Driving From San Diego to San Francisco

The drive from San Diego to San Francisco can be a beautiful one. But it can also be a stressful one.   Which route should we drive?  How long will it take?  What is there to see along the way?  Can't we just fly?  These are all questions you might ponder when thinking of making a trip such as this.  Let's answer them quickly - PCH, 8-10 hours, a lot, yes.  Very good.  But now let us go into detail.  

Which route should you drive?  If you are not on time restraints and have a week or longer to make this trip, take the PCH for sure.  It is one of the most fun drives you can make in the U.S. and maybe the world.  If you are a SoCal native, you may opt to take the 5 or 15 freeways up past L.A. and catch PCH in Malibu.  That is where it starts to get scenic (and new) for those of you who have seen Southern California's coast already.  

After you swing through Malibu, home to Cher, you will be coming to your first stop point - Santa Barbara.  This region is vast and filled with green landscape for miles.  Here you can taste wines, not too much if you're continuing on, visit State Street, and see UCSB.  Around the area is Solvang, a danish themed town with MAJOR shopping and tourist potential.  Keep an eye on your watches here if you are addicted to shopping as time can fly.  Like Indian Gaming?  Try the Chumash Casino.  Other places of interest might be, Santa Maria, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and for camping choose Lake Cachuma.