There are many great road trips in California, but the one from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the best. This route goes along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which is also known as Highway 1.

There are many great places to visit on the way from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Here are some of our recommendations. Plus, there’s no better way to fully enjoy those views than in a convertible that you can pick up right at LAX.

LA to San Francisco trip time

The duration of the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco may be one of the first things you want to know. Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco on I-5 alone, without stopping, would take about six hours (this does not include the notoriously bad traffic in Los Angeles!).

Road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Highway 1 is recommended because there are many lovely spots to see. The drive can be done in eight to ten hours if you don’t stop too often, but I suggest taking a few days to fully enjoy each spot. 

When is the best time for a LA to San Francisco trip ?

How about now? When is the best time for a trip to Los Angeles to San Francisco? It depends on what you plan to do.

From September to November and March to May, the weather is milder and there are fewer people than in the summer. The weather is usually nicer, and there aren’t as many tourists as there are in the summer. This trip was great for me in the spring, when it was warm and didn’t rain.

Take a car trip through California from June to August if you want to enjoy the beaches and feel like you’re in the middle of summer in the state. People also come to the state at this time, so there will be more traffic and longer wait times at places.

Also, depending on the time of year, think about any events or festivals you might want to visit along the way. As an example, if you want to go wine tasting, September and October are great months to visit the Central Coast wine areas. November and December are the best times to see monarch butterflies.

Pack for a Los Angeles to San Francisco trip

On the trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you’ll need to bring the right things. For a full list, see my post on what you need for a car trip.

Here are the things I think you should bring with you for la to san francisco trip :

• Emergency backup kit: As you drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco, it’s important to have an emergency backup kit in your trunk. You never know when you might need to fix your car at the last minute.
• Water bottle that can be used more than once: Instead of using plastic water bottles, fill this up during your trip.
• Reusable coffee mug: In the same way, don’t use paper coffee cups. Instead, fill this up every day with coffee for breakfast.
• USB car chargers: As you drive, make sure your phone and camera are always charged. There are many beautiful spots along the way.
• Camera: This is a must-have because you’ll want to take a lot of pictures.
• Food: Bring your own food to save money.

La to san francisco road trip 4 days

1. Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, you should get up early to make the most of the sunshine and views of the coast along the way. Luckily, those who get there early get the best donuts in town. You can get fuel before going out in LA because donut shops open early. There are two places in Los Angeles where you can get a fried chicken and honey butter sandwich: Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken in Downtown LA and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts on Santa Monica Boulevard. Both serve delicious donuts.

Next, put on your sunglasses and follow the signs for the PCH, which is short for California State Route 1. Wait, don’t get too excited about the PCH just yet. You’ll get to Malibu before you can enjoy the beautiful palm trees and Pacific Ocean. But you shouldn’t miss Malibu for its fun in the sun.

2. Malibu

To get to the beach, go straight to Malibu. Beautiful beaches are common in this city. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a great place to relax. Spend some time with the surfers, lay out in the sun, or hike through the park to see beautiful sights. Visit the Getty house, an impressive museum that looks like a Roman country house, to feel like you’re back in time to Greece and Rome. Take in art, architecture, and Mediterranean parks that are 7,000 years old.

Book a table at Geoffrey’s Malibu to enjoy delicious fish and stunning views of the ocean. Looking out at the ocean while eating sea scallops with foie gras rice and pomegranate reduction is the perfect way to say “Malibu.” Why not when you’re in Rome?

Follow the PCH north as it winds along the Pacific Coast, passing through beach towns like Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and more. There are many places marked as highway stops where you can take a break or take pictures.

A 15-mile hike uphill for a unique lunch or dinner will break up the trip’s mostly coastal route and keep things from getting boring. Take Santa Barbara’s HWY 154 north and make your way to Cold Spring Tavern. The Western-themed mountainside bar is famous for its old-world romance and American food like tri-tip sandwiches, wild game black bean chili, and venison sausage stuffed mushrooms.

