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The Ultimate San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

From jaw-dropping redwoods to eclectic ocean views, the Golden State really has everything you could ask for. And there’s no better stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway to explore than between San Fran and LA.

It’s a fairly long trip, too, as you’ll cover just under 500 miles. With that in mind, knowing where to stop, what to do, and how to travel are all questions that the weary traveler considers.

Fortunately, that’s where this epic San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip guide comes in, as it has all the details you’ll need. Who knows, maybe this San Francisco road trip will extend into an unforgettable Pacific Northwest adventure.

Without further ado, let’s get going!

San Francisco to Los Angeles

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Where to Fly In and Out Of San Fran & LA?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to fly into the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and depart from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). That said, if you want to do this road trip in the other direction, you most certainly can.

There’s a little more to know about these airports, so let’s tuck into the nitty gritty details.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport is roughly 15 minutes (12.3 miles) away from Downtown San Fran. Generally speaking, it’s fairly easy to and from both destinations. 

However, if you can’t find a flight to SFO, try the Oakland International Airport (OAK). This airport is just over 20 minutes (19.8 miles) from the city and serves as a great alternative if flights from your destination to SFO are all sold out.

You can also hire a car from either airport and choose LA as your drop-off location, making it a straightforward California road trip.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is about a 20-minute trip from Downtown LA, covering about 18.4 miles. That said, this Los Angeles drive to the airport usually takes far longer due to traffic. The traffic in LA really is something else, so taking this into consideration is essential.

Bear in mind that you’ll need at least an extra hour to drive to the airport (yes, it can get that bad) and drop off your rental car. Then there’s the whole fiasco of checking in for your flight at one of the busiest airports in the USA.

Just be sure to give yourself a bit of wiggle room to avoid stressing about missing your flight.

Top Tip: Planning on extending this into a West Coast road trip? Aim to depart from the San Diego International Airport (SFJ), just 10 minutes from San Diego’s center.

How Many Days to Spend Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

This varies from person to person, but it is doable to drive this route in 2 days. Even two days will be a bit stressful, though, and you won’t be able to fit in many of the fantastic stops the SF to LA drive has to offer.

It’s best to plan for a 3-day trip at the very least. This offers you a lot more flexibility in terms of what stops you can make based on your interests.

While three days is optimal, a luxurious expedition that includes most, if not all, of the top stops alongside the Pacific Ocean is a five-day itinerary. Not everyone can travel for this long, so this guide includes a 3-day and a 5-day California road trip itinerary.

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The Route for Your San Francisco to LA Road Trip

There are two fantastic routes you can take when driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 

The coastal drive is often referred to as the scenic route, offering breathtaking views of the iconic west coast. On the other hand, an inland trip offers calming nature walks in redwood forests and quintessential California towns.

While each one has its charms, this guide focuses on Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Overall, it’s the better option based on activities, stops, landmarks, and the enjoyment of the drive.

You may want to make an independent decision, though, so here’s a quick look at the drive for each of these stunning road trip options.

Road Trip From San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1

Starting in San Francisco, you’ll travel along the US 101 southbound for roughly 50 miles, passing through San Jose. From there, you’ll turn onto CA-17 southbound to head toward Santa Cruz before joining onto the CA-1 southbound, driving past Monterey before reaching Carmel-by-the-Sea.

From Carmel, you’ll continue along the CA-1 towards Big Sur. Note that this road has night closures due to landslides that affected the road, so after exploring Big Sur, you may need to double back along the CA-1 northbound toward Carmel. From there, you’ll merge onto the CA-68 eastbound for a short bit before turning right onto US-101 southbound.

Note: If you’re traveling during the day, you can continue along CA-1 from Big Sur all the way to San Simeon, which will cut off 114 miles (two hours) from your journey.

You’ll drive through towns like Pine Canyon and San Miguel before turning onto the CA-46 westbound and then the CA-1 northbound to San Simeon. From San Simeon, you’ll drive along the US-101 southbound, passing through Morro Bay and the Ynez Valley before reaching Santa Barbara. 

You’ll continue along the US-101 until you reach El Rio, where you’ll turn right onto CA-1. While along this road, you’ll pass through scenic areas before reaching Malibu and then the Santa Monica Pier.

