The Perfect San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip Itinerary
California is one of the best states in the country for road trips! It’s a surprisingly long state — you can drive 12 hours in one direction and STILL be in California.
For people visiting from Europe, that may sound impossible since 12 hours of driving would take you through a few different countries, but that’s how long the state is!
While there are many great road trip routes in California, including Highway 395 in eastern California and the northern coastline up to Sausalito, Point Reyes, Mendocino, and beyond, the San Francisco to San Diego road trip route is the best one.
I’ve lived in California my entire life, including the Bay Area, Santa Barbara, and San Diego. I could almost drive these routes in my sleep after driving up and down the state at least a hundred times throughout my life.
I’ve found all the best stops along the way and compiled them all into this guide for you!
Instead of trying to decide between Northern California vs. Southern California, a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego will hit all the major cities along the coast in both regions.
California’s long coastline makes for an excellent San Francisco to San Diego road trip with ocean views, charming beach towns, and some of the most famous cities in the world.
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Know Before You Go
Distance From San Francisco to San Diego
Quickest route: 500 miles (805 km) if you take Highway 5
Ideal route: 545 miles (877 km) if you take Highway 101 and Highway 5
Scenic route: 580 miles (933 km) if you take Highway 1 (partially closed in 2024), Highway 101, and Highway 5
Google Maps Preparation
Some areas of this route do not have service, specifically Highway 1 from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Cambria (when it’s open). Download a map of California in your Google Maps app ahead of time (must be on wifi) to ensure you can still navigate even without service.
Plan out your stops ahead of time by saving each town, activity, hotel, and restaurant in saved folders on Google Maps. This makes it easier to reference when you’re on the go!
Road Trip Essentials
You can’t go on a road trip without some good snacks, music, and comfy clothing! Below are some of my road trip essentials for the best San Francisco to San Diego road trip:
Snacks
Drinks
Comfortable clothes (layers)
Downloaded podcasts/music/audiobooks
Sunglasses
Mini cooler w/ice (also great for beach days!)
Book Stays Ahead of Time
Depending on the season, some hotels along the route from San Francisco to San Diego book up quickly. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, or during the holidays, ensure you book your stays as far in advance as possible.
Nightly rates for hotels during spring break and summer will also likely be higher than if you go in the off-season.
Plan Your Stops For Gas or Charging Stations
Some stretches of highway on the San Francisco to San Diego road trip route don’t have any gas stations. Search the route before you embark on your trip and save gas/charging stations in a folder on your Google Maps.
Plan which areas you will need to stop ahead of time to avoid running out of gas or charge!
Tips For Driving the California Highways
If you’ve never driven in California before, there are some things you should know before you start your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. Each highway on this itinerary has its own quirks and personality.
Highway 5
Location: Highway 5 runs down the center of California. It is, by far, the most boring highway in California and is heavily used by semi-truck drivers.
Scenery: The majority of this highway from northern California to central California is hills and farms without anything to look at and few areas to stop for gas or food. Once you reach southern California, Highway 5 switches to the coast and becomes a more scenic drive.
Efficiency: Highway 5 is the fastest way to get from San Francisco to San Diego. If speed is what you’re going for, Highway 5 will be your route! To get to Highway 5 from San Francisco, you will drive across the Bay Bridge onto the 580 freeway and then take the exit for Highway 5.
Road Hazards: One area of the highway to be aware of is “the grapevine.” It’s a steep stretch of highway that is about 5 miles long and it’s not uncommon to see cars on the side of the road with overheated engines. Ensure the car you’re driving is in good shape before taking this route!
In the winter months (a great time to visit California!), there is occasionally snow along the side of the road on the grapevine. It is even—on rare occasions—closed due to icy conditions that are unsafe considering the steep grade of this part of the highway.
Highway 101
Location: Highway 101 is also known as El Camino Real and runs from northern Washington, through Oregon, and down California until Los Angeles. You can take Highway 101 from San Francisco to just before Los Angeles, at which point it merges into Highway 5.
