you’re with a larger group), so it’s the perfect road trip stop. 

Not into wine? Then head into the town of Los Olivos and stop by Tin City Cider’s taproom and do a cider tasting instead! 

Check Out Solvang

Once you’ve finished your tasting, head down to Solvang, which is about an 11-mile drive from Koehler Winery. Solvang – AKA the Danish capital of America – is a small town known for its picture-perfect Danish-style architecture and fun shops and restaurants. 

Stroll down Copenhagen Drive and the surrounding streets, and be sure to snap a photo of the Solvang Windmill . There are plenty of unique boutiques throughout town, as well as tasting rooms if you want to try a bit more wine ( McClain Cellars is a great choice).

You also can’t stop in Solvang without trying some aebleskivers, which are fluffy Danish pancake balls. Stop by Solvang Restaurant to order some – it has a walk-up window for to-go orders, so you don’t need to dine indoors. 

Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in Santa Barbara

After exploring Solvang, make your way into Santa Barbara (33 miles away) for dinner and drinks. For dinner, try Bluewater Grill (a seafood restaurant with views of the water), Loquita (a Spanish tapas restaurant), or Los Agaves (a traditional Mexican restaurant). 

Once you’re done eating, head into The Funk Zone for drinks. This is Santa Barbara’s arts and culture district, with plenty of wine tasting rooms and bars. Many of the tasting rooms close on the earlier side, but Paradise Springs Winery is a great spot that stays open a bit later.

Alternatively, for beer, try Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company , and for cocktails, try Test Pilot (a fun tiki bar). 

P.S. We have a whole guide dedicated to spending a day in Santa Barbara , which you can pull ideas from for your evening and morning.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Once you’re ready to call it a day, spend the night at one of these accommodations in Santa Barbara: 

• Agave Inn : This trendy, southwestern-style inn is a great budget-friendly option, and is located just a couple miles from the Downtown Santa Barbara area. There are both rooms and suites available, and the suites have kitchenettes.
• Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara : Hotel Indigo is located in Santa Barbara’s trendy Funk Zone, and is just a short walk from the beach. There are both rooms and suites available, and there is a fitness center and restaurant on-site. 
• The Waterman : This hotel is also in the Funk Zone, just a few blocks away from the beach. There are queen and king bed rooms available, and there is an outdoor pool on-site.
• Refugio State Beach Campground : This campground is 20 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, and is perfect for those who want to camp on the beach. There are 63 sites, and reservations can be made online. 

Day 6: Santa Barbara to Santa Monica

Start the morning exploring Santa Barbara, and then make your way down the coast for some hiking before getting into Santa Monica. 

Caffeinate and Explore Santa Barbara

Kick off the morning with a cup of coffee from either Dune Coffee Roasters (two locations in the downtown area) or Dart Coffee Co .

Take your drink and walk over to Stearns Wharf for a morning stroll down the pier – you’ll get really nice views of the palm tree lined coast! 

Next, walk down State Street and make your way to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse . This Spanish-Colonial style historic landmark was built in 1929, and is far more ornate than your average courthouse, featuring large murals and impressive tilework.

After walking around the exterior gardens, be sure to climb the Clock Tower (located on the Anacapa Street side) for panoramic views of the city. 

Do an Easy Hike and Watch the Seals in Carpinteria

Once you’re done in Santa Barbara, drive about 13 miles down the PCH/Highway 101 (they’ve merged at this point) into Carpinteria. Park in the lot at the end of 4th Street , and then follow the Carpinteria Bluffs Trail through the Tar Pits Park , which features natural asphalt lakes.

Continue going south down the trail, and make your way to the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary , which is just past the pier. While this whole out-and-back trail is 2.7-miles, you can turn back at this point – you’ll get more hiking later in the day!

Grab Lunch at Ventura Harbor Village

Hop back on the road and drive for about 20 miles down to Ventura to get some food in Ventura Harbor Village.

This waterside village has shops and plenty of restaurants, and is also a fun place to walk around and admire the boats docked in the harbor. Grab some fish and chips (or other delicious casual seafood) at Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market .

Hike in Malibu

Next, head 23 miles down the coast and make your way into Malibu to do a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains in Point Mugu State Park . Turn left onto Sycamore Canyon Road (you’ll see the Point Mugu State Park sign) and pay the day use fee at the kiosk ($3 per hour per car, or $12 for the day) before parking. 

Walk down Sycamore Canyon Road until you can turn left on Scenic Trail, starting the Point Mugu Scenic and Overlook Trails loop. This whole trail is 2.7 miles with a 413-feet elevation gain, and you’ll get incredible views of the mountainous coast from above. 

Hang Out at El Matador Beach

After your hike, you’ll spend a bit of time at one of Malibu’s most iconic beaches: El Matador Beach , which is about 8.5 miles down the PCH. El Matador is known for its large rock formations and caves.

This beach is part of the state parks system, and you’ll need to pay the $8 fee through one of the pay machines or on an app (or you can park on the road for free and walk down).

Watch the Sunset and Get Dinner and Drinks in Santa Monica

Get back in the car and drive about 25 miles down the highway to get to your final stop for the night: Santa Monica. Quick tip: traffic along Highway 1 in this area can get crazy (welcome to Los Angeles!), so mentally prepare yourself before you get back in the car!

Before dinner (or after, depending on your timing), be sure to catch the sunset. Palisades Park – the long park that parallels Ocean Avenue – is a great place to watch the sun go down.  

For dinner, stop by Birdie G’s , a trendy restaurant serving creative comfort food and great cocktails. If you want something closer to the downtown area, try TŪMBI Craft Indian Kitchen , a modern Indian restaurant and bar. For after dinner drinks, stop by The Bungalow , a popular bar with a gorgeous outdoor garden and game room. 

Where to Stay in Santa Monica/Venice

Here are a few hotels that you can check out in Santa Monica, as well as a more budget-friendly option in Venice Beach (just south of Santa Monica).

Psst ! We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay in Los Angeles – check that out for more details.

• Santa Monica Proper : This luxury hotel is tucked away, but still within walking distance of the restaurants and bars in Santa Monica, as well as the beach. There are rooms and suites (many with terraces), and there is a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center on-site. 
• Palihouse Santa Monica : This eclectic, Mediterranean-style boutique hotel has been in operation since 1927, and is just a couple blocks away from the beach. There are rooms, studios with kitchens, and multi-room “residences” available, and there is a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch on-site. 
• The Georgian : The Georgian is an art deco-style hotel dating back to 1933 that is right across the street from the beach, and a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier. There are both rooms and suites available, as well as a restaurant on-site. 
• The Kinney : This Venice hotel is a more budget-friendly option, and is located just a few steps away from the many shops and restaurants on trendy Abbot Kinney. This colorful hotel has both rooms and suites, and there is a breakfast restaurant on-site. 

Day 7: Santa Monica to San Diego

On your last day, you’ll explore Venice before checking out some of the beach towns in Orange County and San Diego, with a bit of light hiking along the way.

You’ll spend a bit more time in the car today, and will undoubtedly run into some traffic, so make sure you download some podcasts or good music!

Grab Coffee and Stroll Around Venice

Head about three miles south of Santa Monica to Venice, and pick up some coffee at Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney. If you’re a donut-for-breakfast kind of person, I’d recommend also walking down the street to grab one (or a box) from Blue Star Donuts . 

Next, walk over to the Venice Canals . These man-made canals were constructed back in the early 1900s, bringing a bit of Venice, Italy to Los Angeles. There are walkways and bridges that allow you to explore the residential area. 

From there, walk down South Venice Boulevard towards Ocean Front Walk, following this oceanside path to Windward Plaza . You’ll pass by street vendors, and likely see some performers as well. You can also walk over to the Public Art Walls to check out the graffiti, and of course, walk down to the water. 

Do an Easy Coastal Hike in Palos Verdes

After Venice, drive about 20 miles down the PCH to the trailhead for Bluff Cove Trail in Palos Verdes. Park on the northern side of the trail on Paseo Del Mar , and then walk south along the trail.

The walking path is only about half a mile long, but it gives you beautiful views of the coast. Take in the view and walk as far as you’d like before turning back to your car. 

Eat Lunch in Huntington Beach

Next, head about 30 miles south to Huntington Beach to grab lunch.

Right on the PCH, you can try Burnt Crumbs (gourmet sandwiches and burgers) or Lemonade (a cafeteria-style restaurant with healthier options known for its variety of lemonade flavors).

A bit more inland, you can try Mama’s on 39 , a popular comfort food restaurant with an all-day breakfast menu.  

Enjoy the Coast in Laguna Beach

Continue down the PCH for about 15 miles to get to Laguna Beach. Here, you’ll head to Heisler Park , which sits above the water. This park features different art installations, and has multiple staircases that lead down to the small beaches in the area.

Explore the walking path, eventually making your way to the Heisler Beach Staircase to get down to the beach, where there are plenty of cool tide pools to check out.

Walk Through Encinitas

Next, drive about 48 miles down the coast to Encinitas, a laid back beach town in San Diego county.

Drive by the classic Encinitas sign , and grab an ice cream at Gelato 101 , or a coffee at Better Buzz .

Do a bit of window shopping in the cool vintage shops and local boutiques, and be sure to get a view of the beach from D Street Viewpoint Park . 

Get Dinner and Drinks in La Jolla Before Heading Home

If you have some time to spare before your flight home, stop in La Jolla to celebrate the end of your road trip with some dinner and drinks.

To enjoy some beautiful coastal views while you dine, I recommend getting dinner and drinks at George’s at the Cove , a multi-level restaurant that has both casual and more upscale dining rooms.

Alternative Road Trip Itineraries: 3 & 5 Days

If you don’t have a whole week to spare, here are some condensed itineraries that will get you down to San Diego a bit quicker.

3-Day Itinerary

On day 1, you’ll go from San Francisco to Monterey. Grab coffee at Soul Grind Coffee in Pacifica, and then drive south to do the Skyline to the Sea Trail Short Loop hike in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. After your hike, you’ll stop by Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz before grabbing lunch in town.

Next, drive down to Monterey to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium , followed by a walk out to Lovers Point. Enjoy dinner in Monterey before calling it a night. 

On day 2, you’ll drive from Monterey to Santa Barbara. Pick up snacks and lunch to-go to enjoy later in the day, and then drive into Big Sur. Stop by the viewpoint to see Bixby Creek Bridge, and then make your way down to Pfeiffer Beach.

Next, drive south and enjoy the short hike out to McWay Falls. Continue towards San Simeon for a tour of Hearst Castle . Make your way into Santa Barbara for dinner and drinks. 

On your final day, stop by the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Stearns Wharf before driving down to El Matador Beach. Grab lunch in Santa Monica, and then drive south to Heisler Park in Laguna Beach for a coastal walk. Finish your 3-day road trip with dinner and drinks in La Jolla. 

5-Day Itinerary

On day 1, you’ll go from San Francisco to Monterey, just like in the 3-day itinerary – so follow the day 1 itinerary above!

On day 2, you’ll drive down to San Luis Obispo. Pack up snacks and lunch for the day, and drive through Big Sur, stopping by the Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint, Pfeiffer Beach, and McWay Falls. Hike the Hare Creek and Limekiln Trail in Limekiln State Park, and then head to San Simeon for a tour of Hearst Castle . Drive into SLO for dinner and drinks. 

On day 3, you’ll make your way down to Santa Barbara. Hike the Bluff Trail in Montaña de Oro State Park before driving to Avila Beach, where you’ll follow the Cave Landing Trail to Smuggler’s Cave and Pirate’s Cove Beach.

Stop by Avila Valley Barn to grab some food and check out the farm, and then do some wine tasting at Koehler Winery in Los Olivos. Make your way into Santa Barbara for dinner and drinks. 

On days 4 and 5, you’ll drive from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica, and then Santa Monica to San Diego. Days 6 and 7 in the 7-day itinerary above follow this timeline, so just use those guides for your final two days!

When to Plan a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip

There’s no bad time to do this road trip, but some seasons are a bit more favorable over the others. If possible, I’d recommend doing this trip in the late summer or fall. The weather will be warm, skies should be clear, you likely won’t run into rain, and crowds won’t be as crazy in the popular stops. 

In the early summer, there’s a good chance you’ll deal with some classic “June gloom” – which means foggy (and sometimes windy) weather. 

You’re also more likely to run into rain in the winter and spring. 

Kyra is a freelance writer and a California native who has lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. She loves spending her free time hiking, taking photos, and exploring Southern California and the rest of her home state.

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Itineraries

The perfect san francisco to san diego road trip.

If you’re looking for the quintessential California road trip then you cannot go wrong with the Pacific Coast Highway. Also known as Highway 1, this San Francisco to San Diego road trip will take you by some of the most iconic towns and jaw-dropping scenery in California. It is truly a trip to be remembered.

The drive along Highway 1 is about 570 miles total and it’s recommended that you plan to spend five to seven days (at least) enjoying the highlights of this iconic road trip. This will allow you to take your time and really experience the beauty of the California coast without feeling too rushed.

Our itinerary starts in San Francisco and ends in San Diego . The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that you’ll be on the coastal side of the road. When you’re driving and can see the ocean the whole way, you’ll thank me.

You can do this road trip in your car, staying overnight at hotels or campsites, or you can rent an RV that you can camp overnight in.

The way we’ve laid out the itinerary is just one way to do it. There are dozens of possibly stops along the way, and you can really configure it however you want to suit your tastes. So just mix and match and have a good time!

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco , Los Angeles , Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey , waterfalls in Southern California , and national parks.

Table of Contents

What is the Pacific Coast Highway?

This highway actually traverses the entirely West Coast, from the top of Washington all the way down to the Mexico border. It runs along two highways – US 101 in Washington, Oregon, and the northern part of California and US 1 from there until San Diego. In total, it’s 1,675 miles and it goes past some of the most beautiful parts of the United States.

The typical Pacific Coast Highway road trip is from Leggett, CA, in the north, to San Diego, but for most people that’s quite far, so we’ve decided to define ours as San Francisco to San Diego. You can save the northern part for a Northern California road trip later on.

Here are some different routes if you’re looking for other San Francisco road trips .

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Route

Distance:  571 miles Suggested Duration:  5-7 days

Suggested Stops on this San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip

Carmel-by-the-sea, pismo beach.

• Malibu Beach

Some of the highlights of a PCH road trip include visiting the beautiful bay area and San Francisco, where you’ll also want to spend a few days exploring, taking time to see the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, and walk along the Pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Moving a little bit further south, the Monterey Bay area including the charming town of  Carmel-by-the-Sea  and the gorgeous Monterey beaches  both have a lot to offer travelers.

Another highlight of the PCH is visiting the incredible natural area of Big Sur and taking in it’s stunning scenery, from the dramatic Bixby Creek Bridge to dramatic cliffs, and the insane views.

Santa Barbara and the surrounding wine country is one of our favorite places to spend time. Then you’re off to the charming town of Ventura with untouched beaches and tons of local craft breweries . The beaches of Malibu, and all the dozens of sights to see in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

San Francisco is the starting point of this road trip itinerary. There are tons of things to do in this city , including the following. So you might choose to spend a few days here before you start your road trip. On your way out of town look for these places to see Redwood trees , they really are a sight to see.

One of the most vibrant and picturesque cities in the United States, San Francisco is known for its delicious seafood, world-famous attractions and glorious views. San Francisco offers a significant number of cultural attractions and world famous landmarks, all in the surroundings of impressive natural beauty. You will want to try a few of these San Francisco bakeries while you are there.

• Golden Gate Bridge (visitor center with exhibits and guided tours)
• Golden Gate Park is much more than just a park. It has lakes and hiking forests, even some bison live there. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and enjoy the scenery.
• Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the main attractions for visitors, though it is a little overly touristy in my opinion, you’ll still go there to see the sea lions and eat some seafood.
• Take a boat tour out to Alcatraz – America’s most famous (now-closed) prison in an island.
• Check out some of the city’s neighborhoods, like North Beach, Union Square, Mission, and Chinatown.

» Try this tour: San Francisco Love Tour

Our Recommended Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ InterContinental San Francisco ✔️ Indoor pool ✔️ Pet friendly

Monterey is a gorgeous place that you really shouldn’t miss on your road trip. You can stop on Cannery Row and take a walk from the Aquarium down to the other end, passing all kinds of shops along the way. If you stop in at the aquarium and eat lunch or dinner, you should expect to spend about 3-4 hours here.

• Discover Old Fisherman’s Wharf with its great restaurants, seafood, and unique shops.
• Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium with over 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits and approximately 550 different species of marine life.
• Visit some of Monterey’s amazing beaches
• Take one of the numerous whale watching boat cruises to see Grey and Killer whales, dolphins, turtles, porpoises, sea lions and more.
• Take the incredibly scenic  17-mile drive  past Pebble Beach

» Try this tour: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

17-Mile Drive

I think you can’t miss the 17 mile drive while you’re on a road trip in this area. It will take you a little bit out of the way, but you’re going down to Carmel anyways, so why not take the scenic route?

This short but super scenic drive goes through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, along the Monterey Peninsula, past beautiful beaches, the famous Pebble Beach golf course, and incredible mansions. There is a gate fee of $11.25 per vehicle.

» Try this tour: 17 Mile Drive Guided E-bike Tour Pebble Beach From Monterey

Just south of Monterey lies the beach city of Carmel , also known as Carmel-By-the-Sea. Although the city has a population of less than 4,000 people it has over 90 art galleries, numerous antique shops, 14 churches, more than 50 hotels, resorts and inns, 2 golf courses, several restaurants and outdoor cafes, over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms, and numerous souvenir and boutique shops.

• Go wine tasting in nearby  Carmel by the Sea , one of the cutest little towns you’ll ever visit.
• Go shopping at the many high-end boutique shops.
• Spend some time on the gorgeous beach – have a picnic, enjoy the weather.
• Visit the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum.

» Try this tour: Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea

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Point Lobos State Marine Reserve

Just a few miles south of Carmel is the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve . If you leave Carmel in the morning, you can take advantage of the things the park has to offer and get on to Big Sur as well.

Point Lobos has so much to offer, not just in amazing views, but in sheer number of things to do. You’re definitely going to want to have your camera ready because this jutted piece of land just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea is absolutely stunning.

Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming are all permitted in Point Lobos. It’s a top spot for birding, hiking, and trail running. The Point Lobos trail is a 6.7 mile hike that takes about 3 hours to complete.

The reserve has eight beaches: Gibson Beach, Headland Cove, Hidden Beach, Moss Cove, Sea Lion Cove, Weston Beach, Whalers Cove, and China Cove.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

When you think of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, you’re likely picturing Big Sur. Bixby Creek Bridge, also known as Bixby Canyon Bridge, on the Big Sur coast, is one of the most photographed bridges in the United States. You’re going to want to get there around midday to get the best light for pictures.

Big Sur is actually the whole stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. Highway 1 carves along the steep cliffs with dramatic views and the road is beautiful, but hazardous. It’s really only best to drive it in good weather conditions.

• McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall created by McWay Creek that falls down off the cliff onto a beach below. The turquoise cove and wonderfully green cliffs make a stunning backdrop for the waterfall.
• Pfeiffer Beach is a purple sand beach, created by particles of manganese garnet washing down onto the sand. It’s a very photographable beach, especially at sunset.
• Sand Dollar Beach, about 30 miles south of the bridge is this great crescent shaped, gorgeous beach that’s great for a stop.

There are just dozens of other things to do that we won’t mention here. Go to this post to see more.

Overnight in Big Sur

If you’re camping or in an RV, stop at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground on the north side or San Simeon Creek Campground to the south.

There are no large attractions, theme parks or crowds of people, just twenty three miles of beautiful sandy, uncrowded beaches and sand dunes surrounded by golf courses, wooded areas and small towns.

• Lie on a white sand beach soaking up the sun during the day.
• Go for long moonlit walks along the oceans edge at night.
• Go whale watching for gray, humpback and killer whales. View dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, pelicans and seagulls.
• See huge colonies of giant elephant seals up close.
• Dig your own clams for lunch or dinner.
• Visit one of the most spectacular Monarch Butterfly Groves in the country
• Go hiking – there are 13 very scenic hiking trails in the area

Not far from Morro Bay is San Simeon , where the ranch home of William Randolph Hearst can be visited. Hearst Castle is a must-visit. And the nearby Hearst Ranch Winery is a great way to wrap up your stay. Then head onward to Cambria , another gorgeous beach town along the way.

» Try this tour: Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo

If you’re into wine tasting, a stop for the rest of the afternoon and an overnight in San Luis Obispo is just the thing. We love going wine tasting in San Luis Obispo. You can through town and down Orcutt Road to hit up wineries like Tolosa , Baileyana , Saucelito Canyon , and Edna Valley Winery .

This is also a great place to stop for the night if you’ve chosen to do some wine tasting. There are plenty of good hotels to choose from and we really highly recommend going to Firestone Grill for their super popular Tri Tip Sandwich, which is so very good. For me, it’s truly one of the highlights of this San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary.

The beaches offer a quiet spot to relax and unwind, a place to surf or kayak, and family-friendly beaches with plenty of activities.

» Try this tour: Taste of SLO – Downtown Walking Food Tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Courtyard by Marriott San Luis Obispo ✔️ Perfect location ✔️ Pool

If you’re up early, go for the short drive to Pismo Beach and head straight down to the beach for a morning walk. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove , which shelters monarch butterflies that migrate to Pismo State Beach in the cooler months. It’s really incredible. Trust me.

The historic Pismo Beach Pier extends 1,200 feet into the ocean and connects to downtown where you can find some of the area’s best clam chowder at Splash Cafe. Also be sure to see the Dinosaur Caves Park, which has some really stunning views.

» Try this tour: Pismo Beach, California, Surf Lessons

Located among the striking Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a coastal wonderland like no other. With deep turquoise waters dipped in a small-town feel, this city is a top choice for travelers seeking to enjoy adventures with some beautiful backdrops and amazing wine to go with it..

Whether you prefer sipping fine wine while the sun sets on the shimmering bay, want to go for a hike , or you’re looking to sail the seas for some whale watching, you’re in for a treat.

When time allows, we love spending a day in the Santa Ynez Valley which is chockful of wineries, especially in Los Olivos . Maybe even stop for dinner at the famous Hitching Post II.

Ready to embark on an island adventure? Santa Barbara is situated close to Channel Islands National Park . This network of five islands is filled to the brim with outdoor activities, such as kayaking and scuba diving.

» Try this tour:   Do wntown Santa Barbara Food Tour

You might not have heard of Ventura before. Its not one of the regulars on the California travel list. Originally called San Buenaventura, this small city has been overlooked for a long time, and that’s probably just how the locals prefer it. But it’s changed quite a bit over the years and is now a destination not to miss.

Located halfway between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara, Ventura is one of the last remaining untouched beaches. There are very few resorts here, and the beach – which is almost always uncrowded – still very much belongs to the locals. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful and uncrowded place to hang out on the beach, this is definitely where you should go.

The Main Street has gone to pedestrian only and the number of great restaurants and shops that line the street are ever increasing. The old San Buenaventura Mission is an interesting place to visit. There are also  11 craft breweries in Ventura , which is perfect for a beer crawl.

Los Angeles, California is a place of beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and many popular attractions. Contrary to what most people think, Los Angeles is a melting pot of culture and history. There is always something to do in L.A. and its surrounds.

• One of the most popular attractions in LA, Hollywood Boulevard was once home to the greatest studios and a milieu of popular celebrities and visitors. Now, it is a street lined with pricey souvenir shops and boutiques, as well as generic, expensive restaurants.
• Universal Studios is a great place to come if you have kids. However, while the rides are amusing, are not as great as they’re made out to be.
• If you have some time to kill, hike up to the Hollywood sign or find these places to catch a great view . It’s a somewhat strenuous hike, so be prepared.
• One of LA’s most visited locations, Melrose Avenue boasts expensive dining and lots of shopping.
• The grove is a small shopping center with a number of high end boutiques, good food, and an excellent place for people watching and window shopping.
• The farmer’s market at the Grove is an excellent way to enjoy your trip to Los Angeles.

» Try this tour: Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

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Los Angeles to San Diego

After leaving LA, your first stop is the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Here, you can stroll along the pier, enjoy the amusement park rides, and take in the stunning ocean views.

Head to Manhattan Beach, a laid-back coastal town. Spend your time walking along the scenic Manhattan Beach Pier. Explore the local shops and enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Drive towards Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk. This seaside amusement park offers a variety of attractions, from classic roller coasters to arcade games.

Head towards Oceanside. It’s a long drive, so consider stopping along the way for dinner. Visit the Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, and enjoy breakfast at a cafe with ocean views.

In 1769 a small Spanish colony became the  first European settlement  in California. It is often referred to as the birthplace of this great state. One of the most beautiful cities in California, the urban playground of San Diego is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a beach vacation with a twist.

Make your way through the intricate tapestry of San Diego’s neighborhoods and delve into a wide array of nooks and crannies to explore. That should include checking out the vibrant food scene either on your own or through a food tour . If you’re looking for the best things to see in California, Balboa Park is embellished with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and has up to 17 museums to explore.

Balboa Park has various famous attractions in the vicinity to experience and enjoy. A  San Diego Zoo tour  is a great experience for travelers who love animals. This walk on the wild side endeavor includes an interactive excursion with some of the cutest critters in the world.

• See the USS Midway Museum and walk along the waterfront
• Visit Balboa Park, where you’ll find the San Diego Zoo, more than 16 museums, and a performing arts venue.
• Spend a day walking around La Jolla , eating at El Pescador Fish Market, seeing the sea lions , and the La Jolla Caves.
• Do a brewery crawl to Ballast Point, Bolt, and Stone Brewing.
• Visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California.

» Try this tour:   Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket in San Diego

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How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to San Diego?

It takes roughly 10 hours to drive the full 570 miles of this road trip from San Francisco to San Diego, but that doesn’t take into account any stops or any traffic, and I’m sure there will be plenty of those two things in your trip. It is suggested that you take 5 to 7 days to complete this California road trip from San Francisco to San Diego.

Where should I stop on the road trip from San Diego to San Francisco?

I’ve included a lot of possible stops on this road trip itinerary. The reason I give options in each area is so that you can choose the things you want to do in each area. You can also skip a stop, or add in a stop that I didn’t include. There is a great amount of flexibility in your road trip. I do recommend at least venturing into each of the areas I’ve included because they are all very much worth a stop.

What is halfway between San Diego and San Francisco?

San Luis Obispo is about the halfway point on this road trip to San Diego from San Francisco. It’s a small town, but there are lots of great restaurants and bars to spend an evening while you rest up for the second leg of your trip.

How much would it cost to drive from San Diego to SF?

Gas prices will greatly dictate how expensive the drive itself is. With gas prices at around $5.50, you can expect it to cost around $120 to drive the whole trip.

Traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway is one of those momentous things that you’ll never forgot. It’s always one of the trips that people tell me they enjoyed the most of anywhere they’ve been. It’s easy to see why once you’ve done it. The sheer number of epic views you’ll come by are enough to cement it in your mind forever.

Start planning your San Francisco to San Diego road trip with this guide. You’ll be so glad you didn’t put it off. California has so much to offer in the way of scenery and views.

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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.

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Pacific Coast Highway – from San Francisco to San Diego

The San Francisco to San Diego drive via the Pacific Coast Highway can easily be called “the road trip of a lifetime.” A winding path that hugs a brilliant, undeveloped coast, endless lookout points, and vistas for days – you will find all this and much more on the PCH. In addition to the beauty, route 1 (an alternative name for the Pacific Coast Highway) is a convenient place for a road trip. Rental cars are plentiful, gas is cheap, and hotels come in every price range, from the most luxurious to the most affordable. Whatever kind of vacation you are looking for, chances are you’ll find it on the PCH. Let’s explore the coastline with this list of the best things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. 

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• What is the Pacific Coast Highway, the PCH and Route 1, California Highway?
• How Long Does it Take to Drive From San Fransisco to San Diego?

Pacific Coast Highway Travel Tips

• San Francisco To Los Angeles Via the Pacific Coast Highway

San Francisco

• Half Moon Bay
• Monterey Bay
• Elephant Seal Viewpoint
• Hearst Castle
• Santa Barbara
• Part 2 – Pacific Coast Highway – LA and Beyond
• Pacific Coast Highway Map

Pacific Coast Highway Playlist

Please note: This post may contain some affiliate links.

Packing Travel Tip :

I have been scouring Amazon for the highest quality, most helpful travel items. From the softest leggings (perfect for the flight) to the most stylish suitcase, these are the best travel products on Amazon, designed to make your vacation even better. Go check out these great finds !

What is the Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1 California, and the PCH

The Pacific Coast Highway is a picturesque road that stretches down the entire coast of California. Built in stages, the PCH uses many different names. They all mean the same thing. Route 1 California, Pacific Coast Highway, and the PCH all describe the same winding road. For much of the 655 miles, the highway hugs the coast – and incredible views are only part of the fun. If you love road trips, be sure to add the Pacific Coast Highway to your bucket list.

Please note: This blog post may contain some affiliate links. More info .

How Long Is the San Fransico to San Diego Drive?

