Staying the night and getting to know the city is a great idea before you head home. Learn more 3-day California coastal tour Visit the Spanish Mission in Santa Barbara and discover the Danish town of Solvang About 30 miles east of Highway 1, you will find the quaint, hidden gem of a town known as Paso Robles. On the fourth day of your trip, had to Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark famous for its magnificent architecture, art collections, and beautiful gardens. . There is a fee to park here, but if you dine in, that fee is reduced. If youre looking for ice cream to follow up that meal, you NEED to stop by McConnells. If you cant manage to get a seat inside, grab your food to-go and dine at one of the nearby picnic tables and benches out with the sun and cool breeze. The bridge was featured in Big Little Lies and several other shows, so youll likely recognize it. They even sell boxes of it for you to take home! It takes about 1.5 hours by car from LA. All throughout the South Bay area, youll find fun stuff to do, but San Jose is extra special in our eyes. If you want to do a little more shopping on your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip, head to Ocean Avenue to find a variety of shops. As you continue to move further north on Highway 1, youll soon hit San Luis Obispo, a pleasant university town with a historic Spanish mission in the middle of downtown. What are your favorite detours? Theres seriously so much to see and do along the California coast! 10-Day Antelope Canyon, Yosemite, Grand Canyon East & South Rim and San Francisco Tour from Los Angeles. S. Where to Stay: A convenient place to stay for your first night is Shore Hotel, where youll have a private balcony and access to the pool. Youll take a bus up the steep hill this is located on, but the views from the top are incredible. Its not along the coast, but I figured Id mention it herefor those of you interested in the Garlic Capital of the World. If youre early on in your trip planning stages, I would recommend going through this post, marking down the stops/towns that pique your interest, and then backing into it, to determine how many days you want to spend checking out all the stops. After that, head over to Hearst Castle for a tour of the residence of former publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Dont forget to pack a cooler to store your picnic lunch and post-hike drinks! This laidback California community, just a 20-minute drive from Ventura, boasts a strong Spanish and Western feel. Ah, Pismo Beach, a classic Central Coast beach town famous for its sand dunes, boutique shopping, award-winning boardwalk, and beautiful coastline! Stopping frequently at pit stops and interesting landmarks to get that perfect family Instagram shot is a great way to make lasting memories. Today, this is the most extensively restored mission that exists, with 10 original buildings furnished to transport you back to the era. This convenient little kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags. It would be fun to travel on this route with a few friends and family joining in. Theres not too much to do here, other than the Hearst Castle. Trunk Organizer|With any road trip comes lots and lots of stuff to pack. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful place to visit, and you can visit the museum to learn more about its history back in the 1800s. Highlights of the menu include chipotle shrimp tacos, chile relleno, and grilled steak with chimichurri sauce. Marissa is a Seattle local who's obsessed with exploring all things Pacific Northwest, especially hiking, road trips, and national parks. Monterey is one of the best places to stop from Los Angeles to San Francisco because you can either have a relaxing time here or be active. In my opinion, this is one of the prettiest and lushest areas in ALL of Southern California. The Ultimate Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Wondering exactly where to stop on a multi-day California Coast road trip? Duration: 10 9. Then head to the adorable city of Solvang! The California coastal drive, which ranks as one of the most gorgeous road trips in the United States (and the world), features the majestic western coastline, amazing forests and incredible viewpoints. Im already itching to go back! When in Santa Barbara, dont miss the opportunity to eat some fresh strawberries or uni (sea urchin)! Make sure to stop by San Pedro Square Market, which hosts a variety of food vendors. San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, so naturally, its on the pit stop list! If you want to take some scenic drives from Los Angeles at sunset, you have many different options. If you want to stay in California, youll love spending 2 days in Death Valley, which is one of the most unique parks in the state. San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip - Travel2Next Feel free to share! Be prepared for the open road by visiting our checklist of road trip essentials. Its a great place to enjoy casual patio dining with some friends. Just about two hours south of San Francisco is a 90-mile expanse of unforgettable nature and views known as Big Sur. To end the night, head to Monterey, an oceanfront town with plenty of activities, restaurants, and shopping. 