Scenery: There are some stretches of farm towns without any stops, but there are tons of stops for gas and food along this highway compared to Highway 5! You will be pretty close to the coast driving along the 101, with easy access to many of the coastal towns and some ocean views.
Efficiency: Taking Highway 101 isn’t the fastest route, but it isn’t the slowest either. Highway 101 is the ideal route because you still get an efficient route while also being close to the coast.
Road Hazards: California Highway Patrol (CHP) frequents Highway 101 and often hides on the side of the road to catch speeders. This is because many people speed along Highway 101 since it’s a mostly straight highway usually without much traffic.
Be cautious of your speed and the cars around you. If you go the speed limit, stay out of the far-left lane since the speeders will typically be in that one.
Highway 1
Location: Highway 1 runs along the coast from Fort Bragg (on the Mendocino Coast) down to Dana Point (past Los Angeles). It is also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH.
Scenery: The PCH is the most scenic route in California since much of the drive offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean! It takes you through some of the cutest coastal towns, all of which are included in the below itinerary.
Efficiency: This is the longest route to take since most of the highway is single-lane with twists and turns. If you get car sick easily, Highway 1 might not be the best route for you.
Gas stations and charging stations are few and far between along Highway 1. Refuel in larger cities to avoid paying premium costs for gas at remote gas stations (they hike up the prices when there aren’t many other stations around).
Road Hazards: There are occasional closures on Highway 1 due to landslides/rocks (usually after rain or storms) or strong winds. Check the route/news continuously leading up to your trip in case you need to make some last-minute changes.
The Big Sur website provides regular updates about the stretch of Highway 1 near Big Sur. You can check Caltrans for all updates about all of Highway 1 as well.
2024/25w closures: Large storms damaged parts of the highway near Big Sur. Caltrans announced at the end of 2024 that parts of Highway 1 would remain closed for repairs until at least 2025 — this is the longest it has ever been closed!
If there are spots along Highway 1 you do not want to miss, most are still accessible. You will just need to plan for more time to retrace your route back out instead of continuing through Highway 1 along the coast.
21 Best Stops on a San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip
San Francisco
The gem of the Bay Area and the most well-known city in northern California is San Francisco. If you’re flying from another country to California, you’ll likely fly into San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) I recommend flying into SFO, especially for this road trip route.
This is also of course where you will start your road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. If you’re visiting from elsewhere, it’s worth spending a couple of nights in San Francisco and exploring — especially if you’ve never been before!
San Francisco has a wide variety of different activities, from gorgeous architecture to stunning ocean viewing spots to gardens and art museums. It’s impossible to be bored in this city!
Things To Do in San Francisco
Get hot chocolate at The Warming Hut with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Take a guided tour of San Francisco to see all the best highlights
Visit the museums: de Young Museum of Art, Legion of Honor, and Cal Acadamy
Where To Eat in San Francisco
Food trucks near the de Young Museum and the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor
Pacific Catch
Scoma's Restaurant
The Laundromat SF
Where To Stay in San Francisco
Luxury: The St. Regis San Francisco
Mid-range: Inn San Francisco
Budget: Inn at Union Square
Half Moon Bay
The quaint beach town of Half Moon Bay is famous for its giant waves at Maverick’s Beach and fall Pumpkin Patches. It’s also where I lived the first seven years of my life!
Half Moon Bay is beautiful but often has foggy and overcast weather —wear layers for the most comfortable trip. Even on a foggy day, it’s fun to bundle up and hang out at the beach, check out the tidepools, and watch the surfers catching waves.
Distance from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay: 29 miles (47 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Half Moon Bay
Check out the boats in the harbor
Watch surfers catch waves at Maverick’s
Go tide-pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Where To Eat in Half Moon Bay
Barbara’s Fish Trap
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Sam’s Chowder House
Where To Stay in Half Moon Bay
Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Mid-range: Harbor View Inn
Budget: Coastal Zen Cottage
Davenport
Just north of Santa Cruz is the tiny coastal town of Davenport. It has a couple of beautiful beaches, including the picturesque Sharks Fin Cove. The giant piece of a cliff in the ocean resembles a shark fin and brings in a stream of visitors and photographers.
