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Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive: Inland Road Trip Itinerary

This article shows an exciting itinerary for a Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive! Enjoy!

I would never get tired of road trips.  To me, they are the ideal way to travel from point A to Point B.  It is fascinating how much you can learn while driving.

Plus, one road trip is not identical to another even if the same route is taken.  Seasons make a difference. Attractions come and go. There are places that for some reason you never seem to catch open.

Living in California has only made my love for road trips stronger.  There are a lot of places to go and miles to cover.

But, the classics are the classics for a reason.  The Los Angeles to San Francisco drive is hands down one of my favorite trips.

That is why I am dedicating this article to that specific route.  Hope you enjoy the ride!

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

About this Itinerary

I have done this route many times.  Because of that, I feel like I can provide tons of advice.  Ask my friends. I have taken them around California many times.

Having said that, the Los Angeles to San Francisco drive can be done in 6 hours.  It would take a bit more if traffic is heavy. But, the point is not to get from point A to point B as fast as possible.  You want to savor all the attractions and scenery along this beautiful stretch of the Golden State.

I am breaking down the itinerary in 6 days.  I would provide details on how to shorten or extend the trip later.

Keep in mind this itinerary will take you (mostly) through Highway 101.  That means there is a lot of inland driving in here.

If you want to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco through the coast, I recommend checking out this article:

5-Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

By the way, on this itinerary, I will not spend time describing what to do at the starting and end points.  If you want to explore Los Angeles and San Francisco, you can check the following guides.

One Day in Los Angeles: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

San Francisco Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in San Francisco

Lastly, I want to mention the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is one to do multiple times.  There is so much to see in between. I mean that is why California is such a sought after destination.  I will provide plenty of ideas. I want to make sure my guide can be used for multiple trips.

Golden Gate Bridge seen from Postcard Overlook, San Francisco Itinerary, California

Sightseeing Gear

Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear.  Here is a list of the items I pack to explore cities and towns in California.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 1 – Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Distance and Driving Time: The distance from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is 95 miles.  It should take you less than 2 hours to arrive at your destination.

To beat Los Angeles traffic, you either leave very early (before 7:00 a.m.) or after 9:00 a.m.  To maximize travel time, I would leave super early. I would drive to Santa Barbara directly without stopping.

Breakfast:  Once in the American Riviera area (that is how Santa Barbara is known), pick a nice spot for breakfast to celebrate your arrival.

I cannot stop raving about Jeannine’s Bakery.  I am infatuated with their salmon bagel, banana Kahlua French toast, and chorizo frittata.  Plus, they have delicious coffee and pastries you can order to go. There is a location in Santa Barbara but I prefer the Montecito location.

Other good options include Scarlet Begonia, Bree’osh and The Shop Kitchen.

If you want to start the day with a scrumptious Mexican dish, head to Lito’s.  My husband likes to order the menudo and I am a fan of their green chilaquiles.  The sauce is unique since it is flavored with laurel leaves.

Cafe surrounded by flowers, Santa Barbara, California

What to see and do:  Once satisfied, walk around the Downtown area discovering landmarks such as El Presidio, Casa de la Guerra, Casa Covarrubias, Lobero Theather, the Courthouse, Granada Theather, Public Market, El Paseo, and Alice Keck Park.  In addition, you can check the historical and art museums.

Downtown Santa Barbara is walkable but you will need to hop in your car to visit the Santa Barbara Mission.  This not-to-miss beauty is considered the “Queen of Missions.”  You will understand the nickname once you see its facade and gardens.  

There is a rose garden located across the Mission and the Museum of Natural History is steps away.

After Downtown, you have two options.  First, you can opt to spend the rest of the day around the Funk Zone, a once derelict warehouse district turned an epicenter of all things cool.  In this district, you will find wine tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and murals.  Many businesses have communal seating and encourage camaraderie. You will definitely meet new people.

If you want to explore the Funk Zone and have no idea where to start, you can head to the visitors center to get some advice.  You are going to be provided a map of the area (including the urban wine trail) and local recommendations. Remember to ask for discounts (coupons are available most of the time).

If you want to spend the rest of the day at the beach,  you can stop by the Stearn’s Wharf, the Marina and East Beach. I prefer Leadbetter Beach because I can walk to Shoreline Park (for amazing views of Santa Barbara) and have a snack at the Shoreline Beach Cafe.

Row of flags near Casa de la Guerra, Santa Barbara, California

Lunch and Dinner: I enjoy eating at places such as Corazon Cocina, South Coast Deli, Lilac Patisserie, Pickles & Swiss, Lilly’s Taqueria and La Super-Rica Taqueria.  

For ice cream, I go to McConnell’s.  For cheese, C’est Cheese.  For Chocolate, I go to Chocolate Maya.

Parking Details:  It makes sense to head first to the Mission and then head to Downtown and leave the car park at a municipal garage.  They usually provide one or two hours free and affordable rates for the rest of the time. Prices may increase during high season.

