Amtrak Vacations is a proud part of the Railbookers Group family of brands. We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay in Los Angeles check that out for more details. Road trip from San Francisco to San Diego - LazyTrips Recommended option Fly to San Francisco 3h 9m Fly from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) SAN - SFO $84 - $265 If this interests you, be sure to check if they have tours the day youre passing through, and just omit a few of the Big Sur stops to allow for ample time for the tour. June 28, 2023 2:40pm. Once youre ready to call it a day, spend the night at one of these accommodations in Santa Barbara: Start the morning exploring Santa Barbara, and then make your way down the coast for some hiking before getting into Santa Monica.. For example, the itinerary below is for a 7-day road trip to San Diego from San Francisco, but it can be easily cut down to fewer days by eliminating stops. San Francisco vs San Diego: The Ultimate Decision - The Broke Backpacker There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. If the trail is closed, continue down the PCH into Cambria. Finish your 3-day road trip with dinner and drinks in La Jolla. This curvy coastal route can be slow and relaxing but at the same time hectic. Not a pleasant flight. Stop by to enjoy the sunset before getting to your hotel for the night. Huntington Beach are relaxing areas to stop for a bite or to spend an afternoon This is an opportunity to acquire one of the largest tracts of private property . The Dinner was good but the breakfast was very basic. These suites are situated in Terminal 3, near gates E5, F4 and F16. San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds. After walking around the exterior gardens, be sure to climb the Clock Tower (located on the Anacapa Street side) for panoramic views of the city. It is also After the beach, head over to Avila Valley Barn, which is just two miles away from Pirates Cove. ), so mentally prepare yourself before you get back in the car! After Venice, drive about 20 miles down the PCH to the trailhead for Bluff Cove Trail in Palos Verdes. Follow the signs from the parking lot for the Hare Creek and Limekiln Trail, a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that takes you along the creek through a dense forest and up to some lime kiln ruins that havent been in use since the late 1800s. There are several hotels less than a mile from the airport, including the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Holiday Inn Express. Property contains an original 1931 Diego Rivera which is available for acquisition along with the real estate. Here, youll head to Heisler Park, which sits above the water. Learn how your comment data is processed. ", "The takeoff and landing were smooth except that the plane felt like it was fishtailing a bit. The cheapest month to fly is January. There are a few trails in the area, so make sure youre starting out on Upper Mori Trail. Stop by Captain + Stoker for coffee or Revival Ice Cream. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. However, if you want to see all the highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway, you should aim to spend at least 10 days driving between the two cities. This rock was formed around 23 million years ago from the plug of a volcano, and stands at 576-feet tall. Take in the view and walk as far as youd like before turning back to your car.. attraction includes an arcade, indoor miniature golfing, laser tag, a roller If youre a donut-for-breakfast kind of person, Id recommend also walking down the street to grab one (or a box) from Blue Star Donuts. This carefully curated list has the top suggestions of vacations for first-time rail travelers. USA San Diego to San Francisco Road Trip By Christina Pfeiffer - 12 July 2022 Updated on Jun 8th, 2023 - This post may contain affiliate links. ", "My 10:00 p.m. flight was canceled so I had to spend the night trying to sleep in the airport. How to Decide Between a San Diego or San Francisco Vacation - InteleTravel Usually, these establishments offer courtesy shuttles to drop their clients at their respective departure terminals. ", "Timing of leaving the airport! This beach is a part of Los Padres National Forest, rather than the state parks in Big Sur, so your day use pass wont work to park here youll have to pay $12. San Francisco to San Diego drive - plan a road trip Lurking Beneath Home Prices: Hidden Costs - The New York Times In San Diego, public transport costs $2.50 - $3 and ubers range from $10-$25. ", "I didnt appreciate the women at the boarding counter. San Francisco To San Diego One-Way 07/11/2023 Starting from $68 Viewed1dayago San Francisco To San Diego One-Way 07/05/2023 Starting from $69 Viewed2hoursago San Francisco To San Diego One-Way 07/12/2023 Starting from $75 Viewed5hoursago San Francisco To San Diego One-Way 07/08/2023 Starting from $75 Viewed2hoursago San Francisco To San Diego Grab some dinner at Old SLO BBQ in the downtown area (the location on Higuera Street). Otherwise a great experience!! Baggage claim took 40 minutes and there were three freights on one carrousel", "The entire time there was a clogged bathroom smell coming in waves. Right outside of the aquarium, youll find the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail follow this path. ", "I liked the mood lighting, the spacious area under the seat in front of my aisle seat, the choice in movies, and that every seat had a screen. Build the right vacation to fit your budget. Drive 5.5 miles down the PCH and then turn right into Point Sur State Historic Park, where the Point Sur Lighthouse is located. Here are a few hotels that you can check out in Santa Monica, as well as a more budget-friendly option in Venice Beach (just south of Santa Monica). There are expansive parking garages, all linked to the terminals by AirTrain Blue Line. Also, there are sockets, sinks and chairs at your disposal. Continue going south down the trail, and make your way to the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, which is just past the pier. I had to explain the issue of to the CP customer service crew in SF. Hit the Ice at These 11 Cool Skating Rinks! Safe, efficient, and comfortable service to all of our customers is very importance to us. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from San Francisco to San Diego. In the early summer, theres a good chance youll deal with some classic June gloom which means foggy (and sometimes windy) weather. Travelers should be wary of var sc_project=7785723; The boarding process took a while. How to Drive from San Francisco to San Diego. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, SFAI owes $450,000 in unpaid rent at its main campus and $750,000 in unpaid rent at its former property at Fort Mason. If you want something closer to the downtown area, try TMBI Craft Indian Kitchen, a modern Indian restaurant and bar. San Diego International Airport, or SAN, is conveniently located off of I-5. to San Diego Intl. With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for train travel. Your email address will not be published. This curvy If the trail is open, from McWay Falls, youll drive about 15 miles down the PCH and turn left into Limekiln State Park, where you can park using your day use pass. farms. This lighthouse was built in 1889, and is still operational today. You could then fly to San Diego with an airline and back to San Francisco with another airline. Enter at the Pacific Grove Gate and pay the $10.75 fee, and then drive down the road just under a mile to turn right and start the official drive (youll see a sign). You can also walk over to the Public Art Walls to check out the graffiti, and of course, walk down to the water. The Those who are able can rent scuba gear and go for a dive On day 2, youll drive down to San Luis Obispo. For dinner, stop by Birdie Gs, a trendy restaurant serving creative comfort food and great cocktails. Therefore, plan and reserve a room at the Aloft San Francisco Airport to get to the airport in time, hassle-free. Park at the Pirates Cove parking lot, and then follow the Cave Landing Trail down to Smugglers Cave. Next, drive south and enjoy the short hike out to McWay Falls. Once youre done eating, head into The Funk Zone for drinks. Along the way, the highway passes by eclectic Leave time for some evening exploring, too! Eating out can cost you a pretty penny in both cities. Still, there are free shuttles between the parking areas, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 running every 5-15min, 24/7. Morning departure is around 16% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*. If youre looking to take the scenic route then this selection offers some of the very best views in North America. A drive down the California coast is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the US. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. Enjoy a San Diego to San Francisco modern flight experience in premium cabins with Wi-Fi. Among those metros (where sufficient data was available), San Francisco had the highest annual hidden costs (a median of $22,791), while Las Vegas had the lowest ($9,886). ", "It was Ok. Scores according to KAYAK customer reviews, "I like the spaciousness in the front for your feet. ", "I'm an aviation enthusiast. based on your consent and/or our legitimate interest: View our partners Learn more Accept and close Route planner Maps A B Reverse Open my favourites San Diego. Many of the tasting rooms close on the earlier side, but Paradise Springs Winery is a great spot that stays open a bit later. the citys harbor. The public art collection consists of subtle interventions and dramatic gestures. Notable stops include Malibu, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Los Angeles, as well as Big Sur, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Continue towards San Simeon for a tour of Hearst Castle. ", "Luggage space issue could have been handled prior to flight not on a volunteer basis. Not fun. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 45 minutes. Now its time to continue down the coast for some food and drinks in Half Moon Bay. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there. They should have just MOVED people. ", "Entertainment was reset and killed the whole system. The journey down Highway 1 begins in the eclectic city of San Francisco. High season is considered to be March, April and May. This service operates regularly every 5-15min. Charge me more in the overall price for a seat. Learn more from our most commonly asked questions from travelers. Fill out our helpful form and we'll be in touch shortly. Below, Ill give you all the information you need to plan an incredible San Francisco to San Diego road trip, with a 7-day itinerary that features the must-see spots along the way (plus options for 3 and 5 day alternatives, if you have less time). Palisades Park the long park that parallels Ocean Avenue is a great place to watch the sun go down. When youre ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. Travelers whose flights are scheduled for the early morning should consider passing a night in one of the many hotels adjacent to SFO. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates. After dinner, if youre in the mood for a beer, head to Barrelhouse Brewing Co. This moderate blufftop trail gives you gorgeous views of the rugged coastline. With United if you have the card you can pick. Backtrack up the trail just a bit to follow the off-shoot that goes down to Pirates Cove Beach for a beachside walk. Kyra is a freelance writer and a California native who has lived in the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Distance: 571 miles Suggested Duration: 5-7 days Suggested Stops on this San Francisco to San Diego Road Trip San Francisco Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur Pismo Beach Santa Barbara Ventura ", "Boarding was very easy , no long line , trip was on time . British Airways, jetBlue, and Alaska Airlines are all located in Terminal 2. Alternatively, for beer, try Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, and for cocktails, try Test Pilot (a fun tiki bar). The city boasts one of If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. If you dont have a whole week to spare, here are some condensed itineraries that will get you down to San Diego a bit quicker. This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 9/28. Confirm policies on booking site. The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. You'll start in beautiful San Diego in Southern California and end in the iconic city of San Francisco in Northern California. San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal. There are nonstop flights from San Francisco to San Diego on a daily basis. Psst! Roundtrip One-way Multi-city 1 traveler Economy Leaving from Going to Departing Returning Add a place to stay Add a car Direct flights only Add Price Drop Protection and Expedia will pay you back if your flight gets cheaper. If possible, Id recommend doing this trip in the late summer or fall. Youre also more likely to run into rain in the winter and spring. games. Photo: Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2022 The Embraer 175 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the San Francisco to San Diego flight route. Sea lions and otters float in their natural Flight attendants needed to move passengers to balance the weight on the small plane, and asked for "volunteers." If youd prefer a cocktail, head over to the bar at Sidecar. Around the airport are a number of great restaurants for dining. Drive about three miles down the PCH until you can turn right into Andrew Molera State Park for a hike and a bit of beach time. The airport offers a simple design which includes three terminals. Once youre done in Santa Barbara, drive about 13 miles down the PCH/Highway 101 (theyve merged at this point) into Carpinteria. Foodie Road Trip From San Francisco to San Diego Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safely moving people between large cities and rural towns are key to sustaining our business for decades to come. San Luis The distance between San Diego and San Francisco is approximately 500 miles (805 kilometers) and the fastest route takes about 8.5 hours. This waterside village has shops and plenty of restaurants, and is also a fun place to walk around and admire the boats docked in the harbor. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city. You can walk around the lighthouse, as well as get beautiful views of the coast to the north and south from the point. Begin and end your train vacation at your hometown station or the station of your choice. This iconic Big Sur spot is known for its purple sand and massive rock formations, and its a beautiful spot to hang out, take photos, or go for a beach walk. The two other hotel options are in Cambria, about 43 miles south. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. I typically go to a website like Travelocity.com to compare rates between companies. * The crew was forgetful of requests. There are also numerous restaurants here for passengers such as Ciao Gourmet Market, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Emerald Express. It is easy for a tourist to spend several days in the city. Start off the day with a bit of hiking around Mori Point via the Mori Point Loop Trail, which is 2.5-miles (with a 396-foot elevation gain). each. 25% of our users found flights on this route for $109 or less one-way and $158 or less round-trip. Delayed. While you cant go in the lighthouse, you can admire it from the outside. Find train tickets from San Diego to San Francisco - KAYAK If you were to drive this in one straight shot, it would take you about 11-12 hours (sans traffic and zero amazing stops). They also have a smokehouse if you want a heartier lunch, and you can spend some time interacting with the animals, going on a hayride, or picking your own fruits and vegetables. Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more. Carpinteria hosts a harbor seal rookery and several orchid Grab your coffee and walk down to Pacifica State Beach to take in the view. Along with food and shopping, San Francisco International Airport offers a number of cultural and educational opportunities. For a limited time only, save $400 per couple on our 'National Parks of the Southwest - Bryce and Zion to the Grand Canyon' vacation inclusive of 7 nights or more, when you travel in 2023. Those wholl be flying United Airlines will operate through Terminal 3, and they can find their lounge in Concourse F (inside security). All the following airlines operate direct flights between San Francisco and San Diego: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Fiji Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, ANA, Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Australia, and Southwest. ", "The crew was on it and friendly. After your hike, youll spend a bit of time at one of Malibus most iconic beaches: El Matador Beach, which is about 8.5 miles down the PCH. neighborhoods including Venice and Marina Del Rey. The Grand Rooms Tour is a must for first-time visitors, and tickets start at $25 for adults. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle. Route One itinerary | Three days | San Francisco to San Diego This all-embracing city welcomes visitors to spent time in the great outdoors Koehler also does not require reservations (unless youre with a larger group), so its the perfect road trip stop. along the way. KAYAKs flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Diego from San Francisco is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now. While waiting on your flight from San Francisco to San Diego, visit SFOs yoga room in Terminal 2 where you can meditate, stretch, and exercise. ", "Spire of the moment trip when booked worked out good was not paying for seat selection price had middle seat as expected but was better than some reserved seating in othe airlines Spirit to name the worse airline in the world", "PRICE on my late booking paid twice as much as daughters sitting in the other side of same aisle", "Flight was delayed. Discover our three easy ways to book your perfect train vacation. Booking your flights between San Francisco and SAN can sometimes prove cheaper using this method. Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. holds a small amusement park, makes for great family fun, and the citys 3rd San Francisco - San Diego driving directions - journey, distance, time and costs - ViaMichelin Along with our partners, we process online data or via direct communication (e-mail, etc.) The full Point Lobos Loop Trail is 6.7 miles long, but youre going to want to focus on the southern side of the point for today. Find cheap tickets to San Diego from San Francisco. Then head into the town of Los Olivos and stop by Tin City Ciders taproom and do a cider tasting instead! Road Trip from San Diego to San Francisco Itinerary Travel for Your Life. After your tour, youre allowed to continue walking around the gardens on your own but keep in mind that you must reserve at least one tour in order to get access to the property. Here are a few great accommodations in Carmel: This day in the Pacific Coast Highway itinerary is dedicated to hiking in and exploring Big Sur. Next, head just a few miles down the road to the historic Hearst Castle (important note: at the time of writing this, Hearst Castle is closed for tours due to road repairs, and is expected to reopen in early 2022. © 2023 Amtrak Vacations. Street Promenade is home to cafes, shops and street performers. Stop by Solvang Restaurant to order some it has a walk-up window for to-go orders, so you dont need to dine indoors. city was Californias first state capital. Admire the views of the rock, and enjoy a walk down the beach. This whole trail is 2.7 miles with a 413-feet elevation gain, and youll get incredible views of the mountainous coast from above. Known for its artistic community and upscale restaurants and Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Dont let that confuse you youre still on the right path! With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. However, there are 10 trains per day to choose from. ", "Most legroom in Coach, great entertainment, FREE WIFI. the Presidio and Cannery Row. Morro Rock is a massive rock formation (sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the Pacific), and is a historic landmark. Terrible wait! It makes for an epic California road trip. ", "The seat was so crammy and disgustingly uncomfortable", "Despite boarding late, and sitting on the tarmac for half an hour since we missed our take off time, and having to move passengers around to balance the weight on the plane, we made it home alive. Youll see everything from wildlife like elephant seals and pelicans, to sandy beaches and picturesque coastal sunsets. The agent yelled at him and shamed him in front of other passengers. Rather than driving the Pacific Coast Highway, most people who just need to get from point A to point B will take I-5 up the middle of California. Diego Rivera Mural at San Francisco Art Institute Could Still Be Sold Bus from San Francisco to San Diego from $66 | Greyhound Days 6 and 7 in the 7-day itinerary above follow this timeline, so just use those guides for your final two days! From San Francisco take I-80 East towards Oakland. And AA said they would get my bag off but they did not and now I have to wait at JFK and hope it got rerouted here. Its southeast of that stop, and will just add unnecessary driving time to your trip. The average nonstop flight takes 1h 34m, covering a distance of 447 miles. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book the flight that suits you best. This drive takes you along the picturesque rocky coast and through beautiful forested areas. Start the day hiking at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a beautiful coastal reserve just north of Big Sur. Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. Getting around SAN is not too difficult. Next on the itinerary is Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, which is about a 30-minute drive from Redondo Beach in Half Moon Bay. Once youre done at the aquarium, continue walking along the coast to make your way towards Lovers Point. Santa Monicas pier, which The weather will be warm, skies should be clear, you likely wont run into rain, and crowds wont be as crazy in the popular stops. Next, youll continue down the PCH for just under 40 miles (the longest stretch youll drive today) and make your way to Monterey. A shuttle is easily accessible and makes it convenient to get from one terminal to the other. Lompoc, home to another historical mission, is situated down the highway with a With KAYAK you can also compare prices of plane tickets for last minute flights to San Diego from San Francisco. Cheap Flights from San Diego to San Francisco | United Airlines You might also read a book in the Christian Science Reading Room (Terminal 1, near Gate 40) or watch a short film in the screening room which is also in the international terminal hall. Get back in the car and drive about 25 miles down the highway to get to your final stop for the night: Santa Monica. Hike the Bluff Trail in Montaa de Oro State Park before driving to Avila Beach, where youll follow the Cave Landing Trail to Smugglers Cave and Pirates Cove Beach. San These man-made canals were constructed back in the early 1900s, bringing a bit of Venice, Italy to Los Angeles. Next, drive down to Monterey to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium, followed by a walk out to Lovers Point. Youll pass by street vendors, and likely see some performers as well. ", "Very comfortable seats and great snacks", "Really small bathrooms in Salt Lake City gate area. Beer isn't cheap in either city, but at least it's the same price at $8 a pint.