There are so many stops along the Pacific Coast Highway, you can easily take 2 or more weeks to drive its length, especially if you are going all the way from San Fransisco to San Diego. However, the most common Pacific Coast Highway itinerary calls for one week. Seven days should give you enough time to stop in all the big towns and many small ones, and spend some quiet time taking in the views. Be sure to build in extra time. There are so many lookout points and hiking trails, many find that driving from San Fransisco to San Diego takes much longer than you thought.

To plan a great trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, start with arranging your transportation. If you are flying into California, you’ll need to rent a car. The best way to do so is by using an aggregate site to find a good deal. Keep in mind, that unless you plan on driving all the way back to San Francisco, you’ll need a car rental agency that gives you the option of picking up in one location and dropping off in another.

If you are looking for a luxury trip, a convertible rental might be a good option. If you are looking to explore nature, a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be in order. However, most of the time on the PCH a sedan will do just fine. The road is a fun, winding path – if you enjoy a great drive you might wish to upgrade to a sports car.

Best Prices For Rental Cars From San Fransisco To San Diego:

• Discover Car Hire

We start our trip in San Francisco, the beauty on the bay.  This thriving metropolis is famous for a few things – the Golden Gate Bridge, the oldest Chinatown in the United States, and the expensive lifestyle of the locals. Although I only spend 1 day in San Francisco you can easily spend 3 or more days exploring this town. 

However, no matter how long you are here, there are a few things you shouldn’t miss on this day 1 of your Pacific coast highway stop.  My first recommendation would be to explore the thriving Chinatown.    

Explore San Francisco’s Chinatown – Best Things to Do on the PCH

Established in the 1850s, the oldest Chinatown still welcomes new arrivals today. There are many things to do in Chinatown. When you get hungry, stop by House of Nanking to dine on delicious Sesame Chicken. Follow that with a dessert from the tiny Golden Gate bakery. Then, stroll over to find Chinatown’s hidden temples (Ma Tsu and Tin How). And don’t forget to stop by the Golden Gate Cookie Factory to see how the fortune cookie crumbles.

Watch the Sun Rise Over the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate bridge is no doubt, San Francisco’s most iconic landmark. One of the best ways to start on your Pacific coast highway road trip is with a view of the sun gently rising over the bridge. The best place to do so is from Hawk Hill, the park just north of the Golden Gate. Afterward, continue on the one-way road to Marin Headlands . On this winding park road, you’ll find even more incredible views of the bay, the bridge, and San Francisco.

Pacifica State Beach

Over the course of a road trip over highway 1, you will encounter countless beaches. I think you can travel the road for a month back and forth and you’ll find more beaches each time. One of the first beaches you will see, however, while driving the PCH from San Francisco, is the Pacifica State Beach. Mostly surfers and their four-legged companions visit this rocky and windy this beach. Stop here for a few minutes to enjoy the best of Northern California’s nature.

Things to Do on the Pacific Coast Highway – Grey Whale Cove

At the bottom of a dramatic drop, the Grey whale cove is technically closed – although I saw a few fishermen there. The parking lot is across the highway – which means getting to the cove is a bit sketchy. Above the parking lot, however, you’ll find the head of a trail. Hike here for a great perspective of the cove and the surrounding California shore.

Best Things to Do On the Pacific Coast Highway – Half Moon Bay

A classic California beachside town, Half Moon Bay is the first place you might want to stop overnight while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. In half moon bay, you’ll find a series of beaches. Here too you can discover a small amusement park, a quaint downtown area, and some great eateries.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay

Boasting a long paved trail, Half Moon beach is great to explore on foot or a bike. In addition to the paved path, check out the long coastal trail, a family-friendly free hike with great views.

Later, check out Poplar beach where you can bring your pup and even a horse if you happen to have one.

Swing by the small amusement park in Lemos Farms. Featuring adorable rides and a petting zoo Lemos is an ideal stop for a family trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. If you are in the mood for something really different, check out their goat yoga offering.

Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay

No doubt, the most famous hotel in town is the tony Ritz-Carlton , located on Half Moon Bay’s cliffside. Featuring incredible views and impeccable service the Ritz can really up your California beach town game.

Where to Eat in Half Moon Bay

Sam’s Chowder House is famous for classic clam chowder and stunning seaside views. Enjoy a low key lunch or dinner in this classic California eatery before you continue down the shore on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Santa Cruz – Pacific Coast Highway, best things to do.

Just down the road from Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz is a large California beach town worth exploring. Santa Cruz is the home of the famous Boardwalk and the photographer’s favorite Natural Bridges State Park.

Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Probably the best-known attraction in Santa Cruz is the beach boardwalk. Packed with rides and unusual food options, this is a fun stop for the whole family. Spend the day exploring the boardwalk or take some time off and relax on the beach. The boardwalk is alive with a loud and crazy sort of fun you can only find in an amusement park. And don’t forget to check out the food – ranging from giant donuts to deep-fried twinkies, the weird just doesn’t stop.

After you’ve explored the boardwalk, don’t forget to stop by Natural Bridges State Park. You can park for just a few minutes in the lot and get a picture of the natural bridges or you can spend the entire day exploring Natural Bridge’s hiking trails. The lookout point is easy to get to by car, but for the best views take a few hours to do the hike.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

In a big beach town like Santa Cruz, hotel options are plentiful. However, many tourists rave about the Dream Inn . You’ll find this four-star property right by the boardwalk. In the evening you’ll get the chance to enjoy the hotel’s excellent views as well as a beachfront pool. The convenient location and excellent amenities make the Dream Inn an ideal hotel to stay on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz

A unique option popular with the locals, Laili Restaurant is an Afghan/ Mediterranean cuisine blend. With a great vegetarian offering and reasonable prices, Laili is an unusual place to have dinner while exploring the PCH.

Things to Do on the Pacific Coast Highway – Monterey Bay

When Steinbeck set “ Cannery Row ” here, Monterey Bay was a rough, industrial town. Large pipes, installed on the ocean floor, sucked millions of sardines a day to their involuntary, last swim. The packing plants (located in what today would be prime beachfront real estate) were operated around the clock by recent immigrants and locals.

Here, Steinbeck wrote lovingly of the rough and tumble town full of colorful characters, bordellos, and basic boarding homes. The big dreams of people, fueled by the smallest of fish.

Eventually, like so many other times, humanity exhausted the supply, and the fish disappeared. The last packing plant closed in 1972. It would take a miracle to bring the fish back to Monterey Bay, and a miracle arrived in the form of an aquarium, in, of all years, 1984.

Things to Do in Monterrey Bay

You can’t come to Monterey Bay and not visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium . Pioneers in sea animal research, the Aquarium’s scientific efforts are as legendary as the 550 species on display. Build on a site of a defunct sardine cannery, it is perhaps poetic that the aquarium now focuses on sustainable seafood research. As a fun aside, the animators of Nemo spend months studying the animals and the aquarium before creating their animated masterpiece.

In addition to visiting the aquarium, be sure to stroll Cannery row. Although far from the Cannery Row that greeted Steinbeck, you can still learn plenty about the city’s history. Stroll the row and the seaside to discover how this small town helped feed a hungry world after World War II.

W here to Stay in Mo nterey Bay

Today’s Monterey Bay is a wealthy California beach town, and you’ll find no shortage of high-end hotels here. One of the favorites, however, is the Monterey Plaza and Spa . Conveniently located just minutes from Cannery Row and the Aquarium, the Plaza offers breathtaking seaside views and great service.

Where to Eat in Monterey Bay

Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle is the local diner favorite serving delicious pancakes for breakfast and fresh seafood lunch. For a fancier option, check out Chart House which offers a slew of high-end seafood options.

Big Sur – Pacific Coast Highway

The most famous part of the San Francisco to San Diego drive via the PCH is, no doubt, Big Sur. This wild, undeveloped land stretches all along the coast. Here, route 1 hugs the shoreline and from a high vantage point, you can watch endless waves carve new cliffs into the sea. Take your time traveling this portion, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Driving the Big Sur

Here, the lookout points come every 5 minutes. The road is narrow and winding. Be careful when hugging these curves. Make sure your playlist is loaded because you won’t have any cell connection for a few hours. Eventually, the narrow coastal highway will take you into a magical forest – here is your chance to get out and stretch your legs with a great hike in one of the two St ate parks.

Hiking the Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer State Parks

There is no shortage of great hikes in the Big Sur State Park , but no doubt the most famous hike in the area is McWay Falls, located in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park right next door. Here you’ll get to observe a waterfall land on a beach – a spectacular view. Unfortunately, due to the unusual amount of rain when I visited, Julia Pfeiffer was closed. However, there are tons of other great hikes you can do in this area. Just ask a ranger in either of the parks for guidance.

Bixby Bridge, Big Sur

If the Big Sur is the most famous portion of the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bixby Bridge is the most photographed part of Big Sur. And no wonder – the bridge gracefully rises over a ravine almost 300 feet deep. Be sure to stop here for a picture before you proceed down the PCH. Here is my version:

Elephant Seal Vista Point

As you proceed down route 1, right before our next big stop – Hearst Castle in San Simeon, stop at Elephant seal viewpoint. No doubt one of the coolest parts of this road trip, the Seal Vista gives you an opportunity to watch a large colony of beached seals. Here you’ll find hundreds of Elephant Seals and in the springtime seal babies. Most males are out at sea so unless it’s the mating season you’ll mostly see moms and pups. Several state guides are on hand to ensure nobody gets too close to the seals and answer your questions.

Hearst Castle – Pacific Coast Highway Stop

Hearst Castle was built by an American entrepreneur and philanthropist William Hearst, on the site of a still functioning today family ranch. His initial humble intentions of “building a permanent home” were quickly overshadowed by Mr. Hearst’s ambition. The extensive labor of love took more than 30 years to complete. In partnership with a brilliant architect Julia Morgan, Mr. Hearst put up an extravagant castle complete with a zoo, two pools and priceless works of art.

From the very beginning, Mr. Hearst intended that the castle will become a museum one day. And so, today Hearst Castle is one of the most visited attractions in California. To visit here, be sure to book your tickets in advance . The entrances are timed and in high season they do sell out quickly. The tour takes several hours and afterward, you can wander the castle on your own for as long as you wish.

Morro Bay – PCH

Protected from the winds, Morro Bay has a different feel than many other places you’ll encounter on the Pacific Coast highway. The most famous landmark of Morro Bay is the Volcanic plug (the big rock) located in its harbor. In the bay, you’ll find calm waters ideal for water sports.

Things to Do in Morro Bay, California

Kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, boating and other water sports are popular in the calm Morro Bay. Alternatively, if you are traveling with a family, consider a boat cruise. Sightings of otters and sea lions are common on the cruises – to everyone’s delight. If water is not your cup of tea, Morro Bay offers a variety of dry land outdoor activities – hiking and bicycling along the shore are very popular.

The bay is home to many art galleries but perhaps the most interesting art-oriented activity is the Mural Mile. As you walk along downtown and waterfront you’ll discover dozens of large murals. In the same area, you’ll find quaint boutiques and little restaurants.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops – Solvang

Perhaps the most unexpected stop on the PCH is Solvang , a Danish-inspired town a few minutes off route 1. Boasting old-world architecture complete with a windmill, and, of all things an Ostrich farm at the entrance, this is a fun place to visit if you have the time. In addition to all things Danish, Solvang boasts more than 20 wine tasting rooms and a year-round Christmas store. As I said, it’s an odd one.

Things to Do on the Pacific Coast Highway – Santa Barbara

Often called “the American Riviera” Santa Barbara is legendary for a wealthy lifestyle and a Mediterranean-like climate. A popular tourist destination and located just north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara offers a variety of activities, great hotels and no shortage of delicious food options.

Things To Do in Santa Barabara

There is plenty to do in Santa Barbara, so plan on spending some time here. Perhaps the most popular activity is to tour the Mission Santa Barabara. Build over 200 years ago, the mission continues to serve as a parish church today. You can tour the grounds on your own seven days a week. However, the most interesting tours are docent-led and those take place Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m., Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. While touring with a docent you’ll get to learn about the Mission’s extensive history and its impact on California – and the world.

In addition to The Mission, another great attraction to visit in Santa Barbara is Stearn’s Wharf , a little seaside paradise on the coast. In the wharf, you’ll find several family-friendly attractions – the Natural History Museum and Sea Center is probably the best known. From here you can also enjoy a luxury cruise or rent a fishing rod and catch your own dinner. Finally, do some souvenir shopping and don’t forget to check out great restaurants right on the water.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Conveniently located a 6-minute walk from the Wharf, Hotel Californian is a luxury seaside venue boasting 3 restaurants and countless amenities. Well known among the Hollywood who is who, the Californian is a great place for celebrity spotting.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara

Located inside Hotel Californian Blackbird serves the freshest seafood in town a fancy setting. The locals especially rave about the oysters and octopus. For a more down to earth meal visit Julia Child’s favorite – La Super Rica. Here you’ll find delicious Mexican in a no-nonsense setting.

Pacific Coast Highway – Los Angeles to San Diego

For many people who do the Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles is the last stop. The drive does get lets picturesque after Santa Barbara. However, there is still a great many amazing things to do on the PCH all the way to San Diego. If you are continuing with your journey, my next article picks up where this article leaves off. Drive the PCH to Los Angeles and beyond with Pacific Coast Highway – Los Angeles to San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops – Map

Here is whats on my driving the Pacific Coast Highway playlist:

• Hotel California
• Joshua Tree
• California Love
• Wonderful World
• Body Like a Backroad

I hope you have enjoyed this article. There is no doubt that the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. I think its a terrific vacation that provides something for everyone. Thank you for reading, and see you on the road!

aka Traveltipster

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32 Amazing Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip (You’ll Love)

Posted on Published: May 16, 2022  - Last updated: October 18, 2023

It’s one of the most scenic routes in the USA! The drive on the California Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute gem, and one that begs to be explored. These are the best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

From the rugged, northern coast of California to the classic So Cal beaches near San Diego , there’s so much to see and do along the way. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to make the trip, you’ll love this California Coast road trip!

Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. And while I’ve returned to many places along the drive, I haven’t seen it all. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops.

Let’s dive in!

Plan your San Francisco to San Diego road trip

The California Coast drive can be done in 2 days or a month, filling your days with all the incredible sights and activities in San Francisco, San Diego and everywhere in between.

Throughout this guide you’ll find the best stops along the coast, tips for visiting each spot and what to pack for your epic drive. Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if you’ve got a week in the area.

Note: severe weather events can cause road closures, such as the Big Sur closure of 2023. Check out the official website for Highway 1 closure information to see if there are any current closures and if it will affect your trip!

California Coast road trip distance and route

Driving this epic west coast road trip , along the coast from San Francisco to San Diego, you’ll primarily take the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as US Highway 101/ California Highway 1 . The highway technically starts in Washington state and ends in San Juan Capistrano (just south of the Laguna Beach stop on this itinerary).

So after the official end of Highway 101, you’ll be taking the coastal roads of Camino Del Mar, Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla Blvd, Mission Blvd and so on into San Diego.

The San Francisco to San Diego drive is approximately 615 miles.

The best way to do this trip is from north to south so you can be closer to the coast as you drive. Fly into San Francisco, rent a car and drive to San Diego, where you’ll fly back out.

Pro tip: I always search for discounts on rental cars, and often times save 10-30% using Discover Cars . It’s a search engine for the top rental car companies and it’s free! Book your perfect PCH car here .

How long does a San Francisco to San Diego road trip take? 

Driving straight through, it’s about 17 hours. Of course you’ll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and plenty places you’ll want to see after reading this guide!

It would be incredibly exhausting to do it all in one day! 🥴

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.  But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline!

California Coast road trip map

Here’s a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! Eeek! I’m so excited for you to start this adventure!

California Coast drive – best time of year

Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing road trip.

You may have to deal with road closures in the peak of wildfire season in California, which is July through October.

Unfortunately, this area has seen dramatic droughts the last few years, resulting record-breaking wildfires. That means part of the highway can be closed with no way to pass through except going inland.

The California coast also gets a dense layer of marine fog , which makes for moody views and doesn’t allow you to see as much.

While the fog is essential and provides much-needed moisture to the local ecosystem, it’s not ideal for catching the best sights of the coast. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast.

Therefore, the best time for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip is November through April. The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, it’s not peak tourism season, either.

And as a side note, San Diego is one of the top warm winter vacations in the US , so it’s a great road trip even when most of the states are cold!

San Francisco to San Diego road trip: first up – San Francisco!

Alright so this is a mega guide for everything to do along the way. But first let’s highlight some activities in San Francisco before you start off on your big adventure.

Enjoy these few things – then gas up and hit the road!

1. Golden Gate Bridge

What an iconic sight in the USA – the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! Built in 1937, this absolutely must be a stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip!

Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built.

The Golden Gate Bridge is recognized throughout the globe as one of the longest and tallest suspension bridges, not to mention one of the most photographed! In person, it’s absolutely massive!

Pro tip: I know you’re driving for this epic road trip. But parking at the bridge is extremely limited. So if you’d like to visit it by getting out of your car, park elsewhere and take public transportation or a ride share to the bridge.

If you’d like to walk across the bridge, the pedestrian access is on the east sidewalk. Check the hours before you go as it’s not open 24/7. Oh, and prepare for a windy walk!

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes – follow on Pinterest

2. Muir Woods National Monument

Don’t skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, it’s such a great stop along the coast it simply couldn’t be skipped.

Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. You can opt to stay on flat terrain or walk on the inclines. You can bike as well!

No matter what, you will be in complete awe with the majestic Redwood trees, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The trees are as large as 380 feet, but their seeds are as small as a tomato seed! And while most of them are 500-800 years old, the oldest one is 1,200 years old.

Since it’s close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a marine layer which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth.

There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks.

You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. Weekends and holidays offer shuttle services, where you can make reservations and get picked up from the Muir Woods Shuttle in Pohono State Park and Ride in Sausalito. Admission is $15 for adults ages 16 and over, and free for 15 and younger. 

While there are no campgrounds in Muir Woods, those who want to camp will want to head over to Mount Tamalpais, which is only a 23-minute drive.

And if you’re heading north for a bit, or if you’re starting your trip in Sacramento instead of San Francisco, these Sacramento coffee shops are worth a visit to kick off any road trip!

Recommended by Hannah of Hannah on Horizon – follow on Instagram

3. Land’s End Trail

If you’re exploring San Francisco and you want to get away from the city, but not too far away, the Land’s End trail is the perfect place to go. You’ll see gorgeous views of the ocean, the rugged coastline, and you’ll get a chance to explore a secluded beach – all without leaving the city!

Land’s End Trail is a 3.4 mile loop, but there are several options for parking, and you can make it a shorter out and back trail if you want. The most scenic part is the one that goes along the coast, so most people skip the loop and just walk by the ocean, where you get the best views.

This trail is a must-see, because all the views are absolutely epic!

Land’s End trail is close to the city and not too difficult for most people. It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs – so definitely be prepared for a few hills. The trail is dog friendly, so you can explore with your pup, as long as they are on leash!

When you hike the trail, make sure to take the little detour that goes down to Mile Rock Beach. This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you can’t miss it!

You’ll descend down to the Land’s End Labyrinth, which is a really gorgeous spot on top of a cliff with views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. 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 Francisco’s coast line!

Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee – follow on Instagram

Real quick, if you’re based in or near San Francisco, you’ll want to check out another fun road trip. This guide of the best RV vacations includes details on a route from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. So fun!

Stops along the way: California Coast road trip

Let’s head south from San Francisco to San Diego! These next few stops are just begging to be explored! You’ll see gorgeous views from the California Pacific Coast Highway along the way, too.

Let’s go!

4. Half Moon Bay

Home to 4 beautiful miles of beaches, Half Moon Bay should absolutely be on your list of things to do on a California coast road trip!

Francis Beach is the main beach with the most amenities, and is actually part of the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground . You can also visit Dunes Beach, which has equally gorgeous views of the shoreline and soft sand.

It’s a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isn’t super comfortable for swimming. I would recommend bringing water shoes though, so that walking on the sand is comfortable and you can dip your feet in the water if you’d like to.

There are several walking paths near both Dunes Beach and Francis Beach. In the spring and summertime you’ll see beautiful wildflowers, too! Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive!

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

5. Santa Cruz (a fun stop on this California Coast drive)

A cute little town nestled along the coast, Santa Cruz is a great spot to stop for food, shopping and adventure. Whether you’re road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive.

The most popular tourist attraction is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . It’s amusement park right along the beach is perfect for classic rides and fair food. Kids – and those young at heart – will love the boardwalk.

You can also visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum , home to a hundred years of surfing history in the area. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of today’s surfboard! There’s a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too.

Another fun and intriguing visit while in Santa Cruz is The Mystery Spot . It’s a location in the woods where weird things happen.

Simply put, it defies logic as physics and gravity just don’t make sense here! You’ll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. So cool.

6. Monterey (one of my favorite San Francisco to San Diego road trip stops)

One of my favorite places in California is Monterey. And it’s just a bonus that it’s a perfect stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip!

There’s so many things to do in Monterey that you could spend a whole weekend visiting the city! My favorite activity on the water is kayaking on the bay. Take a tour that specializes in sea life because there’s so much marine life nearby. I especially loved seeing the otters up close while in the kayaks.

Year-round you can take a whale watching tour and witness the magic of these giant creatures! For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium . There’s interactive displays of hundreds of marine life.

Other town highlights include Monterey’s Old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining. If you’re up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! It’s 18 miles long, although you can hop on and off at various points very easily.

7. Pebble Beach

If you’re 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.

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.

Plan to spend the day exploring 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach with pull-outs and parking all along the way. Stop for pictures, do a little beach combing or enjoy a picnic by the ocean.

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. Stroll the wooden boardwalk above the snow-white beach of Spanish Bay going North or South as you begin your day.

Get your camera ready for stops at:

• Spanish Bay Beach
• Restless Sea
• Fanshell Beach
• Cypress Point Lookout
• Crocker Grove
• Lone Cypress

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. Choose from Pebble Beach Golf Links or perhaps The Hay, a 9-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods.

There is an entrance fee of $11.25 charged per vehicle if you wish to enter the private community of Pebble Beach and discover 17-Mile Drive.

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Big Sur: one of the best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip

Here’s a brief overview of Big Sur – we’ll dive into more detail of our favorite spots in a bit!

When planning a California Coast road trip, Big Sur is an absolute must-see area. Big Sur is a 90 mile stretch of highway that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean , with many beaches and parks to stop at for stunning views and relaxing walks along the beach.

You will want to start in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small one-square mile town that features many quaint and unique eateries and gift shops. 

Your next stop will be Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking, a rocky coastline perfect for exploring , and you’ll have a good chance of spotting some seals or sea lions hanging out on the coast. 

Garrapata State Park is next, where you can enjoy hiking trails along both sandy beaches and redwoods.

A quick stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of Big Sur’s most iconic stops, will give you some great views and a great photo op. The purple sand Pfeiffer Beach is next, and you won’t want to miss checking out the keyhole rock. 

Continue to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a short half mile hike will take you to the unique McWay Falls flowing onto the beach. Conclude your visit to Big Sur with a stop at Sand Dollar Beach, where you will find some of the most stunning sunset views. 

Before venturing out for a visit to California’s Big Sur, be prepared. Having a backup paper map and directions is also essential as wi-fi and cell service is scarce along Big Sur.

The last thing you want to do is get lost or miss one of the great stops! Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting.

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And if you’re looking for an incredible adventure along an equally epic coast, consider the Great Ocean Road trips from Melbourne , Australia, where you’ll experience coastal views, forests and even epic wildlife!

8. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Fun fact: Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn’t have any chain restaurants. So if you’re hungry by the time you get to Carmel, California, this is the place to stop!

You’ll find one-of-a-kind local spots that are simply delicious! Also, if you love charming boutique shops, you’ll love stopping in Carmel on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Of course being a beach town, you know there’s one of those to visit, too. Carmel Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in. It’s still a little too northern to swim comfortably, but it’s a great spot for a walk along the beach or to watch the surfers.

If you love architecture or religious sites, you’ll love Carmel Mission Basilica Museum . It’s been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. It is an operating church with services, so be sure to check their schedule for visitations here .

It’s easy to get caught up in this romantic coastal town (I know I could have stayed for at least a week!) Between wine tastings, art galleries, sunsets along the beach – it’s a dreamy destination without the huge crowds!

9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

If you’re looking for a stop along Big Sur that offers gorgeous scenery, a variety of wildlife and hiking, don’t miss Point Lobos State Reserve! This is hands down one of the  best things to do in Big Sur.

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. Whaler’s Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. It is illegal to harass, touch or feed the seals, so please be respectful.

From December – May, watch carefully for water spouts in the ocean, marking the migration of gray whales on their way to feed in the Alaskan waters. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch!

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. There are so many Big Sur hiking trails , and these are definitely worth checking out.

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.

Before you visit, dogs are not allowed, and there is an entrance fee of $10 per car. You can avoid it by parking on the road and hiking into the reserve.

Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the top things to do on this incredible California Coast drive!

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10. Bixby Creek Bridge (the best views on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip)

One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs.

It’s a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. Since it’s completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge.

There are a few ideal photography points near the bridge, the most popular is on the northern end at Castle Rock Viewpoint. If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View.

Both viewpoints are worth visiting if you have the time!

11. Pfeiffer Beach

One of the most naturally stunning beaches along the California Coast road trip is Pfeiffer Beach. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive.

The most prominent feature is this mega rock along the coast called Keyhole Rock. The waves crashing around the rock are really cool to watch.

Pfeiffer Beach is also known for it’s purple sand! The entire beach isn’t purple, but you’ll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. Fascinating!

Pfeiffer Beach isn’t a good beach for swimming. But if you bring your water shoes , you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand.

Getting to Pfeiffer Beach isn’t too tricky – unless you have an RV or trailer. In that case, you’ll have quite the walk! But for most vehicles, you’ll find the turn for Pfeiffer Beach at mile marker 45.64 . The turn to the beach is on Sycamore Canyon Road.

12. McWay Falls (a must-see on this California Coast road trip)

Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is one of the top spots to see in Big Sur. The 80-foot waterfall flows year-around from McWay Creek, situated above the ocean.

For just a little effort, you’ll see one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. This waterfall hike reminds me of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park – it’s so picturesque!

The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. However, if you’re lucky enough to see it during high tide, you’ll watch the water flow directly into the ocean. Super cool!

It’s actually illegal to be on the beach at McWay Falls. It’s completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. The best viewpoint is from the Overlook Trail to McWay Falls .

This out-and-back ‘hike’ is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. You’ll see views from several points along the way, but the closest views to the overlook are at the end of the trail.

Note: there is a $10 per car fee to enter the park.

13. Sand Dollar Beach

This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Sand Dollar Beach requires a parking fee (#worthit).

After you park, there’s a short trail and steps down to the beach – 101 to be exact!

Once at the beach, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. After all, it’s how the beach got its name.

Parts of the shoreline is rocky and if you’re there around sunset, it’s a gorgeous spot to photograph those rays dipping into the ocean along the coast.

If you’re up for a hike, the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail is one worth taking. It’s rated as an easy hike, coming in at 1.6 miles. You’ll get stunning views of Sand Dollar Beach and the surrounding Big Sur area.

San Francisco to San Diego road trip – more stops along the way

Can you believe this list?! What an action-packed road trip. Whether you have one day left or a week, here’s more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary!

14. Hearst Castle

What feels like a testament to America’s Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that period’s glittering overindulgence. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name.

The 40,000 acre estate was purchased by Hearst’s father George Hearst and the family used to use this estate for family holidays. Following his inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919.

It was in the roaring 20’s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. 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. 

Visitors today can experience some of the grandeur of the house and see many of these sites described above. It has the feeling of many of the old royal estates from Europe and beyond.

There were even an incredible amount of domestic and foreign animals that roamed the estate as well. Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion. 

Ticket prices start at $30 for adults and $15 for children. There are quite a few different tours guests can take including evening and holiday themed tours. There’s even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. 

If you love the architecture and history of castles, be sure to add the Downton Abbey Castle to your bucket list, located near London!

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15. Cambria

The little seaside village of Cambria makes for a delightful stop on a California Coast drive. 

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. But if you’re just looking to spend a few hours, Cambria is a great stop for stretching your legs as well!

Wandering the village is among the best  things to do in Cambria . Admire the charming cottages on the residential sections of Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season. In the commercial stretch, you’ll find lots of one-of-a-kind stores to visit, as well as art galleries with beautiful pieces of fine art and antique shops. 

Also in the village, there are numerous quality restaurants, as well as wine tasting and cold brews. Be sure to stop in at Linn’s , a Cambria institution, for a slice of their famous olallieberry pie, and pick up some goodies to take home!

If you enjoy easy walks, stroll the boardwalk trail along the beach, or the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve . Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds.

The walks are easy and family-friendly. In season, you’ll see lots of wildflowers. Sunset is a great time to do these walks. 

Wine lovers can tour area wineries for tastings with views. 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. 

Whatever you choose to do in Cambria during your PCH road trip, you’ll love this charming little coastal village!

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16. San Luis Obispo (a darling stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip)

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. 

And that’s exactly what makes San Luis Obispo one of the best Pacific Coast Highway stops. 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. 

If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. Explore its charming downtown with a food walking tour .

