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Is the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles nice?
California has so many diverse landscapes, all beautiful in their own right. But if we were to recommend a road trip, San Francisco to Los Angeles would definitely be at the top of our list. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world… if you take the coastal route instead of the inland route, that is.
How hard is the drive from LA to SF?
The actual driving time is about 9 hours, but you'll have plenty of great places to stop at along the way. This route largely takes you on Highway 1 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH). You'll hop on this highway in Santa Monica, and make your way up the coast until you hit San Francisco!
What is scenic route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Scenic San Francisco to Los Angeles drive is impossible without visiting iconic Big Sur and Bixby Bridge. Legendary Big Sur and Bixby Bridge are the highlights of a scenic drive from San Fran to LA!...9. BIXBY CREEK BRIDGE – Big Sur.Driving distanceDriving timePoint Lobos to Bixby Creek Bridge11 mi (18 km)17 minMar 19, 2021
Is it better to drive or fly from LA to San Francisco?
The best option for you to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco depends on time available, comfort and convenience. If you plan on exploring the California coast, travel by car is the best solution. If you prefer getting from Point A to Point B in the fastest time possible, flying is an easy decision.
Is the drive to Big Sur scary?
Is the drive to Big Sur scary? The drive to Big Sur can be scary for those with a fear of heights. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you'll avoid any dangers.
Where should I stop on a road trip from LA to San Francisco?
Best stops on an LA to San Francisco DriveSanta Monica. Even though Santa Monica is still a part of Los Angeles, it makes for a fantastic first stop when driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco. ... Malibu. ... Santa Barbara. ... Solvang. ... Pismo Beach. ... Hearst Castle. ... Elephant Seal Vista Point. ... Big Sur.More items...•
Is it scary to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
It is scenic, but scary. Once you've seen 20 cliffs jutting into the ocean, you tend to lose interest. You have to drive carefully and slowly,and it is not relaxing.
Is it safe to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
The road often takes hairpin turns with narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs, so you must be alert at all times. Don't forget to pull over in safe places to really enjoy the vista. If you're hurt in an accident the PCH, then make sure you get help from car accident lawyer familiar with California law.
What is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Halfway between San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA The town that marks the exact halfway point is actually Turk, California. The closest zip code to the midpoint is 93234. The exact latitude and longitude coordinates are 36° 9' 40" N and 120° 10' 50" W. The closest major city that is roughly halfway is Fresno, CA.
How much does it cost to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
The total cost of driving from San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA (one-way) is $89.05 at current gas prices. The round trip cost would be $178.09 to go from San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA and back to San Francisco, CA again.
Is there a train between SF and LA?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Los Angeles to San Francisco. However, there are 17 trains per day to choose from.
Is there a direct train from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Is there a direct train between San Francisco and Los Angeles? No, there is no direct train from San Francisco to Los Angeles. However, there are services departing from San Francisco Caltrain and arriving at Los Angeles via San Jose. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 13h 25m.
How long is the scenic drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
around nine hoursThe better way to road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco is to take the scenic route on Highway 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). At around nine hours, you can do it in a day if you must, but that would hardly be in the spirit of an easygoing sightseeing coastal drive.
How long does it take to drive Highway 1 from LA to San Francisco?
approximately 8.5-9 hoursTips for Driving the PCH from L.A. to San Francisco Without stopping, it takes approximately 8.5-9 hours to drive from LA to San Francisco on Highway 1. Keep in mind that this is NOT a 55 MPH highway. Your average speed will be around 35 MPH for about 95 miles (between San Simeon and Monterey.)
How long is a car ride from LA to San Francisco?
Best Stops on Highway 101 and Things to See. The journey on US 101 from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes about 7 hours (without ever stopping) and is about 430 miles long, so it is a little longer than the previous one.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco Los Angeles?
How long is the drive from San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA? The total driving time is 5 hours, 48 minutes.
What is the best way to see the California coastline?
Driving from San Francisco to San Diego on PCH is a phenomenal way to see the California coastline. The route takes in the major California cities and stunning natural beauty.
How far is Monterey Bay from San Francisco?
Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay: 113 miles.
How to drive from San Francisco to Monterey?
