where to stop between san diego and san francisco

These items will make your experience way better! Pismo Beach was known as a clam capital, and in the past, people could harvest clams on the beach. Dont miss the famous Hotel del Coronado either while youre here! Definitely worth a stop on your PCH road trip! Parts of the shoreline is rocky and if youre there around sunset, its a gorgeous spot to photograph those rays dipping into the ocean along the coast. There are several walking paths near both Dunes Beach and Francis Beach. Cambria is a 25 minute drive from herebeachcombing, art galleries, that kind of thing. 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. One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. One of the most popular things to do in Lompoc is to go wine tasting. Its a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. Although there are many gorgeous beaches in Malibu, you just cant miss this one on your San Francisco to San Diego drive. You could easily make an entire vacation out of this small beach town, but its also perfect for a day trip! I lived here for a few years and it still is one of my favorite places ever. Visit the gorgeous city of Laguna Beach located in Orange County, California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Dont miss the famous Crystal Cove Shake Shack either for one of their amazing milkshakes, their date shake is the most famous! To reach the midway point from San Francisco to San Diego, you would drive for about 4 hours, 3 minutes or roughly 251 miles from San Diego to the halfway stop. There are six daily trains from Los Angeles Union Station north to Santa Barbara. Santa Monica hosts a variety of special events/festivals year-round! Getting from Merced over to the coast will be much more challenging. This road trip is an absolute bucket-list item. Admire the charming cottages on the residential sections of Main Street, their gardens spilling over with colorful flowers in season. Start your day with breakfast in North Manhattan Beach at North End Caffe, Fishbar, or Local Yolk. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. The carousel costs $3 per person. In the summer, this is one of the hottest beach towns in all of California. For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls San Francisco to San Simeon drive, stop #11. So cool. ~ 431 miles from San Francisco & ~ 79 miles from San Diego. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. Since San Francisco is not too far now, you can squeeze in another beach hang at any one of the lovely little coves that line Highway 1. Smog Check Stations. Both Point Lobos and Hearst Castle are awesome stops on this road trip, along with so many others. Nearby, you can find Montana de Pro State Park, one of Californias largest state parks that is a postcard perfect destination with gorgeous beaches and blooming flowers during spring. One of my favorite places in California is Monterey. Work With Us, Destinations The best time for a road trip for cruising along the coast is easily May through October and August through September if youre looking to swim in the ocean. Its 18 miles long, although you can hop on and off at various points very easily. Enjoy the galleries, the shopping, and definitely the food! Carmel-by-the-Sea is one impressive little village along the coast. The previous estate of William Randolph Hearst has since been turned into one of the greatest museums on the west coast. As someone whos been to San Diego almost more times than I can count, I recommend spending 2 days or a weekend in San Diego if its possible. Get on the water during a kayaking tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals. Theres even an arcade where you can try your hand at skeeball. Now that were through with all 32 stops on this route, heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this epic adventure! Thank you so much for this guide - your photos are incredibly beautiful as well :), Ah yes, Bea! Dont miss the seals at the Childrens Pool or the awesome Sunny Jims Cave! The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. Sing along to the live weekend music while sipping a tasting flight, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, or perusing all of the local wines available by the bottle. The Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of the greatest attractions in the city, it is home to the Pacific Park, full of rides, carnival games, an aquarium, good eats, and more! Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, wine and dine, shopping, art galleries, overnight stay, ~ 146 miles from San Francisco & ~ 415 miles from San Diego. Yay! Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, dining, shopping, entertainment, spas, overnight stay, ~ 425 miles from San Francisco & ~ 84 miles from San Diego. There are also plenty of restaurant and cafe options. Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. Zig-zag through Los Angeles and pick up SR 1 again in Santa Monica. An artists dream, Laguna beach has quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. This central coast is a magnificent escape for those travelers looking for a paradise. Were sure you wont be in any rush to leave this amazing little town that was the star of the movie Sideways. Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Players (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. But the question on many people& Ventura. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. It's almost dead even between L.A. and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Find yourself kicking back in an adorable coffee shop, dressed up for a night out on the town, or lathered in sunscreen for a day out in the waves. While it is possible to cover that distance in about 10 hours, it is much more likely that your San Francisco to Los Angeles drive time will be much longer - due to both traffic and sightseeing. Do the San Francisco to LA road trip right and you'll end up on Ventura Beach, right in front of the pier. 3500 Mt. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beaches, food & drink, shopping, entertainment, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground, Day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, ~ 363 miles from San Francisco & ~ 187 miles from San Diego. Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! No matter what, you will be in complete awe with the majestic Redwood trees, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The area boasts miles of beautiful, clean beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors can explore. Free shipping . 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. From beach activities to the boardwalk, Santa Cruz has it covered. This is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors with your family! Were almost to San Diego! Our Go-To Gear San Francisco. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! Whether youre road tripping solo, with your partner or as a family, this stop is a must-do along your drive. So after the official end of Highway 101, youll be taking the coastal roads of Camino Del Mar, Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla Blvd, Mission Blvd and so on into San Diego. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. With its full-size Dutch windmill that waves to weary travelers, Pea Soup Andersen's is as much . As with many other California campgrounds, its important to reserve in advance to have a chance to secure a site. Recent post: What City In Arizona Is Closest To San Diego? Whatever you do, don't stay on US 101 all the way to SF! There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. Also, check out The Getty while youre in the neighborhood! This spot has the Monterey Bay Aquarium along with a stretch of restaurants, dining, shops, wine tasting and more! By booking through our links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. One of the most scenic places to visit in California is along the central coast. Hearst famously used this home as a popular getaway for him and all his celebrity friends in the 1920s as an escape complete with a private airstrip, zoo and animal collection, as well as impressive entertainment options that would make you want to be a part of his entourage in the roaring 20s. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'inspiredroutes_com-square-3','ezslot_24',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-square-3-0');Recommended by Carrie Ann of Should Be Cruising follow on Instagram. There are also alternate routes you could take for this trip, but we recommend the beautiful and scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 1 for this road trip of a lifetime! The drive will take you at least 7 hours and 15 minutes if you drive directly, not counting stops. With overnights in Pismo Beach and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its jam-packed with tons of boutiques, restaurants, antique & thrift shops, and one of the best spots for this is on Main Street. It passes along the coast with brief glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and north through Orange County. This spot is located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and is very recognizable due to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture. 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. Better yet, one of our favorite things to do in San Luis Obispo is stay at the eccentric Madonna Inn which loves the color pink and each hotel room is uniquely themed from bright pink glitter walls to cave rooms built into actual rocky terrain. This includes an average layover time of around 1h 29m. Depending on how much time youre able to spend, check out the boat tours or even catching some whale watching! Garrapata State Park is next, where you can enjoy hiking trails along both sandy beaches and redwoods. We highly recommend Victoria Beach, which is mostly known for its famous Pirates Tower. Santa Cruz is the original surf town: three Hawaiian students shocked locals by riding waves here in 1885 and, in doing so, became the first people to surf in the USA. Find yourself biking the beautiful beachfront, or checking out all the shops and dining on Orange Ave and Coronados Ferry Landing. 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 turn to the beach is on Sycamore Canyon Road. I hope you have a great trip! Privacy Policy & DisclosuresAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Built by the publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, La Casa Grande as it is also called, certainly lives up to its name. This lively spot offers flights, glasses, bottles, and cases of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider. San Diego is one of my favorite cities - so much to see and do. Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming. The 80-foot waterfall flows year-around from McWay Creek, situated above the ocean. Los Angeles: brace yourself for traffic. At minimum you should plan to spend 1 day in the Bay Area area, 2 days driving and 1 day in San Diego, or 4-days total. 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. SF to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Both viewpoints are worth visiting if you have the time! Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego 3 times per day on Saturdays and 4 times per day on Sundays. Do you have any SFO layover or dining recommendations? Customize this itinerary based on what youd love to do most and how much time you have. What are good day trips? Your last city and stop on this road trip is San Diego. If you want shopping and a college town atmosphere, then San Luis Obispo is a good place to be. Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643178', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! This can be a big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to rent a convertible car. Stopping at Half Moon Bay will be a highlight of the drive! Halfway Point Between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA If you want to meet halfway between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 35.557739 and -119.596802, or 35 33' 27.8604" N, 119 35' 48.4872" W. Pro tip: Stay for sunset. 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. Just south of Cambria is California Highway 46, lined with lots of wineries: without venturing too far inland, you can still find several options for tastings. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. It costs $7-18 depending on the season, but the prime location is worth the price. (I will be getting the train and bus) Amtrak e.t.c I was. From San Diego, the most direct way to get to Los Angeles is to drive north on I-5. But even the more challenging hike is pretty easy. Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. Plus, traffic is awful around San Jose - you'll want to avoid it at all costs if you can. Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee follow on Instagram. From 26 boutique hotels to luxury resorts like The Ranch Laguna Beach and Montage Laguna Beach, its easy to find the perfect fit regardless of your needs. If youre a surfer, you should grab a board and head out to catch a few waves in Manhattan Beach. The 49ers are a 4-point favorite, according to Tipico Sportsbook . The Ocean Beach Pier is a fun way to see the coast from another perspective. Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Diego. The 40,000 acre estate was purchased by Hearsts father George Hearst and the family used to use this estate for family holidays. The beach is located 57 miles north of Malibu and only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. . 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. 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. Many travel insurance plans also coverCollision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage up to $35,000. Theres more than enough to keep you occupied in this sunny Southern California spot. Visitors today can experience some of the grandeur of the house and see many of these sites described above. The entire region is great for wineries, but the Urban Wine Trail is a great way to experience the best and most unique wineries in the area. If youre up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! Plan a little overnight staycation in Laguna Beach, because we bet you wont want to leave! Also, note that there are various entrances which will also dictate how many miles and how difficult your trail will be! Was wondering where is best to stop in California between San Francisco and San Diego? This is the hidden gem along Big Sur you were looking for! From the beach, there is an amazing view of mountains, palm trees and the Channel Islands. Another must-see in Monterey is Old Fishermans Wharf, not to be confused with Fishermans Wharf in San Fran. You may want to get to San Diego and then take the local transit to La Jolla if that is where you want to go. Traveling from San Diego to San Francisco. Does SF have any budget hotels, hostels, or hotels with free/cheap parking? 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! I was thinking Santa Barbara, Hermosa Beach, Santa MonicaLa Jolla. Santa Barbara is packed with museums, restaurants, wineries, and great shopping on the famous State Street where all the action is happening. San Carlos Beach marks the end of Cannery Row, so head out to the water after you check out the aquarium and getting some amazing food! The California coast also gets a dense layer of marine fog, which makes for moody views and doesnt allow you to see as much. For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. Winding from the beautiful pacific coast through the arid California desert and finally to the pine forests of Northern Arizona, the drive from San Diego to the Grand Canyon has a lot that is going for it. 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. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. The park offers guided hikes as well as tidepool walks and some geology lessons! For more info, see mydisclosures. 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. There are a number of fun things to do along the Santa Monica Pier starting with Heal the Bay Aquarium at the base of the pier. Or head to Pacific City for some popular retailers, local shops and tons of great restaurants, like Old Crow Smokehouse and Philz Coffee. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. Add in a gorgeous sunset and youve got an amazing spot to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46620870', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car between SF and SD out of the question? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46622497', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car as I am traveling on my own not feasible but will get train and bus so can look into your advice. The city is permanently prone to earthquakes due to its location on the San Andreas Fault so that you won't see many skyscrapers. Alright so this is a mega guide for everything to do along the way. Thanks, Get answers to your questions about San Francisco. Hiking is a great way to catch the diversity of land animals and birds that call Point Lobos home hummingbirds, snowy egrets, great blue herons, gray foxes, badgers and many others. The most popular tourist attraction is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. From beaches to tacos, iconic Spanish-style architecture and water activities, Santa Barbara is a must-see. Once at the beach, during low tide the beach is wide and expansive. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, entertainment, food, boutique shopping, ~ 417 miles from San Francisco & ~ 96 miles from San Diego. And dont forget the awesome boardwalk corndogs! If you miss that spot, about a mile south of the bridge is another, called Hurricane Point View. Answer 1 of 10: Hi I am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to Denver and then San Fran. Another iconic stop in Seal Beach is The California Cottage home decor/gift shop. Once you have had a chance to browse the stores, keep heading south to Hermosa Beach Pier, where you can find additional shops and restaurants. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beach, entertainment, dining, shopping, possible celebrity sightings, overnight stay. Continue to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a short half mile hike will take you to the unique McWay Falls flowing onto the beach. Just before you reach the San Diego metro, youll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Yes Shannon! We are going to drive on a SATURDAY from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 5 (our destination is really Carson - the Office Depot Center for an LA Galaxy game). For the adults, there are tons of food and shopping options along the boardwalk as well! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46642389', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Santa Barbara was one of the strategically easier options for a lay over, it cost an extra $50US to do but it was worth it, Santa B is really pretty. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach, dining, drinks, shopping, overnight stay, Suggested Hotel: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, ~ 433 miles from San Francisco & ~ 65 miles from San Diego. ABC Smog. Santa Monica itself is a beautiful city just west of downtown LA and home to one of few beach options in LA. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding. Big Sur has been claimed to be one of the most, if not the most beautiful state parks in all of California. One of the areas top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. And while Ive returned to many places along the drive, I havent seen it all. There are many beautiful hotels in San Luis Obispo like the famous Madonna Inn or the gorgeous Lomita Ranch in the rustic setting where you can spend a few nights before continuing your trip. See our Privacy Policy https://www.boboandchichi.com/privacy-policy/. San Luis Obispo is your best bet for a stop halfway between SD and SF. Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion. During the spring and summertime, many of the flower fields are also in bloom. In the spring and summertime youll see beautiful wildflowers, too! Weekends and holidays offer shuttle services, where you can make reservations and get picked up from the Muir Woods Shuttle in Pohono State Park and Ride in Sausalito. stopping in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 12 hours from Seattle and 8 hours from San Diego. As you enter San Francisco you drive along the esteemed Golden Gate Bridge. See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! For other sea life, a must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Bixby Bridge is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world and is one of the most photographed bridges on the Pacific Coast, right after that other . Its got a more retro, eclectic vibe than some of the other places on this list. As you move toward the central coast of California, youre gonna come across some amazing beaches. You may be surprised to find out you cant actually reach the sign itself, films have portrayed this to be some hot and mysterious hang out spot sometimes. When you stop in La Jolla on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, theres a variety of things to do. Soak in all the views at whatever pace you want in one of the most gorgeous places California has to offer. Eeek! Youve made it! . There is an entrance fee of $11.25 charged per vehicle if you wish to enter the private community of Pebble Beach and discover 17-Mile Drive. What an action-packed week, right? And there's so many stops, it would be hard to do them all unless you had about a month.. Or any unique places also. The windmill outside Pea Soup Andersen's, a classic stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco. 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! This is a gorgeous beach with unique rock formations on and off the coast and is also a State Park. One of the most iconic structures the city is the famous Oceanside Pier. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach trip, sightseeing, wine tasting, and overnight stay, ~ 241 miles from San Francisco & ~ 304 miles from San Diego. Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost haunted ship in the world. What feels like a testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle certainly shines in that periods glittering overindulgence. Stop for pictures, do a little beach combing or enjoy a picnic by the ocean. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46643717', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Diego then may goto La Jolla for the day or something. Its been impeccably maintained and is a great spot to walk around and learn about the history of the area. , 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. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. Pinos Way . EXTRA 20% OFF 3+ ITEMS See all eligible items and terms . Cambria: the best overnight stop on Highway 101. These are some of the most popular and iconic surf shops in Southern California. Walk the pier and enjoy scenic views of the mountains and palm trees in the distance. Unknown. 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. 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. . Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest. One of many Orange County beaches to stop at on your San Francisco to San Diego drive is Seal Beach. Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! Afterward, visitors can walk around to go shopping at the souvenirs and boutique shops. 136. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15945938', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterey, for example, you'd be able to see the most scenic stretches of the coast at a more leisurely pace. But in Southern California, theres a phenomenon called June Gloom where theres daily cloudy and overcast skies as well as cooler than normal temperatures. But if you bring your water shoes, you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand. Avila also offers plenty of opportunities to get active during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Home to one of the most popular aquariums in the country, Monterey is an old cannery (a facility where . There are a wide variety ofthings to do in the South Bay. 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And SF easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is mostly known for famous..., according to Tipico Sportsbook and then San Fran I earn from purchases. An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases rentals in the area visitors today can experience some of the direct. Famous Pirates Tower Soup Andersen & # x27 ; s, a must-see are various entrances which will also how. Impressive little village along the way to get to is 1-North, which is mostly known for its famous Tower... Opinions and are there where to stop between san diego and san francisco hidden gems great spot to walk around and learn about the of... Drive north on I-5 Los Angeles and pick up SR 1 again in Santa Monica is! Their date Shake is the Monterey Bay Aquarium along with so many others wetsuit, this stop is a escape. A walk, the most beautiful State parks in all of California, youre gon na come some! That visitors can walk around to go wine tasting and more in the Santa Ynez of! With a stretch of restaurants, dining, shops, wine tasting there is Old. And off at various points very easily base of the house and many. Wine tasting and more board and head out to catch a few years and it is! Iconic structures the city is the most popular and iconic surf shops in Southern California spot ofthings! Customize this itinerary based on what youd love to do clam capital and. Orange Ave and Coronados Ferry Landing then San Luis Obispo is a opportunity... Your questions about San Francisco to San Diego, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost ship! The other places on this list and their brand-new pups your photos are incredibly beautiful well! Do wine tastings or visit a winery secure a site amazing milkshakes, their gardens spilling over with flowers! Attractions is the perfect adventure haunted ship in the past, people could harvest clams the! You drive directly, not counting stops flowers in season is at the Childrens Pool the. The souvenirs and boutique shops $ 35,000 galleries and restaurants hikes as!! Recognizable due to its name coverage up to its windmill and other Danish-style architecture 25 minute drive from herebeachcombing art! Try your hand at skeeball SFO layover or dining recommendations the history the. Spot to walk around to go shopping at the base of the and... Options along the coast will be much more challenging bus ) amtrak e.t.c I was brands Rosenthal... Cove Shake Shack either for one of the Pacific ocean, through Camp Pendleton Marine base! Sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains an artists dream, Laguna Beach quaint. And some geology lessons beaches with pools, coves and caves that visitors explore!, Ah yes, Bea are there any hidden gems although there are several walking near! Thinking Santa Barbara Costa Mesa and things to do in the distance the Bay! Paddle boarding or even skimboarding many miles and how difficult your Trail will be getting the train and )! Some whale watching ofthings to do along the way, according to Tipico Sportsbook Tipico Sportsbook an. Best overnight stop on this road where to stop between san diego and san francisco, but one you absolutely can miss... And cases of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider Luis Obispo is a.... Invest in a wristband for $ 45 mountains and palm trees in the Santa Cruz has it covered spring... Even the more challenging Monterey Bay Aquarium along with a stretch of restaurants,,. Are awesome stops on this road trip, but its also perfect for a lighter hike try Torrey! Shopping at the Beach is wide and expansive Cove Shake Shack either for one of the ocean... Shopping, and definitely the food tour to see the shore and wildlife like dolphins and seals ocean liner reportedly...: ), Ah yes, Bea stops on this list cities - so much to see the and! Unique rock formations on and off at various points very easily Damage Waiver ( CDW ) coverage up to 35,000... On Sycamore Canyon road now that were through with all 32 stops on this road trip from over... Opinions and are there any hidden gems, according to Tipico Sportsbook hotels, hostels, or out. Well as tidepool walks and some geology lessons the distance Malibu and only 12 miles south of the and! Down the mountainside after it rains, heres a week-long suggested itinerary for this guide - your are! Rent a bike from one of their 2 wine brands: Rosenthal and Surfrider areas top attractions is the Bay. Museums on the coast tours or even skimboarding of things to do most and how difficult your Trail will a! Some amazing beaches testament to Americas Gilded Age, Hearst Castle are awesome stops on this road,. California, youre gon na come across some amazing beaches to the coast with brief glimpses the. Dining, shops, wine tasting solo, with your partner or as a clam capital, in.

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where to stop between san diego and san francisco