There’s also several cultural landmarks like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Bubblegum Alley and Fremont Theater.  And if you love the big screen, check out the classic drive-in theater, Sunset Drive-In, San Luis Obispo .

If you want to do some hiking, spare half a day for climbing one of Seven Sisters, the dormant vocalic hills that surround San Luis Obispo. The most popular peak among hikers is Bishop Peak , a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that’s considered moderate. 

Take a day trip from San Luis Obispo for a nice getaway to Paso Robles located about 30 miles away. This town is located in the heart of one of the top wine producing region in Central California and is famous for its vineyards along the green rolling hills.

Nearby, you can find Montana de Pro State Park, one of California’s largest state parks that is a postcard perfect destination with gorgeous beaches and blooming flowers during spring. 

There are many beautiful hotels in San Luis Obispo like the famous Madonna Inn or the gorgeous Lomita Ranch in the rustic setting where you can spend a few nights before continuing your trip. 

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17. Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a small coastal city located south of San Luis Obispo. It’s a fantastic stopover on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, known for the endless beaches, outdoor activities, delicious seafood and warm weather. Most people spend 1-2 days here. 

Many visitors start their Pismo Beach day trip at the pier. It’s located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. Surfers can practice their skills catching the waves.

Fishing is allowed from the pier and a handful of people set up their fishing poles to see what their catch of the day is. The pier is also a lovely place to see the gorgeous sunset. Afterward, visitors can walk around to go shopping at the souvenirs and boutique shops. 

Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies fly and rest on the eucalyptus trees from late October to February. There is a short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places. 

Try the fresh seafood and clams. Pismo Beach was known as a “clam capital,” and in the past, people could harvest clams on the beach. Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area.  

Since Pismo Beach is a small city, it’s best to visit on a weekday to have fewer crowds. Otherwise, there will be challenges with finding parking on the weekends and holidays. 

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Not many people have heard of Lompoc, California , but it is a seriously underrated stop on a PCH road trip! Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. 

One of the most popular things to do in Lompoc is to go wine tasting. This lesser-known wine region, called the Santa Rita Hills contains over 60 wineries. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc.

Some of my favorite wineries include Spear Vineyards and Winery , Sweetzer Cellars and Montemar Winery . 

If you’re hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions , La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco . 

Other fun things to do in Lompoc include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park , which is dedicated to the Spanish mission of the area. During the spring and summertime, many of the flower fields are also in bloom. 

In downtown Lompoc, you can go on a mural walk as the area has over 40 murals. There is also the Lompoc Museum which has 2 floors of exhibits about the area. If you have an Electric Vehicle, there are also plenty of places to charge near the downtown. 

Lompoc is a great stop to spend the night as well because hotels are pretty affordable and way cheaper than Santa Barbara. The O’Cairns Inn and Suites is a very affordable option that comes with a delicious breakfast and happy hour.

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19. Solvang (one of the most underrated stops on this California Coast road trip)

Step back into time with a visit to Solvang, California! It has the cutest town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. Combine that with the Danish architecture, and the young and old will love to see the interesting buildings in the town! For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights!

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. Many restaurants have outdoors dining in the summertime, which is honestly just perfect.

Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, you’re in wine country! One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. While you might want to rush through to continue on with your California Coast road trip, Solvang will keep pulling you in to stay with it’s cute town and fun activities!

20. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see.

One of the area’s top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. Walk the pier and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and palm trees in the distance. Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals.

Of course, while in Santa Barbara, you must have the wine! The entire region is great for wineries, but the Urban Wine Trail is a great way to experience the best and most unique wineries in the area. If you do this, you’ll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. 😉

For a more artsy vibe, be sure to check out the Funk Zone for murals, art galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Oh, and if you’re looking for the best shots for the ‘Gram or TikTok, be sure to hit the Chromatic Gate .

Pro tip: if tacos is your thing, be sure to eat at La Super-Rica Taqueria. There’s usually a line out the door, so you know it’s delicious! 😋

21. Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach is a must-see during a road trip along the California Pacific Coast Highway.

The beach is located 57 miles north of Malibu and only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. It’s one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. It’s even one of the best swimming beaches in the state of California.

Carpinteria State Beach has many amenities for travelers to enjoy. You’ll find a wooden boardwalk overlooking the beach where you can walk or bike. Then, the beach has miles of white sand.

You’ll 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. From the beach, there is an amazing view of mountains, palm trees and the Channel Islands.

There is also a campground with hookups that can accommodate tents, but also trailers and motorhomes up to 35 feet long. As with many other California campgrounds, it’s important to reserve in advance to have a chance to secure a site.

The good thing with the Carpinteria State Beach is that they have en route sites for last minutes campers. The campground is not directly on the beach, it’s a short walk. You’ll still get to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves.

If you’re traveling with children, there’s a fun playground called the Tomol Interpretive Play Area near the campground. There’s also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see.

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San Francisco to San Diego: Southern California stops

As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. By now you’ve seen so much!

Let’s keep the sights and adventure going!

If you’re taking a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip to San Diego, a stop to do some  Malibu wine tasting  should be on your list. Responsibly, of course! 

Rosenthal, Malibu’s first winery, even has a tasting room right on the PCH, across the street from the ocean.

This lively spot offers flights, glasses, bottles, and cases of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider. The former being all estate wines, ie: grown on the Rosenthal property in Malibu. The latter comes from a variety of wine aviations. 

For a more in-depth wine tasting experience, take a break from the ocean and head for the hills. From the PCH, turn north on one of LA county’s prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. You will see grapevines on the hills, and at the intersection of Mulholland Highway, Cielo Winery will be on your right. 

The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. Tasting at the outdoor tables in front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the vineyards. You’ll notice their neighboring winery, Rocky Oaks, perched high on the next hill (appointment required).

If you’re in this area, Cornell Winery and Tasting room is a must Thursday-Sunday. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. 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.

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23. Santa Monica Pier (another favorite on this California Coast road trip)

There aren’t many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. It’s somewhere you must stop on your PCH road trip and on every  Los Angeles itinerary !

By the way, here’s something fun since you’ll be in both cities: San Francisco vs. Los Angeles – compare the two!

Santa Monica Pier has been a beacon of the PCH since the route was built back in 1934 as the pier had already been open for 25 years! 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.

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. It houses over 100 animals and species and costs $10 for adults and kids, and $8 for students, seniors and military.

The first building along the pier is the Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream shop. The carousel costs $3 per person.

You’ll find lots of restaurants and shops as you walk toward the end. There’s even an arcade where you can try your hand at skeeball.

The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park , the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. Entry is free, but rides are priced from $5-12. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45.

For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price.

For beach access, you can head to the beaches surrounding the pier easily, but if you’re looking for a less crowded option, Will Rogers Beach just north on PCH is the best option!

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24. South Bay

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). It’s literally the perfect stop on this epic California Coast drive!

Visitors can easily lose track of time while spending an afternoon exploring these cute towns or soaking up some rays on the wide soft sandy beaches. A visit to these neighboring beach towns quickly reveals why they are considered a hidden gem. 

There are a wide variety of  things to do in the South Bay . Start your day with breakfast in North Manhattan Beach at North End Caffe, Fishbar, or Local Yolk.

After you are full, head to Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rentals to rent a bike for the day. It’s a short 10-15 minute ride south to Manhattan Beach Pier, where you can walk around and check out the cute shops. 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. 

Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach have several terrific lunch spots such as Tacolicous, Sugarfish, Martha’s, Gum Tree, Rockefeller, Source Café, Palmilla and even more places to enjoy a drink while admiring the beach views. 

After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. 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. 

If you’re a surfer, you should grab a board and head out to catch a few waves in Manhattan Beach.

Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Player’s (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach.  The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up.

Pro tip: Stay for sunset. Watching the sunset over the ocean is a favorite local activity and the views are incredible!

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25. Long Beach

Located just south of Los Angeles, Long Beach feels like it’s worlds away with walkable streets, a pretty waterfront full of shops and eateries and a laid-back seaside vibe.

Get up close to the area’s marine life on a harbor cruise . You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. Or explore the huge variety of exhibits at the expansive Aquarium of the Pacific .

Long Beach is famously the home of the R.M.S.  Queen Mary , the former luxury ocean liner that’s reportedly the  most haunted ship in the world . Although it’s currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port. Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening.

Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat on a visit to Long Beach! The El Dorado Park and Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, including walking and bike trails, golf and fishing. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in this gorgeous green space along the San Gabriel River.

Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. There you can take a leisurely walk along the winding pathways, feed the koi, and relax at the Zen Garden.

Before getting back on your California Coast drive, complete your time in Long Beach with dinner at one of the waterfront’s restaurants. Parkers’ Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse.

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26. Huntington Beach (don’t miss this PCH road trip stop!)

Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! 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. 

One of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is learning how to surf – you are in “Surf City,” after all!

You can rent a surfboard from a local company on the beach, like Jack’s Beach Concession, or a surf shop in Downtown Huntington Beach, like Huntington Surf & Sport. You can even sign up for a guided surfing lesson if you’re looking for some basic skills to get started.

If you’d rather stay out of the waves, there’s plenty of shopping and dining to do in Huntington Beach! You can try authentic tacos, burritos, and margaritas at Fred’s Mexican Café and Cantina, which overlooks the ocean. Or head to Pacific City for some popular retailers, local shops and tons of great restaurants, like Old Crow Smokehouse and Philz Coffee. 

Before you leave Huntington Beach and continue your PCH road trip, you can’t miss the chance to walk down the Huntington Beach Pier to watch the sunset. It’s always a spectacular sight to behold! 

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27. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip.

An artist’s dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. It’s home to California’s oldest museum and famous art festivals like the Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of Arts, and Pageant of the Masters.  

Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. The city is home to more than 20,000 beautiful acres of protected wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, biking and adventurous exploration.  

Surfers can hit the waves on any of the more than 30 beaches in Laguna Beach. If you need surfing lessons , there are plenty of options for that as well. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding.  

If under the sea is what you’re after, Laguna Beach offers snorkeling and diving opportunities as well. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a diver’s paradise.  

For a calmer, more relaxed ocean experience at Laguna Beach, there are protected tide pools. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire.  

And it doesn’t get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance.  

There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Laguna Beach as well. From 26 boutique hotels to luxury resorts like The Ranch Laguna Beach and Montage Laguna Beach, it’s easy to find the perfect fit regardless of your needs.  

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28. Oceanside (another favorite on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip)

The city of Oceanside  has gone through a extreme makeover in the past 2 decades – from seedy military town to beach town gem. It’s a surfer’s paradise and the vibe of laid back SoCal beach town can be felt around the city.

One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. It’s 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. 

If you’re a movie buff, one of the small victorian houses right across from the pier might look familiar. It’s the famous “Top Gun House”, where Maverick fell for his flight instructor Kelly McGillis. Now it’s a nostalgic pie shop. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. 

Oceanside is also a distinct foodie town. There are many excellent restaurants in the city, such as Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub, which is renown for their Omikase all over San Diego county.

If you are lucky enough to visit on a Thursday, you can enjoy the Oceanside Farmer’s Market in the morning and the Night Market in the evening. Then there are the craft breweries, wineries, meaderies, cideries and distilleries along the O’side sips craft trail that will quench your thirst. 

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. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip!

Recommended by Maria of San Diego Explorer – follow on Instagram

29. Torrey Pines State Reserve

Just before you reach the San Diego metro, you’ll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve . It’s a fascinating place for hiking and one that simply begs to be explored!

Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll find a trail – or 2 – that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. From beautiful wildflowers to classic Southern California beaches, the views just don’t stop.

For a challenging trail in the Torrey Pines State Reserve, try Flinkote Torrey Pines Trail , a moderate hike at 3.8 miles. You’ll find great cliff views and fewer crowds on this hike.

For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. Coming in at 2.3 miles and rated as easy, you’ll get beautiful beach views. I’d definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach.

The beach trail loop is actually perfect for hiking in water shoes . My favorites are comfortable enough for hiking yet perfect for the beach. These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve!

30. La Jolla (must-see on this PCH road trip!)

We’re almost to San Diego! La Jolla is a suburb, although still a bit up the coast from San Diego.

When you stop in La Jolla on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, there’s a variety of things to do. My first visit to La Jolla, I did this amazing kayaking tour of the cove . The wildlife is incredible and I’d highly recommend it!

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but park your car and walk the coastal path for not only gorgeous views, but also entertainment from the local sea lions who have claimed the area as their own!

La Jolla is also known for its upscale shopping and dining. My favorite views are at Duke’s. Oh, and you’ve gotta try the hula pie! Reminds me of going to Maui with kids every time!

San Francisco to San Diego road trip – what to do in San Diego

Gah!! You’ve made it! The best road trip of your life is almost complete! Your last city and stop on this road trip is San Diego.

I know you don’t want the adventure to end. This road trip is so incredibly memorable – I know I’ll have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come!

As someone who’s been to San Diego almost more times than I can count, I recommend spending 2 days or a weekend in San Diego if it’s possible. Check out these stops at the very least…

31. Ocean Beach

You know you haven’t seen the beach enough yet, right? Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. It’s got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list.

Often hosting music events, street performers and festivals, Ocean Beach a fun place to go for an afternoon at the beach. There’s a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride.

The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. It’s actually the longest pier on the west coast, coming in at over 1/3 mile long. Fishing is available from the pier, and there’s actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe).

The sunsets are pretty great along Ocean Beach, too!

32. Coronado Beach (last on this list of Pacific Coast Highway stops)

The last stop on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip takes you all the way to the tip of Southern California. 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 sparkling sand on Coronado has a special element in it called mica, that makes it look like gold glitter. Add in a gorgeous sunset and you’ve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon!

You’ll find upscale dining and shopping on Coronado, too. But perhaps the most famous landmark is the Hotel Del Coronado. With over 125 years of history, hosting the rich and famous, it’s an iconic hotel right on the beach.

Note: if you want to keep going south, there’s so much to see in Baja California and Baja California Sur. In fact, it’s a trip for all ages. Some of the best things to do in Cabo with kids include whale watching, ATVing, swimming, parasailing and various other water sports. Combine this road trip down into Mexico for more adventure!

Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days

Whew! Now that we’re through with all 32 stops on this route, here’s a week-long suggested itinerary for this epic adventure! Of course you can adjust it depending on how much time you have.😊

Day 1: San Francisco

• Arrive in San Francisco the night before
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Hike the Lands End Trail
• Ride a cable car
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
• Check out Muir Woods National Monument
• Dinner and overnight in San Francisco

Day 2: San Francisco to Monterey

• Breakfast in San Francisco
• Pick up your rental car and hit the road
• Visit the beach at Half Moon Bay
• Lunch, shopping or The Mystery Spot at Santa Cruz
• Kayaking for views in Monterey Bay
• Dinner and overnight in Monterey

Day 3: Monterey, Big Sur to San Luis Obispo (my favorite day on this California Coast drive)

• Quick stop at Pebble Beach for the sunrise or a morning stroll
• Carmel-by-the-Sea for breakfast
• Whale watch or hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve
• Drive the winding roads to see Bixby Creek Bridge
• Picnic lunch at Pfeiffer Beach
• Hike to overlook at McWay Falls
• Watch the surfers at Sand Dollar Beach
• Tour the Hearst Castle
• Stroll the boardwalk and dinner in Cambria
• Overnight in San Luis Obispo

Day 4: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara

• Breakfast in San Luis Obispo
• 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
• Dinner and overnight in Santa Barbara

Day 5: Santa Barbara to Huntington Beach

• Catch a sunrise or watch the surfers at Carpinteria State Beach
• Bruch at a winery in Malibu
• Hit the beach or amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier
• Rent bikes to see South Bay
• Grab an early dinner in Long Beach, then choose an outdoor activity to round your day
• Overnight in Huntington Beach

Day 6: Huntington Beach to San Diego (so many beaches along this PCH road trip!)

• 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
• Go hiking in Torrey Pines State Reserve
• Watch the sea lions and dinner in La Jolla
• Overnight in San Diego

Day 7: San Diego

• Breakfast in San Diego
• San Diego Zoo
• Mission Beach
• Balboa Park
• Old Town San Diego
• Little Italy
• Dinner and overnight in San Diego to catch a flight home in the morning

Woah! What an action-packed week, right? This incredible adventure along the California Pacific Coast Highway has some of the best sights in the USA! Customize this itinerary based on what you’d love to do most and how much time you have. ❤️

What to pack for your California Coast road trip

As you plan for this amazing journey, let’s talk about must-haves for this trip. These items will make your experience way better!

• Road trip food. This is a given, right? Load up on snacks before you go! I personally love a mix of healthy options that way wineries or desserts at dinner feel a little better. 😉
• Collapsable cooler. You’ll need it for drinks along the way. I love this cooler because it folds down for the flight yet keeps things cold when it needs to!
• Reusable water bottle. There’s no need for single-use plastics when you can buy a couple reusable water bottles and fill them up at hotels and restaurants.
• Action camera.  Driving down the coast, this camera is 1000% worth it to capture those fun memories! I use  this GoPro  to capture footage underwater, while driving, hiking and literally anything else. 
• Lots of layers. The weather is going to be dramatically different during your PCH road trip! Bring rain jackets and light coats (depending on season) for the cool, windy coast in the north. And thinner layers for Southern California!
• Sunglasses and sunblock. Essential no matter where you’re at in the journey. Grab your favorite sunglasses and eco-friendly sunblock , which is better for marine life.
• Beach towel. You’ll want to dry off here and there! I love this lightweight beach towel because it has a hidden zipper pocket for valuables while on the beach! There’s so many beaches along this San Francisco to San Diego road trip!
• Water shoes. Not all beaches are soft. Slip on your water shoes anytime you want to feel the Pacific without scraping your feet on a sharp rock. These are my favorite water shoes that have traveled with me to Avalanche Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, El Yunque in Puerto Rico and other adventurous bucket list destinations.

San Francisco to San Diego road trip – that’s a wrap!

Okay, exactly how excited are you for this trip? You’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Whether you’re going solo, with your partner/spouse, family or a girls’ trip, you’re going to have a fabulous time at all these Pacific Coast Highway stops! There’s so many sights to see and things to do along the way.

One of the best things about San Francisco to San Diego road trip is that the variety is endless. From beaches to hiking, shopping to wineries, this scenic drive will have you begging to come back for more!

Let’s recap the list one more time, in a more succinct manner…

California Pacific Coast Highway stops

• Muir Woods National Monument
• Lands End Trail
• Half Moon Bay
• Pebble Beach
• Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Sand Dollar Beach
• Hearst Castle
• San Luis Obispo
• Pismo Beach
• Santa Barbara
• Carpinteria State Beach
• Santa Monica Pier
• Huntington Beach
• Laguna Beach
• Torrey Pines State Reserve
• Ocean Beach
• Coronado Beach

Related content you might like: 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur You’ll Love 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe

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Saturday 30th of September 2023

Hello Nikki, Thank you so much for this article!!! We just came back from this trip and we have to admit that everything is on point. We didn’t miss anything by following this itinerary. Wish u the best

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Oh yay! I'm so glad to hear the guide was helpful for you.❤️ Hope you had a fabulous time!

Wednesday 25th of May 2022

I've done this trip once before, I loved stopping in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara! There are so many cool places I need to check out based on your list if I ever do the drive again!

Yay! Such a cool road trip, right? And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.🤣

Tuesday 24th of May 2022

These stops are all amazing! This road trip is an absolute bucket-list item.

Yes Shannon! I hope you get to cross it off your list sometime soon! 💛

Monday 23rd of May 2022

A very thorough guide, so glad I stumbled upon it, I’m headed to San Diego in the summer and would love to check out some of these places

Oh how awesome, Gloria! San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. I hope you have a great trip!

Bea Pinnegar

Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! If it were me, I would most definitely stop over for a little walk to Land’s End Trail and take a relaxing break from all that driving at Half Moon Bay. Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :)

Friday 27th of May 2022

Ah yes, Bea! It's such a gorgeous drive. And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! 💛

The Ultimate San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

If you’re going to be driving between San Francisco and San Diego, check out our scenic San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary!

San Francisco is the crown jewel of Northern California , whereas San Diego is a gem of Southern California .

These two incredible cities attract visitors from all over the globe thanks to their dynamic cultural offerings and famous landmarks.

For example, the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco is an architectural masterpiece, whereas the coastal hotspots of San Diego such as Pacific Beach and La Jolla Cove are stunning as well.

Though it’s a quick and easy flight from San Francisco to San Diego, considering driving between the two locations. California’s coastline has so much to offer, from the iconic Santa Monica Pier to the dramatic views of the Bixby Creek Bridge.

This article will outline an ideal San Francisco to San Diego drive itinerary. You’ll get to see all the highlights of California’s west coast, from idyllic cities like Santa Barbara to the sandy shores of Pfeiffer Beach.

You’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Hollywood Sign, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and more. So much beauty, culture, history, and wildlife lies on the journey from San Francisco to San Diego, so get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

How Long Is A San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip?

San francisco, half moon bay, carmel by the sea, san luis obispo, pismo beach, santa barbara, santa monica, huntington beach, laguna beach, wrapping up.

There are a few different ways to drive from San Francisco to San Diego. The most direct driving route covers just over 500 miles and takes about 8 hours with no stops.

So if efficiency is your goal, you could drive from San Francisco to San Diego in one day!

But for this article, we’ll be focusing on a more scenic San Francisco road trip that weaves along the California coast and covers some of the state’s top attractions !

There is so much to see between San Francisco and San Diego, from gorgeous beaches like Pebble Beach, Carmel Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Pismo Beach, and Laguna Beach, to vineyards, small towns, state parks, and more.

So we’ll be discussing the scenic route for this San Francisco to San Diego drive, which largely sticks to the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the US’s most famous drives, and it trails the west coast of California. For most of this road trip itinerary, you’ll be traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway!

So following this itinerary, you will cover roughly 650 miles and have 12 hours of driving time. To really make the most of California’s Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll want to take your time and spend a few nights in various locations along the way.

We would recommend spending around 3-5 days on this San Francisco to San Diego road trip, with plenty of stops at California’s best attractions!

The Ultimate San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

So let’s kick off this epic San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary! Start your journey in San Francisco Bay, grab a rental car if you don’t already have a vehicle already, and hit the road.

For this particular road trip, you’ll often be following the Pacific Coast Highway. However, road closures are frequent, as this is a coastal road subject to wind, waves, and all sorts of weather conditions.

Currently, there are closures along the Central part of the Pacific Coast Highway just south of Big Sur, so you may have to make some detours on your drive from San Francisco to San Diego. Modify the itinerary as necessary, and check for local updates throughout your San Francisco road trip!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

San Francisco is a vibrant and iconic city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With its world-renowned landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, the city’s distinctive skyline is a testament to its unique blend of modern innovation and historical charm.

San Francisco’s hilly streets are lined with colorful Victorian houses, creating a picturesque setting that has captured the imagination of artists, writers, and filmmakers for generations.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance that is deeply ingrained in its social fabric.

The city’s neighborhoods, each with its own character and personality, offer a delightful array of culinary experiences, from the bustling streets of Chinatown to the artisanal eateries of the Mission District. The tech boom in Silicon Valley has also left an indelible mark on San Francisco, making it a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Amidst the energy of the city, a laid-back attitude prevails, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the vibrant murals of the Mission, or simply savor a fog-shrouded morning coffee overlooking the Bay – all of which contribute to the enchanting allure of this coastal gem.

From the famous Golden Gate Bridge to the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, there is always something to see in San Francisco. Book a hop-on-hop-off bus tour around San Francisco to make the most of your time in the city and see all the sights efficiently!

• Driving time from San Francisco: 50 minutes

Half Moon Bay, a serene coastal enclave located just a short drive south of San Francisco, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling urban landscape.

Nestled between the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific coastline and the rolling hills of the California countryside, Half Moon Bay presents a captivating blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Renowned for its stunning beaches and rugged shoreline, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Visitors can wander along the sandy shores of Half Moon Bay Beach, watch the dramatic waves crash against the cliffs at Mavericks Beach, or embark on scenic hikes along the coastal trails, immersing themselves in the breathtaking scenery that defines this coastal retreat.

Beyond its scenic landscapes, Half Moon Bay boasts a close-knit community that exudes a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.

The town’s Main Street is lined with quaint boutiques, art galleries, and local eateries, where visitors can savor fresh seafood, indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, or browse for unique treasures crafted by local artisans.

The annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival , a beloved tradition, draws crowds from near and far to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage with pumpkin-themed festivities, lively parades, and vibrant displays of gourds in all shapes and sizes.

Whether seeking a peaceful seaside escape or a taste of authentic coastal living, Half Moon Bay offers a serene and captivating retreat that captures the essence of California’s coastal allure.

Find more things to do in the area with our list of the 15 best day trips from San Francisco !

• Driving time from Half Moon Bay: 1 hour

Next on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Santa Cruz . Framed by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz boasts a stunning coastline adorned with gorgeous beaches that beckon surfers, beachcombers, and sun-seekers alike. Natural Bridges State Beach is a gorgeous beach in Santa Cruz that offers amazing photo opportunities.

The city’s most iconic landmark, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, exudes vintage charm with its colorful rides and classic seaside amusements, making it a nostalgic haven for families and thrill-seekers.

As the gateway to the magnificent Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Cruz offers unparalleled opportunities for marine exploration, from whale watching and kayaking to exploring tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life.

Santa Cruz’s unique character is deeply rooted in its diverse and creative community. The city is home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, known for its progressive academic programs and stunning hillside campus overlooking the bay.

The downtown area is a bustling hub of activity, where local boutiques, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants flourish. The Pacific Avenue district pulses with a bohemian vibe, showcasing street performers, musicians, and a thriving arts scene.

From the towering redwood forests of nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the vibrant cultural festivals that color the city’s calendar, Santa Cruz is packed with fun things to see and do and is an ideal stop as you cruise south along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Monterey, California

• Driving time from Santa Cruz: 50 minutes

A must-see on any San Francisco road trip is Carmel By The Sea. Situated along the rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula , Carmel By The Sea is a charming and enchanting village that has captured the hearts of artists, writers, and travelers for generations.

Characterized by its storybook architecture, quaint cottages, and cobblestone streets, Carmel exudes an old-world charm that transports visitors to a bygone era. The town’s architecture, which blends European influences with local craftsmanship, creates an idyllic atmosphere that is both timeless and captivating.

Strolling through the heart of Carmel, visitors are treated to a delightful array of art galleries, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants, all nestled amidst lush gardens and meandering pathways. The white sand of Carmel Beach stretches along the coast, providing a serene backdrop for breathtaking sunsets and leisurely walks.

Carmel By The Sea also offers access to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and the renowned Pebble Beach golf courses.

Pebble Beach is revered for its iconic golf courses, including the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Pebble Beach attracts golf enthusiasts and professionals alike who come to experience its challenging fairways and breathtaking oceanfront views.

Beyond its greens, Pebble Beach encompasses a picturesque landscape of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and an enchanting 17-mile Drive, offering a scenic journey through cypress groves, iconic landmarks, and stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

Carmel By The Sea is also surrounded by state parks and wineries! Embark on a Carmel Valley wine-tasting tour if you’d like to dive into the vineyard culture of the California Coast.

Next on your road trip, you can continue south down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, passing the famous Bixby Creek Bridge on the way to Big Sur. However, due to current closures, you can’t continue past Big Sur down the California Pacific Coast Highway, so you’ll have to turn back north and go around on an inland route.

• Driving time from Carmel By The Sea: 40 minutes

Big Sur is a classic stop on any California Pacific Coast Highway road trip. But as mentioned, current closures make it difficult to continue driving south past Big Sur. So you can skip Big Sur and just head inland after Carmel By The Sea to continue on to San Simeon.

Or you can head 40 minutes down to Big Sur and then just head back up to continue on your way instead of continuing south down the Pacific Coast Highway.

If you do choose to spend some time in Big Sur, you’re spoilt for options in terms of amazing things to see and do! The Bixby Creek Bridge is a must-see as you’re heading into town.

Big Sur’s enchanting charm has long captured the imagination of artists, writers, and travelers seeking inspiration and solace amidst its remote and untouched vistas. Pfeiffer Beach and iconic hiking trails like the McWay Falls Trail and the Ewoldsen Trail are also top locations in Big Sur.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a sanctuary of towering trees and tranquil rivers, where you can go hiking and camping. Big Sur’s eclectic blend of rustic retreats, charming inns, and cozy cabins offers a range of accommodations for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s natural splendor and savor its serene isolation.

After enjoying the Big Sur Coast, you’ll have to backtrack north up the Pacific Coast Highway before heading slightly inland to continue south on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

• Driving time from Big Sur: 3 hours with current Pacific Coast Highway road closures (2 hours without road closures)

The next stop on your incredible San Francisco road trip is San Simeon! At the heart of this charming area stands the opulent Hearst Castle , a testament to the grandeur and vision of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Perched atop the Enchanted Hill, the castle’s lavish architecture, lush gardens, and impressive art collection offer a glimpse into the glamour of a bygone era. The castle’s terraced pools and sweeping ocean views create a setting of unparalleled beauty that has attracted countless visitors from around the world.