Day 1: Drive to the California Coastal Region – San Francisco to Monterey 1 Destination: San Francisco to Monterey Bay via Highway 1. 2 Route: Pick up your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport (or Bay Area Airport of your arrival) and start your drive from SF to LA via Pacific Coast Highway! Hop on Route 1 at Pacifica and drive south to Monterey. 3 Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay: 113 miles. 4 San Francisco to Monterey Bay Driving Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes.
What camera do you need to see the Pacific Coast Highway?
As we just mentioned, however, some of the best sights can only be viewed from far away. We highly recommend using a good DSLR Camera with zoom lens to capture the beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles?
The distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway is roughly 500 miles. While it is possible to cover that distance in about 10 hours, it is much more likely that the San Francisco to Los Angeles drive time will be much longer.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to LA?
In fact, it is even possible to make the San Francisco to LA coastal drive in a single day (albeit, a very long day with about 10 hours of drive time).
What is the best route to take from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
We think the best route on California State Route 1 is from north to south – which is why we recommend the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway. Driving south allows for uninterrupted views of the coastline. Plus, it is a lot easier to pull off into most of the scenic overlook spots to the right, rather than having to make a left turn across traffic.
San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip planner
Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles. If you're planning a road trip to Los Angeles, you can research locations to stop along the way. Traveling with a dog or cat? View pet-friendly stops between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Camping along the way? View RV campgrounds between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
San Francisco to Los Angeles questions
Andrew from New Zealand asked: Where to stay half way between S.F. and L.A.? (15 answers)
Where should I stop along the way?
Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?
How far is San Francisco from LA?
The distance between San Francisco and LA is about 380 mi (612 km). It takes a 6-hour drive from LA to San Francisco by Interstate 5 Highway (I-5 N), the fastest route.
How long is the scenic drive from San Francisco to LA?
Scenic drive San Francisco to LA on Hwy 1 with all the stops can be done unrushed in 3 days. But still, you need to plan 3 days for LA and 3 days for SF. If you want the best experience of the road trip from SF to LA, 10 days in California are a must. Los Angeles to San Francisco scenic route:
How long to drive from San Francisco to Monterey?
From San Francisco take Freeway 101 (US-101) and then scenic California’s Highway 1 (CA-1) and you are going to be in Monterey in 2 hours.
How many tourists visit San Francisco Bay?
The City by the Bay attracts over 17 million tourists a year. And with a good reason: San Fransisco is simply stunning. It’s easy to fall in love with gorgeous San Francisco Bay, fascinating turquoise Pacific ocean, hilly San Francisco streets, and colorful Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It’s exciting to have an old-time ride in the San Francisco cable car in the Fisherman’s Wharf. It feels good to be a part of the welcoming, culturally diverse, and liberal community of San Francisco.
What is the next stop on the San Francisco to LA itinerary?
After Malibu, the next stop on this San Francisco to LA itinerary is Santa Monica. When someone mentions Santa Monica , most likely the first thoughts are Santa Monica beaches, Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade.
Where is the Pacific Coast Highway?
Moreover, it takes the best route from San Francisco to Los Angeles and one of the most scenic roads in the World – the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) on this California coast road trip.
Is it exciting to drive from San Francisco to LA?
Driving from San Francisco to LA is getting more and more exciting by each new stop!
What is the fastest way to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
There are many routes you can take when driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The quickest route is south down the I-5 but that is, without doubt, one of me most boring stretches of road you could drive in America!
How many days for the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
For the whole trip, I would advise setting aside 2 whole weeks. That gives you 3-4 days in San Francisco and another 3-4 days in LA. The rest of the time you can spend enjoying the sights of one of the most beautiful road trips in the world.
What is the most famous bridge in Big Sur?
The highlight of Big Sur is the Bixby Creek Bridge , a single-span bridge that is actually taller than the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the most famous viewpoint of the whole Pacific Coast Highway and a must-see spot for anyone driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
What is the Pacific Coast Highway?
The coastal route down , known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is full of beautiful scenery, endless coastal views, quirky small towns and cities and lots of fun activities. So, find your credit card, hire that convertible, put the top down and join me as I cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway as we drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
What highway is San Francisco on?
If you have the time then you should drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1). So what do you need to consider when planning your Pacific Coast Highway drive?
