If you’re planning a California road trip, you’re in for a treat.
Whether you’re starting in San Diego or San Francisco, the drive offers stunning coastal views, charming towns, and exciting cities. In this guide, I’ve outlined a two-week itinerary that shows you how to make the most of your time on the road.
The first half focuses on a road trip starting in San Diego, heading up to San Francisco, while the second half gives you the perfect route if you’re starting from San Francisco and heading south to San Diego.
From iconic beaches and historical landmarks to local vineyards and scenic drives, this trip will let you explore the best of California from the comfort of your car.
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San Diego to San Franisco Roadtrip
Starting in San Diego and heading north offers a coastal drive with plenty of sun, stunning beaches, and scenic cliffs.
It’s best done in spring or fall, when the weather is ideal and crowds are thinner.
Key stops include Santa Barbara and Big Sur, but the highlight is reaching San Francisco, a bustling city rich in culture and history.
The benefit of starting in San Diego is enjoying its sunny weather, while the challenge is managing more tourists in Santa Monica and Santa Barbara during peak summer months.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed start and prefer a lively ending, this route is perfect.
Day 1: San Diego to Laguna Beach (1-2 hours drive)
Morning:
- Begin your trip in San Diego, explore Balboa Park or visit the USS Midway Museum.
Afternoon:
- Head to La Jolla Cove for some relaxation and photos.
- Drive along the coast to Laguna Beach for beachside cafes and art galleries.
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Laguna Beach and enjoy dinner at Las Brisas, offering beautiful ocean views.
Day 2-3: Laguna Beach to Los Angeles (1-2 hours drive)
Morning:
- Drive north to Los Angeles. Stop by Malibu Beach for a relaxing morning walk.
Afternoon:
- Head to Venice Beach for lunch and check out the quirky boardwalk.
- Visit The Getty Museum for stunning art collections and views of LA.
Evening:
- Explore Santa Monica Pier or head to Hollywood for a star-studded dinner.
Day 3:
- Explore Griffith Observatory for panoramic views and iconic photos with the Hollywood sign.
- Dinner in West Hollywood, such as The Bazaar by José Andrés for an upscale experience.
Day 4-5: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (2-3 hours drive)
Morning:
- Start your journey towards Santa Barbara, stopping at Malibu’s Zuma Beach for stunning coastal views.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Santa Barbara. Visit Santa Barbara Mission and stroll through State Street for shopping.
Evening:
- Dinner at The Boathouse with seaside views and delicious seafood.
Day 5:
- Visit Stearns Wharf and take a boat tour, or relax at Butterfly Beach.
- End the evening with a cocktail at The Funk Zone.
Day 6-7: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo (1.5-2 hours drive)
Morning:
- Head towards San Luis Obispo and take the scenic route through Pismo Beach.
Afternoon:
- In San Luis Obispo, visit the famous Bubblegum Alley and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Evening:
- Dinner in town at Madonna Inn for a quirky and fun dining experience.
Day 7:
- Drive to Paso Robles, California’s wine country. Spend the afternoon wine-tasting and touring local vineyards.
Day 8-9: San Luis Obispo to Big Sur (2-3 hours drive)
Morning:
- Begin your drive up Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Morro Bay for stunning ocean views and a visit to Morro Rock.
Afternoon:
- Continue along the coastline to Big Sur. Visit McWay Falls and stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for iconic photos.
Evening:
- Stay overnight at a cliffside hotel like Post Ranch Inn for incredible views and a luxury experience.
Day 9:
- Spend the day hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or simply soaking in the coastline.
Day 10-11: Big Sur to Monterey/Carmel (1.5-2 hours drive)
Morning:
- Head to Monterey for a visit to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Afternoon:
- Take a drive along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach for scenic views.
- Explore the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Evening:
- Dinner at Carmel’s Mission Ranch for a rustic atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Day 11:
- Visit Point Lobos State Reserve for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Day 12: Monterey to San Francisco (2-2.5 hours drive)
Morning:
- Start your drive to San Francisco, stopping at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a quick pit stop.
Afternoon:
- Upon arrival, take a walking tour of Golden Gate Park, including the De Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, famous for its seafood, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
- Check out the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset for a spectacular photo op.
Day 13-14: San Francisco
Day 13:
- Begin with a visit to Alcatraz Island for a historic tour, then head to Chinatown for lunch.
- Explore Union Square for shopping or visit Mission District for its vibrant street art and murals.
Evening:
- Dine at The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building with views of the bay.
Day 14:
- Visit Muir Woods National Monument for an early morning walk among the towering redwoods.
San Fransisco to San Diego Roadtrip
Beginning in San Francisco and heading south offers a stunning journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.
This route is ideal for fall or early spring when the weather is mild and the crowds are lighter.