Beyond the splendor of Hearst Castle, San Simeon boasts a pristine shoreline that invites travelers to explore its rugged beaches and vibrant tide pools.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, located just north of San Simeon, offers a rare opportunity to witness thousands of magnificent elephant seals lounging on the shores and engaging in their captivating rituals.

The nearby coastal cliffs and rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures such as hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.

San Simeon stands as a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of culture and natural beauty. It’s a stunning place to stop on any San Francisco to San Diego road trip!

Planning more road trips along the US west coast? Here is our itinerary for driving from San Francisco to Seattle !

• Driving time from San Simeon: 35 minutes

Another gem on the California coast is Morro Bay, a charming seaside town known for its iconic Morro Rock and picturesque harbor. The massive volcanic peak, Morro Rock , stands sentinel at the entrance of the bay, creating a striking backdrop that is synonymous with the town’s identity.

Morro Bay itself is a haven for marine life and water enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The Embarcadero, a bustling waterfront street, is lined with quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and art galleries, inviting visitors to explore the town’s maritime heritage and indulge in freshly caught seafood while watching boats sway in the gentle waters.

Morro Bay’s natural beauty extends beyond its harbor, as it encompasses diverse ecosystems that attract birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers. The Morro Bay National Estuary is a haven for migratory birds and serves as a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

The surrounding state parks and natural reserves, including Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park, offer hiking trails that lead to breathtaking coastal vistas, secluded beaches, and wildflower-strewn landscapes.

This glorious beach town is a highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway and is an excellent place to watch the sunset as you drive south to San Diego.

• Driving time from Morro Bay: 15 minutes

Just 15 minutes away from Morro Bay is San Luis Obispo, another convenient stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

San Luis Obispo, often referred to as SLO, is a vibrant and welcoming city nestled in the heart of California’s Central Coast. Known for its charming downtown area, SLO exudes a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that captivates both residents and visitors.

The city’s iconic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa stands as a testament to its rich history, offering a glimpse into its Spanish colonial past.

The downtown core is a hub of activity, with tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, and a diverse array of shops and boutiques. The historic Thursday night Farmers’ Market is a beloved local tradition, drawing crowds for its lively atmosphere, street food, and abundance of fresh produce.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant vineyards, San Luis Obispo is situated within close proximity to some of California’s finest wine regions, including the Edna Valley and Paso Robles.

Wine enthusiasts can embark on wine-tasting tours to sample world-class vintages, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby hiking trails, such as Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis, which provide panoramic views of the city and its picturesque surroundings.

Or enjoy an adventurous day out in the Santa Monica Mountains with a guided off-road tour ! This adventurous hummer tour takes you through the gorgeous landscapes outside San Luis Obispo and through rural California towns.

Whether it’s wine tasting, hiking, shopping, or off-roading through the mountains, there are tons of cool things to do in San Luis Obispo.

• Driving time from San Luis Obispo: 15 minutes

The next stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Pismo Beach, a laid-back beach town on the California coast. Renowned for its picturesque coastline, Pismo Beach boasts golden sands that stretch for miles, inviting visitors to sunbathe, stroll along the water’s edge, or hit the waves with a surf lesson .

One of the town’s most distinctive features is the towering Pismo Pier, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and serves as a hub for fishing, sunset gazing, and leisurely walks. The annual Monarch Butterfly Grove, located nearby, provides a captivating spectacle as thousands of butterflies gather during their winter migration, creating a magical and fleeting natural wonder.

Pismo Beach’s relaxed atmosphere extends beyond its shores, as the town’s bustling downtown area offers a delightful blend of boutiques, art galleries, and seafood eateries. The famous clam chowder served here is a local delicacy, drawing food enthusiasts to savor its flavors while enjoying oceanfront dining.

The surrounding vineyards and wineries of the Edna Valley wine region provide opportunities for wine tasting and exploration.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along the Shell Beach Bluff Trail, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline, or go off-roading in the Oceano Dunes, a unique and exhilarating adventure.

Pismo Beach embodies the essence of a classic California beach town, where a tranquil atmosphere meets diverse recreational opportunities. As you continue south down the California Pacific Coast Highway, get ready for your next stop: Santa Barbara.

• Driving time from Pismo Beach: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara exudes an irresistible charm that has earned it the moniker “The American Riviera.”

This beautiful beach city boasts a perfect blend of Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined streets, and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. You’d be wise to spend at least a day here, exploring downtown Santa Barbara and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.

The historic Mission Santa Barbara , often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions,” stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and Spanish influence, while the iconic red-tiled roofs and white-washed walls of downtown buildings contribute to its timeless allure.

Stearns Wharf, a hotspot in Santa Barbara, offers a picturesque setting for shopping, dining, and panoramic ocean views, while the Funk Zone, an artsy neighborhood, captivates visitors with its vibrant street art, galleries, and wine-tasting rooms.

The natural beauty of Santa Barbara is equally captivating, with pristine beaches inviting sunbathers, surfers, and kayakers to embrace the coastal lifestyle. The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking and biking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints.

The nearby Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases a diverse collection of native plant species within a tranquil setting. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its local cuisine, with farm-to-table dining experiences that highlight the region’s bountiful harvest and culinary creativity.

One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is take a day trip out to Channel Islands National Park. This stunning chain of islands off the California coast offers excellent kayaking and wildlife spotting.

From frolicking amongst the marine life to exploring the cosmopolitan town, Santa Barbara is one of the most amazing places to visit in Southern California.

Find more things to do in Santa Barbara here !

• Driving time from Santa Barbara: 1 hour and 25 minutes

After thoroughly enjoying Santa Barbara, head into downtown Los Angeles to get a taste of Hollywood! If you’re not a big city lover, you could skip this step and just drive straight from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica.

But a San Francisco to San Diego drive is a great opportunity to explore the highlights of Southern California, with Hollywood being one of them!

Hollywood, synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, is a legendary district in Los Angeles that has captivated the world’s imagination for decades.

As the epicenter of the global film and television industry, Hollywood is home to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the stars of screen, stage, and music are immortalized on the sidewalks, drawing millions of tourists each year.

The iconic Hollywood Sign, perched atop the Hollywood Hills, stands as a symbol of dreams and aspirations, offering panoramic views of the sprawling city below.

The TCL Chinese Theatre , with its elaborate architecture and celebrity handprints, represents the heart of Hollywood’s cinematic heritage, while the Dolby Theatre hosts the annual Academy Awards ceremony, cementing the district’s place in entertainment history.

Beyond its showbiz allure, Hollywood is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and diverse cultural scene. The Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater, hosts world-class musical performances against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills, creating a unique and unforgettable concert experience.

Griffith Observatory, nestled in Griffith Park, offers a chance to explore the cosmos through its telescopes and interactive exhibits while enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Hollywood’s trendy neighborhoods, like West Hollywood and Melrose Avenue, buzz with artistic expression, offering trendy boutiques, art galleries, and innovative culinary experiences. From star-studded events to a dynamic urban landscape, Hollywood continues to enchant visitors with its energy, creativity, and the allure of the silver screen.

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Hollywood

• Driving time from Hollywood: 30 minutes

Next on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip is the iconic beachfront city of Santa Monica , a sun-soaked haven located on the edge of Los Angeles.

The famous Santa Monica Pier, adorned with a colorful Ferris wheel and nostalgic amusements, epitomizes the city’s laid-back yet lively spirit. The bustling Third Street Promenade offers a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining experience, with street performers, upscale boutiques, and an eclectic array of restaurants that showcase the diverse culinary landscape.

And of course, as one of the most visited beach towns in Southern California, you’ll have to spend some time soaking in the sun in Santa Monica.

A great way to explore Santa Monica and the nearby Venice Beach is by electric bike ! Ride from beach town to beach town, soaking in the coastal views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoying that warm Southern California breeze.

Santa Monica’s allure extends beyond its shores, as Palisades Park provides a scenic escape with lush green spaces, palm-lined walkways, and stunning views of the coastline.

The city’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor living is evident in its bike-friendly infrastructure and the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which offers hiking trails and sweeping vistas just a short drive away.

The California heritage of Santa Monica is reflected in its architectural gems, like the historic Casa del Mar and the art deco-style Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome.

From exploring Santa Monica and the neighboring beach towns by bike to strolling along the famous Santa Monica Pier, there is no shortage of fun things to do here. Next stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, head south into Orange County and explore more beach towns on the California coast!

• Driving time from Santa Monica: 1 hour

Huntington Beach is a must-visit while driving through Orange County along the California Pacific Coast Highway.

Often referred to as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is known for its surfing culture and endless stretches of sandy beaches. The Huntington Beach Pier stands as a symbol of the city’s vibrant seaside culture, offering sweeping ocean views and opportunities for fishing and people-watching.

The annual US Open of Surfing draws surfers and spectators alike to witness world-class competitions and celebrate the sport’s heritage. Surf lovers can also check out Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum , which pays homage to the city’s surfing legacy and showcases vintage boards, memorabilia, and art that highlight its integral role in the sport’s history.

Beyond the waves, Huntington Beach boasts a lively and diverse community with a range of recreational activities and entertainment options. The bustling downtown area, known as Main Street, is a hub of activity, lined with trendy boutiques, surf shops, and a variety of dining establishments.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers a peaceful retreat for birdwatching and exploring wetlands, while Central Park provides ample green space for picnicking, sports, and relaxation.

The city’s commitment to arts and culture is evident in its vibrant arts scene, with regular festivals, art walks, and live performances that add to its energetic atmosphere.

Whether it’s catching a spectacular sunset over the Pacific or experiencing the thrill of catching a wave, Huntington Beach is a beloved destination on the California coast that should definitely be on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary.

Looking for more fun things to do near the City of Angels? Here are the top day trips from Los Angeles !

• Driving time from Huntington Beach: 30 minutes

Laguna Beach, a picturesque coastal gem perched along the stunning Orange County shoreline, exudes a unique blend of artistic inspiration, natural beauty, and upscale living.

The town’s breathtaking beaches, framed by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, create an idyllic setting for sunbathing, tidepool exploration, and water sports.

The iconic Main Beach, with its iconic lifeguard tower and volleyball courts, serves as a vibrant gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Artistry is deeply woven into the fabric of Laguna Beach, evident in its numerous galleries, public art installations, and the world-renowned Pageant of the Masters, a unique production that brings famous artworks to life through live performances.

Hit up downtown Laguna Beach to browse through the boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, or take to the coast and explore the coves and hidden beaches along the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

From its rich artistic heritage to its breathtaking vistas and upscale coastal living, Laguna Beach invites travelers to indulge in a luxurious seaside escape that is equally enchanting and inspiring.

After enjoying the beauty of Laguna Beach, continue south down the California Pacific Coast Highway! You’re about to officially enter San Diego County and your road trip down the west coast of California will be coming to a close.

• Driving time from Laguna Beach: 1 hour and 15 minutes

You’ve made it to San Diego ! This San Francisco to San Diego drive has been action-packed, but make sure you conserve your energy for exploring the mighty city of San Diego. From downtown San Diego to the coastal neighborhoods, state parks, and beaches, you’ll need at least 3 days to see it all!

You’ll want time to explore Balboa Park, visit the San Diego Zoo, and go surfing at Pacific Beach. Check out the famous Hotel del Coronado, go for a coastal walk in Torrey Pines, enjoy the views from Sunset Cliffs, or go kayaking with sea lions in La Jolla Cove.

San Diego is packed with amazing attractions, and it’s a true highlight of West Coast California . So finish up your San Francisco to San Diego road trip with a bang and live life to the fullest in San Diego!

Hit the road with these exciting road trips from San Diego !

We hope you’ve enjoyed this San Francisco to San Diego drive itinerary! It could also be considered a Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary since you pretty much drive along the famous Highway 1 for most of the trip.

You can also reverse this itinerary and drive from San Diego to San Francisco with the same stops. Or consider exploring more of Northern California, or even head north to Oregon or Washington if you have time. The Pacific Coast Highway continues all the way up to Olympia, Washington, so there is lots more to see.

However you chose to complete your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, it was a blast and you’re keen to come back and explore more of beautiful California!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Perfect Highway 1 Road Trip Through California

Don't travel this iconic route without hitting up great camping, hiking, surfing, and more along the way

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California’s Highway 1 is a perennial favorite for adventurous road-trippers—and for good reason. You can visit the sunny beaches of San Diego, the wine country of the central coast, the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, and the towering redwoods of Mendocino without ever leaving the road. Sections of the iconic highway were closed  due to wildfire and mudslides for over a year, but these   reopened in July 2018 and the route is eager for visitors. Along the way, score dreamy campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean or post up at the many revamped retro hotels that dot the route. Tackle the whole thing, or take it on piecemeal by planning a trip for one of the sections below.

San Diego to Santa Barbara

Start from the southern end of Highway 1 in San Diego, where you’ll find a thriving craft-beer scene, friendly surf breaks, and 65 miles of trails in the city’s 1,200-acre  Balboa Park . Stay in Hotel del Coronado  (from $323), a historic guesthouse on Coronado Island in the heart of San Diego Bay, and don’t miss the ever changing collection of small plates, like pork shoulder with bacon-braised lentils and black trumpet mushrooms, at the   award-winning restaurant Juniper and Ivy  in the city’s Harbor View neighborhood.

Crystal Cove , near Newport Beach (south of Los Angeles), has oceanfront cottages and private rooms for rent starting at just $37 a night, or continue north and hit  Sandy’s Beach Shack  in Huntington Beach for mahi-mahi tacos, beer, and a surf session before checking into Malibu’s  Surfrider Hotel  (from $369), a revamped 1950s-era motel with wetsuits and surfboards for rent and a rooftop deck. Near Santa Barbara, Skyview Los Alamos  (from $179) is another renovated motel, this one with outdoor showers overlooking wine country and loaner mountain bikes for exploring the area’s miles of quality singletrack.

The Central Coast

Camp, sandboard, or drive ATVs on more than five miles of sand dunes in Oceano Dunes State Park , and check out the history of skateboarding at the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum . Then be sure to grab a scoop of Harmony Valley Creamery ice cream at the legendary Thursday-night farmers’ market  in San Luis Obispo. The Hotel San Luis Obispo (from $445) opens in June, or check out the town’s eccentric Madonna Inn  (from $109), where you can stay in a rock-lined room designed to mimic the granite walls of Yosemite.

Instead of continuing north on Highway 1, make a short detour inland to visit the wineries that surround Paso Robles in addition to a new multi-acre installation from artist Bruce Munro called Field of Light , where you can wander among 58,800 solar-powered spheres that light up the night. Back on route, spot elephant seals on the beach in the seaside   village of Cambria, and book a tour of Hearst Castle  in San Simeon to take in the art, gardens, and free-roaming zebras that were once part of William Randolph Hearst’s private zoo.

Big Sur to San Francisco

Stop off in  Limekiln State Park  and you’ll find a secluded beach and views of the Big Sur coast. Then hike the trails and pitch a tent in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , which should reopen sometime this summer after a storm damaged it in early February. From there, it’s just an hour north to Big Sur proper and the surf breaks at Sand Dollar Beach. If you’re in search of some luxe accommodations, opt for a safari-style tent nestled in a redwood forest at Ventana Big Sur  (from $450), which overlooks the ocean and has Japanese-inspired hot baths and a gallery featuring the works of local artists. Can’t-miss eats in the area include the cookies at Big Sur Bakery  and the Ambrosia burger on the outdoor patio at  Nepenthe .

On your way north toward San Francisco, Carmel Coffee , in the charming one-square-mile town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, has espresso and surprisingly good ramen bowls, and there’s quality mountain biking in Santa Cruz’s Demo Forest , just south of San Francisco. Don’t miss the freshly baked artichoke bread at Norm’s Market  in the old fishing town of Pescadero, just off Highway 1, and the sunset from  San Gregorio State Beach .

Mill Valley to Mendocino

Once Highway 1 crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll be treated to vast stretches of empty, jagged coastline and little towns worth long pit stops. Start with a mountain-bike ride or a trail run with ocean views in Mount Tamalpais State Park , north of Muir Beach, where mountain biking first got its start. There’s a well-loved surf break in Bolinas—and good beta and gear at the town’s 2 Mile Surf Shop , which rents boards and offers lessons—if you can find the turnoff for this unmarked beach town . Fuel up with tasty tacos in an old lifeguard tower at  Siren Canteen  in Stinson Beach.

In Guerneville, AutoCamp  (from $190) rents decked-out Airstreams for a night along the Russian River and provides canoes for a mellow paddle. Or book yourself into the Bodega Bay Lodge  (from $189), which has recently renovated rooms on a rocky bluff above the sea. In Mendocino, Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too  rents paddleboards and bikes and offers guided boat tours on outrigger canoes up the Big River, which flows into Mendocino Bay. From there the highway continues along the coast for a few dozen miles before turning inland to join Highway 101.

• San Francisco
• Santa Barbara

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California , Travel Guides · April 8, 2024

San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip: All the Best Stops

If you were to drive a San Francisco to San Diego road trip the whole way through without stops or traffic, it’d take about 7.5 hours. But there are so many awesome places to see between these California cities that you should definitely take it slow and soak up all this route has to offer.

Realistically, there are hundreds of worthwhile places along the California coast worth exploring. With 840 miles of coastline, over 400 public beaches, and one of the most scenic drives in the world, Highway 1, it’s hard to cram everything into one vacation.

To make it easier for you, here’s my list of spots worth checking out along your San Fran to San Diego road trip. It includes beaches, hiking, wine tasting, shopping, tourist attractions, and more to help you make the most of your drive along the California coast!

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San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip

Save this to Pinterest for later so you have it when you start trip planning. Or let me plan you a custom trip so you can enjoy the fun part — feeling the wind in your hair as you soak up the California sun!

Your route at a glance

This road trip to San Diego from San Francisco assumes you’ll book a rental car with pick up in San Francisco and drop off in San Diego (or vice versa) after visiting all these stops:

San Francisco

Carmel-by-the-sea, pinnacles national park.

• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara

Los Angeles

• Palm Springs
• Oceanside, Carlsbad, & Encinitas

Here’s a map of this route , which includes about 13 hours of driving. Ideally you’ll have 3 weeks to take your time exploring all these stops, but you can modify your route to best fit the time you have available.

get directions | ideal length of stay: 3 days | best for: shopping & wine tasting

San Francisco is known for being a culturally diverse artist sanctuary, though it’s still a bustling city with all the typical big-town amenities. There are tons of neighborhoods to explore, like the Castro, a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife destination, or Lower Haight, a low-key neighborhood known for Victoria-era homes and tons of parks.

You can easily spend a week in SF eating, drinking, and shopping, but I’d suggest at least three days to make sure you enjoy the highlights. As for the weather, I always bring a coat, even in the summertime, since the ocean breeze tends to sneak up on you in the evenings.

Where to stay

The hotel castro.

link to book | get directions | price: ~$385 per night | 1 bedroom | 1 bathroom

This stylish boutique hotel is located in The Castro, a popular neighborhood minutes from Dolores Park and The Mission District’s lively bars and restaurants. There’s no front desk, so it’s similar to an Airbnb in that you don’t have to talk to anyone to check in. But if you do want to mingle, there’s a cool bar in the lobby.

Walk the Lands End trail

website | get directions | price: free | best for: views of the Golden Gate Bridge

The Lands End Trail is one of my favorite hikes in SF since it offers pristine views with minimal effort. The hike is a 3.4-mile loop and takes about an hour and a half to complete. From the trail, you can even spot the Sutro Baths, once the largest indoor swimming pool in the world, now eerie ruins.

Pro tip: Want to get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the other side? Extend your walk from Lands End to Crissy Field for a ~4 mile urban hike through the famous Presidio Park.

Check out the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

website | get directions | price: free entry | best for: local produce & gifts

I’ll never say no to a good farmer’s market, and the Ferry Plaza Market has been referred to as one of the best in the world. It’s open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It can get pretty hectic in the summertime, so I usually stroll the perimeter, then head to the other side of the building for oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co .

Visit Alcatraz

website | get directions | price: ~$45pp | best for: history & boat ride

If you love history, Alcatraz is a must visit. This penitentiary used to house some of the US’ most notorious criminals. There are many stories of attempted escapes and lots of spooky vibes that make for a fun day of exploring.

You’ll take a ~15-minute boat ride to the island and get to explore at your leisure with an audio tour. There are a lot of “Alcatraz tours” advertised, but many of them pair it some kind of other excursion and leave you at the dock to explore Alcatraz on your own. So keep your eye’s peeled for the fine print!

Explore Chinatown

website | get directions | price: free | best for: history & food

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. Make sure to spend a few hours combing the streets to soak up the architecture, do some shopping, and eat your heart out. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, here are some well-rated food tours:

• Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour
• Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour of Chinatown
• North Beach & Chinatown Secret Food Tour

Dine at Che Fico

website | get directions | cuisine: Italian | price point: $$$

Che Fico was rated the best new restaurant by Bon Appetit when it opened. Because of that, it can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth the splurge. Bon Appetit claims the lobster Pomodoro is the best item on their menu, but my heart belongs to the tuna conserva.

Spend a day wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma

Staying in SF puts you just over an hour away from Napa and Sonoma, California’s two premier wine regions. This makes it the perfect day trip if you’re into wine tasting or feeling flustered in the big city. If I could only pick one region, I’d prioritize the more casual Sonoma. But if you prefer luxury, don’t miss Napa.

Since COVID, a lot of wineries are by appointment only, so keep this in mind when planning your day. Here are some of my favorite wineries:

• Benovia Winery – Boutique single vineyard winery making excellent whites
• Quivira Vineyards – Biodynamic winery with beautiful grounds and pigs
• Preston Farm and Winery – Hand-harvested, small-batch wines, olive oils, and bread
• Truchard Vineyards – One of the more affordable wineries in Napa
• The Wine Thief – Wine collective showcasing multiple makers under one roof

Pro tip: If you can swing it, get a reservation at Single Thread in Healdsburg, CA in Sonoma County. It’s a 3-star Michelin restaurant and one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to.

d istance from San Francisco: ~73 miles (~1 hour 45 minutes) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 1-2 days | best for: beautiful beaches

Santa Cruz is a beautiful California beach town with gorgeous coastline views, fun shops, farmers markets , and tons of family-friendly activities. It’s not super big, but it’s surprisingly packed with a lot of highlights. Plus it’s near some amazing outdoor adventures and even its own wine region .

Santa Cruz is a great stop for a day trip, but if you can extend your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, 2 days here is even better.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

link to book | get directions | price: ~$599+ per night

This upscale beachfront resort puts you minutes from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and other fun attractions like the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or the Mystery Spot , a mysterious location in the woods where physics is turned on its head. The hotel has all the essentials: a poolside bar, lounge, and instant beach access.

Walk the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

website | get directions | price: free to enter + ~$40-70 for wristbands | best for: amusement park

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk isn’t your average boardwalk. It’s an amusement park with rides, carnival games, and a bunch of food spots ranging from sit-down restaurants to beer gardens and classic fair grub.

Check out Natural Bridges State Beach

website | get directions | price: ~$10 per vehicle | best for: breathtaking rock formations

Spend some time on the beach surrounded by beautiful natural rock bridged formed by the crashing waves over time. Then visit the Monarch Preserve right inside the park, which offers refuge for thousands of butterflies in late fall through winter.

Explore the redwoods

price: ~$10-$45pp | best for: experiencing California’s national tree

While Redwoods National Park is about 5.5 hours north of San Francisco, you can still experience these magnificent giant trees on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a ~40-acre grove perfect for exploring. Or check out the huge Big Basin Redwood State Park for even more hiking options. Just remember to book in advance because Big Basin was affected by forest fires and needs to limit visitors.

Pro tip: Another option is to take a steam train ride through the forest with Roaring Camp .

Grab dinner at Hula’s Island Grill

website | get directions | cuisine: Hawaiian | price point: $$

Hula’s is a tropical, tiki-inspired spot serving my Hawaiian faves, like ahi wontons, ceviche with coconut milk, and their Luau Pork Sandwich, self-proclaimed “heaven on a bun.” You can even pick your favorite type of fish and how you’d like it prepared.

Stop in Capitola

get directions | price: free | best for: colorful buildings

This seaport town is just outside Santa Cruz and will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked to the Caribbean. It’s best known for its bright buildings dotting the beach, but there’s also great shopping and cafes. If you go, don’t miss Gayle’s Bakery .

distance from Santa Cruz: ~46 miles (~45 minutes) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 2 days | best for: low-key beach town

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an adorable beach town with tons of unique restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful white sand beaches. It has a quaint downtown with fairy tale buildings. In fact, each is named rather than numbered. Talk about adorable!

Ideally you’d stay here 2 days so you can explore nearby Monterey, but this makes a great day trip too.

Tranquil Tuckaway

link to book | Carmel, CA | price: ~$425 per night | studio | 1 bathroom | pet friendly

This newly remodeled studio overlooks the green fields adjacent to the 18th-century Carmel Mission , an impeccably maintained church/museum pivotal in California’s history. Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the studio, and it has a brick patio with ocean views, a fire pit, and teak lounge chairs for maximum relaxation.

Explore the quaint Downtown

website | get directions | price: free | best for: shopping

Yellowcard fans unite: Carmel-by-the-Sea has a street called Ocean Avenue. That’s where you’ll find a concentration of adorable buildings filled with boutique shops, cafes, and wine tasting rooms. Spend a few hours combing the streets to find souvenirs commemorating your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Check out Carmel Beach

get directions | price: free | best for: views

Carmel Beach is a large, stunning beach with soft sand perfect for lounging. There are also plenty of nearby hikes if you want to take in the views from a bit higher on the coastline. For example, the Carmel Meadows Trail is both short and easy at ~0.6 miles and offers pretty picture opportunities.

Pro tip: Carmel River State Beach is another beach that’s less crowded. It’s at the mouth of a river that feeds into the ocean, so you still get great coastline views, but a bit south of the main beach.

Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

website | get directions | price: ~$10 per vehicle | best for: natural wildlife & sightseeing

Point Lobos is the perfect spot if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of California’s natural coastal wildlife. It’s super popular among photographers and painters, so there’s no denying it’s a beautiful spot. If you visit during April and May, you can expect to find seal pups chilling on the beach. Point Lobos is also considered one of the best spots in California for whale watching!

dine at La Bicyclette Restaurant 

website | get directions | cuisine: European | price point: $$

La Bicyclette is a well-established bistro serving up classic French-Italian fare with a weekly rotating menu. The kitchen is tiny, and all food comes from just a six-burner stove and their wood-fired oven. I suggest the Parisian gnocchi if it’s on the menu. It’s made in-house with spinach and simmered in a creamy parmesan sauce I can’t get out of my head.

Do the 17-mile Drive

website | get directions | price: $12 per vehicle, reimbursed with purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market | best for: scenic drive

Golf fans may recognize Pebble Beach, as it’s one of the premier golf courses in California. However, even if you don’t like golf it’s worth a visit for 17-mile drive. It runs right through the golf course’s property and offers plenty of viewpoints worth exploring.

Spend a day in Monterey

website | get directions | price: free | best for: local shops & eateries

Just over 10 minutes from Carmel is Monterey, an equally quaint beach town that was once the center of sardine packaging on the coast. Today its main drag, Cannery Row, is a popular spot for shops, restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is also one of the most famous in the US.

Go Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

website | get directions | price: free | best for: wineries

Another California city, another wine region. It’s no wonder California is the US’ largest wine producer! Carmel Valley is a short drive east of Carmel-by-the-Sea and has a bunch of tasting rooms. One that lives up to its magical name is Folktale Winery & Vineyards . It’s the perfect stop if you love fairy tale ambiance!

distance from Carmel-by-the-Sea: ~56 miles (~1 hr 30 minutes) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 1 day | best for: hiking trails & wildlife

You’ll have to head inland if you want to visit Pinnacles National Park , but it’s totally worth it if you’re craving more than just big cities and beach towns. It’s named after the eroded remains of an ancient lava field. The park is known for rich wildlife, hiking trails, endangered condor birds, and wildflower blooms if you’re visiting from January to June.

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, but I suggest getting the American the Beautiful Pass for $79 since that gets you into all the national parks for one year. You can buy the pass at the entrance to most national parks.

Pinnacles Ranch

link to book | Paicines, CA | price: ~$282 per night | 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom

This hillside single-story home overlooks the Pinnacles and surrounding ranch land. Staying here puts you just two miles from the park’s east entrance, which makes it one of the closest accommodations. Just keep in mind there’s no cell service, but there is a landline and wifi.

Hike Bear Gulch Cave Trail

website | get directions | price: ~$30 per vehicle park pass | best for: easy hike

The Bear Gulch Cave Trail is a beautiful, easily doable ~2.5-mile loop trail that takes you through a labyrinth of passages, with narrow canyons leading into a cave that looks like it came out of a fairytale.

Check out the Balconies Cave

website | get directions | price: ~$30 per vehicle park pass | best for: moderate hike through a cave

The Balconies Cave is located off the Chaparral Trailhead parking lot. It’s a pretty straightforward ~2.6-mile out-and-back trail with some elevation gain after the caves. Plan on bringing a headlamp since the caves can get pretty dark.

