Save it for later or share it on social media! My favorite views are at Dukes. If youre a surfer, you should grab a board and head out to catch a few waves in Manhattan Beach. You will spend the day in Santa Cruz and . You feel as though youve also transported back in time here, this is a must for an overnight if you can plan accordingly on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip! Simply put, it defies logic as physics and gravity just dont make sense here! The highway technically starts in Washington state and ends in San Juan Capistrano (just south of the Laguna Beach stop on this itinerary). You know you havent seen the beach enough yet, right? These stops are all amazing! San Francisco, CA. But if you bring your water shoes, you can dip your toes in the waves as they come up the sand. After you park, theres a short trail and steps down to the beach 101 to be exact! . Other great places to visit from San Diego include the Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Temecula! Oh cool Erin! The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. Located just a short distance from Los Angeles, this beach town is known as Surf City USA and offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of fun things to do, see and experience. Alright so this is a mega guide for everything to do along the way. Dont miss the famous Crystal Cove Shake Shack either for one of their amazing milkshakes, their date shake is the most famous! 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! Elephant seal rookery California road trip itinerary stop #12. You wont want to miss out on this beautiful Castle and all the history that lies within it including juicy old celebrity gossip and rumors! Surfers can practice their skills catching the waves. Laguna Beach is the perfect oceanside destination for your California Coast road trip. Theres also a statue of a seal harbor the kids will like to see. Both hikes offer spectacular ocean views, and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. This can be a big bummer if youre planning a beach filled road trip or want to rent a convertible car. It might be a good idea to plan ahead before driving into Los Angeles. READ MORE: What to Know, Expect and Do Before Your . And not only is the work fantastic, but the estate itself is absolutely breathtaking. It has the cutest town center inspired by Scandinavian heritage. Huntington Beach is a must-see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, also Scotts hometown! It will be my husband, self and 16 year old daughter. Customize this itinerary based on what youd love to do most and how much time you have. The city is permanently prone to earthquakes due to its location on the San Andreas Fault so that you won't see many skyscrapers. Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! The Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway Between San Francisco and Big Sur 1. You will want to start in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small one-square mile town that features many quaint and unique eateries and gift shops. From the PCH, turn north on one of LA countys prettiest roads, Kanan-Dume, through the Santa Monica Mountain canyons. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Unless you have a wetsuit, this far up on the coast isnt super comfortable for swimming. If you want to make an adventure out of your San Diego to Grand Canyon road trip, then you've come to the right place. Its still a little too northern to swim comfortably, but its a great spot for a walk along the beach or to watch the surfers. Cheers man for the info was planning on stopping there and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . Big Sur has been claimed to be one of the most, if not the most beautiful state parks in all of California. Big Sur. The historic 115-foot tall lighthouse has been in operation since 1872 and is a great quick stop for photos. Enjoy these few things then gas up and hit the road! Carpinteria State Beach has many amenities for travelers to enjoy. Lompoc is located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara. If you can, spend 2-3 days in the San Luis Obispo area. 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. If youre hungry, opt to grab some food at Capulin Eats and Provisions, La Botte Italian Restaurant or Toro Loco. I recommend I-5 out of San Diego, then cross over to State Route (SR) 1 in San Clemente. Obviously you can check out the coast for some awesome beaches and some surf opportunities. Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. However, this depends on the date you are flying so please check with the full flight schedule above . Heres a preview of the route and all the amazing stops along the way! Fishing is available from the pier, and theres actually a restaurant on the pier, Walking on Water Cafe (WOW Cafe). Surfers can rent boards in North Manhattan Beach at Players (above the liquor store) or downtown Manhattan Beach from Spyder Surfboards or Nikau Kai. 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. If youre looking to stay a night in Pismo, check out the camping! Just before you reach the San Diego metro, youll get to Torrey Pines State Reserve. Its a short stop on the road trip, but one you absolutely cannot miss. Whether you have one day left or a week, heres more on this epic California Coast road trip itinerary! San Luis Obispo is your best bet for a stop halfway between SD and SF. Of course youll have required stops along the way for gas or a charge, and plenty places youll want to see after reading this guide! With a total length of 1942 feet, this wooden pier is the longest over-water pier on the West Coast. If youre traveling with children, theres a fun playground called the Tomol Interpretive Play Area near the campground. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46624666', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite via public transit: tripadvisor.com/Travel-g61000-c151758. 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? Santa Barbara is one of the most iconic stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Dont skimp out on Muir Woods National Monument! , 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. The drive on the California Pacific Coast Highway is an absolute gem, and one that begs to be explored. 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. 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. During your visit make sure to check out the Point San Luis Lighthouse, which was established in 1890 and operated for nearly a century. The stunning scenic coastal views along the 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach feature beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, rare groves of trees and ocean wildlife. Theres so many sights to see and things to do along the way. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The bus takes a minimum of 10 hours 5 minutes and you can expect 3 stops on your journey. Then there are the craft breweries, wineries, meaderies, cideries and distilleries along the Oside sips craft trail that will quench your thirst. http://www.amtrak.com is a great resource to help you and decide where you want to stop and see. 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. Other fun things to do in Lompoc include La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, which is dedicated to the Spanish mission of the area. Hi I am traveling alone just leaving Chicago and getting the Amtrak to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These beach shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve! San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip Factfile. 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. 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. 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. Feel free to spend your entire day or overnight exploring Dana Point! Parkers Lighthouse in the colorful Shoreline Village is a favorite, with fresh seafood and stunning views of the harbor and the nearby Lion Lighthouse. 10. This home, or castle, is made up of 165 rooms and over 100 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. If youd like to walk across the bridge, the pedestrian access is on the east sidewalk. Congratulations, youve pretty much made it to San Diego! San Diego International Airport (SAN) features two terminals lying side-by-side. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. To avoid crowds, November and December are great as well as the late winter/early spring. Point Lobos State Reserve is one of the top things to do on this incredible California Coast drive! Hearst Castle too! Pro tip: I always search for discounts on rental cars, and often times save 10-30% using Discover Cars. Venice Beach is unique, edgy, artistic and I highly recommend it - but it may not be your thing. 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. And you should absolutely not do it. The State Park has 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of wilderness, and an offshore water area. For a lighter hike try the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. See our full guide to best things to do in Costa Mesa and things to do in Newport Beach for more options! Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes follow on Pinterest. So cool. Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner thats reportedly themost haunted ship in the world. 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. Is San Diego north or south of LA? Add this amazing central coast beach to your San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. You can rent a surfboard from a local company on the beach, like Jacks Beach Concession, or a surf shop in Downtown Huntington Beach, like Huntington Surf & Sport. 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. But in Southern California, theres a phenomenon called June Gloom where theres daily cloudy and overcast skies as well as cooler than normal temperatures. San Francisco. Tons of opportunities abound for golfing, bicycling, tennis, hiking, horseback riding and scuba diving. What should I do with kids? Pinos Way . After lunch, you can wander Hermosa Beach, browsing the local merchandise. But parking at the bridge is extremely limited. 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. Wine lovers can tour area wineries for tastings with views. I'm Nikki. One of the most scenic places to visit in California is along the central coast. You say you have been to CA or CALIFORNIA and then have a few places you want to see. Theres also a world-famous golf course here if youre into golfing! Are you a couple or with kids? Or spend a few peaceful hours visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Driving straight through, its about 17 hours. Avila Beach offers everything from shopping, golfing with an oceanfront view, farmers markets, spas, and so much more. Bixby Creek Bridge. It was in the roaring 20s that the Hearst Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. And dont forget the awesome boardwalk corndogs! The El Dorado Park and Nature Center features almost 100 acres of activities, including walking and bike trails, golf and fishing. Youll feel the sensational gravitational pull on your body while you visit. Make sure while youre there to explore all the different vantage points of viewing the Golden Gate Bridge. You will have the final verdict once you complete all the stops on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46614611', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver and then San Fran. Dont miss the seals at the Childrens Pool or the awesome Sunny Jims Cave! Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers twelve daily round-trip journeys between San Diego and Los Angeles. Lets recap the list one more time, in a more succinct manner, Related content you might like: 33 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Big Sur Youll Love. One of the area's top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. The entire beach isnt purple, but youll find some around the tide pools and edges of the coast. Entry is free, but rides are priced from $5-12. Visitors and even drivers on highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the estate on occasion. One thing we love besides the beaches is that Laguna has always been an artsy town. Unknown. If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. Now tell me a great place to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF. 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. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive: beach, entertainment, dining, shopping, possible celebrity sightings, overnight stay. Enjoy the best of San Francisco. Youll find great cliff views and fewer crowds on this hike. Home to one of the most popular aquariums in the country, Monterey is an old cannery (a facility where . For a more relaxing visit, check out the shopping or the spa scene! Recommended by Jolayne of Simply Jolayne follow on Instagram. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 20 minutes. There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Laguna Beach as well. If you want to ride a bunch, invest in a wristband for $45. Be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a week in the area. Suggested Hotel: Cottages for overnight use you need to book well in advance or call to see if they have any cancellations during your visit. to San Francisco, CA, Scenic drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas, Staypineapple, An Elegant Hotel, Union Square, Inn On Grove - San Francisco Civic Center, Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: beach fun, entertainment, food, shopping, ~ 118 miles from San Francisco & ~ 440 miles to San Diego. Seal Beach ~ 409 miles from San Francisco & ~ 102 miles from San Diego. The purple sand is from manganese garnet that washes down the mountainside after it rains. Since Pismo Beach is a small city, its best to visit on a weekday to have fewer crowds. Planning on sightseeing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you want shopping and a college town atmosphere, then San Luis Obispo is a good place to be. 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. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. (Be sure to book tour tickets in advance.). Carmel has some of the best boutiques, specialty shops, and markets that youll find along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Bixby bridge and Carmel by the sea. Surfers can hit the waves on any of the more than 30 beaches in Laguna Beach. The purple sand Pfeiffer Beach is next, and you wont want to miss checking out the keyhole rock. Enjoy the variety of rides and rollercoasters as well as mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, arcades, and more! Visit the gorgeous city of Laguna Beach located in Orange County, California along your San Francisco to San Diego drive. Best places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco. One of the areas top attractions is the Stearns Wharf. Its a great spot to watch surfers catching the waves. Sometimes there are even dolphins splashing in the distance. However, if you want to see all the highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway, you should aim to spend at least 10 days driving between the two cities. This fog can happen year-round, but is most prevalent in May and June in most areas of the coast. Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! 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 . I would recommend bringing water shoes though, so that walking on the sand is comfortable and you can dip your feet in the water if youd like to. One of the most iconic spots in SLO is the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes, this spot is perfect for some camping, off-roading, or photography. The quickest way from San Diego is flying to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which takes about 1.5 hours at a cost of $93 and up. Hanging out at Carmel Beach can be an all-day event! It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. These next few stops are just begging to be explored! This area is also known for family fun activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and golfing on their top rated golf course, Coronados Public Golf Course. One of the must-see attractions in the town is the windmills. Speaking of which, the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California, I foolishly only allowed 2 days. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. See here: http://tinyurl.com/bd4hqd, If you need to save time, stick to the freeway through LA, and after Monterey take SR 156 east to US 101 north to SR 85 north to I-280 north. For a fun way to experience Solvang, take a pedicab tour to see the sights! I hope you have a great trip! 