You can walk around town, take the trolley or bus.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 2 – Santa Barbara to Solvang (or Santa Maria)

Distance and driving time: The distance from Santa Barbara to Solvang is about 35 miles.  So, driving in day 2 is light. You may drive an additional 20 to 30 miles moving around the towns in the Santa Ynez Valley (where Solvang is located).

There are two ways to reach Solvang from Santa Barbara.  One is to take Highway 101 along the Gaviota Coast. The other is take Road 154 among the Santa Ynez Mountains.  It is up to you to decide what route to take (both are scenic).

You can choose to spend the night in Solvang, Lompoc (cheapest hotel rates in the Valley) or Santa Maria.

Breakfast:  Having breakfast in Santa Barbara is an option since you have a wide range of establishments to choose from. And, I mean, it is difficult to go wrong in here.

Nonetheless,  I love to eat in the Santa Ynez Valley too.  

Paula’s Pancake House, located in Solvang’s main drag, is known for its Danish pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, waffles, eggs benedict and omelets.  I tend to prefer Ellen’s Pancake House in Buellton since they have a huge selection of sausages (Danish, Portuguese, Polish, etc).  They can be combined with eggs and hash brown.

Fresco Valley Cafe serves excellent scrambles, wraps, sandwiches and avocado toast.  They serve lunch too. The food here is so mouthwatering!

For a unique experience, grab authentic Danish pastries at one of Solvang’s bakeries.  You can go to Olsen’s, Mortensen’s or Birkholm’s. You can read more details on what these bakeries offer in this post:

Solvang Bakeries and Sweet Treats

Solvang images, Half-timbered houses in Solvang, California

What to see and do:  Solvang is known as the Danish capital of the United States.  First-time visitors may be surprised by the colorful buildings, windmills, and replicas of Danish landmarks.  In addition, the town is full of bakeries, chocolatiers, and shops selling sweets such as fudge and taffy.

I recommend walking around Mission Drive, Alisal Road, and Copenhagen Drive.  Also, make sure to stop by Mission Santa Ynez.  For some reason, the Danish town was developed next to the old Spanish mission.  What can I say? This confirms California’s diversity.

The Santa Ynez Valley is Santa Barbara’s wine country.  Most visitors are interested in enjoying the fruits of the vine.  Solvang has enough tasting rooms to keep you busy for the entire day.  My tip would be to stop by the visitors center and ask for discount flyers.  You may be able to get several “2 for 1” tastings.

If what you see in Solvang is not enough, head to Los Olivos, the premier tasting town of the valley.  To summarize, this town is all about wine. There is barely something else to do.

Here are my guides to Solvang and Los Olivos:

Things to Do in Solvang

Los Olivos: Things to Do, Eat and Drink

If you are with your kids, don’t sweat.  The Santa Ynez Valley has many attractions optimal for kids.  For example, there are opportunities to visit an ostrich farm, a miniature horses ranch, a lavender field (in season) and a nut & berry farm.  Solvang has several museums suitable for kids and La Purisima State Historic Park showcases how life was during the mission era.

Half-timbered houses in Solvang, California, Things to do in Solvang

Lunch and Dinner: My favorite restaurant in the Valley is Industrial Eats (Buellton).  They have some of the most delicious food ever! I crave their dishes so much.  They serve pizza, sandwiches and small plates.

Their combinations are surprising.  For example, they serve cod with avocado and daikon, pleasant with basil, and rabbit with cream and mustard.

Other good restaurants include The Bear and Star (Los Olivos), Mad & Vin (Solvang), Succulent Cafe (Solvang) and Root 246 (Solvang).

If you are a foodie at heart, head to the tiny town of Los Alamos.  They have superb food in places such as Pico, Bell’s and Full of Life Flatbread

To experience Santa Maria BBQ (California’s own BBQ style), you can visit the Hitching Post, Jocko’s, and the Far Western Tavern.

If you are finishing the day in Los Alamos or Santa Maria, it makes sense to stay in the area (don’t drive back to Solvang).

Parking Details: Parking is free in all Valley towns.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 3 – Solvang to San Luis Obispo

Distance and driving time: The distance from Solvang to San Luis Obispo is about 67 miles.  From Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo is about 30 miles.

It would be nice to spend some time on the coast before driving inland for a couple of days.

Breakfast: If you stayed the night in Solvang, you would drive by Los Alamos.  This is a good opportunity to get breakfast at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery.  The quiche is my favorite dish from the menu.  The gravlax platter and the eggs benedict are delicious too.  Remember they have plenty of baked goodies that can be purchased to go.

If you stayed in Santa Maria, the go-to breakfast joints in there are The Pantry and Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House.

On Pismo Beach, you want to have clam chowder served on a bread bowl at Splash Cafe.  I order mine topped with seafood.  I know it sounds weird to have clam chowder for breakfast but you do not want to miss this! Zorro’s Cafe is another of my top recommendations on the Central Coast.

What to see and do: Even if you do not stop by Pismo to eat, stop to stroll the pier, see the sand dunes or admire the sea stacks at Shell Beach.

