What’s the best way to drive to LA from San Francisco? Interested in a scenic SF to LA drive?
Here’s the most scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles with 20 unmissable places to see along the Pacific Coast.
THE MOST SCENIC ROUTE FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES
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Los Angeles from San Francisco
This marvelous California coast road trip goes from the north to the south – from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
This San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip takes the best route from San Francisco to Los Angeles and one of the most scenic roads in the World – the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1).
This San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip takes a scenic route from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Driving San Francisco to Los Angeles scenic route and driving the Pacific Coast Highway means basking in stunning coastal views, pristine beaches, unspoiled forest and nature trails, charming vineyards, admiring upscale golf courses, picturesque Californian seaside towns, and villages, luxury multi-dollar mansions, and creative cozy cottages.
Without any doubt, this scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Highway 1 is the best drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles!
In case you are wondering how far is San Francisco from Los Angeles, the distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles is about 385 miles (620 km).
But this San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is not about distances and miles, but about impressions and experiences the San Francisco to LA Pacific Coast Highway road trip offers. The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles can easily be covered. But impressions and experiences are ones to be counted on this road trip. This Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles offers an abundance of impressions and experiences.
Been there, done that. Speaking from my own experience. The road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles grants so much fun!!
San Francisco Los Angeles by car is one of the best drives in life you can treat yourself with!
Want to have the most scenic San Fran to Los Angeles drive?!
Here’s my San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip with 20 top places to go in California from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
THE MOST BREATHTAKING SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP: San Francisco to l.a.
San Francisco to Los Angeles Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic drive San Francisco to Los Angeles
- SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP: 20 Best Stops on the Scenic Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles
- 1. San Francisco
- 2. Monterey
- 3. Pacific Grove (17-Mile Drive)
- 4. Mos Beach, Pebble Beach (17-Mile Drive)
- 5. Monterey Peninsula golf courses (17-Mile Drive)
- 6. Lone Cypress (17-Mile Drive)
- 7. Carmel-by-the-Sea
- 8. Point Lobos State Park
- 9. Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur)
- 10. McWay Falls (Big Sur)
- 11. Elephant seal vista point (Big Sur)
- 12. Hearst Castle
- 13. Cambria
- 14. Morro Bay
- 15. Solvang
- 16. Santa Ynez
- 17. Santa Barbara
- 18. Malibu
- 19. Santa Monica
- 20. Los Angeles
- San Francisco to Los Angeles driving route
- The 10-Day San Francisco-Los Angeles road trip itinerary
- RECOMMENDED TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP
- The best time to take a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles
- SF to LA road trip map
- FAQ
- How far is San Francisco from LA?
- How long to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Pacific Coast Highway?
SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP: 20 Best Stops on the Scenic Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles
This wonderful West Coast USA road trip starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles.
You can rent a car at SFO Airport and return it at LAX Airport. But if you prefer to do this ultimate California road trip in the opposite direction driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, don’t worry. You can rent a car at LAX Airport, enjoy the scenic drive from LA to San Francisco, and give the car back at SFO Airport.
Click here to get the best car rental rates:
− For your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles: SFO Car Rentals
− For your road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco: LAX Car Rentals
San Francisco to LA scenic route – Places to visit from San Francisco to Los Angeles:
1. San Francisco
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: San Francisco
The City by the Bay attracts over 17 million tourists a year.
And with a good reason: San Fransisco is simply stunning. It’s easy to fall in love with the gorgeous San Francisco Bay, the fascinating turquoise Pacific Ocean, the hilly San Francisco streets, and colorful Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
I enjoyed a ride in the San Francisco old-time cable car in the Fisherman’s Wharf. I felt good to be a part of the welcoming, culturally diverse, and tolerant community of San Francisco.
San Francisco is world-famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars, 43 hills, Twin Peaks, Alcatraz prison, zig-zag Lombard Street, Alamo Square with vibrant Painted ladies, exciting and culturally diverse community, hippies and liberal society, legendary Chinatown, and Castro neighborhood, Fisherman’s Wharf, great seafood, Ghiradelli chocolate, Dirty Harry movie, and Transamerica Pyramid skyscraper.
If you are visiting San Francisco for the first time, consider spending at least 3 days in San Francisco.
My list of the recommended best things to do in San Francisco for first-time visitors is:
– take a photo of the Golden Gate for your private album (yes, it is a touristy thing but you make your memories!),
– have a cable car ride (a one-way ticket costs 7 USD),
– stroll historic Fisherman’s Wharf,
– have some chocolate at Ghirardelli Square,
– visit curvy Lombard Street, (Have a Lombard Loop GoCar!)
– enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of SF from the popular Twin Peaks,
– visit the infamous Alcatraz (go for Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise!),
– explore well-known Chinatown and Castro,
– visit Alamo Square and see colorful Painted Ladies (take a Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour!)
