Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip

Starting your trip with a visit to the fabulous Santa Monica Pier sets the vibe for the rest of your journey perfectly! With its Ferris wheel, amusement park games, and amazing beach views, this spot just screams “California” and you can stroll the pier, grab a quick bit from the food stalls, or simply soak in the coastal atmosphere. This is also the perfect opportunity to take some beautiful photos of the beach before hitting the road again.

Famous for its surf culture and luxury homes, Malibu is the perfect place to catch some real Californian sunshine. You have to stop at Zuma Beach while you’re here, which is considered one of the prettiest beaches in Malibu, with long stretches of sand and rolling waves that just beckon you to relax on the shore. When you’re ready to eat, head to Malibu Farm on the pier for some fresh, farm-to-table bites with a view before heading out on a hike to Solstice Canyon, where you’ll find a beautiful waterfall and some Instagram-worthy views.

The next stop on your route should be Ventura, a small beach town that will make you want to slow down and savor every moment. There’s a really cozy, laid-back atmosphere here, and its historic downtown is filled with interesting shops, cafes, and retro storefronts. This is the place to chill out after a few hours on the road and to refuel before heading north, with the Ventura Pier offering the ideal place to stretch your legs. San Buenaventura State Beach is also a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic before heading back to your campervan for the evening.

Santa Barbara is the place to go if you want to experience a slice of the Mediterranean in California, with its Spanish-style architecture, sunny beaches, and swaying palm trees all adding to the atmosphere. While you’re here, take the time to wander around State Street and check out the shops, art galleries, and cafes before heading over to Stearns Wharf for some classic oceanfront fun! Or, if you’re craving a little history lesson, swing by the Old Mission Santa Barbara to learn more about its fascinating past.

Have you ever wanted to visit a Danish village without leaving the U.S.? Solvang lets you do just that! This adorable little town in the Santa Ynez Valley looks like it’s been plucked straight out of Europe, with windmills, Danish bakeries, and colorful storefronts to explore. Be sure to grab some authentic Danish pastries while you’re here, sample some wines, and wander through the fairytale-like streets. Whatever you get up to, Solvang is definitely worth a stop on your road trip from LA to San Francisco.

Often referred to simply as “SLO,” San Luis Obispo is a fun college town with plenty of character. Don’t miss Bubblegum Alley while you’re here, which is a narrow alleyway with walls covered in, you guessed it, chewed bubble gum. It’s a bit weird, but the grossness definitely makes it memorable! Afterwards, if you’re feeling up for a hike, head up to Bishop Peak, where you can find amazing views of the town and surrounding countryside. Also, if you’re in town on a Thursday, you can discover some awesome local produce and street food at the farmers’ market.

Just a bit further up the coast, Morro Bay is another tiny town with big coastal vibes. The star here is Morro Rock, a massive volcanic rock that just out over the harbor and offers some awesome photo ops. You can also take a stroll along the Embarcadero, where you’ll find cool shops and seafood restaurants, all accompanied by killer views of Morro Rock. This is a great place to pull and breathe in some fresh ocean air before you head to your next stop.

As you head into San Simeon, your next stop needs to be Hearst Castle. This is a mansion that is so extravagant it has its own zip code, with opulent rooms, sprawling gardens, and the famous Neptune Pool that all need to be seen to be believed. This amazing place was built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, and you can take a guided tour to see the highlights and learn more about it. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction.

Right around the corner from Hearst Castle, you’ll find Elephant Seal Vista Point in Piedras Blancas. This place is like a front-row seat to the lives of wild elephant seals, and depending on the season, you might catch them basking in the sun, wrestling for dominance, or even giving birth to their pups. Make sure you bring your camera with you, especially if you’re into wildlife photography!

So far, the stops between attractions have been pretty short, and even though the trip from Elephant Seal Vista Point to Big Sur covers 185 miles, it’s definitely worth the drive. This stretch of coastline is jaw-droppingly beautiful, and you can stop at Bixby Creek Bridge from amazing views or head into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the stunning McWay Falls. There are also some excellent campgrounds in the area, so you can spend a few days here and take in all its natural beauty before heading back out on the road.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town filled with cottages, art galleries, and loads of boutique shops where you can pick up some cool mementos of your LA to San Francisco road trip. Take the time to explore Ocean Avenue, or if you want a quieter experience, head to Carmel Beach for a gentle stroll along the white sandy shore. It’s particularly beautiful here at sunset, and with its cozy, artsy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind at the end of a long day.

Monterey is a beautiful coastal city with tons of character and a dash of history. One must-see attraction here is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can see everything from colorful jellyfish to sea otters playing in their enclosure. After your visit to the aquarium, take a stroll down Cannery Row, which was once the hub of Monterey’s sardine-packing industry and is now a lively area with shops and restaurants.

A bit further along the road, Santa Cruz is a town that perfectly balances surf culture with old-school beach charm. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the go-to spot here – a historic amusement park right on the sand, complete with roller coasters, arcades, and classic carnival food. If you’ve packed your surfboard for your camping trip, head down to Steamer Lane, which is a legendary spot for catching waves and watching the local surfers do their thing.

As you get closer to San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is the perfect final coastal stop to take in the natural beauty of Northern California. This town is loved for its beaches, cliffs, and pumpkin farms, and if you’re here in the fall, you might catch the famous pumpkin festival. The whole area just feels calm and unspoiled, and if you’re looking to take a lovely walk in nature before getting back behind the wheel, make sure to head over to Half Moon Bay State Park. This is the place to stop and recharge before heading into the excitement of San Francisco.

You’ve made it to San Francisco! This amazing city is the ultimate California destination, and it’s packed with things to see and do. Start your time here with the must-see sights, like crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, where you’ll get amazing views of the bay and the city skyline. After that, head over to Fisherman’s Wharf to indulge in some delicious, fresh seafood before exploring the Mission District and the incredible street art it is home to. After a day or adventure, there’s no better way to wrap up your San Franciscan road trip than with a ride on the famous cable cars, where you can watch the sunset and reflect on your journey.

If you’re ready for a truly unforgettable Californian adventure, the Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip needs to go straight to the top of your list. And, with help from Travellers Autobarn, the trip can be made even easier with unlimited miles and a campervan that’s ready for whatever stops you decide to take along the road.