I don’t recommend staying here or getting lunch since it’s so small, but it is a fun and quick stop along a San Francisco to San Diego road trip!
Distance from Half Moon Bay to Davenport: 38 miles (61 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Davenport
Take photos at Shark’s Fin Cove
Tour Swanton Berry Farm
View Davenport Pier from the cliffs
Related post: A Day Trip to Davenport
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a popular beach destination and home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s known for being a hippy town set between grand redwood trees and gorgeous beaches.
It’s also home to the University of California Santa Cruz! If you’re looking for a good spot to stop for a night, Santa Cruz is a good destination for those looking for a beachy area with lots of shops and restaurants.
Distance from Davenport to Santa Cruz: 11 miles (18 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Santa Cruz
Have fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Walk around Wilder Ranch State Park
Check out the rock arches at Natural Bridges State Beach
Look for Monarch Butterflies at the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail
Where To Eat in Santa Cruz
Cococ The Food Truck on the Wharf
Hula's Island Grill
Pretty Good Advice (Vegetarian)
Where To Stay in Santa Cruz
Luxury: Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Mid-range: Sea & Sand Inn
Budget: Marea Sol Hotel
Capitola
The lovely seaside town of Capitola is one of my favorite day trips from the Bay Area! It has a small, adorable downtown, great restaurants, and a beautiful beach.
The most recognizable attraction in Capitola is the colorful neighborhood of cottages right on the beach. They make for great photos.
This is a mostly quiet, laid-back town that is a bit of a hidden gem in this area of the coast since most people visit nearby Santa Cruz instead. Weekends in summer are much more lively, especially on sunny days when the beach is dotted with people.
If you want to stay in this area and Santa Cruz is too touristy or crowded, book a cozy beach hotel in Capitola!
Distance From Santa Cruz to Capitola: 6 miles (9.6 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Capitola
Admire the colorful houses
Visit the beachy shops downtown
Walk the small trail along the river
Where To Eat in Capitola
Zelda’s
Pizza My Heart (walk-up/takeaway only)
Mr. Toots Coffeehouse
Where To Stay in Capitola
Luxury: Inn at Depot Hill
Mid-range: Capitola Hotel
Budget: Capitola Beach Suites
Capitola Colorful Houses
Capitola Venetian Court #1 (Purple and Aqua)
Capitola Venetian Court #3 (Yellow)
Capitola Venetian Court (Light Pink and Royal Blue)
Capitola Venetian Court #8 (Aqua and Royal Blue)
Capitola Venetian Court (Lime Green and Yellow)
Related post: Things to Do in Capitola, California
Monterey
Monterey is best known for its world-renowned aquarium and Cannery Row. It was once a sardine canning town but is now a popular tourist destination.
Stop here during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip for a visit to the aquarium, a walk down Cannery Row, and a fresh seafood lunch right on the water!
There are also great whale watching tours, shops and restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and lovely ocean views.
Distance from Capitola to Monterey: 38 miles (61 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Monterey
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Check out the shops on Cannery Row
Get lunch on Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Where To Eat in Monterey
Abalonetti Bar and Grill
Osteria Al Mare
Schooners Monterey
Where To Stay in Monterey
Luxury: Old Monterey Inn
Mid-range: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Budget: Stage Coach Lodge
Pacific Grove
Just next to Monterey is the charming town of Pacific Grove. This is an affluent area set along the coast with a quaint downtown, lovely inns and hotels, and a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
Pacific Grove is a popular retirement destination and many of the locals are retirees. The relaxing atmosphere and inviting coastal views make Pacific Grove the ultimate relaxing getaway.
If you stop in this area, Monterey is worth a visit, but I recommend spending more time in Pacific Grove. It’s also a great place to stay a night or two during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip!
Distance from Monterey to Pacific Grove: 2 miles (3.2 km)via Lighthouse Avenue
Things To Do in Pacific Grove
Walk to Lover’s Point
Get a hot drink and a book at The Bookworks
Look for otters at Otter’s Point
Where To Eat in Pacific Grove
Red House Cafe
Passionfish
Beach House Restaurant + Bar
Included breakfast at Gosby House Inn or Green Gables Inn if you are a guest
Where To Stay in Pacific Grove
Luxury: Gosby House Inn and Green Gables Inn
Mid-range: Old St. Angela Inn
Budget: Butterfly Grove Inn
Related post: How To Spend a Weekend in Pacific Grove
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Another quaint, coastal town along California’s central coast is Carmel-by-the-Sea. After stopping in Monterey/Pacific Grove, take the 17-mile drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the best scenic route!
Carmel-by-the-Sea, also just called “Carmel,” is known for its unique fairy tale cottages and stunning coastline. It’s small enough to see the majority of the town in a day, but it’s also a great place to spend a relaxing weekend.
Even if you don’t stop here on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip, I still recommend driving via the 17-mile drive for some of the best coastal views on the central coast!
Distance from Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea: 10 miles (16 km) via the 17-mile Drive
Things To Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Explore the fairy tale cottages
Tour the Carmel Mission Basilica
Walk the Carmel Beach Walk
Where To Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Forge in the Forest
Where To Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Luxury:
Mid-range:
Budget: Carmel Bay View Inn
Related post: A Day Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Big Sur
Big Sur is a landscape photographer's dream with epic cliffsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are also great camping and hiking trails for a more outdoorsy adventure!
There are very few gas stations in this area and the ones that are here have the monopoly, so prices are sometimes TWICE as much as average prices. Fill up in the Monterey/Pacific Grove area for better deals and to avoid running out of gas along Highway 1.
Highway 1 Closures: This will be somewhat out of the way during the Highway 1 closures. You can access it easily via Highway 1 South from Highway 101. You will need to turn around and go up Highway 1 North to reach Highway 101 again until the entire highway reopens.
Distance from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur: 26 miles (42 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Big Sur
Take in the views at Seal Beach Overlook
Take photos at McWay Falls
Go hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and/or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Where To Eat in Big Sur
Nepenthe
COAST Big Sur
Where To Stay in Big Sur
Mid-range: Big Sur Campground and Cabins
Budget: Fernwood Resort or camping in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
San Simeon
San Simeon is typically accessible from Big Sur via a gorgeous scenic drive via Highway 1, but during closures, you must go via Highway 101 to reach it.
Hearst Castle is the main attraction in San Simeon. It’s a historic estate that offers a variety of tours of the house and gardens. Ideally, you should book tickets online in advance, but you can also buy tickets at the visitor center if they are not sold out.
My favorite area in San Simeon though is the Elephant Seal viewing area.
The viewing area is free and completely open to the public — just park and look! Bring binoculars for the best views and do not approach the seals or get close.
The best time to see them is December through March. Review the guidelines before you visit.
While this is a fun stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, it does not have many great options for restaurants or accommodations. You’re better off staying in nearby Cambria if you want to stop for a meal or overnight stay in this area.
Distance from Big Sur to San Simeon: 178 miles (286 km) via Highway 101 (during road closures on Highway 1)
Things To Do in San Simeon
Watch the Elephant seals
Take a tour of Hearst Castle
Cambria
When Highway 1 is fully open, this will be your next stop after San Simeon; if parts of it are closed, you will reach Cambria via Highway 101 first before going up Highway 1 North to go to San Simeon (and then back down Highway 1 South).
Cambria is a tiny coastal town with boutique hotels and cozy coffee shops. Both Highway 1 and the Santa Rosa Creek run right through Cambria.
This is a nice stop on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip if you need a meal break or a cozy stay at a charming inn.