SEek Out Condors on High Peaks Trail

website | get directions | price: ~$30 per vehicle park pass | best for: bird sightings & epic views

There are plenty of hiking trails at Pinnacles National Park, but the most famous is High Peaks. It’s a strenuous ~7-mile hike that takes you to some of the most stunning views of rock formations. If you’re on the trail in the early morning or evening, you may see the endangered condor birds.

Pro tip: Don’t want to do the full loop? Just do the shorter ~2-mile leg of Condor Gulch Trail to the overlook that may also offer condor sightings.

Get Mexican at Cocuyo’s Restaurant

website | get directions | cuisine: Mexican | price point: $

You’ll probably be verging on hangry by the time you check out all the caves and rock formations in the park, so plan on heading to Cocuyo’s once you’re on the road. It’s a chill Mexican food joint serving tacos on housemade tortillas and chili rellenos that people on Yelp rave about.

Big Sur 

distance from Pinnacles National Park: ~80 miles (~1 hr 45 min) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 1 day | best for: amazing views

If I had to pick one bucket list spot on my SF to SD road trip, I think it would be Big Sur. It’s a narrow stretch of highway from Carmel to San Simeon known for winding turns, seaside cliffs, and a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Pacific coastline.

Make sure to double-check conditions before heading here. Highway 1 road closures due to rock slides are common because of the road’s position on the coast.

South Coast Big Sur Home

link to book | Big Sur, CA | price: ~$550 per night | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | pet friendly

This beautiful retreat is located on the south end of Big Sur near Sand Dollar Beach amidst redwood forests. Each room has breathtaking mountain and ocean views, and the walk-around deck makes the perfect spot for coffee sipping before you start the day.

You can walk to the beach from the property or take a short 15-minute drive to a bunch of hiking trails in the Silver Peak Wilderness . You’ll also be near two resorts with general stores and restaurants.

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

website | get directions | price: ~$15 per vehicle | best for: purple sand beach

Pfeiffer Beach is widely considered to be one of the most stunning beaches on the coast. It’s known for having patches of purple sand thanks to the manganese garnet washing down the mountainside after rainfall. It also has a massive rock formation called Keyhole Rock.

Take a snapshot of Bixby Creek Bridge

website | get directions | price: free | best for: classic Big Sur selfie spot

Bixby Creek Bridge is the first major stopping point along Big Sur, so it gets a ton of traffic. Mostly, people stopping for selfies. If the parking lot is full (which it usually is), you can park in the dirt lot, but it might take some maneuvering to get out.

Pro tip: If the crowds are too much for you, I’d suggest stopping at Hurricane Point just 1 mile north. You’re not as up close and personal with the bridge, but the view is incredible, and the traffic moves much quicker.

Explore the many hiking trails

price: $10 day use fee for state parks | best for: views and exercise

Big Sur has a ton of hiking options for all skill levels. Many of the best hikes are in state parks. These require a fee, but you can hop between parks if you visit within the same day.

Garrapata State Park is one popular option. It has 2 miles of coastline and a bunch of hiking options weaving along the coast and inland. Your furry friends are allowed on certain sections if the park, so this is a good stop if you’re traveling with your dog.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting Garrapata State Park from mid-February through early April, seek out wildflowers on the Calla Lily Trail !

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another popular choice for hiking. It’s about 30-40 minutes south of Pfeiffer Beach and is worth a stop for one or more of the many hiking options , the most popular of which is the McWay Falls overlook.

Andrew Molera State Park and Limekiln State Park are two of the other popular hiking areas. Andrew Molera has a few more hiking trails , but many Limekiln hikes take you to ruins of the historic limekiln operations.

Brunch in style at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant

website | get directions | cuisine: American brunch & dinner | price point: $$

Deetjen’s is a casual, family-friendly spot with knickknacks lining the walls and a very homey diner vibe. They offer classic American dishes like roasted chicken, filet mignon, and Dungeness crab cakes, and they do brunch if you’re craving eggs benny or stuffed French toast.

Pro tip: Need somewhere to eat for dinner? Check out the vibey Nepenthe for stunning views.

San Luis Obispo 

distance from Big Sur: ~169 miles (~3 hrs) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 2 days | best for: local restaurants & outdoor activities

San Luis Obispo has been at the top of my list to re-visit for a while now. I love it because it’s close enough to the ocean for day trips to the beach while still being a short drive from dozens of vineyards and mountain hikes. That means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for wine tasting, shopping, eating, outdoor adventures, or relaxing by the beach.

Downtown SLO is pedestrian-friendly, with cute shops, breweries, tasting rooms, bars, and restaurants lining Higuera’s main street. You could easily spend a week in SLO, but even two jam-packed days can be enough if you don’t mind a little hustle.

Check out my complete list of things to do in San Luis Obispo if you’re hunting for all the can’t-miss gems.

The Quailhouse

link to book | San Luis Obispo County, CA | price: ~$249/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1

This modern ranch getaway is located on a working ranch in Avila Valley. Large windows flood the home with natural light, all while providing maximum privacy. You wouldn’t even be able to tell you’re a 5-minute drive from downtown SLO and nearby Avila Beach .

Explore downtown SLO

website | get directions | price: free | best for: eating and shopping

Downtown SLO has an adorable main drag perfect for a lazy day of shopping. Wander Higuera Street and the surrounding side streets, popping into shops of interest. As you do, keep an eye out for my favorites:

• Len Collective  – Fine jewelry shop featuring over 150 artists
• Humankind Fair Trade  – Ethically sourced and often locally-made gifts
• Buen Dia  – Cool shop with colorful art prints

When you’re ready for a break from shopping, walk to the  Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa . It’s a historic Spanish mission founded in 1772 that offers free tours of the mission and the surrounding gardens.

Grab Pizza at Bear & Wren

website | get directions | cuisine: wood-fired pizza | price point: $$

The Bear & Wren is housed in the Creamery Marketplace, a dairyhouse-turned-open-air public market featuring eateries, shops, and cafes. The Bear specializes in wood-fired pizzas, small wood-fired bites, and an extensive local beer and wine list. I’m obsessed with both their Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas. Get one of both to compare!

Visit Pismo Beach

website | get directions | price: free | best for: surfing

Pismo Beach is a fun coastal town just 15 minutes south of SLO. It’s a lot bigger than Avila Beach and has more attractions, like the expansive, well-preserved sand dunes and picture-worthy sign on the Pismo Beach Pier .

Go wine tasting in Paso Robles

website | get directions | price: varies | best for: wine tasting

Paso Robles is just 40 minutes from SLO and features dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. The climate is warmer than SLO and is known for making delicious reds like cabernet and zinfandel.

I wouldn’t dedicate much time to exploring downtown Paso since it’s a lot smaller than SLO’s. Instead, I’d just head straight to the wineries. Here are some of my favorite ones:

• Adelaida – Organic winery making classic reds along with more niche varietals.
• Tablas Creek – The world’s first organic regenerative winery known for Rhone blends. 
• Hubba Wines – Stylish women-owned winery in Tin City , a dope complex with a ton of tasting rooms and restaurants. Get lunch at Etto Pasta Bar if you visit Hubba!

Be Mesmerized by Sensori0

website | get directions | price: $45+ per adult, $22 per kid | best for: interactive art exhibit

Near all the Paso Robles wineries is a cool art installation called Sensorio. It lights up the night with thousands of colorful exhibits that pulse in rhythm to music. Since it starts after dark, it’s the perfect way to end a day of wine tasting.

Relax and stay a while in Cambria

website | get directions | price: free | best for: nature walks

Cambria is a small oceanside village known for quaint cottage homes, antique shops, and a small but artsy downtown with galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, and wine tasting rooms. If you’re up for a hike, the Bluff Trail in the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is an easy 1.9-mile hike that starts downtown and casually weaves you along oceanside cliffs.

Santa Barbara 

distance from San Luis Obispo: ~94 miles (~1 hr 45 min) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 2 days | best for: scenic views

I had a blast coming up with my Santa Barbara itinerary . I mean, it’s kind of impossible not to love a place with 300 days of sunshine, tons of local shops and restaurants, and picturesque Portuguese-influenced architecture.

Just like SLO, Santa Barbara is a small town nestled between mountains and the ocean. However, Santa Barbara has the benefit of being right on the coast. This means you have a balance of activities, like sunbathing with shopping, wine tasting, and hiking.

I suggest at least 2 days in Santa Barbara so you have time to explore. However, you can make it a day trip stop if that’s all the time you have on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary.

Drift Santa Barbara

link to book | get directions | price: ~$300+ per night

Drift is located on the pedestrian-only part of State Street minutes from the beach, but there’s cheap overnight parking nearby. This self check-in hotel has a daytime cafe, Dawn, and a fun nighttime bar, Dusk. The rooms are tiny and best suited for 1-2 people, but they’re impossibly posh.

Bike along the Beach

get directions | price: ~$15+/hour for bike rentals | best for: exercise and views

There’s nothing I love more than joy riding in the sun. Santa Barbara has a flat paved path hugging the beach, so it’s perfect for covering more ground. You can also take your bike to Stearns Wharf to check out the views from the pier.

Wheel Fun Rentals is a great choice for rentals because they have e-bikes and are close to the beach.

Catch views at the courthouse

website | get directions | price: free | best for: birds-eye views of the city

I don’t often visit courthouses when I travel, but Santa Barbara’s is worth a stop because it has the most gorgeous Spanish-style architecture and grounds. In fact, they have free self-guided tours you can take to explore all its nooks and crannies.

The best part, though, is the rooftop viewpoint that gives you uninterrupted views of Santa Barbara Country from the mountains to the ocean. It has an elevator, so no climbing up hundreds of steps here!

Meander State Street & The Funk Zone

get directions | price: free | best for: shopping

One of the things that makes Santa Barbara such a vibe is State Street. This road runs all the way from inner Santa Barbara to the beach, but the area from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art toward the water is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. Part of it doesn’t allow cars, so it’s perfect for exploring by foot or bike.

Closer to the water you’ll find The Funk Zone neighborhood. It’s super artsy and has a ton of murals, independent shops, breweries, and wine tasting rooms. Plan to spend a few hours getting lost because this area is super cool.

Get dinner at Bettina

website | get directions | cuisine: pizza | price point: $$

This Michelin-recognized pizzeria has been a foodie hot spot for years. They specialize in 48-hour-fermented crusts, which come out perfectly crisp yet fluffy on the inside with an unmistakable sourdough tang.

Their pizzas change seasonally and based on what they find at their local farmer’s markets. If it’s available, the white pie with pistachio, lemon, and sausage is a game changer.

Wine taste in Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley is a popular wine region on the Central Coast. It’s part of the larger Santa Barbara AVA and has over 150 wineries. The region is known for making California classics like chardonnay, pinot noir, and Rhône varietals like syrah and grenache.

Don’t have time to visit the vineyards? Check out the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail , which has more than 20 tasting rooms around downtown Santa Barbara. If you only have a day, The Funk Zone neighborhood has around 10 alone.

Visit the Channel Islands 

website | get directions | price: free to visit + ~$65-115 per person for boat transport  | best for: unique island experience

Who knew there is a national park in the middle of the ocean? The Channel Islands consist of a five-island cluster off the coast of SB. Because it’s been isolated for thousands of years, there are unique plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

There are mainland visitor centers in SB and Ventura, but the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire or private boats. There’s no transportation on the islands, so you’ll have to discover everything by foot, kayak, or private boat.

Island Packers Cruises offers year-round transportation to all of the islands, so check them out and book in advance if possible. The cost of travel will depend on the island, but it ranges from $65-115 roundtrip per person.

distance from Santa Barbara: ~95 miles (~2 hrs 5 min) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 3-4 days | best for: city life and amusement parks

Visiting Los Angeles is kind of a given, considering it’s probably the most “California” town in California. It’s mostly known for sunshine, celebrity sightings, luxury shopping, and $15 lattes. That’s not really my scene, so I created a slightly less touristy 4-day LA itinerary centered around good food, fresh air, and more easygoing shopping activities.

There is so much to see and do in LA, but if you have less than 4 days use this as your pocket guide for exploring the city on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Kimpton Everly Hotel

link to book | get directions | price: ~$250+ per night | pet friendly

I like staying at the Kimpton since it’s located on the quieter side of Hollywood off the highway. In addition to posh rooms, the bar is lively and there’s a good restaurant downstairs with free coffee in the mornings.

Check out Santa Monica & Venice Beach

website | get directions | price: free | best for: beaches & hiking

No trip to LA is complete without checking out the beaches. The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination that offers epic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also home to one of my favorite hiking spots in LA, Will Rogers State Park , located in a residential area with minimal foot traffic.

You’ll probably recognize Venice Beach from movies because of the famous paved path lining the sand. There are often fitness competitions, skateboarders, and plenty of opportunities for people watching.

After you get your fill of the beach crowds, head to the Venice Canals for a peaceful, people-free walk. Then head to Abbott Kinney Blvd for some great shopping at independent boutiques.

Check out the Broad Museum & Downtown LA

website | get directions | price: free | best for: modern art & architecture

The Broad (pronounced “brode”) is one of LA’s best museums. It focuses on modern art and has some really famous names like Andy Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein.

Tickets are free, but you need to reserve in advance because they get snapped up quickly. I recommend getting a reservation to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors Room as part of your ticket. It’s a tiny, but magical exhibit where you step into a dark room lit up by thousands of flickering lights reflecting off mirrors.

Once you’re done at The Broad, spend some time combing downtown LA. There’s a ton of famous architecture, such as The Bradbury Building . You can also visit MOCA , another free art museum across from The Broad.

When you’re hungry, head to Grand Central Market . This food hall has a ton of great places to eat and is always buzzing with people.

Head to Disneyland and/or Universal studios

Disneyland’s website ( get directions ) & Universal Studios’ website ( get directions ) | price: ~$200-$300 per person | best for: amusement parks

Staying in LA means you’re close to two famous amusement parks: Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. Universal is right in LA about 10 minutes from Hollywood. Disneyland is about 40 minutes away in Anaheim.

Both websites will tell you tickets start at about $100 a day. This is incredibly misleading for many reasons. First, ticket prices vary by day and I’ve rarely seen prices that low on days I want to visit.

Second, you really need to pay more to ensure you don’t have a miserable experience.For Universal, that means purchasing the Express ticket so you can skip the lines. For Disney, at a minimum that means getting the park hopper so you can visit California Adventure next door. However, you should also pay the extra ~$30 for their “Genie Service” that lets you reserve the lightning lane entrances on rides and an extra ~$35 for parking.

The moral of the story is visiting either park will be expensive. However, they are iconic for a reason and a must visit on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. You’ll get to experience a ton of fun rides, eat yummy food, and bask in child-like wonder for a day.

You need at least one day in each park. Two days in Disneyland will let you take your time in both parks, but since the parks stay open late you can squeeze both into one if needed.

Eat at Saffy’s

website | get directions | cuisine: Middle Eastern | price point: $$

Saffy’s is a trendy Meditteranean spot owned by the same people behind Bestia and Bavel , two LA restaurant staples. They specialize in Middle Eastern dishes with traditional flavors but modern techniques.

In addition to an exceptional dinner, they have a tiny coffee shop next door that offers daily coffee, tea, and pastries and a full Arabic breakfast on the weekends. They serve excellent food no matter the time of day, and celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon, so carve out at least one meal here!

Palm Springs  

distance from Los Angeles: ~168 miles (~3 hrs) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 2-3 days | best for: mid century architecture & shopping

After LA, you’re more than welcome to continue driving along the coast, but I prefer heading inland for a change of scenery. Instead of beaches and coastal towns, you can enjoy the desert, quirky shops, and historic architecture in Palm Springs.

If you plan to do the desert on your SF to SD road trip, make sure to pack appropriately. Obviously the desert gets super hot in the mornings, especially during summer, but the nights can be cold. So in addition to sun protection, bring layers. And don’t forget plenty of water and hiking boots so you don’t get your everyday shoes dusty!

Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows

link to book | get directions | price: ~$335+ per night | pet friendly

This adults-only hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Palm Springs Art Museum and multiple hiking trails, including Indian Canyon . The rooms are vibrantly decorated and emanate the classic Palm Springs desert vibe. There’s also a spa that offers couples massages, a poolside bar, and bicycle rentals on site.

Explore Palm Spring’s architecture & Shops

website | get directions | price: free | best for: shopping & inspo

One of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs is walk along Palm Canyon Drive, the city’s main drag that’s lined with a bunch of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, check out Village Fest when almost 200 vendors line the street and make it even more of a shopping destination. If you start feeling peckish as you shop, pop into Rooster and the Pig , a Vietnamese spot with a modern twist and delicious cocktails.

After you get your fill shopping, go into the neighborhoods to check out the stunning mid century modern homes. If you thrive off getting the history behind what you’re seeing, take a guided architecture tour .

Grab a drink at Bar Cecil 

website | get directions | cuisine: American | price point: $$

Bar Cecil is a hip and lively Golden Girls-esque spot. The wicker chairs, coral-colored walls, and palm tree wallpaper are offset by a youthful cocktail list and eclectic food menu. They offer everything from oysters on the half-shell to steak and frites and red Thai curry mussels. It’s a popular restaurant, so you’ll want to make a reservation. If you can’t, arrive right at opening to get one of their walk-in tables.

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

website | get directions | price: $30 park entrance fee | best for: stargazing & nature walks

Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit if you’re in Palm Springs. It’s about an hour north of the city and offers stunning martian-like landscapes perfect for hiking and photography.

I have a whole guide on how to spend one day in Joshua Tree . Make sure to start early to beat the heat, especially if it’s the spring or summer. If you’re able to get there for sunrise, you can end your day by around lunch and still see all the main attractions. Plus you’ll be able to leave the park in time for lunch at La Copine , one of the best restaurants in the area.

On your way back from visiting Joshua, make sure to stop in Pioneertown for some funky shopping and drinks at Pappy & Harriet’s . The place is a whole vibe because the town was made by Hollywood for filming western movies!

Take a Day trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

website | get directions | price: free | best for: hiking & stargazing

Smack in the middle of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies the town of Borrego Springs. It’s California’s only town wholly housed in a state park. It’s also Cali’s only town dedicated to eliminating light pollution, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

The town itself has tons of nature trails along with shops and restaurants. However, some of the most breathtaking sights are in the state park itself. Two popular hikes include The Slot and Palm Canyon Loop . If you’re looking for an easier hike to a palm tree oasis randomly situated in an arid rock landscape, Palm Canyon is for you. The Slot is a tougher hike best for people who don’t mind tight spaces, as you’ll be weaving between slim slots.

Whichever hike you choose, save time to visit Galleta Meadows . It’s a funky and random art installation featuring huge metal sculptures of animals.

Enjoy the view at the Salton Sea

website | get directions | price: free | best for: birding, fishing & boating

The Salton Sea is one of the world’s largest inland seas. It rests 227 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest spots on Earth. The sea gets fed from the Colorado River, though it’s been slowly drying up year after year. Swimming isn’t recommended, but it’s still a popular destination for birders, hikers, and kayakers looking for picture-worthy views.

distance from Palm Springs: ~83 miles (~1 hr 25 min) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 1-2 days | best for: wine tasting

Temecula is Southern California’s quickly-budding wine region that’s been voted a “Top 10 Wine Destination” by Wine Enthusiast. There are over 50 wineries spread out across the valley, ranging from small-batch tasting downtown tasting rooms.

Hilltop Hideaway

link to book | Riverside County, CA | price: ~$249/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | dog friendly

This adorable tiny home is about 15 minutes outside downtown Temecula, amidst the vineyards of nearby Cougar Winery. The home is fully equipped with all the amenities, though you’ll probably spend most of your time outside bouncing between the soaking tubs, fire pit, and outdoor game station.

Go wine tasting

website | price: varies | best for: exploring the local wineries

Temecula is the largest viticultural area in southern California. The area’s warmer climate makes it an ideal spot for heat-thriving varietals like cabernet, syrah, and zinfandel. Here are some of my favorite wineries:

• Akash Winery  – Stunning father-son winery with a modern tasting room
• Palumbo Family Vineyards  – Intimate tasting room with sustainable wines
• Vindemia Winery  – Great wine and grounds that transport you to Europe
• Doffo Wines  – Funky motorcycle-themed winery with bold reds

You can also take a cable car wine tour that guides you through local vineyards in a fully-resorted 1914 cable car (featured on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).

Explore Old Town

Temecula has an adorable downtown area called Old Town. It’s full of great shops, local restaurants, and bars. Carve out a few hours to comb the streets and grab food when you’re hungry. Don’t miss The Painted Garden for a fairy tale experience perusing plants and garden sculptures.

Oceanside / Carlsbad / Encinitas coastline

distance from Temecula: ~30 miles (~45 min) | Oceanside ( get directions ) | Carlsbad ( get directions ) | Encinitas ( get directions ) | ideal length of stay: 1-2 days | best for: beaches

Just north of San Diego are a chain of beach towns perfect for exploring before you get to the final destination on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Oceanside and Carlsbad are neighboring towns known for having a relaxed beach town vibe with wide beaches, shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities. Oceanside is a bit more lively and has the Oceanside Pier , the longest wooden pier on the west coast. Carlsbad is more lowkey, and it’s where more of the families stay.

Encinitas is about 20 minutes south of the two. There’s more bustling nightlife, and the proximity to San Diego means more people and more upscale restaurants.

Stylish Beach House

link to book | Carlsbad, CA | price: ~$249/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1

This beachy apartment is minutes from Carlsbad Beach and Carlsbad Village , a hub of local restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries. When you’re done for the day, the apartment features a private patio overlooking the water.

The joy of the coastal towns north of San Diego is to just lounge on the beach, peruse the shops or breweries, and maybe bike around town. But if you want some more activities to fill in your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, here are some ideas.

Take a surfing lesson

website | price: ~$100+ per person | best for: catching some waves

You made it this far on your road trip to San Diego from San Francisco, so why not end it on a high note and take a surfing lesson? California is known for surfing, and it’s especially good in the stretch off beach running from Oceanside to Encinitas.

Visit the San Diego Botanical Garden

website | get directions | price: ~$18 per person | best for: gardens & walking trails

Less than 10 minutes from Moonlight Beach is the San Diego Botanical Garden, a 37-acre urban oasis with four miles of meandering trails, 29 uniquely themed gardens, and 5,300 plant species from regions all over the world.

Grab dinner at Campfire

website | get directions | cuisine: American | price point: $$$

Campfire is Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie ‘s casual sister restaurant. Everything is cooked over open flame, but in more of an elevated way than, say, you and I can achieve camping. The menu changes seasonally, but if it’s on the menu don’t miss the octopus and chicken.

San Diego 

distance from Oceanside: ~39 miles (~48 min) | get directions | ideal length of stay: 3 days | best for: beaches, beer, and food

You’ve made it, the last stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary! I gotta say, you saved the best for last.

I’ve been going to San Diego once a year for over a decade, ever since I first fell in love at a conference. I couldn’t understand how a town so huge could feel so spacious and relaxing, but the sprawl of beaches, restaurants, and boardwalks makes it easy to avoid the crowds while still soaking in the full experience.

I have a lot of articles about San Diego, but if you can only read one I recommend the 3-day San Diego itinerary so you can really pack in the last few days of your road trip. To give you an idea of all the fun things to do in SD, here are some highlights you can’t miss on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

link to book | get directions | price: ~$329+ per night | pet friendly

This swanky hotel is less than 10 minutes from La Jolla Beach, one of the four main beaches in San Deigo proper. The rooms are impeccably styled and offer either a pool view or a garden view from the veranda. There’s also an on-site spa, four restaurants, and two cocktail lounges.

Relax on San Diego’s Fabulous Beaches

get directions | price: free | best for: beach & boardwalk

San Diego has great beaches because it’s right on the southern coast of California. There are four main ones to visit, starting at Ocean Beach furthest south and then going north from there to Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Beach.

Mission Beach is my favorite of the four main beaches in SD since it tends to be less crowded, and there are fewer seals than at La Jolla (cute, but they smell!). It bleeds into Pacific Beach, so I try to stay in the middle where it’s the least crowded.

Just off the Mission Beach Boardwalk is Belmont Park , an amusement park full of classic roller coasters and arcade games. Or if you want something a bit more low-key, don’t miss hiking along the coast at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to the north of La Jolla.

Explore Balboa Park

website | get directions | price: varies | best for: museums & nature trails

Balboa Park is a massive 1,200-acre urban park best known for the famous San Diego Zoo , but there’s so much more to see. Even if you just spend an hour or so walking around, you’ll be amazed by the mix of natural and gorgeous historical buildings.

Some of my favorite spots include the Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego Natural History Museum, and Palm Canyon Trail, a short hike around hundreds of palm trees and cacti. If you’re a big museum person, you can even buy a Balboa Park Pass and check out all the museums for the week.

One area not to miss, though, is the Spanish Village. This plaza houses a bunch of independent artist studios and is an amazing spot for picking up local gifts.

Go on a Beer & Taco Crawl

There’s nothing more San Diego than tacos and beers. Every year I spend the majority of my trip making my way through all of the cities taco stands or trucks and microbreweries. So it’s the perfect way to end your San Francisco to San Diego road trip!

When it comes to breweries, the North Park neighborhood is a good option because it has a bunch of beer spots within walking distance of each other. The Original 40 and Mike Hess are two good options.

For tacos, you can find all styles in SD, but they do Baja-style fried fish tacos best. I find that the hole-in-the-wall food trucks tend to do them best, but there are a ton of options all over the city. Some of my favorites include Kiko’s , Marisco’s German , and Las Cuatra Milpas . They’re some of the best hidden gem restaurants in San Diego , so you’re bound to find a favorite!

More ideas for your San Francisco to San Diego itinerary

Have more time on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip? Here are more ideas to fill your itinerary.

• Best San Diego Road Trips
• How to Spend One Day in Phoenix
• The Perfect Weekend in Scottsdale Arizona
• Unique Scottsdale Restaurants to Try Immediately

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San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip - Highway #1

Road trip from San Francisco to San Diego

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. Depending on the route you choose, this may well end up being the most scenic drive you've ever done.

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. Notable stops include Malibu, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Los Angeles, as well as Big Sur, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.

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.

How far is San Diego from San Francisco and how long will the road trip take?

The road trip from San Francisco to San Diego can be done in just under 8 hours if you take the Fast Route – staying on the interstate the entire way, you could conceivably drive the 500 miles in a single day if you feel so inclined.

The scenic Pacific Coast Highway Route will take longer to cover at 560 miles. 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.

We recommend taking 5-7 days to enjoy this sunny San Francisco to San Diego road trip.

Best road trip route from San Francisco to San Diego

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.

On the Fastest Route, 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.

If you can afford to spend a couple of weeks on this trip, hugging the Pacific coast on the Pacific Coast Highway Route whenever possible is by far your best option, and you'll have no shortage of amazing coastal cities, beaches, and parks to check out.

Keep in mind that doing the trip in summer or during near-summer conditions probably means you'll run into traffic, especially near Los Angeles and some of the other large cities on the way.

How to drive from San Francisco to San Diego

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between San Francisco to San Diego. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Fast Route

Leave San Francisco by going east on Interstate 80, then follow Interstate 580 through Oakland and past Reinhardt Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. Just before the Westley Rest Area, get on Interstate 5.

Follow it south past San Luis Wildlife Refuge and Bakersfield, all the way to L.A. – take a break if you want, then continue on the interstate along the coast until you reach San Diego.

The Pacific Coast Highway Route

Leaving San Francisco and passing Lake Merced Park, get on Highway 1 and hug the coast – you'll start passing scenic landscapes such as San Pedro Valley Park, McNee Ranch State Park, Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, and Ano Nuevo State Park.

Pass through Wilder Ranch State Park, then make a stop at Santa Cruz. From there, stay on the highway through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea, then cut through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - you'll soon reach the incredible Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

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. Briefly follow Highway 101 through Dinosaur Caves Park before getting back to Highway 1 at Pismo Beach .

Soon after, you'll pass Santa Maria and La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. Past Las Cruces, start driving along the coast again, through Gaviota State Park and by Refugio and El Capitan State Beaches. Then, pass through Santa Barbara and Ventura before pulling into L.A.

Not long after passing through Huntington Beach and then Dana Point, get on Interstate 5 and stay on it for the remainder of the drive. Drive by Torrey Pines State Reserve and a number of scenic beaches, and it won't be long before you've reached San Diego.

Best places to stop between San Francisco and San Diego

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.

Here are some hotels you should consider booking:

Take in the unparalleled views at Big Sur

Many would argue that Big Sur is one of the highlights of the entire trip, and that's a reasonable claim – the amazing cliff and ocean views are to die for. For the best experience possible, stay at Ventana Big Sur and enjoy the breathtaking rooms and their amazing ocean views.

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. If the coastal fog starts to set in, you can relax by the fireplace in your cozy, spacious room.

You'll have two swimming pools to choose from, potentially giving you a lot of privacy, and The Sur House Terrace and Bar is an amazing place to spend an evening, cocktail in hand.

After exploring the massive property, you can unwind in the on-site spa and get a relaxing massage, or take in some more clean air from the outdoor hot tub.

This isn't the hotel for you if you're planning a thrifty trip, but that should go without saying when you consider what the Ventana offers you - in fact, the views alone are arguably enough to justify the price tag.

