What to see on the Route from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the California coast

When planning a trip along the west coast of the United States Between 12 and 15 days long, there are three cities that become its basic axis.

Of course, I mean San Francisco, Los Angeles y Las Vegas.

These three cities, essential visits On a trip of this duration, they form a triangle from which you can make various variations based on your tastes and preferences, outlining a route tailored to you.

But basically, plan your trip You must decide what you are going to give highest priority to.

That is, if you prefer to travel through the interior of the western United States, a route that will focus on the visit spectacular national parksand Grand Canyon, Yosemite o Monument Valley.

What to see on the route between San Francisco and Los Angeles

Or if you prefer to make a route along the coast, linking the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

If you are interested in this last alternative, I will detail it below. the most recommended visits to do on a two or three day car trip along the coastal coast.

Natural sites in Monterey

Starting the route from San Francisco Towards the south along the coast, the first point you have to visit is the bay area and peninsula of Monterey, which is located two hours away from the aforementioned city of San Francisco.

There, near the city of Monterey, you must go through the 17 Mile Drive Natural Site, where you can see populous colonies of sea ​​lions that rest on the sand of the beach.

And from the pier Fisherman's Wharf from Monterey you can make one boat trip to see whales and dolphins.

Carmel by the Sea

Very close to Monterey you can visit the town of Carmel by the Sea, which is characterized by its great bohemian atmosphere, as it was founded by a community of painters and artists.

Big Sur Cliffs

Following the route towards the south, you will now enter the Big Sur, a coastal area that will allow you to enjoy the typical cliff landscapes.

Of course, the road is a succession of curves, so to reach Saint Simeon, the next important point of your trip along the coast, although there are 145 kilometers to travel, I can tell you that it will take you almost two and a half hours.

at the end of the Big Sur Cliffs you will reach the viewpoint of Ragged Point Vista, where you will have the best panoramic views of this natural area.

A few kilometers later it can stop you at the Piedras Blancas beach, where there is another sea ​​lion colony.

Hearst Castle in San Simeon

From the aforementioned beach you can almost see at the top of the mountain what will be your next visit, the hearst castleNear Saint Simeon.

In reality, it is an incredible mansion with numerous buildings, gardens and swimming pools that was built at that point at the beginning of the last century. William Randolph Hearst, the famous tabloid magnate in the United States.

Not very well known, I can tell you that it is a visit that will surely not disappoint you.

La extravagant architecture of Hearst Castle It will make you feel like you are visiting a Theme Park where you will find buildings that will remind you of the Alhambra of Granada or Giralda of Seville.

Santa Barbara

In this tour along the west coast towards Los Ádrool, another area worth visiting is the small colonial city of Santa Barbara, which is three hours away Saint Simeon.

Santa Barbara will show you the best combination of the characteristic California atmosphere, a mix of large and exotic beaches with a style of spanish colonial city.

In Santa Barbara you can visit buildings that are beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture, such as the Santa Barbara Mission or Courthouse.

Or also do one from Santa Barbara boat trip to see whales.

Wine tourism in Santa Ynez Valley

In this area close to Santa Barbara is the Santa Ynez Valley, wine area where you can spend a day of wine tourism tasting the California wines.

Danish village Solvang

In the same valley you can also visit a curious town, Solving, with a Danish style as a result of the arrival at the beginning of the 20th century of a community of emigrants from Denmark.

Finally, from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles You will have 150 kilometers left on the highway, that is, an hour and a half to complete your route.

Have a nice trip along the coastline of the western United States!!

Tours in Spanish on the West Coast

If instead of going on your own by rented car you prefer to sign up for an organized group tour, here you have all the information about a Tour in Spanish along the West Coast in 8 days.

On this circuit you will visit several of the most notable corners, such as San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Las Vegas.

Or do you also have information about a tour in Spanish through the best beaches in California, in which in a four-hour excursion you will visit the main beaches around Los Angeles.

You also have the option to make a Carmel and Monterey excursion from San Francisco, with a duration of 8 hours and the company of a guide in Spanish.

Map of the route from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the coast

Here you have a map with the places mentioned above, which you can visit on your car trip along the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles.