San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive

On the lookout for the perfect route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

We’ve pushed forwards and backwards a dozen instances utilizing totally different routes. Whereas dwelling in California, we frequently took I-5 for essentially the most direct route. Nonetheless, in case you’re in search of scenic choices otherwise you need to discover new components of California, these are those you need to think about.

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Final Up to date: April 20 2026

That is essentially the most scenic route, taking you alongside the coast many of the approach, nevertheless it’s additionally the windiest and most time-consuming. Listed below are among the highlights, however see our full PCH information right here.

Professional Tip: In the event you’re taking Freeway 1, we suggest driving south from SF to LA to be nearer to coastal views. It additionally makes turning off on pull-outs simpler.

See Extra: Your Final Pacific Coast Freeway Information in California

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Freeway 101

Freeway 101 is extra inland and takes you thru vineyards, rolling hills, and a few coastal views. We just lately visited the Santa Maria Valley and Solvang, and they’re so charming.

• Mile 0 – San Francisco
  • Earlier than we left the Bay, we had a good time exploring Oakland! On our first go to, we solely made it to Pacific Pipe, the most important bouldering health club within the US. This time, we performed pickleball at Pickle Athletics, walked the Rockridge Neighborhood, and hiked within the Sibley Volcanic Regional Protect. We additionally stopped by Clio’s Books, a bookstore bar. Our favourite meals stops have been Parche for his or her Colombian meals and The Crown for an espresso flight.
• Mile 231 – San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles
• Mile 263 – Santa Maria
  • Issues to Do
  • The place to Eat
    • Presqu’ile Vineyard – The chef’s mezze was my favourite meal of the journey. I might completely exit of my approach to eat right here. It’s extraordinarily widespread, so make reservations upfront.
    • The Hitching Submit – Well-known for his or her BBQ steak, we tried their ribeye and scallops, they usually have been each scrumptious. Make reservations since this place was additionally packed. Bear in mind that there was no cell service for us (don’t neglect to obtain offline maps on Google Maps in case you’re dangerous with instructions.
    • Cups & Crumbs – Decide up baked items and occasional. They’ve an enormous patio out again. We received the breakfast bagel and avocado toast. I might order a latte or desserty espresso over a cortado right here.
    • The place to Keep: Wine Stone Inn – a cute B&B feeling spot with a tasting room downstairs. Throughout our keep, that they had wine bingo and a meals truck within the night.
• Mile 299 – Solvang
• Mile 332 – Santa Barbara
  • Factor to Do
  • The place to Eat
    • ‘Que – Scrumptious BBQ. I beloved the elote salad! It’s situated contained in the Santa Barbara Public Market, which has a bunch of meals choices.
    • HandleBar Espresso Roasters – My favourite espresso spot in Santa Barbara.
    • Dune Espresso Roasters – This was my second fave. You possibly can see their roasting setup on the Anacapa location.
  • The place to Keep: Canary Resort – We beloved our nook room with a fantastic balcony. It was strolling distance from just about in all places we went, apart from Godmother’s.
• Mile 427 – LA / Pasadena

Professional Tip: There are a number of factors the place it joins up with Freeway 1, so you possibly can even do a hybrid of the PCH and 101 if there are stops alongside each that you just need to go to.

See Extra: 7 Distinctive Issues to Do in SLO

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Our Favourite Route

Having pushed all 4 routes a number of instances, our favourite approach to get from SF to LA is a hybrid of Freeway 101 and Freeway 1 if time isn’t a significant concern. Though Large Sur is certainly one of my favourite locations on this planet, it’s additionally gotten so crowded just lately. In the event you’ve by no means been, it’s a should. In the event you’ve already had your Large Sur repair, I counsel popping over to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea as a substitute, after which returning to the 101 for the remainder of the drive.

See Extra: Recap of Our Countless Caravan

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Important Suggestions

• Examine for closures on Freeway 1. Large Sur recurrently has landslides, mudslides after rain, one-lane visitors controls, and bridge restore delays. We nearly missed our flight due to a marathon race.
• Obtain offline maps on Google Maps for stretches with out sign.
• Fog can break coastal views. Many summer time mornings have a marine layer that typically burns off by noon. Fall and Spring on the coast usually offer you clearer skies. March via Might is the candy spot.
• Renting a automotive. Relatively than renting an everyday automotive, we needed one thing with extra persona, so we received a brilliant Jeep from Turo. It was ready for us on the airport once we arrived, and we dropped it again off within the parking deck earlier than flying house.

Are you planning a San Francisco to Los Angeles drive or vice versa? Which route would you are taking?