Udring your stay, we highly recommend visiting McWay Cove Beach to take in the stunning landscape.

Enjoy the royal treatment in San Diego

Thanks to its impossibly scenic and convenient location, San Diego's hotels go above and beyond to provide you with a quality stay. There are countless amazing resorts here.

READ MORE - Click here for great hotel options

Things to see on a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego

The number of things worth seeing on a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego is staggering. Most of them are part of the Pacific route, so consider taking a week or two to make sure you've covered as much as possible. These are some of the must-see places for this trip:

• San Jose –This rich and extravagant city boasts an incredible summer climate and soaring constructions you won't soon forget.
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park – A gorgeous forest featuring countless waterfalls, scenic trails, and the titular redwoods.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea/Monterey – Stylishly mixing the old and new, these cities house some of the best beaches in all of California and beyond. We recommend visiting Monterey State Beach while here.
• Big Sur – A unique, mountainous region along the Pacific coast and one of the most beautiful spots in the state.
• Hearst Castle –This historic marvel of architecture was built by Julia Morgan, California's first licensed female architect.
• Elephant Seal Vista Point – Exactly what it says on the box: a spacious beach where you can see dozens of resting seals.
• San Luis Obispo – A charming town rich in boutiques, wineries, and Spanish constructions.
• Monta ñ a De Oro State Park – This beautiful oceanside park takes its name from the golden wildflowers that decorate it.
• Los Padres National Forest – A beautiful, gigantic forest that houses a variety of scenic mountain ranges.
• Malibu – One of the route's most notable beach cities, Malibu makes for a great stopover while exploring the parks between L.A. and Oxnard.
• Los Angeles – Also known as the City of Angels, California's largest metropolis needs no introduction.
• Crystal Cove State Park – A 3-mile coastal stretch decorated by uniquely shaped cliffs.
• Torrey Pines State Reserve & Beach – This incredibly scenic ocean reserve is perfect for hiking and is effectively a wilderness expanse within San Diego itself.
• La Jolla Shores – An extremely popular beach in the S.D. region and a strong contender for the best in the city, this place is not to be missed.
• Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park – Thanks to its unique geographical position, this park is perfect for hikes and visits no matter the season.
• Bakersfield – One of the largest cities you'll encounter on the way, Bakersfield is home to plenty of amazing parks and museums worth checking out. Bakersfield is the birthplace of the country music genre "Bakersfield sound".

Best time to go on a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego

Finding the time for a long road trip from San Francisco to San Diego can be difficult, but thankfully, San Diego is generally very accommodating regardless of what time of year you choose to visit – in short, you can do this road trip whenever your schedule allows for it.

If there is such a thing as a "bad" time to visit San Diego, it would have to be spring - and only sometimes. 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.

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. Not to mention, there's Comic-Con and a whole slew of great activities this time of year to keep you busy.

If crowds aren't your thing, fall and winter are also fantastic times to be making this road trip, provided that the roads aren't in bad shape due to poor weather up north. You should be able to score cheap accommodation in the fall, and you can expect some great surfing waves too.

Winter temperatures often reach the mid-to-high 60s, so as long as you don't come during Christmas, you'll practically be guaranteed a pleasant and quiet stay.

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Scenic San Francisco to San Diego Family Road Trip Itinerary

Nothing quite compares to a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip. It’s an incredible journey through some of the most beautiful places in the entire country and the perfect goal for your next family adventure . 

There are 2 major driving routes that will get you from San Francisco to San Diego. The fastest is on I-5 South, which will take about 7.5 hours. If you’re looking for anything faster, you should consider flying instead. The major downside to I-5 is that it’s a boring trip that misses most of the beautiful stops and sights that California has to offer . 

Instead, you should take the scenic drive to get from San Francisco to San Diego. This route involves Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway 1.

On this California road trip, you’ll be cruising down the coast with amazing views and beautiful places to stop along the way as you cross from Northern California into Southern California .

Distance From San Francisco to San Diego

How long driving san francisco to san diego, best time of year to drive from san francisco to san diego, san francisco, monterey & carmel-by-the-sea, santa barbara, santa monica & los angeles, more tips for road tripping san francisco to san diego.

The distance from San Francisco to San Diego is just over 500 miles if you drive straight down I-5. The truth is, you’ll get from San Fran to San Diego pretty quickly, but you’ll miss out on some of the greatest places in California. 

So, if you’re looking for a more enjoyable drive, consider taking Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway 1. The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the coastline for much of the journey, while the 101 is set slightly inland.

On this path, you’ll be able to stop off at insanely cool places like Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara. The distance from San Francisco to San Diego on this scenic drive is closer to 600 miles. 

Driving directly from San Francisco to San Diego on I-5 South will take just over 7.5 hours, depending on traffic. So you could leave in the morning and complete the drive by dinner time. But honestly, that’s not what we’re here for. Instead, make it into an actual road trip, where you enjoy the amazing state of California along the way. 

Driving Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway 1 will take over 10 hours of pure driving, but you’ll have the most gorgeous views of the ocean and coastline.

You’ll also drive through some of the cutest towns on the coast, like Carmel-By-The-Sea and San Simeon. And let’s be honest, when road-tripping with kids, the more times you can get out and explore, the better. 

The best way to experience the San Fran to San Diego road trip is to allow one to two weeks. This way, you’ll be driving 1-2 hours between locations and spend a day or two at each.

Spread out over 14 days, you shouldn’t be crunched for time and have enough time to enjoy the various places along the way.

California is a state known for having abundant sunshine. So, when it comes to times of the year when the weather isn’t the absolute best, it earns a nickname.

You’ve probably heard of “May Gray”, “June Gloom,” “No-Sky July,” and “Fogust.” These are all indications that it’s likely not the ideal time for a San Fran to San Diego road trip.

Additionally, if California is going to get rain, for sure it will happen during the winter months or possibly in the spring. 

After considering all of this, the best time for San Francisco to San Diego road trip is the fall, September through early November. It’s when you’ll find little precipitation and lower rates of fog. You’ll also find fewer crowds, if you are able to travel when schools have returned.

Best Stops On A San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip

What better way is there to start an epic road trip than from the great city of San Francisco ?  

You’ll want to dedicate a few days to exploring and enjoying San Fran and the entire Bay Area. No visit is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and riding a cable car which is quintessential SF activities. 

Make sure to plan a time to visit San Fran’s famed Chinatown, where you can experience its sights, sounds, and tastes. You can even see how fortune cookies are made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory .

If your kids want to play, there’s no better place to take them than the playground at Dolores Park. At Pier 39, you’ll find the Aquarium of the Bay as well as cool rides like a carousel.  Consider taking a boat tour of the bay, where you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge from underneath.

Leaving San Francisco, you’ll head about 80 miles south to Santa Cruz. To get there, take the Pacific Coast Highway down along the coast.

Pro Tip: San Francisco is known for its fog. But this marine layer normally burns off by mid-day. So to play it safe, plan to do the driving in the latter half of the day.

In less than two hours drive, you’ll arrive in Santa Cruz, the ideal Pacific Coast beach town. It’s filled with beaches, surfer culture, and love. So it’s clearly the best first stop on this road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. 

A major destination, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic beachside amusement park that will delight everyone in the family. With 40 to choose from, there are rides designed for everyone in the family, from little ones to adrenaline junkies. You can ride with unlimited access wristbands or pay for individual rides with a boardwalk card. You’ll see some discounts if bought online in advance. 

With a blue whale skeleton out front, you can’t help but want to go in and explore everything the Seymour Marine Discovery Center has to offer. Kids will love getting up close and even touching some of the sea life. Children under three get free admission, and college kids can get a student discount with ID. 

It’s a short 45-minute drive down the coast to Monterey and Carmel-By-The Sea, the next stop on this road trip from San Fran to San Diego. 

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Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium is totally one of the best to do in Monterey. It’s one of the top research facilities in the country and has some of the most diverse fish populations in America. Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily; the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-do activity.

Buy tickets in advance and find out more on the Monterey Bay Aquarium website.

MY Museum (the Monterey County Youth Museum) is an excellent activity for families with little ones. Designed specifically for them, kids are encouraged to touch and play. They can do experiments, make music and play pretend. MY Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday. Kids under two years are free.

Go to the water at places like McAbee Beach and Old Fisherman’s Wharf . Monterey is one of the best places to take a whale-watching tour or go kayaking on the bay.  

Don’t miss visiting Carmel-By-The-Sea. This special town feels like you’re in a fairytale with small buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and thatched roofs. Enjoy a stroll through the village, where you can check out the unique shops and grab a bite at the restaurants. 

Heading south from Carmel-By-The-Sea, it’s less than 30 miles to get to Big Sur, the next stop on this west coast road trip.

Big Sur is one of the most majestic stretches of California landscape and an absolute must when making the road trip from San Fran to San Diego. 

Heading south on the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll have the Santa Lucia Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Stretching 90 miles, there are a number of places and state parks you’ll want to stop and experience on this leg of the trip. 

You’ll have short hikes and wildlife viewing at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Garrapata State Park. Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach are ones not to miss. 

Toward the end of the drive, you’ll come to Julia Pfeiffer State Park. Known for coastal hikes, an 80-foot waterfall, and a beautiful forest, it’s a major highlight in Big Sur.

Extending your time in Big Sur is a good idea to spend the night. Camping is available in Big Sur so that you can enjoy even more of this beautiful place. 

Pro Tip: Some of the trails in Big Sur are on the cliff’s edge, like Bird Island Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. So make sure to watch your step and keep being careful with young children.

Pro Tip: Cell service can be spotty in Big Sur. So download what you might need ahead of time. 

San Simeon is a beautiful community right on the Pacific Ocean that you should definitely visit. One of the major sights in San Simeon is Hearst Castle. Since its completion in 1946, William Randolph Hearst’s estate has been a major landmark and destination.

Today, you can visit the grounds and tour the castle. You’ll need to make advance reservations on the Hearst Castle website . If you decide not to visit the grounds, no worries, there are other great things to do in the area. Plus you’ll be able to see the castle from a distance on your visit to San Simeon. 

Everyone in the family will love spotting sea otters and elephant seals in San Simeon. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs on a walk along the water.

At Hearst Memorial Beach, you can walk the sand or out on the San Simeon Pier. Walking Moonbeach at low tide is super cool with multi-colored stones underfoot.  

Ring a bell? Yeah, just about any parent who has ever watched Finding Dory knows about Morro Bay. Unfortunately, the Marine Life Institute from the movie is fictitious. But you can still visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which was the inspiration for the Jewel of Morro Bay.

Just make sure to do it during your stop in Monterey, not Morro Bay. Check out more info about it in the Monterey section above.

One of the best things to do in Morro Bay is to visit Morro Bay State Park . Everyone will love hiking in the park and getting some exercise after the road trip. Kids will love seeing Morro Rock sticking out of the water. They might even catch a glimpse of sea otters that call the area home.

Everyone in the family can learn more about the area’s history, oceanography, and the park’s wildlife at the Museum of Natural History located in the park.

If you like to camp, consider staying at Morro Bay State Park. You can book a campsite up to 6 months in advance at reservecalifornia.com . 

Get a closer look at sea life on a boat tour of Morro Bay. Kids will love to spot whales, otters, and seals. You can also let the kids play at Tidelands Park right on the bay. 

The next top on the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Santa Barbara. Located just over 100 miles south of Morro Bay, it’s known for beautiful architecture and picturesque beaches. Everyone in the family will love making a stop here. 

Kids will love the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Museum of Natural History Sea Center . At MOXI (the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation) , kids can do everything from stepping inside a giant guitar to printing something from a 3D printer. 

Everyone will love grabbing an ice cream and exploring Stearns Wharf. Let the kids play at any of the playgrounds in Santa Barbara, like Alameda Park and Chase Palm Park Shipwreck Playground.

The 115 miles between Santa Barbara and LA, Highway 1 has some of the most beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

As you drive down the coast, there’s no denying that Santa Monica and Los Angeles are major stops on this road trip from San Fran to San Diego. So, it’s a good idea to plan to spend a couple of days in LA County to really enjoy the area. 

A scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids active in seeking out the major sights. See who can spot the Hollywood Sign first, or mark how many times you see it while in LA.

On the Walk of Fame, search for the name of actors from movies or shows kids love. Harry Potter fans will love to find Daniel Radcliffe, and little ones can search for Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Take the kids (and the kids at heart) to the major theme parks. You can’t go wrong with a day at Disneyland or Universal Studios. 

La Brea Tar Pits Museum is a huge hit with kids interested in the past. They’ll love seeing what ice age fossils have been discovered and watching the 3D movie about it all. 

Don’t miss spending some time in Santa Monica. Definitely head to the Santa Monica Pier , where everyone can ride the rides, enjoy the food and even visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium . 

Congratulations! You’ve made it to San Diego, the final destination on your fabulous road trip from San Francisco. After covering the last 120 miles from LA, it’s time to enjoy everything this great city and Southern California have to offer.

The entire family will enjoy visiting Balboa Park. You can stroll the beautiful gardens and visit one of the 17 museums, including the Natural History Museum right there. It’s also right next door to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. 

Head to Old Town San Diego to learn about the history and culture of the city and the birthplace of California. It’s also a great place to enjoy delicious Mexican food. 

Legoland is also a great place to spend the day with the entire family. Everyone will love a beach day on Coronado Island. And don’t forget to see the seals at La Jolla Cove.

• Top Tip: If you’re planning on visiting even just a few of the best attractions in San Diego, picking up a Go City attraction pass can save you a lot of money.
• Keep up to date on highway conditions by checking the California Department of Transportation website especially if you’re taking the Pacific Coast Highway 1, which can be closed due to landslides.
• If anyone in the family gets carsick , you may want to stick to Highway 101, where possible, instead of the PCH, which has LOTS of curves. 
• Remember to purchase your parking permit when visiting California State Parks. They only cost $10 and are valid for 24 hours.
• Finally, our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist is a worry-free checklist for every journey.

Up Next…

Looking for more road trip ideas on the west coast ? You’ll also want to grab our detailed itineraries covering:

• San Francisco to Yosemite National Park – take your time and meander the scenic route into the mountains
• A Portland to San Francisco Road Trip – taking the coastal route down and the scenic central route back through Oregon
• Explore the entire of the US Pacific Northwest coast with this San Francisco to Seattle itinerary
• San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park Road Trip
• Extend this further with this San Diego to Phoenix itinerary or head further north and discover the fascinating stops on a San Diego to Grand Canyon drive .
• San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks – taking in the top end of the Pacific Coast Highway and incredible forest driving
• The 12 Most Scenic Driving Routes in Northern California

© Family Road Trip

Sensational South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

NYC to Niagara Falls Road Trip Itinerary With Essential Stops

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner

Planning to go on the best road trip in the world? You have come to the right place.

Welcome to our ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner!

We are the #1 resource dedicated to planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Pacific Coast Highway road trip ranks pretty high among bucket list travel experiences – in fact its one of the most scenic drives in the entire world!

Highway 1 is a gorgeous drive along sprawling cities, charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, majestic forests, and stunning landscapes.

Whether you are planning a trip to California, Oregon, or Washington….

….or planning the ultimate West Coast Road Trip from San Diego to Seattle;

We have multiple Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary recommendations that cover different areas of the West Coast!

That means you can use this as a Washington / Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner or California coastal road trip planner for Highway 1.

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner will help you plan your entire trip and cover the following:

• The Best Cities to begin your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Best PCH Itineraries for all types of travelers
• Best Stops / best attractions to visit on the Pacific Coast Highway
• Where to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Best places to eat along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Hidden Gems / Offbeat attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide also covers other useful and important information including

• Best time to visit the Pacific Coast
• How much to drive each day along the PCH
• What to pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip
• How much does a Pacific Coast Highway road trip cost aka Budgeting for your PCH trip

It is quite easy to plan a PCH road trip by yourself using our Highway 1 / Highway 101 trip planners and online booking sites to reserve your flights/rental car/hotels.

Awesome, right? Then let’s start planning your Pacific Highway road trip itinerary now.

Before you begin

As an American, you probably know what goes into planning an epic cross country road trip.

After all, we are pretty road-trip obsessed country!

However, what if you are traveling from abroad and are interested in the Pacific Coast Highway drive itinerary?

You’re in luck – we have many resources to help you plan your trip including information on visas, renting a car, and driving in America.

Our detailed PCH road trip planners will take you step by step through the process of planning your trip:

• The initial steps in planning the Pacific Coast Highway road trip involve: Deciding what part of the PCH will you drive How many days will you devote to the entire trip and When is the best time to visit. Information to help you in deciding these is covered in Step 1: PCH FAQs and Step 2: Best PCH Stops
• You also need to pick a PCH gateway city, decide how will you reach there, and whether you need to rent a car or drive your own. Find information on the best cities to start your PCH Road Trip in Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities
• If you want to see the highlights of central California, specifically Highway 1, then refer to the California coast road trip planner. If you want a Pacific coast trip through PNW, then focus on the Oregon coast and Olympic peninsula. Information on specific Itineraries is covered in Step 4: PCH Itineraries
• Finally, book your trip! Find our recommended hotels, car rental companies, and flight aggregators in Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip .

Also, don’t forget to join our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Facebook Page where you can ask questions or share your photos or itinerary with fellow travelers.  Click here to join now . 

Ready to get started? Let’s start planning the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip together! 

Don’t believe us when we say that the PCH road trip is the most beautiful road trip in the world?

Then check out these beautiful photos from the USA West Coast!

Step 1: PCH FAQs

The Pacific Coast Highway is pretty large and rather confusing.

It is essential to understand the PCH before you plan a trip.

Here’s some basic information:

Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start and end?

Wondering where is the Pacific Coast Highway and how long it is? Also, where does the PCH start and end?

One of the things that creates confusion while planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is that the road is simply huge.

Plus everybody seems to be talking about a different stretch of the road when they refer to the PCH.

We experienced this several times while planning our first trip to the region. 

The coastal route or the PCH starts at San Diego near the Mexican border and ends near Seattle in the city of Olympia in the Pacific Northwest.

It is not officially named the Pacific Coast Highway but has always been called so since it parallels the Pacific Coast.

The routes to follow for the road trip include Highway 1 in southern and central California and Highway 101 in northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Since it goes the entire length of the West Coast, just how long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

The road beginning in San Diego to its end in Olympia, the capital of Washington State is roughly 1700 miles long!

And yes, it really does go parallel to the Pacific Ocean for the most part!

What is the PCH1?

The road officially called the PCH1 is located in California. Its other name is California State Route 1 (SR1) or Highway 1.

Where does Hwy 1 start and end?

The PCH1 drive extends from the I-5 intersection in Orange County, Southern California to Highway 101 intersection near Leggett in Northern California.

Also, the name PCH 1 is interchangeably used with Highway 1 (Hwy 1) or Route 1 or California 1 or SR 1. 

Add to that, certain parts of California PCH 1 near Pismo Beach on Central Coast are known as Cabrillo Highway while a section north of San Francisco is called the Shoreline Highway.

Many times Hwy 1 merges with Hwy 101, creating even more confusion.

This is most noticeable from Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo and along the Golden Gate Bridge where the two roads merge.

The Hwy also simply disappears and takes street names in San Francisco (19th Avenue) and in Santa Monica (Lincoln Blvd).

If you are planning a trip along this route, then the Highway 1 trip planner will help you discover attractions between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

So how do you ensure you don’t get lost while planning a road trip up PCH?

The easiest way is to ensure that you are following the PCH1 between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

This is the most spectacular stretch that passes through Big Sur and the road here is clearly marked, causing no confusion.

Our California Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you towards the best stops on Highway 1 California in Big Sur including McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

Which section of the Pacific Coast Highway should you drive?

For first-timers, we recommend driving the California Highway 1 or PCH 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles for multiple reasons.

This stretch of PCH1 passes through the beautiful Big Sur region.

For many people, Big Sur is the #1 attraction along the route.

Also, the gateway cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco are very well connected and easy to fly in or out after your trip.

One-way car rentals between the two cities are easily available or you also have the option of a loop road trip.

Our San Francisco road trip planner will help you plan your trip to SF, LA, as well as the attractions in between.

Have already been to this part of California Coast? Don’t want to begin in SF? You have many other options to customize the itinerary as you want!

After the PCH 1 ends, you can either drive south along the coast to San Diego or all the way up to Olympic National Park and the Canadian border in the north.

Alternatively, you can also begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Diego and drive north.

The entire route is scenic and has plenty of attractions.

In northern California you will find beautiful redwood trees while in Oregon, you can see stunning capes and lighthouses as well as unique geological formations.

In Washington, you will find everything from deep blue lakes and dense rainforests to sea stacks and driftwood covered beaches.

And that’s why it is so important to decide which stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway you want to drive before you plan your trip.

Which direction to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

All right, so you have decided which section of the Pacific Coast Highway you are going to be driving.

You know how much time you have in hand.

So which gateway city do you begin your PCH Road trip?

Is it better to drive north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

While many people recommend driving from south to north, our favorite is to drive south.

Yes, you will see the most gorgeous sites first and might end in the chaotic city of Los Angeles but you will be closer to the stunning views plus have easier access to parking lots and pull-outs.

That being said, if you have enough time to savor the trip then the direction won’t really matter much!

When to visit the Pacific Coast Highway?

The best part? You can drive the Pacific Coast Highway year round! 

There are, however, certain times of the year when the PCH road trip is more scenic than others.

Spring is our personal favorite.

You can see wildflowers along the Pacific Coast Highway plus spot wildlife including migrating whales.

The temperature is pleasant for hiking, during the daytime it is neither too hot nor too cold.

An added bonus, the crowds are fewer than in summer or winter holidays.

However, you should skip spring break week, if possible.

Remember: Spring can be too windy and cold but the gorgeous wildflowers tip the scales. 

Our second favorite time of the year for this road trip is from late summer to early fall, just after the schools are in session.

September and October on the coast are mild and sunny.

A pleasant breeze flows from the ocean making hikes more fun.

Wineries along the PCH in Napa, Sonoma, and along the Central Coast have beautiful fall colors and are ready for harvest.

Visitors can enjoy grape stomping at wineries if they time it right.

Winter and summer both have their pros and cons.

In winter, you can whale watch and enjoy the scenic beauty without the fog.

But temperatures, especially for northern California, can be quite chilly.

It can also rain, causing landslides and slippery trails.

The PCH may stay closed for days due to extended storm damage. 

The very end of winter – from mid to late February – is a good time with mild weather and low crowds.

The summer months of June, July, and August can be quite foggy.

Big Sur looks beautiful and dramatic in the fog but the roads can be treacherous for driving.

The fog usually prevails in the morning and evening so you should still have clear blue afternoons.

As you continue south, it can get too hot to hike or stay outdoors for longer times.

Peak tourist times are winter holiday season and summer vacations.

Expect accommodations to fill up faster, potential delays on the road, and full parking lots at major attractions like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

To read more about the best time to visit and see photos in different seasons, read our post When to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway .

How to rent a car for a PCH road trip? Which car should you rent?

The best way to travel Pacific Coast Highway is by car!

Look for one way car rentals unless you plan to do a round trip.

However, one-way rentals can be expensive so factor that in while planning your itinerary.

If you have more time and want to do the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget, then you can definitely return to the original destination to reduce costs.

An SUV is really useful while negotiating the twisting turns of the PCH however, it is also easy to break in into.

Because of that, we prefer a sedan if we are driving with kids and have a lot of luggage in the trunk.

A muscle car or a convertible is also a great option for driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

The coast has stunning views and a top down lets you feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the panorama.

A recently popular option is to rent an RV for the Pacific Coast Highway travel itinerary.

This allows you to enjoy the natural attractions along the coast to the maximum.

How much should you budget for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

The famous question, how much does it cost to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?! Or what should be your Pacific Coast Highway road trip budget?

In general, we recommend budgeting $200 per person per day including hotel, car, and food for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway.

That’s why the easiest way to do the trip on a budget is to choose a shorter Pacific Coast Highway trip itinerary.

The fewer number of days on your trip, the fewer the costs.

That said, California, in general, is expensive and we have never been able to go on an extended California trip under $1000 per person including airfare.

You can also consider road tripping the PCH 1 along Oregon or Washington to reduce costs as these states are somewhat cheaper than California.

More Pacific Coast Highway FAQs

To read more Pacific Coast Highway FAQs including the following common doubts, click here .

• Is the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous to drive?
• What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway?
• Which part of California should you visit?
• How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway?

Step 2: Best PCH Stops

If you have decided to visit the most popular part of coastal California:

Begin your Pacific Coast Highway road trip planning by exploring the major attractions and things to do along California’s Hwy 1.

Popular attractions including West Coast lighthouses , waterfalls, state parks, hiking trails, beaches, coastal towns await you on this marvelous drive – and off course the iconic Bixby Bridge!

You can find information about these and other essential attractions in our California Coast trip planner.

Also, explore other stops on Highway 101 in northern California if you have more time.

Here you will find majestic redwood trees and the Redwoods State and National parks.

Road trip the Redwoods Scenic Byway and explore cities like Eureka and Crescent City.

There are also plenty of stunning stops along the Pacific Coast Highway in both Oregon and Washington.

You can read more about the best stops along the PCH here.

This will give you an idea of the most important places to visit and help in planning the trip around your interests.

Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities

Once you have selected your itinerary, you need to select which West Coast cities you can fly into.

While there are many cities on the West Coast, the 5 major ones which make perfect places to begin your PCH road trip are these:

Begin a Pacific Highway trip around the Evergreen State in the Emerald City of Seattle.

Read our post on things to do in Seattle now to plan your trip.

To see Oregon’s dramatic coastline, redwood trees, rock formations, and sand dunes, start a Hwy 101 road trip in Portland.

Read our post on Things to do in Portland now.

San Francisco

San Francisco is our personal favorite to start an epic Pacific Coast road trip.

It also makes an excellent starting destination for California fly drive route planner.

Read our post on things to do in San Francisco now.

Los Angeles

Tinseltown is exciting and glamorous.

It also happens to be cheap to fly into and makes a perfect start to PCH drive.

You can plan a California coastal highway itinerary up or down the coast and have whale of a time.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles now.

San Diego is the perfect destination to plan a trip using our SoCal trip planner.

Read our post on Best Things to do in San Diego now.

How to reach the PCH Gateway Cities?

The major airports for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California are San Francisco and Los Angeles.

San Francisco actually has three airports: San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

You need to research airfares to all three to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Similarly, Los Angeles also has a couple of nearby airports including Long Beach, Burbank, Orange County, etc and is a great California PCH trip start point.

If you are extending your trip along the West Coast, then fly into San Diego, Portland, or Seattle to start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

Budget airlines that often have great deals to California or the Pacific Northwest include Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Air, and Southwest.

To get the best flight deals, we recommend booking using flight aggregators like Skyscanner or CheapOair.

Step 4: PCH Itineraries

This is our favorite part of trip planning!

This is also where we can help you the most as we have been planning road trips since the past 12 years.

We recommend that you go through our many itineraries, pick the one that is the best fit, and customize it to suit your needs.

Let’s plan the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip ever!

Fly and Drive PCH Itineraries by number of days

Since you will already be driving a lot every day along the PCH we generally recommend fly and drive itineraries.

However, if you happen to live nearby or have enough time to travel, then you can definitely drive to California and then go on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. 

You can spend anywhere from 4 days to 10 days on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the highlights of our popular itineraries.

Click the link to read in-depth each itinerary for Pacific Coast Highway.

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day itinerary

The simplest California road trip planner.

If you have only 4 days, then spend one day in San Francisco and see the highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz.

Visit one of the beaches: Ocean Beach, Crissy Field Beach, or Baker Beach are the most popular ones!

The next day, leave early from San Francisco and explore Half Moon Bay and Monterey.

See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach.

Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur.

See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night.

Spend some time to see SLO attractions including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Historic Downtown, Bubblegum Alley, and the Madonna Inn – a famous hotel with eclectic decor!

Then stop at Santa Barbara. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, this coastal city feels very Mediterranean.

Santa Barbara has many attractions including the charming white colonial downtown, Mission Santa Barbara, museums, zoo, and more!

Enjoy shopping or dining at Stearns Wharf or take a whale watching cruise before heading for Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, visit the Walk of Fame, see Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign before calling it a day.

You can read this itinerary here for this Highway 1 trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary

Looking for Pacific Coast Highway itinerary of 5 days?

We would recommend following our 4-day pacific highway 1 itinerary with just a few changes: you can spend the extra day exploring either San Francisco, Big Sur Coast, or Los Angeles.

In San Francisco, use your second day to see Muir Woods, Mission District, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks.

If you chose to stay in Big Sur, then stay at the romantic Ventana Resort or Post Ranch Inn.

Stop at each pull-out and look for wildlife.

Tour the Point Sur Lightstation, photograph the Bixby Bridge, and see the seals at Elephant Seal Rookery in Piedras Blancas.

Make the detour to explore Central Coast’s wine country.

If you chose Los Angeles then the sky is the limit.

You can explore the museums especially the Broad and LACMA or spend a day at Universal or Disney!

If you ask us, we would pick Big Sur over the cities, any day!

You can read about this itinerary in detail here for the 5 Day PCH trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary

Our favorite! A week is a perfect time to drive this stunning route.

