Planning a tremendous journey by doing the San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey? Irrespective of which route you go alongside California’s coast and a very good chunk of the US west coast there are tons of unimaginable and scenic stops alongside the best way together with among the greatest locations to go to in Northern California and one of the best locations to go to in Southern California.
We’ve picked our favourite stops on this unimaginable journey plus highway journey ideas. Make your drive unforgettable by including in a few of these superb locations to your drive. This information covers among the greatest issues to do in every of those locations in addition to suggestions for in a single day stays in case you propose on making an extended cease right here.
Since this is without doubt one of the most scenic drives within the US, we advocate extending this highway journey so long as you may and slowly having fun with the experience stopping alongside among the greatest seashore cities, among the best wine international locations within the US, out of doors journey stops, island adventures, and extra.
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San Francisco to San Diego Highway Journey Overview & Suggestions
The complete distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 501.6 miles and though the drive may very well be accomplished in a single day, your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey might take you 1-2 weeks relying on the kind of Pacific Coast Freeway itinerary you construct.
There are additionally alternate routes you can take for this journey, however we advocate the attractive and scenic Pacific Coast Freeway or Freeway 1 for this highway journey of a lifetime! To not point out {that a} California coast highway journey is without doubt one of the greatest and most lovely within the nation!
One of the best time of 12 months for a San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey is just about year-round. California has among the greatest climate in North America, with Southern California having among the most supreme and temperate temperatures year-round averaging 70 levels Fahrenheit.
One of the best time for a highway journey for cruising alongside the coast is definitely Might via October and August via September in case you’re seeking to swim within the ocean. The Pacific Ocean is far cooler than the Atlantic and even in spring you’ll want a moist swimsuit in case you dare to enter the water. In any other case, you’ll be good mid-late summer season to early fall.
One thing to remember is June Gloom. Many individuals assume that the start of summer season is pleased, sunny climate. However in Southern California, there’s a phenomenon known as June Gloom the place there’s every day cloudy and overcast skies in addition to cooler than regular temperatures. This is usually a huge bummer in case you’re planning a seashore stuffed highway journey or wish to hire a convertible automobile.
To keep away from crowds, November and December are nice in addition to the late winter/early spring.
We additionally extremely urge you to plan time in each San Francisco and San Diego as each are superb cities and deserve just a few days of exploring every!
Renting a Automotive for Your San Francisco to San Diego Highway Journey
In case you already don’t have a automobile in your place to begin we advocate renting a automobile upfront on Expedia.
We additionally advocate getting journey insurance coverage for this journey. Many journey insurance coverage additionally cowl Collision Harm Waiver (CDW) protection as much as $35,000.
Finest Scenic Stops on Your San Francisco to San Diego Drive
The Golden Gate Bridge
~ 0 miles from San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego
Start your San Fransisco to San Diego highway journey at one of the crucial well-known and scenic spots in California proper right here in San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge.
Make certain whilst you’re there to discover all of the totally different vantage factors of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. Particularly since you need to be taking tons of pictures to recollect the primary cease alongside your San Francisco to San Diego drive!
Be happy to take a drive throughout the 2-mile lengthy bridge or hire a motorbike from one of many bike leases within the space. In case you’re searching for an incredible view or pictures of the bridge, take into accout there are numerous vantage factors!
Whilst you’re in San Francisco, there are just a few extra superior sights you may try:
San Francisco additionally has quite a lot of locations to seize superb meals and drinks, in addition to locations for buying, all whereas exploring certainly one of California’s greatest cities!
See our 3 days in San Francisco itinerary for extra enjoyable concepts as you absolutely don’t wish to miss among the best cities on the west coast earlier than your begin your highway journey!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: meals, buying, sightseeing, pictures, leisure, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: $$$ The Ritz Carlton | $$ Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf
Large Basin Redwoods State Park
~ 70 miles from San Francisco & ~ 487 miles from San Diego
This is without doubt one of the greatest stops in your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco drive when you’ve got a love for nature and historical past! The Large Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park, which was established in 1902.
Clearly, the best attraction within the park are the large redwoods, that may develop taller than 50 toes and a few are additionally 1,000-1,800 years previous.