This small, laid-back town is a nice place to enjoy the outdoors.  South of town, there is a strip of the coast (Oceano Sand Dunes SVRA) where private vehicles, ATVs and specialized motorcycles are allowed on the sand.  Many visit to spend the day riding around. Rental agencies include BJ’s, Steve’s, Arnie’s and Sun Buggy Fun Rentals.  Compare prices before going with one particular company.

If you are looking for a milder kind of adventure, you can kayak around the Shell Beach area.  Central Coast Kayaks offer tours and rentals.

Another idea is to go further off the grid and visit Avila Beach (smaller than Pismo).  You can spend your time strolling, kayaking, apple picking, drinking wine, and hiking. For super scenic views, go to the Smuggler’s Cove / Cave area.

Things to Do in Pismo Beach

Things to Do in Avila Beach

View from Pismo Beach Pier, California, What to do in Pismo Beach

After a morning on the glorious beach, drive to San Luis Obispo, a quintessential university town.  

Most of the town’s buzz is concentrated on the Downtown district.  In there, you can visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum.  Higuera Street is full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques.

If you are brave enough, you can venture to Bubblegum Alley.  As the name implies, this is an alley covered in used bubblegum and other artifacts stuck to the bubblegum.  I found it completely repulsive. However, I know some people enjoy curiosities like this.

I have a thing for San Luis Obispo since the city has a lot of open spaces.  If you want to walk or hike, make sure to hit the trails at Laguna Lake Open Space, Islay Hill Open Space, Irish Hills Natural Reserve or Bishop Peak.

San Luis Obispo Hills, Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive

Lunch and Dinner: You are not going to go hungry in San Luis Obispo.  Places like Big Sky Cafe, Ciopinot, Taste, and Mistura serve pretty darn good food.

In addition, give a try to places such as Goji (Japanese), Thai Boat and Gennaro’s.

If you have not tried Santa Maria Style BBQ, head to Old San Luis BBQ Co.

Now, do not leave town without indulging on a sweet treat.  For ice cream, go to Batch or Doc Burnstein’s.  Donut fans should make the line for SloDoCo Donuts (they open 24 hours).

Parking Details:  Pismo Beach has free parking on the streets (2 hours max).  San Luis Obispo has parking on the streets and municipal garages.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 4 – San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles

Distance and driving time: The distance from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles is about 30 miles.  You should be able to drive from one town to another in less than an hour.

Driving time may be a bit longer if you choose to visit one of the coastal areas I recommend below.

Breakfast:  For a dose of home cooking, you should have breakfast at Del Monte Cafe, a place where copious amounts of eggs, burritos, bagels, pancakes, and French Toast are served.

For proper brunch fare, Mint + Craft will not disappoint.  They have a smoked salmon hash to die for.  I never get tired of their Brioche French toast and quiche.

Linnaea’s Cafe serves waffles, breakfast burritos, granola, oatmeal, and pastries.  Once again, I like places like this before they count with an extensive offering of teas, coffee, and baked goods.

Coffee lovers should head to Kreuzberg Coffee Company and Coastal Peaks Coffee.

The famous Acorn Building in Paso Robles, Caliofrnia

What to see and do: On your way to Paso Robles, stop by the small town of Atascadero to see the City Hall and Sunken Gardens.  It is a great place to take pictures and walk around.

As with the Santa Ynez Valley, people visit Paso Robles to enjoy the wineries and tasting rooms.  Spas and gastronomic experiences are also high on the list of some visitors.

Wineries in Paso Robles are divided into two sections: East and West of the 101 Freeway (or Downtown).  I recommend focusing on one section during your visit. Just keep in mind the area has more than 200 wineries.  It will take several trips to get a good grasp of the area.

On the east side, some of the best wineries include Eberle, Tobin James, Sculpterra, Barr, Bianchi, and Mitchella.

On the west side, standouts include Ecluse, DAOU, Adelaida, Opolo, Tablas Creek and Sextant.

For a one-stop tasting, Tin City, a new development in an industrial park is your best bet.  They have over 20 producers offering wine, beer and spirits.

These are just some ideas to guide you.  I recommend planning your tasting route beforehand and adjusting it to what you like.  I would check prices, hours and if reservations are needed. If are open to try places, look for discounts in local magazines (they can be found for free in many locations), visitor centers and websites (Groupon, Travelzoo).

For a trip like this, remember to have a designated driver or go on a tour if all the members of your party want to taste.

Hotel and Restaurant in Paso Robles, California

Alternative: If you are not interested in wine tasting or are visiting with kids, you can elect to head for Morro Bay and Los Osos for the day.  Morro Bay is famous for the huge Morro Rock, a volcanic plug. There is not another place in California like this.

Other than the rock, you can take a harbor cruise, observe the otters (yes, there are tons around) or go to the top of Black Hill. In the afternoon, Montana de Oro State Park is waiting for you in nearby Los Osos.  This park is special. I am not exaggerating.

To me, it is one of the most surprising spots in the Central Coast.  The coast in here is full of tide pools, coves, rock formations, and caves.

Another option is to visit Hearst Castle, a magnificent state with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms.  The property also contained guest houses, gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, and an airfield. It used to host the world’s largest private zoo.

You will need at least half a day to enjoy this place to the max. You can only visit on guided tours.  Check prices to make sure this attraction is within budget.

After Hearst Castle, spend the rest of the day in San Simeon or Cambria.

Things to Do in Morro Bay

Things to Do in San Simeon

Things to Do in Cambria

Closeup of Morro Rock, Morro Bay, California, Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive

Lunch and Dinner: Even though Downtown Paso Robles is small, there is a cluster of good restaurants there.

I can recommend The Hatch Rotisserie, Thomas Hills Organic and Buona Tavola.  

For something less formal, try Habaneros, Stein’s BBQ and Orale Taqueria.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 5 – Paso Robles to Salinas

Distance and driving time: The distance between Paso Robles and Salinas is 100 miles.  You should be able to complete this drive in less than 2 hours.

Today, you can opt to drive directly to the Salinas area and spend the day there or make several stops before reaching the final destination.

Breakfast:  For some reason, I find fascinating the number of nice breakfast restaurants that can be found in Paso Robles.  I do not know. I cannot associate wine country with breakfast (I am sure some of you can).

Well, those are good news for those who want to start the day with the right food.  Seems like the breakfast scene is dominated by Joe’s Place.  Almost every resident recommended this place.

What I like about this place is that they have chile verde, machaca and huevos rancheros for breakfast.  Also, they have the usual fare of pancakes, French toast, scrambles, and eggs prepared to order. I like when you have the best of two worlds in a menu.

Another ridiculously good place in Andrea’s on Pine.  You may have noticed a trend in this article.  Well, I can survive on quiche and French Toast alone.  Andrea’s has both on the menu!

Other options include Red Scooter Deli, Brunch and Galley Bite.

Courtyard of Mission San Miguel Arcangel, California

What to see and do: Close to Paso Robles, you will find the tiny town of San Miguel. It makes sense to stop to take a look at the Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  The building is simple but for reason, it radiates a sense of peace.  It is my husband’s favorite mission.

The Rios Caledonia Adobe can be found in town as well.

If you want to keep the wine tasting theme alive, you can stop by wine tasting rooms such as Hahn Estate (Soledad), Paraiso Vineyards (Soledad), Scheid Vineyards (Greenfield), Pessango (Gonzales) and Manzoni (Gonzales).  These wines have a different terroir since the vineyards are located in Monterey County.

Do not miss Soledad’s Mission!

Once in Salinas it is time to visit the National Steinbeck Center, a museum dedicated to one of the United States greatest writers (1962 Literature Nobel Prize).

You can end the day by detouring to the coast.  Monterey (the city) is located 18 miles from Salinas.  This beautiful town (way too beautiful) is home to the Monterey Aquarium, the Cannery Row (Steinbeck’s reference keep coming), the Presidio and Fishermen’s Wharf.  In short, there is a lot to see and do here.

You can also head to Pacific Grove, one of those hidden gems in the California Coast.  The scenery there is nothing short of spectacular.

Things to Do in Pacific Grove

I recommend staying the night in Salinas since prices are way more affordable than in the coastal cities.

Cannery Row Area in Monterey, California

Alternative:  If you are not into wine tasting and/or literature, consider spending most of the day at Pinnacles National Park.  This not so known park, on the outskirts of Soledad, protect rock formations (leftover of a volcano, hence the name pinnacles) and unusual talu caves (formed by an ancient volcano and home of 13 species of bats).

The park is home of the North American condor as well.  As you can see, there are many reasons to make this unique park part of your itinerary.

Lunch and Dinner: In Salinas, there are a lot of restaurants serving Mexican food.  You can try classic and regional dishes at El Charrito, Culturas Hidalgo & Oaxaca and El Zacatecano.

If you are looking for something different, try the food at Salinas City BBQ, Saigon Noodles, or Ginger Thai Kitchen.

If you want to grab something in Monterey before heading to Salinas, stop by Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle, Paprika Cafe or Hula’s Island Grill.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Day 6 – Salinas to San Francisco

Distance and driving time: The last leg of the trip has a distance of about 110 miles (depending on where you want to go to San Francisco).

Again, this is a relatively short distance that can be covered in less than 2 hours.  However, there are many interesting spots along the way.

Breakfast: You may choose to eat in Salinas before hitting the road.  If so, places such as First Awakenings, Ariana’s Restaurant or Coffee Mia Brew Bar.

Or, you can choose to wait until you make it to San Jose to have breakfast.  Options are more varied there given the size of the city. Local favorites include Uncle John’s Pancake House, The Breakfast Club, and Bill’s Cafe.

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California

What to see and do:  Once you reach the San Jose area, you are going to feel the Silicon Valley / Social Media / High Tech vibe.

The city counts with the Intel Museum, a space dedicated to the technical revolution.  For something more esoteric, visit the Winchester House, one of the most haunted houses in the United States.

History nerds like me would delight on the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.  They have a wide range of interesting artifacts.

