day trip from los angeles to san francisco

A one-way boat ride to the most popular island takes an hour, and youll also want ample time to explore. Drive Time from Santa Barabra to San Luis Obispo:1 hour 40 minutes / 95 miles. The quickest way to get from LAs sunny sprawl to the breezy urban inclines of San Francisco is, of course, to head north on I-5 thats called the 5 if you live in LA. Theres also a cute little KOA with basic cabins and shared bathroom facilities. Or hit a tiki bar. Dying to get out of the city and hit the road? The town of San Luis Obispo located on the central coast is incredibly charming and lively, and the vast natural area surrounding SLO cant be missed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From Los Angeles: 7-Day Golden Experience Tour | GetYourGuide Dessert at Revival Ice Cream: For those with a sweet tooth, you can get amazing, high-quality handcrafted ice cream at Revival. Here are some recommendations on places to check out during your visit: Natural Bridges State Beach: This beautiful beach has cool tide pools to explore, as well as plenty of opportunities to see marine wildlife and birds. The shortest driving distance between San Francisco and LA is 383 miles, which takes about six to seven hours on I-5. 12 wonderful day trips from Los Angeles! [2023] - Blogger at Large Spend the day driving between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on Highway 101, visiting the town of Solvang, pausing for a Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting, and relaxing in Avila Beach. The 15 Best Day Trips From Los Angeles - TripSavvy If you attempt this route in the winter, you need to continue north to Lake Tahoe and head back to the Bay Area by taking the Donner Pass (Interstate 80). The better way to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco is to take the scenic route on Highway 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Youll stay in SLO this first night. Big Basin Redwood State Park: This state park which is Californias oldest is located north of Santa Cruz. Wine country scenic (Santa Ynez, California). Activity provider:Empire Vacations Inc. 4.6. Dont conflate the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (an amusement park known for its vintage rides and arcade) with the Santa Cruz Wharf, where you can shop and eat. I created The Atlas Heart with the intention of not only seeing the world, but understanding and writing about cultures from the perspectives of locals what I call seeing the world through a kaleidoscope lens. 3-Day Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park & San Francisco Tour This national park has five islands where you can hike, snorkel, kayak, and explore sea caves. Regardless of what company you choose or when you buy your tickets, expect to pay between $20 and $45 for a one-way trip. Buying an insurance policy at the counter is expensive, adding up to $25 a day to the cost of the rental car. Despite its rugged reputation, there are several options for a Big Sur overnight beyond camping, which you can do at the Pfeiffer Big Sur campground. The northern section leads you to a small, rocky beach, and the southern section takes you through a tunnel from the 1880s, and eventually leads you to Partington Cove. Its just under an hour from Carmel and Monterey. Like we mentioned above, the I-5 route is useful if youre just looking to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Sign up for the Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel and gear ideas every week. 6 Day Trip to San Francisco, Los Angeles from Los Angeles: Checkout 6 Day trip plan for San Francisco, Los Angeles covering 14 attractions, popular eat-outs and 2 hotels, created on 26th Nov 2016. Alternatively, drive the Sierra Nevada route to some of Californias most beautiful National Parks. This historic landmark was formed approximately 23 million years ago from a volcanic plug. Find tour itineraries, read real customer reviews and compare different tour operators. Drive Time from SLO to Morro Bay: 20 minutes / 13 miles. The 4.4-mile moderate out-and-back trail takes you up the mountain to get sweeping views of the coast. Train Route Overview: Los Angeles to San Francisco. Its also one of the best places on the Central Coast for fresh fish tacos! Stay in Santa Barbara this first night. Vista Point 8. Why its worth visiting: The most scenic part of the Big Sur region boasts redwoods and a breathtaking coastline. Learn more 3-day California coastal tour Visit the Spanish Mission in Santa Barbara and discover the Danish town of Solvang Although Highway 395 is open in the winter, the road through Yosemite National Park closes between November and May, so this is a summer-to-fall route only. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Drive time: LA to Joshua Tree just under three hours. Hotel Caza Fishermans Wharf Stay at Hotel Caza, which boasts spacious rooms, a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. The drive to the Big Oak Flat entrance takes at least four hours; however, traffic, especially in summer and on weekends, can make it much longer. With that, youll be able to make a few stops, but youll be pressed for time and wont be able to do as much along the way. Stay two nights in Death Valley and visit the unique landscape of canyons, salt flats, and incredible vistas. Spend the morning at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Its a downright charming town with storybook houses, cobblestone streets, and a total fancy hippie artist vibe. If you need one more hit of salty air before heading to San Francisco, make a stop at Half Moon Bay. She loves exploring Californias outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop. Getting There: You can get to any of the five islands via Island Packers Cruises. Hours vary from season to season, so check the website for the most current opening information. Partington Cove Trail: If you want to get in a bit of hiking while in Big Sur, check out this 1.1-mile and 347-foot elevation trail, which is also part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Malibu 3. Ao Nuevo State Park: Just up the road on the coastal side of the highway is Ao Nuevo State Park, which may be best known for being one of the biggest elephant seal breeding colonies in the world. Two-bedroom home close to Santa Cruz Boardwalk in West Cliff Stay like a local in one of West Cliffs beautiful homes, close to the main attractions of Santa Cruzs Beach Boardwalk and beaches. For the longest time we have dreamt about a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1 or 101), probably California's most popular road trip, visiting Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey and San Obispo. Stop for lunch in the cute coastal town of Cambria on the way in. You could drive the I-5 highway for maximum time efficiency, but there's really nothing to look at other than farmland. If traffic is awful and you need to stay the night, there arent as many options. This three-day itinerary from LA to San Francisco gives you more time to explore the Pacific Coast Highway, known as Highway 1, on your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip. But try to see both before taking a walk or drive along West Cliff Drive, which affords killer views of both sea and talented surfers riding the waves. Pelican Bay Trail: This trail is another popular Santa Cruz Island option thats accessible via Prisoners Harbor. One easy and beautiful hike that is currently open is the Marsh Trail, an out-and-back trail that is just under a mile long. Ticket prices are the same for all ages. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Santa Monica Pier 2. Drive time from Los Angeles to San Francisco: approximately 10 hours. Visit the beautiful seaside cities of Cambria, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Santa Barbara. How to Drive from LA to San Francisco: Highway 101 or I-5? With this in mind, I always prefer flying in and out of Burbank, but since its smaller and has fewer flights, this isnt always an option. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. This is one of the most breathtaking routes to drive along the Pacific Coast. Exactly How to Spend One Day in Los Angeles, A Weekend in L.A.: A Perfect 2 Day Los Angeles Itinerary, Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A Complete Guide, Exactly How to Spend One Day in San Francisco, 3 Days in San Francisco: A Perfect San Francisco Itinerary, Where to Stay in San Francisco: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in SF, 14 Incredible Day Trips from San Francisco, The Best Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area. But summer is the best time to make this road trip as driving conditions are predictable. Joshua Tree: The Woo-Woo Wild West. Plus, if you hit bad traffic, youll be glad you planned an overnight stop. Why its worth visiting: The most famous California city boasts movie stars and mountain lions among its residents. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we dont stand behind 100%. Kyra is a freelance writer and a California native who has lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. You can choose to either kayak or snorkel, or pick a tour package that does both. FAQ: Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Drive Time from Half Moon Bay to Pacifica: 20 minutes / 14 miles. Your third option is John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, which is approximately the same size as BUR. See the abandoned M*A*S*H set at Malibu Creek State Park. Drive 15 minutes inland to hike Inspiration Point Trail, and then head back to the coast to relax by the water at West Beach. And if youd rather extend this part of your excursion, youve got tons of campgrounds to choose from in the park. Experience a 7-day tour to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Park, departing from Los Angeles. Prefer trees to beaches? Start with an easy hike in Malibu at Point Dume Natural Preserve, and then walk down to Westward Beach. Overnight accommodation and one meal additionally included. This spacious, palm-tree lined beach is a popular spot for surfers and paddle boarders. The actual driving time is about 9 hours, but youll have plenty of great places to stop at along the way. Unfortunately, much of the park is closed due to wildfire damage check the park website for the most up-to-date info. Drive 10 minutes to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and then another 25 minutes to Redondo Beach. If there arent any good options, youll be able to find a flight that works for you at LAX. Youll want to spend at least two days on this route, but can easily make it a week-long trip. How long does it take to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco by plane? Best Stops Along the Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive, Where to Stay On Your Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip, Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip Itineraries, Best