Along with the well-known redwoods, the park presents attractive waterfalls, views of the Pacific Ocean, over 80 miles of trails, quite a lot of animals roaming the park, and way more.
If you need to spend an evening tenting within the park, reservations should be made six months upfront.
Santa CruzÂ
~ 73 miles from San Francisco & ~ 461 miles from San Diego
A tremendous cease in your San Francisco to San Diego Drive is Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz presents an ideal mix of nature and metropolis with its beautiful shoreline, redwood forests, and the well-known Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk. Surfers and seashore lovers will discover paradise right here.
Moreover, the city has a vibrant arts scene, together with galleries, stay music venues, and a laid-back ambiance that makes it an incredible addition to your highway journey itinerary.Â
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk has all types of family-fun choices too from the seashore to the number of rides and rollercoasters in addition to mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and extra! For the adults, there are tons of meals and buying choices alongside the boardwalk as effectively!
Word that admission is free, simply pay for experience tickets! And don’t overlook the superior boardwalk corndogs!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for:Â seashore enjoyable, leisure, meals, buying
Monterey
~ 118 miles from San Francisco & ~ 440 miles to San Diego
As you progress towards the central coast of California, you’re going to return throughout some superb seashores. These spots are excellent for browsing and beachcombing.
Probably the greatest spots in Monterey is definitely Cannery Row. This spot has the Monterey Bay Aquarium together with a stretch of eating places, eating, retailers, wine tasting and extra! San Carlos Seaside marks the top of Cannery Row, so head out to the water after you try the aquarium and getting some superb meals!
One other must-see in Monterey is Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, to not be confused with Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fran. This spot is the place guests can try the fishing trade in Monterey and snag a cup of their scrumptious clam chowder.
Whilst you’re within the space, try the luxurious Pebble Seaside. Throughout your go to try one of many eight championship golf programs or among the different superb locations to seashore, hike, bike, store, train, and extra.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashores, buying, wine and eating, leisure, in a single day
Prompt Resort: Intercontinental The Clement Monterey
Carmel-by-the-Sea
~ 122 miles from San Francisco & ~ 443 miles from San Diego
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one spectacular little village alongside the coast and certainly one of our favourite seashore cities in California. That is one other spot you received’t wish to miss in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey.
Carmel has among the greatest boutiques, specialty retailers, and markets that you just’ll discover alongside your San Francisco to San Diego drive.
Carmel Seaside presents an incredible browsing spot in addition to some scenic routes to run or hike alongside the seashore. Hanging out at Carmel Seaside will be an all-day occasion! Bundle up for a bonfire on the sand together with your crew.
Different elements that make this little seashore city so nice are the scrumptious meals spots and wine tasting factors, the almost 100 artwork galleries, The Carmel Mission, and extra.
This one-square-mile city is straightforward to get round by foot and by automobile! Carmel is nice for a day journey or a weekend getaway!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, wine and dine, buying, artwork galleries, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: La Playa Carmel
Large Sur
~ 146 miles from San Francisco & ~ 415 miles from San Diego
One other superb cease on the San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco drive is Large Sur.
This central coast is a powerful escape for these vacationers searching for a paradise. Large Sur has been claimed to be one of the crucial, if not essentially the most lovely state parks in all of California. You’ll have the ultimate verdict when you full all of the stops in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey.
This art work of a shoreline presents many mountain climbing trails and totally different seashores to discover. Particularly, many locals and vacationers love Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for its attractive coves, waterfalls, and well-known path, the Waterfall Overlook Path that results in McWay Falls.
One other iconic spot to see in Large Sur is the Bixby Bridge! This can be a must-see when driving alongside Freeway 1. From this bridge, you may overlook the attractive sea and rolling valleys.
There are additionally many locations to cease and seize a fast chunk, cup of espresso, or stretch these legs.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: pictures, seashores, mountain climbing, meals
Hearst Fort
~ 245 miles from San Francisco & 355 miles from San Diego
This landmark is definitely among the best stops alongside your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey in San Simeon, California. The earlier property of William Randolph Hearst has since been was one of many biggest museums on the West Coast.Â
Hearst famously used this dwelling as a preferred getaway for him and all his superstar associates within the Nineteen Twenties as an escape full with a non-public airstrip, zoo and animal assortment, in addition to spectacular leisure choices that may make you wish to be part of his entourage within the roaring 20s.
