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The west coast drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles comes in at just under 500 miles and it is absolutely gorgeous! If you’re in a hurry, then this road trip from SF to LA could be completed in two days. However, boasting some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, as well as a whole host of other attractions, why not slow things down a bit? What better way to spend a week on vacation than meandering down the coast, stopping off at some of the many attractions California has to offer. In this article, we’ve picked out 5 amazing stops on your next road trip from SF to LA.
Santa Cruz
Around 95 miles south of San Francisco lies our first major stop on the SF to LA route. Santa Cruz is one of the USA’s most well-known beach towns, and you’re sure to recognize its famous boardwalk, which opened all the way back in 1907. It’s a great place to spend a few days relaxing beachside, but there’s plenty else to see and do.
Santa Cruz prides itself on its natural environment and it’s well worth taking a hike amongst the towering redwood forests which scatter the region. Then it’s time to head out for a meal in one of the city’s hundreds of quirky restaurants, before finishing the day at Natural Bridges State Beach to watch the sunset in all its glory behind the iconic rock archway.
Click here to view several Santa Cruz itineraries!
Monterey
From Santa Cruz, it’s a scenic 45 mile drive around the edge of Monterey Bay to the town of the same name. Monterey is famous for its sardine industry, which is long gone nowadays. Instead, Monterey has become a popular stopover for visitors on the way to LA, with many restaurants and hotels housed in the old warehouses which were once used by the fishing industry.
Continuing the fishy theme, Monterey Aquarium is famed as one of the best in the world. For those who prefer to see animals living wild, a boat trip out into the bay can be rewarded with the exhilarating breach of gigantic humpback whales, the powerful dorsal fins of elegant orcas or the flying leaps of playful bottlenose dolphins.
Back on dry land, a stroll down Cannery Row (Monterey’s answer to Barcelona’s Las Ramblas) is a nice way to spend an evening and the famous 17-mile drive out onto the Monterey Peninsula is well worth the modest fee you pay to drive it. Enjoymiles of picturesque coastline before arriving at the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main city.
Big Sur
Continuing south, you can either head inland and enjoy the rugged terrain of the Santa Lucia Mountains or stick to the coast. Whichever way you travel, you’ll eventually arrive in Big Sur, an area of outstanding natural wilderness. Considered one of the most pristine environments in the whole of the United States, it’s a hiker’s paradise.
The best way to explore Big Sur is to camp, becoming at one with the nature that surrounds you. Many small beaches are tucked away along the coastline and the redwood trees can tower more than 100 meters above your head. A visit to the 80-foot McWay Falls is also a must. The Pine Ridge Trail is the most famous hiking route but there are plenty to choose from, depending on how much time you have on your hands. Wildlife is abundant in the region, with lucky explorers being able to spot mountain lions, condors, elephant seals, and sea otters amongst other species.
San Simeon
120 miles south of Monterey lies San Simeon, marking the halfway point on our road trip. The first destination to visit when you arrive here is Hearst Castle, a historic landmark created by American businessman and publisher William Randolph Hearst. As well as being an iconic landmark in its own right, it’s fun to see the zebras (yes, you read that right) roaming the grounds. A tour of the castle is a fascinating way to spend a day.
Away from Hearst Castle, San Simeon offers plenty of other attractions. Its elephant seal rookery is arguably the best place in the world to see these colossal creatures in the wild and there are several spectacular unspoiled beaches to enjoy.
Santa Barbara
One of the last major stops before we reach Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is like a slice of the Mediterranean. Affectionately known as the American Riviera, the party never stops, with hundreds of vibrant bars and nightclubs to enjoy.
If all that partying leaves you with a bit of a headache, then Stearns Wharf is the place to go to relax. The pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean, dotted with restaurants and cafes offering magnificent ocean views. Other highlights of Santa Barbara include the panoramic views from Inspiration Point and the tranquil botanical garden.
It’s hard to choose just five highlights on this epic journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Other incredible destinations include Half Moon Bay, Solvang, and many more. There are endless things to see and do, making this west coast road trip one for the bucket list.
If you’re staying 3 days in LA, Check out “Your Ultimate Guide to 3 days in LA Itinerary.”.
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