It may be some of the ways you can travel from the City of Angels to the City by the Bay but there's nothing quite as satisfying or breathtaking as packing up the car, turning on some tunes and hitting the California coast for a road trip you'll never forget.
We all know California Unquestionably spoiled when it comes to beauty. From extraordinary national parks filled with interesting rock formations and sparkling lakes (here Yosemite is looking at you) to bustling, vibrant cities full of culture and tangible adventures, California pretty much has it all.
if you wanted to We see Everything, get started LA to San Francisco A road trip is definitely the way to go. While there are a few different ways you can take to get between the two destinations depending on what you want to see (including navigating our Real LA to San Francisco Tour), there is no doubt that you will have the best time no matter which way you drive. Actually, we're kind of jealous.
To make sure you squeeze in as much as possible out of your trip, we've considered the various routes to put together a list of great places to stop at along the way. So whether you want to drive the coast or are thinking of heading inland, kick your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip up a notch at these amazing places.
Driving along the coast
1. Los Angeles
Exploring the multicultural city of Los Angeles is the perfect way to start your California road trip. From strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to acting like a kid in Disneyland, this star-studded city offers the best in glitz, glamour, and adventure. Whether you want to search in Food markets in downtown Los Angeles for the best Alberia sandwiches Or stroll through a museum or two, make sure you leave enough time in your itinerary to properly do this city the justice it deserves.
Explore this city in the real Los Angeles to San Francisco trip
2. Santa Monica
Continue enjoying the California coast with a quick stop in Santa Monica. Not only is this scenic destination home to a beach you can lounge on for hours, but it's also an attraction for kids (and adults) of all ages thanks to its Pacific Park amusement park. Located at the end of the pier, this beloved park has been in operation since 1996 and offers adrenaline junkies the chance to take turns on rides like the Pacific Wheel, West Coaster, and Seaside Swing.
But that's not all this charming region has to offer. From world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants to street performances and skating on "The Strand," Santa Monica is a stopover on an LA to San Francisco trip that can't be missed.
3. Santa Barbara
While this list is full of the best coastal towns in California, Santa Barbara might top them all. From its golden beaches fringed with palm trees to secluded forest trails perfect for finding peace in the great outdoors, this enchanting destination is a perfect example of some of Mother Nature's most impressive feats. but that is not all.
Featuring Mediterranean architecture (think thick plaster walls and tiled ceilings) that will make you feel like you're walking the streets of your favorite European cities, Santa Barbara is the perfect blend of history and culture.
4. Hearst Castle
If you're a little tired of admiring beach scenery after beach scenery, then stopping by Hearst Castle in Big Sur, California is the option for you. Set on sprawling, perfectly manicured grounds, this epic castle boasts Moorish-style architecture and has become a celebration of art and culture since its construction over a century ago.
Although it was a private residence in the early 1900s, this splendid hilltop structure is now a state park so you can stretch your legs, admire its charming galleries, and wander around its intricately decorated grand halls and chambers.
5. Phil Phil Seal Vista Point
Don't get us wrong, this list is full of gorgeous coastal spots you could easily spend more than a couple of hours in, but if there's one that's a little different, it's at San Simeon Elephant Seal Vista Point. Why? Because of the elephant seals you will see there.
Seeing these stunning animals up close and in their element sunning themselves on the surrounding beach might just be the cherry on top of your once-in-a-lifetime wilderness trip and we're not even exaggerating.
The best time to see these marine mammals is late January, April and October so we're not saying you should plan your entire adventure around the chance of seeing these elephant seals but we're not Not Say that if you know what we mean.
6. Monterey
California is home to trendy coastal cities and Monterey is no exception. From the stunningly beautiful panorama of Big Sur to the charming city center and story, this county needs to be seen to be believed. While there are a whole host of things to do including visiting the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and strolling along historic Cannery Row, it is just being in this area and enjoying the beauty of nature that makes this stop special.