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite. It depends on you and your itinerary. Paso Robles has great weather, so its almost always ideal for sipping and eating al fresco style. The building materials youll see here include beer cans, toilet seats, abalone shells, washer drums, car rims, tile, car parts, and old stoves. These 24 stops combine a fantastic mix of awe-inspiring nature, laid-back beach towns, stylish cities, and off-the-beaten-track attractions! The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. If you were to drive straight without stopping and just take I-5, the driving time from Los Angeles to San Francisco is about six hours (which, of course, does not include the infamous LA traffic!). Theres a restaurant here that oozes beachy California vibes, as well as a private beach where you can hang out at. If youre a coffee connoisseur in Santa Barbara, you must stop by Handlebar Coffee Roasters. Youll be able to see elephant seals basking in the sun. Best California Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles | Observer In addition to the Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in the world, there are other vantage points along the trail. You should also take a ride on the Ferris wheel for an incredible view of the beach from up high. Since this town is fairly small with the main attractions condensed across a few cross streets, allocating two to three hours to explore should be enough. Portable Cooler| Coolers are a must for any road trip. Today, Hearst Castle is now an accredited museum and a California State Park, displaying Hearsts extensive art collection. This immersive art installation is comprised of an array of over 58,800 stemmed fiber-optic lightbulbs, gently illuminating the landscape in morphing colors. Youll only be charged if you show up to pick up the car! The cheapest month to fly is January. Congratulations, youve finally made it to San Francisco, CA! For a little bit of nature or history, head over to theVentura Botanical Gardensor theMission San Buenaventura. 5-6 hours. Local Tip: If you love bread or need coffee, make sure to stop at Bobs Well Bread Bakery. Types. This town is only seven blocks long, yet reflects as much Old West heritage as any small town on Californias Central Coast. 441 You can also go for an evening walk on the promenade, or you can rent a dune buggy and speed along the sand dunes. So first take US Highway 101 from LA to San Luis Obispo, then . 1. Visit one of the many beaches in the area, like El Matador Beach, known for its spectacular cliffs and towering rock formations. Tour the historic Hearst Castle, admire elephant seals, watch surfers conquer impossible waves, hike through majestic redwoods, eat all the tacos, and so much more! Check out the BEST Los Angeles has to offer on this half-day interactive sightseeing experience! But if you did just that, then youd be missing out on what the real LA has to offer. Youll be along the coast for most of it and have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. If you are planning on driving from south to north: fly into Los Angeles (LAX) or Burbank (BUR) do a one-way drive up to the Bay Area (being sure to take all the awesome stops in between). In this article, we'll look at the 27 best day trip spots. TheiOttieattaches by suction, so its easy to transport from car to car. The straight-shot drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco can be done in 5.5 to 6 hours if you put your foot down and avoid rush hour traffic. There are plenty of areas to have a picnic if you want to spend more time here as well. Check them out if youre looking for that quintessential Malibu experience. Spanning across several blocks in the downtown area, there are many wine tasting rooms, artisan gift shops, and gourmet shops selling quality items such as olive oil and soaps. More than 2,600 stars honoring famous actors, musicians, and other public people are on the pavement at this popular attraction. They are road trip essentials! Local Tip: Stop by Malibu Seafood located along Highway 1 and order the fish and chips; you will have no regrets. 7-Day Tour to San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Zion from LA. Los Alamos is another great little town in Santa Ynez Valley that wont take you too long to visit. On the hunt for kitschy attractions and/or lodging? The Bit O Denmark Restaurant is one I recommend that has authentic Danish fare like aebleskiver and smorrebrod. Looking to call it a night in Santa Barbara? This is Pacific Avenue to be exact, and here you will find a variety of vintage shops as well as modern apparel and gift stores, eateries, bars, and coffee shops. All in all, youll get a jam-packed day of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, tide pools, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills galore. There are various breweries and wineries here as well. If you feel like treating yourself, stop by the infamous Nobu restaurant for Japanese food. Dont fret because theyre actually a lot to do here! Its tiny, but its a cute place to explore nonetheless. This is also the only place around that has Wi-Fi if you need it! YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST: License and registration| This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before its too late and you get too far away from home. More of an adventurous traveler? We love Monterey so much that we dedicated an entire post to showcase some of the best things to do in town! Here are some tips to help you start crafting your itinerary. If you dont have camping gear with you, there are various lodges, inns, motels and resort options as well. I recommend stopping at Redondo Beach at the beginning of your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip for a relaxing start to your vacation. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. With your extra days here, dive into the culture of San Francisco a little more. Nearby is also Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch, literally the cutest things youll ever see on a road trip ever. Because this trip is not about how long it takes to get to your destination, but rather what you see along the way! At the northern end of the Big Sur region, you will be met with charm and romance, all wrapped up in one jam-packed town called Carmel-by-the-Sea. Old Fishermans Grotto is one of my go-to spots whenever Im in Monterey. Where to Stay: Inn By the Bay Monterey is close to many popular attractions youll want to see. At over 800 miles long and plenty of areas to explore, California is possibly one of the best states to take a road trip. Lobster rolls, crab cakes, and artisanal cocktails are what this eatery is famous for. On your way to your hotel, stop at Cachuma Lake. You can take a ferry to the island, where you can see the old jail cells, discover the islands fascinating history, and enjoy stunning views over the city. Read More: 32+ Exciting Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. Santa Cruz, CA is a half sleepy beach town, half college town. Ive never had the opportunity to stay the night here, but its another wonderful town to consider for an overnight stop (especially if you want to take advantage of the amazing tasting rooms and wineries in the area). Language: English; Mandarin Chinese. Continuing on your way down, youll pass Zuma Beach, known for its family-friendly waves. The months of September through November and March through May offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists than the summer months. How to Plan the Perfect Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Surrounded by ranches, farms, and vineyards sits a quaint little town called Los Alamos. San Diego is an ideal destination for a 3-day weekend in Southern California. A medium-sized vehicle is perfect for your road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco so you can fit your passengers and be able to fit into any stops you make along the way. Here, youll also find a gourmet restaurant, coffee bar, and a steep trail that descends to a black-sand beach. Morro Bay is a small, beachy town alive with family-friendly activities. Urban Light, the sculpture with 202 lamp posts, is at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance and is so popular that people hang out all night around it. For most of the year, the best route is via Tioga Pass (if you're traveling in winter or spring, check to make sure that it's open before heading out). June 29, 2023. The tours cost $25-30 depending on which tour you do. If youre just passing by, Carmel is a great town to grab a bite to eat and go wine tasting. NBA summer league 2023 - News, schedule and scenes - ESPN Local Tip: Head over to Leadbetter Beach if youre looking to just float along merrily in the ocean. You could drive the I-5 highway for maximum time efficiency, but theres really nothing to look at other than farmland. 175 Bucket List Things To Do In Los Angeles, California (From A Locals Perspective), The Perfect California Desert Weekend Trip: Palm Springs Area, The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip: San Francisco to Redwood National Park, 17 Best Things To Do In San Franciscos North Beach and Chinatown (And Where To Eat). Where to Stay: Enjoy quick access to the pier and beach with sliding glass doors on your room at Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach. Furthermore, youll have more of the beach to yourself because its less popular than other locations. Pismo Beach may be my favorite town on this list because I loved the relaxed, casual vibe it had. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will definitely want to consider a day trip from Santa Barbara to Montaa de Oro State Park. THE TOP 10 Los Angeles Day Trips (w/Prices) - Viator The Solvang Village Square is a focal point of the town that has various shops and restaurants serving both traditional Danish and other cuisines. You can start your morning relaxing on Carmel Beach or go shopping along Ocean Avenue. This post was first written in 2019 and last updated in March 2023. Looking for a longer drive? Whenever I make the drive from LA to SF, Im always torn on either visiting Santa Cruz or Gilroy (for shopping) on the way up. There are plenty of places to sit outside, and people watch or just enjoy the sun. The Huntington Botanical Gardens Driving Distance: 12 miles Best Time to Visit: Any time of year Enjoy strolling through gorgeous gardens? Keep your road trip essentials organized with atrunk organizer. If youre looking for more things to do, Ovation Hollywood is just a short drive away and has plenty of restaurants, stores, and attractions to keep you occupied. By Michael Kolomatsky. While there are a lot of beaches in California, this one stands out because the sand is purple. The Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Lotusland are all popular things to do in Santa Barbara. However, in a recent instance, we booked our car with Hertz, and there happened to be no one-way drop-off fee. A: The best Multi-day Tours in Los Angeles according to Viator travelers are: 4-Day Grand Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon Tour. Lonzo Ball-- July 7, 2017. Half Moon Bay is a relatively small town 30 miles south of San Francisco and has a number of great cafes and boutique shops to explore. The 17-Mile Road is an iconic destination for tourists in Pebble Beach. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable powerall in one! For dinner, enjoy a beautiful dinner at Sea Level @ Shade. Tour Code: 473-19151. My recommendations are: Looking for more unique things to do in LA? This restaurant is on top of a giant hill and has a stunning view of Big Sur. Heres a list of a few of my favorite things to see and do: If youve never been to San Francisco and you have a few days, Id recommend spending 2-3 full days in SF to take in all that the city has to offer. And with theirHertz Gold Plus Rewardsprogram (completely free to join), youll get counter-free pickup at select locations, and even mobile alerts with yourexactrental carandits location before you arrive. You can surely busy yourself all day with the many art galleries and museums in San Jose, CA. For travelers heading north from Southern California, Ragged Point is often the first few stops when traveling through Big Sur. High season is considered to be October, November and December. Coronado 2 hrs by car There's a reason Coronado has topped lists of the country's best beaches: Its wide shores never feel overcrowded, the soft, fine-grained sand is easily walkable and the. Pro Tip: Coming from out of state? My one and only recommendationthe cookies and cream flavor (prepare to be mindblown by the power of the flavors)! Tours fill up during busy seasons, so making a reservation in advance is recommended. They also feature a wide variety of artisanal drinks, including beer and wine. A perfect Pacific Coast Highway 4 day itinerary: 16 stops you need to make Looking to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? Guided Bus Tour Packages from Los Angeles - Sightseeing Trips Then head over tohistoric Downtown Venturaand make the most of your time here treasure hunting at vintage boutiques and secondhand stores. As I walked along the shore, I couldnt help but notice that some areas of the beach seemed completely normal. Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price? A bit further north of the coast lies the little area of San Simeon. When in Monterey, you definitely cannot miss walking down Cannery Row, the setting of two John Steinbeck novels. Jonathan Mayo. On the way into town, youll pass an ostrich farm called Ostrichland USA, where you can pay to go in and feed these guys! For strawberries, youll find produce stands selling them at many exits along the way as well as near the fields where theyre grown. Free cancellation. Situated in the heart of the Funk Zone, this coffee house roasts its own beans and serves a variety of espresso beverages, pour-overs, and cold brews. Not to mention, its a beautiful spot to spend the night! Youre probably hungry by now, so drive about 15 minutes north to Nepenthe. I recommend doing tours of the grand rooms, but you can also see the kitchens or the bedrooms. Take a seat on our air . For our Pacific Coast road trips, we typically like to pick up rental cars from a nearby airport, even though were local (theres often more availability at the airports compared to rental car shops in town). He struggled in his debut in a loss to the LA . However, youll want to do a LA to San Francisco drive on Highway 1 because there are so many beautiful places to see. The menu at this cafe includes both sweet and savory options, such as pastries, sandwiches, and salads made using organic, locally sourced ingredients. You can start by heading over to Redondo Beach to relax and spend the afternoon walking along the water. Los Angeles to San Francisco Tours & Trips - TourRadar Theres also a bar and boutique store available. 2015-2023, Postcards to Seattle. This post includes a suggested itinerary for an LA to SF road trip, but you can make it as short or as long as you want. How long is the road trip from LA to San Francisco? Before you leave the official Malibu area, you can stop at Point Mugu State Park for a quick hike or a beach picnic. Make sure to check out some of the best places for brunch in Costa Mesa while youre there. Where to Stay: Youre literally steps away from the beach when you stay at Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, so it doesnt get much better than that. 7 Day San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip - Parks & Trips 40 minutes from Half Moon Bay / 55 minutes from San Jose. You can get in here for 20 minutes for freeif you just want to drive around and take pictures. This castle was built by newspaper mogul William Hearst and will immediately transport you to Europe. The Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours to choose from during your visit to San Simeon, CA. Youll see beautiful Pacific Ocean vistas as you go along this path that heads toward the Pebble Beach coast. $54 Cheap Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) Bundle Your Flight + Hotel & Save! There are plenty of wine shops to visit if you want to try out the local wine, which I highly recommend. Then keep going westward until you reach Pismo Beach, one of my personal favorite stops on this trip. On the inside, youll find that each one of its 100+ rooms is decorated in a completely different style than the next! Where to Stay: Youll love staying right on the beach at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Depart From: Los Angeles, CA. That way, you can plan to be on the flattest, straightest, stinkiest part of the drive (Harris Cattle Ranch). Where to Stay: Youll love being able to be close to the action at Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Be sure to also check out