– have a picnic or just relax next to the Palace of Fine Arts (feel like a local!),
– ‘get lost’ in SF downtown.
Okay, this is only a shortlist of things to do in San Francisco.
7 days in San Francisco would be great. But you are on your road trip to California.
So, plan 3 days in San Franciso and get on the road. An awesome trip has just started!
Where to stay in San Francisco (recommended hotels in San Francisco):
Hotel Nikko San Francisco (5-min away from Union Square),
Americania Hotel (in SoMa neighborhood),
Inn San Francisco (in the Mission),
Stanyan Park Hotel (in Haight-Ashbury),
Courtyard by Marriot Fishermans Wharf (in Fisherman’s Wharf)
RELATED READ: Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco For Tourists
2. Monterey
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Monterey
San Francisco to Monterey
After San Francisco, put Monterey on your California coast road trip itinerary.
From San Francisco take Freeway 101 (US-101) and then scenic California’s Highway 1 (CA-1) and you are going to be in Monterey in 2 hours.
Monterey is a lovely historic Californian town. Once the capital of Alta California and a former cannery town, popularized by John Steinbeck’s novel, modern Monterey is home to one of the best aquariums in the US.
My list of recommended things to do in Monterey is:
– stroll around Old Monterey with historic houses (the Monterey State Historic Park),
– visit Monterey’s Old Whaling station (the entrance is free!),
– walk along the Cannery Row,
– treat yourself to a seafood lunch in one of the restaurants,
– amuse yourself with the underwater world of the Monterey Bay Aquarium (especially with the psychedelic jellies),
– watch the sea lions from the Monterey piers, or
– go for a Monterey Bay whale-watching tour,
– visit Monterey’s public beaches; and
– if you have time opt for a longer stop to do some biking along 29 mile-long (47 km-long) Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.
Recommended stay in Monterey:
Monterey Plaza Hotel,
Monterey Bay Inn
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| San Francisco to Monterey | 115 mi (185 km) | 2 h |
3. Pacific Grove (17-Mile Drive)
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Pacific Grove
Monterey to Pacific Grove
The next place to visit in California on your trip is Pacific Grove, nicknamed ‘the Butterfly Town’.
Pacific Grove is a small Californian coastal town with old-fashioned charm and a 10-minute drive from Monterey.
Pacific Grove represents a mix of natural beauty and historic architecture. Pacific Grove offers its visitors walkable downtown with historic old Victorian buildings and houses which are converted to B&Bs, the iconic Pacific Grove lighthouse (the oldest continuously working lighthouse on the West Coast!), and pretty Lover’s Point, and overall spectacular scenery. The drive along Ocean View Blvd is lovely just as scenic 17-Mile Drive with breathtaking vistas is.
Pacific Grove is popularly called ‘the Butterfly Town’. In October thousands of Monarch butterflies come to the cypress and eucalyptus trees of the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. Butterfly Parade and Bazaar take place in Pacific Grove every October to celebrate their return. Pacific Grove isn’t as touristy as Monterey or Carmel-by-the Sea. It’s more relaxing and somewhat sleepy, but doubtlessly charming.
Recommended stay in Pacific Grove:
Green Gables Inn, Gosby House Inn, Seven Gables Inn
Recommended restaurants in Pacific Grove:
Red House Cafe (you should try Crab Cake Benedict!), Max’s Grill, Fandango, Passionfish (famous for innovative seafood)
When you pass Pacific Grove and drive more south one of the highlights of the road trip comes – the official beginning of the famous 17-Mile Drive.
Iconic 17-Mile Drive starts from Pacific Grove Gate. The 17-Mile Drive is a 17-mile long road from Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Although Carmel can be reached in only 20 min, a slow drive with several stops for taking photos along the route from Pacific Grove to Carmel can take up to 3 hours.
Today this historic road is privately owned and managed by the Pebble Beach Corporation. Here you will need to pay the 17-Mile Drive toll which costs 10.25 USD per vehicle and it can be paid in cash only. But the good news is, that the toll is reimbursed for all purchases of a minimal 35 USD at almost all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants.
17-Mile Drive is one of the most romantic roads in the World. It was first opened in 1881 to horse carriages. While bicycles are allowed, motorbikes are forbidden on the 17-Mile Drive.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Monterey to Pacific Grove | 2 mi (3 km) | 5 min |
4. Mos Beach, Pebble Beach (17-Mile Drive)
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Pebble Beach
Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach
Driving further south of Pacific Grove along 17-Mile Drive, you will enter Pebble Beach.
Pebble Beach is a gated community in the Monterey Peninsula between Monterey and Carmel. The Pebble Baech is a famous upscale Californian tourist destination. It is also a synonym for elegance and romance. Prices of homes in Pebble Beach are about tens of millions of dollars.
About 3 miles south of Pacific Grove next to Spanish Bay you will reach Moss Beach in the Pebble Beach community. Moss Beach is a sandy beach with cobbled stones in the back. This impressive beach is well of a stop!