How long does it take to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
This depends on how much time you have set aside for your trip. It’s a route that can be done in 1 day or you can easily take a whole week and still not run out of things to do. Regardless of how long you have to make the drive, these are some of the stops you will kick yourself if you missed when driving the Pacific Coast Highway.
Is State Street in Santa Barbara worth visiting?
State Street runs through Santa Barbara and is lined with upscale boutique shops and wonderful restaurants where you can enjoy the local wine and speciality dishes. This striking coastal city framed by the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains is well worth your time as you draw closer to Los Angeles.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
The fastest route driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles is straight down Interstate-5 (I-5), which only takes about six hours but is an incredibly boring drive and you miss out on all the best sights along the California coast.
Where to stay overnight in San Francisco?
We think you should stay at either Beck’s Motor Lodge or the Kabuki. Here are some San Francisco travel guides to help you plan your time.
How long to drive to Big Sur?
In 3 Days. If you only have three days, here is what we’d recommend. Day 1: Leave San Francisco early, head to Monterey and walk around Cannery Row, stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve before driving through Big Sur, stop at Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls, and don’t miss the elephant seals at San Simeone.
What is the most photographed bridge in California?
Bixby Bridge: While you may not know it’s name, it’s likely that you’ve seen this iconic bridge as it’s one of the most photographed bridges in California.
What is California known for?
California is known worldwide for its beauty . From breathtaking beaches, to rolling hills lined with vineyards and groves of towering redwoods, coastal California has it all. On a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll encounter all of those things and more.
Is it expensive to live in California?
Except for the sky-high cost of living. We’d like to trade that, please. But there’s a reason it’s expensive to live in California – it’s a pretty amazing place with unbeatable weather. Our recent California road trip reminded us of just how incredible this state is. We made our way from San Francisco to Los Angeles, spending four weeks meandering through California, exploring our home state in a way that we hadn’t before. California is known worldwide for its beauty. From breathtaking beaches, to rolling hills lined with vineyards and groves of towering redwoods, coastal California has it all. On a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll encounter all of those things and more. It’s a picturesque, exhilarating drive with jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class wine tasting, and more hikes than you could complete in a lifetime. The drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along Highway 1 is a road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
What to do in Morro Bay?
Start with a day at Morro Beach. The kids will love clambering around near Morro Rock, and you can also fly a kite or look for shells on the beach. Pop into the Shell Shop on the Embarcadero for a souvenir, if you're pressed for time. If you want to experience nature in a personal way, visit the charming aquarium in Morro Bay. For a small cost, you can buy a bag of food to feed to the seals and sea lions. Hearst Castle is also just 30 miles outside of the city, and this old Hollywood palace will certainly leave an impression on your young ones.
How long does it take to drive from Hearst Castle to Monterey?
Leaving Hearst Castle, you'll have about two and a half hours of beautiful views to enjoy while driving north toward Monterey, so be sure to stop at least once along the way to take it all in.
Where to see elephant seals in California?
When you're ready to hit the road again, hop on the PCH north toward Monterey. Approximately 34 miles north of Morro Bay is the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. This popular spot is perfect for getting an up close and personal look of the herds of elephant seals that line this part of the California coast.
What is the California Highway Patrol?
The California Highway Patrol polices the Pacific Coast Highway, dealing with everything from speeding tickets to DUIs , accidents, and injuries. This Highway is unusual in that you have a heavy flow of commuters, locals, and out-of-towners sharing the same lanes at all times. The road is extremely beautiful, and it's easy to take your eyes off the road, but you'll also need to be vigilant for sudden stops in front of you, sharply winding curves, pedestrians crossing the road to the beaches, bikers, and cyclists, too.
What time does traffic congestion occur in Los Angeles?
If you're just passing through on your way north, try not to drive through Los Angeles at peak commuting times, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. or from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What is Highway 1 in San Francisco?
Pay close attention to your map or GPS once you hit San Francisco, as Highway 1 first becomes a city street, Junipero Serra Boulevard, before branching off to 19th Avenue, then Park Presidio Boulevard, and finally merging with US-101.
What is the best way to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway. California offers countless amazing road trip opportunities, but the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the best you'll find anywhere in the Golden State. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1.