A Memorable Journey: California Driving Tour from San Francisco to San Diego
- karenconnolly59
- Apr 28
- 8 min read
Updated: May 24
It doesn't matter where you are going. It matters who is beside you.
Have you ever dreamt of driving down the California coast from San Francisco to San Diego? This magnificent journey offers breathtaking views, cultural treasures, and memorable experiences. Our guide will show you a circular route and highlight all the must-see places along the way.
We embarked on this driving tour just after retiring. We spent 21 days enjoying well-known sights and hidden gems, which we will share to help you plan your next adventure.
Planning Your Trip
Accommodations varied throughout our journey across California and Nevada. We'll detail where we stayed and what we thought of each place, including costs. At the outset, it's worth mentioning that this was not a budget trip. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and decided to splurge a bit! California is home to many wealthy residents; hence, prices can be high.
We flew into San Francisco from Heathrow with Virgin Airlines, enjoying a lucky upgrade to business class. The additional flight cost £1600, which seemed like a bargain given the comfort provided. For anyone seeking adventure, we recommend a similar journey—one filled with unforgettable experiences.
California Driving Tour: 21 Days San Francisco to San Diego
Day 1: San Francisco and the Fairmont Hotel
Upon arrival, we collected our rental car at the airport and drove to the fabulous Fairmont Hotel located in Nob Hill. The hotel cost £349 per night for a room only. It was an excellent starting point for our tour. San Francisco's steep hills were an eye-opener, making driving both challenging and fun.
The famous cable cars are an absolute must-try! We hopped on the Powell and Mason Street line to experience the turning circle. In summer, lines can be long, but that’s part of the thrill. Fares are $7 for a single trip, payable at the terminus. A Cable Car Museum nearby provides in-depth knowledge about this iconic transport system.
Once we got accustomed to San Francisco's public transport, we planned many 'must-see' attractions for the beginning of our trip, saving a few for our return leg.
Nob Hill stands out as an upscale neighborhood worth exploring. It boasts historic buildings, Michelin-starred restaurants, and stunning views. Conveniently, it is close to Chinatown, the Financial District, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Parking in San Francisco can be expensive and limited. We chose a secure garage just a short walk from our hotel. Alternatives like public transport are viable, as the airport is only 20 minutes away from Nob Hill.
Day 2: The Golden Gate Bridge
No visit to San Francisco is complete without experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic structure is breathtaking. Walking the 1.7-mile length allows you to appreciate its engineering, stunning views of the towers and cables, and the Pacific Ocean.
Constructed during the Great Depression, the bridge connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean. It accommodates both vehicles and cyclists, with an estimated 10 million visitors annually!
The bridge’s vivid orange color is a result of various studies for the best color to match its surroundings. Known as International Orange, it provides a striking contrast to the hills and skyline. For more facts about the GGB, visit www.goldengate.org.
During our stay at the Fairmont, we enjoyed the Tonga Restaurant. This captivating venue features an indoor lagoon with tropical storms accompanying your meal. The Asian-fusion menu provided a generous assortment of plant-based options, which we sampled and loved.
This bar was initially built in 1929 as the hotel’s plunge pool before being transformed into the legendary Tonga Room by a Hollywood set designer.
Day 3: Lombard Street
Lombard Street should not be missed if you’re in your own or a rental car. This famous steep incline features eight hairpin bends paved in red bricks. The road is flanked by residential properties and beautifully manicured shrubs. To traverse it, you must approach from the top for one final photo op at the bottom—after all, it’s known as the "crookedest street in the world."
This drive is free; however, try to avoid weekends or rush hour. Visiting at night offers breathtaking views of the city lights.
After descending Lombard Street, we enjoyed lunch at the Marina before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to our next stop: Yountville in the Napa Valley. Many visitors flock to Napa Valley for its vineyards and wine cellars, but we had a unique plan.
We checked into the Napa Valley Lodge, where we were welcomed with refreshments. The lodge cost nearly £1400 for two nights, including breakfast—a steep price but worth it for the experience.
Day 4: Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride
We booked a sunrise hot air balloon ride through Viator, costing £471 for both of us. The flight was scheduled for 05:45, offering stunning views of the Napa Valley.
Our experienced pilot regaled us with fascinating stories and fun facts. He even performed a splash and dash by landing momentarily in a pond! This special moment was witnessed by other balloons, who snapped photos.
After our exhilarating morning, we strolled around Yountville, discovering delightful eateries and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Lake Tahoe
Upon leaving Napa Valley, we drove through Sacramento and into the Tahoe National Forest towards Lake Tahoe. After a sunny picnic in Sacramento Park, we were surprised to find crisp white snow as we approached Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is known for its Heavenly Ski Resort and Emerald Bay State Park, being the largest alpine lake in North America with a depth of 1645 feet. Its depth prevents it from freezing and creates beautiful aquamarine waters.
We stayed at the Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, costing £304 for two nights. While basic, it was a comfortable lakeside retreat with free parking and kitchen facilities. Our objective was to try a variety of accommodations, not just large chain hotels.
