Road trip from San Diego to San Francisco
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Museums
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ITINERARY
9h 23m497 miles16 stops
1
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Open in Spring from March 1st through Mothers Day. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
2
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
3
Roger's Gardens
4
International Surfing Museum
5
Wiltern Theatre
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
6
MagIQ Room
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
7
Pedego 101 Electric Bikes
Rent a Pedego Electric Bike to experience the natural beauty of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley. Pedal if you like, use the motor only or get an electric boost on our rolling hills. We will provide helmets, locks and detailed maps to get you to places like Lake Sherwood, Gardens of the World and the Conejo Botanical Gardens. Join a tour or ask for a special guided ride.
8
William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
This museum is housed in the former home and ranch of silent film cowboy star and director William S. Hart.
9
Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company
Vineyard, Wine Tasting Room and Gift Shop. Join us for wine down Fridays with catered dinner and live entertainment. Dinner served from 5:00 - 7:00, reservations necessary by noon on Friday of the event. Tasting Room open Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 6:00, and Wednesday 3:00-6:00 for happy hour.
10
Bubblegum Alley
Want a piece of ABC gum? Head to this fascinating, if somewhat unsanitary, walkway that features walls covered with gum of the "already been chewed" variety.
11
Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple
12
Old Mission San Jose
California Historical Landmark No. 334. Mission San Jose was founded on June 11, 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen. This was the 14th of twenty-one Spanish missions established in Alta California. A tour through Old Mission San Jose’s historic facilities includes the Mission Museum, the Church, the historic Cemetery, and the Garden. In the Museum, an 18-minute video depicts Spanish exploration and the 1797 founding of the mission as well as day-to-day living within the mission. See Ohlone Indian artifacts, religious objects from the Franciscan period, and items from the Mission and Rancho eras. The Church is a reconstruction of the 1830s mission adobe church, built with the materials and using construction methods of that time. It also contains the rare Rosales Opus 14 Spanish Organ. The cemetery holds the graves of many prominent Spanish and American settlers, and the rose garden includes a fountain and plantings representing the original mission period.
13
Visit Stockton
Visit Stockton is the official source for visitor information in Stockton, CA. Free maps, guides & brochures, and Stockton related souvenirs. Our team is here to create the best experience for our visiting guests and groups. Please reach out to us to assist you in making your visit an awesome one.
14
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
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.
15
Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
16
Angel Island State Park
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
San Diego to San Francisco
1
Start:The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Carlsbad, California·
4.5
(979) review
Open in Spring from March 1st through Mothers Day. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May – literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.
2
Start:Strawberry Farms Golf Club
Irvine, California·
4.0
(99) review
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612-2300
3
Start:Roger's Gardens
Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, California·
4.5
(98) review
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625-1195
4
Start:International Surfing Museum
Huntington Beach, California·
4.0
(99) review
411 Olive Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5142
5
Start:Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, California·
4.0
(99) review
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
6
Start:MagIQ Room
Los Angeles, California·
5.0
(99) review
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
7
Start:Pedego 101 Electric Bikes
Westlake Village, California·
5.0
(9) review
Rent a Pedego Electric Bike to experience the natural beauty of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley. Pedal if you like, use the motor only or get an electric boost on our rolling hills. We will provide helmets, locks and detailed maps to get you to places like Lake Sherwood, Gardens of the World and the Conejo Botanical Gardens. Join a tour or ask for a special guided ride.
8
Start:William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
Newhall, Santa Clarita, California·
4.5
(99) review
This museum is housed in the former home and ranch of silent film cowboy star and director William S. Hart.
9
Start:Tehachapi Wine and Cattle Company
Tehachapi, California·
5.0
(2) review
Vineyard, Wine Tasting Room and Gift Shop. Join us for wine down Fridays with catered dinner and live entertainment. Dinner served from 5:00 - 7:00, reservations necessary by noon on Friday of the event. Tasting Room open Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 6:00, and Wednesday 3:00-6:00 for happy hour.
10
Start:Bubblegum Alley
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California·
3.5
(934) review
Want a piece of ABC gum? Head to this fascinating, if somewhat unsanitary, walkway that features walls covered with gum of the "already been chewed" variety.
11
Start:Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple
Stockton, California·
4.5
(9) review
3732 Carpenter Rd, Stockton, CA 95215-8107
12
Start:Old Mission San Jose
Fremont, California·
4.5
(95) review
California Historical Landmark No. 334. Mission San Jose was founded on June 11, 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen. This was the 14th of twenty-one Spanish missions established in Alta California. A tour through Old Mission San Jose’s historic facilities includes the Mission Museum, the Church, the historic Cemetery, and the Garden. In the Museum, an 18-minute video depicts Spanish exploration and the 1797 founding of the mission as well as day-to-day living within the mission. See Ohlone Indian artifacts, religious objects from the Franciscan period, and items from the Mission and Rancho eras. The Church is a reconstruction of the 1830s mission adobe church, built with the materials and using construction methods of that time. It also contains the rare Rosales Opus 14 Spanish Organ. The cemetery holds the graves of many prominent Spanish and American settlers, and the rose garden includes a fountain and plantings representing the original mission period.
13
Start:Visit Stockton
Stockton, California·
4.5
(9) review
Visit Stockton is the official source for visitor information in Stockton, CA. Free maps, guides & brochures, and Stockton related souvenirs. Our team is here to create the best experience for our visiting guests and groups. Please reach out to us to assist you in making your visit an awesome one.
14
Start: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.
15
Start:Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(992) review
Powell and Market Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102
16
Start:Angel Island State Park
San Francisco, California·
4.5
(990) review
The largest island in San Francisco Bay features magnificent views of Marin County and San Francisco, while offering a wide variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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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
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Weather in San Francisco in June
Weather in San Francisco in July
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We have a lot of great trip options for San Diego! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you