As a travel writer with a deep appreciation for nature and art, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the unique offerings of San Francisco during my recent road trip from Los Angeles. Among the many highlights of this vibrant city was Pfeiffer State Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Big Sur. With its towering redwood trees and peaceful hiking trails, I felt transported to another world as I explored the park’s natural beauty. The tranquility and serenity of the park left a lasting impression on me, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler or nature lover.
As someone who has grown up in the Midwest, I absolutely cherish the summer season. The long, sunny days and warm weather bring back fond memories of family road trips when I was a child. There is something truly magical about packing up the car with snacks, music, and a map (or GPS these days), and hitting the open road. Each new destination brings exciting discoveries and the freedom to explore at our own pace. So, if you ask me, there’s no better way to experience America than on a summer road trip.
Traveling long distances by car is common in the extensive US, and we chose to experience one of the most famous journeys: the trek from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This adventure includes lengthy stretches on highways and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway (often referred to as PCH by locals). However, the drive itself lasts approximately six hours, so what can you anticipate during the trip and upon arrival?
To create an engaging road trip itinerary for our readers, we aimed to provide a diverse range of experiences. Some places might be well-known to our audience, while others may be hidden gems or popular tourist spots. Regardless, we wanted to showcase the destinations and notable stops along the California drive that will give you a true sense of the state’s unique charm and offerings.
Explore the road trip itinerary from Los Angeles to San Francisco that we’ve prepared for you below. For your convenience, you can also save all of our suggested destinations in one simple step by clicking this link.
How to Get There
Naturally the first question you’ll have when attempting a road trip is ‘what car are we driving?’ For us, we prefer sporty rides and fast acceleration, however for long distance travel and a few hundred-mile stretches here and there, things change a bit. Hot take, but choosing the hardcore race-prepped track weapon is the wrong choice, as you’d want to prioritize comfort over anything else.
We were given the opportunity to test drive the new Audi RS6 Avant for a long journey of over 450 miles. With its massive trunk providing 30 cubic feet of cargo space, it effortlessly accommodated all our luggage and left room for additional shopping, gear, or accessories. The ride was enhanced by its luxurious, feature-rich cabin, while the Bang & Olufsen sound system filled the vehicle with an endless stream of Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar tunes. The powerful 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine under the hood delivered an impressive 621 horsepower, ensuring that the trip was not only comfortable but also thrilling.
Where to Stay
Post Ranch Inn
After enduring the lengthy first leg of our journey, my partner and I craved a touch of luxury and sophistication for our first night’s stay. The breathtaking Post Ranch Inn, nestled along the Big Sur coastline, offered exactly that. With its stunning ocean vistas, enchanting redwood forests, exquisite dining experiences, and accommodations beyond comparison, it’s no surprise this hotel was ranked #1 in the World by the Andrew Harper Members’ Choice Awards 2024 and graced with Michelin’s coveted Three Keys designation.
Post Ranch Inn
47900 CA-1
Big Sur, CA 93920
1 Hotel Embarcadero
At the 1 Hotel in Embarcadero, we found the city views and vibrant energy typical of San Francisco’s tech-driven scene. Yet what truly stood out was the sense of comfort and familiarity. The hotel offered numerous amenities, convenient proximity to dining and entertainment options, sleek modern rooms, and more. As a cherry on top, guests are provided with Audi transportation for their explorations around town.
1 Hotel Embarcadero
8 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94105
Where to Shop
WMV visvim Carmel
As a devoted fan of visvim and WMV, I can’t help but be intrigued by the seemingly unusual location of their Carmel shop. But upon visiting, I now understand why it’s such a perfect fit. The quaint, cozy charm of this town, as described by Hiroki Nakamura himself, adds an extra layer to the shopping experience and makes visvim and WMV products even more alluring. And let me tell you, the open and minimalistic layout is truly emblematic of visvim’s design philosophy. It’s a must-visit destination for any NorCal fan like myself.