This dwelling, or citadel, is made up of 165 rooms and over 100 acres of gardens, terraces, swimming pools, and walkways.
Go to this historic California State Park and museum to the artwork displayed from everywhere in the world. And never solely is the work implausible, however the property itself is totally breathtaking. It took almost 3 a long time to carry the Coronary heart Fort to completion – and you may study all about that in your go to.
There are a number of guided excursions obtainable, which we extremely advocate trying into! You received’t wish to miss out on this lovely Fort and all of the historical past that lies inside it together with juicy previous superstar gossip and rumors!
San Luis Obispo
~ 232 miles from San Francisco & ~ 309 miles from San Diego
One of the vital scenic locations to go to in California is alongside the central coast. San Luis Obispo or SLO is filled with quite a lot of superb issues to do for all you highway trippers, so that you received’t wish to miss this one in your San Francisco to San Diego drive.
One of the vital iconic spots in SLO is the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes, this spot is ideal for some tenting, off-roading, or pictures.
Clearly, you may try the coast for some superior seashores and a few surf alternatives. Whilst you’re trying out the waters, be sure you cease on the well-known Morro Rock, which is a exceptional volcanic plug on the entrance of the Morro Bay harbor.
Along with these nature adventures, SLO has a lot to supply in relation to eating and wine tasting. Make certain to take a look at among the 200+ wineries throughout your go to!
Higher but, certainly one of our favourite issues to do in San Luis Obispo is keep on the eccentric Madonna Inn which loves the colour pink and every resort room is uniquely themed from vibrant pink glitter partitions to cave rooms constructed into precise rocky terrain. You are feeling as if you’ve additionally been transported again in time right here, this can be a should for an in a single day in case you can plan accordingly in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore journey, sightseeing, wine tasting, and in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Madonna Inn
Avila Seaside
~ 241 miles from San Francisco & ~ 304 miles from San Diego
Add this superb central coast seashore to your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey itinerary. Avila Seaside presents every thing from buying, {golfing} with an oceanfront view, farmers’ markets, spas, and a lot extra.
Avila additionally presents loads of alternatives to get energetic throughout your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey! Discover locations to hike, bike, and paddle board all whereas soaking in that Central California solar.
Throughout your go to ensure that to take a look at the Level San Luis Lighthouse, which was established in 1890 and operated for almost a century. It was restored in 1995 and presents excursions!
That is one other excellent spot for oceanfront eating places and loads of wine tasting!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore break, buying, leisure, wine and dine, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Avila Lighthouse Suites
Pismo Seaside
~ 242 miles from San Francisco & ~ 298 miles from San Diego
Right here’s one other alternative to go to a central coast seashore, and in case you’re driving alongside PCH in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey, this seashore will likely be a troublesome one to withstand.
Pismo Seaside has a lot to supply, like lots of the different central seashore cities we’ve lined. They’re all nice, what can we are saying.
Along with their lovely white sand seashores, guests can benefit from driving ATVs within the sand dunes, browsing, fishing, {golfing}, and way more!
Stroll alongside the boardwalk, go to the shops, and take a look at the wine scene! There are additionally loads of restaurant and cafe choices.
In case you’re seeking to keep an evening in Pismo, try the tenting!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, wine and dine, leisure, buying, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Shore Cliff Resort
Solvang
~ 297 miles from San Francisco & ~ 248 miles from San Diego
You’ll not wish to miss this unimaginable Danish city in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey. This spot is positioned within the Santa Ynez Valley of California and could be very recognizable as a result of its windmill and different Danish-style structure.
Not solely is that this a cultural expertise, however it is usually a household enjoyable expertise! Whilst you’re right here, try all the scrumptious Danish pastries, the lovable retailers and boutiques, the Solvang trolley, and among the greatest wine within the space!
Take your time exploring the world, the Santa Ines Mission, and taking an iconic picture in entrance of the windmill (there’s multiple!)
