Taking the trip from San Francisco to LA is iconic, filled with gorgeous views, towering mountains, and fun times. The Pacific Coast Highway is a great 450-mile stretch and guides you down the California coast.
Here are our favorite stops along the way for either an hour or a day:
First Stop: Santa Cruz
As the wonderful views of the city of San Fran slip behind you and the ocean views stretch before you get ready for some fun in the beach town of Santa Cruz. The classic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a half-mile long beachfront amusement park is filled with 34 rides and numerous arcades. The town’s vibe is funky. Don’t forget to stop by the original Santa Cruz skateboard shop for a piece of history.
Carmel and Big Sur
If you’re looking for a great snack or amazing home-style breakfast, Carmel has amazing cafés and is the perfect stop before heading into the nature enclave of Big Sur. This coastal gem is full of some of the best hikes, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. If you can find the one with purple sand, you’re in for a real treat.
Cayucos to Santa Barbara
Cayucos and a charming little town to stop for a night full of quirky boutiques, homemade food, and wood-fired pizza. If you’re looking to dip your toe into surfing, Santa Barbara is a great place to stop. The bustling city, cute shops, picture-perfect beaches, and world-class seafood is a great place to spend some time.
The Final Stretch to LA
Start the day off right with a walk along Butterfly Beach. To ease back into the bustling city life, take the long route and drive through Malibu and Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier is a great stop with the pier’s Ferris wheel and the end of the iconic Route 66.
Route 66 from Chicago to Las Vegas is an iconic road trip route taking you through a world that has been left behind. This trip is worth putting on your bucket list. So rent an RV and start the drive!
Chicago
Between Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, and the Lake Michigan shore line the windy city has loads to offer and is a great starting point to this great road trip. Historic Route 66 awaits.
Springfield
Route 66 signs are well marked heading from Chicago to Springfield. The Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Home, and Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb can all be found downtown Springfield and is a great stop.
Meramec Caverns
Missouri holds one of the greatest of the old Route 66 tourist attractions – the Meramec Caverns. Guided tours of these extensive limestone caves are well worth the stop. Tours are just over an hour long.
Tulsa
If museums are your thing, Tulsa’s Philbrook Museum hosts a vast art museum in an Italian style villa with exhibits from around the world surrounded by acres of lush gardens.
New Mexico
New Mexico boasts the mother of all road attractions including Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Cafe, and the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa. If you’re in need of a big break, stop in Albuquerque for an air balloon ride.
Flagstaff
A quick stop to see the Petrified Forest National Park and the Meteor Crater is a must. An even further detour to El Morro to see the signatures of road trippers from past centuries.
Las Vegas
On the trip from Chicago to Las Vegas make sure to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The Colorado river has forged a mile deep, 18-mile wide, and 277-mile long gauge into Arizona, don’t miss this stop!
Traveling from New York to LA or vice versa, it’s one of the trips that can lead to an epic adventure no matter which route you take. It’s 100% American. 100% Fun. But choosing which route to take really just depends on what type of adventure you want to take. Here are our favorite routes with our favorite adventures.
The Northern Route – If Mountains and Parks are your thing.
Photo courtesy of: choicehotels.com
New York New York boasts everything you would want in a city. From the Empire State Building to every kind of food you can possibly imagine. Stay a few days and explore.
Niagara Falls/Cedar Point
With 3 staggering waterfalls, the views are epic. If you want to get a little closer, try the ‘Maid of the Mist’ cruise taking you under the falls. If jaw-dropping thrills are more you style, stop in at the Cedar Point adventure park.
Minnesota
visit the famous Jolly Green Giant Statue in the ‘City of Blue Earth’
Badlands National Park
The rugged beauty of the badlands will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon.
Mount Rushmore
The sculpture on Mount Rushmore features presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln at a staggering 18 meters (60 ft).
Wild Wyoming
If you’re passing through in from June to August be sure to check out an authentic Cody Rodeo.
Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone is America’s first national park complete with spouting geysers, waterfalls, and mud pools.
Grand Teton National Park – Jackson
White water raft Snake River, or go for a hike and take in the beauty of jagged peaks and picture-perfect lakes in Grand Teton.
Grand Basin Nevada – Lake Tahoe
Stop for a swim in the crystal clear Lake Tahoe.
Yosemite National Park
Follow the Sierra Mountains into Yosemite. Opt for some world-class rock climbing, float down the Merced River or explore this extraordinary park on foot.
San Francisco San Francisco is home to hippy vibes, cafe culture, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Pier 39. You’re sure to have an experience.
California Coast to Santa Barbara and LA
Travel down the beautiful highway 1 to Santa Barbara and into LA.
The Southern Route – If cities and soul are your thing.
New York New York boasts everything you would want in a city. From the Empire State Building to every kind of food you can possibly imagine. Stay a few days and explore.
Washington, DC
Check out the White House and the Smithsonian Museums. Finish the day off with a drink in Georgetown.
Asheville
A road trip just isn’t the same unless you see mountains. Take in the mountain vibes and epic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Memphis Memphis is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Need we say more? Head down Beale Street, visit Graceland, and take in a tasty Memphis BBQ.
New Orleans
If you’re after some soul, New Orleans is the place for you. Check out a ‘Voodoo and Graveyard’ tour, ride a steamboat on the Mississippi River or fill your face with Cajun and Creole grub or some authentic gumbo.
Austin
If you haven’t had enough music on this trip, Austin is a must stop as they are the ‘live music capital of the world’ after all.
Amarillo
Everything just seems bigger in Texas. Stop at Cadillac Ranch to see all the classic cars you can handle and if you’re hungry along the ol’ route 66, try your hand at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and see if you can finish your dinner.
Santa Fe
The best Mexican food in the USA plus all the sunshine you can handle at 325 days a year. Who can say no to Santa Fe?
Monument Valley
The red rock vistas await on your trip to Monument Valley.
Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas are a must stop. Both enormous in their own beauty
San Diego to LA
Leave the desert behind and head to the coast. Stop in San Diego for some sun and swim. Travel from to LA.