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Pacific Grove to Moss Beach | 2.7 mi (4 km) | 8 min |
5. Monterey Peninsula golf courses (17-Mile Drive)
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: 17-Mile Drive
Monterey golf courses on Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Along the 17-mile Drive between Pacific Grove and Carmel, you will get stunning million-dollar views of the world’s celebrated golf courses.
The Monterey Peninsula is a golf paradise as the area holds the largest number of world-class golf courses in the World. It is a world-renowned golf destination with the most dramatic natural setting in the World and thus a bucket list of golf devotees. Bookings for the courses are made several months in advance.
While golf courses are pricey, enjoying the surrounding scenery is free. The dazzling scenery of the coastal dunes, beaches, golf fields, and forest will make you stop several times.
Most likely you won’t be playing golf there, but a road trip following the 17-mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel is as good as golf.
Here are some golf clubs you will see along the 17-Mile Drive: The Links of Spanish Bay (a public golf course. Weekdays and weekends fees are the same, 260 USD), the Pebble Beach Golf Links (another public golf course. The fees for weekends and weekdays are 495 USD), the Cypress Point Club (among Top 100 Golf Courses in the World and America’s Greatest Golf Courses. Famed to be the World’s most exclusive golf club and often described as a Haven on Earth), the Monterey Peninsula Country Golf (another scenic private golf course).
Click here to see the interactive map of Monterey Peninsula golf courses
Recommended Stay: The Inn at Spanish Bay
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Pacific Grove to Monterey Peninsula golf courses | 5 mi (8 km) | 13 min |
6. Lone Cypress (17-Mile Drive)
Monterey golf courses to Lone Cypress on 17-mile Drive Monterey
Continue driving the 17- Mile Drive and your next stop on the scenic route from SF to LA is the Lone Cypress.
The Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach is the most famous cypress tree in the World. And one of the most photographed trees in the world ever.
The Lone Cypress is a landmark of California and everyone wants a photo of it. There’s no doubt, you want your photo too. It is believed to be about 250 years old. The Lonely Cypress is a rare and protected Monterey cypress, a special species native to the Central Coast of California.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Monterey Peninsula golf courses to Lone Cypress | 1.2 mi (2 km) | 4 min |
7. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Lone Cypress to Carmel
A 10-minute drive via 17-Mile Drive from the Lonely Cypress takes you to the next stop on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip – Carmel.
Carmel-by-the Sea is a small seaside town with an artsy vibe, and many upscale art galleries, pricey shops, gourmet restaurants, storybook-like cottages, a gorgeous sandy dog-friendly beach, and amazing landscapes.
Although it has fewer than 4,000 people, some residents are the world’s superstars like Clint Eastwood, a major of Carmel in the 1980s, and Doris Day who runs an animal shelter in Carmel. At the beginning of the 20th century, Carmel was a colony of writers, poets, and artists. Nature lovers, writers, musicians, artists, and other creative personalities especially love Carmel. Today Carmel is also known as the pet-friendliest town in the US as pets are welcome everywhere in Carmel! And Carmel Beach is one of the top dog-friendly beaches in California!
If you are a foodie like me, then there’s no doubt you would enjoy this delicious 3-hour Carmel Small-Group Walking Food & Cultural Tour!
It’s no secret, I fell in love with Carmel at first sight. If you ask me where I would live in California, my finger would be pointing to Carmel on the map.
My favorite things to do in Carmel-by-the Sea:
– take a walk along sandy and dog-friendly Carmel Beach,
– go for a drink at the sunny patio of Mission Ranch with some fine jazz sounds in the background (Clint Eastwood is a co-owner of the Mission Ranch),
– visit nearby Carmel Mission and
– enjoy its old Spanish Adobe architecture and charm.
Recommended stay in Carmel-by-the Sea:
Lamp Lighter Inn,
Mission Ranch,
L’Auberge
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Lone Cypress to Carmel-by-the Sea | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 12 min |
8. Point Lobos State Park
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Point Lobos
Carmel to Point Lobos
The next stop on this scenic San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal drive is Point Lobos. It is only 4 miles south of Carmel, between Carmel and Big Sur.
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is often called ‘the crown jewel of California’s 280 state parks. It offers beautiful vistas, serenity, and many great photo opportunities.
Point Lobos State Reserve is a great place for sightseeing, hiking, and watching sea lions, seabirds, and whales. Don’t forget to take your camera with you. It is a photographer’s paradise!
The Point Lobos got its name after sea lions. Early Spanish explorers called sea lions sea wolves. Several reserve trails go along the shoreline through the woods and meadows. The hikes range from easy ones such as the Cypress Grove trail to more difficult ones that take climbing such as the Whalers Knoll. A hike in the reserve can go up to 5 hours.