Distance from San Simeon to Cambria: 9 miles (14.5 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Cambria
Walk Moonstone Beach
Get cookies at Red Moose Cookie Company
Hike at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Where To Eat in Cambria
Sea Chest Oyster Bar
The Spot
Robin's Restaurant
Where To Stay in Cambria
Luxury: White Water
Mid-range: Cambria Beach Lodge
Budget: The Rigdon House
San Luis Obispo (SLO)
San Luis Obispo is a laid-back college town — home to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. It has a delightful downtown full of shops and restaurants, plus a giant weekly farmers’ market.
In addition to Cal Poly, SLO is also home to the world-famous Madonna Inn. This makes for a great bathroom stop since Madonna Inn bathrooms are some of the most unique in the United States!
Distance from Cambria to San Luis Obispo: 33.5 miles (54 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in San Luis Obispo
Explore the Architectural Graveyard on Cal Poly campus
Stick chewed gum on the wall at Bubblegum Alley
Visit the nearby town of Avila Beach and check out Pirates Cove Beach
Where To Eat in San Luis Obispo
High Street Market & Deli
Ziggy's (vegan)
Urbane Cafe
Where To Stay in San Luis Obispo
Luxury: Granada Hotel & Bistro
Mid-range: Madonna Inn
Budget: Apple Farm Inn
Pismo Beach
In San Luis Obispo you will switch from Highway 1 to Highway 101 and drive along a picturesque stretch along the coast. I especially love it when I hit this spot at golden hour and see the ocean sparkle as I drive by!
Pismo Beach is a long, thin stretch of land along the coast with a small town center. It has beautiful beaches; outdoor activities like surfing, horseback riding, and jeep rides on the dunes; and an amazing boardwalk next to the pier.
Pismo Beach is also a great place to stay the night to break up the San Francisco to San Diego road trip a bit.
Distance from San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach: 13 miles (21 km) via Highway 101
Things To Do in Pismo Beach
Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove
Walk down Pismo Beach Pier
Take a wild ride on the dunes
Where To Eat in Pismo Beach
Cool Cat Cafe
Splash Café
Ada’s Fish House
Where To Stay in Pismo Beach
Luxury: Pismo Lighthouse Suites
Mid-range: Shore Cliff Hotel
Budget: Shell Beach Inn
Solvang
Solvang is the Danish Capital of America, with windmills, Danish delicacies, and a replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid fountain.
Walking around downtown Solvang is like being transported to Denmark! It’s one of my favorite places to visit during the holidays, but it’s cheerful all year round.
There’s so much to do and see in this tiny town, most of which can all be done within one day. If you’re completely charmed by this town, spend a night or two in one of the Danish-style hotels!
Distance from Pismo Beach to Solvang: 54 miles (87 km) via Highway 101
Things To Do in Solvang
Feed ostriches at Ostrichland USA
Eat aebleskiver and sausages (vegan ones available!)
Walk around downtown and check out the shops
Where To Eat in Solvang
Solvang Restaurant
Copenhagen Sausage Garden
Panino
Where To Stay in Solvang
Mid-range: Hotel Corque or Royal Copenhagen Inn
Budget: The Hamlet Inn
Related post: How To Spend a Day in Solvang
Santa Barbara
My favorite place in the entire state of California is Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is a must-stop on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip. I highly recommend you spend a night (or two or three!) in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera due to its Mediterranean climate, jaw-dropping coastline, annual film festival, and great wineries. I lived here for 4 years after visiting it my whole life, and now visit multiple times a year.
Although the beaches are one of the main attractions, there are so many things to do in Santa Barbara. The weather is beautiful almost year-round, so there aren’t really any bad times to visit. Winter is even one of my favorite times to visit Santa Barbara!
