8 Incredible Road Trip Stops from Las Vegas to San Francisco and Everywhere in Between

Las Vegas to San Francisco

Routes: Las Vegas - Long Beach - Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Cambria - Big Sur - Carmel-By-The-Sea - Monterey - Santa Cruz - San Francisco

 1. Long Beach 

At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. 

Hotel: The Cove Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Clean property, large room, bar and breakfast food on site. Helpful and friendly employees. The hotel also offers a heated pool, bar and conference room.

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 2. Los Angeles 

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.

Hotel: Loews Hollywood Hotel

This hotel is perfectly located to experience Hollywood, with attractions, restaurants and tour buses right at your doorstep. The rooms are a great size, modern and the bed was super comfy. 

 3. Santa Barbara 

Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty. 

Hotel: The Eagle Inn

The Eagle Inn is a romantic quiet boutique hotel located just 2 blocks from the beach. You can take a ten minute walk to downtown and The Funk Zone and all of the activities and attractions Santa Barbara has to offer. 

 4. Cambria 

At Cambria, you can drive along Moonstone Drive for scenic views. It is almost at sea level, so you can sea and hear the waves crashing on the beach. Sunsets are great, and there are places to stop and enjoy the breeze, the waves and the not unusual wildlife (sea lions, seagulls, etc.). 

 5. Big Sur 

Big Sur is probably one of the most beautiful and quaint places on Highway 1. Big Sur offers a lot of relatively unspoilt coastline, beaches, forests, and wilderness area. Don't miss view Bixby Creek Bridge (you’ll drive across it on Highway 1), McWay Falls located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (access to the waterfall by foot is often prohibited), and the Point Sur Lighthouse (guided visits available) in Point Sur State Historic Park.

 6. Carmel-By-The-Sea 

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great place for a romantic or family getaway. You can even bring your dog - Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly. Carmel has nice beaches, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, cute shops, and maybe a few candy store.

Hotel: La Playa Carmel

Located two blocks from the beach and village shops, art galleries and restaurants, the hotel is situated in the heart of Carmel and anchors its most prestigious residential neighborhood. 

 7. Monterey 

Monterey is best known to visitors for its cannery history, its diverse marine wildlife, its proximity to the golf courses of Pebble Beach, and for having one of the best aquariums in the country. You can walk around the Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf area, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, taste a sea food lunch or dinner, and perhaps take a drive on the famous 17-Mile Drive for scenic views, popular golf courses, and the Lone Cypress.

 8. Santa Cruz 

At Santa Cruz, you can drive (or preferably a walk) along West Cliff Drive for scenic views, a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (in addition to the beach and boardwalk, there is an amusement park, arcade, and other family-oriented attractions), a walk around the downtown area (especially if the Farmer’s Market is happening), and a visit to Natural Bridges State Beach. If you are surfers, this is widely considered by many to be one of the best surf cities in the country. You can also find the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum along the aforementioned West Cliff Drive.

Escape from Las Vegas to San Francisco, you 'd never wanna miss the 8 fabulous stops in between. Enjoy your vacation!

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