Our guide to the best San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip
If there's one iconic route in California, it's the one between San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you're in a hurry, there's a way to get to Los Angeles by car in just 6-7 hours. But if you're planning to visit California, there are longer routes. Don't forget to check the itinerary to enjoy the best California has to offer. Discover our guide to planning the best San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.
How to get to Los Angeles by car from San Francisco
A direct trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles is 380 miles and can take 6-7 hours. But there's so much to see in California, so why not make a few stops and detours?
Which highway to take to get to Los Angeles
As mentioned above, if you want to take the fastest route to Los Angeles, you can take Interstate 5. But, if you're planning a road trip to visit California, there are two other routes you can take, the Highway 1 and the Sequoia National Route.
How long does it take to drive to Los Angeles?
If you take Interstate 5 from San Francisco, you can get to Los Angeles in 6-7 hours. Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is 460 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles and will take you about 9 hours. The Sequoia National Park Route is 580 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles and takes about 10 hours.
Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Highway 1
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous routes. It offers stunning and charming coastal towns to visit such as Santa Cruz or Santa Monica. If you want to take your time to visit these famous places in California, we recommend a 3 to 4-day road trip.
What to see during your trip on Highway 1
There are many amazing places to see when you travel on Highway 1. Take time on the road to walk on the beach, to enjoy the Pacific Ocean and to visit the beautiful coastal towns. Let's take a look at what you can visit on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip.
Santa Cruz
During your first stop, you can visit the beach and admire the famous lighthouse and the Big Dipper. If you have time, you can go on a whale-watching safari. Or why not visit the Mystery Spot? You can see a collection of strange phenomena from the last 70 years.
Monterey
Near Monterey, you'll find one of the most beautiful stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Visit the majestic 17-mile coastline. The coastline is home to sea lions and seals. Once you are in Monterey, you can visit the Bay Aquarium, the sixth-largest aquarium in the world.
Point Lobos Natural Reserve
Point Lobos Natural Reserve is considered one of the most beautiful state parks. If you like nature and wildlife, this park is for you. Along the coastline, you can admire seals, sea lions, otters and orcas. On the trails, you can see gray foxes, raccoons, deer, opossums and coyotes.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a small fishing town. It is home to a beautiful state park and several estuaries for birds and wildlife. Don't miss out the Morro Rock. An ancient 175-meter volcanic outcropping. If you spend the day there, you can kayak around the rock!
Santa Barbara
Don't miss Santa Barbara on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip! Santa Barbara is known for its beaches, red tile roofs and its beautiful gardens. You can visit the courthouse and clock tower or the old Santa Barbara Mission. If you have time during your stay, check out the Lobero Theatre or the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Malibu
Your road trip is coming to an end. Malibu is located 19 miles from Los Angeles. Visit this town for its picturesque, unspoiled beaches and its strange rock formations.
Santa Monica
Finish your road trip in Santa Monica. The city is the closest point on Highway 1 to downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica's most popular spot is the Pier at the foot of Colorado Avenue.
Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Sequoia National Park Route
Unlike Highway 1, the Sequoia National Park Route takes you inland. The route is 580 miles through Fresno and Sequoia National Park to Los Angeles. Although the trip takes about 10 hours, we recommend that you allow 4 to 5 days to visit this side of California.
What to see during your trip on the Sequoia National Park Route
There are many amazing places to visit on your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. Let's take a look at what you can see in just a few days.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit this park and admire its great granite cliffs and waterfalls. The park offers many activities such as guided tours and hikes.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Another stop you can make during the day is the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. It offers a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits. The zoo is known for its commitment to conservation and education.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in California. The park is famous for its giant sequoias. It offers a breathtaking landscape of mountains, forests and deep canyons.
Angeles National Forest
Your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip is coming to an end. Before arriving in Los Angeles, you must make one last stop. The forest is a vast wilderness area. Take the time to enjoy its many outdoor activities, including hiking. If you have time, why not spend the night? You can camp and enjoy the wildlife in a beautiful mountain setting.
Now you know all the options for your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. What will you choose between the fastest route, the coastal route and the inland route? Whatever you choose, you'll have no problem finding a hotel on the road.
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