Time to do a Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip, Tips for Planning a Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, FAQs About Getting from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Read our guides to the best hikes in Big Sur and Big Sur camping. Additionally, explore various attractions of San Francisco and find yourself close to nature in this tour to Yosemite National park. There are two major benefits of flying out of SFO. How many days do you recommend driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco? Related Read:9 Amazing Scenic Drives Near Los Angeles, California. Take in the view from the Griffith Observatory. Why its worth visiting: Dont let the fairytale cottages fool you. Ive driven both routes and would only take I-5 again if I was in a big hurry. Theres an easy 2-mile path that you can follow to explore the lagoon, beach, and pier. Overview. While its currently closed, if it reopens when you visit, another great hike is the Skyline to the Sea Trail Short Loop. To rent a car in California, youll need a valid drivers license (an international license is acceptable, but be also prepared to show your passport), a credit card, and third-party liability insurance, which you can buy separately or at the counter. $54 Cheap Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) - Expedia Otters by the Marina: You wont want to leave Morro Bay without seeing some otters! Traveling between New York City and Washington, D.C. by car can provide you with a fantastic mini-road trip that takes you to some of Americas most interesting and historic spots if you know what youre doing. Morse Gate and head into Monterey. This summer tour takes you on an active vacation that includes bicycles and kayaks as an optional activity for your group. July 11, 2022 Considering going on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip? Drive Time from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay: 60 minutes / 50 miles. Just north of the beach, theres a salt marsh that you can explore, and on the opposite side of the beach youll see the Malibu Pier. The coastal beauty, winding narrow road with incredible views around every bend, charming oceanfront towns, and more. Drive Time from San Simeon to Big Sur (Pfeiffer Beach): 1 hour 30 minutes / 65 miles. LA to San Francisco via Highway 101 and Highway 1 follows the Pacific Ocean coastline and is the more scenic of the two roads. Please try again. Explore Old Town San Diego! Along the way, youll also get a beach time, a dose of redwoods, and plenty of California kitsch. Gold Coast Transit bus 16 runs from Ventura (including a stop near the Amtrak station) to downtown Ojai ($1.50, 45 minutes, hourly). Reservoir Canyon Loop Trail: On the opposite side of town is this moderate 5.4-mile loop trail, which has a 1,400-foot elevation gain. Go on a walking tour that includes the famous Bubble Gum Alley. Stop at Piedras Blancas Light Station, and then backtrack a bit to Cambria to grab dinner (try Robins Restaurant) and stay the night at White Water. This road is incredibly scenic but narrow and winding, so take it easy. Drive about 35 minutes over to Montaa de Oro State Park and hike the Bluff Trail (you can easily cut it down if this is too much hiking in a day). Zuma Beach: Just a couple miles north is Zuma Beach, one of Malibus largest and most famous beaches. This LA to San Francisco drive is best in September or October when the crowds diminish and the heat is less intense before the snow. A two-day itinerary gives you time to explore some of the Central Coast communities between Los Angeles and San Francisco on a classic California road trip. 10 Day Trip to San Francisco from Los Angeles - TripHobo Stop at sandy beaches, grab lunch in pretty coastal towns, see unique wildlife like elephant seals and sea otters, and learn about the history of California at places like Hearst Castle. Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles - Day Trip Tips Get breakfast in Cambria at The Hidden Kitchen or Lilys Coffee House. Once you arrive, get a sense of Santa Barbaras local scenery with a stroll through Chase Palm Park and a beach walk on the adjacent sandy strand. Three-bedroom cottage in downtown Carmel Walk to downtown and the beach from this classic Carmel cottage, which includes a private courtyard with a fire pit, plus a full kitchen. Go for a hike in Los Padres National Forest. Pfeiffer State Park, in the heart of Big Sur, is close to cute bakeries, luxury resorts, and art galleries. Its about a three-hour drive from Yosemite to San Francisco through the upper part of Californias Central Valley. Youll find plenty of luxury hotels around downtown Santa Barbara and adjacent to Stearns Wharf. To experience those things, youre going to need to drive along Highway 1 the coastal route between Los Angeles and San Francisco which is longer and slower. Theres a beach at Emigrant Landing, and boating is allowed on the lake, which you can reach from the Smokey Bear exit near Castaic. Today, you'll be driving from Los Angeles up to Solvang, with a stop in sunny Santa Barbara. This coffee shop also offers a variety of teas, as well as some smaller bites to eat. We don't believe in spam, so you can rest assured that every email we send you will be hand-crafted full of awesome goodies. It takes about 1.5 hours by car from LA. Essential Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway [With 2 Day Itinerary] Explore Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Drive