Working hours of the Point Lobos reserve: 8 am-5 pm. Car entrance fee: 10 USD. You can park your car at Whaler’s Cove parking lot. Point Lobos reserve can be overcrowded in summer, especially at weekends.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Carmel-by-the Sea to Point Lobos | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 1o min |
9. Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur)
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Big Sur
Point Lobos to Bixby Bridge on Big Sur
Scenic San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is impossible without visiting the iconic Big Sur and Bixby Bridge.
Legendary Big Sur and Bixby Bridge are some highlights of a scenic drive from San Fran to LA!
Big Sur is among the most beautiful passages in the World and the most scenic drive on California Hwy 1. It is a 100 mi-long (145 km-long) area of rustic beauty and is home to 9 state parks and several hiking trails. Big Sur goes from Carmel in the north to San Simeon in the south.
The Bixby Bridge is a world-famous landmark of Big Sur. It is among the tallest single-span bridges in the World.
If you wish to spend some more time in spectacular Big Sur scenery, here are recommended things to do in Big Sur: hike some of several parks (Julia Pfeiffer State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Garapatta State Park, or Andrew Molera State Park), or head to Pfeiffer Beach or Sand Dollar Beach. Or try out glamping in Big Sur!
Recommended restaurants in Big Sur:
Sierra Mar Restaurant,
Nepenthe
RELATED READ:
15 Absolutely Best Airbnbs in Big Sur
16 Best Things Do in Big Sur
The 12 Coziest Cabins in Big Sur
Best Big Sur Glamping Sites
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Point Lobos to Bixby Creek Bridge | 11 mi (18 km) | 17 min |
10. McWay Falls (Big Sur)
Bixby Bridge to McWay Fall on Big Sur
A 40-minute drive from the Bixby Bridge via California Hyw 1 along THE Pacific Coast will take you to another Big Sur landmark and unmissable stop – the McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
The McWay Creek drops directly into the Pacific Ocean creating one of the most scenic waterfalls in the world.
Make a quick stop for a spectacular overlook of the waterfall. There are two ways to reach the McWay Falls Overlook Trail. Park along Hyw 1 and hike 0.3 miles down to the viewpoint. If you want to see more of the park, you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 USD.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Bixby Creek Bridge to McWay Falls | 24 mi (39 km) | 38 min |
11. Elephant seal vista point (Big Sur)
McWay Fall to Elephant Seal Vista Point on Big Sur
San Francisco to LA drive continues and your next stop is the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The viewing area of elephant seals is a part of the Piedras Blancas Outstanding Natural Area.
Elephant Seal Vista Point is in the southern part of Big Sur, 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas and 5 miles north of Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
The elephant seals come ashore and form colonies only for a few months to give birth, breed, and molt. Elephant Seals are protected earless seals. It could be up to 18,000 elephants on the 4-mile-long San Simeon State beach.
Stop your drive from SF to LA for a few moments, park your car in the parking area of the Elephant Seals Big Sur vista point, and enjoy their loud chorus.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| McWay Falls to Elephant Seal Vista Point | 40 mi (64 km) | 1 h |
12. Hearst Castle
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Hearst Castle
Big Sur to Hearst Castle
Keep driving on Pacific Highway and about 53 mi south of McWay Falls you will come to Hearst Castle.
The Hearst Castle in San Simeon was the home of newspaper magnate Randolf Hearst. The castle is an extravagant palace with 165 rooms, and 127 acres (51 ha) of gardens, fountains, and pools. The art collection of the castle is one of the most impressive collections in the World holding European masterpieces, oriental rugs, tapestries, and Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiques to name a few. The castle gives an insight into the lifestyle of Holywood’s elite of the ’50s and ’60s who were Hearst’s friends and regular visitors. The castle sits at 1600 m above sea level and the vistas from the castle are sublime.
Today the castle is a California landmark. More than one million people a year visit Hearst Castle.
You can easily spend a day at the castle. Tickets are sold at the Visitors Center and a tour bus takes the visitors up the hill to start the tour.
The Visors Center opens at 8 a.m. The ticket starts at 25 USD per adult and 12 USD per kid.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Elephant Seal Vista Point to Hearst Castle | 5 mi (8 km) | 12 min |
13. Cambria
Hearst Castle to Cambria
A 15-minute drive further south on California Highway One (CA-1) from the Hearst Castle leads to Cambria.
Cambria is another picturesque oceanside spot with a village charm. It is located right in the middle of San Francisco and LA, 240 mi south of SF and 240 mi north of LA. Cambria is well-known for its wildflowers, especially blooming in spring.
Cambria is a popular place in California for antiques and art, artwork, handicrafts, and vintage clothing, but also for restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. The Moonstone Beach in Cambria with tide pools and semi-precious stones is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the US.
Book your stay in Cambria: Click here to get the best rates for your stay in Cambria
Are you interested in more USA road trips like this one? If so, you should check out my The Ultimate USA Southwest Road Trip: California-Arizona-Nevada
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Heart Castle to Cambria | 9 mi (14 km) | 15 min |
14. Morro Bay
Scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Morro Bay
Cambria to Morro Bay
A half-hour drive south along California Highway 1 (CA-1) comes Morro Bay, popularly called the Gibraltar of the Pacific.