WMV visvim Carmel
San Carlos 3 North West of 6th Ave
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
The Darkside Initiative
At The Darkside Initiative on Powell Street in San Francisco, you’ll find authentic streetwear. It may be a bit hidden for those not in the know, but once discovered, its welcoming team and exceptional product selection make it a must-visit for streetwear enthusiasts and trendsetters. Few shops in the US consistently stock ACRONYM and C.E. goods.
The Darkside Initiative
1827 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94133
FTC
At OG’s place in San Francisco, FTC has become a favorite hangout for skaters and urban youth seeking relaxation. The shop maintains its genuine character, focusing primarily on skate culture rather than fashion trends. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the skate deck preparation station – a clear sign of their dedication to this community. Don’t forget to buy a brand new pair of sneakers and an exclusive FTC t-shirt for your journeys.
FTC
1632 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
STASHD
For those seeking a wider range of streetwear, check out STASHD located on the eastern edge of the Mission District. Here, you’ll discover an array of newly released sneakers from Nike, New Balance, ASICS, and other popular brands. Additionally, you’ll come across smaller niche brands such as Stone Island, Human Made, and Stüssy. Their website also offers a vast selection for online shopping if you cannot visit in person.
STASHD
2360 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94107
Where to Take a Coffee Break
Captain + Stoker
Monterey is known for being a popular tourist destination, but Captain + Stoker has a unique charm that feels different. Its garage-style layout with a relaxed atmosphere sets it apart, offering a pleasant balance between quiet and lively. Sip on a latte, choose a seat facing the street, and enjoy the vibrant scene unfold before you, letting your worries fade away.
Captain + Stoker
398 E Franklin St
Monterey, CA 93940
Sightglass
If you require a spot to go through some emails during your journey by car, Sightglass is an excellent choice. Impressed by its extensive seating areas, reliable wifi, and exceptional coffee, we ended up spending more time than anticipated there. We enjoyed conversing at the bench seats located in the mezzanine level while observing the staff roast and package their beans for sale – a unique and relaxing café encounter.
Sightglass
270 7th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Saint Frank
Before departing from San Francisco, we stumbled upon Saint Frank and instantly felt like residents. The ambiance was sleek and contemporary, yet unintimidating. Despite being near Google SF headquarters and likely frequented by tech industry professionals, we never felt out of place as tourists. However, be mindful that weekdays can get quite crowded, especially during rush hours and late afternoons.
Saint Frank
120 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94105
Where to Eat
Lalla Grill Oceanside
Why not enjoy the full Monterey experience by feasting your eyes on the sea while you eat? Although Lalla may be the busiest attraction mentioned here, its delicious food, prompt service, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit. Keep in mind that finding parking can be a challenge, so consider using the nearby paid garage for a hassle-free experience.
Lalla Grill Oceanside
654 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Nepenthe
For an unforgettable casual dining experience in Big Sur, consider visiting Nepenthe. Its stunning outdoor seating area draws numerous visitors to this well-established coastal spot. However, the exceptional food and delectable drinks are equally noteworthy. If you’re fortunate enough, secure a table with an ocean view for a peaceful dinner during sunset – a truly tranquil dining experience on your trip.
Nepenthe
48510 CA-1
Big Sur, CA 93920
The Google Cafe
During our journey to San Francisco, we made a short stop at Google’s headquarters in San Jose. To our surprise, reaching there was simple, and they even offered complimentary parking for guests. The Google Cafe served as an excellent rejuvenation spot for lunch, offering not just delicious food but also a cozy corner for coffee and sweets. Although somewhat commercialized with a Google Store nearby, it proved to be a perfect pit stop for tourists on the move.
The Google Cafe
2000 N Shoreline Blvd Ground Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
Kevin’s Noodle House
In San Francisco’s parkside, there are certainly upscale Vietnamese restaurants worth trying. But when you’re craving something satisfying, tasty, and easily accessible, Kevin’s Noodle House, also called Pho Huynh Hiep, is the way to go. This unassuming eatery offers large servings of pho filled with generous amounts of meat and noodles, surpassing its competitors in the area. Local residents often rave about it as “The Best Pho in Town,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Kevin’s Noodle House
1833 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
Newkirk’s
Before leaving for the day, we wanted a convenient breakfast option. Luckily, Newkirk’s was there at short notice. Known for their breakfast sandwiches, this small eatery offers a variety of egg options on a kaiser roll. However, don’t forget to ask for their house-made hot sauce, which adds a delightful jalapeno-habanero spiciness to your meal. Consider getting an extra one since you might find just one isn’t enough.
