A drive alongside the Pacific Coast from San Diego to San Francisco is without doubt one of the most gorgeous highway journeys in California. As you cross by pretty seaside cities, vibrant cities, and leisure and tech business hubs, you’re always reminded of the state’s dimension and variety of landscapes. From San Diego’s scorching seashores and Mexican-American cultural fusion to San Francisco’s tech headquarters and steep streets, you’ll cross unbelievable locations to cease, some hidden, some not, some giant, some small.
From the Hollywood signal to the Danish-inspired city of Solvang, the magnificent Hearst Fort to Palo Alto, the place the following crop of tech entrepreneurs are finding out furiously, the highway journey from San Diego to San Francisco is stuffed with wonderful sights. Right here’s what to see as you wind your manner alongside the Californian coast from San Diego to San Francisco.
San Diego To San Francisco
20 Locations To See On A San Diego to San Francisco Street Journey
1- Coronado
Coronado may be a rich neighbourhood of San Diego, however the proximity to Los Angeles makes it a unbelievable vacation spot to plan your first cease in your solution to Los Angeles, which is lower than a two-hour drive additional north.
Coronado has a shocking white sandy seashore however what you need to go to for is Lodge del Coronado, which is on the seashore and a well-known landmark in its personal proper.
Coronado buzzes with wonderful eating places and bars; it additionally has a sizeable naval base, so that you’re more likely to spot the odd fighter jet or submarine too.
It’s the place to go for the very best view of the San Diego skyline throughout the bay and is particularly gorgeous at evening when the buildings shimmer brightly on the horizon from afar.
Coronado is 6.4 miles (10.2 km) and roughly a 15-minute drive from San Diego.
2- La Jolla
The attractive La Jolla Cove, flanked by spectacular cliffs, is without doubt one of the most picturesque and photographed websites alongside the Californian shoreline.
The cove is a part of a marine life reserve and offers a wide range of great actions for all ages to get pleasure from.
Northwest of San Diego’s downtown, the cove and surrounding areas present wonderful spots for kayaking, snorkelling and swimming.
It’s a excellent cease alongside your highway journey from San Diego to San Francisco for images.
Enterprise barely north of La Jolla Cove to discover sea caves, the place sea lions and seals can usually be noticed lounging on cliffs and rocks, having fun with the solar.
After being out on the water, head to one of many eating places overlooking the ocean to absorb the unbelievable surroundings in a extra relaxed surroundings.
La Jolla is 12.5 miles (20 km) and roughly a 21-minute drive from San Diego.
3- Torrey Pines
With so many attractive parks in California, deciding which of them are the very best to go to could be troublesome.
Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve is certainly one of California’s 16 parks with reserve standing and is definitely a contender for the very best park within the area.
Because of this reserve standing, Torrey Pines stays untouched simply because it was earlier than the city sprawl that’s San Diego grew to become the scale it’s as we speak.
Mountain climbing trails and pristine seashores beckon you to return and benefit from the park’s environment.
Wild and untamed, this 1,500-acre (607 ha) park is an absolute delight to go to and is nicely price stopping at as you progress from downtown San Diego additional north in your solution to Laguna Seashore and past.
Torrey Pines is 15 miles and roughly a 20-minute drive from San Diego.
4- Laguna Seashore
Laguna Seashore is a beachside city about 80 miles (128 km) north of downtown San Diego that pulls 1000’s of tourists to its galleries, boutiques, gardens and seashores.
It’s a haven for surfers, nature lovers and concrete explorers with an eclectic mixture of solar, surf and tradition.
In case you’re eager on seeing Californian artwork, go to the Laguna Artwork Museum and the JoAnne Artman Gallery or should you’d slightly laze about on the seashore all day, head for Laguna’s Fundamental Seashore.
Laguna Seashore is 67 miles (107km) and a one-hour drive from Torrey Pines.
5- Huntington Seashore
Referred to as “Surf Metropolis USA”, Huntington Seashore was first positioned on the worldwide radar within the 60s by the Seashore Boys and has since risen in reputation to turn into one of many nation’s fashionable browsing locations.
A pristine 10-mile (16 km) stretch of seashore, with unbelievable eating and purchasing choices all through the city, Huntington Seashore is a wonderful vacation spot to spend a complete day.
What’s extra, it’s lower than 40 miles (64 km) from Downtown LA.
It’s a nirvana for lively travellers, with numerous actions each out and in of the ocean.
From browsing, paddleboarding and kayaking to seashore volleyball, jogging and biking, Huntington Seashore is a high spot for out of doors enjoyable beneath the solar.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is the place for avid bird-watchers to see egrets, owls, hummingbirds and plenty of extra of the reserve’s 200-plus distinctive chook species.
With a lot to expertise, there are few locations as synonymous with Southern California’s beach-going life-style, fairly like Huntington Seashore.
Huntington Seashore is 15.5 miles (25 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Laguna Seashore.
6- Anaheim
Anaheim is true subsequent to Los Angeles and is without doubt one of the greatest locations in California should you’re visiting with children.
The colourful metropolis is the house of Disneyland, Journey Metropolis and Knott’s Berry Farm.
In case you’re a sporting fan, you’ll need to watch the NHL’s Anaheim Geese or the MLB’s LA Angels play a house sport in entrance of enormous crowds of followers.
Anaheim is a phenomenal metropolis that mesmerises guests with enjoyable actions and is nicely price a cease when travelling from San Diego by way of Southern California’s Orange County.
Anaheim is 23 miles (37 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Huntington Seashore.
7- Hollywood Signal
The must-see for everybody visiting Los Angeles, the Hollywood signal on Mount Lee is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most photographed landmarks and a beacon for the movie business ingrained in Californian popular culture.
When you can’t entry the signal itself, the Griffith Observatory and the summit of Mount Lee are the 2 greatest locations to see the enroll shut.
An iconic sight to see and price a cease in your solution to San Francisco from San Diego, the Hollywood signal is certain to be one of many highlights of your entire highway journey.
The Hollywood Signal is 34 miles (55 km) and roughly a 50-minute drive from Anaheim.
8- Santa Monica
Town of Santa Monica and its illuminated pier lies simply a few miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, but it surely looks like a world away with its energetic seashores, carnival rides and laid-back vibe.
Santa Monica is the beating coronary heart of LA’s browsing and skateboarding scene, house to energetic rooftop bars and golf equipment overlooking the ocean and a few of LA’s greatest eating places.
It’s a unbelievable cease simply earlier than you hit the highway and say goodbye to the cityscapes of Los Angeles as you head north.
Keep so long as you want, as Santa Monica’s Third Avenue Promenade and well-known pier will maintain you entertained for hours.
Santa Monica is 24 miles (38 km) and roughly a 45-minute drive from the Hollywood Signal.
9- Malibu
Malibu is a well-liked Californian city recognized for its pristine shoreline, a backdrop of the Santa Monica mountains and its well-known residents.
Because it’s solely 33 miles (53 km) from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu is a really accessible but unique seaside getaway certain to thrill out of doors lovers and metropolis slickers.
Malibu’s high attraction is its seemingly countless and excellent seashores which, regardless of being bordered by lavish personal properties, are all publicly accessible from nightfall to daybreak.
The close by Santa Monica Mountains are a deal with for hikers and supply unbelievable views of the town and the Pacific Ocean whereas surrounded by gorgeous So-Cal fauna and flora.
If the seashore and mountains should not sufficient to entice you to cease for a day or two, for foodies, Malibu’s fabulous eating places may simply seal the deal.
Malibu is nineteen miles (30 km) and roughly a 35-minute drive from Santa Monica.
10- Channel Islands
Masking 5 particular person islands, California’s Channel Islands Nationwide Park is a world away from the remainder of the Golden State.
The Channel Islands’ unblemished landscapes and majestic views of the Pacific Ocean make the islands a preferred vacation spot for these seeking to decelerate and benefit from the solar and ocean breeze distant from the crowds.
Every island provides guests one thing distinctive, so chances are you’ll need to cease at a number of islands in your solution to San Francisco from San Diego.
Accessible through ferries from coastal cities in California, the Channel Islands present tenting alternatives and out of doors enjoyable round each nook, making it a unbelievable choice should you love nature.
Channel Islands Nationwide Park is roughly midway between Malibu and Santa Barbara.
For extra California concepts, see:
11- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a stunning metropolis the place the streets are lined with palm timber and Spanish Revival structure offers it a definite aura.
It’s additionally a preferred vacation spot the place Hollywood celebrities and socialites hang around.
With Spanish Missions, top-notch eating places and a metropolis the place you’ll discover out of doors actions on its seashores to scenic climbing trails, it’s simple to fall in love with Santa Barbara.
For the very best views in Santa Barbara, take a tour to the highest of the Santa Barbara courthouse for unrivalled 360-degree views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
In case you’re visiting with children, go to Stearns Wharf to look at the boats coming up and down off the shoreline.
Santa Barbara is 67 miles (107 km) and roughly an 80-minute drive from Malibu.
12- Solvang
Who would have thought you’d discover an genuine Danish-themed city in sunny California?
Solvang within the Santa Ynez Valley is an uncommon place that can enchant you.
Solvang was based by Danish immigrants who fled the chilly winters of the Midwest to settle within the Golden State, bringing their wood windmills and charming homes together with them.
Few Danes nonetheless stay in Solvang as we speak, nonetheless, the city’s duplicate Copenhagen Spherical Tower, quaint Christmas outlets, Danish bakeries and Danish cottages nonetheless exist.
Cease on the Solvang Brewery, Paula’s Pancake Home and the fascinating Elverhøj Museum to study extra in regards to the city’s historical past, former residents and distinctive traditions and tradition.
Solvang is 33 miles (53 km) and roughly a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara.
13- Pismo Seashore
About midway between San Diego and San Francisco, Pismo Seashore is certainly one of central California’s greatest beachside cities.
It’s full of unbelievable eateries, stylish boutiques and outlets, and delightful stretches of golden sandy seashore which are excellent for lounging round all day lengthy.
