Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip
Taking a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco? If you have the time, you should definitely go the scenic route along world famous Highway One Route.
Here are some of our best recommendations on where to stop along the way.
You won’t be able to see all of it, but if you have time to spare a day or two that would be best!
Even better, if you’re driving an RV you can take your time and see everything!
Table Of Contents
- Solvang
- Oceano Dunes & Pismo State Beach
- Arroyo Grande Vineyards
- Madonna Inn
- San Luis Obispo
- Morro Bay
- Harmony
- Heart Castle
- Elephant Seals of San Simeon
- McWay Cove
- Nepenthe
- Sierra Mar
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Point Lobos
- Carmel
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Bean Hollow State Beach
- Half Moon Bay
- Mavericks
- JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Devils Slide Bunker
- Taco Bell
- Mori Point
- Fort Funston
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Solvang
A historic Danish village near Santa Barbara, this quiet little town has a very European feel to it due to the Danish and Dutch early settlers who were determined to maintain their heritage.
While you’re here, stroll around and check out the Danish architecture. There is a wide variety of Danish food and California inspired cuisine to sample too!
You'll love the quaint feel of the whole town for sure!
Oceano Dunes & Pismo State Beach
Rent an RV (or hike on foot) to explore the beautiful sand dunes right next to Pismo State Beach. We loved the rolling sand dunes, which were perfect for getting that perfect shot.
Pismo State Beach is also the only beach in California that allows people to drive right on the beach with their car. So you could literally just park on the beach and enjoy the ocean from your car if you’d like.
Arroyo Grande Vineyards
Central California is home to some of the best vineyards in the world which most people zip right by on their way to Pismo Beach or San Luis Obispo.
Both Arroyo Grande Valley and Edna Valley have the perfect climate and soil for wine grape growing. As well as being quite picturesque, it’s quite worth a visit to any of the wineries here.
Some vineyards we liked:
Laetitia Vineyard
Chamisal Vineyards
Kynsi Winery
Edna Valley Vineyard
Madonna Inn
One of the highlights of any Highway One road trip, the Madonna Inn is a colorfully chaotic, visual feast for the eyes. You don’t even have to stay here overnight to enjoy some of the over the top kitschy-ness of the hotel.
A visit to the decadent pink and rose themed dining room is enough to get a taste of the madness here. But if you want more, you can check out the Copper Cafe and Horseshoe Lounge for more themed goodness.
Oh and don’t forget to check out the public bathrooms here.. they are also quite a riot!
If you do end up staying here, each of the rooms are separately themed from cave like rooms to sparkling, glittering pink rooms.
San Luis Obispo
After you’re finished with Madonna Inn, it’s worth checking out the cute town of San Luis Obispo.
For a fantastic pour over or latte, check out Scout Cafe, who roasts all their own coffee beans in town.
Negranti Creamery makes fantastic artisanal ice cream flavors that blew our minds!
Splash Cafe is known for having the best bowl of clam chowder in the area and maybe in all of California.
Bliss Cafe has delicious Vegan food that’s well priced.
Novo Restaurant has lovely food and a beautiful outdoor sitting area.
Many people flock to Bubblegum Alley to see a 70 foot long alley completely covered in already-chewed bubblegum. Feel free to add your own, but please wash your hands after!
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Morro Bay
Worth a quick stop to check out the looming Morro Rock sitting right in the Bay - this ancient volcanic rock is the largest in a chain of nine peaks known as the Nine Sisters.
Harmony
A tiny little town worth a quick stop, there are several interesting things here like the Wedding Chapel, Harmony Cellars Winery, Harmony Valley Creamery, and Harmony Glassworks.
Heart Castle
This architectural gem, built by the eccentric newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, is a historical landmark once only open to A-list celebrities and politicians such as Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, Winston Churchill, and Clark Gable.
The only way to get inside the property is by booking tours. There are several tours to pick from and it’s best to reserve them in advance since they tend to sell out.
Elephant Seals of San Simeon
The Piedras Blancas Rookery holds up to 24,000 elephant seals each year, so it’s quite the sight when it’s completely full of 5,000 pound males, 1,800 pound females, and baby pups.
There is a viewing platform where you can safely view them. You’ll be surprised just how large these elephant seals are!
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park / McWay Cove
One of the most beautiful scenes on Highway One, this is a quick stop and a must see! McWay Falls is a waterfall that feeds right onto a pristine beach with the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean lapping at the shore.
Park at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park lot for a small fee or park along Highway One for free and walk to the trail.
Nepenthe
For a great view of Big Sur, it’s hard to beat the back patio at Nepenthe!
It’s not exactly a secret though, so you may have to wait to get a seat with a view, especially at sunset.
Sierra Mar
For an even more amazing view coupled with fantastic food, Sierra Mar is perched high above Big Sur with a four course prix fixe menu that is changed daily.
It’s part of Post Ranch Inn, one of California’s best hotels if you’re looking to pamper yourself.
Very close by is Ventana, another spectacular and highly recommended hotel for pampering.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the iconic bridges of Big Sur, you’ll definitely want to pull over and take in the graceful architecture of Bixby Creek Bridge.
Point Lobos
Out of the many parks dotting Big Sur, this one is worth stopping for a hike around.
Start at Bird Island Trail which will lead you to China Cove and Gibson Beach. You’ll see seabirds, Herons, gulls, and other birds on the hike. At China Cove you can kayak, snorkel, swim, or just hang to take in all the sights. You’ll probably see some harbor seals here too!
Here are more ideas for things to do in Big Sur.
Carmel
Worth a weekend on its own, the charming city of Carmel has a beautiful white sand beach, interesting art galleries, delicious restaurants, charming atmosphere, and laid back locals.
If you have the time, stay in Carmel for a night.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the best aquariums on the West Coast - some highlights include the magnificent kelp forest, mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit, and cute penguins and sea otters.
Bean Hollow State Beach
Another great stop for a lovely beach picnic - make sure to check out the honeycomb structure on the rocks here.
There’s also a tidal reef at the north end where during low tide you’ll be able to spot sea urchins, anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a great choice for a beautiful walk along a crescent shaped white sand beach.
After your walk, hang out at the dreamy Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
Mavericks
Famous around the world for having some of the biggest surf breaks - many surfing competitions have been held here.
Make sure to stop by if you want to catch some of the world’s best surfers in action.
JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
One of best tide pools on the West Coast, it’s best to visit when the tide is low so you can spot all the interesting critters in the reef.
Devils Slide Bunker
Originally built during World War II as an observation station, it’s perched high on a cliff with commanding views of the ocean and cliffs.
Taco Bell Pacifica
Known affectionately as the ‘most beautiful Taco Bell in the world’, this surfer inspired Taco Bell is completely clad in wood with a spectacular view of the ocean from its super large windows inside. Bonus: they serve alcoholic drinks here!
Mori Point
One of the best hiking areas close to San Francisco, there’s a large variety of trails to pick from that showcase stunning 360 views, wildflowers, ocean views, and interesting terrain.
Fort Funston
Another favorite of San Francisco locals and especially hang gliders, you can just hang out at the top to watch all the action.
Since the ocean breeze comes in and shoots upwards here, you’ll see many hang gliders just riding the upwards draft, along with remote controlled planes.
Down below, many San Francisco locals bring their dogs to frolic in the sand and water.
Once you get to San Francisco, here are some more guides on what to do here:
