They could also be a couple of methods you’ll be able to journey from the ‘City of Angels’ to the ‘City by the Bay’ however there’s none as satisfying or as breathtaking as packing up the automobile, turning on some tunes, and hittin’ California’s shoreline for a highway journey you’ll always remember.
We all know California is undeniably spoilt in relation to magnificence. From extraordinary nationwide parks stuffed with attention-grabbing rock formations and glowing lakes (right here’s taking a look at you Yosemite) to bustling and vibrant cities brimming with tradition and concrete adventures, California just about has all of it.
If you wish to see all of it, embarking on a LA to San Francisco highway journey is certainly the best way to go. While there are a couple of completely different routes you’ll be able to take to get between the 2 locations relying on what you wish to see (together with hopping on our Real LA to San Francisco tour), there’s little question you’ll have one of the best time no matter which manner you drive. In truth, we’re form of jealous.
To be sure to’re squeezing as a lot out of your journey as potential, we’ve taken the completely different routes into consideration to place collectively a listing of the fascinating spots you’ll be able to cease at alongside the best way. So, whether or not you’re set on driving down the coast or pondering of heading inland, kick your LA to San Francisco highway journey up a notch at these spectacular settings.
Driving down the coast
1. Los Angeles
Exploring the multicultural metropolis of LA is the proper strategy to begin your Californian highway journey. From taking a stroll alongside the Hollywood stroll of fame to performing like a child at Disneyland, this star-studded metropolis presents one of the best in glitz, glamour, and journey. Whether you’re feeling like looking the meals markets in downtown LA for one of the best birria tacos or wandering round a museum or two, be sure to go away sufficient time in your itinerary to correctly do that metropolis the justice it deserves.
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2. Santa Monica
Continue your California coast enjoyable with a fast cease at Santa Monica. Not solely is that this scenic vacation spot dwelling to a seashore you may lay out for hours on, but it surely’s additionally an attraction for teenagers (and adults) of all ages because of its amusement park, Pacific Park. Located on the finish of the pier, this beloved park has been in operation since 1996 and presents adrenaline lovers the prospect to take activates rides such because the Pacific Wheel, the West Coaster, and the Seaside Swing.
But that’s not all this charming space has to supply. From world-class procuring and mouth-watering eating places to avenue efficiency watching and skating down “The Strand”, Santa Monica is a cease in your LA to San Francisco highway journey that merely can’t be missed.
3. Santa Barbara
While this listing is filled with California’s greatest coastal cities, Santa Barbara may simply prime ‘em all. From its golden beaches lined with palm trees to its secluded forest trails perfect for finding peace in the great outdoors, this charming destination is a perfect example of some of Mother Nature’s most spectacular work. But that’s not all.
Featuring Mediterranean-style structure (assume thick plaster partitions and clay-tiled roofs) that’ll have you ever feeling such as you’re strolling via the streets of your favourite European cities, Santa Barbara is the proper mixture of historical past and tradition.
4. Hearst Castle
If you’re getting somewhat sick of admiring seashore panorama after seashore panorama, then stopping at Hearst Castle in California’s Big Sur area is for you. Set upon sprawling and completely manicured grounds, this epic fort options Moorish-style structure and has turn out to be a celebration of each artwork and tradition since its development over a century in the past.
While it was once a non-public residence within the early 1900s, this magnificent hilltop construction is now a state park so you’ll be able to stretch your legs and revel in its enchanting exhibitions and wander round its grand halls and intricately adorned rooms.
5. Elephant Seal Vista Point
Don’t get us flawed, this listing is stuffed with beautiful coastal areas you may simply spend greater than a few hours in but when there’s one which’s somewhat completely different then it’s San Simeon’s Elephant Seal Vista Point. Why? Because of the elephant seals you’ll see there.
Seeing these unbelievable animals up shut and of their aspect as they solar themselves on the encompassing seashore may simply be the cherry on prime of your once-in-a-lifetime highway journey and we’re not even exaggerating.
The greatest time to see these marine mammals are in late January, April, October so we’re not saying it’s best to plan your complete journey across the likelihood to see these elephant seals however we’re additionally not not saying that if you recognize what we imply.
6. Monterey
California is the house of stylish coastal cities and Monterey isn’t any exception. From the staggeringly lovely panorama of Big Sur to the charming and storybook metropolis heart, this county must be seen to be believed. While there’s a complete heap of issues to do together with a go to to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and a wander alongside the historic Cannery Row, it’s merely being on this area and absorbing nature’s magnificence that makes this cease a particular one.
