Are you planning a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco? If so then you’re in for a treat! This scenic route takes you through some of California’s most stunning scenery and there’s plenty to see and do along the way.
To help you make the most of your journey we’ve put together a road trip guide with all the essential information you need to know.
From tips on what to pack to advice on where to stop along the way we’ve got you covered.
So read on and start planning your perfect road trip from San Diego to San Francisco today!
Packing Tips
First things first let’s talk about what to pack for your road trip.
Of course you’ll need to bring all the essentials like clothes and toiletries but there are a few other items you should pack to make your journey more enjoyable.
One essential item for any road trip is a good map.
While your phone’s GPS can be handy there’s nothing quite like having a physical map to consult when you’re planning your route and making pit stops.
Be sure to pick up a map of California before you hit the road.
Another helpful item to pack is a cooler.
This will come in handy for storing food and drinks for the drive and will also keep your perishables fresh if you’re planning to camp along the way.
Of course you’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you going on your road trip.
Pack some of your favorites or try some new snacks that you can find at roadside stops along the way.
And don’t forget the coffee!
Finally don’t forget to pack some entertainment for the drive.
Whether you’re bringing books magazines music or movies having something to keep you occupied on the long journey is a must.
Planning Your Route
Now that you know what to pack it’s time to start planning your route.
The best way to do this is to consult a map and decide on some key stopping points along the way.
There are plenty of great places to stop between San Diego and San Francisco so take your time and plan your route based on your interests.
If you’re a fan of the outdoors then you might want to make a stop at Joshua Tree National Park.
Or if you’re looking for a dose of history then you could visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Of course you’ll also want to plan for where you’ll be staying each night.
If you’re planning to camp then be sure to research campsites in advance and make reservations if necessary.
And if you’re staying in hotels then be sure to book your accommodations well in advance to get the best rates.
Finally don’t forget to factor in rest stops gas stations and restaurants along the way.
These are essential for any road trip and you’ll want to make sure you know where they are so you can plan your stops accordingly.
Road Trip Tips
Once you’ve got your route planned and your car packed it’s time to hit the road! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your road trip from San Diego to San Francisco:
- Drive during the day to avoid traffic and get the best views
- Stop often to stretch your legs and take in the scenery
- Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks for the drive
- Plan your route in advance and make sure you know where you’re going
- Book your accommodations well in advance to get the best rates
- Enjoy the journey and don’t forget to take plenty of photos!
San Diego To San Francisco Distance:
On a car the distance is 7 hr 51 min (508.3 mi) via I-5 N.
Road Trip From San Diego To San Francisco: Gas Stations On The Way
Making the drive from San Diego to San Francisco is a popular road trip for many reasons.
The route takes you through some of California’s most beautiful scenery and there are plenty of things to see and do along the way.
If you’re planning on making the drive you’ll want to plan ahead and map out your route.
One important thing to keep in mind is where you’ll stop for gas.
Here are a few gas stations along the way from San Diego to San Francisco.
Shell – San Onofre
This Shell gas station is located right off the I-5 making it a convenient stop for anyone making the drive from San Diego to San Francisco.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Chevron – Santa Nella
This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Santa Nella about halfway between San Diego and San Francisco.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Shell – Gilroy
This Shell gas station is located in the town of Gilroy just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Chevron – San Luis Obispo
This Chevron gas station is located in the town of San Luis Obispo about halfway between San Diego and San Francisco.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Shell – King City
This Shell gas station is located in the town of King City just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
###Chevron – Salinas
This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Salinas just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Shell – San Juan Bautista
This Shell gas station is located in the town of San Juan Bautista just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Chevron – Gilroy
This Chevron gas station is located in the town of Gilroy just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Shell – San Mateo
This Shell gas station is located in the town of San Mateo just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
Chevron – San Bruno
This Chevron gas station is located in the town of San Bruno just a few miles from the I-5.
The station has 24-hour pumps so you can fill up any time of day or night.
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From San Diego To San Francisco
There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when renting a car for a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco.
First make sure you have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
Secondly decide what type of car you’ll need.
A smaller car may be more fuel efficient but a larger car will be more comfortable for a long drive.
Third book your rental car in advance so you can get the best rate.
Once you’ve taken care of the logistics it’s time to start planning your road trip! The first step is to map out your route.
If you’re not familiar with the area it’s a good idea to use a GPS system or Google Maps to plot your course.
Once you know where you’re going you can start planning your stops.
There are a few must-see attractions between San Diego and San Francisco so be sure to include them in your itinerary.
In San Diego be sure to check out the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
If you’re a fan of theme parks don’t miss out on SeaWorld San Diego.
And of course no trip to California would be complete without a stop at Disneyland.
In San Francisco there are plenty of sights to see and things to do.
Be sure to visit the Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you’re a fan of the arts don’t miss a chance to see a show at the world-renowned San Francisco Opera House.
And no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a stop at the world-famous Haight-Ashbury district.
After you’ve planned your route and made your reservations all that’s left to do is hit the road and enjoy your trip!
Road Trip From San Diego To San Francisco: Attractions To See On The Way
San Diego to San Francisco is one of the most popular road trip routes in California.
And it’s no wonder why – this coastal drive is full of beautiful scenery interesting towns and plenty of things to see and do.
If you’re planning a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco here are some of the best attractions to see along the way.
1.
La Jolla
Just north of San Diego La Jolla is a beautiful coastal town with lots to see and do.
From the shops and restaurants of La Jolla Village to the stunning scenery of La Jolla Cove there’s something for everyone in La Jolla.
2.
Solvang
Solvang is a quaint Danish town located in the Santa Ynez Valley.
This charming town is filled with bakeries cafes and shops selling Danish goods.
Be sure to try a traditional Danish pastry while you’re in Solvang!
3.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle is a must-see attraction on any road trip from San Diego to San Francisco.
This massive estate was once the home of media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
Today it’s a state park and museum and it’s well worth a visit.
4.
Big Sur
The drive along Highway 1 through Big Sur is one of the most scenic drives in all of California.
This coastal stretch of highway is full of beautiful views and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the scenery.
5.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque town located on the Monterey Peninsula.
This charming town is home to artists writers and celebrities and it’s also a great place to find shops restaurants and galleries.
6.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a must-see stop for any nature lover.
This national monument is home to some of the tallest trees in the world and it’s a great place to hike picnic and enjoy the beauty of nature.
7.
Golden Gate Bridge
No visit to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge.
This iconic bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
There are plenty of other great attractions to see on a road trip from San Diego to San Francisco.
These are just a few of the highlights.
So get out there and hit the open road – it’s sure to be a trip you’ll never forget!