about an hour north to Pacifica, and do the Mori Point Loop Trail. Wine in The Funk Zone: The Funk Zone is the citys arts and culture district, and is home to excellent tasting rooms that feature wines produced at Santa Barbara County Vineyards. Grab coffee and a quick bite at Cat & Cloud before driving 30 minutes north to hike the short Marsh Trail in Big Basin Redwood State Park. Peak into the future at The Tech Interactive, an all-ages science museum. There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Los Angeles to San Francisco. San Francisco to Los Angeles Tours & Trips - TourRadar Make stops at San Simeon, Point Piedras Blancas, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Point Lobos State Park before arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea. One of the best trails in the park is the easy 4.1-mile Bluff Trail. This easy hike is 2.9-miles long, and has a 298-foot elevation gain. Another very important note is that you need to book tours and boat rides in advance. After one and a half to two hours, stop in Santa Barbara and explore this citys waterfront, beautiful beaches, and botanic gardens. Distance. Alternatively, you could rent a camper van and bring your accommodation with you a great option if youre also visiting national parks during your road trip. You cant go into the lighthouse, but you can follow the dirt path and check out the exterior. Pick out the freshest produce at the Saturday Farmers Market. This quiet coastal community has miles of beaches to explore, and its also a great place to spot marine life! How about a bus? Once youre done, head into San Francisco! Why its worth visiting: Escape to Europe for the day in this quirky town, where youll find colorful boutiques, Danish bakeries, and a large windmill. Snap a pic with your favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Id recommend looking at flights heading into BUR or SNA first, since these airports are less stressful to navigate. Check out the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. This route largely takes you on Highway 1 also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH). Advanced reservations are required, and a tour currently costs $10. Drive Time from Monterey to Santa Cruz: 1 hour / 45 miles. Five days is best if you dont want to feel too rushed or want to do the inland route over the Sierras (more if youre spending time in the national parks). Itinerary Day 1 Los Angeles - 17 Mile Bay - San Francisco Depending on where you start, you may be able to do the whole 385-mile trip in about six hours, give or take, if you dont hit much traffic. Parking can be challenging, so try to get there early. Fun fact: two of the rides (The Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel) are National Historic Landmarks. Here, youll have a chance to see the largest seals in the northern hemisphere (bonus: its free!). 17 Most Popular Stops on a Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco The remote location of Channel Islands (which is located off the coast of Ventura) makes it one of the least visited national parks in California, but this means its that much more special for those who decide to visit! Is it pretty? The bus isn't the fastest way to get from Los Angeles to San Franciscoit takes seven to 10 hoursbut it's the cheapest, with prices ranging from $9 to $39. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. Morning departure is around 39% cheaper than an evening flight . How to Get From Los Angeles to San Francisco - TripSavvy You can also follow it down to Westward Beach. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants on pedestrianized Third Street Promenade. Life is an adventure, join me around the world! Besides that, the only downside to SNA is that, like BUR, youre not going to have as many flight options. We think that the absolute minimum amount of time you need is three days. The major operators are Flixbus, Megabus, and Greyhound, and all offer decent legroom, bathrooms, Wi-Fi service, and power outlets. Find cheap flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco from Is it better to do a San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive? Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to travel between Santa Cruz and San Francisco to enjoy the picturesque beaches along the way. Shop the art galleries and boutiques in downtown Carmel. Two-bedroom beach house Open up the patio doors to experience the ocean breezes and indoor-outdoor living at this modern beach house that sits above Mesa Lane Beach. Go right across the street to Malibu Lagoon State Beach before driving up to do the easy hike at Point Dume. Tour the fairy tale cottages of Carmel, shop the boutiques and art galleries, then take a mini-road trip up the 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach, one of the best golf courses in the world. Santa Cruz KOA This camping resort is perfect for families, with a pool and playground to keep the kids entertained. See the sea lions, then head to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory or take the fascinating boat trip to Alcatraz. That, obviously, makes this a good place to spend night one of your LA to San Francisco road trip. Theres so much to do in Monterey and so much written online about it that youll want to do your own research on area activities before deciding where to spend the precious time you have to spare on your LA to San Francisco road trip.
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