On your first day of California pacific coast highway itinerary 7 days, start at the northern end in Leggett and see those majestic coastal redwoods.

Drive your car through the Chandelier Tree tunnel.

Then eat oysters in Tomales Bay and visit Point Reyes Lighthouse before spending the night in San Francisco.

For the rest of your coast to coast road trip planner, spend 1 day each in San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Solvang, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

With 7 days in hand, you have enough time to explore Big Sur’s hidden gems such as Henry Miller Memorial Library and Andrew Molera State Park.

View this itinerary now to read all the details of the 7 day Pacific Coast Highway trip planner.

Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary

With 10 days in hand, you have so many options.

One way is to follow the 7- day itinerary but drive all the way down to San Diego to create the ultimate California driving trip planner.

Another is to start in Los Angeles, follow our 7-day itinerary heading north, and explore up to the Avenue of Giants in northern California.

If you love slow travel, then drive from Leggett to Los Angeles but spend time hiking in Point Reyes and Point Lobos, visiting the remote Channel Islands National Park, and touring the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley.

The epic 10 day California road trip for families and RVers.

The ultimate chilled-out California Pacific Coast Highway trip!

You can also do a Northern California road trip from San Francisco for the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary 10 days.

Or you can drive all the way up to Portland and see the Oregon coast attractions along the way.

You can also visit the Olympic Peninsula on a Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip in Washington.

To decide which itinerary to choose, click here now . 

If you have less than 4 days

If your Pacific Coast Highway drive time is too long, then you won’t have enough time to enjoy all the attractions on the way.

We would not recommend driving the entire length of the PCH or Highway 1 if you have less than 4 days.

For short weekend trips, consider the below trips in our California road trip route planner.

We also suggestions for PCH day trips in Oregon and Washington.

Best PCH road trips from San Francisco

If you have 3 days or under, then it is not feasible to drive the entire length of PCH.

You can make the drive but will miss out on a lot of attractions.

Instead, consider day trips and weekend getaways along the coast for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 3 days.

Our top 3 getaways for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 1 day from San Francisco are Point Reyes, Monterey, and Big Sur.

Carmel by the Sea, only a short drive from Monterey and Pebble Beach, is also a great weekend trip from San Fran.

Best PCH road trips from Los Angeles

For day trips and weekend getaways along Hwy 1 from Los Angeles, consider visiting La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Pismo Beach, or San Luis Obispo.

Or drive south towards San Diego, Newport Beach, and La Jolla.

These destinations are just a few hours away from LA and great to visit.

Visiting Big Sur from Los Angeles is hectic if you have only 2 days but possible with 3 days in hand.

Best PCH road trips from San Diego

You can also road trip up the pacific coast highway from San Diego to Los Angeles or Anaheim.

Enjoy Hollywood or city life in Los Angeles or see Disney and other theme parks in Anaheim.

Relax at Huntington Beach. Or visit Coronado island for a different type of trip.

The San Diego trip planner has many ideas to enjoy the attractions of southern California.

Best PCH road trips from Portland

Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH.

While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach.

Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

Best PCH road trips from Seattle

There are plenty of PCH trips from the Emerald City.

Drive the Highway 101 south to Tacoma or Olympia.

Or take the ferry to Port Angeles and Olympic peninsula and follow Highway 101 all around the peninsula.

If you have more than 10 days

If you have anywhere around two weeks, we would recommend driving either down to San Diego in the south or driving towards Portland or Seattle in the north from LA or SF.

You can also drive from San Diego to Seattle or vice versa using our west coast road trip planner.  

2 Week West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

2 weeks is the ideal time to go on an epic US West Coast Road trip.

From the Olympic peninsula in Washington to southern California, you can use our border to border coast trip planner to plan the most amazing, once in a lifetime, USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

You can either start in San Diego and drive towards Portland or Seattle or start in the Pacific Northwest and drive south.

The entire drive is over 1700 miles and should be done only if you have 2 weeks or more in hand.

Point to Point PCH Itineraries

You can also plan PCH road trip itinerary depending on your start city and destination rather than days.

Pacific Coast Highway Itineraries by State

San diego to los angeles drive.

Wondering how to plan a trip to California coast between Los Angeles and San Diego?

This California Highway 1 road trip itinerary will take you through stunning beaches of La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and Oceanside.

You can see charming coastal towns and enjoys SoCal’s relaxed vibe.

California Coast Road Trip from LA to SF

This is the ultimate CA road trip planner.

Visit two of California’s biggest cities and visit the natural attractions on the coast including beautiful Big Sur, McWay Falls, and 17 Mile Drive.

This Pacific Highway 1 road trip is our favorite road trip along the West Coast! Read this itinerary now.

Northern California Coast Road Trip

This Highway 101 road trip itinerary in Northern California will take you through giant, majestic redwood trees and the most remote parts of the coast.

From attractions like Point Reyes and Muir Beach to charming cities like Mendocino and Eureka, this itinerary for driving Pacific Coast Highway will leave you spellbound.

See the glass beach at Fort Bragg, tour the famous Point Arena Lighthouse, enjoy hiking at Mendocino State Parks, and drive the Avenue of Giants on this epic PCH itinerary.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Planner

Plan a trip from Brookings in the south to Astoria in the north using our Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner.

Visit attractions such as Cannon Beach, Natural Bridges, and Devil’s Punchbowl on this amazing Oregon Coast Road trip .

Washington Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

Our Highway 101 trip planner in Washington follows the road around the Olympic peninsula.

It can be used to visit attractions such as Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles, and Seattle. Read this itinerary now .

We would recommend going through our list of Suggested PCH Itineraries and deciding upon an itinerary based on your interests before finalizing your trip.

Pacific Highway Road Trip Map

Looking for map of Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

Among our resources, we have plenty of Pacific Coast Highway road trip maps, depending on the section you want to drive.

If you are interested in Big Sur, use the California Highway 1 road trip map.

Use the Northern California road trip map planner to see the redwoods.

Follow Pacific Highway itinerary maps for Oregon or Washington to plan a Pacific Northwest trip.

Be sure to finalize your Pacific Coast Highway Map and print copies before you embark on your trip.

Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip

And finally we come to the task of booking your PCH vacation.

When to book and plan your PCH trip

In general, we recommend booking your trip at least 6 months in advance, though ideally, earlier is better.

While you can always plan a last-minute PCH road trip, especially if staying nearby, it is not recommended.

This especially applies if you are traveling in peak periods and in the Golden State.

Every California trip planner suggests booking in advance.

As we have experienced, booking hotels closer to the trip can definitely make the trip twice as expensive.

Before booking your trip, we recommend researching destinations and finalizing your Pacific Coast Highway Road trip itinerary.

In some instances, we have booked first and then planned the trip but this can lead to more hectic trips.

Here’s what all you need to book for your trip.

Book flight tickets to the West Coast

For best deals, book your tickets to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, or Seattle by checking on Skyscanner or Google flights.

Book car rental

All major companies have their branches in California.

You can rent from a variety of companies including Hertz, Fox, Enterprise, Dollar, and Thrifty for your trip. 

Book hotel accommodations as per the itinerary

There are a variety of hotels, resorts, and motels for every budget along the PCH.

We have covered the best places to stay along the PCH in detail in this post.

Purchase travel insurance

We recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.

Purchase attraction tickets, if any

There are several attractions along the PCH for which you can purchase tickets in advance.

We recommend the advance purchase of tickets for attractions like the Monterey Aquarium, San Francisco museums, etc.

Purchase tours and cruises, if any

You can go on a variety of wildlife watching cruises along the PCH including whale watching, dolphin cruises, etc.

You can also reserve tickets for the Alcatraz cruise prior to your trip. 

Recommended group tours

There are no tour companies that take you the entire length of PCH.

This is very much a self-drive trip.

However, there are companies that will take you to Malibu from Los Angeles or to Monterey from San Francisco.

Also in Monterey, you can take whale watching tours.

Reserve a table at restaurants, if needed

You will find amazing restaurants serving a variety of cuisine along the PCH.

Our favorites are seafood restaurants in Monterey, oysters in Tomales Bay, Mexican food in Mission District of San Francisco, and a variety of cuisines in Los Angeles.

If you like to plan every detail or want to plan for a special meal for birthdays or anniversaries, then you can reserve a table at the hotel of your choice in advance.

Prepare, pack, and go on the best road trip ever!

What other preparations should you make.

If you are traveling internationally then check your passport validity and visa status.

Apply for visas, if necessary.

Also, check whether you need IDP (International Driving Permit).

Other preparation includes print and/or having virtual copies of all maps, itineraries, tickets, and bookings easily accessible on your phone.

Also, budget your trip and convert currency, if needed.

Read below for more detailed information.

Understand internet and phone coverage

You will find that there is extremely poor and at times zero cell coverage along many stretches of the PCH, especially in the Big Sur region.

That’s why we recommend carrying a GPS in addition to your phone as well as saving offline maps on your phone.

You can also get printed maps of PCH1 for the section you are planning to drive.

If you are traveling internationally

The three main areas to take care of if you are traveling internationally include taking care of passports and visas, renting a car and driving in USA, and converting money to USD. 

If you are traveling with kids

Pacific coast highway road trip with kids? Been there, done that!

Our final section of the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner.

Did you know that you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway with kids?

The first time we went with our kids was when our daughter was just a 6 months old baby and our son was 3 years old.

We started in San Francisco, cycled the Golden Gate Bridge with the kids, drove through Big Sur, watched the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas rookery near San Simeon, and ended our trip at Anaheim in Disney.

Both the kids loved every bit of it.

Also, most places and businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington and especially along the Pacific Coast Highway are kid-friendly.

When we road tripped, most hotels provided crib or baby cots, all the restaurants had high chairs, and even the wineries had kid-friendly areas.

Throughout our trip, we met friendly people who smiled and waved at our kids.

We always felt welcome wherever we went and felt quite at ease.

Read our post on Best Kid-friendly resorts along the Pacific Coast Highway to book your accommodations.

There are so many things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip that are perfect for the kids.

They will love exploring nature: hike through redwood forests, discover tide pool creatures, play in the sand and on the beach, splash in the water, hike to see waterfalls, whale watch using binoculars, plus spend quality time with the parents.

There are also many kid-friendly attractions on the route including the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Oceano Dunes Railroad museum, sand dune buggy rentals, whale watching tours, Santa Monica Pier, Disney theme parks, etc.

For more information, read our post on the Best Things to do on the West Coast with kids.

In fact, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most fun family holiday vacations for families. 

Other things to consider

Stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway can get closed due to storms or landslides or wildfires, so we recommend keeping an eye on the news before your trip and getting travel insurance for just in case anything goes awry.

What should you pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

It can get chilly along the PCH any time of the year, so we recommend packing in layers: long sleeve shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, and tank tops.

Pack long hiking pants for the northern and central coast and shorts for SoCal.

Pack a rain jacket and a sweater for the chilly days.

Take hiking shoes and socks and water shoes for beachcombing.

Pack some heels and a silk blouse for date nights in San Francisco, Monterey, and Los Angeles.

If you plan to drive north towards Portland and Seattle in the winter, then add thermal underwear and a packable jacket.

In summer, take sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen.

Do not forget to pack a camera and binoculars.

Read this before you leave

We have got many excellent resources on planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

We suggest that you browse around the site  – take a look at our PCH Road Trip itineraries , bookmark us for a later visit, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to know more about the Pacific Coast Highway. 

If you need to ask us questions about the trip, then join our Pacific Coast Highway Facebook Community now – it’s the perfect place to ask any itinerary related questions and plan your PCH road trip.

We hope that our Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner helps you in planning an awesome road trip.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary PCH 5 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary All PCH Itineraries Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

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San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip: 10 Days in California

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

A San Francisco to San Diego road trip is one of the most beautiful in the entirety of the nation. Getting behind the wheel and embarking upon a Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is such a joy that it’s sure to be a trip that you won’t soon forget.

Passing by iconic sites like the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu beaches, Hearst Castle in San Simeon and McWay Falls in Big Sur, taking the scenic route along California’s coast is never really a bad idea.

On this trip, you’ll visit some of the most stunning natural scenery, the most charming towns and the most dynamic cities the state has to offer.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit California

If there is one thing that people think of when they think of California, it’s sunshine. And the California coast is nearly always blessed with brilliant sunshine and mild temperatures year-round, meaning there really isn’t a bad time to embark on a trip to California.

There are, however, some seasons that are better to travel in than others. While the weather is basically sunny and warm throughout the year, the winter months obviously experience chillier temperatures and shorter days than the summer months. However, especially if you’re not venturing north of San Francisco , you shouldn’t expect high temperatures to drop much below 14°C (57°F).

While there is also more chance of rain in the winter, you can still expect a majority of sunny days while in California during this season along with a fraction of the crowds that you’ll see in the warmer months. The mild, Mediterranean climate also means that the landscape remains lush and green along the coast.

The only real downside of travelling in the winter months is if you’re keen to try out some of the watersports California is so famed for, like surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. While enthusiasts of these sports certainly do it year-round in the Golden State, water temperatures can be very chilly so you are going to need a good wetsuit in order to enjoy yourself properly.

If you’re looking for the best weather that California has to offer with the fewest tourist crowds, then autumn is the season to travel — particularly the months of September and October. During these months, high temperatures will still be warm, ranging from about 20-25°C (68-77°F) and the sunshine is sure to be abundant. Water temperatures are also warmest in the early fall.

Spring is the rainiest season, however, that is all relative depending on where it is you’re coming from. Typically, much of California rarely sees more than 5 days per month of rain.

Summer is the most popular time to visit California and though the temperatures are sure to be beautiful, sunny, and warm throughout the state, accommodation prices are often at their peak and popular cities, driving routes, and attractions can be packed with out-of-towners.

Basically, there are certainly pros and cons to visiting California in any season. As long you’ve packed appropriate clothes you’ll be sure to have a great trip!

Planning a California Coast Road Trip

San Diego is approximately 500 miles from San Francisco (roughly 805 kilometres) and would take around 8 hours if taking a direct route along the I-5 highway. 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.

While it can certainly be done in less time, there are so many exciting cities, natural sites, and beach towns to explore that you want to make sure you give yourself an adequate amount of time to see everything.

If you only have one week, this whole trip is going a be a lot more rushed than it would be if you had the original 10 days to spend. This is why I would recommend beginning in San Francisco and ending in Los Angeles rather than San Diego.

Also, it shouldn’t matter whether you begin in San Francisco or San Diego, however, it is more popular to drive the PCH from north to south. Driving in this direction ensures that you are always on the coastal side of the road rather than inland.

However, we did a San Diego to San Francisco road trip (we also made a fantastic detour from San Diego to Ensenada , Mexico!) and didn’t feel like we missed out on coastal vistas in the slightest. Basically, beginning in both San Francisco and San Diego are decent options!

Both cities also have ample car rental opportunities if you’re visiting from abroad or out of town – we recommend searching on Rentalcars.com to find a great deal for car hire!

You can also hire an RV or campervan through Outdoorsy if you want to save on accommodation costs or are planning a longer trip such as going all the way to Portland from San Francisco.

No matter which direction you plan your coastal California road trip itinerary, you are sure to have an amazing time on this iconic route.

10-Day San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – san francisco.

Begin your itinerary in San Francisco, one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world. Though you could easily spend weeks upon weeks in San Francisco and not get bored, we recommend spending a full three days in the city in order to get a good feel for its diverse neighbourhoods.

Spend your first day in San Francisco on a free walking tour of the city in order to get your bearings. A great way to spend the rest of your day is exploring Chinatown and Little Italy while walking down Columbus Avenue to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Orchard Hotel — This boutique hotel located downtown is a great place to stay in San Francisco. They have a range of clean rooms available, friendly staff available for all your questions, parking on premises, and a great breakfast included. 

Axiom Hotel — If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in San Francisco, then this chic hotel is a great option. Located right off Union Square, this hotel is ideally located and offers a range of modern rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Francisco!

Day 2 – San Francisco

Your second day should be spent getting to know the city even better, so take the time to explore some of the less-touristy neighbourhoods away from the waterfront.

Begin your day in the Mission District, which is traditionally home to San Francisco’s Latin American population and has now given way to the city’s hipsters. Excellent taquerías share the streets with third-wave coffee shops and craft breweries. The Mission District is also where some of San Francisco’s best street art is.

From the Mission, you can explore the centre of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ culture in the Castro neighbourhood. A vibrant borough with many cool cafes, restaurants, shops, and colourful streets, it is an excellent place to get lost or people-watch for a bit.

Now it’s time to explore the iconic counterculture of Haight-Ashbury for some vintage shopping and hippie vibes before ending your day in the massive Golden Gate Park.

Day 3 – San Francisco

On your last day in San Francisco, spend the time exploring outside of the city proper and head into trendy and vibrant Oakland. There is a lot that this area has to offer, including an amazing food scene, a beautiful redwood park, and some of the best craft beer on this side of the Pacific.

Make sure to check out Telegraph Avenue, which spans from student-centric Berkely all the way to Oakland. Here, you will find countless great eateries and cool shops to browse. This is a great place to really enjoy a bit of multicultural Bay Area.

Day 4 – Monterey & Carmel

It’s time to venture a bit farther south and explore one of the most beautiful areas of the state: Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.

Monterey is located about 2 hours south of San Francisco along the CA-1 but take your time making your way south. Some interesting stops include charming Half Moon Bay and laid-back Santa Cruz. The latter is known for its surfer culture and for the large Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a wonderful seaside amusement park that is fun for the whole family.

Once in the Monterey area, take the time to explore these towns. Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, walk along Cannery Row, browse the shops, and even sample some local wines at one of Carmel’s many tasting rooms.

If you’re keen to explore more the beautiful nature in the Monterey area, you can also head to Point Lobos Natural State Reserve for some beautiful coastal walks or go on the iconic 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach.

Where to Stay in Monterey/Carmel

Carmel Green Lantern Inn – Located only a stone’s throw from Carmel Beach, this cosy B&B is a fantastic place to stay in Carmel. Their guest rooms have private entrance making this a great option for a weekend escape. Breakfast is also included in the room rate.

The Stevenson Monterey – If you prefer to stay in Monterey, then this motel is an affordable option and located just off Highway 1! Rooms have all the basic amenities, breakfast is included, and its location makes it easy and convenient to see all the sites in the Monterey/Big Sur area.

Private Rental – There are numerous options for private rentals in these two cities such as this peaceful cottage in Carmel .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels close to Carmel or Monterey!

Day 5 – Big Sur

Though the cities of Monterey and Carmel have a lot to offer visitors in and of themselves, the real highlight of spending two days in this area is the gorgeous Big Sur .

A sparsely populated area located just south of Carmel along the Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire state of California. A stunning rugged coastline gives way to lush, dense redwood forests with ample hiking opportunities and wildlife spotting available for everyone who decides to explore this magnificent area.

See sites like the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and the charming McWay Falls that cascade from the cliffs onto the beach. You can also visit the various state parks that make up this area, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Do make sure to check the road closures before travelling down here, as this can sometimes happen due to wildfires or excessive flooding.

Day 6 – Central Coast & Santa Barbara

After spending two days of your San Francisco to San Diego drive exploring Monterey and Big Sur, now it’s time to embark upon the most spectacular portion of this drive and head to the lovely city of Santa Barbara.

On your way, make sure that you take the time to enjoy your final, spectacular views of Big Sur to stop just outside of Cambria to spot some Elephant Seals on the beach. Nearby, you can also stop in to visit Hearst Castle.

North of Santa Barbara is the charming surfer town of Pismo Beach, which is an excellent stop for lunch and to stretch your legs. There is a long pier and a massive, white sand beach where you can watch surfers vie for the perfect wave.

After stopping in Pismo Beach, take a detour off the coast road and drive inland until you reach Santa Barbara. This will take you through some beautiful rolling hills in the countryside and through wine country so picturesque you will think you’re in Tuscany.

Once you arrive at your final destination, there are many ways that you could spend one day in Santa Barbara . It is a popular destination for day trips from Los Angeles and weekends away and has a lot to offer visitors.

One of the best things to do would be to walk from wine tasting room to tasting room in the Funk Zone neighbourhood. This is a super enjoyable activity that is made even more so because there is no need to get behind the wheel!

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

The Presidio Hotel – This boutique hotel in downtown Santa Barbara is the perfect place to rest your head for a weekend away. They have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, a friendly staff, and an excellent location to ensure you have the best stay possible.

Cheshire Cat Inn   – This quaint bed and breakfast in a great location is the perfect place to stay for a romantic weekend away in Santa Barbara. They have a wonderful staff, a range of cosy and clean rooms available, and a fantastic breakfast is included in the room rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Santa Barbara!

Day 7 – Los Angeles

After enjoying some sun, sand, and some excellent wine and beer in Santa Barbara, it is time to continue your way down the California coast from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles — the largest city in California and the second-largest city in the United States.

Los Angeles may be famous for Hollywood and the Walk of Fame, for movie stars and the Oscars and all of that, but there is a lot more to the city than just the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

LA is best discovered, like San Francisco, through exploring its eclectic neighbourhoods. As someone who used to live in the Los Angeles area, I can tell you first-hand that LA is not a city that you can really get to know in 2 days, therefore I would recommend finding a way to fill your days in Los Angeles that interests you.

I would recommend spending the first day exploring the beach areas of West LA. Start in eclectic and quirky Venice Beach, with its famous boardwalk, kitschy shops and stalls, and excellent people-watching. There are also some truly fantastic restaurants in Venice that are worth checking out.

Then I would recommend driving up to Santa Monica, with its famous pier amusement park (a great option if visiting LA with kids! ), beautiful beach, and great vibes. Santa Monica is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike and there is always something cool going on there.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel – This hotel, located in the heart of Hollywood, has an excellent central location perfect for sightseeing in Los Angeles. They have a friendly staff, a range of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from, and a swimming pool on site.

Freehand Los Angeles – This hostel, located in downtown Los Angeles, is an excellent place to stay if you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget. They come very highly rated, have a range of both dorm and private rooms available, and clean facilities. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Los Angeles!

Day 8 – Los Angeles

On your other day in Los Angeles, I would recommend visiting some inland neighbourhoods of LA. Pasadena is an excellent choice, with its great Old Town area and beautiful houses (many of which have been used in iconic movies over the decades!). Silver Lake is a cool neighbourhood to explore as well, especially if you like trendy, hipster areas of cities.

Keep in mind that you pretty much need to drive everywhere in LA and that traffic can be an absolute nightmare in the city, where there are times that a 20-minute drive can take up to 2 hours. Be sure to keep that in mind when planning what to do in Los Angeles in two days.

All in all, it is impossible to experience all of LA in this short California itinerary, but you should definitely leave wanting to see more!

Day 9 – San Diego

The final 2 days of this epic coastal California road trip will see you driving from Los Angeles to sunny San Diego . As the southernmost city in California, San Diego is a thriving metropolis and has a lot to offer visitors no matter the season.

Though you could spend a week or more in the city and not run out of things to do, spending 2 days in San Diego will give you a decent feel for the city and allow you to hit the highlights.

Spend your first day exploring the beach areas of San Diego, including Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and my personal favourite, Ocean Beach. Mission Bay is home to the seaside amusement park known as Belmont Park, which is always a hit amongst the young and young at heart with its wooden roller coaster and numerous other rides.

Pacific Beach is a surfer’s paradise with a wide expanse of white sand and a laid-back town to match. Ocean Beach and nearby Sunset Cliffs are the least touristy of the three beach areas I’ve mentioned as has a chilled-out vibe that seems rooted in the 1970s.

Where to Stay in San Diego

Urban Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel, located in the ultra-cool Little Italy area of Downtown San Diego, is an excellent place to stay in the city. They have a range of cool, clean, and comfortable rooms available and a fantastic location for all of San Diego’s best attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. 

California Dreams Hostel – This hostel, which is one of the highest-rated in San Diego, is located in cool and laid-back Pacific Beach. They have several private and dorm rooms available, fantastic facilities, a great atmosphere for meeting other travellers, and clean facilities. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Diego!

Day 10 – San Diego

Spend your second day in San Diego exploring downtown neighbourhoods like Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Seaport Village. Take the time to visit the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway, both really interesting stops to help you learn more about San Diego’s seafaring history.

If you have more time or it interests you more, head over to Coronado Island which is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado and one of the best beaches in San Diego. It also has a lot of great restaurants and shops worth checking out.

If you’re sick of California and want to be a bit adventurous, it is incredibly easy to visit Tijuana as a day trip from San Diego. Just take the trolley to San Ysidro and walk across the border and you’ll be enjoying some of the best street tacos of your life in no time!

Have More Time?

If you have 2 weeks to spend rather than only 10 days for your California trip, we would recommend extending your stay in a few of the cities. Begin your time with four days in San Francisco, which will allow you to see and do more and truly experience the city.

To round it off, either add another day on one of the stops in the middle and one more day in San Diego or keep the rest of the itinerary as is and finish your time with four days in San Diego.

If you have even more than 2 weeks, it’s worth considering driving north from San Francisco towards Portland and Seattle and seeing the entirety of the west coast!

Planning the perfect California coast itinerary doesn’t have to be difficult, especially considering all there is to see and do in this beautiful state.

Are you planning to visit California? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Essential California Packing List

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary

The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hello! I am planning a trip May 28 to June 6th with 3 other adults and 1 child. We are wanting to visit LA, San Diego, and San Francisco. We are thinking of flying into one city first either san diego and san francisco and using public transportation to get around and then either using the pacific surfliner to get from san diego to LAX (or vice versa) or flying down from San Francisco to LAX(or vice versa). do you have any recommendations on where we should start, stay, and do? we are not on a budget but would like to save as much as possible.

thank you so much for all your great information ,I’m will be traveling with my son in September ,we are from scotland and looking forward to our trip, your blog has been so helpful thanks,George

Thanks, George! Happy you’ve found our site helpful and hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hi, Is this drive all along the ocean for the most part? How safe/dangerous is it? I mean the part where you drive by the ocean with no rails?

Thank you, Tina

Hi Tina! Yes, this route is mostly coastal. The road is generally as safe as any other road and countless people drive it every single day with no issues. If there are any safety concerns at all, parts of the road will generally be closed in order to protect motorists from harm. Hope you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie, Loved your suggestions , will definetly go by what you have planned, starting 12 day trip to san diego from san francisco but planningg to go to yosemite in between can you suggest where to leave pacific coast road for yosemite and upon leaving yosemite getting back on coastal road without missing anything on coastal road, Also where we should hire car Thankyou in advance Deirdre

Hi Deirdre, thanks for your comment! In order not to miss anything, I would recommend heading to Yosemite first from San Francisco before heading toward Monterey and then go down the coast from there. You will end up missing places like Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, but these aren’t nearly as spectacular as the stretch after Monterey. Hope this helps!

Loved reading your info. I have a few questions; Looking at coming from the UK for hubby’s 40th bday next year – 2 adults and 2 kids ages 6 and 10. Want to do San Fran to San Diego…maybe Yosemite national park…and defo Disney parks. Hope we will have 19-21 days. Any suggestions firstly on itinerary and no. Of days in which places? Is it best to do north to south? Flight prices are a little cheaper to do it in the other way but I don’t want to lose out on a better experience. Also, what’s the best time of year? Hubby is Mediterranean so doesn’t like rain! He’s fine with cooler temperatures but rain is a pet hate. As this is a surprise for him, I can’t consult with him and so I feel a little stressed about the where, and when! Any advice appreciated Thank you Jenny

Hi Jenny, sounds like you’ve got quite the trip planned! With all of the places you want to go, ~3 weeks is an excellent length of time. In general, I would always recommend spending more time in San Diego and San Francisco if you can (there are so many things to see and do in both cities!). And driving north to south vs south to north doesn’t make too much of a difference. It is more popular to go the north to south route because you will be on the side closest to the ocean, however, it really doesn’t make too much of a difference. One of the great things about California (especially the coast) is that the weather is pretty much spectacular all year round. The only reason I wouldn’t recommend going in winter is if you end up going to Yosemite because it can get quite cold there. Otherwise, there isn’t a good or bad time to do this trip (summer will be very busy, though!). Hope this helps with your planning!

Thank you! What do you class as winter? Mid-end feb? Are there any other areas around San Fran and/or San Diego you would recommend? Would April or feb be better to visit? We don’t like it too busy…but don’t like rain either. Thanks for your suggestions! Jenny

Generally, I’d class winter as anywhere between December through February. Honestly, you’re not going to see too much of a difference between weather in April vs end of Feb. California has an incredibly temperate climate that is pretty much lovely all year round — for the same reason, rain is never too much of a concern regardless of season. If you want a few more suggestions about San Diego, then have a look at my San Diego itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/san-diego-itinerary/ ). As for around San Francisco, browse through my guide to the drive between SF and Big Sur for a few more ideas ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/san-francisco-to-big-sur-drive/ ).

Hi! I loved this! Im planing to go on September of this year, but with the current situation, i was wondering if your plan would change? Like maybe going places were there aren’t a lot of tourists, like maybe in LA or San Francisco?

And another question, are there places were you can just park and sleep in your car? And if there are, is that to dangerous?

Thank you very much, I also want to say how much this helps!

