4 day road trip from san diego

Looking to hit Carmel Big Sur Monterrey Half Moon Bay Pebble Beach Santa Barbara Santa Monica Catalina Island Oceanside and finishing up in San Diego and flying out from there back to N J. 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 road trip is so incredibly memorable I know Ill have pics of my times up and down the PCH for years to come! Whalers Cove, China Cove, Bluefish Cove and Moss Cove are the best places to quietly watch moms and their brand-new pups. Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies fly and rest on the eucalyptus trees from late October to February. This is the most scenic part of the hike, so you cant miss it! Whether you want to get your hiking workout on or stroll around leisurely, Muir Woods offers different trails for you. The Ultimate 5 Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. 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. However, the low season means it is typically less busy at restaurants and accommodations. As you plan for this amazing journey, lets talk about must-haves for this trip. These unique ecosystems are filled with snails, slugs, barnacles, mussels, crustaceans, sea stars, anemone, urchins and more just waiting to be discovered. This wacky, fun city has a variety of food and activity options for all explorers. Relive San Diego's early days in Old Town, a state park that recreates life in the Mexican and Rancho California periods of 1821 to 1872. San Diegos laid back vibe and perfect climate will leave you wishing you had more days to spend here. As with most stops along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Pismo Beach pier is best seen at sunset. I'm here to help you enjoy the outdoors! Greater Palm . Over time, erosion has formed a beach between the mainland and Point Sur, which can be walked on with a guided tour on Wednesdays and weekends throughout the year for $15 per person. Distance from San Diego: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Website | Top Suggested Tour Lying just a quick drive or rideshare northwest of downtown San Diego, La Jolla - Spanish for "the jewel" - truly is the jewel of San Diego. There arent many more iconic places along the California Pacific Coast Highway than the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. You very likely could see gray, fin and humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. 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. The more your referral link gets used, the more money youll start earning. Its right off the 101 and the perfect addition to your coast itinerary. What an iconic sight in the USA the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge! Other town highlights include Montereys Old Fisherman Wharf and Cannery Row for shopping and dining. Of course being a beach town, you know theres one of those to visit, too. 23 Epic Weekend Getaways from San Diego (Fun Mini Road Trips!) Solvang is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after being in the car on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. The most attractive part of Californias Pacific Coast Highway is the famous Big Sur coastline. The beach is small but clean and neat. And its just a bonus that its a perfect stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Both are considered among the best courses in America and Pebble Beach of course is steeped in US Open tour history. The best road trip of your life is almost complete! The small city of Monterey is located on Californias rugged coastline and the bay itself is famous for its diverse marine wildlife. Built in 1871, the towering 115 ft white lighthouse is incredibly picturesque as it sits atop. Santa BarbaraSoak Up the Scene Santa Barbara is a jewel of a little coastal town in Southern California and makes a perfect romantic weekend getaway from San Diego. Id definitely recommend going at low tide to walk the beach. Pro tip: I know youre driving for this epic road trip. 2% as popular as Los Angeles. Its literally the perfect stop on this epic California Coast drive! Whatever you choose to do in Cambria during your PCH road trip, youll love this charming little coastal village! You can also visit a eucalyptus tree grove created for Monarch Butterflies between November and February. 30 Best Road Trips From San Diego - LazyTrips Important We are driving north to south (San Francisco to San Diego) for these example itineraries, but you can still follow them in the opposite direction if traveling from San Diego to San Francisco. We visited McWay Falls around 5pm in November just before sunset and it was packed. Its a search engine for the top rental car companies and its free! My favorites are comfortable enough for hiking yet perfect for the beach. Road Trips Explore diverse landscapes and neighborhoods Find Your Open-Road Smile Explore San Diego's epic roadways along with the best places for visitors to stop along the way and live out their SoCal road trip dreams. From charming little mountain towns to dramatic desert parks and beautiful beaches to wine country, San Diego is within day trip distance of many exciting places. Any suggestions on how to plan for this in order and where to stay when we go to the parks? Its easy to get caught up in this romantic coastal town (I know I could have stayed for at least a week!) This itinerary is action packed with little time for resting in between. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but park your car and walk the coastal path for not only gorgeous views, but also entertainment from the local sea lions who have claimed the area as their own! San Francisco To San Diego Road Trip: 23 Best Stops + Itinerary Stops and things to do on Chicago to San Diego drive or road trip This out-and-back hike is 1.2 miles round trip on easy terrain and walkable for most still levels, including children. With abundant kelp beds and plenty of sea life, Laguna Beach is a divers paradise. These next few stops are just begging to be explored! Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The city occupies a shallow valley ringed by rocky hills. Just off shore you might see otters and seals playing. . I spent one night in each place as I moved north. Often hosting music events, street performers and festivals, Ocean Beach a fun place to go for an afternoon at the beach. Heading about 45 minutes north of Big Sur will land you in Monterey. Coronado Island is a little more bougie than the other parts of San Diego, and is home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the California Coast. The shoulder season months of April, May, September and October are by far the best times of year to drive the California Pacific Coast Highway thanks to fewer crowds, more parking spaces, higher hotel room availability at lower prices and comfortable temperatures. Also, if you love charming boutique shops, youll love stopping in Carmel on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Between wine tastings, art galleries, sunsets along the beach its a dreamy destination without the huge crowds! The food was amazing and the cliffside views were even better. If you enjoy wine, drive slightly east to Paso Robles. As we continue to move south in this epic road trip adventure, these next stops are all considered Southern California. So I recruited the help of some of my fellow travel writers to fill in the sights and stops. One-Day San Diego Coastal Road Trip It is worth the effort once you can relax with amazing views of Bixby Bridge and a Pacific Ocean backdrop. With so many beautiful sites and a variety of activities, this is a great option for a California road trip. In the end it all comes down to prioritizing the stops you like the look of most and figuring out a way to include them into your travel plans. I felt more comfortable driving up the coast, and therefore, on the inside of Highway 101. Both viewpoints are worth visiting if you have the time! The staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the building itself has an enchanting rustic charm. Pristine coastlines, gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, parks, and quaint beach cities all define the Pacific Coast Highway. There are also different animal species such as birds, fish, bats, squirrel and chipmunks. From stunning coastal scenery to iconic landmarks and vibrant cities, a 4-day road trip from San Diego promises an unforgettable adventure. Solvang is a tiny picturesque town offering a taste of Denmark in sunny California. 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. With so many places to choose from, here are my favorite places I stopped along my trip. Santa Monica is known for its fancy venues, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and the Santa Monica Pier featuring a small theme park and aquarium. Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megans travels focus oncultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. Explore Palm Springs by taking a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive, the citys main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. 32 Amazing Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip (You Gotta 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. D1 - San Francisco > Tram, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street - Sleep SF; D2 - San Francisco > Embarcadero, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Union Square, Coit Tower . find more stops. San Luis Obispo or SLO Cal for short is one of Californias oldest European founded cities. Built in 1871, the towering 115 ft white lighthouse is incredibly picturesque as it sits atop the rocky coastline. Santa Monica is known as a nicer area outside of Los Angeles making this a good place to stay as you drive up the 101 and helps you avoid the busiest parts of the city. 1. In season, youll see lots of wildflowers. From the stark beauty of Joshua Tree National Park to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, and the stunning Sedona red rocks, this itinerary showcases some of the best of the Southwest. Here are the best road . In downtown Lompoc, you can go on a mural walk as the area has over 40 murals. Stop in acafe or grab an ice cream to accompany you as you take in the scenery of this idyllic town. They are protected against fishing, touching or harvesting but interesting to look at and admire. The best day trips from San Diego - Lonely Planet Also, dont miss a stop by Piedras Blancas Rookery to see Californias famous elephant seals sprawling across the beach. Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown LA, movie studio tours, watching a live screening of game show or talk show, the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory are just some of things you cant miss in Los Angeles. One of the most scenic stretches along the San Francisco to San Diego road trip is Big Sur. Had no idea this coastal route could be this mesmerising! And I can't think of a better way to stretch your legs than to hike! In the commercial stretch, youll find lots of one-of-a-kind stores to visit, as well as art galleries with beautiful pieces of fine art and antique shops. For the entertainment lover, stroll along Hollywood Boulevard. Sunset is a great time to do these walks. Plan to leave Carmel no later than lunch otherwise youll be driving 30-40 miles of the best stretch of PCH in the dark. Just under an hour north of Monterey is Santa Cruz. Fun fact: a ferry got people across this waterway before the bridge was built. Partington Cove offers one of the only popular hiking opportunities on the drive from San Francisco to San Diego along Highway 1. It's such a gorgeous drive. 7:14 pm Eureka (California) stay for about 1 hour. Maverickss is a world-famous surf area right off the coast of Half Moon Bay. 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. The walk to McWay Falls viewing point does not begin on the main road. You need to walk inside the parking lot and on a path passing underneath Highway 1. Throughout this guide youll find the best stops along the coast, tips for visiting each spot and what to pack for your epic drive. I am . 13 Awesome Day Trips from San Diego | Flipboard Since Pismo Beach is a small city, its best to visit on a weekday to have fewer crowds. And if youre heading north for a bit, or if youre starting your trip in Sacramento instead of San Francisco, these Sacramento coffee shops are worth a visit to kick off any road trip! Your email address will not be published. From the best hikes, parks and outdoor landscapes, find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, the amusement park with numerous carnival games and rides. So book your campsites and accommodations, pack your bags, and create the perfect road trip itinerary to start making your way up the California coast!amzn_assoc_placement="adunit0";amzn_assoc_search_bar="true";amzn_assoc_tracking_id="mappmega-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode="manual";amzn_assoc_ad_type="smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace="amazon";amzn_assoc_region="US";amzn_assoc_title="Travel with these products to stay safe on the road:";amzn_assoc_linkid="a683f4e7c9ca62376c7b192b26bff150";amzn_assoc_asins="B07211YHRD,B07CQ8JVC7,B073R68TSH,B07TZSC1P3"; Make Your Way Across the USA Without Flying, 10 Spectacular West Coast Destinations to Visit Before You Die, Useful Gadgets To Take On Your Next Road Trip. . The trip takes 15 minutes and costs $4.75 for a one-way ticket. Hey! It