Day 6: Heavenly Village and Emerald Bay State Park
Our plan today was to drive around the lake, stopping at various spots along the way. We stayed on the north shore and headed clockwise until we reached Heavenly Village, a ski resort brimming with shops, restaurants, and a bustling atmosphere. As the ski season had just ended, many gondolas were closed, but we had a delightful lunch at Base Camp Pizza Co.
After lunch, we made our way to the stunning Emerald Bay, famous for its surreal colors. Driving along Highway 89, we stopped at Inspiration Point for breathtaking views and numerous photo opportunities.
Located within the bay is Fanette Island, home to Mrs. Knight's Teahouse. We spent time here capturing photos of Eagle Falls before heading back along the Rubicon Trail.
Day 7: Lake Tahoe to Yosemite
As we left Mourelatos Lodge, we drove clockwise around Lake Tahoe, stopping for a 3-mile walk along the Tahoe East Shore Trail. Designed for cyclists and walkers, the trail features breathtaking views. We then drove 4-5 hours to Yosemite View Lodge, located just outside the Yosemite National Park, costing £400 for two nights.
Upon arrival in the evening, we planned an early start the next day to avoid parking difficulties in Yosemite Valley. The park attracts over 4 million visitors annually, so planning ahead is essential.
Day 8: Yosemite National Park
Deciding how best to spend a day in Yosemite National Park can be challenging due to the extensive sights to see and seasonal access difficulties. The park spans nearly 1,200 square miles! Hiking, cycling, camping, and guided tours are popular activities. For optimal planning, refer to the National Park Service website or download their app.
You can’t miss Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Cathedral Rocks, especially when the waterfalls are flowing in the spring. We were captivated by the stunning vistas, making every moment worthwhile.
A visit to Mariposa Grove introduced us to the Giant Sequoia trees, some over 500 years old. This area was preserved by President Lincoln during the Civil War, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Day 9: Drive to Pasadena
On Day 9, we began our journey to Pasadena, checking into the luxurious Langham Hotel for our final night in California. The hotel cost £348 per night, and we were warmly welcomed with a gift of champagne and strawberries to celebrate our Ruby Wedding Anniversary.
Day 10: Pasadena Old Town and Drive to San Diego
We spent our morning in Pasadena Old Town, enjoying brunch at Sage, a quirky bistro and brewery. This women-owned establishment has the only hops yard in Los Angeles.
After a relaxed morning, we continued south to San Diego, our trip’s endpoint. The drive took only 2.5 hours, allowing time to settle into the hotel before a celebratory dinner.
Celebrating in San Diego
We checked into The U.S. Grant, a historic Luxury Collection Hotel showcasing the city’s rich heritage. We immediately felt the vibrant atmosphere of San Diego, perfect for the final leg of our journey.
Days 11 & 12: Exploring San Diego
San Diego offered vibrant city life and delightful weather. We explored the Seaport Village, indulging in the best coffee and delicious vegan bagels at 'Spill The Beans'.
The Gaslamp Quarter, an area with Victorian buildings, became a lively nightlife scene. We enjoyed strolling through Balboa Park, with its museums, trails, botanical gardens, and the famous zoo.
Day 13: Santa Monica
Continuing our journey, we drove to Santa Monica, just outside Los Angeles. We checked into Shutters On The Beach Hotel, which cost £1250 for two nights.
A trip here is as picturesque as the end of Route 66, with its lively pier and pristine beaches.
Day 14: Tongva Park
Walking around Tongva Park was refreshing, with its beautiful water features and sculptures. This urban park offers tranquility amidst the bustling Santa Monica.
Day 15: Cambria
Dedicating four hours to the scenic drive along the coast, we reached Cambria, where we stayed in an AirBnB called The Overlook.
Day 16: Morro Bay Vintage Car Rally
Our day started with the vintage car rally in Morro Bay, where we experienced the lively atmosphere and participated in the beach scene.
Day 17: Big Sur
Travelling along the Big Sur coastline was mesmerizing, showcasing California's natural beauty. A recommended stop at Nepenthe Cafe provided delicious food with breathtaking views.
Day 18: Monterey
In Monterey, the old sardine canning town buzzed with activity. We enjoyed coffee while taking in the ambiance and visiting Cannery Row.
Day 19: Pebble Beach/SF
Driving through Pebble Beach, we admired the luxury of multi-million dollar homes before settling into a different hotel after a disappointing AirBnB experience.
Day 20: Pebble Beach
The 17-mile road revealed stunning scenery, culminating in a delightful visit to Pebble Beach Golf Club.
Day 21: Back to San Francisco and Alcatraz Tour
Our final day began early with an Alcatraz City Cruise, later visiting various piers, seeing the iconic landmarks, and reflecting on the countless memories made during this trip.
In summary, our California driving tour proved to be more than just a travel itinerary; it was about the journey we embarked on together. We created memories that will last a lifetime and discovered the beauty of this incredible state.
And finally: Some Simple Facts
We visited 2 states and 6 national parks
We walked 223,000 steps (95 miles)
We drove 1778 miles
We had 10 stopovers
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the California Driving Tour: 21 Days from San Francisco to San Diego. If you find this helpful, please like our page, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and share it with others. Our guides are free, with no affiliate links at this time.
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