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By Huuk Team

Road trip from San Diego to San Francisco

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ITINERARY

9h 23m497 miles12 stops
1
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
2
International Surfing Museum
411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
3
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave Suite 600, Anaheim, CA 92802-3496
4
Zippy Shuttle
Los Angeles, CA
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
5
Gloria Molina Grand Park
227 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3201
6
Mission San Fernando
15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Located about ten miles from Los Angeles, this historic mission was founded in the late 1790s and contains an interesting museum amid pretty gardens.
7
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605-4925
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.
8
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
9
Oaktown Spice Shop
546 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610-3515
10
Jack London's Cabin
Oakland, CA
Jack London's Yukon home during the winter of 1897-98.
11
Lake Merritt
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
12
St. Patrick Catholic Church
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
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OVERVIEW

Get ready for an epic adventure along the breathtaking coastline of California, as we embark on a journey from the vibrant city of San Diego to the iconic metropolis of San Francisco. Along the way, we'll uncover hidden gems, marvel at natural wonders, and immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture that define this incredible state. From the sandy shores of San Diego to the bustling streets of San Francisco, every mile holds a new adventure, promising unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the Golden State.

Our journey will take us through a diverse landscape that boasts towering redwood forests, charming seaside towns, and world-renowned attractions. We'll explore the vibrant cities of Los Angeles, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, each with its unique character and captivating stories to tell. Along the way, we'll encounter friendly locals, indulge in delicious Californian cuisine, and create lasting connections with fellow travelers. Whether you're an adventurer seeking thrilling experiences or a history buff eager to delve into the past, this journey has something for everyone.

As we approach the end of our adventure in San Francisco, we'll reflect on the incredible memories we've made and the bonds we've formed along the way. From the moment we set off from San Diego, we'll have witnessed the beauty and diversity of California, leaving us with a profound appreciation for this remarkable state. Our journey will not only be a vacation but a transformative experience that will stay with us long after we return home.

1
Start:Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Irvine, California·
4.0
(99) review
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
2
International Surfing Museum
Huntington Beach, California·
4.0
(99) review
411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
3
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California·
4.5
(976) review
800 W Katella Ave Suite 600, Anaheim, CA 92802-3496
4
Zippy Shuttle
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
Private van transport. TOURS of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beach areas or anything of your choice. You can stay as long as you want at any of the locations. We pick up Curbside at LAX. Child safety seats are complimentary.
Los Angeles, CA
5
Gloria Molina Grand Park
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(98) review
227 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3201
6
Mission San Fernando
Los Angeles, California·
4.5
(90) review
Located about ten miles from Los Angeles, this historic mission was founded in the late 1790s and contains an interesting museum amid pretty gardens.
15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
7
Oakland Zoo
Oakland, California·
4.5
(710) review
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.
9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605-4925
8
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Oakland, California·
5.0
(940) review
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
9
Oaktown Spice Shop
Oakland, California·
5.0
(9) review
546 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610-3515
10
Jack London's Cabin
Oakland, California·
3.5
(90) review
Jack London's Yukon home during the winter of 1897-98.
Oakland, CA
11
Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
12
St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Diego and San Francisco?
The distance is 497 miles
What's the travel time between San Diego and San Francisco?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 9h 23m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Diego and San Francisco?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to San Francisco?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to San Francisco
What’s the weather like in San Francisco?
The weather in San Francisco is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in San Francisco in January
Weather in San Francisco in February
Weather in San Francisco in March
Weather in San Francisco in April
Weather in San Francisco in May
Weather in San Francisco in June
Weather in San Francisco in July
Weather in San Francisco in August
Weather in San Francisco in September
Weather in San Francisco in October
Weather in San Francisco in November
Weather in San Francisco in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in San Francisco?
Plan your dream San Francisco trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in San Francisco
A 2-day itinerary in San Francisco
A 3-day itinerary in San Francisco
A 4-day itinerary in San Francisco
A 5-day itinerary in San Francisco
A 6-day itinerary in San Francisco
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Diego?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Diego! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you