Distance from Solvang to Santa Barbara: 46 miles (74 km) via Highway 101
Things To Do in Santa Barbara
Relax on one of the many beaches
Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Explore the museums and mission
Related post: Things To Do in Santa Barbara
Where To Eat in Santa Barbara
Corazon Cocina at Public Market
Mesa Burger
Eureka
Oliver’s of Montecito (vegan)
Related post: Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Where To Stay in Santa Barbara
Luxury: Palihouse Santa Barbara
Mid-range: Hotel Santa Barbara
Budget: Inn by the Harbor
Related post: Where To Stay in Santa Barbara
Summerland
Summerland is a tiny town just south of Santa Barbara. It’s an upscale area with ocean-inspired home decor and garden shops, as well as a meditation garden which is free to visit.
This is not quite worth staying for a meal or overnight (do that in Santa Barbara instead), but fun for a quick stop!
Distance from Santa Barbara to Summerland: 6 miles (9.7 km) via Highway 101
Things To Do in Summerland
Visit the Sacred Space (free meditation garden)
Peruse the various home and garden shops
Relax at Summerland Beach
Ventura
Another beach town along the southern California coast known for surfing, a wooden pier, and being the launching point to reach Channel Islands National Park is Ventura.
The best activities to do in Ventura are all outdoors in the warm weather they get most of the year.
Distance from Summerland to Ventura: 21.5 miles (34.6 km) via Highway 101
Things To Do in Ventura
Take a day trip to Channel Islands National Park
Shop in the historic downtown area
Go sailing, surfing, or kayaking
Where To Eat in Ventura
Lure Fish House
Himalaya Restaurant Ventura
Café Nouveau
Where To Stay in Ventura
Luxury: Remodeled Ventura Beach Home
Mid-range: Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach
Budget: White Caps Motel
Los Angeles
One of the most-visited cities in the entire state is Los Angeles. It’s one of three cities that have been called the “entertainment capital of the world,” specifically Hollywood.
There are endless things to do and see in Los Angeles! It has a diverse population, with many of the residents being transplants from other cities, states, and countries.
While Los Angeles is a pretty cool spot to visit on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip, you do need to prepare for the insane traffic throughout the city and crowds during summer.
Distance from Ventura to Los Angeles: 73 miles (117.5 km) via Highway 1
Things To Do in Los Angeles
Admire artwork and architecture at The Getty
Hike to the Hollywood sign
Spend a day at Universal Studios
Where To Eat in Los Angeles
Erewhon Market
Gracias Madre (vegan)
Urth Caffe Beverly Hills
Where To Stay in Los Angeles
Luxury: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Mid-range: The Charlie West Hollywood
Budget: Modern Guest Room
Disneyland
Make a stop in Anaheim for a visit to Disneyland! If you have time to stay for a night or two and Disneyland is of interest to you, then absolutely make a stop here during your San Francisco to San Diego road trip.
Admittedly, I’ve been going to Disneyland since I was one year old and still love going as an adult. It’s both nostalgic and magical for me, but may not be for everyone.
Get a park hopper pass so you can visit both Disneyland and California Adventure during your trip — they’re just a 5-minute walk apart. If you can only get a single-park pass, go to Disneyland.
If you don’t want to pay for tickets to enter the parks, you can visit Downtown Disney for free! They have lots of stores selling Disney merchandise and great restaurants.
Distance from Los Angeles to Anaheim: 26 miles (42 km) via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Things To Do in Disneyland
Ride the classic rides
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones
Haunted Mansion
Thunder Mountain Railroad
Explore Star Wars Land
Check out Avengers Campus in California Adventure (if you’re a Marvel fan)
Where To Eat in Disneyland
Baked potatoes at Troubadour Tavern
Cheesy pretzels at Maurice's Treats
Dole Whip at The Tropical Hideaway
Where To Stay in Disneyland/Anaheim
Luxury: Residence Inn by Marriott
Mid-range: Candy Cane Inn
Budget: Alpine Inn
Encinitas
If you stop in Anaheim for a Disneyland trip, the fastest way to get to Encinitas is Highway 5. At this point, Highway 1 becomes Highway 5, which is what you will take for the rest of the trip until you reach San Diego!
Encinitas is one of the coolest beach towns in California, but I may be biased after living in this area for two years. It is part of what people call “North County San Diego,” which includes Oceanside and Carlsbad along the coast, and San Marcos, Vista, and Escondido in the east.