Higher but, you’re within the Santa Ynez Valley which can be well-known for its wine, so in case you’re a wine lover like us you’ll wish to plan some wine tasting as effectively.
We’re certain you received’t be in any rush to depart this superb little city that was the star of the film Sideways.
In case you’re doing all of your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey within the winter, Solvang is particularly charming within the winter when it’s decked out for the vacations!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: wine tasting, eating, buying, sightseeing, desserts,
Prompt Resort: Hadsten Home
Santa Barbara
~ 325 miles from San Francisco & ~ 215 miles from San Diego
Santa Barbara is without doubt one of the extra well-known seashore cities in California and is an particularly widespread cease alongside the San Francisco to San Diego drive.
Dwell your seashore life in Santa Barbara by taking boat excursions, whale watching, trying out waterfalls, go kayaking, and a lot extra! This lovely seashore city is the proper spot for an action-packed go to.
Santa Barbara is full of museums, eating places, wineries, and nice buying on the well-known State Road the place all of the motion is going on.
Test off every thing that Santa Barbara has to supply or simply kick your toes up and calm down on the attractive seashores! Spend a day or just a few exploring the close by wineries and exquisite landscapes, Santa Barbara is not going to disappoint.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore break, meals & drink, buying, leisure, close by wine tasting, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Spanish Backyard Inn
Ventura
~ 352 miles from San Francisco & ~ 188 miles from San Diego
Positioned simply an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura has every thing you can think about in your San Francisco to San Diego drive or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey.
Whilst you’re visiting, you may try the superior downtown space. It’s jam-packed with tons of boutiques, eating places, vintage & thrift retailers, and among the best spots for that is on Principal Road.
There are additionally loads of historic spots to take a look at alongside your go to in Ventura similar to San Buenaventura Mission and The Metropolis Corridor.
Along with all these elements, guests can soak within the solar and benefit from the surf and the Ventura Pier, which is one other certainly one of California’s Historic Landmarks. That is additionally an incredible seashore city for browsing.
Make certain to indulge within the foodie scene in Ventura. There is no such thing as a lack of scrumptious choices within the downtown space!
This spot is ideal for day journey or a weekend getaway, learn extra about all one of the best issues to do in Ventura and close by in our information.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashores, meals & drink, buying, leisure, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Waypoint Ventura Classic Trailer Resort & Campground
Day journey to the Channel Islands Nationwide Park
~ 363 miles from San Francisco & ~ 187 miles from San Diego
In case you’re dedicating just a few days to the Ventura space, you must try the Channel Islands Nationwide Park off the coast!
Though there are eight Channel Islands, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, and Anacapa make up the 5 islands included within the Nationwide Park.
Spending a while on these islands are an incredible escape from actuality. Spend your day journey mountain climbing, snorkeling the attractive waters, taking pictures, and soaking within the lovely views. It’s truthfully surreal and doesn’t really feel such as you’re in California, not to mention the US.
Relying on how a lot time you’re in a position to spend, try the boat excursions and even catching some whale watching! Every island presents one thing particular to their guests, a can’t miss expertise throughout your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey.
Relying on the season and ferry schedule there are just a few totally different choices of which islands you may go to, in case you’re searching for a simple half-day journey we advocate visiting Santa Cruz Island. If you wish to add a little bit of journey, you may simply plan a multi-day tenting journey on the islands as effectively.
Nice cease of your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: tenting, seashores, pictures, mountain climbing
El Matador State Seaside in Malibu
~ 403 miles from San Francisco & ~ 158 miles from San Diego
Though there are numerous attractive seashores in Malibu, you simply can’t miss this one in your San Francisco to San Diego drive. This can be a attractive seashore with distinctive rock formations on and off the coast and can be a State Park.
El Matador State Seaside has irresistible cliffs overlooking the attractive seashore and caves to discover, which makes it a beautiful place to sit down and watch the waves crash however the space is just too rocky to swim.