Morro Bay is a Californian waterfront small town known for 581 feet (177 m) of volcanic Morro Rock in Morro Bay’s harbor.
The bay is one of the largest estuaries on the west coast. Morro Bay can easily be explored on foot.
The town is a well-liked eco-tourist destination in California, especially appreciated by sea mammal lovers and bird watchers as it is a bird sanctuary.
Morro Bay is popular among surfers for Morro Strand State Beach.
Recommended restaurants in Morro Bay:
Taco de Mexico,
Bayside cafe,
Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
Book your stay in Morro Bay:
Click here to get the best rates for your stay in Morro Bay
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Cambria to Morro Bay | 20 mi (32 km) | 30 min |
15. Solvang
Morro Bay to Solvang
After numerous stunning sea vistas, you will enjoy a change in scenery and a completely different vibe on your next stop.
A short detour off the route will take you to another fairytale town in California – Solvang.
Solvang, nicknamed ‘California’s Little Danemark’ and ‘Danish Capital of America’ is a cute and unique town where the old-world charm mixes with the Nothern European atmosphere. It was founded in the early 20th century by Danish pioneers. Solvang means ‘sunny field’. Early Solvang settlers were farmers from Danemark who built Danish-style houses and windmills, gave to the streets Danish names, and kept cherishing Danish tradition and customs. The town has been reflecting Danish culture and Danish-style village ever since.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Solvang, I would say:
- walk along Copenhagen Drive (the main street in Solvang),
- shop for some authentic gifts (cuckoo clocks, wooden shoes),
- visit old Spanish adobe Mission Santa Ines and Hans Christian Andersen Museum,
- treat yourself to some treats in authentic Danish bakeries (like Danish butter cookies, Danish waffles, Winerbrod Danish pastries, marzipan, kringles, almond ring cakes, ‘aebleskiver’ – Danish pancake balls served with raspberry jam) or
- take this amazing Solvang Food and Photo Tour for lifelong memories
Recommended bakeries and shops in Solvang:
Danish Mill Bakery, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery &b Coffee Shop, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate, Old Danish Food Farm, Paula’s Pancake House (for Danish pancakes, Danish sausages)
Recommended wineries:
Lincourt Vineyards; Gypsy Studios (offers a 2-hour painting session in the vineyard!)
Book your stay in Solvang: Check here to get the best rates for your stay in Solvang
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Morro Bay to Solvang | 80 mi (128 km) | 1 h 20 min |
16. Santa Ynez
Solvang to Santa Ynez
When visiting Solvang, it would be a pity not to visit Santa Ynez. The town of Santa Ynez is a completely different story from Solvang and it is only 4 miles from Solvang.
Can you remember, I told you that driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the ultimate driving treat?!
Well, welcome to Santa Ynez, welcome to a cowboy-style town!
Santa Ynez is a rustic cowboy-style town full of history, with surrounding rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. Santa Ynez Valley with more than 100 wineries is a popular wine-tasting destination in the US, but much low-key than Napa or Sonoma. Prices of wine tasting average 10 – 15 USD. Local families run the vineyards and wine-tasting rooms in Solvang. Don’t forget to visit the famous Santa Ynez wineries! Join this fabulous Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour for unforgettable memories of Santa Ynez.
Drive smart and combine your visit to Solvang with a visit to Santa Ynez.
Recommended places to visit in Santa Ynez:
Sunstone Vineyards and Winery,
Bridlewood Estate Winery, Rancho Olivos ( for testing extra virgin olive on the farm).
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Solvang to Santa Ynez | 4 mi (6 km) | 6 min |
17. Santa Barbara
Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara
After visiting wineries, vineyards, and farms in Santa Ynez, your next destination is Santa Barbara aka ‘American Riviera’.
Oh, you are going to love Riviera’s vibe!
As soon as you come to Santa Barbara you will notice wonderful architecture. And only in a few minutes, you will immerse yourself in great restaurants and shops.
State Street is the heart and the most famous avenue in Santa Barbara. Stroll State Street with art galleries, and check out some of over 300 shops, theaters, museums, and 160 restaurants in Santa Barbara. Of course, don’t miss visiting historic sites in Santa Barbara like the spectacular Santa Barbara courthouse built in Spanish-Moorish architecture with colorful interior mosaics of Santa Barabara Old Mission (the entrance fee is 9 USD). And check out Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the Amtrak Train Station!
As an obvious gourmand, I’d recommend Downtown Santa Barbara Food Tour and Small-Group Santa Barbara Wine Tour.
Recommended restaurants in Santa Barbara:
Los Agaves, Mesa Verde, Arigato Sushi, the Lark.
