The Ultimate Road Trip: San Francisco to Los Angeles
A bucket list route for both drivers and photographers, this ultimate road trip takes you south through the stunning landscape of the Big Sur coast to the best of the LA car culture.
Introduction
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as ‘Big Sur’ is on many bucket lists, and for a good reason.
With dramatic landscapes, surf-lined white beaches, deep blue seas, and forests, this is a driver’s road with challenging switchbacks and twisty undulations. One minute you are high up on the ridge, the next in the cool canopy of the trees, by the beach.
This route is everything you might wish for and so much more. Whether you travel as far as Carmel-By-The-Sea or onto Los Angeles.
If you are thinking about taking on the journey, we share how to break up the route, the practical things you need to know, and a few great stop off points for those all-important pictures.
PRACTICAL THINGS
This is what you need to know.
Accurate as of May 2022. Please check before you go.
Length: The scenic part of the route is 240 miles along Route 1 and about 6 hours of driving and starts in South West San Francisco. If you continue to LA, expect another 4 hours and 230 miles on Route 101, a dual carriageway. If you can only make a short visit, then the San Francisco to Carmel leg is just 2 hours / 100 miles and is pretty, but less dramatic. You can explore some of Route 1 from Carmel before returning North
How long: With the intensity of driving expect to make at least one overnight stop on the way from San Francisco to LA, ideally two. If you have more time, Carmel or the wine country around Pasa Robles are good places to add an extra day.
Which way: For the best views drive from the North to the South, so that you are on the right side of the road. If you have a nervous passenger who is not good at heights, you may want to go South to North instead.
Time of year: Our favourite time is mid April, as the spring flowers are in bloom and the weather is not too hot, not too cold. On the Northern part of the route you may wake to early morning fog.
Mother Nature: Can create havoc, from rockslides, to snow, to forest fires. Know before you go, check the news, and follow the instructions of the first responders if there is an issue.
Off Grid: Most of Route 1 is isolated, with few inhabitants, and is designated as national parks or reserves. There is rarely a cell phone signal and there can be long distances between places to stop for a break, or petrol. Hotels and Inns book up quickly and you are unlikely to find a vacancy if you just turn up. If you plan to stop somewhere, make sure you have the GPS coordinates, or an off-line map.
Driving in the US: If you are not familiar with driving in the US there are a few things worth knowing
You will notice that in many cases it is OK to turn right at a Red signal.
Do not pass a School Bus that has its lights flashing and/or sign out unless it is a dual carriageway with a defined verge in the middle. If in doubt, don’t.
On the Freeway, know your lanes and watch for your exits. Traffic flows on both sides of you, so look both ways before changing lane.
Park in the direction of travel.
The Gear:
For the route shots and those at Huntington Garderns, I used my iPhone Pro 13, and the Lightroom app as a camera.
For the shots at Good Vibes Breakfast Club it was my Nikon D850 with my favourite Zeiss Otus 55m prime lens for that medium format, rich feel.
All minimally edited in Lightroom, standard preset applied and that was about it.
THE ROUTE
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hQzye7yj6T2aLV3w8
For most of the route we stick to Route 1, until we reach Morro Bay where you can either head into the Canyons for an overnight stop at the Vineyards, or pick up Route 101 for the last leg to Los Angeles.
The end to end route has a total driving time of 9 hours 30 minutes, without stops or breaks and is about 470 miles.
Leaving San Francisco
We start the route at the junction of Route 1 and Sharp Park Rd. If you have picked up a rental at the Airport, Sharp Park Rd is a perfect warm up to the route as it carves its way over the ridge.
Heading South you soon see miles and miles of open sandy beaches at the bottom of steep cliffs, with surf rolling onto them.
The South Coast
If you haven’t already been tempted to stop, this is a good place to stretch your legs and take your first pictures. In the afternoon the sun lights the cliffs below you.
Once you have stopped in the lay by, take a few steps to the edge of the cliff, the views looking North are stunning.
In the spring, the cliff tops are full of flowers
Road: Second layby after the left-hand turn to San Gregorio on Route 84
Lat/Long Dec: 37.31600100811213, -122.4035490549219
Lat/Lon Min: N 37° 18' 57.60", E -122° 24' 12.78"
Return to Route 1 and continue South. You will pass through a couple of towns along the route before reaching Carmel-By-The-Sea (see places to stay)
Once you leave Carmel-By-The-Sea the landscape becomes even more dramatic as you head into the Carmel Highlands. Rugged cliffs and deep forests leave any houses clinging to the steep inclines.
Bixby Creek Bridge
A great location to stop and take a picture. Whether you catch it in the early morning light as the sun rises through the bridge, or even better at sunset, or dusk with a tripod and a long exposure for the light trails of the cars snaking South.
Pro tip: Cross the road to get a different view of the bridge, with the sunset behind it.
