San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

Explore San Francisco before you leave

The perfect place to start your journey is Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco. This vast expanse of rugged sandy beaches is sure to get you excited about all the places you’re going to see on the road trip of a lifetime. You must take a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge before leaving just to marvel at this impressive structure that spans the bay.

Must see places along the way

Start off with a short drive to the fishing town of Monterey, where you’ll find another spectacular beach and some amazing rock formations. Spring is a great time to visit, just to see the abundance of wildflowers. If you have time, we highly recommend a whale-watching trip before you set off again. Next on your drive comes Carmel-By-The-sea, where you can stroll along the beach and take a walk around the 34-acre nature reserve. The drive along the Big Sur is an unforgettable experience with some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll see along this coastline. Stop off at Pfeiffer Beach to view the unique purple sand and make the time to visit the McWay Falls that drop into the ocean during high tide. For a touch of history, the next stop is Hearst Castle inland. This imposing building sits high above the village of San Simeon and is a magnificent example of historical architecture. Drive back towards the coast after your museum visit and stop at Morro Bay, where you’ll find the famous Morro Rock. This is a great place to rent a kayak and take to the water. If surfing is your thing, make your last stop before Los Angeles at Pismo Beach. Or you can spend the day on the golden sand and pop over to Shell Beach for a dolphin-watching spot.

Your arrival in Los Angeles

This lively city is a contrast to the peace you’ve experienced along the coastal route, so be prepared! There’s plenty to do to complete your trip, including visiting Hollywood, Beverly Hills for some designer shopping, and the Griffith Observatory to get a view of the stars (those in the sky!). If you still want more beach time, head for Santa Monica and Venice Beach and celebrate the end of your road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Why not treat yourself to a Fox rental car for your road trip? You can make as many stops as you want and make the journey at your own pace. You won´t need to return the vehicle to San Francisco as we offer the flexibility of one-way road trips.