San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive

In search of one of the best route from San Francisco to Los Angeles?

We’ve pushed forwards and backwards a dozen occasions utilizing completely different routes. Whereas residing in California, we frequently took I-5 for essentially the most direct route. Nevertheless, in the event you’re searching for scenic choices otherwise you wish to discover new elements of California, these are those it’s best to think about.

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Particular because of Go to California for sponsoring this put up and Turo for lending us a enjoyable neon Jeep to highway journey in. This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which might be linked at no extra price to you. All opinions are all the time our personal. Learn our full disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the manufacturers that make Native Adventurer potential.

Final Up to date: April 20 2026

That is essentially the most scenic route, taking you alongside the coast a lot of the means, but it surely’s additionally the windiest and most time-consuming. Listed here are a number of the highlights, however see our full PCH information right here.

Professional Tip: Should 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 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 largest 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’d completely exit of my solution to eat right here. It’s extraordinarily standard, so make reservations prematurely.
    • The Hitching Publish – 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 overlook to obtain offline maps on Google Maps in the event you’re dangerous with instructions.
    • Cups & Crumbs – Choose up baked items and low. 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, 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 positioned 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 may see their roasting setup on the Anacapa location.
  • The place to Keep: Canary Lodge – We beloved our nook room with an incredible balcony. It was strolling distance from just about in every single place 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 might even do a hybrid of the PCH and 101 if there are stops alongside each that you simply wish 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 solution 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 one in every of my favourite locations on the planet, it’s additionally gotten so crowded lately. Should you’ve by no means been, it’s a should. Should you’ve already had your Large 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 Ideas

• Examine for closures on Freeway 1. Large Sur usually has landslides, mudslides after rain, one-lane site visitors controls, and bridge restore delays. We virtually missed our flight due to a marathon race.
• Obtain offline maps on Google Maps for stretches with out sign.
• Fog can damage coastal views. Many summer season mornings have a marine layer that typically burns off by noon. Fall and Spring on the coast typically provide you with clearer skies. March via Might is the candy spot.
• Renting a automotive. Somewhat than renting a daily automotive, we needed one thing with extra character, so we acquired a vibrant 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 residence.

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