7. Santa Cruz
While this may be the third "Santa" in the latter, it certainly isn't the last (or least lovely) and a couple hours of wandering through the charming downtown area is enough to see why. Boasting a laid-back coastal vibe that will make you want to rent a surfboard and hit the waves, this town's landscape really sets it apart from impressive redwood forests to miles and miles of golden sandy beach on its doorstep.
Home to all fours (sun, sand, surf, and sea lions), you'll never get bored in a place like Santa Cruz. Talk about a California dream.
8. Half Moon Bay
At this point in your Pacific Coast Highway journey, you may be itching to set your sights on your final destination, but before you arrive, there's another coastal town that's worth a little bit of your time. Half Moon Bay not only has one of the most magical and magical names ever, but its proximity to the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the most peaceful places on this list.
Whether you want to take your time eating some fresh and delicious local seafood, hiking along coastal trails, lounging on the beach, or exploring ancient redwood forests, Half Moon Bay certainly won't disappoint you.
9. San Francisco
Beloved for being a vibrant, multicultural city full of stunning scenery and historical landmarks, San Francisco is the perfect final destination on your California road trip. Whether you want to take a picture of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, walk through the eerie prison Alcatraz, or gaze upon the winding Lombard Street, this beautiful and picturesque city is a traveler's dream.
National parks
While the dramatic and rugged California coastline is breathtaking, the beauty doesn't stop when you step away from it. Joshua Tree National Park is truly amazing. From an abundance of prickly plants and unusual cacti to uniquely shaped rock formations and desert fauna, this park has a little something to impress everyone.
Nestled between Colorado and the Mojave Desert, this beloved park is packed with hiking trails for all fitness levels and more scenic spots than you can take a selfie at. Whether you're looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature or trying to spot a turtle or two, Joshua Tree National Park is a small but necessary detour on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Explore this national park on our wilderness drive in the western USA
If you've seen enough coastal towns to last you a lifetime and would rather trek through the woods or climb mountains instead, your route to the Mojave National Preserve should be high on your priority list of road trips from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Although it's technically out of the way (and will add travel time to your trip), this charming spot can't be missed thanks to its outdoor playground situation.
Somewhat underrated when it comes to California's other famous national parks, the Mojave National Preserve features extinct volcanoes, rugged mountain ranges, abandoned ghost towns, and other stunning landscapes that have been shaped naturally over centuries. Ideal for hiking, four-wheel driving, animal-spotting, and bird-watching, this park is a nature lover's paradise.
If you're taking an alternate route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Death Valley National Park she has To be on your list of places to stop. Exploring this park is not for the faint of heart, from its sweltering heat to its captivating geological features in every way. Once home to the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, this park offers a history and nature lesson you'll never come close to learning in a classroom.
Despite being recognized as one of the hottest places on Earth, there is still plenty of flora and fauna from desert succulents to bighorn sheep waiting to be explored. So, lace up your hiking boots, apply sunscreen, and prepare for an experience like no other.
While Kings Canyon National Park may have similar topography to that of its neighbor Yosemite, it's the fact that it's home to the deepest canyon in the United States that really sets this endearing destination apart. Over a mile and a half deep, this gorgeous canyon promises one of the most unforgettable views in all of California. It's a big call we know, but it's accurate.
However, this park is not only known for its depth, but its height as well. Home to skyscraper trees that will have you looking up all afternoon, Kings Canyon is an outdoor enthusiast's haven and promises a great outdoor adventure for everyone with activities including horseback riding and hiking trails suitable for all levels.
If you're looking to cross something off your travel bucket list during your road trip, head to Yosemite National Park. While it can be hard to figure out its pronunciation (yow-seh-muh-tee), the park itself is easy to explore with dramatic mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, forests of giant sequoia trees, and tranquil alpine valleys waiting for you to stumble upon. .
We know this beloved national park is off the beaten path when it comes to typical Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip routes, but when there's something special about it, sometimes you have to go the extra mile. Especially when there are hidden trails and challenging hikes to discover the sights that will blow your mind.
No matter which route you take or where you stop, your adventure from Los Angeles to San Francisco is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Test out these places in our Los Angeles to San Francisco tours
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