Kids would enjoy California’s Great America, Raging Waters, and the Happy Hollow Park.  Santa Clara has a mission and bustling Koreatown (close to the junction of El Camino Real and Lawrence Expressway).

Continuing the tech theme, Facebook headquarters are located in Menlo Park and Google’s one is located in Mountain View (the Computer History Museum is located here too).  I know tons of people who need to stop to take a picture of themselves in front of these campuses.

And, Stanford University welcome visitors to its campus.  The Memorial Church is a must see.

After days on the road, you may be anxious to make it to San Francisco.  I get you. The city is riveting!

Spend the rest of the day checking the Golden Gate Bridge or one of the city viewpoints (Dolores Park, Corona Heights Park or Twin Peaks).

Stanford University, Stanford, California, Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive

Lunch and Dinner:  At the moment, the Mission District is my favorite place to have dinner in San Francisco.  Historically, this has been the city’s Latin barrio but don’t get fooled. The food offerings are as international as you can get.

I recommend walking Valencia Street to get a vibe on what to eat.  Restaurants serve Mexican, Burmese, Indian, Peruvian, Argentinian, Venezuelan and Salvadoran food. Let me warn you,  it may be difficult to choose what to eat.

Shorten the Trip

The itinerary provided is ideal for a week of travel.  If you need to shorten the trip, you can experiment with 3 or 4 days (long weekend).  Now, this is a very limited amount of time and more driving would need to be packed each day.

However, 3 or 4 days on the road is better than nothing.  Plus, you can do this trip as many times as you want without getting bored.

My 4-day itinerary would look like this:

Day 1 – Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo

Day 2 – San Luis Obispo to Salinas

Day 3 – Salinas to San Francisco

Dat 4 – Drive back to Los Angeles with some stops in the way

Make the Trip Longer

It is very easy to extend this trip.  I provided several alternatives on how to spend days 4 and 5.  Those alternatives can be added as extra days.

Also, you may want to spend 2 to 3 days in Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively.

Best Traveling Season

The weather in California is pretty benign (some of the best in the world).  Average high temperatures are 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.  That means you have road trip weather all year long.

Now, I need to tell you some things about the seasons.  Summer sounds like the logical time to visit. However, we have a phenomenon between late May and early July called June Gloom.  During that period, a marine layer covers the coastal areas all morning. That means you are going to have forecasted skies for half day.  That may be a problem for some.

During winter, the days are short. Sunset is around 5:00 p.m.

Having said all that, I believe the best travel seasons are spring and fall.  If you are a local, seasonality may not be a factor.

Boats and ships in Fishermen's Wharf, Monterey, California

I hope you have enjoyed this post and find it useful. I had tons of fun writing it and I’m thinking about doing the route again. See you in the road!

More of California

Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List

Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles

Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

150+ Places to Go in Orange County

Places to Visit in Santa Barbara

What do you think about this Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive? What would you add?

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Thinking about a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip? The distance between the two cities is not that long and there is lot to do in between. After having driven this route more than 8 times, I have decided to give you my best advice on how to plan your own road trip. We will explore towns like Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Salinas and San Jose. Get into the car and let’s go! #LA #SanFrancisco #California #roadtrip