Newkirk’s
1002 Potrero Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
Niku Steakhouse
To conclude our food journey, we treated ourselves at Niku Steakhouse, a renowned Michelin-starred wagyu establishment, before heading back home. The place was a hit with its delectable grilled maitake mushrooms and diver scallops, not to mention the impressive 44 oz. tomahawk ribeye that could easily serve an additional guest. The ambiance added to the experience; our server presented us with a selection of custom-made knives prior to the arrival of the meat, playfully urging us to “pick our weapon.” It was all in good fun, a delightful prelude to the exquisite steak that awaited us. Ideal for celebratory occasions.
Niku Steakhouse
61 Division St
San Francisco, CA 94103
What to Experience
Big Sur Coast
Having made numerous road trips along the West Coast, I can confidently say that the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco is a must-do experience. The main attraction, of course, is the breathtaking coastal route through Big Sur. Though a portion of Highway 1 succumbed to last year’s landslide, the clean-up efforts have been steady, and I believe the journey should no longer be hampered by this setback.
Big Sur State Historic Park
CA-1
Monterey, CA 93940
Cannery Row
In the past and charmingly appealing, Cannery Row stands out as Monterey’s most iconic landmark. You’ll find a multitude of quaint shops and stores where you can buy keepsakes, not to mention an abundance of eateries, cafes, ice cream parlors, and more. Set aside some time in your day to leisurely explore Cannery Row and its adjacent streets – it could effortlessly take up to an hour or two.
Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Pfeiffer State Park
For first-time visitors to San Francisco, a must-visit is Pfeiffer State Park, famous for its towering redwood trees. Although the park holds numerous attractions like tranquil environments and beautiful hiking paths, our day was mostly spent in awe of these massive redwoods, appreciating their true grandeur. A must-see for both travelers and nature enthusiasts.
Pfeiffer State Park
CA-1
Big Sur, CA
SF MOMA
If you’re not a fan of al fresco (outdoor) activities, San Francisco has something indoor and fascinating for you. Home to SFMOMA, one of the biggest modern art museums in the US, this city is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and novices alike. With seven floors packed with artwork, rarities, installations, and more, it may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry; the front desk staff are happy to help guide you. During our visit, we were captivated by the Art of Noise exhibit featuring vintage audio equipment, concert posters, and an intriguing Teenage Engineering talking dolls display. Meanwhile, crowds of tourists, including us, were magnetically drawn to the Kusama Yayoi floors adorned with her mesmerizing dot-covered pieces.
SFMOMA
151 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Where to Indulge
Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop
During a road trip, treating yourself is part of the experience. If you have a soft spot for carbs, make sure to stop by Bob’s Donuts. This unassuming mom-and-pop shop is known for its scrumptious, daily-made doughnuts in generous portions and sizes that will leave you satisfied. There’s no need for any frills – we savored the crumb cake donut, the raspberry jelly-filled one, a chocolate sprinkled donut, and an enormous twist. For those up for a challenge, try the “Big Kahuna” – finish it within 3 minutes to join the Bob’s Donuts hall of fame!
Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop
1621 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Humphry Slocombe
After finishing a large steak meal, my friend and I yearned for a sweet treat. We stumbled upon Humphry Slocombe, hidden in the Ferry Building, only a short walk from our hotel. Despite its unassuming exterior, this ice cream parlor boasted exceptional desserts. The crowd, always numbering fifteen or more people, was a testament to its popularity. To our amazement, we grew fond of the “Secret Breakfast” flavor, which harmoniously blended corn flakes and bourbon. For those with a sweet tooth for chocolate, two scoops of Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple proved irresistible.
Humphry Slocombe
One Ferry Building #8
San Francisco, CA 94111
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2024-07-23 16:27