Between gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, and an overall surf town vibe, Encinitas is truly a California gem. For me, this is a must-stop during a San Francisco to San Diego road trip.
Distance from Anaheim to Encinitas: 72.5 (117 km) miles via Highway 5
Things To Do in Encinitas
Hang out on the beaches (Moonlight, D Street, and Swamis are my favorites)
Walk through the plant-filled meditation garden
Explore the shops, murals, and restaurants on the main street (which is actually Highway 101!)
Tour the San Diego Botanic Garden
Where To Eat in Encinitas
Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas
Encinitas Fish Shop
Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar
Any Mexican food place that ends in -berto’s
Where To Stay in Encinitas
Luxury: Socal Style
Mid-range: Inn at Moonlight Beach
Budget: Moonlight Beach Motel
Related post: Best Places to Eat in North County San Diego
San Diego
You’ve made it! Hopefully after the best road trip from San Francisco to San Diego ever, you will arrive in sunny San Diego.
San Diego is both a beach town and a big city, with tall buildings set next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean. It’s home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the best Mexican food you can get in California.
Distance from Encinitas to San Diego: 25.5 miles (41 km) via Highway 5
Things To Do in San Diego
Explore Balboa Park
Art Museums
Natural History Museum
Visit the San Diego Zoo
Walk around the various neighborhoods
Old Town: Spanish-style neighborhood
La Jolla: Affluent beachside neighborhood
Pacific Beach: Beachside post-college town with lively nightlife
Mission Bay: Bay with islands and bayside hotels
Ocean Beach: Laid-back beach town
Where To Eat in San Diego
Casa Guadalajara (Old Town)
Davanti Enoteca (Little Italy)
Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest
Where To Stay in San Diego
Luxury: Tower 23 Hotel
Mid-range: TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Budget: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip in 1 Day
543 miles (874 km) / 9-10 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Although ambitious and exhausting, you can get from San Francisco to San Diego in one day. I’ve done it over a dozen times myself!
Without stops, you can expect it to take about 10 hours via Highway 5. Google Maps may tell you it will only take 7 hours when you first start, but as traffic increases in the LA area, the time continuously goes up. I’ve never made it in less than 9 hours.
If you plan to stop for lunch or activities, budget about 13-15 hours.
If you want to take a more scenic route, you’re better off doing the trip in 3, 5, or 7 days.
You can take Highway 5 from San Francisco to San Diego for the fastest route, but I recommend you take Highway 101 halfway, stop for a mini day trip in Santa Barbara, and then hop onto Highway 5 once you reach Ventura.
If you can, try and leave San Francisco by 7am to avoid getting to San Diego late at night (and driving through LA during commuter time). This timing also makes Santa Barbara a perfect stop for lunch right at noon.
San Francisco to Santa Barbara
325 miles (523 km) / 5 hours via Highway 101
Get lunch in downtown Santa Barbara (I recommend the fish tacos at Corazon Cocina!), fuel up on gas, and replenish any snacks/drinks for the car before you hop back on the road.
Santa Barbara to San Diego
220 miles (354 km) / 4-5 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Prepare for traffic in Los Angeles no matter what time of day or day of the week. Check Google Maps while you’re in Santa Barbara to see which route it recommends at that time. It sometimes changes based on traffic.
San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip in 3 Days
If the destination is the most important but you still want to enjoy the journey, a 3-day road trip down the California coast is a great itinerary length.
This route takes Highway 1, Highway 101, and Highway 5. You’ll get all the benefits of a scenic route with the efficiency of driving from San Francisco to San Diego in just 3 days.
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel-by-the-Sea
133 miles (214 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 1
Leave San Francisco early and drive Highway 1 South with a stop in Santa Cruz, a stop in Pacific Grove, and then follow the 17-mile drive along the coast to reach Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Visit Natural Bridges State Beach for some epic views, then walk to the nearby Monarch Trail to spot some butterflies (between November and February).