You probably have time, we advocate hanging out in Malibu a bit and see why this is without doubt one of the most extremely coveted areas to stay in for Los Angeles. Additionally, try The Getty whilst you’re within the neighborhood!Â
Some ideas when visiting El Matador
- There are picnic tables for a meal trying over the Pacific Ocean
- It’s greatest to go to at low tide
- It’s a highly regarded spot within the summertime
- Take a look at our information to all one of the best issues to do in Malibu for some concepts!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, pictures, sundown
Hollywood Signal Hike
~ 377 miles from San Francisco & ~ 127 miles from San Diego
In case you solely had one cease in Los Angeles in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey, that is certainly one of our favorites. Step away from the shoreline somewhat bit to get one of the crucial iconic landmarks in California, the Hollywood signal.
It’s possible you’ll be stunned to search out out you may’t really attain the signal itself, movies have portrayed this to be some sizzling and mysterious hang around spot typically. The closest you may get is definitely on high of the mountain behind the signal, and it’s fairly simple to get to in case you comply with our information on the best way to get to the Hollywood Signal.
There are three totally different trails that vary from simple to tough! However even the more difficult hike is fairly simple. Select whichever one fits you greatest and would be the most fulfilling mountain climbing expertise for you and your group!
Additionally, observe that there are numerous entrances which will even dictate what number of miles and the way tough your path will likely be! It could be a good suggestion to plan forward earlier than driving into Los Angeles. That is additionally simpler to go to on a weekday than a weekend.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: mountain climbing, train, pictures, and one of the best viewpoints in Los Angeles
Santa Monica
~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego
Take a look at one of the crucial iconic spots in Southern California in your San Francisco to San Diego drive and one of the crucial well-known locations to go to in Los Angeles!
Santa Monica itself is a lovely metropolis simply west of downtown and residential to among the best seashores in Los Angeles. The Santa Monica Pier is unquestionably one of many biggest sights within the metropolis, it’s dwelling to the Pacific Park, filled with rides, carnival video games, an aquarium, good eats, and extra!Â
Santa Monica hosts quite a lot of particular occasions/festivals year-round! So ensure that to take a look at the calendar earlier than planning your journey down south!
Different issues to do close to the Santa Pier embody:
- Strolling and biking trails
- Browsing
- Fishing
- Buying at Third Road Promenade and Santa Monica Place
- Nightlife at rooftops, night time golf equipment, and dive bars
- Number of eating places
- See our full information to all essentially the most enjoyable issues to do in Santa Monica that will help you plan your go to
- Take a look at all our picks for greatest issues to do in Los Angeles for extra concepts
In case you’re searching for greater than only a day journey, staying proper exterior of Los Angeles could swimsuit you! There’s greater than sufficient to maintain you occupied on this sunny Southern California spot.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive: seashore, leisure, eating, buying, doable superstar sightings, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Shore Resort
Seal Seaside
 ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego
One among many Orange County seashores to cease at in your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Seal Seaside.
This small seashore city is ideal for parking it on the sand and sunbathing, browsing, and swimming. Make certain to take a look at the Seal Seaside Pier, it’s the second-longest pier in California and presents free fishing!
A few issues so as to add to your Seal Seaside guidelines are the Seal Seaside Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Seal Seaside meals excursions! Throughout your go to, see all of the superb animals on this wildlife sanctuary and after taking a one-mile strolling tour to strive among the greatest meals and drinks the town has to supply!
One other iconic cease in Seal Seaside is The California Cottage dwelling decor/reward store. Make certain to cease in and seize your self a memento.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, leisure, meals, boutique buying
Huntington Seaside
~ 417 miles from San Francisco & ~ 96 miles from San Diego
Huntington Seaside is a must-see in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey, additionally Scott’s hometown! Generally known as the house of the U.S. Surf Open, this seashore has all of it, and we will nearly assure you’ll wish to make this greater than only a pitstop.
In the summertime, this is without doubt one of the hottest seashore cities in all of California. A number of the most iconic issues to do in Huntington Seaside embody strolling down the pier and buying and dine down Principal Road.
In case you’re on Principal Road there’s a few locations you received’t wish to miss! There are tons of nice eating places to take a look at with superb oceanfront views. We personally love heading to Pacific Metropolis for among the nice eating choices there the place you may sit exterior and benefit from the view or from inside a restaurant with an epic seashore view.
