San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive

Searching for one of the best route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

We’ve pushed forwards and backwards a dozen occasions utilizing totally different routes. Whereas residing 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 must contemplate.

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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 manner, however it’s additionally the windiest and most time-consuming. Listed below are a number of the highlights, however see our full PCH information right here.

Professional Tip: In case you’re taking Freeway 1, we advocate 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 not too long ago 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 largest bouldering fitness center 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’d completely exit of my option to eat right here. It’s extraordinarily common, so make reservations prematurely.
    • The Hitching Submit – Well-known for his or her BBQ steak, we tried their ribeye and scallops, and so they 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 acquired the breakfast bagel and avocado toast. I’d 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, they’d 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 liked 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’ll be able to see their roasting setup on the Anacapa location.
  • The place to Keep: Canary Resort – We liked our nook room with an amazing balcony. It was strolling distance from just about all over the place we went, aside 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 would 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 occasions, our favourite option to get from SF to LA is a hybrid of Freeway 101 and Freeway 1 if time isn’t a significant concern. Though Massive Sur is certainly one of my favourite locations on the earth, it’s additionally gotten so crowded not too long ago. In case you’ve by no means been, it’s a should. In case you’ve already had your Massive Sur repair, I recommend 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

• Test for closures on Freeway 1. Massive Sur usually 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 destroy coastal views. Many summer time mornings have a marine layer that typically burns off by noon. Fall and Spring on the coast usually provide you with clearer skies. March by means of Could is the candy spot.
• Renting a automotive. Quite than renting an everyday automotive, we wished one thing with extra persona, so we acquired a vivid Jeep from Turo. It was ready for us on the airport after 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’re taking?