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Another great stop on the way to Mendocino is the underrated wine region of Anderson Valley between Boonville and the town of Navarro. This region is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wineries. Our favorite wineries in the Anderson Valley are Roederer Estate, Navarro Vineyards, Brutacao Cellars, and Phillips Hill Estates. Once you arrive in Mendocino, hike one of the beautiful trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park for an amazing sunset. Spend the next day exploring the coastal trails and visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. It has an impressive collection of camellias, roses, dahlias, magnolias, and many more plants. Catch Firefall in Yosemite National Park By Becky from Bonjour Becky For a few weeks each February, Yosemite's Horsetail Falls becomes Firefall — a stream of red-hot lava glowing in the setting sun. It's every photographer's and sightseer's dream. The phenomenon begins around Valentine's Day every year —exact dates vary— and happens every sunset until March, weather permitting. Plan to stay near Yosemite at least two nights to increase your chance of catching it. The closest parking is a mile away from Firefall, so arrive in Yosemite Valley early and plan to walk a mile along the road to the best viewing spots. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of "lava" plunging 3,600 feet down the face of El Capitan. (Bonus: bring a thermos of hot cocoa and some blankets for an extra-cozy evening.) Firefall is a great excuse for a winter trip to Yosemite, which offers year-round hiking and epic views. Snowshoe through a winter wonderland, gaze out at the iconic Tunnel View or go ice skating with views of Half Dome before you head to Firefall in the evening. Once you've seen it, Firefall will burn bright in your memory forever. Photo by Becky Read More: 2 Day Yosemite Itinerary Rent a Cabin in Lake Tahoe in the Winter By Diana from In Between Pictures As many Californians do in the winter, rent a cabin in Lake Tahoe and enjoy the powdery white snow - perfect to snuggle up next to a fire pit with hot cocoa or wine. Lake Tahoe, nestled in the range of Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its breathtaking views and blue water - a sight that you won’t be able to get enough of. While many people visit to hit the slopes, many also like to go to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can go on hikes, enjoy the scenic drive along the lake, or simply relax in the cabin with a good book. If you want to find the best views in Lake Tahoe – though the view is amazing no matter where you go – head to Emerald Bay where you can spot the tiny island Fannette Island. There is no better way to experience this magical place than by staying at a cozy cabin by the lake! Photo by Diana Read More: Lake Tahoe in Pictures Taking the boat to Alcatraz Island By Jo From Discover Discomfort Alcatraz Island (known colloquially as “The Rock”) is just off the coast of San Francisco Bay and is a must-visit if you’re in Northern California. It’s very popular and tickets usually sell out months in advance, so make a reservation well ahead — especially for weekends. Alcatraz Island was turned into a prison in 1934. While it was in operation it was home to the most notorious criminals at the time, including Al Capone, and “Bird Man” Robert Stroud. The conditions of the island — its freezing temperature, turbulent waves and sharp cliffs — made the prison well known for being impossible to escape from… unless you believe the legends! You take a 20-minute tour ferry to the island and then can explore freely, but I’d also recommend the 40-minute audio tour. This audio tour was hands-down one of the most engaging ones I’ve ever experienced. The narration and the dramatic reenactments gives you a glimpse into what life must have been like for the prisoners. You can even take a night tour if you’re looking for an extra spooky vibe. Read More: San Francisco Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days in the City Walk Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower By Rachel from Rachel Ruminations The hills are what make San Francisco a particularly beautiful town: the views of the sea or the bay, the sight of those long, straight downhills that filmmakers so enjoy for chase scenes. Topped by art-deco Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill is a particular joy to climb on a free afternoon. Starting from Washington Square Park, the walk up is pretty, but steep. You will be rewarded by the phenomenal view of the city at Coit Tower’s base, and you can see an even better view if you take the elevator to the top. Make sure to check out the Depression-era murals on the inside of the tower’s ground floor even if you don’t go up. The walk downhill is even prettier than the walk up, if that’s possible. The long Filbert Street steps lead all the way down to sea level near Fishermen’s Wharf, where you’ll undoubtedly meet the tourist throngs. Take your time on the steps, though, and enjoy the lush Grace Marchant Garden and the narrow “streets” leading off on either side. To learn more about this walk, read Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill: An unmissable walk in San Francisco. Ski Lake Tahoe By Christina from Travel2next.com A year-round outdoor playground with amazing beaches, 12 fabulous ski resorts and miles of biking and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. With soaring peaks and stunning lakes, Lake Tahoe is also a skier’s parades that straddles both California and Nevada. One of the unique things about a Lake Tahoe winter is you can ski across the border! One of the benefits of skiing in Lake Tahoe is that the ski areas are within easy reach of one another and you can try several ski resorts in one trip. Sierra at Tahoe has some of the best tree skiing and plenty of powder. NorthStar is an excellent intermediate ski resort with a fabulous base village to hang out at the end of the day. Sugar Bowl is the most convenient resort to get to if you’re coming from San Francisco Bay Area. It has a mid-sized ski area and is excellent for families. Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are two ski areas covered under one lift ticket. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Olympics and is a favorite of many professional skiers. The fifth-largest ski area in North America has a fun party atmosphere is Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has plenty of terrain and is the. Read More: Drive Around Lake Tahoe Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge By Luda from Adventures with Luda If you’re traveling to San Francisco and looking for a fun (and adventurous) activity, rent a bike and get to pedaling across the Golden Gate Bridge! I recommend this for three main reasons: you’ll see amazing views of the San Francisco bay, work off some calories (psst - Japantown has some pretty great restaurants!), and you can explore other cities. There are plenty of places to rent a bike, but I recommend picking a company in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood since it’s closest to the Bridge. The 20-minute bike ride over to the starting point will take you through some fairly flat streets, and you can stop near Crissy Field if you’d like to take a few photos of the waterfront. When biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s important to note that there are two sidewalks: one is for pedestrians, and the other is for bikers. If you don’t know which one to take, just take a look at where everyone else is going or ask one of the employees at the concession stand. If you’re flexible on timing, you can bike all the way across the bridge and explore the neighboring town of Tiburon. This cozy little town is famous for its quirky boutiques, grassy parks, and scenic waterfront. If you plan to make the trip to Tiburon, ask the bike rental employee for a bicycle lock, as there are plenty of bicycle “parking” near the waterfront. Read More: Los Angeles to San Francisco Drive Book a Spot at the Sonoma Wine Trolley By Taima from Poor in a Private Plane If you are looking for a unique way to discover Sonoma then check out the Sonoma Wine Trolley. The tour begins in downtown Sonoma which is a great place to grab a bite before starting your wine adventure. Grab a bite at Sunflower Cafe and then make your way to Sonoma Plaza where you will board your wheels for the day. The wine trolley is a replica of a vintage California Street Cable Car used in San Francisco in the early 1900s. It’s an excellent way to experience Sonoma Valley in the open air trolley. The tour will take you to four different wineries with a stop for lunch. At one of the wineries you will be served a picnic lunch catered by The Girl and The Fig, one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. Once you have visited all four wineries the tour will drop you back off at Sonoma Plaza where you will have your pick of places to have dinner before turning in for the night. Whether it is your first time visiting Sonoma or you’re looking for a new way to experience Sonoma, the Sonoma Wine Trolley is a truly unique and fun experience. Photo by Taima Taste Craft Beer at the Russian River Brewery By Derek from Robe Trotting Napa and Sonoma valleys are rightly world-renowned for the vineyards, but one of my favorite stops in Sonoma valley was actually one of the best craft breweries in the world. Russian River Brewing Company has become world-famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger IPAs, hailed by many aficionados as the best beers in the world (Pliny the Younger is brewed once a year and is an especially hot ticket to enjoy). But they offer more than just IPAs, as their sours (named Consecration, Supplication, and Temptation) are world-class. Russian River now offers two locations in Sonoma Valley, including their original taproom in Santa Rosa and a new brewery and brewpub in Windsor. The Santa Rosa location can get packed in evenings, but they offer excellent pizzas and wings to pair with the beers. The Windsor location has a little less traffic and offers a broader menu, plus you can take a tour of their brewery. Visit the Mystery Spot By Rosie from Popcuria The Mystery Spot is a fun and quirky addition to any California trip and a great activity for all ages. This classic roadside attraction is now a California Historical Landmark and worth a stop on any drive up Highway One. Tucked away in the redwoods just outside of Santa Cruz, CA, the Mystery Spot is home to strange gravitational anomalies that will make you question your own eyes. Take the Mystery Spot’s guided tour and experience this supernatural phenomenon for yourself. Your tour will take you on a whimsical walk through the redwoods where the basics of physics do not seem to apply. Within the confines of the Mystery Spot, balls roll up hill instead of down and your friends and family appear taller and shorter than in real life. Take Instagram-worthy shots of your friends leaning off tables at unnatural angles inside the Spot’s topsy-turvy house. Snag the Mystery Spot’s bumper sticker at the end of your tour to commemorate your time at this iconic roadside pitstop. Read More: Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Pictures Hold a Baby Goat and Eat Cheese By Constance from Adventures of Panda Bear Harley Farms in Pescadero, CA is goat dairy farm located off of the northern California coast between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. The farm has a variety of animals including chickens, a donkey, guardian llamas, Anatolian shepards, and of course, goats. All of the animals on the farm are working animals, the goats, in particular, provide milk for goat cheese. The farm’s dairy produces a variety of award-winning goat cheeses ranging from plain to cranberry walnut and garden chive, and more. The cheeses alone are well worth the visit! The best thing about visiting Harley Goat Farms is their baby goats. Take a farm tour during the spring months after the baby goats, or “kids” as they’re called, are born. Then, you’ll be able to see and hold a baby goat! The farm tour is also super informative and you’ll learn a lot about how to hold a baby goat, the farm’s operations, animals, and their cheese. The highlight of it all are definitely the baby goats, they are too cute! Stop by a Hot Spring By Athul from Our Backpack Tales Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge in California is the Crowley Hot Springs also known as Wild Willy's Hot Springs. You can reach the trail close to US 395 by taking the Benton Crossing Road. The Crowley Hot Springs are open 24 hours a day and it is absolutely free. From the parking lot, you can see an elevated wooden walkway. A short walk of around 0.32 km through the beautiful backdrop of mountains is an amazing experience. The walkway slopes slightly downward and ends almost abruptly by the pools. It is about 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, and you can easily take a dip in it! This hot spring contains one small and one large pool. The temperature in these pools can vary from 95 to 105 degrees. The bigger pool can accommodate a dozen of people but the small pool can accommodate some. The area surrounding the pool is stunning with mountains and grasslands in the backdrop. There are few option for camping in the surrounding area. These hot springs are in a fragile ecosystem so all should follow leave no trace behind policy to keep them clean. Things to Do in California - Central California Here are some of the things you can do around California’s Central area. If you ask me, this is one of the most thrilling parts of the state. Drive Around Big Sur By Dhara from It's Not About the Miles Driving the Big Sur stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway between Carmel and Ragged Point should be high on your list of things to do in California. Considered one of the most scenic coastlines on the planet, the drive gives you the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Central California coastline. Just a little over 75 miles in length, Highway One hugs the water for most of this route. Where it does not, for short stretches, you will drive through towering redwoods or bucolic countryside. There are numerous pullouts where you can park and enjoy the views at leisure, and take lots of photos. Some of the best places to stop on the Big Sur Coast drive include Point Lobos State park, just south of the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the very wild Garrapata State Park, with hiking trails if you want to stretch your legs, and the historic Bixby Creek Bridge, considered an engineering marvel. Drive the road in late spring after the rains are over, and you will see gorgeous wildflowers along the road. The hills are green at this time as well, and look gorgeous against the blue of the ocean. Ride a Buggy at the Oceano Dunes By Sharon from Daily Dream 360 If you are looking for a little adventure on the beach, you may want to consider a dune buggy ride at Oceano Dunes State Park, which is located 3 miles from Pismo Beach. This activity is a great add-on when visiting the San Luis Obispo region of California. You will find plenty of Dune Buggy rental companies just outside the state park entrance. Once you complete a vehicle orientation, you'll be driven to the site within the state park and get set up with your vehicles. Your tour operator will offer directions, a map and will guide you to the area where you are allowed to drive your buggy. The park has a designated area for off-road vehicles and several restrictions with regards to speed. What I loved about the Dune Buggy ride was that I was able to choose my level of thrill. Some of the Sand Dunes were very high, and there was a high risk from coming down from a dune and getting stuck before moving back up another. For thrill-seekers, there is plenty of challenging dunes to conquer. For those less adventurous, there were some smaller hills and the very scenic ride along the ocean. Photo by Sharon Read More: Things to Do in Pismo Beach Things to Do in Avila Beach Things to Do in California - Southern California This is the part of the state I call home. After more than 15 years living here, I am still discovering new places. Check out the super fun recommendations below! Road Cycle in Santa Barbara County By Clare from Epic Road Rides If you fancy a spot of road cycling, Santa Barbara County in southern California, is a fantastic place to do it. It's a beautiful region that’s warm and sunny for much of the year. Winters tend to be short and mild. Head to the Santa Ynez valley and you’ll find quiet rolling roads that take you through gorgeous vineyards and pretty ranches with wide open fields dotted with well-groomed horses. In the village of Solvang, you’ll find an excellent bike shop that can fit you out with everything you need (you can rent too) and set you off to explore the countryside. There are around 120 wineries in this area, clustered around the pretty towns and villages of Solvang, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Many cyclists take the opportunity to combine cycling with a wine tour as many of the wineries open their doors to people who want to come and learn about wine and enjoy some wine tasting. Exploring by bike is the best way to really get to know a region, and I highly recommend the Santa Ynez Valley! Photo by Clare Read More: Things to Do in Solvang Mountain Bike at Snow Summit By Heather from That OC Girl If you thought Big Bear’s Snow Summit was only for winter, you got it wrong. In the summertime, the ski lifts at Snow Summit are transformed into mountain bike lifts, taking you up to an elevation of 8,000 feet and dropping you into the coolest downhill bike park in Southern California. Snow Summit has around 18 miles of mountain bike trails, including trails for the beginner all the way to the most advanced riders. The beginner level trail “Going Green” is the longest in the park at 2.5 miles, and is the most basic of all. It’s a great idea to start with this trail to get warmed up! The blue-rated trails are the most fun; this is where you can really let loose and sharpen your skills. The trails rated as black diamond are the most difficult trails in the park. You will find built-in features like jumps and berms, but most of the time you can bypass those features if you are not up for the challenge. Get some practice in at the Base Area to improve your skills before attempting those difficult trails! Day or season passes are available and the park is open to all – kids and adults! Open and closing dates. Photo by Heather Read More: Big Bear Weekend Guide Dive the Channel Islands By James from Travel Collecting One of the top things to do in California is to dive the Channel Islands. There are eight Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Five of them make up the Channel Islands National Park. The largest, Catalina Island, has places to stay and shore dives as well as boat dives are available. However, you can take day trips straight from just north of LA (Ventura Harbor) to Anacapa Island and just south of LA (San Pedro) to dive sites around Catalina. Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Green Pier, Avalon Bay, Catalina Island, Clear skyPiers in California: Facts and Photos Los Angeles to Santa Barbara Drive:, Getty Villa, MalibuLos Angeles to Santa Barbara Drive: Ultimate Itinerary McArthur-Burney Falls, Places to Visit in California: Bucket List for TravelersPlaces to Visit in California: Bucket List for Travelers

Comments

  1. Natacha says

    Unless you are a Bay Area local or are coming from a Northern California road trip in the redwoods or a wine tasting adventure in Sonoma, you are likely flying into San Francisco International Airport. Google flights is our absolute must-go-to when looking for the best flight deals. You can check out the calendar view to choose the best days for flights. Don t forget to check out Oakland International Airport and San Jose International Airport too. They wouldn t be as convenient, but if it would save you a ton of cash, it might be worth it.

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  2. Gradon says

    Huntington Beach, California really grabs you on your San Francisco to San Diego road trip. You can just feel the laid back vibe as you step out of the car. Located southeast of Los Angeles, the world famous 8.5 mile long Huntington Beach is known as Surf City USA. The beach here is definitely at the heart of Huntington Beach and stretches from the surf to the wide cement pathway that runs along its entire length.

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  3. Templeton says

    Now that you have completed your road trip down the California coast from San Francisco to San Diego, you are sure to have found some new tfavorite places and some hidden gems. We encourage you to return to our beautiful home state to explore more of its treasures like Lake Tahoe ! About 600 miles and 12 hours of driving later and we hope that you have created a lifetime of memories and have a full memory card of postcard perfect images to share!

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