It’s then a short 16-mile drive from Santa Monica Pier to Downtown Los Angeles along the I-10 eastbound. In total, this route will cover around 560 miles, with the expected driving time to be around 10 and a half hours.

Road Trip From San Francisco to Los Angeles via Sequoia National Park Route

This route includes visits to some of the best US national parks, so there’s no better place to start than at Yosemite. From San Francisco, you’ll travel I-580 eastbound before merging onto I-205. You’ll then join CA-120 eastbound at West Manteca until you reach the Big Oak Flat Road, which will take you into Yosemite National Park. 

From Yosemite, you’ll head back along the CA-120 westbound until you reach the turnoff off Smith Station Road. Continue southbound before turning right onto Greeley Hill Road. You’ll then merge onto CA-49 southbound, passing through Bear Valley and Mt Bullion before connecting with CA-140. 

The CA-140 will lead you to N Cunningham Road, which ends at the turnoff onto the CA-99 southbound. You’ll then turn onto CA-198 eastbound, leading you all the way to Sequoia National Park.

From Sequoia National Park, you’ll head along CA-65 and CA-99 southbound before merging onto the I-5. This will then take you into Los Angeles County, passing by Santa Clarita and Pasadena before reaching Downtown Los Angeles.

In total, you can expect this trip to cover around 575 miles, with the expected driving time to be around 10 hours and 40 minutes. Just note that the driving time may be extended with excursions through each of the national parks.

The Ideal 3-Day San Francisco to LA Road Trip Itinerary 

While it will be a jam-packed few days, there will be plenty for you to enjoy during a 3-day California Coast road trip. While you won’t be able to do as many activities along the way, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best bits of each noteworthy stop.

From the enigmatic scenery at Big Sur to the dazzling wine scene at Santa Ynez Valley, you’ll be able to enjoy it all. There will be long slots of driving, but they’ll be broken up perfectly by the stops you make along the way.

Now, let’s have a look at what each day can offer in a bit more detail.

Day 1

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Pfeiffer Beach

You’ll do a lot of driving on day one, covering around 208 miles — or just over four hours of driving. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t break it up with some lovely stops along the way. 

Here are some of the top breaks you can make to stretch your weary legs: 

  1. Santa Cruz — Walk along the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
  2. Monterey — Explore Monterey Bay and the aquarium.
  3. Carmel-by-the-Sea — Take a dip at Carmel Beach and see the Carmel Mission.
  4. Big Sur — Visit Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
  5. San Simeon — Explore Hearst Castle.

Note: A stretch of Highway 1 between Big Sur and San Simeon has night closures due to landslides that damaged the roads. If you are traveling at night, keep up to date with the road closure details here.

Where to Stay in Cambria

For a comfortable stay with stunning Pacific Ocean views from Cambria, look no further than The Squibb Houses. This little bed and breakfast offers a complimentary breakfast, which is the perfect way to kickstart a busy day.

The rooms are in a cute cabin-like style, while the picturesque gardens are great for getting some fresh air. It’s also just 9 miles from Hearst Castle, your last stop on day one. >>>Check Availability

Day 2

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Day two is all about enjoying the culinary delights and beachside escapes on offer in California. In total, you’ll spend just over two hours in the car, traveling a distance of around 127 miles.

The following few stops allow you to enjoy the coastal and winery regions along the way: 

  1. Morro Bay — Hike to Morro Rock and swim at Cayucos Beach.
  2. San Luis Obispo — Enjoy lunch at a café, and hike the Bishop Peak Trail, then visit Pismo Beach.
  3. Santa Ynez Valley — Stop at all the best wineries in the region.
  4. Santa Barbara — Spend some time at Stearns Wharf, Inspiration Point, and dinner in Downtown Santa Barbara.

While you can easily lose track of time on the sandy beaches, you don’t want to miss out on some of the lesser-known locations. Think of San Luis Obispo’s famous Mission or Santa Barbara’s lovely art galleries, which make it such a unique little city.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Within walking distance of Stearns Wharf, The Eagle Inn is a classic West Coast accommodation calling out your name. From the plush linen to the antique furniture, it creates a homely stay that everyone can enjoy.

You can tuck into a hearty complimentary breakfast in your room before the day’s adventures. And if you’re looking to venture into the city for a meal, Stearns Wharf is the place to be for delicious seafood and simply breathtaking coastal views. >>>Check Availability

Day 3

San Francisco to Los Angeles

The final day of your three-day road trip has the lowest amount of driving, 106 miles or two and a half hours, to be exact. You could easily just head straight to LA from Santa Barbara, but where’s the fun in that? 

To make the most of your trip, here are some great stops you can do to make the most of your journey:

  1. Malibu — Rest at Zuma Beach, have lunch at the Malibu Farm Restaurant, and enjoy the Los Liones Drive.
  2. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica State Beach and visit the Venice Canals.
  3. Los Angeles — Explore Sunset Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, and dine in style.

After heading south for the last three days, there really is no better place to end your trip than Los Angeles.  

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

For simplicity and elegance, The Metric is a lodging that ticks all those boxes and more. It offers a chic beachside atmosphere with plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows and a soft color palette. 

While the breakfasts on offer are fairly basic, Bestia (a renowned LA restaurant) is just 15 minutes away. It’s also in the heart of the city, so public transportation is easy to find, as well as the city’s top landmarks like Sunset Boulevard. >>>Check Availability

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The Best 5-Day California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a bit more time on your hands, then consider extending your trip to a 5-day California Coast road trip. This itinerary allows you to spend some time in San Fran itself, exploring the bountiful range of attractions on offer in this amazing city.

From the Golden Gate Bridge to Lombard Street, there’s loads for you to enjoy. This trip also ensures you can also experience the untouched stops during a drive from SF to LA.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into this five-day itinerary.

Day 1

San Francisco to Los Angeles

After arriving in San Francisco, day one is all about spending some time exploring the sights and sounds of this glorious city. From wandering off to the various viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge to venturing north to Point Reyes National Seashore, there’s loads to do.

Aside from what’s already been mentioned, here are some of the top activities you can add to your list: 

  1. Cable Cars — Use the iconic cable cars to get from one landmark to the next.
  2. Fisherman’s Wharf — Enjoy classic San Fran fish at one of the wharf’s top restaurants.
  3. Chinatown — Wander through and experience the allure of San Fran’s Chinatown.
  4. Lombard Street — Snap some iconic photos along this steep, winding road.
  5. Union Square — Experience the energy and atmosphere at Union Square.
  6. Presidio of San Francisco — Visit Baker Beach and explore the nature trails in this lovely park.

Simply put, it’s going to be a jam-packed day filled with memorable experiences.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

You can’t go wrong staying at the vibey CitizenM San Francisco in Union Square. Its location alone makes it worth staying at, as you’ll have quick and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

As for the hotel itself, it’s filled with vibrant pop art that makes each room unique. They even offer a delicious buffet breakfast, aesthetic bar, and communal workstations for those who have any last-minute tasks to complete before your road trip. >>>Check Availability

Day 2

Day two is all about taking it easy and traveling to the sleepy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Along the way, you can make stops at Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Pebble Beach before reaching the ultimate destination.

The trip will cover around 123 miles and take you about two and a half hours to complete. But that isn’t factoring in the stops you’ll make along the way, which turn it into a full-day affair.

Some of the top stops to make include:

  1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park — Take on some of the stunning hikes in the region, like the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.
  2. Santa Cruz — Enjoy all the activities recommended in the three-day itinerary.
  3. Monterey Bay — Explore Monterey Bay and Jack’s Peak Park.
  4. Pebble Beach — Spend some time admiring Pebble Beach.
  5. Carmel-by-the-Sea — Visit the stunning art galleries and enjoy the beach.

PS: For a slightly more scenic but longer drive, take the CA-1 southbound, passing Half Moon Bay on your way to Carmel

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

No other accommodation can express the ambiance of Carmel-by-the-Sea quite like the Candle Light Inn. With its quintessential beach style, spacious rooms, and direct access to Carmel Beach, it’s sure to hit all the spots for a lovely, relaxing stay.

While they don’t serve meals here, you can always pop down the road to the 5th Avenue Deli or Casanova for a bite to eat. Plus, all the nearby souvenir shops will help ensure you take home something memorable from your stay in this sleepy little town. >>>Check Availability

Day 3

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Bixby Bridge

Day three offers the least amount of driving necessary, as you’ll cover just 95 miles, amounting to just over two hours in the car. You’ll pass through Big Sur, one of the most scenic drives on California’s Central Coast.

Along the way, be sure to enjoy the following stops before reaching Cambria:

  1. Big Sur — Visit Garrapata State Park, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach.
  2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park — Hike to Canyon Falls and admire McWay Falls from the roadside viewpoint. 
  3. Ragged Point Enjoy the scenery and have lunch at the Ragged Point Inn.
  4. San Simeon — Visit Hearst Castle and see Elephant Seal Vista Point.

It’s a big day filled with sweeping vistas and stunning nature walks, which is something everyone can get behind on a road trip.

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Elephant Seal Vista Point

Where to Stay in Cambria

For an alternative option to the Squibb Houses, then The Rigdon House is sure to tickle your fancy. It’s another lovely little escape from the generic hotels on offer in major cities. 

This is a self-catering option as well, so you can stay at home and make a lovely meal in the fully-kitted kitchen. If you can picture yourself tucking into your favorite dish on the terrace as the sun sets in the distance, then you’re pretty much already here. >>>Check Availability

Day 4 

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Madonna Inn

For day four, you’ll be enjoying the coastal treats between Cambria and Santa Barbara. You’ll be on the road for about two and a half hours, covering 128 miles. Along the way, be sure to stop by the quaint local towns with their welcoming beaches and the top wineries along the San Ynez Valley.

Some top stops include:

  1. Cayucos — Stop for breakfast at The Hidden Kitchen and enjoy Cayucos Beach.
  2. Morro Bay — Explore Morro Rock and taste-test the local food stalls.
  3. San Luis Obispo — Try the Bishop Peak Trail, visit the Mission, and stop at Pismo Beach.
  4. Santa Ynez Valley — Stop at the top vineyards, like Roblar Winery and Crown Point Vineyards.
  5. Santa Barbara — Explore Downtown Santa Barbara and enjoy the beaches like Leadbetter and Butterfly Beach.

With so much on offer, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car, stretch those legs, and make some everlasting memories.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

For those looking to stay in Santa Barbara in style, El Encanto is a five-star hotel that leaves nothing to chance. From the lovely heated pool and wellness center to the stunning on-site restaurant and spacious rooms, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Some rooms offer private balconies, while others have lovely sunrooms with scenic views. And if that’s not enough to convince you, maybe the fact that the hotel is less than half a mile from the Santa Barbara Mission and botanical gardens will change your mind. >>>Check Availability

Day 5

The final day of this trip can be spent in a similar fashion to the last day of the other itinerary. You’ll be able to travel through Malibu to Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy a sun-soaked day of fun. All in all, you’ll be on the road for around two and a half hours — or 108 miles.

After getting into Los Angeles, check into your hotel for the night before exploring the city. As one of the most famous cities in the world, you can also imagine that the dining options are out of this world, so be sure to splurge on dinner. A great option that is well worth the price is Bestia or Providence, depending on which part of town you’re in.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

If you’re looking to rent out your own little slice of heaven in the City of Angels, then Sonder The Craftsman is a great option. This open-plan B&B has a simple yet striking design, letting the powerful artworks throughout the lodging take center stage.

You’ll even arrive at your room with a lovely plate of aperitifs and a bottle of wine to celebrate the occasion. And if you don’t want to cook on your last night of the trip, Bestia is no more than a 20-minute drive away. >>>Check Availability

15 Best Stops for Your San Francisco to LA Drive

Do you like the sound of those two itineraries but want to know what else you can enjoy? Here’s a list of the 15 best stops to make during your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

You can change up the above itineraries to include any of the activities that pique your interest. 

See Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco to Los Angeles

When in San Fran, you can’t miss out on the Golden Gate Bridge. While you can’t go wrong driving across this famous bridge, there are a couple of stunning viewpoints throughout the city to capture the perfect memory.

These include: 

  1. Marshall’s Beach — Hike the short Battery to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio of San Francisco.
  2. Marin Headlands Vista Point — Aim to take photos from this vista at the top of Hawk Hill during the blue hour (just after sunset).
  3. Battery Spencer Golden Gate Bridge Lookout — This is a great option once you’ve crossed the bridge and are looking back over the city.
  4. Fort Point — Lastly, on the other side of the Presidio of San Francisco, Fort Point offers a unique perspective of the bridge, much like at Marshall’s Beach.