Book your stay in Santa Barbara: Check here options for your stay in Santa Barbara
RELATED: 18 Absolutely Best Santa Barbara Airbnbs
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara | 30 mi (48 km) | 40 min |
18. Malibu
Santa Barbara to Malibu
Driving from San Francisco to LA gets more exciting with each new stop!
After visiting Santa Barbara and hopefully not overcharging your credit card, you are continuing to drive from San Francisco to LA and the next stop is Malibu.
Malibu is a beach town, a popular weekend hideaway, and home of many Holywood celebrities. Malibu is famous for weekend beach homes, sandy beaches, cliffs, piers, and restaurants. Malibu is almost all about the sea, beach, relaxation, and good times.
One of the main attractions in Malibu is the Getty Villa, a part of the John Getty Museum. The Getty Villa in Malibu is built in Italian villa style and it holds a collection of more than 44000 Roman, Etruscan, and Greek artifacts and fine European art.
In Malibu, make a short stop to Zuma Beach, hike trails to Point Dume Natural Preserve, enjoy the ocean views from the famous Geoffrey’s where once Frank Sintra, Marylin Monroe, and Lana Turner had dined frequently, or go to legendary Paradise Cove Beach Cafe and don’t be surprised if you stumble on a celebrity there.
RELATED: Best Airbnbs in Malibu
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Santa Barbara to Malibu | 67 mi (108 km) | 1 h 10 min |
19. Santa Monica
Malibu to Santa Monica
After Malibu, Santa Monica is the next stop on this San Francisco to LA itinerary. When someone mentions Santa Monica, the first thoughts are most likey Santa Monica beaches, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.
Santa Monica is widely known for its beaches, sea, sand, wind, sunsets, and relaxed vibe.
Visiting the iconic Santa Monica Pier that officially marks the end of Historic Route 66 is a must in Santa Monica.
My list of the best things to do in Santa Monica is:
- catch the sunset at Palisades Park overlooking the ocean and the pier,
- walk the 3rd Street Promenade for some shopping or just for people-watching,
- buy some fresh fruit at Santa Monica’s Farmer Market,
- have a fine Mexican dinner at Mercado,
- enjoy homemade ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery or
- go for a wood-fired pizza at Milo & Olive.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Malibu to Santa Monica | 19 mi (30 km) | 28 min |
20. Los Angeles
Santa Monica to Los Angeles
And finally, your last stop on this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary is the City of Angeles.
Your San Fran to LA drive was magical but movie magic awaits you in La La Land. It’s your time to have some fun in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
If you are visiting LA for the first time, plan to spend 3 days in Los Angeles.
A list of things to do in LA in 3 days can be quite long. But as a first-timer in Los Angeles, you will unarguably enjoy:
– take a walk along the Holywood Walk of Fame and find the handprints of your favorite movie stars,
– tour the Chinese Theater and recall the Holywood Golden Age,
– visit the Dolby Theater (former Kodak Theater) where Academy Awards are held,
– visit Universal Studios in Hollywood (go for Skip the Line: Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood)
– drive down Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive,
– go to Griffith Observatory and visit Getty Center (check out Demystifying Art at The Getty – One-Hour)
– take a touristy photo with the Hollywood sign (join The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles)
– go to the Original Farmer’s Market,
– have a fun time on Venice Beach,
– visit LA Downtown and LA Phil and
– do some window-shopping on upscale Rodeo Drive or,
– take this epic Los Angeles Helicopter Tour with Romantic Mountaintop Landing (wow)!
Yes, I know, the list is long. But the City of Flowers and Sunshine offers a lot of entertainment.
Where to stay in Los Angeles – recommended stay:
Downtown LA – Metro Plaza Hotel, The Los Angeles Athletic Club, Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn,
West LA – Hotel Angeleno, Best Western Royal Palace Inn & Suites, Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel,
Hollywood– Loews Hollywood Hotel, Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast
West Hollywood – Sunset Marquis Hotel, Ramada Plaza West Hollywood and suites, Grafton on Sunset,
Venice Beach – Ramada Inn Marina Del Rey, The Kinney-Venice Beach, Hotel Erwin
Click here to get the best rates for your stay in Los Angeles
RELATED: 20 Absolutely Best Airbnbs in Los Angeles
To help you navigate through Los Angeles neighborhoods, I recommend reading 20 Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles.