7. Santa Cruz
While this is likely to be the third ‘Santa’ on this final, it’s undoubtedly not the final (or least lovely) and a few hours wandering its charming downtown district is sufficient to see why. Featuring a laidback, coastal vibe that’ll have you ever eager to lease a surfboard and hit the waves, this city’s pure landscapes actually set it aside from its spectacular redwood forests to the miles and miles of golden sandy seashore at its doorstep.
Home to the 4 ‘S’s (solar, sand, surf, and sea lions), you’ll by no means get bored in a spot like Santa Cruz. Talk about California dreamin’.
8. Half Moon Bay
At this level in your journey down the Pacific Coast Highway, you is likely to be itching to set your sights in your closing vacation spot however earlier than you arrive, there’s one other coastal city that deserves a little bit of your time. Half Moon Bay not solely has one of the vital magical and enchanting names ever, however its proximity to the calming sounds of the Pacific Ocean makes it one of many extra peaceable spots on this listing.
Whether you wish to spend your time consuming some recent and beautiful native seafood, mountain climbing alongside seaside trails, laying out on the seashore, or exploring historic redwood forests, Half Moon Bay undoubtedly gained’t disappoint.
9. San Francisco
Loved for being a vibrant and multicultural metropolis full of fantastic sights and historic sights, San Francisco is the proper final vacation spot in your Californian highway journey. Whether you’re feeling like taking a photograph of the long-lasting Golden Gate Bridge for the ‘gram, walking through the eerie Alcatraz Prison, or looking out over the zigzagging Lombard Street, this beautiful and fascinating city is a traveler’s dream.
The nationwide parks
While California’s dramatic and rugged shoreline is breathtaking, the wonder doesn’t cease whenever you head away from it. Joshua Tree National Park is really spectacular. From its abundance of spiky crops and extraordinary cacti to its uniquely formed rock formations and desert animals, this park has somewhat one thing for everybody to be impressed by.
Nestled between Colorado and the Mojave Desert, this beloved park is stuffed with strolling trails for all health ranges and extra scenic spots than you may presumably take a selfie at. Whether you’re wanting ahead to having fun with the peace and quiet of nature or making an attempt to identify a tortoise or two, Joshua Tree National Park is a small however vital detour in your LA to San Francisco highway journey.
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If you’ve seen sufficient coastal cities to final you a lifetime and like to wander via forests or hike up mountains as an alternative then making your strategy to the Mojave National Preserve must be excessive in your LA to San Francisco highway journey precedence listing. While it’s technically out of the best way (and can add journey time onto your journey), this mesmerizing spot merely can’t be missed because of its outdoor-playground standing.
Somewhat underrated in relation to the opposite standard Californian nationwide parks, Mojave National Preserve options extinct volcanoes, rugged mountain ranges, deserted ghost cities, and different breathtaking landscapes which have been naturally formed over centuries. Perfect for mountain climbing, 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, then Death Valley National Park has to be on the listing of must-stop-at-places. Extreme in each manner from the eye-watering warmth to its fascinating geological options, exploring this park isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. Once dwelling to the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, this park presents a lesson in each historical past and nature that you simply’ll by no means come near studying in a classroom.
While it’s acknowledged as one of many hottest locations on earth, there are nonetheless loads of crops and animals from desert succulents to bighorn sheep which can be ready to be found. So, lace up your mountain climbing boots, slap on some sunscreen, and put together your self for an expertise like no different.
While Kings Canyon National Park might have related terrain to that of its neighbor Yosemite, it’s the truth that it’s dwelling to the United States’ deepest canyon that basically units this beloved vacation spot aside. With a depth of greater than a mile and a half, this spectacular canyon guarantees one of the vital unforgettable views in all of California. It’s a giant name we all know, however an correct one.
However, this park isn’t simply identified for its depth, however its peak as nicely. Home to skyscraping sequoia bushes that’ll have you ever wanting up all afternoon, Kings Canyon is a haven for out of doors fanatics and guarantees an important out of doors journey fir for everybody with actions together with horseback using and mountain climbing trails appropriate for all ranges.
If you’re seeking to cross one thing off your journey bucket listing throughout your highway journey, then head on over to Yosemite National Park. While its pronunciation is likely to be laborious to determine (yow-seh-muh-tee), the park itself is straightforward to discover with dramatic mountain ranges, glowing lakes, large sequoia tree forests, and peaceable alpine valleys merely ready so that you can come across.
We know this beloved nationwide park is off the crushed observe in relation to typical LA to San Francisco highway journey routes, however when there’s a spot this particular, generally it’s important to go the additional mile. Especially when there are hidden trails and difficult hikes to find for views that’ll take your breath away.
Regardless of which route you’re taking or what locations you cease at, your journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco is assured to be a memorable one.
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