LA to San Francisco is one of the most scenic road trips to spend with your loved ones. With just a distance of 6-7 hours, you’re likely to explore many things here and find many beautiful places. However, you can extend your journey by staying in some destinations longer. The only condition in this case would be to observe the beauty along the journey and to carry a map. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose out on anything. Read the blog for more details about the LA to San Francisco road trip.
LA To San Francisco Road Trip With Roadside Attractions
Are you heading on a family road trip from LA to San Francisco? Make some stopovers so your loved ones can enjoy the beauty. It will be a long journey, so taking stops can be a good break. Whether it’s about eating or just exploring the surrounding beauty, these roadside attractions can go a long way especially in capturing the attention and getting a break from the hustle and bustle. So, here’s a look into the top 7 roadside attractions for your LA to San Francisco road trip:
1. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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Do you often feel happy around nature? Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a place you should visit during your Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip with kids. The park is spread across a vast area, with 40 acres covered with massive redwood trees. The tallest tree at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is 277 feet tall and 16 feet wide and is estimated to be 1500 years old. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the perfect destination for picnics with loved ones, horseback riding, camping, and swimming. If you’re taking a four-day road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, consider staying at the Redwoods State Park. The park grounds are huge, so you might as well stay here for some time before continuing your trip.
Fun Fact: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was established in 1968 and houses some of the best redwood trees, which can last for 2000 years and grow up to 300 feet tall.
Must Read: Things To Do In California
2. Take A Hike Around Hollywood
The Hollywood sign is one of the most prominent roadside attractions you’ll likely come across on your LA to San Francisco road trip. This sign is famous and almost everywhere, from music videos to movies and even series. So, who wouldn’t want to visit such an iconic place? However, the sign is a certain height, and you may need to hike around. Don’t worry, the hike won’t be very difficult. The glamour and thrill of LA become quiet and peaceful around this sign. You could view the entire city and just sit there for hours, adoring its magnificent beauty. If you don’t want to do it alone, you can either join travel groups or invite your friends to do it with you. Either way, it can be one of the best stops during the LA to San Francisco road trip, offering a serene, calm, and breezy environment.
Fun Fact: A 100-year anniversary for the Hollywood sign was celebrated last year as it was erected in 1923.
3. Experience The Beauty Of Beaches At Malibu
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When you’re about to venture on a 5-day road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, take a break at the beaches of Malibu. The best part? You also experience a luxurious life at the multi-million-pound houses by the beach. Take a break along your road trip and visit one of the most popular beaches in Malibu, Zuma Beach. If you love nature and want to experience its glory, you can drive towards Point Dume and find the beach and sea meeting each other. While here, do not miss out on visiting the Topanga Overlook and Malibu Creek State Park. These places give you a magnificent view of the San Fernando Valley. The best part about visiting Malibu is that you can experience a mix of the beauty of canyons, mountains and beaches.
Fun Fact: You can take a trip to the abandoned set of M*A*S*H located in Malibu Creek State Park.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In California
4. Enjoy Natural Beauty At Ventura And Channel Islands
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When setting out on the LA to San Francisco road trip, stop at Ventura and Channel Islands. Ventura Beach is a must-visit place for water adventure sports lovers, especially surfers. If you’re into surfing, take a break from your driving and go down surfing at Surfers Point and Ventura Harbor. Ventura isn’t only about water activities and beaches, but also shopping. If you’re one of those shopaholics, you’ll find many shops here, from vintage boutiques to second-hand shops and modern-day clothes. Apart from these materialistic beauties, there’s also natural beauty with 800 acres of green space and 32 parks. Moreover, there are historic places that you can enjoy here as well.
Fun Fact: There are several vintage boutiques here to shop for local souvenirs.
5. Watch The Majestic Sunset At Ojai
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If you’re going on a LA to San Francisco road trip for the first time, you must stop at Ojai. Ojai is famous for its exclusive sunset views, transporting you to a different world. When you experience the sunset at Ojai, you will feel like you’re in a new place. Ojai is a small city located in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains. It is known mostly for its spiritual vibe. It almost feels as if a distinctive new age belongs to this location. So, if you want souvenirs from this place, you must visit the local shops here. A stop at Ojai would be suitable when you’re on the road for a long time, like a four-day road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Fun Fact: The Meditation Mountain above Ojai is spread across 32 acres and is the best sunset viewing point.
Suggested Read: California In September
6. Take A Break At Santa Barbara
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Since you’ll be setting out on a long journey, wouldn’t taking a break be a good idea? Santa Barbara may be the right place to do so for that purpose. The coastline of Santa Barbara is breathtaking, often proving to be the perfect destination to stop at if you have kids with you. Some major places in Santa Barbara are the Botanic Garden, Zoo, Old Mission, and Historical Museum. If you want to experience a laid-back atmosphere, you need to visit Stearns Wharf and Urban Wine Trail. The white sand beaches of Pacific Coast Highway will surely be a destination to admire.
Fun Fact: When you plan to stay a little longer, visit the Urban Wine Trail.
7. Know The Feels Of Europe At Solvang
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Do you want to be transported to Europe from LA during your road trip to San Francisco? You need to make a stop at Solvang. Solvang was established by Danish immigrants and heavily influenced European architecture. The Danish influence can be seen here, for there are replicas of Copenhagen spots and a Little Mermaid status. Solvang is a small town, but it is incredibly unique. Once you stop at Solvang, you won’t want to leave, but stay a little longer. Needless to say, it is the perfect stopover after Santa Barbara.
Fun Fact: There is a Hans Christian Andersen Museum here.
Further Read: California In December
LA to San Francisco road trip can be much more fun if you make your arrangements properly. Therefore, make sure to make a trip to San Francisco and get the maximum advantages by exploring some of the best destinations during your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About LA To San Francisco Road Trip
What is the duration for the LA to San Francisco road trip?
The duration for the LA to San Francisco road trip is around 6-7 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the traffic conditions and how fast you drive.
How far is Los Angeles from San Francisco?
The total distance between Los Angeles to San Francisco is around 550 miles.
What are the must-stop places during the LA to San Francisco road trip?
During the LA to San Francisco road trip, some must-stop places include Mojave National Preserve, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
Which route should I take for the LA to San Francisco road trip?
The best route for the LA to San Francisco road trip is along Highway 1. You will pass picturesque beaches and vineyards.
How much fun is it to take LA to San Francisco road trip?
Yes, it is totally worth going on a road trip from LA to San Francisco with your friends and family because of the jaw-dropping landscapes.
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