3. Morro Bay

After leaving Santa Barbara, take the PCH for about two hours and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean shoreline until you reach Morro Bay. What might seem like a small fishing town is actually full of state parks, beaches, and fun things to do outside. People who like to go on exciting trips should go to Morro Rock, which is a volcanic plug with climbing trails and calm beaches.

At a nearby store, get some seafood, and then claim a fire pit at Spooner’s Cove in Montana de Oro State Park. Spend the night by the fire, cooking the day’s catch, and watch the stars come out. Spend the night in Morro Bay because you’ll need to rest before your next trips.

4. San Simeon

Take the PCH north toward Monterey when you’re ready to get back on the road. The Elephant Seal Rookery is in San Simeon, which is about 34 miles north of Morro Bay. Elephant seals live along this part of the California coast, and this famous spot is a great place to get a close look at them. Hearst Castle is about four miles past the rookery. The house was originally commissioned by William Randolph Hearst, and the grounds are full of huge sculptures. Enjoy a tour of early to mid-century luxury set in a landscape of rolling hills, beautiful coastlines, and tall palm trees.

As you leave Hearst Castle and drive north toward Monterey, you’ll have about two and a half hours of beautiful views. Don’t forget to stop at least once to enjoy them.

5. Monterey

You should get to Monterey in time for lunch. For a very fresh meal, go to the nearest sustainable fish spot. After seeing historic Cannery Row, which became famous after John Steinbeck’s book with the same name, spend a few hours at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium focuses on coastal habitats in the area and has some really amazing sea life. On the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail you can get some exercise. But make sure you leave enough time to watch the sunset from a great spot on the water. Do not sleep in Monterey because you need to be fully charged for your trip to San Francisco.

Get back on the PCH and follow it all the way to the Bay Area to get from Monterey to San Francisco. It will take you about 2.5 hours to get where you’re going.

6. San Francisco

In San Francisco, there are lots of fun things to do. For example, you can drive along the famously winding Lombard Street, see the famous Alcatraz Island, or just relax in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Your rental car should stay at your hotel. The best ways to see the City by the Bay are on foot or by cable car.

Naturally obviously, you don’t have to stop your road trip when you get to San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy nature at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore if you still have time to see more. Just make sure you bring the right clothes. Many people remember what Mark Twain said: “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.”

You should go to the Ferry Building without eating anything because there are so many delicious things to eat there, like meat cones, unique cookies, locally made cheeses, kaki-age tempura, and so much more. When you’re done with your trip, you can easily return your car at San Francisco Airport or in a nearby city area (must be included in the ticket).

These are just a few of the things you can do while driving along the PCH. A month of slowly going up the road would be enough to keep things interesting. It’s best to take things slowly, enjoy the scenery, and look for new adventures everywhere you go.

La to san francisco road trip with kids

If you’re taking a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco with kids, you can plan stops and things that they will enjoy. Here’s a suggested route with stops along the way that are good for kids:

Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

• Morning: Depart from Los Angeles and head towards Santa Barbara.
• Midday: Stop for a picnic at El Matador State Beach in Malibu.
• Afternoon: Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo or enjoy the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
• Evening: Check into a family-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara and have dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant.

Day 2: Santa Barbara to Monterey

• Morning: Drive to Solvang, a Danish-style town with pastries and unique shops.
• Midday: Visit Ostrichland USA in Buellton for a fun and interactive experience.
• Afternoon: Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row in Monterey.
• Evening: Stay at a family-friendly hotel in Monterey and enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 3: Monterey to San Francisco

• Morning: Spend time at Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey for some playtime.
• Midday: Stop at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for rides and attractions.
• Afternoon: Visit Half Moon Bay for a beach walk and ice cream.
• Evening: Drive to San Francisco and check into a family-friendly hotel.
• Night: Enjoy dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant in San Francisco, such as Ghirardelli Square.

This plan includes a variety of outdoor activities, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly sights that will keep the kids busy and interested during the trip. If your kids are different ages or interested in different things, you can change the plan to make the trip fun for everyone. 