Hi Fernanda – as you really don’t know what the situation is going to be like in September, I would hold off on doing any hard planning of this trip. California is pretty hard hit at the moment and I don’t think it’s safe to be travelling around the cities at all right now. If you are able to go, I would recommend that you plan to stick to some national parks or more rural areas where there is more space for social distancing.

As per sleeping in your car — I honestly don’t know but I believe that it’s illegal in most areas of the state. I would recommend bringing a tent and looking for some campsites if you’re after cheap accommodation.

Maggie, thank you for this! After doing some intensive research I find your post the most detailed and informative so far.

Thanks for your comment and your kind words, Mariana! I’m so happy you’ve found this article helpful and I hope you have a great trip to CA 🙂

We are hoping to do a self drive in california in September/October this year. Four adults 2 drivers we definitely want to do San Francisco and a winery. We will have two weeks. Any suggestions?

Hi Ann, I have some suggestions on what to do if you have 2 weeks at the end of this article 🙂 Hope you have a great trip!

My husband and I took this trip in October and followed your itinerary for the most part. It was one of the most amazing trips we have taken. In addition, we saw things we would have never known about if not for your blog (that I stumbled upon accidentally). I am now reading your Phoenix to Las Vegas blog for our trip in February. Thank you and Happy New Year! Wishing you a year of good health, safe travels and many wonderful memories! Karen and Tom Rolland

Hi Karen, thanks for much for your comment! I am so happy that you found this article helpful in planning your trip and that you had such a great time 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful 2020, as well

Kia ora from NZ Maggie,

Thanks for your great post. I’ll be there next year in May and will be leaving Los Angeles on a Monday and heading north along the PCF before flying out from SF on Friday night. Considering a relocation SUV camper (dependent on availability) to cut down on accomodation costs, otherwise will look at motels, Air BnB or even a hostel (here theyre fun!). Small towns and coastal vs. large towns but open to ideas. Ideally would like to arrive in SF Thursday morning and spend the next two days exploring. Your thoughts?

Hi Henare, thanks for your comment! I think that your plan sounds good and you should have enough time to see a lot of stuff on the PCH in your time frame. If you want to find some more great places to stop, have a look at this article: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/la-to-san-francisco-drive/

Hi Maggie, I am planning a short 5.5 days trip to California. The plan is: Nov 13-15 San Fran; 16-17 Scenic drive from San Fran to LA, arrive to LA at the end of the 17th; 18th in LA and 19th head back to Miami. Please advise where should I prioritize to visit and in which town to sleep during the 16 and 17th. Love what you wrote! Thanks! Best regards, ELP

Hi Eldar, if you’re only planning on driving the PCH over 2 days, I would recommend that you find somewhere to stay in the Central Coast area — Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo are good choices. Hope you have a great trip!

Dear Maggie Turansky, Your Blog is really cool and comprehensive with lots of info, l loved it ! I can’t wait to go on a ride from San Francisco to San Diego, a friend of mine is just on this tour next month. California is really Amazing and Thanks a bunch, Rbt.

Thanks for your comment, Roberto! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

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This past summer I rented an RV from RVezy in San Diego and drove the Pacific Coast Highway up to San Francisco. I spent a week driving Highway 101 along the California coast and saw some of the most beautiful places in the state.

Pristine coastlines, gorgeous beaches , waterfalls, parks, and quaint beach cities all define the Pacific Coast Highway. Spend a morning hiking and the afternoon wine tasting. Or wake up for a sunrise over the ocean and spend your evening in a cute beach town.

With so many beautiful sites and a variety of activities, this is a great option for a California road trip.

Road Trip from San Diego to San Francisco Itinerary

What you need to know about a pacific coast highway road trip.

There are two main route options from San Diego to San Francisco. You can drive the boring I-5 through the Central Valley of California or you can drive the slightly longer, but drastically more scenic route along California’s coast.

I would highly recommend this and here are some tips to get plan your road trip!

Q: How Many Miles

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco is just over 600 miles or about 10-12 hours of driving straight through.

Q: How Many Days

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.

There are so many places to explore along this route, making a week-long road trip well worth it.

What To Pack

California’s coast has varying temperatures, climates, and places you’ll visit. The average climate in San Francisco is much cooler than in San Diego.

Check the weather before you set out. Here are some basics to take with you.

Packing List:

➤ Clothing Layers – While you might be able to wear shorts in San Diego and Los Angeles, you’ll need a sweatshirt, rain jacket, and jeans in San Francisco. Prepare for temperatures ranging from 50 degrees F to 90 degrees F.

➤ Water – Always pack extra water in your car.

➤ Cooler – It’s nice to have picnic lunches as you drive up the coast. This saves time from eating out every meal allowing more time to explore. A cooler will keep your food fresh and last longer.

➤ First Aid Kit – You never know what will happen.

➤ Folding Chairs -If you want a break from driving or are planning a picnic lunch, folding chairs are always convenient to have.

➤ Hiking Gear – If you plan to hike bring a daypack, knife, headlamp, hiking poles, and hiking shoes with good traction.

➤ Sunblock – You won’t want to ruin your trip with sunburn.

➤ Maps – Download offline maps and carry a paper map as a backup.

➤ Cash – Some state parks and sites only accept cash for entrance fees.

Best Way To Travel

I would recommend spending each night in a different town or city along your road trip. I spent one night in each place as I moved north. Therefore, I spent only 1-3 hours a day driving , and the rest of the time I was free to explore.

It works well to get an RV or car rental down in San Diego and drop it off in San Francisco. I felt more comfortable driving up the coast, and therefore, on the inside of Highway 101.

It’s also common to drive from San Francisco to San Diego, just prepare to drive along the steep, cliff coastline!

Where To Stay

Both camping and hotel accommodation options are the most popular way to explore along the coast. Because a Pacific Coast Highway road trip very popular, plan to book hotels and campsites a few months out to secure your spots.

Use a vacation rental and hotel search comparison site like Cozycozy  to find literally any type of accommodation; you can search for airbnbs, apartments, hotels, villas, youth hostels, bed & breakfasts, or a hidden cabin in the woods in the one search.

And if you are traveling with your partner and you would like to spend a night in a romantic suite with a jacuzzi tub, here you can see a full list of hotels with a hot tub in the room in California .

Best Time To Go

Spring (starts March) to fall (ends December) is the best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway for the best weather conditions but it is also the most popular time of year which increases accommodation prices and places are more crowded.

The off-season is late fall to early spring. Southern California typically still has moderate temperatures but as you head north it might become cloudier and rainier along the coast.

However, the low season means it is typically less busy at restaurants and accommodations.

Essential Stops on Your San Diego to San Francisco Itinerary

There are so many beaches, cities, and towns to add to your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary . With so many places to choose from, here are my favorite places I stopped along my trip.

San Diego, 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. Surf, hike, brewery hop, and eat Mexican food.

While visiting the city of San Diego don’t miss two must-see spots; Balboa Park and La Jolla Beach . Then spend the first night of your road trip at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic oceanfront resort where Hollywood stars and presidents have stayed. Or even just dine here for a fine dining experience.

Then from San Diego drive north towards Los Angeles. This drive is less than 2 hours without traffic so make a stop at a sand beach in Orange County; I’d recommend Laguna Beach for the beautiful trail network along the coast.

Or stop at Dana Point for a whale watching tour. It’s considered the whale and dolphin watching capital of the world and day trips or sunset cruises are nice options here.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is the next must-stop destination along the California coast. This wacky, fun city has a variety of food and activity options for all explorers. If you’re into sports, watch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium.

For the entertainment lover, stroll along Hollywood Boulevard. If you’re traveling with kids take them to Disneyland or Universal Studios.

Bohemian spirits should visit Venice Beach. The beach has a free-spirited boardwalk with funky murals, street performers, fortune tellers, unique shops, a skate park, and the well-known Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Venice Beach is a fun stop located just south of Santa Monica.

Santa Monica is known for its fancy venues, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and the Santa Monica Pier featuring a small theme park and aquarium. Santa Monica is known as a nicer area outside of Los Angeles making this a good place to stay as you drive up the 101 and helps you avoid the busiest parts of the city.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its dramatic mountain landscape behind the coastline makes this a perfect place to spend a night along your road trip route.

It’s famous for its wineries, historic Spanish Mission buildings, golf courses, upscale dining, and easy access to the nearby Channel Islands. Outdoor lovers can surf, paddleboard, sail, bike, or enjoy the beach in Santa Barbara.

Just about an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, Santa Baraba is a great spot to spend the third day and night of your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Pismo Beach, California

The next stop on your road trip itinerary should be Pismo Beach . It’s about two hours north of Santa Barbara and is famous for Pismo State Beach, Oceano Dunes, the Pismo Beach Pier, the Monarch Butterfly Grove and so much more.

This is a great pit stop on your way to San Luis Obispo , just about twenty minutes north of here.

San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo is located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, very close to the California coast. Hike up Bishop Peak , explore the historic downtown, or pop in at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.

Located about 20 minutes from Pismo Beach, and surrounded by many incredible places, both these cities are great options to find accommodations or campsites in.

As you head north to Big Sur, don’t miss a few famous spots. Head to Morro Bay to see Morro Rock , a picturesque spot along the coast. If you enjoy wine, drive slightly east to Paso Robles. This town is famous for its wineries and olive oil tastings.

Also, don’t miss a stop by Piedras Blancas Rookery to see California’s famous elephant seals sprawling across the beach. It’s possible to see the seals year-round here and makes for a great lunch stop.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur is an incredible stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. Bixby Bridge is a classic photo spot along the California coastline with rugged mountains, forests, and the impressive bridge architecture.

Stop by Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park , located along the coast of Big Sur. Here you’ll see McWay Falls which is one of two waterfalls in California that flow onto the beach. It drops 80 feet and flows year-round. This park is also home to some of California’s coastal redwood trees, the tallest trees in the world.

Big Sur is one of the dreamiest spots along the California coast. You could easily spend a whole weekend here but even just one night is a great option.

Enjoy a meal on the cliffside at Nepenthe . It’s my favorite restaurant I stopped at on this road trip. The food was amazing and the cliffside views were even better.

Monterey Bay, California

Heading about 45 minutes north of Big Sur will land you in Monterey. The small city of Monterey is located on California’s rugged coastline and the bay itself is famous for its diverse marine wildlife.

Different whales migrate through here year-round so hop on a whale watching tour, no matter what time of year! When I went last summer I not only saw humpbacks but I also saw juvenile great white sharks!

Or head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a nonprofit public aquarium known for its ocean conservation efforts and educational programs.

History buffs should stop in at Monterey Bay State Historic Park to learn about the Spanish Missions that came to California during the early 17th century.

Stop at Cannery Row or Old Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping and dining. Drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive and end at Pebble Beach. With so many beautiful views along the drive, dedicate a few hours to this spot.

Santa Cruz, California

Just under an hour north of Monterey is Santa Cruz. One of California’s friendly beach towns, Santa Cruz sits along the mountainous coast and has some nearby state parks.

If you’re a surfer hit up one of the many beaches along the coastline. If you enjoy trekking, explore one of the many hiking trails at Big Basin State Park , home of the impressive California Redwood trees.

Visit Natural Bridges State Beach to see an impressive rock formation, marine life, and tidepools. Visit the Santa Cruz Wharf to shop and dine, or explore the nearby amusement park.

Half Moon Bay, California

As you leave Santa Cruz to head to San Francisco, pop in at Half Moon Bay. It’s right off the 101 and the perfect addition to your coast itinerary.

Main Street in town is the perfect lunch spot with plenty of restaurants, an olive oil tasting room, a wine tasting room, and a bunch of little shops.

Mavericks’s is a world-famous surf area right off the coast of Half Moon Bay. Only for the most advanced of surfers, it’s still fun to watch the massive waves along the coastline.

San Francisco, California

End your road trip in the city of San Francisco. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the Marin Headlands for beautiful views of the bay.

Wind your way up to Hawk Hill for the perfect photo spot of the Golden Gate Bridge with the San Francisco skyline in the background.

Head downtown to Fisherman’s Wharf to grab oysters, check out the noisy sea lions at Pier 39, stop in at Boudin Bakery for San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread, or visit the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop for a tasty ice cream treat.

There are plenty of ways to explore this city. Spend another day on a boat ride and tour to the former federal penitentiary, Alcatraz, visit the Mission District for burritos, and head to Golden Gate Park to see the Botanical Gardens , San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, a bison paddock, the Japanese Tea Garden, or the California Academy of Sciences museum.

Final Thoughts

The drive up the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best road trips you can take in California . This route is the most scenic way to enjoy your coastal trip.

With all the diverse cities, towns, and beaches as well as activities for any type of traveler this is the perfect destination for anyone.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

Hi, glad you enjoyed one of the top road trips in the world. Being from San Diego and the daughter in school in SF, we did it a dozen times. You might check spelling of Mediterranean and Hollywood Blvd. Encinitas is probably as nice a Beach town as you will find, great stores/restaurants/beaches. But you are right about La Jolla and LAGUNA Beach. I would skip LA completely. A hassle and not pretty. Drop the RV before SF and UBER and zip car in SF. Giants ballpark is a great afternoon with Bay views and Garlic fries Cheers!

So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this road trip often Richard – a stunning part of the world to call home! Appreciate the heads up on Mediterranean and Hollywood Blvd – fixed :D!

Thanks for the tip on Encinitas – I’m sure we’ve likely passed through but I’ll have to make sure we stop the next time we’re here and get out.

Yes I’m not a massive fan of LA myself, I tend to try and avoid big cities where possible, but I get that it’s a big tourist draw for most travelers, and as much as I get stressed by big cities I did enjoy certain attractions like hiking to the Hollywood sign and star spotting, even though we didn’t spot a single celeb :D

Thanks for the tips!

Hi Megan, Thanks for the great review. I’m contemplating this drive too mid September. But just how steep and winding is the coastal drive? Northbound is my preference too so I’m not on the cliff side!!

Hi Laurie, sorry for the late reply, we found that the drive was quite narrow in places, and also windy and steep, but we didn’t find it to be overwhelming or off putting, and I’m an Australian who is used to driving on the other side of the road, and I found it fine :)

The Road to Maui in Hawaii however I think I still have post traumatic stress from driving on haha!! But the coastal route through California, we really loved and there are so many beautiful towns and stopping points if you need a break from the road :)

I enjoyed reading your post, every line, every word! Will be a regular reader now when I am closer to my retirement.

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I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!

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How to Road Trip from San Diego to San Francisco

Updated May 2023

One of the many things to love about California is the variety of experiences you can have all in one state. Driving for just a couple of hours can take you from stunning coastal vistas to majestic redwoods , from exciting big cities to towering mountains. There really is something for every type of traveler! And since this is California, a road trip is definitely the ideal way to pack in the best of the state within a single trip.

The drive from San Diego to San Francisco offers an opportunity to chase the sun along the Pacific, bask in awe of amazing trees, and eat and explore your way through the towns and cities along the way. Sure, it’s a drive you could do in one long day, but the plan here is to give yourself a few days to slow down and take it all in. So buckle up and grab your supplies and road trip buddies, because we’re hitting Highway 1!

San Diego to Malibu

Kick things off with a night or two at HI San Diego Downtown so you can spend some time enjoying the lively Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood. Take a walk around town to view the murals and stop to appreciate the greenery in the local parks. Or, if you’re more into recharging than exploring, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to sit and laze on all day. Whichever option you go with, a taco dinner is definitely a mandatory part of this leg of the road trip. 

When you’re ready for the road, hit Highway 1 north early to catch the morning light flickering on the Pacific. This drive along the coast is really breathtaking, so it’s OK to go slow and take it all in. You won’t be stopping in the city of Los Angeles, but if you want to catch a glimpse, the Santa Monica Pier is a great place for a quick coffee break. Otherwise, keep going until you reach Malibu, famous for its celebrity homes and pretty beaches. There’s the well-known Zuma Beach, or the rather beautiful Point Dume State Beach with its bluffs and springtime wildflowers. If you’re looking for a view of the entire San Fernando Valley, which holds the city of LA, take the detour along Route 27 to the top of Topanga Outlook. Of course, if you’ve got enough time, it’s definitely worth staying a few nights at HI Los Angeles Santa Monica hostel.

Tip: Stop for lunch or a snack at the Malibu Farm Café on the Malibu pier.  

Malibu to Los Osos

The after-lunch drive will lead you away from Southern California as you wind your way along small coastal towns and dramatic bluffs. You’ll definitely want to stop for a quick marvel at Santa Barbara to feel like you’ve somehow driven to the Mediterranean. From here you’ll be making your way to your overnight stop at Islay Creek Campground in Los Osos. San Luis Obispo will be your best bet for getting any last-minute supplies you may need (and you can also make a quick stop to see the infamous Wall of Gum).  

Located in the expansive Montaña de Oro State Park, the campground is right along the coast and features secluded campsites with tables and firepits for a magical evening under the stars. From the site you’ll have access to Spooner’s Cove beach where you can view a stunning sunset if you make it in time (or a beautiful sunrise the next morning if you’re an early bird). In the morning before you head out on the road, take in a quick hike along one of the many trails where, depending on the time of year, you may encounter rushing streams, wildflowers, herds of deer, and green-grass coastal plains. Reservations are available on the Montaña de Oro State Park website .

Los Osos to Pescadero  

This is probably one of the most iconic stretches of Highway 1, so even though you’ll only be driving about 200 miles in one day, there are going to be enough stops to make this a whole-day affair. After a morning hike in Montaña de Oro, it’s back onto the long and winding road. The road often hugs a cliff and features lots of turns, so you’ll be taking your time and will have many opportunities to just stop and take in the wide and wonderful views.

You’ll definitely want to stop along the way in Big Sur. For a short and unforgettable stretch out of the car, your best bet is the one-mile hike to the McWay Falls Overlook. You’ve probably seen the waterfall cascading down onto a beautiful beach in countless photos, but it’s something else altogether to see it in real life. While you can’t actually walk on the waterfall beach, you can still get some sand between your toes and take in more beautiful sights at Pfeiffer Beach further up the road.   

After the beaches, you’ll cross over the Bixby Canyon Bridge, probably the ultimate Highway 1 monument, and into another gorgeous stretch of highway that will lead you into Monterey. Enter the former canning hub via 17-mile Drive, a majestic stretch that hugs the rugged coast lined with famous mansions and Monterey Cypress trees. Monterey is a great place to stop for lunch, perhaps at one of the restaurants along Fisherman’s Wharf 1 or 2, or grab a sandwich to go to enjoy along one of the many cute little beaches. 

From Monterey, keep going up along the coast through laid-back surf town Santa Cruz , where you can stop to watch surfers riding waves or walk along the famous boardwalk.

Follow Highway 1 northwest from Santa Cruz about 40 miles until you reach Pescadero. This small town gives a great glimpse into another side of California, which is about small farm communities and an appreciation for nature. Keep driving through until you reach the lighthouse at the end of the cliff, where you’ll be spending a night of stargazing at HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel .   

Tip: Since there is so much to do and see for this portion of the trip, you may want to consider breaking it up with an overnight stay in Santa Cruz so you can dedicate a full day to hiking in the redwoods .  

Pescadero to San Francisco

The final stretch of the coast highlights Northern California’s rugged and rocky beaches that sit alongside farmland and mountains in the far distance. Before you head out for the day, go back into the little town center in Pescadero and wait in line with the locals for Arcangeli Grocery to open. Everyone is there for the fresh-out-the-oven artichoke bread. You’ll be tearing at it in chunks straight from the bag, so it’s a good idea to stop at the scenic overlook back on the highway and enjoy your loaf while watching the waves.     

Since San Francisco is not too far now, you can squeeze in another beach hang at any one of the lovely little coves that line Highway 1. A few great beaches and stops along the way include San Gregorio Beach, the Pillar Point Harbor (and Sam’s Chowder House for some classic seafood), Mavericks Beach, and the Point Montara Lighthouse . In between, there are also several great farm stands where you can pick up fresh, seasonal produce, as well as hiking trails and walking paths for stretching your legs.

The last bit of coast will be in Pacifica, where you can stop at what may be the one of the most scenic Taco Bells anywhere, sitting right on Linda Mar beach, before driving into San Francisco. HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is right in the heart of the city, so you’ll get to take a break from all the driving and explore the city by foot. For one last iconic California moment, make a sunset mission to Baker Beach where you’ll have a view of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge to mark the end of an epic adventure. 

Tip: If you rent your car at the airport in San Diego, you can easily return it at the San Francisco or Oakland airports and take BART to the hostel.

Want to make the road trip with different stops? Here’s an alternative Highway 1 road trip itinerary .

• Friends' Trip
• San Francisco

Watch CBS News

1 dead following crash between car, big-rig on Highway 101 in South San Jose

By Tim Fang

Updated on: May 24, 2024 / 4:57 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

SAN JOSE – One person has died and crews are cleaning up spilled diesel fuel following a crash involving a car and a big-rig on Highway 101 in South San Jose Friday morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers were first called to the freeway near Blossom Hill Road shortly after 11:15 a.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a Honda sedan entered Southbound 101 the wrong way at Blossom Hill Road. As the Honda was headed northbound, the driver of a big-rig heading southbound swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid the car but was not able to avoid a crash.

Police said the Honda spun out, coming to a rest on the center divide, while the big-rig came to a stop in the two left lanes.

Following the impact, the driver the Honda was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Santa Clara County medical responders around 11:31 a.m.

According to the CHP, the Honda driver is a 22-year-old male from San Jose. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family by the Santa Clara County Coroner.

Meanwhile, the driver of the big-rig was not injured.

The big-rig sustained extensive damage to the truck portion, causing a diesel spill. As of Friday afternoon, the left two lanes remained closed as authorities investigate and as crews clean up the leaked fuel.

It is unknown of alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is urged to contact the CHP San Jose area office at 408-961-0900.

• Highway 101
• Fatal Crash

Tim Fang is a digital producer at CBS Bay Area. A Bay Area native, Tim has been a part of the CBS Bay Area newsroom for two decades and joined the digital staff in 2006.

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10 Scenic Byways In Arizona That Are Perfect For A Road Trip

• Arizona offers an abundance of scenic byways perfect for road trips, allowing travelers to experience the state's diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
• Some notable scenic drives in Arizona include the Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona, the Coronado Trail - National Scenic Byway, and Historic Route 66, each offering unique attractions and stunning views.
• From the iconic Grand Canyon to lush forests and historic sites, Arizona's scenic byways provide a range of opportunities for outdoor activities, hiking, and sightseeing throughout the year.

Located in the Southwest region of the United States, Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State, is a perfect destination for travelers who want to soak up beautiful scenery. It has an open and vast landmass and enjoys an Arid climate in most parts of the state. Since it is among the four corners of the country, it shares its borders with Mexico, Utah, California, and New Mexico.

The Grand Canyon is the state's most visited and most popular attraction . But the state has plenty of other things that can be as fun and entertaining. It is filled with mountains, plateaus, rivers, parks, museums, and more. A road trip is one of the best ways to explore the state. Here are 10 scenic byways in Arizona that are perfect for a road trip.

Enchantment Resort: A Luxurious Stay Amongst Sedonas Red Rocks

Historic route 66, experience the iconic mother road in arizona from kingman through petrified forest to exit 23 on i-40.

Historic Route 66 is the Mother Road of America. It has been used in TV shows, songs, and novels and is considered America's most famous historic highway. The section that goes through Arizona is quite impressive. There are several attractions along the way, including Jack Rabbit Trading Post and Petrified National Forest (Home Of Petrified Woodland, Fossils, And Petroglyphs) . The road enters Arizona from Kingman, and its terminus is exit 23 on Interstate 40.

• Distance: 358 miles
• Road trip length : Around 5.5 hours
• Best time to go: Late spring, early summer and early fall

Apache Trail Historic Road

Discover natural wonders like tonto bridge along this historic road from apache junction.

The journey begins at Apache Junction and ends at Theodore Roosevelt Dam . Along the way, travelers can marvel at the beautiful natural wonders. The road got its name from the Apache Indians that occupied the area and has been a popular drive for Arizona residents and international guests. While enjoying the trip, remember to stop at the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park to see the world’s largest travertine arch bridge , Fish Creek Hill, Lost Dutchman State Park , and Canyon Lake for exceptional views of nature.

• Distance: 120 miles
• Road trip length: 3–4 hours
• Best time to go: Spring

Coronado Trail - National Scenic Byway

Twist and turn through high deserts & forests from us-191 to 180 in springerville.

The road begins at US 191 and concludes at 180 in Springerville. It is a narrow route with numerous twists and turns. Widely acknowledged as the curviest road in the United States, it takes tourists on a journey from a 3,500-foot elevation climb to almost 7,000 feet. The route traverses deserts and forests, offering glimpses of the footpaths once used by Native Americans and the areas where nomads, hunters, and gatherers once resided. Some points to stop over are Apache Sitgreaves National Forest , Hannagan Meadow, Morenci Open Pit Copper Mine , and Archaeological Park in Springerville .

• Distance: 119 miles
• Road trip length: 3+ hours
• Best time to go : All seasons

Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road

Traverse varied terrain of the santa cruz river basin, which is great for birding & wildlife.

The Patagonia-Sonoita byway is perfect for travelers seeking a beautiful drive across the desert. Taking visitors across varied terrain, this route offers many opportunities to watch birds and wildlife that call the Santa Cruz River Basin home. Some of the spots travelers don't want to miss include Patagonia Lake State Park and the Creek Sanctuary .

• Distance: 52.5 miles
• Road trip length: 2–4 hours
• Best time to go: Spring and fall

Kaibab Plateau–North Rim National Scenic Byway

Journey through lush forests to the grand canyon's stunning north rim, starting at jacob lake.

Kaibab Plateau's main highlight is the national forests that surround the road. The drive is a trip on the northern side of the famous Grand Canyon. It takes visitors through all the greenery like conifer forests, ponds, limestone outcrops, alpine meadows, and more. The drive starts at Jacob Lake and continues to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stop at Cape Royal Trail or the Point Imperial Trail for scenic hiking, or take a side trip to Zion National Park .

• Distance: 44 miles
• Road trip length: Over 1 hour
• Best time to go: November through mid-May

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Drive through forests up mt. lemmon near tucson, stopping to hike and take in beautiful views.

Also known as the Catalina Highway or the Sky Islands Scenic Byway, the road starts at Tuscon's northeast end, climbs to Mount Lemmon's foot, and ends at Mt. Lemmon Ski Resort, home to the southernmost ski field . Most of the road passes through Coronado National Forest , and travelers can camp and hike in many areas. With every turn, passengers get to see beautiful rock formations. Stop at Windy Point , The Forest Service Ranger, and Mount Lemmon for incredible hiking.

• Distance : 27 miles
• Road trip length: 1–2 hours
• Best time to go : Any time of the year

10 Arizona Road Trips That Are Best Taken In Winter

Black hills back country byway, see the gila river on this adventurous drive through dense forests near safford.

This is the best road for those who love a thrilling drive. It offers a challenge for hikers and mountain bikers. There are also many opportunities to watch wildlife, ride on horseback, fish, hunt, and take pictures. The Black Hills region forms part of the Gila River. Riders can enjoy a picnic at the old Safford Bridge or join other people floating down the river. The road follows US 191 and ends at milepost 160 in Clifton.

• Distance: 21 miles
• Road trip length: 60–90 minutes
• Best time to go : Summer

Discover The Beauty Of Arizona On These 16 Scenic Drives Near Phoenix

Monument valley, iconic southwest landmarks & navajo sites surround you on this striking 17-mile loop.

Found along the border of Utah and Arizona and within the limits of the Navajo National Reservation, this route is a suitable drive for outdoor adventurers. Along the route, travelers experience the southwest’s most iconic scenery . The region was named after the Navajo tribe that occupied the area many years ago. Travelers can spend the whole day in the area as there are many sights to explore. Since it is part of the Colorado Plateau, expect to see many landmarks like Tribal Loop, Teardrop Arch , Mystery Valley , and Three Sisters .

• Distance: 17-mile loop
• Road trip length: 2–3 hours

Red Rock Scenic Byway

See fascinating rock formations like bridges & canyons along az-179 through sedona's red rocks.

One of Sedona’s most scenic drives is a journey across the city, following Arizona Highway 179, which offers breathtaking views of the iconic red rock formations and picturesque landscapes. It is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy outdoor activities while driving. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and golf. Enjoy the beauty of The Bell Rock Highway and make stopovers at the Chapel of the Holy Cross , Cathedral Rock , and Bell Rock Vista . The drive begins in Sedona and takes travelers to the Village of Oak Creek.

• Distance : 14.3 miles
• Road trip length: 20 minutes
• Best time to go: Summer, spring, and fall

Harquahala Mountain Backcountry Byway

Marvel at grand vistas over the gila & san francisco valleys on this backcountry route.

One of the best scenic trips to take in Arizona , this one begins at the Eagle Eye Road and ends in the Harquahala Mountains. Travelers can hike, camp, mountain bike, fish, and watch birds along the way. One of the best stops is the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area , where travelers can see cliff dwellings, historic buildings, and wildlife. Owl Creek Campground is a great place to camp and have a picnic. Then, proceed to hike the Guthrie Peak trail .

• Distance: 10.5 miles
• Best time to go: Between October and May