gains a total of 538 feet of elevation, and there are a lot of stairs so definitely be prepared for a few hills. Visitors today can experience some of the grandeur of the house and see many of these sites described above. Price $21.99 Price $27.99 CAD Format. Upmarket, classy and a very popular tourist destination, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to park the car and unwind for a day or two if you have the spare time on your drive to San Diego from San Francisco. Recommended by Jolayne of Simply Jolayne follow on Instagram. The charming, laid-back coastal towns of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach in the South Bay of Los Angeles and are just south of the Los Angeles International Airport and west of Sepulveda Blvd (Highway 1). Our journey begins in San Diego, a city known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and incredible weather. You could also tuck your RV into National Forest land near Sedona for a secluded camp-venture with the areas iconic red rocks as your backdrop. 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. Gas stations are also few and far between along Big Sur, so be sure to fill up before visiting. California Coast road trip map Dozens of shore birds will wade along the beach as the ocean flows and ebbs gently with a stunning orange sky at dusk. Huntington Beach is a quintessential stop on a California Coast drive! Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Sand Dollar Beach requires a parking fee (#worthit). Day 4. 59-Mile Scenic Drive One-Day Coastal Highway 79 Historic Highway 80 HIstoric Highway 94 Historic Highway 101 County Route S2 And within Big Sur, the Bixby Creek Bridge is the spot for coastal views and scenic photographs. Recommended by me Nikki of Inspired Routes. Since its completion in 1932, travelers have been stopping to see the iconic bridge. You won't need to stay in another hotel, just use the same one for your entire stay in San Diego. Now its a nostalgic pie shop. If you have an Electric Vehicle, there are also plenty of places to charge near the downtown. Find this post helpful? Get up close to the areas marine life on a harbor cruise. 21 Fun Day Trips from San Diego for 2023 (By a Local) Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the Marin Headlands for beautiful views of the bay. Many restaurants have outdoors dining in the summertime, which is honestly just perfect. Built in 1937, this absolutely must be a stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip! Shark Fin Cove is one of many outstanding rock formations you will drive past on the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and San Diego. Hikers will love Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with mountain and ocean views. For parking, the easiest lot to get to is 1-North, which is at the base of the pier and accessible along PCH. Hearst Castle too! Santa Monica Pier has been a beacon of the PCH since the route was built back in 1934 as the pier had already been open for 25 years! 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. 11 Best Day Trips From San Diego, California; 8 Best Party Hotels In San Diego, California - Updated 2023; 1. Point Lobos is considered one of the best spots in California to whale watch! Only for the most advanced of surfers, its still fun to watch the massive waves along the coastline. There you can take a leisurely walk along the winding pathways, feed the koi, and relax at the Zen Garden. With a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, its easy to see why this place is so popular. This route is the most scenic way to enjoy your coastal trip. One of the top things to do in Solvang is to do wine tastings or visit a winery. But be sure to check out the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary at the end of this post for a suggested timeline! So fun! Quaint towns and bucket list cities, fresh ocean air and pristine beaches, epic sunsets and stunning coastal views all combine to make driving Californias Pacific Coast Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego one of the most picturesque and famous US road trips. What are the best ways to include these awesome stops into your itinerary? Then return through the Southwest , Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho. This trail is a must-see, because all the views are absolutely epic! The weather tends to cooperate more (in general) and as a bonus, its not peak tourism season, either. Im contemplating this drive too mid September. One of my favorite places in California is Monterey. Enjoy a bowl of creamy clam chowder from Splash Cafe or any of the restaurants in the area. Theres a bunch of photos and newspaper articles displaying the history of the sport, too. 8. Yay! There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Laguna Beach as well. Regardless of your fitness level, youll find a trail or 2 that are perfect for a stroll along the coast. Therefore, the best time for a San Francisco to San Diego road trip is November through April. Thanks for the tip on Encinitas Im sure weve likely passed through but Ill have to make sure we stop the next time were here and get out. If youre up for a walk, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail is the perfect adventure! A hassle and not pretty. Check out the official website for Highway 1 closure information to see if there are any current closures and if it will affect your trip! The extra days on this itinerary allow you to go at a much slower pace. If you want to know what to do in San Diego, we recommend starting the day at the San Diego Zoo , Sea World, or the Safari Park . Bixby Bridge is one of the most popular stop offs along the California Pacific Coast Highway and it is the first major stopping point along the famous Big Sur stretch of coast. There is also the Lompoc Museum which has 2 floors of exhibits about the area. Many of the wineries have scattered around the region, but there is also a block of wine tasting rooms in downtown Lompoc. On day two, bid farewell to Joshua Tree and make your way to Palm Springs, a desert oasis known for its mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine. Typically you will see familiar looking external sets, studio lot sets for currently running tv shows, costumes, sound stages, exhibits and props. Tricks to find the perfect rig. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:600px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-inspiredroutes_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); The Golden Gate Bridge is recognized throughout the globe as one of the longest and tallest suspension bridges, not to mention one of the most photographed!
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