10 Popular stops on a la to san francisco road trip

There are many interesting places to stop on the way from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Here are some places you should stop on your way:

1.Santa Barbara: 

This city is famous for its lovely beaches, Spanish architecture, and lively downtown area. It’s a great spot to visit parks, museums, and the water.

2.Solvang

It is a Danish town in the Santa Ynez Valley that is known for its windmills, European-style buildings, and bakeries. It’s a nice place to stop for a walk and breakfast.

3.San Luis Obispo: 

This town has cute streets, small shops, and wineries close by. It is home to the famous Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

4.Pismo Beach

It is a classic California beach town with a pier, sandy beaches, and things like ATV riding on the dunes for people to enjoy the outdoors.

5.Hearst Castle: 

This is a huge house in San Simeon that is full of art and old things. You can see its fancy rooms and grounds with the help of a tour guide.

6.Big Sur: 

This place is a must-see for nature fans because of its dramatic coastline, redwood forests, and beautiful views. Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls are must-sees.

7.Monterey

You can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and other nearby sights, such as Pacific Grove and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

8.Carmel-by-the-Sea:

The town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is very pretty. It has fairytale cottages, art shops, and lovely beaches. In this cute seaside town, you can eat and shop in small shops.

9.Santa Cruz 

is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic amusement park by the water with games, rides, and an old roller coaster.

10.Half Moon Bay

There is a pumpkin fair, beaches, and beautiful views in Half Moon Bay, a town on the coast. Take a stroll along the coast and maybe eat some fresh fish.

These are just a few of the places you can visit en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Each one has its own special sights, sounds, and activities, making your trip along the California coast more interesting.

Finally,

From Los Angeles to San Francisco, the drive is more than just a drive; it’s an adventure through the heart of California’s ocean beauty. From the busy streets of Los Angeles to the famous sights of San Francisco, every mile on this route is full of amazing things to find.

You can take the winding Pacific Coast Highway or the faster inland roads. Either way, the trip will give you a wide range of experiences. Every stop gives you a different taste of California’s many landscapes and cultures, from the sandy beaches of Santa Barbara to the rough rocks of Big Sur and the cute towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

It’s not just the places you visit on the road trip that matter—it’s also the times you spend in between. It’s the laughs shared in the car, the unplanned side trips to secret gems, and the memories made with each mile. The LA to SF road trip is a must-do for anyone who wants to get a true sense of the Golden State, whether they are going alone, with family, or friends.

So, get your bags ready, fill up the gas tank of your car, and go on this classic California journey. From Hollywood to the Golden Gate Bridge, the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is more than just a drive. It’s a journey of discovery, beauty, and endless options waiting to be discovered.

(FAQs) on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco:

Q.How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

The drive typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken.

Q.What are the best stops to make on a road trip from LA to SF?

Popular stops include Santa Barbara, Solvang, Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Q.Are there any family-friendly attractions along the way?

Yes, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Q.Is Highway 1 or Highway 101 the best route for a scenic drive?

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers stunning coastal views but can be winding and slower. Highway 101 is a faster inland route with its own attractions.

Q.Are there kid-friendly restaurants and accommodations along the route?

Yes, many towns along the way offer family-friendly dining options and hotels or motels that cater to families.

Q.What are some must-see attractions in San Francisco?

San Francisco highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and riding a cable car.

Q.Are there any scenic viewpoints or photo opportunities on the drive?

Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, McWay Falls, and the coastline views along Highway 1 are perfect for stunning photos.

Q,Should I book accommodations in advance for this road trip?

It’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Q.What are some safety tips for a road trip with kids?

Ensure everyone wears seat belts, pack snacks and entertainment for the journey, take breaks to stretch and rest, and have emergency supplies in the car.

Q.Are there any toll roads or special permits required for this trip?

There are no toll roads on the direct route from LA to SF, but some attractions or detours may have entrance fees. Check ahead for any special permits needed. Forest Lagoon