Wander Through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Resting just outside of Santa Cruz, this State Park is a fantastic opportunity to taste what you would see if you did the Sequoia National Park route. It’s a relatively small park, so you won’t have to wander aimlessly to find the best trails.

Speaking of trails, the two you should definitely take on include the Redwood Grove Loop Trail and the Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail. They are equally breathtaking, with the one meandering amongst towering redwoods and the other exploring the lush Fall Creek riverside.

Stop in Santa Cruz

When in Santa Cruz, you can’t go wrong exploring the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is definitely the best amusement park in the area. From fun rides for the kids to enjoy and lovely coastal views to take in, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

If you’re looking for a more nature-filled stop, consider trekking along the 4.1-mile out-and-back West Cliff Drive. You’ll pass by all of Santa Cruz’s amazing coastal attractions, including West Cliff, Mitchell’s Cove Beach, and Point Santa Cruz.

Explore Monterey Bay

For another family-oriented stop, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is well worth the effort. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you can enjoy everything from their deep sea exhibit to visiting their iconic sea otter rehabilitation center.

While the aquarium is the showstopper, visiting the Harbor Seal Observation Area or having a picnic at Jack’s Peak Park are also great ideas.

Enjoy Carmel-by-the-Sea

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the epitome of a sleepy beachside town, so it only makes sense to slow down and soak up the views at Carmel and Pebble Beach. When you’re not tanning on the beach, the Carmel Mission is a fantastic place to get a taste of the town’s history, art, and culture all in one place. 

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is also within earshot of the town and offers some fantastic attractions. From Sea Lion Point to Cypress Grove, the photo opportunities are endless.

Explore Big Sur

McWay Falls

You can plan an entire road trip just for Big Sur, which shows just how much is on offer in this majestic part of California. From its beautiful beaches to its historic sites, there are plenty of viewpoints to enjoy along the way. 

To help you know what to look out for, here’s a quick list of the top attractions in Big Sur:

  1. Garrapata State Park — 8.6 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
  2. Bixby Creek Bridge — 6.5 miles from Garrapata State Park.
  3. Pfeiffer Beach — 15.9 miles from Bixby Bridge.
  4. McWay Falls — 12.1 miles from Pfeiffer Beach.

Visit the Hearst Castle at San Simeon

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Just 4.8 miles from San Simeon, one of the first stops you simply have to make is at the Elephant Seal Vista Point. From here, you’ll be able to see the elephant seals sunbathing on a beach they’ve claimed as their own.

When you’re done there, pop past Hearst Castle. This historic museum has 123 acres of pristine garden and 105 rooms packed to the brim with historical artifacts and artwork. It truly is a destination worth its weight in gold.

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Enjoy the Beach at Morro Bay and Cayucos

As you get closer to LA, Cayucos and Morro Bay are two lovely little towns worth visiting. At Cayucos, you can soak up the Sunshine State’s beauty at Estero Bluffs State Park and the local beach. 

When you reach Morro Bay, hiking to Morro Rock from Coleman Park offers countless photo opportunities. And that’s not all, as the food stalls along Morro Bay’s Pier are notoriously good.

Admire the San Luis Obispo

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Madonna Inn

Founded in 1772, the San Luis Obispo Mission is one of the oldest in California, making it worth the stop just to say you’ve been there. From the Jardin Gardens to the iconic Bell Ringer Companero, the hidden gems on offer may see you spending a bit more time here than you first thought.

While the Mission is the talk of the town, you’ll also want to strap on those hiking boots and take on the Bishop Peak Trail. It’s a fairly strenuous 3.7-mile trek, but it’ll all be worth it once you reach its stunning viewpoint.

Top Tip: It may be an extra 15 minute-drive, but stopping by Pismo Beach for a few hours after visiting San Luis Obispo is a great idea.