Buying-wise, you should try Huntington Surf Store and Jack’s Surf Store. These are among the hottest and iconic surf retailers in Southern California. Along with these two retailers, there are numerous boutiques, memento retailers, and extra to take a look at!
Huntington Seaside additionally presents one of many seashore farmers’ markets there may be. They happen each Tuesday on Principal St. from 5-9 PM.
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, eating, drinks, buying, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Seaside Resort
Day journey to Catalina Island
~ 433 miles from San Francisco & ~ 65 miles from San Diego
One among our favourite locations EVER is off the coast of Southern California. Plan a Catalina Island day journey, or higher but an in a single day journey to go to the attractive island in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey. This little spot is a paradise full of wonderful out of doors actions excellent for a day journey or a weekend getaway!
The chances are countless on the island out and in of the water. One of the vital widespread sights is the Zip Line Eco Tour. Along with the zip lining, guests have the chance to take boat and meals excursions, go {golfing}, mountain climbing, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and way more all on this unimaginable island paradise.
For a extra stress-free go to, try the buying or the spa scene! Soak in all of the views at no matter tempo you need in one of the crucial attractive locations California has to supply.
This iconic island is filled with previous Hollywood historical past, and historic landmarks, and you may’t assist however love the attractive colourful island cottages in addition to all of the classic indicators, buildings, and memorabilia round city that make you are feeling such as you’ve gone again in a time machine.
We extremely advocate doing the meals tour and a tour of the historic On line casino – in case you keep the night time make sure you catch a film within the on line casino too for a as soon as in a lifetime historic movie show expertise.
Learn all there to do and see in Catalina on our full information – you’ll wish to keep in a single day!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, eating, buying, leisure, spas, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Aurora Resort
Newport Seaside & Costa Mesa
~ 425 miles from San Francisco & ~ 84 miles from San Diego
Newport Seaside is a tremendous seashore spot with an countless provide of wonderful issues to do which can properly complement your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey. We’re combining these two, as a result of we all know the world effectively and so they can each be explored collectively in at some point as Newport Seaside is alongside the coast and Costa Mesa is positioned only a few miles inland.
Newport Seaside undoubtedly exemplifies the luxurious seashore way of life. End up getting spa remedies, having a cocktail or glass of wine at a swanky bar or seashore lounge, California-chic buying, and way more. In case you’re searching for nice buying, cease by the Style Island mall or head to downtown Newport Seaside or Balboa Island.
On the adventurous aspect of issues, there are trails for mountain climbing and biking and go to the seashore for browsing, crusing, and sunbathing! In case you’re touring in an RV or have tenting gear, look into planning an evening of seashore tenting in Newport Seaside!
Newport Seaside absolutely has an unimaginable array of meals choices, however subsequent door you even have Costa Mesa which has an impeccable meals scene and different superb issues to do.
A number of the greatest spots to fulfill these cravings after a seashore day are the meals corridor at SOCO Assortment & OC Combine and plenty of eating places & bars on seventeenth St. You can too try among the extra impartial eating places positioned at The Lab and The Camp on Bristol!
See our full information to greatest issues to do in Costa Mesa and issues to do in Newport Seaside for extra choices!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore bumming, eating, drinks, buying, leisure, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Balboa Bay Resort
Crystal Cove State Park
~ 429 miles from San Francisco & ~ 86 miles from San Diego
One other certainly one of our favourite locations in Southern California so as to add to your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey is Crystal Cove State Park.
Crystal Cove is positioned proper between Corona del Mar (one of many Newport seashore cities) and Laguna Seaside, the place you will discover among the most lovely coastlines and greatest seashores in Orange County!
What makes Crystal Cove State Park so particular is that it’s one Orange County’s largest remaining instance of open area and pure seashore and the park has a lot to supply its guests from a tremendous beachside restaurant, superior seaside cottages which are being restored from the Nineteen Thirties-Nineteen Fifties, and superb trails and shoreline to hang around on.
The State Park has 3.2 miles of seashore, 2,400 acres of wilderness, and an offshore water space. This is a perfect spot for somebody who loves beachy adventures.