| Driving distance | Driving time | |
| Santa Monica to Los Angeles | 16 mi (25 km) | 25 min |
San Francisco to Los Angeles driving route
| Stops on San Francisco to Los Angeles scenic route | Driving distance | Driving time |
| San Francisco to Monterey | 115 mi (185 km) | 2 h |
| Monterey to Pacific Grove | 2 mi (3 km) | 5 min |
| Pacific Grove to Moss Beach | 2.7 mi (4 km) | 8 min |
| Pacific Grove to Monterey Peninsula golf courses | 5 mi (8 km) | 13 min |
| Monterey Peninsula golf courses to Lone Cypress | 1.2 mi (2 km) | 4 min |
| Lone Cypress to Carmel-by-the Sea | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 12 min |
| Carmel-by-the Sea to Point Lobos | 4 mi (6.4 km) | 10 min |
| Point Lobos to Bixby Creek Bridge | 11 mi (18 km) | 17 min |
| Bixby Creek Bridge to McWay Falls | 24 mi (39 km) | 38 min |
| McWay Falls to Elephant Seal Vista Point | 40 mi (64 km) | 1 h |
| Elephant Seal Vista Point to Hearst Castle | 5 mi (8 km) | 12 min |
| Heart Castle to Cambria | 9 mi (14 km) | 15 min |
| Cambria to Morro Bay | 20 mi (32 km) | 30 min |
| Morro Bay to Solvang | 80 mi (128 km) | 1 h 20 min |
| Solvang to Santa Ynez | 4 mi (6 km) | 6 min |
| Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara | 30 mi (48 km) | 40 min |
| Santa Barbara to Malibu | 67 mi (108 km) | 1 h 10 min |
| Malibu to Santa Monica | 19 mi (30 km) | 28 min |
| Santa Monica to Los Angeles | 16 mi (25 km | 25 min |
Scenic drive San Francisco to Los Angeles
The 10-Day San Francisco-Los Angeles road trip itinerary
I suggest following the San Francisco-Los Angeles road trip itinerary to enjoy this amazing part of the US.
San Francisco – Los Angeles itinerary for 10 days:
- DAY 1-3: San Francisco: Enjoy your first 3 days in San Francisco.
- DAY 4: Pacific Grove or Carmel-by the Sea: On the 4th day head to Monterey Peninsula and choose to stay overnight in Pacific Grove or Carmel-by-the-Sea
- DAY 5: Cambria (a visit to the Hearst Castle) or Morro Bay: On the 5th day, head down to Big Sur, visit the Hearst Castle, and stay in Cambria or Morro Bay
- DAY 6: Santa Barbara: On the 6th day, you are visiting Solvang, Santa Ynez, and Santa Barbara, before taking the last leg of your trip.
- DAY 7-10: Los Angeles: Malibu, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles
The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles is not huge.
If you take the fastest route – the California 101 freeway, a 6-hour non-stop drive can take you from San Francisco to LA. But this is the scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles tailored to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Coast. Thus you will drive Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles and will make numerous stops along the coastal route.
A scenic drive San Francisco to LA on Highway 1 with all the stops can be done unrushed in 3 days. But still, you need to plan 3 days for LA and 3 days for SF. If you want the best experience of the road trip from SF to LA, 10 days in California are a must.
Los Angeles to San Francisco scenic route:
As I have already mentioned, you can do this California road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Just follow the above-suggested itinerary and drive Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Have a scenic drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco and enjoy this San Francisco Los Angeles scenic route. The scenic route from Los Angeles to San Francisco is the same. The same excitement from LA to San Francisco awaits you, only in the opposite order. Expect nothing less than an awe-inspiring scenic drive from LA to SF! After all, this is the most scenic route from LA to San Francisco.
Are you interested in more road trips like this one? If so, you should check out my Tuscany Road Trip
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR SAN FRANCISCO TO LOS ANGELES ROAD TRIP
To make sure you have all the travel necessities for this San Francisco Los Angeles drive, check out my post Most Useful Accessories For Traveling
The best time to take a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles
California is a year-round destination.
But summers on the Californian coast are often foggy. The skies along the California coast are clear in spring and autumn.
I took my west coast trip in March and had perfect weather. But March can be wet and rainy along the coast as well. The best months to visit Coastal California would be April and May if you seek sunny days with no crowds.
If your schedule allows you, I recommend planning your trip to California in April or May!
SF to LA road trip map
West Coast driving map: Map of scenic drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles with driving directions
Pacific coast highway map
FAQ
How far is San Francisco from LA?
The distance between San Francisco and LA is about 380 mi (612 km). It takes a 6-hour drive from LA to San Francisco by Interstate 5 Highway (I-5 N), the fastest route.
How long to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Pacific Coast Highway?
It takes 6 hours to drive 442 mi (712 km) from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Pacific Coast Highway with no stops
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Do you like this scenic drive San Francisco to Los Angeles? Have you done this coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles? Or, Los Angeles to San Francisco scenic drive? Any suggestions for LA to San Francisco road trip? If so, feel free to leave your comment. I would love to hear your impressions about your scenic drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco!
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So many stunning places to visit – I love McWay Falls but honestly it is a mindblowingly beautiful coastline isn’t it
California really is the road trip republic. There just so many places to see along the way, it’s hard to do it all in 10 days. I love your sunset picture of Morro Bay.
Highway 1 is my dream road trip! With cute towns like Carmel and Solvang as well as some of the most gorgeous scenery in the country (not to mention great wine!) this is the best road trip you can do in the US.