Head to Pacific Grove for lunch at Beach House Restaurant + Bar with ocean views. After lunch, walk along the coast to Lover’s Point for some incredible views.
Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea via the 17-mile drive ($10 entrance fee) for the most scenic route.
Walk through the neighborhood with fairy tale cottages or go for a coastal walk.
Get dinner at Forge in the Forest in Carmel and check into your hotel for an early evening.
Mid-range: Candle Light Inn
Budget: Carmel Bay View Inn
Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Barbara
238 miles (383 km) / 5 hours via Highway 101
The second day is heavier on the driving, with a 5-hour drive to Santa Barbara via Highway 101.
Start your day with breakfast in Carmel and a morning walk along the coast before hopping on Highway 101.
Stop in Kings City to refuel and grab food if you need it — they have Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, and Taco Bell, as well as a highly-rated taco shop.
If you want to stop along the way for some fun activities and a nicer sit-down lunch, stop in San Luis Obispo!
Arrive in Santa Barbara and check into your hotel.
Luxury: Palihouse Santa Barbara
Mid-range: Hotel Santa Barbara
Budget: Inn by the Harbor
Walk down Stearns Wharf for sunset and get dinner at the nearby Fish House.
Day 3: Santa Barbara to San Diego
218 miles (351 km) 3-5 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Spend the full day in Santa Barbara to get lunch, explore, and enjoy the day!
Start your day with brunch from Lilac Patisserie in downtown Santa Barbara.
Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, just across the street from Lilac Patisserie.
Head to Butterfly Beach in Montecito (just south of Santa Barbara downtown) and walk the path above the beach.
Get dinner at Oliver’s of Montecito.
Leave Santa Barbara after 6 p.m. to avoid the commuter traffic in Los Angeles if you are driving on a weekday.
San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip in 5 Days
Spending 5 days to drive from San Francisco to San Diego is a great length of time to get a taste of some of the best spots along this route.
Each day includes about 2 hours of driving, but typically no more than 3 hours. This gives you enough time to spend a full day in each place if you leave early in the morning.
Day 1: San Francisco to Carmel-by-the-Sea: 133 miles (214 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 1
Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Luis Obispo: 144 miles (232 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 101
Day 3: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara: 106 miles (171 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 101
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles or Disneyland:
Los Angeles: 95 miles (153 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 101
Disneyland: 123 miles (198 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Day 5: Los Angeles or Disneyland to San Diego:
Los Angeles: 120 miles (193 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 5
Disneyland: 95 miles (153 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 5
San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip in 7 Days
Driving from San Francisco to San Diego in 7 days is the ideal length of time to really enjoy this road trip! This also gives you time to take the most scenic routes along the way for the ultimate San Francisco to San Diego road trip.
You’ll stay overnight in 6 different cities (not including San Francisco and San Diego) and have enough time to visit others nearby along the way!
Note: The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Cambria is usually best via Highway 1 for the most scenic route, but during Highway 1 closures it is not possible. You will need to take Highway 101 instead.
Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz: 77 miles (124 km) / 2 hours via Highway 1
Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel-by-the-Sea: 55 miles (88.5 km) / 1.5 hours via Highway 101 and the 17-mile Drive
Day 3: Carmel-by-the-Sea to Cambria: 145 miles (233 km) / 2.5 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 46
When Highway 1 is fully open: 93 miles (150 km) / 2.5 hours via Highway 1
Day 4: Cambria to San Luis Obispo: 33.5 miles (54 km) / 45 minutes via Highway 1
Day 5: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara: 106 miles (171 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 101
Day 6: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles or Disneyland
Los Angeles: 95 miles (153 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 101
Disneyland: 123 miles (198 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 101 and Highway 5
Day 7: Los Angeles or Disneyland to San Diego
Los Angeles: 120 miles (193 km) / 2-3 hours via Highway 5
Disneyland: 95 miles (153 km) / 1.5-2 hours via Highway 5
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