Taste Some Wine at Santa Ynez Valley

The next stretch of your journey will take you through one of Santa Barbara’s best wine regions, known as Santa Ynez Valley. There are plenty of wineries to pick from, but here are the best of the lot that are worth the stop:

  1. Roblar Winery — Offers a fantastic wine-tasting experience.
  2. Amévive — Is a great example of regenerative wine-making practices.
  3. Piazza Family Wines — Stunning views of Ballard Canyon, along with some lovely wines.
  4. Grimm’s Bluff — Offers an eclectic array of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
  5. Crown Point Vineyards — Known for their Bordeaux varieties.

Soak Up the Scenery at Santa Barbara

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Think of Santa Barbara as a precursor to what you can expect in LA. Stearns Wharf is like Santa Barbara’s version of the Santa Monica Pier. Its lovely Leadbetter, Butterly, and Arroyo Burro beaches give you a taste of Venice and Santa Monica Beach.

Downtown Santa Barbara offers a similar array of fantastic eateries and the groovy vibe of Downtown LA. Then there’s Inspiration Point, providing a similar range of stunning views to Griffith Park.

See Channel Islands National Park

San Francisco to Los Angeles

As one of the most remote national parks in the USA, visiting the Channel Islands isn’t exactly an easy process. That said, you’ll probably be remiss if you don’t at least consider visiting this unique park.

A visit will probably add an extra day to your trip, but you’ll be able to enjoy a day of stunning hikes, unique wildlife, and unforgettable views. To get to the islands, you’ll need to join a boat trip from the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center

Next Read: Check out this guide to camping in the Channel Islands.

Feel Like Royalty in Malibu

Known as the coastal oasis for the uber-wealthy, Malibu is nothing short of sensational. And seeing as you’re passing through, you may as well soak up the town’s best bits.

From relaxing at Malibu Pier to watching the surfers at Zuma Beach, the atmosphere of this beachside town is immaculate. It’s also a great idea to tuck into a delicious meal at the Malibu Farm Restaurant.

And to wrap up your time in Malibu with scenic bliss, Los Liones Drive offers unforgettable views of the Pacific coastline.

Explore the Santa Monica Pier

Now, you cannot visit LA without visiting Santa Monica Pier. It’s featured in countless movies, series, and even video games, so it’s a destination everyone can recognize.

It also offers loads of fun stuff to do, from exploring the amusement park to watching the kite surfers do their thing at Santa Monica State Beach. You can walk along the golden beach and even feel like you’re in Italy at the Venice Canals.

PS: Walking along the Third Street Promenade is also a fantastic way to enjoy this lovely little slice of LA.

Touch Down in Los Angeles

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Last but certainly not least, you have Los Angeles, the City of Angels. It’s honestly impossible to squeeze in everything you can do in the city, but there are a few things you simply can’t miss out on. 

These include:

  1. Sunset Boulevard — Offers the best nightlife in LA.
  2. Rodeo Drive — This is where the shopaholic can have some fun.
  3. Hollywood — From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to its iconic filming sets, there’s plenty to see here.
  4. Griffith Park — Offers a tranquil escape from the city and some of the best views in LA.

Top Tip: You can see a lot of what LA has to offer on this half-day tour.

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FAQs About a San Francisco-Los Angeles Road Trip

Before heading off on one of the best road trips known to man, here are some popular questions with all the answers you’ll need.

How Long Is the Drive From San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The most direct and fastest route to Los Angeles from San Fran is along the I-5, covering 383 miles and taking just over six hours to complete. However, with the stops made along this road trip, you can expect it to take anywhere between three and five days to complete. 

Is There a Scenic Train From San Francisco to Los Angeles?

As a matter of fact, yes, there is. Known as the Coast Starlight Train, you can book the train from SF to LA with Amtrak. The only downside is that you won’t be able to enjoy all the stops included along this road trip.

What Towns Are Halfway Between San Francisco and Los Angeles?

Towns at the halfway mark between SF and LA include Cambria, Morro Bay, and Luis Obispo.

Final Thoughts on the Ultimate SF to LA Road Trip

San Francisco to Los Angeles
Pfeiffer Beach

Now that you have all the details, you can begin booking those flights and packing those bags for your epic San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. As you can see, there’s loads you can do, from seeing one of the most photographed bridges in the world to simply admiring America’s West Coast.

Just keep in mind that going coastal is definitely the best route, as it offers everything the inland route has and more.

Next Read: Things to do in Point Reyes

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