Coastal road trips are my absolute favorite. The combination of cliffs and beach fascinates me to no end. This is surely the ideal itinerary for us to follow while in California.
I used to live in LA and so I’ve driven PCH a few times. But once, we went from LA to SF via the interstate and drove back SF to LA down PCH. We’ve just about all of these, but I had never heard of Solvang. How did we miss that??? Your photos are beautiful by the way!
We visited Solvang many years ago and couldn’t resist its charm! The baked goods were to die for! The architecture and the culture are totally different than neighboring towns but so nice and welcoming, it’s like entering a different world! The California coast is a stunning drive and has many beautiful spots along the way, you’ve chosen some of the best. Thanks for sharing.
Did thus in 2009 and it has become our second best road trip. It is beaten only by our road trip to the Arctic Circle on the Yukon in Canada during early Fall!
I live in Los Angeles and have done this road trip many, many times over the past 30 years. The stretch between Los Angeles and San Francisco is without a doubt the most scenic part of the Pacific Coast Highway.
I am totally bookmarking this. I’ve wanted to do this road trip forever – (admittedly due to reading too many Danielle Steele novels in my teen years). I feel like an idiot as I’ve heard a lot about the Santa Ynez Valley, but didn’t realize it was between the two cities.
I have driven a short portion of the Pacific Coast between Long Beach and San Clemente while I was in Orange County. It was gorgeous! When I return to visit my daughter (who lives in L.A.) I will follow your course north. You’ve captured it beautifully here, and have suggested some great stops along the way. I think it would make a great mother-daughter adventure so thanks for the idea!
The Pacific Coast Highway has to be one of the best road trip routes in the world, no doubt! We did part of it years ago just from San Francisco to Monterey and it was incredible! I’d love to go back and do the rest of the trip
This is an absolutely awesome post about our coast from San Francisco to LA. I’ll share it with everyone visiting us from out of state or country.
I am flattered to read your comment, Jyoti.
Thanks so much for your support!
Milijana
I enjoyed reading every bit of this post since it deals with one of my favorite places in the whole country! From your whole list, the only place I’ve missed is Solvang and only because I ran out of time. No matter how many times we do the 17 mile drive or visit these towns, they never get old. Thanks for giving me a walk down memory lane. 😉
Looks like I have my October trip planned. I definitely need to see the monarchs in Pacific Grove and all of these other gorgeous stops along the way!
I have been to Big Sur several times and always miss McWay Falls. I have missed the sign and the parking has been too full. Such a bummer
We would love to visit the US and road trip for a few months there. This is, without doubt, the most epic road trip I found so far! My aunt actually lives in the area, so that’s a great extra! I would definitely want to stay longer in LA. I heard that it’s an LGBT hotspot 😉
Know everyplace you noted very very well. You’re in my backyard. 😉 One slight recommendation for your readers, since I do live here and have traveled all over California … March can be very wet and rainy along the coast … you got lucky. I would recommend April and May as ideal if you want to avoid most of the rainfall and foggy days and still not have crowds. And you are right, summer can be very cool and foggy — Mark Twain correctly wrote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”
I am correcting my recommendation for the best time to visit the California coastline according to your suggestions.
Thank you, Michael, for your help. I really appreciate it!!
Milijana
Yesterday only I was discussing on getting my USA Visa done, so I can plan trips that side in the future, and the first article I come across is this. Just what I needed. I absolutely love road trips, and the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is something I so want to do.
Truly these places are spectacular. Hope everything would go right as I plan my trip for this year.
Hello Milijana!
It became suitable! When I go back to go to my sisters. I will comply with your course north. You’ve captured it beautifully right here, and have recommended some notable stops alongside the way. I suppose it would make a awesome mom-daughter journey so thank you for the concept. Thank you
Hi I read in a article that it’s better to do San Francisco to los Angelos as the ocean will be on your side ,instead of starting from Los Angelos
Can someone please confirm?thanks
Very nicely explained
Thanks so much for this great article
I loved reading about your San Francisco To Los Angeles road trip experience. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!
There are so many great destinations between San Francisco and Los Angeles. I am impressed by your road trip and would take one someday.
Excellent description of this beautiful coastal trip from SFO to LA. Educative and informative too. You have captured the journey so well. Appreciate if you could let me know the travel agencies/anybody organising such trips.
Thanks a Ton.
Sorry, but I can’t help you with the travel agencies.
As an independent traveler, I plan, research, and organize my travels by myself.
I hope this Los Angeles-San Francisco road trip inspires you to do it independently too!
Check out flights to Los Angeles via Skyscanner, fly to Los Angeles, rent a car at Los Angeles airport, check out stays via HotelsCombined, follow my Los Angeles – San Francisco driving route, and enjoy your trip!
Happy and safe travels, always!
Milijana
Looks like a great trip and we are hoping to do this some day. Is there any way to print this out without all the ads?