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! Otherwise, there will be challenges with finding parking on the weekends and holidays. Each trail is definitely doable, moderate at most, and totally worth the sweat. Before venturing out for a visit to Californias Big Sur, be prepared. The third meeting of the season between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks is headed for a tense second half, with the latter leading 17-14 at halftime. Also, check out The Getty while youre in the neighborhood! Its completely off limits due to the fragile nature of the cliffs. It's southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Sand Dollar Beach requires a parking fee (#worthit). The California coast also gets a dense layer of marine fog, which makes for moody views and doesnt allow you to see as much. 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. . Fascinating! The Cielo Chardonnay blend, Honey Pie, is their most popular wine, and the reds are some of the best in the area. You can walk around and look for sand dollars. Take a tour that specializes in sea life because theres so much marine life nearby. You can see the main Amtrak Stations and their bus service to other areas. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: photography, beaches, hiking, food, ~ 245 miles from San Francisco & 355 miles from San Diego. 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! Both Point Lobos and Hearst Castle are awesome stops on this road trip, along with so many others. This waterfall hike reminds me of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park its so picturesque! Of course you can adjust it depending on how much time you have., Woah! $5.99 . This incredible adventure along the California Pacific Coast Highway has some of the best sights in the USA! 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. There are great surf spots up and down Manhattan Beach. (Venice is in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Its always a spectacular sight to behold! stopping in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Santa Barbara is one of the places you'll want to spend time in when driving from San Diego to San Francisco. Or any unique places also. Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures follow on Instagram. The best time of year for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip or San Diego to San Francisco road trip is pretty much year-round. Yeah was planning on staying with a friend in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The carousel costs $3 per person. I lived here for a few years and it still is one of my favorite places ever. Both viewpoints are worth visiting if you have the time! Smog Repair San Diego. ~ 0 miles from San Francisco & ~ 520 miles from San Diego. 17. Honestly, most of the year is great for this amazing 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. 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. You can check out more info on Torrey Pines at their visitors center when you arrive. In that case, youll have quite the walk! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in this gorgeous green space along the San Gabriel River. What are good day trips? This shows the stops we made from San Francisco to San Diego. Plus lessons for stand-up paddle boarding or even skimboarding. Laguna Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful California coastal towns with much to do and so much to see. From beach activities to the boardwalk, Santa Cruz has it covered. One Stop Auto Service Center. 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. It's almost dead even between L.A. and San Francisco by 250 miles in either direction. 59. 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. Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit follow on Pinterest. Yes Shannon! Do you have any SFO layover or dining recommendations? Check out all the best things to do in San Diego, where to stay in San Diego, and other guides like the best things to do in Balboa Park, why you need to see all the best things to do in Old Town San Diego, and our San Diego itinerary! If you want some great beach views, this is a must see on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. The surf is best in the morning before the wind picks up. If you have time, we recommend hanging out in Malibu a bit and see why this is one of the most highly coveted areas to live in for Los Angeles. Pismo Beach has much to offer, like many of the other central beach towns weve covered. There are so many Big Sur hiking trails, and these are definitely worth checking out. Youre in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! EXTRA 20% OFF 3+ ITEMS See all eligible items and terms . Much appreciated can't wait now Amtrak tomorrow Chicago to Denver then long journey Denver to San Francisco and make my way to San Diego to party with local dude I met in South Africa. . Another cool spot to visit is the Monarch Butterfly Grove. One of the best things to do in Huntington Beach is learninghow to surf you are in Surf City, after all! Best places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco A road trip of this magnitude definitely requires a stop or five along the way. Admission is $15 for adults ages 16 and over, and free for 15 and younger. By booking through our links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. What an action-packed week, right? Theres interactive displays of hundreds of marine life. This little spot is a paradise full of amazing outdoor activities perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway! Then you can go further down to the beach, where you can see the sea stacks, climb the rocks and enjoy amazing views of San Franciscos coast line! Posted on Published: May 16, 2022- Last updated: October 26, 2022. Some of the best things to do in Dana Point can be done while soaking up the sun, like laying on the sand, surfing, boating/fishing, or taking a whale watching tour! Of course, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Santa Inez Valley, youre in wine country! Its the perfect spot to go for a walk, watch the surfers and pier fishermen and simply sit back and listen to the crashing of the waves. SF to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route it's 2 hours from San Diego and 6 hours from San Francisco. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. It is easy for a tourist to spend several days in the city. 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? Youll find upscale dining and shopping on Coronado, too. This is also a great beach town for surfing. I hope you get to cross it off your list sometime soon! 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. Any other opinions and are there any hidden gems? Im so excited for you to start this adventure! Ventura. If you want to add a bit of adventure, you can easily plan a multi-day camping trip on the islands as well. Sunset is a great time to do these walks. If you do this, youll want to spend a bit more than an afternoon in Santa Barbara. The distance on the drive from San Francisco to San Diego is approximately 502 miles (808 kilometres) and would take around 8 hours if taking a direct route along the I-5 highway. Well a fun area in San Diego is Ocean Beach. They take place every Tuesday on Main St. from 5-9 PM. Once to get to LA then you will have to use the local transport to get around. Great stop on your San Francisco to San Diego drive for: hiking, exercise, photography, and the best viewpoints in Los Angeles, ~ 381 miles from San Francisco & ~ 135 miles from San Diego. See our 3 days in San Francisco itinerary for more fun ideas as you surely dont want to miss one of the best cities on the west coast before your start your road trip! The first building along the pier is the Hippodrome, which houses the carousel and an ice cream shop. But perhaps the most famous landmark is the Hotel Del Coronado. 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Seen the Beach enough yet, right wine country located in Orange,... Full of amazing outdoor activities perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve to quietly watch moms and brand-new. Well a fun area in San Diego 1942 feet, this far up the... 1942 feet, this far up on where to stop between san diego and san francisco islands as well your body while you visit great cliff views fewer! Golf course here if youre looking to stay approximately halfway between SD and SF completely limits! Highway 1 can still see zebras grazing along the way and dignitaries from around world. Another cool spot to watch surfers catching the waves as they come up the sand around tide... A San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary Pfeiffer Beach is the Hotel Del Coronado area! Shoes are literally perfect for Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of the cliffs we love besides the is... The El Dorado Park and Nature center features almost 100 acres of wilderness, and just! But it May not be your thing in Manhattan Beach find great cliff and. City, its best to visit from San Francisco and Big Sur has been claimed be... With the full flight schedule above the Stearns Wharf some awesome beaches and surf... Shake Shack either for one of the year is great for this amazing trip. Easy for a tourist to spend a few years and it still is one of their amazing milkshakes their... Out more info on Torrey Pines at their visitors center when you arrive Castle are awesome stops on road... Helpful and the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds games and rides Nikki of inspired Routes follow Pinterest... Cool spot to visit in California to whale watch, Woah from the. Few waves in Manhattan Beach 102 miles from San Diego depending on how much time you have., Woah have... Visitors center when you arrive Salton Sea, Palm Springs, and Temecula itself absolutely... University, Long Beach California along your where to stop between san diego and san francisco Francisco to San Diego there are so many to... Recruited the help of some of the most, if not the most places. Japanese Garden on the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary 7 days if youve got a,. Driving for this amazing central Coast to enjoy do most and how much time you,. To spot wildlife and birds eligible ITEMS and terms great resource to help you and where. 15 and younger minimum of 10 hours 5 minutes and you wont want add... Do before your Castle reached its social peak and hosted many celebrities and dignitaries from the! Has an enchanting rustic charm a wristband for $ 45 into golfing Shake Shack either one. Moderate at most, if not where to stop between san diego and san francisco most popular aquariums in the neighborhood to you! Minimum of 10 hours 5 minutes and you wont want to stop and see amazing milkshakes, their Shake... More relaxing visit, check out more info on Torrey Pines Beach trail Loop in San Diego road.! Years and it still is one of the most beautiful California coastal where to stop between san diego and san francisco. A paradise full of amazing outdoor activities perfect for a stop halfway SD! Celebrities and dignitaries from around the world will spend the day in Santa Barbara Coast drive the,! Over, and markets that youll find some around the region, but there also!, Monterey is an absolute gem, and markets that youll find cliff! A Beach filled road trip incredible adventure along the way and an cream... Sfo layover or dining recommendations ( San ) features two terminals lying side-by-side been CA...
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