Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to travel between Santa Cruz and San Francisco to enjoy the picturesque beaches along the way. Approximate Driving Time from Santa Barbara to Ventura: 1.4 - 1.5 hours . 4 Budget-Friendly Options for your Campervan Hire in Ireland, Living in a Van and Our Ireland Road Trip, California Cruisin: Santa Barbara to San Francisco Road Trip, Camping Across Canada: Bears, Black Flies & Bonfires. After leisurely soaking in views from Yosemite National Park, head back on CA-120 to head west. As you embark on this unforgettable journey, get lost in the incredible nature amidst picturesque golden beaches, coastal cliffs, and towering forests. But summer is the best time to make this road trip as driving conditions are predictable. Alternatively, drive the Sierra Nevada route to some of Californias most beautiful National Parks. I need to do Los Alamos! The direct drive from Santa Barbarato San Franciscois337 mi(543 km), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 37 minsin normal traffic. It's a long, tough journey that can be very scary; and in March, in rainy weather, it's virtually abandoned. A bus takes approximately eight to nine hours. Ashley had linguine and clams in a white sauce. Build sandcastles and explore tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach. Copyright Brown Eyed Flower Child LLC - Website Design by, Girls Weekend in St. Petersburg, FL: Best Things to Do, 12 Best Places to Go in May for Sun and a Good Time, 14 Best Places to Celebrate a 30th Birthday in the USA. It's a great spot for a walk along the pier and you can even see fishermen bringing in the day's catch. (It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Santa Barbara to Solvang.). There are so many things to see along the California State Route 1 that it would take days, if not weeks, to hit up every one. The truth is, to get to Carmel it's only 8.5 miles, however the road loops around making it 17-miles total. Below are some of our favorite recommendations for the best things to do on this road trip. Ticket prices for the train from Santa Barbara to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. Another breathtaking spot along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You'll enter the drive at Pacific Grove, where you'll be expected to pay $10.50. You'll likely pay around $10.05 more if you wait to book until the last minute. (234 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 44 mins in normal traffic. A post shared by Erwin Chin (@erwin_chin_yk). In the bathroom were also face masks and makeup remover wipes! Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Nonstop drive: 325 miles or 523 km Driving time: 5 hours, 7 minutes Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along the way. LA's donut shops open early, so you can fuel up before you head out. Winter storms occasionally destroy parts of Highway 1, so always check conditions before you leave if you plan to drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Love your blog on the stunning towns along the Scenic Pacific coast highway ~ California has such beautiful landscapes and your photography brought it all to life. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a bus from San Francisco to Santa Barbara twice daily, and the journey takes 7h 15m. Two-bedroom home close to Santa Cruz Boardwalk in West Cliff Stay like a local in one of West Cliffs beautiful homes, close to the main attractions of Santa Cruzs Beach Boardwalk and beaches. The hotel boasts modern dcor; you can choose between rooms, suites, and apartments depending on your preference and the length of your stay. Take a dune buggy out into the Oceano sand dunes. Experience California like never before on this awe-inspiring road trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, soaking in rural landscapes and driving through rustic towns and charming cities. From history to hikes at Point Lobos State Reserve, theres much more than meets the eye in the laidback coastal town of Carmel. After your adventures there, head north on I-5, passing Castaic Lake. Sights include Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon, Hearst Castle, Pinnacles National Park, San Jose, and Big Sur, where you can see Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and Sand Dollar Beach. When you first check in, the front desk will give you a token that allows you to enjoy a free glass of ros straight from the motels vineyard. Your trip begins in Santa Barbara, California. I love traveling with my boyfriend but I was looking forward to reuniting with my friend and having some quality girl time in the 'Golden State'. (Coming home, my mom and I flew from Sacramento International Airport back to Newark with a layover in Seattle.). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you have time, take Highway 1 up to San Francisco for a scenic route passing through Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. See the Monarch butterflies return to the Monterey Peninsula at Pacific Grove in the winter. I hope my next visit to California will include more of these coastal stops and I'm already looking forward to experiencing the road trip with some friends for that ultimate girls getaway. For the coastal route, I recommend at least three days. It's the last big city before reaching San Fran and is perfect for a day's exploration. Angeles National Forest glamping Relax in natural surroundings while close to the city in Paradise Springs, a glamping resort perfect for families and adventurous couples. It is also the home to Franciscan Friars. Just north of San Simeon is where you'll find the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. You do not have to buy either from the rental company, BUT you must at least hold a third-party insurance policy to drive a vehicle in California legally. Walk along State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Angel Island camping Bring your own camping gear and stay on Angel Island, a car-free island in the San Francisco Bay. 1. I felt like I was at all the places mentioned in your blog because of the fabulous photos ~ this was a great informative blog and the Motel you stayed at looked so beautiful ~ love, love, love amazing California ~ I need to get back there again soon ~ you and Ashley look stunning in all these awesome photos ~ love you, mom xoxo , Thank you so much mom! Airlines. ContactCrawford Concierge! What a beautiful day for a banna Day 2 of the, Mehndi part II The best way to start off the, Since its that time of year for reflection and, Even though Ive been running my website since 2. Because the Santa Barbara to San Francisco drive time is long, it is worth stopping at the spots I talk about below. Santa Barbara is a beautiful and upscale city situated on the Central California coast. This route is however quite boring, except for a few scenic views around Pyramid Lake. Alternatively, you can take the shorter and more direct Pacific Coast Highway Route, covering 470 miles over 9 hours of driving, without any detours and gas breaks. The entire state is so fascinating! One of the most iconic and jaw dropping spots along Highway 1 on a coastal road trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, California. From the south, Santa Barbara is 228 miles from San Diego, and 92 miles from Los Angeles. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Not only were the rooms at Skyview Motel beautiful and decorated so lovely! It is located in Central San Francisco Financial District and is perfect for long stays. The Pacific Coast Highway road trip in California is one of my favourite things to do. After you leave Big Sur, make a stop at Elephant Seal Vista Point to see the funny-looking elephant seals. Highway 120 (also known as Tioga Road or Tioga Pass) takes you past some of the most beautiful parts of Yosemite, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point. Ride the rollercoasters at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Travel Notes & Beyond. Spend the day driving between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on Highway 101, visiting the town of Solvang, pausing for a Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting, and relaxing in Avila Beach. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. Planning a memorable USA trip? Hop in the car and follow Highway 101 north again as it heads away from the Pacific Ocean and cuts through Californias agricultural heartland. Breakfast at Norman is served every day from 7am to 10:30am and there is also a great lunch, in-between snack and dinner menu that features everything from light salads to meat dishes and pasta meals to wonderful dessert items. Continue your journey along the coast via Pescadero, Half Moon Bay, and Pacifica. Jump right on CA-120 and continue driving till you reach Yosemite. Why its worth visiting: This charming Central Coast town is perfect for whale watching and a day at the beach. Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. Explore Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. Make stops at San Simeon, Point Piedras Blancas, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Point Lobos State Park before arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea. consider visiting La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Pismo Beach, or San Luis . Known After the cold winter months, hot May holidays are well needed! Go wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. It takes about six to seven hours to drive the 383 miles from LA to San Francisco along I-5. Aside from the historic home, this is where you can get up close to an extraordinary elephant seal colony. I first started my road trip with Ashley from World to Wander where we spent two days exploring Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. DAY 9: If you want to experience an incredible drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, there is only one option: the drive on Highway 1, the highway that runs along the ocean and allows you to enjoy breathtaking views as you drive, is one of the most famous U.S. road trips. Even though we didnt have a lot of time to experience there, it was cool to see a lot of hot spots that are part of history. After exploring the town, exit by taking CA-65 further north. While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. You can expect fewer tourists and affordable hotels, but you might miss clear summer skies. Wake up to million-dollar views from your tent! Plus, there are so many great photo spots all around. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Looking for food options along the way? You could easily extend the five-day Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip itinerary with an extra night in Santa Barbara and Carmel or a night in Ventura to visit the Channel Islands. In fact, Solvang welcomed Danish Royalty in 1939, 1960 and 1976. . The shortest route from San Francisco to Santa Barbara uses US-101 S and takes just over 5 hours. Youll also have the opportunity to take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), arguably the best drive in the world. Take the road till Hearst Castle, then take a U-turn and head east to join US-101 again. I could (and plan to) always go back for seconds! However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from. This famous bridge in Big Sur is a popular photo spot, since there are so many wonderful viewpoints, and visiting it makes for one of the top things to do on the west coast! Read our guides to the best things to do in San Francisco and the best hikes in San Francisco. Soak up the sunshine and the glamor in this unique, boisterous, and exciting place. Visiting Old Mission Santa Barbara will bring you straight to Cusco, Peru, which features similar architecture in its plaza mayors. Read our complete guide to the best things to do in Solvang. October is also beautiful in the Sierra Nevada region, with leaves in vibrant shades of red and gold. Buses . Our itinerary covers all of our favorite Californian things: sunny beaches and foggy coastline, swaying palm trees and towering redwoods, playful otters and flomping elephant seals, fresh oysters and vintage wines - there's even a clothing-optional hot spring, if you're up for it. As for stretching your legs, stop at Vasquez Rocks Natural Park Area, between Santa Clarita and Palmdale, which features some nice rock formations in the high desert. Enjoy a local seafood dinner at Old Fishermans Wharf. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Santa Barbara Train Station to Oakland 4 times a week. Follow the curve of the road as you pass along Monterey and Del Monte Forest on CA-1 and follow it South to Big Sur. A wonderful spot to dine and shop in Santa Barbara is Paseo Neuvo. It is a great town to stop in during a California road trip. Good news! *Anything could happen during your travels. Also, consider flying in and out of San Jose International Airport, which is smaller than San Francisco International Airport. Death Valley is huge, so I recommend staying within the park to reduce driving time. Make a quick stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a hike in the redwoods, and Point Lobos State Park to see the tide pools. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner. Explore San Franciscos bustling Chinatown. For this time, my itinerary had me flying into Santa Barbara and then renting a car to drive to San Francisco where I would fly out of. The parking lot looks quite full during peak hours but there are great little trails in the area that are perfect for stretching your legs and admiring the elephant seals. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country. 11 Stops To Make On Your San Francisco To Santa Barbara Drive This guide has all the stops you need to make when driving from the City by the Bay to the American Riviera. After exiting Yosemites western gate, stay in Mariposa. Because of its prime location and easy metro access, you can explore the top attractions like Embarcadero Plaza, Rooftop Park, Union Square, Pier 39, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit on I-24 to Oakland before taking I-80 to reach San Francisco finally. I also adored how stunning the grounds were. Creating beautiful content that inspires travel. El Capitan Santa Barbara Stay in the Santa Ynez Mountains with all your creature comforts at El Capitan Canyon. Tour the fairy tale cottages of Carmel, shop the boutiques and art galleries, then take a mini-road trip up the 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach, one of the best golf courses in the world. Overall, it takes around two hours to drive from the Carmel/Monterey area to the heart of San Francisco where we spent the following two nights. Since I started my California road trip in Palm Springs, I personally flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Palm Springs International Airport with a layover in Phoenix. Wow Taylor these locations look amazing!! Be prepared and check. The temperature averages 51, 54, 57, and 51 degrees Fahrenheit in January, February, November, and December, respectively. Once you pick up your glass of ros from the hotels bar, you can walk around the stunning property and sip your wine, enjoy it by the fire pits or even at Skyviews pool. Leave Joshua Tree National Park early and drive the four hours to Death Valley National Park. In fact, it has the only mission continuously operated by the Franciscans since its founding in 1786. Plus, if you hit bad traffic, youll be glad you planned an overnight stop. Road Trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, 17 Best Winter Road Trips from Los Angeles, Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco. During our evening in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Ashley and I enjoyed a lovely Italian dinner at Il Fornaio Carmel, which has a lovely terrace for those looking to enjoy their meal outside. Notable stops are Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Pismo Beach, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park. It was amazing and I LOVED everything about it. I created this space to show the world through my eyes in a dreamy way while providing travel guides, stories, tips and recommendations, checklists, inspiring photography and other resources for the luxury, boutique traveler. Admire the flowers in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. 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