This space is beloved by hikers, swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, mountain bikers, and lovers of nature!
The park presents guided hikes in addition to tidepool walks and a few geology classes! This can be a nice alternative to expertise the outside with your loved ones!
Don’t miss the well-known Crystal Cove Shake Shack both for certainly one of their superb milkshakes, their date shake is essentially the most well-known!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore, mountain climbing, in a single day
Prompt Resort: Cottages for in a single day use – it’s worthwhile to e book effectively upfront or name to see if they’ve any cancellations throughout your go to. Most cottages are booked out a 12 months upfront, and because it’s a state park they’re VERY reasonably priced.
Laguna Seaside
~ 431 miles from San Francisco & ~ 79 miles from San Diego
A spot that actually holds a particular place in my coronary heart is Laguna Seaside. I lived right here for just a few years and it nonetheless is certainly one of my favourite locations ever.
Go to the attractive metropolis of Laguna Seaside positioned in Orange County, California alongside your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Laguna Seaside is thought for being one of the crucial lovely California coastal cities with a lot to do and a lot to see.
One factor we love moreover the seashores is that Laguna has all the time been an artsy city. There are a lot of galleries and tons of labor from native artists.
In case you’re seeking to spend a while absorbing the solar, Laguna has among the greatest seashores in Southern California. Though essentially the most iconic seashore is Principal Seaside, there are numerous others which are a should see in your San Francisco to San Diego drive. See our full information to one of the best seashores in Laguna Seaside to totally plan your cease.
We extremely advocate Victoria Seaside, which is generally recognized for its well-known Pirate’s Tower. This spot is nice for superior highway journey pictures!
Additionally take into account going to Desk Rock Seaside or Thousand Steps Seaside, that are additionally two of one of the best spots in Laguna Seaside positioned within the southern a part of city.
Among the many seashores are many locations to buy, dine, seize a drink, and even go mountain climbing. Plan somewhat in a single day staycation in Laguna Seaside, as a result of we wager you received’t wish to go away!
See all one of the best issues to do in Laguna Seaside in our full information!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashores, eating, drinks, buying, train, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: La Casa del Camino
Dana Level
~ 439 miles from San Francisco & 66 miles from San Diego
Dana Level, also called The Whale Watching Capital of the West will present guests with an unimaginable oceanic expertise alongside your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey or San Diego to San Francisco highway journey.
In case you’re searching for a extra luxurious seashore expertise throughout your drive, be sure you cease in Dana Level. This seashore metropolis can be positioned in Orange County, California and is overflowing with experiences by the oceanside.
Be happy to spend your whole day or in a single day exploring Dana Level! Go to the artwork galleries, {golfing}, buying, stress-free spas and extra!
A number of the greatest issues to do in Dana Level will be executed whereas absorbing the solar, like laying on the sand, browsing, boating/fishing, or taking a whale watching tour!
We love renting kayaks or rise up paddle boards within the harbor!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashores, tender journey, buying, eating, spas, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Monarch Seaside Resort
Encinitas
~ 476 miles from San Francisco & 26 miles from San Diego
This seashore city is without doubt one of the little gems of Southern California alongside your San Francisco to San Diego drive. It has a lot to supply all of the California highway trippers. Encinitas has quite a lot of calm and quiet seashores together with cute espresso spots, eating places, and tons of surf/vintage retailers.
Cease by just a few of the attractive seashores on this space like Swami’s Seaside or Moonlight Seaside. Be happy to snag a espresso or OG açaà bowl from Higher Buzz, among the best and cutest espresso retailers in California.
Encinitas presents one of the crucial lovely drives down PCH, the transition from Carlsbad, California to this lovable little seashore city is without doubt one of the most soothing drives within the nation. Nothing like rolling the home windows down and blasting your favourite jams alongside a coast like this one.
It’s undoubtedly a good suggestion to park your automobile and arrange camp overlooking the attractive water and hold your cameras useful as a result of that is simply one of the crucial photogenic seashore cities you’ll come throughout.