Road: Lay by on the right, just before the Bixby Creek Bridge
Lat/Long Dec: 36.37250126797294, -121.90281213963705
Lat/Lon Min: N 36° 22' 21.00", E -121° 54' 10.12"
Return to Route 1, heading South.
Pfeiffer Beach
Deep in the forested section, once you have passed the Big Sur campgrounds, be ready for another stop at a stunning and very photogenic beach, near mile marker 45.
The turn into Pfeiffer is very tight and steep drop to the right. You may want to drive on 500m to the Big Sur Deli and US Post Office to turn around and approach from the South. While you are there, it is worth a visit to the Big Sur Bakery, although check the opening hours, as they are closed midweek.
The road to Pfieffer beach is about 2 miles, mostly a single carriageway with plenty of passing places. There are a couple of places with potholes. Good friends of ours made it down in their Porsche 911, you may need a spotter in some sections.
It will cost you c $12 to visit the Pfeiffer State Park (May 2022), and it is open from 9am to Sunset. It is worth spending at least an hour here, on the beach, and following the trails.
Head down to the beach and enjoy the sight of waves crashing on the steep rocks and through the natural arc, if you walk further along the beach, you can get some great views of the waves crashing on rocks
Pro tip: Look for reflections in the wet sand and bring a tripod for those smoothed-out waves shots.
Road: Right hand turn a mile South of the Big Sur campgrounds, near mile marker 45. If you see the Big Sur Deli, you have gone too far. The entry is steep, you may want to go further down the road, turn around and approach from the South.
Lat/Long Dec: 36.24025117776174, -121.77706840803852
Lat/Lon Min: N 36° 14' 24.90", E -121° 46' 37.45"
Return to Route 1, heading South.
McWay Falls
Easily visible from the lay by you get a great view of the picturesque McWay Cove and the waterfall that cascades into the sea on the Southside.
If you are feeling like a walk, you can also take a left into the park, and hike to the waterfall itself, up the creek to Canyon Falls, or continue the drive South to Limekiln State Park.
Road: Lay by is just after the brown sign for the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is 0.25 miles.
Lat/Long Dec: 36.24025117776174, -121.77706840803852
Lat/Lon Min: N 36° 14' 24.90", E -121° 46' 37.45"
Return to Route 1, heading South.
Limekiln State Park
A chance to get out and stretch your legs and take a short-ish hike to the Limekiln Falls through an ancient redwood forest. This hike starts just insight the start park and quickly heads into the tall redwoods. A 2.65-mile round trip with 250m of elevation gain.
Pro tip: Bring a tripod for those long exposures at the falls.
** When we visited, the park was shut due to fire risk, we will be back!
Road: You will pass through an avalanche tunnel, then over a long bridge, the turn to the park is immediately on your left as you exit the bridge
Lat/Long Dec: 36.0085 N, -121.51819 E
Lat/Lon Min: N 36° 0' 30.61", E -121° 31' 5.51"
Return to Route 1, heading South.
Something different
By now you will have spent a full day enjoying the route and what the coast has to offer you, it is time for something a bit different. Pasa Robles is a good place to make an overnight stop, if you have the time (see Places to Stay)
If you are feeling adventurous
Once you see the signs for the town of Cambria, at the second set of traffic lights take a LEFT towards Cambria Drive (35.56369 N, -121.09679 E)
At the T-Junction, take a RIGHT. Follow Main Street for about 1 mile until you see a LEFT turn signposted to Santa Rosa (Yellow Diamond sign), just before a bridge over a creek.
This 17 mile winding road, unsuitable for trucks, will take you high into the hills, through winemaking country. It is narrow in some places, with room to pass.
At the T-Junction, take a LEFT to join Route 46 heading East towards Paso Robles. When you are ready to head South again, simply pick up Route 101 in Paso Robles
If you just want an easy life
Continue along Route 1 and take the Left turn at the junction for Route 46 East to Paso Robles (35.52726, -121.04485), enjoy the rolling hills. head South again, simply pick up Route 101 in Paso Robles
If you are in a hurry to reach LA
Keep heading South on Route 1, until it becomes Route 101.
Follow Route 101 for approximately 210 miles and in three hours driving, traffic willing, you will reach LA.
PLACES TO STAY
Carmel and its Highlands
A bustling seaside town with many places to stay. Home of the Pebble Beach Golf Club and the Monterey Classic Car Week. There are many hotels and restaurants in the town.
Just south of Camel is Carmel Highlands, which has two hotels, a Hyatt and an Inn, high on the Cliff overlooking the surf.
Things to do near Carmel
Rent a classic car: For a day or half day, including a Porsche 356 Speedster, or a 550 tribute. The team at Monterey Touring Vehicles will drop the car at your location for you to enjoy. Link
Drive the 17 mile Pebble Beach Drive: A scenic drive that gives you the best of everything, useful if you do not have the time to do the full drive. There is a fee of $11.25, redeemable if you spend $35 or more in the resort. Link | Map
Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Plenty of paths and things to see at this state reserve. Well worth losing yourself for an afternoon. There is an entrance fee of $10. Link | Map
Pasa Robles
The drive from Carmel to LA can take as long as 8 hours if there is traffic. If you have the chance we recommend a second stop near Pasa Robles. At this point in your journey the scenery becomes rolling green hills, covered in vineyards.
There are many beautiful boutique ranches to stay within the area, many are small and you will need to book in advance. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort is often used by the local Porsche Clubs as a base in the area. Link.
If you have the time, it is worth taking an extra day to explore wine country before heading South on Route 101.
Los Angeles
A sprawling city defined by the Canyon Lands which encircle it. Like many cities, choose where you stay carefully. We like West Hollywood for its access to the different freeways, it feels safer and has plenty of places to walk out for coffee, cocktails or a meal.
Generally, everyone drives in LA, unless you are walking your dog. Parking is easy wherever you go, whether in a lot, or street parking on metres. The parking metres ($1 an hour, payable by credit card) are everywhere and heading just off the main street onto a side road, they are easy to find.
Things to do in LA
Good Vibes Breakfast Club:
Not a club, not an event, just a meet up of like-minded car enthusiasts each Friday morning.
Held at Newcomb’s Ranch in the Angeles National Forest, which closed in Autumn 2021 and was up for sale as we write this.
Created by Jay (@porschelife111) and Nicole (@newlifeofoldnicole), the welcome is warm, friendly, and you quickly feel like family, The meet still takes place, with the regulars bringing coffee and doughnuts to share. Link.
The 24 miles of Canyon passes will take you 30-40 minutes and are twisty as you rise in elevation from 200m to almost 2000m. Snow is common, even in May. The snowplows do a good job of clearing the snow and any rocks which fall from the cliff faces.
There is no cell phone reception once you head into the Canyons and the locals know to ‘Respect the Crest’, this is not a road to take risks on unless you know it very well.
If you are in a rental car, pull over in one of the many laybys to let faster cars approaching in your rearview mirror pass.
Arrive by 8:30ish, some arrive earlier, stay until the conversation runs out, which could be as late as midday.
If you make your way up here at the weekend, expect to share the road with pedal cyclists, motor cyclists and RV’s.
Route : Take Route 2, East. Newcombs Ranch is just after the Chilao Visitor Center turn. Map
Lat/Long Dec: 34.33056 N, -118.00151 E
Lat/Lon Min: 34° 19' 50.02" N, -118° 0' 5.44" E
There are a bunch of other great Canyon Roads to drive, a favourite with the locals is Big Tajunga Canyon Road. Map.
This is one of many car meets that happen weekly and monthly in LA.
An Outlaw Garage
Over the years we have become good friends with Urban Outlaw, Magnus Walker, and often spend time together when he is in Europe.
If you get the chance to visit his downtown LA garage, take it. Not only does it house one of the most impressive collections of cars that showcase his individual taste, it gives a sense of the creative and independent spirit that Magnus is.
The eclectic collection of fashion, art, furniture, cars, car parts, and ancient vending machines are curated in a way only Magnus could. He has an eye for creating a comfortable, welcoming environment, a place where you feel at home. A petrol-heads dream.
Street Art
We love street art. Many of the blank walls in LA are adorned by beautiful artworks.
There is even a pink wall, where instagrammers queue to take their picture against the vivid backdrop. The wall is part of designer Paul Smiths flagship store on Melrose Avenue
As the sun sets, neon signs light up the street, many faded with years of service.
Peterson Museum
Well worth spending a morning or afternoon, with a constantly changing set of exhibitions spread over 3 floors. On our visit the examples included Rally cars, Electric cars, F1 and the vehicles (cars, boats, planes) from the James Bond movies.
Entrance can get expensive, with a base of $15 a head, with an extra $25 if you want to visit the ‘vault’ full of unique cars in their collection. Parking is easily available, with a discount if you buy an entry ticket.
More information: Link
Address: 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90036
Huntington Gardens
An oasis in the foothills of the Canyons and well worth losing yourself for an afternoon. 16 themed gardens spread over 130 acres, this really has something for everyone, even if you don’t think you are a ‘gardens’ person.
We took a big loop through the Chinese and Japanese gardens, which are authentic to those we have visited on our travels.
The Australian garden leads to the lilly ponds where you will find turtles and Koi Carp swimming lazily.
In the spring the Desert garden is in full bloom, a riot of colour and shapes. If you look carefully, tiny humming birds will be hovering, enjoying the nectar.
Make your way back uphill through the Redwoods to the Rose Garden. Time for tea!
More information: Link
Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
Places to eat and drink in LA
We based ourselves out of West Hollywood. This is what we enjoyed
(as at May 2022)
Tesse
Great cocktails, and a buzzy environment where the food and wine are worth going out of your way for. We sat at the bar and enjoyed chatting with the mixologist.
This is a great place to graze one of their charcuterie boards, we suggest you choose your own, with a lovely glass of wine from their cellars.
Website | Address: 8500 Sunset Blvd Ste B, West Hollywood
Laurel Hardware
A popular spot, in an old hardware store, with the original neon sign outside. As you head deep into the venue, there is both a bar and a large outside garden tucked inside. This feels like a place to see and be seen.
The food was outstanding, although it comes ‘when it is ready’ Japanese style, which I wish we had known before we ordered starters and mains, we were soon overwhelmed with dishes. The food comes quickly, so order it in waves. The Glazed Pork Ribs and Hamachi Crudo were truly memorable.
The cocktails on the other hand were disappointing. Those on the seasonal list were good, but an off-list Mezcal Margherita was simply a shot of Mezcal and some ready-made Margherita mix, not what you would expect from a venue of this quality. Stick to the list.
Website | Address: 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
Sushi Park
A small sushi restaurant in a corner, upstairs at a strip mall. It looks unassuming from outside, with a sign stating ‘No Trendy Sushi, No Salad, No Veggies, No California Roll, No Spicy Tuna Roll, No Teriyaki, No Tempura’. This is sushi stripped back to its traditional best.
Hard to get an advanced booking, we left a voicemail on a Thursday morning asking for two at the Sushi bar, anytime Thursday, Friday or Saturday. By 1:30pm we had a booking for that evening, so worth ringing on the day and picking up a cancellation.
The sushi bar is full-on Omakase, the chefs will keep serving you amazing sushi, until you signal that you are 80% full, at which point they prepare your last few dishes. Expect to go through 15-20 different pieces of sushi and for your bill to come in at $200+ per head, each piece itemized. Not cheap.
Is it worth it? Yes, for the stripped-back, authentic experience. Life simplified. Sit at the sushi bar for the full on experience
Call: +1 310 652 0523 | Address: 8539 Sunset Blvd #20, West Hollywood
Employees Only
A speak-easy kinda bar, with heavy velvet curtains and a dim, mysterious interior. If you have reserved a table, you will be led to the secret back bar, which feels like a members only club.
This is a high-end bar that serves great cocktails and great food, well worth a visit and reserving a table. A great place to come with friends, there are some fabulous booths to while away a few hours.
Website | Address: 7953 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
Cat & Fiddle
If you are yearning for something other than Californian cuisine, then look no further than the Cat & Fiddle, a British pub.
With a menu including Fish & Chips, Steak Pie, Traditional Roasts (Sunday), Scotch Eggs, Crumble & Custard, this is a home from home for Brits. They even have a menu for your dog.
The menu hack: on a Sunday, you can get a Yorkshire pudding and gravy as a side with anything.
Website | Address: 742 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles
Strings of Life (SOL) Café
A great place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Tucked in a courtyard behind the main street, this café prepares everything freshly and is very popular with those leaving the nearby gym
Website | Address: 609 N W Knoll Dr, West Hollywood
La Chouquette
The best croissants in Hollywood by far, catch them early as they close by 1pm. They have a few tables if you want to eat in. This French bakery feels personable and once you have had the croissants or pan au chocolat, you will be back for more.
Website | Address: 7350 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
The Original Farmers Market
Well worth a visit to see what there is. If you like to cook, then this is a great place to source ingredients that you would not find in a regular store.
It also has many street food stalls, serving some amazing food. Great if you can not agree on what you want to eat.
Useful tips: Either park in the lot or find a 2-hour parking meter on the West side streets. Many of the stalls have longer hours than those suggested on the website, making this an option for early morning coffee, or supper.
Website | Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
Outside LA
Harris Ranch
A surprise entry on our list. Our return journey to San Francisco was up Route 5, which passes up and over the canyons before the road straightens and heads North through the farming country.
Harris Ranch is an oasis on the journey, which has little else to offer other than Motels and nondescript travelling hotels.
The rooms are clean but tired. The outdoor pool is a big draw for anyone travelling with a family. There is a small complex with a store, restaurants and a barbeque pit.
What makes this worthwhile is the Prime Steakhouse. Book a table in advance, as the restaurants here are super popular, with both residents and those who live locally, and for a good reason.
If you like your steak flavourful and melt-in-the-mouth, then we can highly recommend the Prime Rib, the best steak we have eaten … anywhere. So good that we would go out of our way just to eat here again.
Useful tips: You can buy milk at the store , or the petrol station. If the wind is blowing towards the Ranch, there is a chance you will smell the cows when you walk outside.
Website | Address: 24505 W Dorris Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210