the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, where thousands of butterflies migrate to spend the winter. If youre into beaches or surfing, make sure to stop at Mavericks, a world-famous surfing spot where you can witness massive waves ranging from 25 to 60 feet high! There are a plethora of things you can do in Ventura, CA. Not only does the tool allow you to compare rental car prices across the major rental car companies, but most of the time you can book with no prepayment and no cancellation fees. And if youre looking to extend your road trip even further up north, check out my other post, featuring road trip stops from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. Santa Monica is charming, with great stretches of shops, bars, and restaurants (particularly along Montana Ave on the north side of the neighborhood). Both these towns provide various hotels and B&Bs to unwind and relax! She's been to hundreds of places all over the region and started this website to help others discover the beauty of the area and create their own trips. 20+ Best Day Trips from Los Angeles, CA (National Parks, Gardens If youre looking for entertainment for the kids, check out San Luis Obispo Childrens Museum or San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. If you dont know what to order, just get seafood. The park is best known for its yellow/gold wildflowers that cover its hills in the springtime. For locals and LA transplants alike, rite of passage activities located in Malibu include dining at Malibu Farm Restaurant by the pier and going on a wine safari at Malibu Wine Safaris. Big Sur is one of my favorite day trips from the Bay Area, and when you make your way through here, youll totally understand why. At a distance, youll surely spot Morro Rock (what the city is best known for), a humongous rock formation jutting from the water. This California coastal drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the best road trips in the USA. In addition to its prime location on Ocean Avenue, The Lobster has amazing fresh seafood with a California flare, along with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Alvarado Street Brewery is another great choice, with an extensive range of craft brews and delicious pub-style fare. 3-Day California Coast Tour: Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Yosemite You can get clam chowder at Splash Cafe for a delicious lunch. On your last day, youll head out from Pebble Beach to drive the magnificent 17-Mile Drive. These all offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and are great spots for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are many pull-off spots on the Big Sur day trip, but the most famous is Bixby Creek Bridge, so make sure to stop here on the way north. If youre staying the night, downtown San Jose is a lively place to be, with its many bars and eateries. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I recommend planning your trip in advance when you do a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco by car so you dont miss any stops along the way. That said, I should also mention you probably wont have service until you get to Carmel, so plan accordingly. If youre here at night, watch Main Street transform into a lively bar-hopping hotspot. When you first get there, take the time to walk around outside to see the unique public art. San Diego. Because I am giving you so many road trip stop options in this post, it would be impossible for me to estimate how long your trip will take. You can either fly out of the San Jose International Airport or go further north to the San Francisco International Airport when youre ready to head home. Aside from being home to the Santa Monica Pier, there are a number of great eateries, coffee shops, and shopping options here (there are way too many stores at Third Street Promenade to name here). Huckleberry Cafe is on Wilshire Boulevard and serves up tasty breakfast and brunch selections. There are great fishing opportunities at the end of the pier, and if you come here in the evening you can bear witness to the citys famous sunsets! THE TOP 10 Los Angeles Multi-day Tours (w/Prices) - Viator Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American road trip experience. Dont be surprised if you smell the garlic as you travel through the city. To extend your trip, continue heading north by booking a weekend in Sonoma to taste some of the best wine in the state. Youll have to drive over this famous bridge on your LA to San Fran road trip anyways, so you might as well stop to get some pictures. Tips For Finding The Cheapest Flights Possible. This restaurant has been open since 1950 and has many traditional seafood dishes in addition to pasta and steak. If youre looking for some good beaches to stop at, you can stop in Santa Monica to visit the various shops there and visit the pier. Notable spots include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Keyhole Arch Rock at Pfeiffer Beach (unmissable sunset spot). I thought Id catch up on some work while I was here but was quickly distracted. How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide Youve made it to the end of your trip! From there, you can head over to Malibu Village for a few boutique shops, Malibu Country Mart (good for picking up picnic supplies), and Starbucks for a little pick-me-up. How can anyone not love the Mediterranean atmosphere ofSanta Barbara, CA? The drive from Santa Monica to Malibu is stunning, so keep your eyes open on this stretch of the drive!
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