Take a look at our information to one of the best issues to do in Encinitas for extra concepts!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashores, espresso, eating, buying, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Inn at Moonlight Seaside
Torrey Pines State Park
~ 485 miles from San Francisco & ~ 17 miles from San Diego
If you need some nice seashore views, this can be a should see in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey. Get pleasure from a lovely hike overlooking the clear blue waters of San Diego.
There’s just a few totally different trails you may discover at Torrey Pines, they vary from just below a mile to somewhat over two miles. Every path is unquestionably doable, average at most, and completely well worth the sweat.
Some would say you actually haven’t seen San Diego till you’ve seen it from the Torrey Pines trails. There’s additionally loads of lovely spots to tug over and snap some pictures and movies.
Whilst you’re visiting Torrey Pines, remember that is just open throughout the day time, there may be nowhere to buy meals or drink, no pets are allowed, and there are guided excursions obtainable! You may try extra data on Torrey Pines at their guests middle once you arrive.
There’s additionally a world-famous golf course right here in case you’re into {golfing}!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: seashore views, golf, mountain climbing, pictures
La Jolla
~ 492 miles from San Francisco & ~ 13 miles from San Diego
Nothing beats the San Diego seashores, La Jolla combines stylish but informal into the proper seashore metropolis to go to in your San Francisco to San Diego highway journey.
This space has attracted all types of individuals however it particularly caters to these artwork lovers, beachgoers, and nice diners. End up kicking again in an lovable espresso store, dressed up for an evening out in town, or lathered in sunscreen for a day trip within the waves.
You could possibly simply make a whole trip out of this small seashore city, however it’s additionally excellent for a day journey! Benefit from the galleries, the buying, and undoubtedly the meals! One of the vital distinctive issues to do in La Jolla is dine at The Marine Room throughout excessive tide the place the waves have been crashing on the home windows subsequent to patrons at this nice eating institution for over 80 years!
Don’t miss the seals and sea lions on the Youngsters’s Pool or discover the superior Sunny Jim’s Cave!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: catching waves, seashore, buying, artwork galleries, meals, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Pantai Inn additionally try these La Jolla Inns for extra choices
Coronado
~ 506 miles from San Francisco & ~ 6.5 miles from San Diego
Congratulations, you’ve just about made it to San Diego! One cease to not be missed is unquestionably Coronado. The chances are countless in The Crown Metropolis of Southern California.
This sandy spot is positioned proper throughout the bridge from Downtown San Diego, which is filled with every thing you can probably think about in your vacationer journey.
End up biking the attractive beachfront, or trying out all of the retailers and eating on Orange Ave and Coronado’s Ferry Touchdown.
This space can be recognized for household enjoyable actions like browsing, kayaking, crusing, paddle boarding, and {golfing} on their high rated golf course, Coronado’s Public Golf Course.
Don’t miss the well-known Resort del Coronado both whilst you’re right here!
Nice cease in your San Francisco to San Diego drive: lovely seashore, buying, eating, nice views, leisure, in a single day keep
Prompt Resort: Resort del Coronado
You’ve made it to San Diego, identical to in San Francisco we advocate spending a while to see what makes this superb Southern California metropolis among the best!
Take a look at all one of the best issues to do in San Diego, the place to remain in San Diego, and different guides like one of the best issues to do in Balboa Park, why it’s worthwhile to see all one of the best issues to do in Outdated City San Diego, and our San Diego itinerary!
Different nice locations to go to from San Diego embody the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Temecula!
Most Fascinating Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Highway Journey (Put up Abstract):
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Large Basin Redwoods State Park
- Santa Cruz
- Monterey
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Large Sur
- Hearst Fort
- San Luis Obispo
- Avila Seaside
- Pismo Seaside
- Solvang
- Santa Barbara
- Ventura
- Day Journey to the Channel Islands Nationwide Park
- El Matador State Seaside in Malibu
- Hollywood Signal Hike
- Santa Monica
- Seal Seaside
- Huntington Seaside
- Day Journey to Catalina Island
- Newport Seaside & Costa Mesa
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Laguna Seaside
- Dana Level
- Encinitas
- Torrey Pines State Park
- La Jolla
- Coronado
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