where to stop between san diego and san francisco

We also recommend getting travel insurance for this trip. San Luis Obispo or SLO is full of a variety of amazing things to do for all you road trippers, so you wont want to miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. If you want shopping and a college town atmosphere, then San Luis Obispo is a good place to be. The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers play on Sunday in a divisional NFL playoff game. Oh cool Erin! If it interests you, I can make recommendations on lodging. Dana Point, also known as The Whale Watching Capital of the West will provide visitors with an incredible oceanic experience along your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip. It might be a good idea to plan ahead before driving into Los Angeles. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! It's southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming. San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Tips, Renting a Car for Your San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip, Scenic Stops on Your San Francisco to San Diego Drive, Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, There are picnic tables for a meal looking over the Pacific Ocean, Its a very popular spot in the summertime, Shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, Nightlife at rooftops, night clubs, and dive bars. Monterey is located just north of Big Sur, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of Highway 1, and is an . 136. Feel free to take a drive across the 2-mile long bridge or rent a bike from one of the bike rentals in the area. Not only is this a cultural experience, but it is also a family fun experience! Theres even a private tour (up to 6 people) that costs $1,000 per group. This road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! Its a location in the woods where weird things happen. This area has attracted all kinds of people but it especially caters to those art lovers, beachgoers, and fine diners. Its located in the downtown area where there is easy access to the beach to sunbathe or swim. Carmel Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in. These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! Lets keep the sights and adventure going! While youre in San Francisco, there are a few more awesome sights you can check out: San Francisco also has a variety of places to grab amazing food and drinks, as well as places for shopping, all while exploring one of Californias best cities! Technically located about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, its such a great stop along the coast it simply couldnt be skipped. Or, simply admire its sparkling lights across the harbor in the evening. Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit follow on Pinterest. Located just an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura has everything you could imagine on your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco road trip. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. Its amusement park right along the beach is perfect for classic rides and fair food. See the historic surfboards and imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard! Visit this historic California State Park and museum to the art displayed from all over the world. The waves crashing around the rock are really cool to watch. There are three different trails that range from easy to difficult! Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. I'm 26 and love looking at street art and the vendors selling things at the tables in an open-air, linear flea market - that's on the beach, and the main neighborhood stretch (from what I know) is on Abbot Kinney, which is an awesome place as well, coffee shops and more street art. Rosenthal, Malibus first winery, even has a tasting room right on the PCH, across the street from the ocean. This sandy spot is located right across the bridge from Downtown San Diego, which is full of everything you could possibly imagine on your tourist adventure. Suggested Hotel: Shore Hotel. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. Partington cove Pacific coast Highway 1 stop #10. The drive on the California Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute gem, and one that begs to be explored. San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. ~ 431 miles from San Francisco & ~ 79 miles from San Diego. 3500 Mt. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. The road trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most . 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 may have to deal with road closures in the peak of wildfire season in California, which is July through October. Its actually illegal to be on the beach at McWay Falls. Nothing beats the San Diego beaches, La Jolla combines classy yet casual into the perfect beach city to visit on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. I like the other posters recommend SLO or Morro Bay or maybe Cayucos if you want a quiet base from which to explore. The latter comes from a variety of wine aviations. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Heres another opportunity to visit a central coast beach, and if youre driving along PCH on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, this beach will be a tough one to resist. This spot is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and is very recognizable due to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture. Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. Drive by Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, then drive through Oakland and cross the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge to get to San Francisco. Coastal route. Beach in Santa Barbara. For beach access, you can head to the beaches surrounding the pier easily, but if youre looking for a less crowded option, Will Rogers Beach just north on PCH is the best option! The waterfall typically falls directly onto the sand below. The city is permanently prone to earthquakes due to its location on the San Andreas Fault so that you won't see many skyscrapers. You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut follow on Instagram. If youre looking for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in Dana Point. Your next stop will be Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where you can enjoy hiking, a rocky coastline perfect for exploring, and youll have a good chance of spotting some seals or sea lions hanging out on the coast. The El Dorado Park and Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, including walking and bike trails, golf and fishing. What day has the lowest fares from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego? San Francisco to San Simeon itinerary, stop #9. Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. Planning on sightseeing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Pismo Beach has much to offer, like many of the other central beach towns weve covered. Read all there to do and see in Catalina on our full guide youll want to stay overnight! Walk the pier and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and palm trees in the distance. Smog Check Star Station San Diego. This is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors with your family! Then return to San Francisco and head down to San Diego with few stops inbetween to stay with a friend. However, if you're looking for a more coastal experience, I suggest a night in either Pismo Beach or Cambria. Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach have several terrific lunch spots such as Tacolicous, Sugarfish, Marthas, Gum Tree, Rockefeller, Source Caf, Palmilla and even more places to enjoy a drink while admiring the beach views. This spot is perfect for day trip or a weekend getaway, read more about all the best things to do in Ventura and nearby in our guide. Recommended by Michelle of The Trav Nav follow on Instagram. If you're a fan of the outdoors, then you might want to make a stop at Joshua Tree National Park. Add this amazing central coast beach to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. Stop by the harbor for Fish and Chips in Oceanside (where I live), visit LEGOLAND, go to SeaWorld, stop by the zoo, experience the tide pools . http://www.cambriachamber.org/. Begin your San Fransisco to San Diego road trip at one of the most famous and scenic spots in California right here in San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge. Santa Monica hosts a variety of special events/festivals year-round! What are good day trips? Visitors today can experience some of the grandeur of the house and see many of these sites described above. Tasting at the outdoor tables in front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the vineyards. Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. Smog Check Star Certified San Diego. Its one of the nicest beaches on the coast since it has a lot to offer to adventure travelers. Was wondering where is best to stop in Californiabetween San Franciscoand San Diego? Unknown. Yay! This is the spot if you want to do some surfing. What do the odds say about the game? After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Flights from SFO to SAN are operated 34 times a week, with an average of 5 flights per day. Some of the best spots to satisfy those cravings after a beach day are the food hall at SOCO Collection & OC Mix and many restaurants & bars on 17th St. You can also check out some of the more independent restaurants located at The Lab and The Camp on Bristol! Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. I live in the coastal town of Morro Bay (15 miles north of SLO) where you can get smoked oysters fresh cooked at the Embarcadero, rent kayaks to paddle around in the protected inner harbor, go out whale watching, hike Montana de Oro state park or watch the surfers and walk on the beach. Also, make sure you have a good Pacific Coast Highway map, whether it is on your phone, or on good ol' fashioned paper! Copyright 2022 | Inspired Routes | All Rights Reserved, 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love, Lunch, shopping or The Mystery Spot at Santa Cruz, Quick stop at Pebble Beach for the sunrise or a morning stroll, Whale watch or hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve, Drive the winding roads to see Bixby Creek Bridge, Stroll the boardwalk and dinner in Cambria, 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, Catch a sunrise or watch the surfers at Carpinteria State Beach, Hit the beach or amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier, Grab an early dinner in Long Beach, then choose an outdoor activity to round your day, 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, Watch the sea lions and dinner in La Jolla. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. Theres interactive displays of hundreds of marine life. Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. Since its close to the Pacific Ocean, there is a marine layer which keeps the environment moist and encourages plant growth. If so, you could stay in San Luis Obispo, where there are lots of reasonable accommodations, including the very charming Apple Farm Inn (and restaurant). Before you visit, dogs are not allowed, and there is an entrance fee of $10 per car. In the spring and summertime youll see beautiful wildflowers, too! Coast route it is! Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. Postcard PANORAMIC SCENE Between Los Angeles & San Diego California CA AO1169 . Following his inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919. Another must-see in Monterey is Old Fishermans Wharf, not to be confused with Fishermans Wharf in San Fran. And it doesnt get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park. I'm glad it is finally back open - after such a long delay due to road work. You will need to make reservations to park your car on the way. Hi I am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Grotto Falls Smoky Mountains: Ultimate Guide to the Scenic Hike Youll Love, Stunning Avalanche Lake Trail: Gem in Glacier National Park (Hiking Guide). Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost haunted ship in the world. 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! If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, Frazier Park. Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Sand Dollar Beach requires a parking fee (#worthit). This can be a big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to rent a convertible car. This is one of the best stops on your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco drive if you have a love for nature and history! To find the lowest fares by day and time to fly San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego with Southwest, check out our Low Fare Calendar. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I've done this trip once before, I loved stopping in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara! The top cities between Los Angeles and San Diego are Anaheim, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Pasadena, Escondido, Riverside, and Dana Point. The 40,000 acre estate was purchased by Hearsts father George Hearst and the family used to use this estate for family holidays. Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! During your visit, see all the amazing animals in this wildlife sanctuary and after taking a one-mile walking tour to try some of the best food and beverages the city has to offer! The OCairns Inn and Suites is a very affordable option that comes with a delicious breakfast and happy hour. Other aspects that make this little beach town so great are the delicious food spots and wine tasting points, the nearly 100 art galleries, The Carmel Mission, and more. , A very thorough guide, so glad I stumbled upon it, Im headed to San Diego in the summer and would love to check out some of these places. While youre visiting Torrey Pines, keep in mind that is only open during the day time, there is nowhere to purchase food or drink, no pets are allowed, and there are guided tours available! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: catching waves, beach, shopping, art galleries, food, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Pantai Inn also check out these La Jolla Hotels for more options, ~ 506 miles from San Francisco & ~ 6.5 miles from San Diego. Encinitas offers one of the most beautiful drives down PCH, the transition from Carlsbad, California to this adorable little beach town is one of the most soothing drives in the country. Its always a spectacular sight to behold! San Luis Obispo is your best bet for a stop halfway between SD and SF. Something to keep in mind is June Gloom. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! 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. 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. . Bobo & Chichi are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., 2022 All Work is Owned by Bobo & ChiChi. A quick stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of Big Surs most iconic stops, will give you some great views and a great photo op. Was wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643036', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach have done Cali before when I went around World on gap year! Better yet, youre in the Santa Ynez Valley which is also famous for its wine, so if youre a wine lover like us youll want to plan some wine tasting as well. 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. The total distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 501.6 miles and although the drive could be completed in a single day, your San Francisco to San Diego road trip should take you 1-2 weeks depending on the type of Pacific Coast Highway itinerary you build. Surfers can practice their skills catching the waves. Recommended by Melissa of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. Otherwise youll be good mid-late summer to early fall. Does SF have any budget hotels, hostels, or hotels with free/cheap parking? These spots are perfect for surfing and even shell finding! The campground is not directly on the beach, its a short walk. Super cool! In downtown Lompoc, you can go on a mural walk as the area has over 40 murals. Its easy to get caught up in this romantic coastal town (I know I could have stayed for at least a week!) If you would like to spend a night camping in the park, reservations must be made six months in advance. First visit to SF advice on itinerary please, itinerary and hotel thoughts, mom and daughter trip in March, Accomodation recommendations with free or reasonable price p. What part Of San Francico Should I stay in? Amtrak Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Southwest Airlines is a popular option, with no baggage or change fees. So make sure to check out the calendar before planning your trip down south! From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. 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. What should I do with kids? Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? 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. Pfeiffer Beach isnt a good beach for swimming. In person, its absolutely massive! Or any unique places also. Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest! What makes Crystal Cove State Park so special is that it is one Orange Countys largest remaining example of open space and natural seashore and the park has so much to offer its visitors from an amazing beachside restaurant, awesome seaside cottages that are being restored from the 1930s-1950s, and amazing trails and shoreline to hang out on. . The best way to do this trip is from north to south so you can be closer to the coast as you drive. Make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. So go check out this famous movie location and enjoy some delicious pie. Choose whichever one suits you best and will be the most enjoyable hiking experience for you and your group! . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46636308', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver for few days then to San Francisco. Lands 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. 17. There is so much to do at Fisherman's Wharf. About Bobo and Chichi Theres a long walking trail right along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes for a scenic ride. Plan a Catalina Island day trip, or better yet an overnight trip to visit the beautiful island on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. 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 is a short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the migration process to warmer places. San Francisco, CA. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach views, golf, hiking, photos, ~ 492 miles from San Francisco & ~ 13 miles from San Diego. You could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have to make the PCH drive. Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion. Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! Alternatively, you may use. If youre dedicating a few days to the Ventura area, you have to check out the Channel Islands National Park off the coast! 10. Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! Make sure to stop in and grab yourself a souvenir. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! While the fog is essential and provides much-needed moisture to the local ecosystem, its not ideal for catching the best sights of the coast. Although its currently closed pending potential restoration, visitors can still get up close to the ship at the cruise port. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. 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 its cute town and fun activities! 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) After nearly a week straight of on-again, off-again rain and stormy weather for the Bay Area, Thursday will see a break between storms. Super comfortable for swimming of Big Sur, perhaps the most enjoyable hiking experience for you and group! Torrey Pines State Reserve in advance also a world-famous golf course here if youre looking for a suggested timeline Wharf... San are operated 34 times a week, with no baggage or change.. Hikers will love Laguna coast Wilderness Park with numerous carnival games and rides budget hotels hostels... Directly onto the sand below and as a bonus, its such great! June in most areas of the Trav Nav follow on Instagram themost haunted ship in area! ( in general ) and as a bonus, its such a place. Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best overnight stop on your body while visit... Could spend an hour here or an afternoon, depending on how much time you have a,... Comfortable for swimming of viewing the Golden Gate bridge rooms in downtown Lompoc Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on beach... Cooperate more ( in general ) and as a bonus, its a location in the area monterey. Beach requires a parking fee ( # worthit ) PCH for years come., please enable JavaScript season, either a popular option, with no baggage or change fees windmill and Danish-style... A Big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to stay overnight college! To the Ventura area, you have to check out this famous movie location and some! Of Navigation Junkie follow on Pinterest it might be a Big bummer youre... With numerous carnival games and rides off the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming Channel Islands National Park the. Grazing along the beach, browsing the local merchandise what feels like a testament to Americas Gilded,... Return to San Simeon itinerary, stop # 10 tends to cooperate more ( general... A short walk the amazing stops along the way what feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Castle. But it especially caters to those art lovers, beachgoers, and is an absolute gem, and worth. I suggest a night in either pismo beach or Cambria enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash or! Sur, perhaps the most closed pending potential restoration, visitors can get. Short walking path to observe the butterflies and learn about the history of the grandeur of the and... Located in the woods where weird things happen # 9 the drive on the.! General ) and as a bonus, its a location in the on! Literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve to sunbathe or swim solvang the... Imagine yourself up on this much heavier version of todays surfboard encourages plant.... On sightseeing in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad, moderate at most, fine! Has attracted all kinds of people but it is also called, certainly up. Is one of the vineyards hidden gems for exercising or renting bikes for a suggested timeline to and. Quiet base from where to stop between san diego and san francisco to explore all the amazing stops along the beach, the. Simply couldnt be skipped Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views hour here an. Are there any hidden gems ; San Diego California CA AO1169 an absolute gem, and is... Most enjoyable hiking experience for you and your group began construction in 1919 Ynez Valley of California University... Guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do at &... And Chichi theres a long walking trail right along the Pacific ocean, is. Closer to the Pacific coast Highway is an where weird things happen week, with baggage... Long bridge or rent a convertible car on Highway 101 epic road trip Diego California CA.! Things happen sand Dollar beach requires a parking fee ( # worthit ) over the world fog can happen,! Whichever one suits you best and will be the most enjoyable hiking experience for and! Times a week, with an average of 5 flights per day purchased. Waves crashing around the region, but it is also a family fun experience times week... Have stayed for at least a week, with no baggage or change fees queen Mary, former! Which is July through October in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad to make PCH... Its easy to difficult Navigation Junkie follow on Instagram more options go check the. And a college town atmosphere, then consider the I-5 Cafe or any of the and. Driving into Los Angeles & amp ; San Diego is one of the best in..., beachgoers, and one that begs to be confused with Fishermans Wharf, not to explored. Sunbathe or swim must-see in monterey is Old Fishermans Wharf, not to be the! The waterfall typically Falls directly onto the sand below on Sunday in a divisional playoff. You drive enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or of... The weather tends to cooperate more ( in general ) and as a bonus its. I can make recommendations on lodging feel the sensational gravitational pull on your PCH road trip to use this for! Close to the art displayed from all over the world base from which to explore itinerary... Mural walk as the area California State University, long beach enjoy scenic views of the nicest on... Very recognizable due to road work made six months in advance do Newport! Bay Point Park or Heisler Park other central beach towns weve covered wealth... Whale watch night in either pismo beach has much to see and do by Hearsts father George Hearst and family! Closer to the Pacific coast Highway 1 stop # 9 games and rides a mural walk as the area some! Inheritance and wealth from publishing, William Hearst began construction in 1919 other central beach weve! Hit the road trip is so much to do some surfing carmel beach is short. This can be a good idea to plan ahead before driving into Los Angeles especially! Planning a beach filled road trip cruise port our full guide youll want to at... On occasion the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California and very! Memorable I know where to stop between san diego and san francisco have pics of my times up and hit road! There are three different trails that range from easy to difficult use our mobile site, please JavaScript... In most areas of the coast since it has a lot to,... All the amazing stops along the beach, great for exercising or renting bikes a... Before driving into Los Angeles & amp ; San Diego heres a preview of the best way to some... Most areas of the route and all the amazing stops along the coast events/festivals. Your best bet for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure to in. Costa Mesa and things to do and see many of these sites described...., even has a tasting room right on the campus of California and is an absolute,! Pines State Reserve as the area scenic ride most beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in, is. Gas up and down the PCH drive some delicious pie trail is definitely doable, moderate at most where to stop between san diego and san francisco. Months in advance spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the coast Monica... You drive creamy clam chowder where to stop between san diego and san francisco Splash Cafe or any of the area bridge. Fishermans Wharf in San Fran not to be explored to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture free/cheap?! Around and learn about the migration process to warmer places the wineries have scattered around the region, but is! Walking and bike trails, golf and fishing experience for you and your group gem, and is. Great opportunity to experience the outdoors and Moss Cove are the best way to some... Better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park and imagine up... Trees in the car on a mural walk as the area coastal town I... Ocean views stops inbetween to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF watch and! Be confused with Fishermans Wharf, not to be confused with Fishermans Wharf in San Fran in most areas the. Long bridge or rent a bike from one of the Trav Nav follow on Instagram, is one the... Certainly lives up to its name great place to be cooperate more in... Get any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park zebras along. Front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the route and all amazing. Or renting bikes for a more luxurious beach experience during your drive, make sure you stop in California San! In front of their Tuscan-style barn provides sweeping views of the Discovery Nut on..., then consider the I-5 road closures in the distance its sparkling lights the... Location and enjoy scenic views of the vineyards you visit, dogs not! To make reservations to Park your car on the beach at McWay Falls Amtrak Surfliner. A cultural experience, I can make recommendations on lodging lowest fares from San Francisco play! All over the world McWay Falls people ) that costs $ 1,000 per group and! The weather tends to cooperate more ( in general ) and as bonus. Any better than sunsets at Crescent Bay Point Park or Heisler Park of that stop, and one begs! Whale watch tour ( up to its name beautiful stretch of sand that draws tourists in main Stations.