Highlights include Big Sur and Los Angeles, with the bonus of ending in sunny San Diego, where you can unwind after a bustling start in San Francisco.
The advantage of traveling south is chasing warmer weather, but the road can get busier around Santa Barbara and Santa Monica in the summer.
This route is perfect if you want a balance of city exploration and laid-back beach vibes at the end.
Day 1: San Francisco – Explore the City
- Morning:
- Start your trip with a visit to Golden Gate Bridge, walk or bike across for incredible views.
- Explore Golden Gate Park, where you can visit the De Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences.
- Afternoon:
- Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch and enjoy seafood at Pier 39 while watching sea lions.
- Take a boat ride to Alcatraz Island for a historic tour.
- Evening:
- Check out Chinatown for a dinner of dim sum or head to Mission District for vibrant street art and cool restaurants.
Day 2: San Francisco to Monterey/Carmel (2 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Take a leisurely drive south along Highway 1 to Monterey.
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or walk around Cannery Row.
- Afternoon:
- Drive along the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, with scenic stops for views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Visit the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea for boutique shopping and coastal vibes.
- Evening:
- Have dinner at Carmel Mission Ranch, offering beautiful views and delicious food.
Day 3-4: Carmel to Big Sur (1-2 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Begin your day with a scenic drive down Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur.
- Stop at McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall that drops onto a beach, and Bixby Creek Bridge for famous photo ops.
- Afternoon:
- Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and visit the Pfeiffer Beach for its purple sand.
- Evening:
- Stay at a cliffside hotel like Post Ranch Inn for unbeatable views, or camp out for a more adventurous stay.
Day 5-6: Big Sur to Santa Barbara (3-4 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Head south, stopping at Morro Bay for photos at Morro Rock, a prominent landmark on the coast.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive in Santa Barbara and explore State Street, the city’s main street lined with shops and restaurants.
- Visit the Santa Barbara Mission or take a wine tour in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.
- Evening:
- Dinner by the beach at The Boathouse in Goleta or check out The Funk Zone for craft beer and art galleries.
Day 7-8: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles (1.5-2 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Continue south to Los Angeles, stopping at Malibu Beach for a morning walk and a photo by the coast.
- Afternoon:
- Head to Venice Beach to experience its vibrant boardwalk and street performers.
- Visit The Getty Museum or walk around Griffith Park for iconic views of the Hollywood Sign.
- Evening:
- Dinner in Santa Monica at The Misfit or The Lobster with ocean views.
Day 8:
- Visit Universal Studios Hollywood or take a studio tour of Warner Bros. Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making.
- Enjoy the nightlife in West Hollywood or check out The Grove for shopping.
Day 9: Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo (3-4 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Drive north on the Pacific Coast Highway towards San Luis Obispo.
- Stop at Santa Monica Pier and Malibu’s Zuma Beach along the way.
- Afternoon:
- In San Luis Obispo, visit Bubblegum Alley, the quirky landmark filled with colorful chewing gum.
- Evening:
- Dinner at Madonna Inn, an eccentric spot with a unique, retro vibe.
Day 10-11: San Luis Obispo to Santa Ynez Valley (2 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Head inland to the Santa Ynez Valley, a premier wine region in California.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the quaint town of Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and shops.
- Spend the afternoon wine-tasting at Fess Parker Winery or Sunstone Vineyards.
- Evening:
- Stay overnight in Santa Ynez or Los Olivos at a charming vineyard estate.
Day 12-13: Santa Ynez to Santa Monica (3-4 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Begin the drive back to the coast, stopping at Santa Barbara again if you’d like.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive in Santa Monica for a relaxed afternoon. Rent bikes and ride along the Beach Path to Venice Beach or check out the Third Street Promenade.
- Evening:
- Dinner at The Bungalow in Santa Monica for a lively atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
Day 13:
- Enjoy some final shopping at The Grove or visit LACMA for world-class art exhibitions.
Day 14: Santa Monica to San Diego (2 hours drive)
- Morning:
- Take your time as you make your way to San Diego via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
- Stop by Laguna Beach and Mission San Juan Capistrano on your way.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive in San Diego, head straight to Balboa Park to visit the San Diego Zoo or explore the museums.
- Evening:
- Dinner at Café 21 Gaslamp or check out Old Town for some classic Mexican food and cocktails.
- Stroll around Seaport Village for a relaxed evening along the waterfront.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to drive from San Diego to San Francisco or vice versa, both routes offer stunning views, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences.
Each direction has its own set of advantages—traveling north provides a relaxing start with a lively city finish, while heading south lets you follow the sun and wrap up in the laid-back vibe of San Diego.
No matter how you choose to go, I hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect California road trip.
The key is to enjoy the journey, make memories at each stop, and embrace the beauty and diversity that the Golden State has to offer.
Safe travels!