Pismo Seashore could be very a lot a vacation spot that must be found, loved and explored at a sluggish tempo, so plan an in a single day keep right here in your solution to San Francisco
Pismo Seashore is 54 miles (86 km) and roughly a one-hour drive from Solvang.
14- Hearst Fort
Designed by architect Julia Morgan, the primary feminine architect in america, and accomplished in 1947, Hearst Fort is certainly one of California’s most visited historic landmarks.
The 165-room monument is a memorial to the prosperous and lavish life-style of its former proprietor, William Randolph Hearst and covers a sprawling space of 127 acres (51 ha).
Hearst Fort is an unmissable Californian landmark on any highway journey from San Diego to San Francisco and it’s such an enchanting place, you’ll in all probability need to spend at the least half a day.
Hearst Fort is 54 miles (86 km) and roughly a one-hour drive from Pismo Seashore.
15- Massive Sur
Essentially the most well-known part of the Pacific coast driving route is the Massive Sur and its most well-known landmark is its Bixby Bridge, which is an engineering marvel hovering 260 ft (79 m) above a rocky canyon.
The Massive Sur area stretches between Carmel and Hearst Fort, stretching for over 90 miles (145 km).
The Bixby Bridge was constructed in 1932 and is without doubt one of the world’s most photographed and largest concrete span bridges.
Greater than 5.8 million individuals go to the bridge annually to see the landmark and admire a 360-degree view of the coast.
Massive Sur is 67 miles (107 km) and roughly a 90-minute drive from Hearst Fort.
16- Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is without doubt one of the Golden State’s most romantic locations and is known for its unbelievable white-sand seashore and proximity to Pebble Seashore.
Carmel provides a wide selection of actions and issues to see for your entire household, filled with whimsical cottages, fabulous eating places, boutiques, and artwork galleries.
Carmel and Monterey are two stopover locations you merely can not cross up on as you journey additional north to San Francisco.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is 26 miles and roughly a 40-minute drive from Massive Sur.
17- Monterey
Charming, low-key and spectacularly lovely, Monterey has a temperate local weather, award-winning culinary scene and staggering cliffs.
It’s a world away from the city sprawls of the Bay Space and Southern California.
Near Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Seashore and Massive Sur, Monterey is the epicentre of a few of the Golden State’s hottest occasions.
{Golfing} lovers are entertained by the skilled {golfing} championships held at Pebble Seashore yearly, whereas motorsports followers get pleasure from catching a race or two on the Laguna Seca Raceway close to Monterey.
Monterey is 4 miles (6.4 km) and roughly a 12-minute drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
18- San Jose
San Jose is a thriving metropolis and the monetary and political hub of Silicon Valley. Among the world’s most influential tech firms have their headquarters right here.
The Bay space’s largest metropolis blends conventional and trendy and is jam-packed with issues to do, together with a wonderful artwork museum (the San Jose Museum of Artwork), and the intriguing Winchester Home (constructed within the nineteenth century by Sarah Winchester) and the beautiful Japanese Friendship backyard.
San Jose is 72 miles (115 km) and roughly an 80-minute drive from Monterey.
19- Palo Alto
Palo Alto in California’s Silicon Valley is our final cease earlier than getting into San Francisco.
The house of Stanford College, Palo Alto is the birthplace of Silicon Valley and attracts 1000’s of curious vacationers, jobseekers and tech firms to its tree-lined streets yearly.
Exploring the campus of Stanford College is without doubt one of the highlights of any journey to Palo Alto, whereas the Palo Alto Artwork Heart and the Baylands Nature Protect show that there’s extra to see in Palo Alto than simply Stanford.
Whether or not it’s to cruise round its streets making an attempt to identify as many well-known tech firms as attainable or to tour the grounds of the city’s well-known college, Palo Alto has a vibe you need to be there to expertise.
Palo Alto is eighteen miles (29 km) and roughly a 22-minute drive from San Jose.
20- Golden Gate Bridge
Drawing over 10 million guests yearly, the Golden Gate Bridge and its 746-foot tall (227 m) iron towers, Artwork Deco design, and well-known orange color is the final cease on our journey from San Diego to San Francisco.
Opened in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the size of the San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Marin County, a distance of over 8,980 ft (2,737 metres).
Open day by day from 9 am to six pm, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Heart operates guided excursions of the bridge and in addition has a memento store and unbelievable vantage factors to get the very best views of this mighty marvel of the trendy world.
The Golden Gate Bridge is 40 miles (64 km) and roughly a one-hour drive from Palo Alto.
Drawing over 10 million guests yearly, the Golden Gate Bridge and its 746-foot tall (227 m) iron towers, Artwork Deco design, and well-known orange color is the final cease on our journey from San Diego to San Francisco.
Opened in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the size of the San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Marin County, a distance of over 8,980 ft (2,737 metres).
Open day by day from 9 am to six pm, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Heart operates guided excursions of the bridge and in addition has a memento store and unbelievable vantage factors to get the very best views of this mighty marvel of the trendy world.
The Golden Gate Bridge is 40 miles (64 km) and roughly a one-hour drive from Palo Alto.
