San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive

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

We’ve pushed backwards and forwards 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 on the lookout for scenic choices otherwise you wish to discover new components of California, these are those you must 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 a lot of the method, however it’s additionally the windiest and most time-consuming. Listed here are among 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 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 had 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 option to eat right here. It’s extraordinarily common, so make reservations prematurely.
    • The Hitching Put up – Well-known for his or her BBQ steak, we tried their ribeye and scallops, and so they had been each scrumptious. Make reservations since this place was additionally packed. Remember that there was no cell service for us (don’t overlook to obtain offline maps on Google Maps in case you’re dangerous with instructions.
    • Cups & Crumbs – Choose up baked items and occasional. They’ve an enormous patio out again. We acquired 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, 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 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 possibly can see their roasting setup on the Anacapa location.
  • The place to Keep: Canary Lodge – We beloved our nook room with a fantastic balcony. It was strolling distance from just about all over the 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 possibly can 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 option to get from SF to LA is a hybrid of Freeway 101 and Freeway 1 if time isn’t a serious concern. Though Large Sur is one among my favourite locations on this 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 Limitless Caravan

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Important Ideas

• Examine for closures on Freeway 1. Large Sur frequently has landslides, mudslides after rain, one-lane site 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 season mornings have a marine layer that generally burns off by noon. Fall and Spring on the coast typically provide you with clearer skies. March via Could is the candy spot.
• Renting a automobile. Fairly than renting a daily automobile, we wished one thing with extra character, so we acquired a vibrant 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 residence.

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