California coast road trip from San Diego will be an exciting journey that you will not going to forget lifetime. Therefore, you must travel 503 miles to reach it, which will take about 8 hours and 26 minutes. See below for all the places you can visit during the journey.
Places To Explore During The Road Trip
It will take one day to complete California Coast Road Trip From San Diego. However, you may need more time to cover all the exciting places.
Scott Creek County Beach
Distance From Coast Rd, California, | 3.8 Miles |
Time To Reach | 10 Minutes |
Santa Cruz County, California’s Scott Creek, commonly known as Scotts Creek, is a 12.2-mile-long creek and popular surfing location. It is a short distance south of Waddell Creek and north of Davenport. A tiny watershed in coastal California, Scott Creek drains an area of about 75 miles (190 km). It flows into the Pacific Ocean, 80 km (50 km) south of San Francisco.
On all of the major waterfalls, substantial waterfalls create unbreakable barriers. Steelhead, coho salmon, three-spine stickleback, prickly sculpin, Coastrange sculpin, and tidewater goby are some of the less frequent fish found in Scott Creek. Rarely seen in the estuary are young Pacific staghorn sculpins and starry flounder. Many surfers prefer a massive bowl right on extensive wintertime north swells. The location is comparable to San Diego County’s Swami’s Surf Spot. Nudists also frequently visit the beach.
Pajaro River Picnic Area
Distance From Scott Creek County Beach | 32.2 Miles |
Time To Reach | 38 Minutes |
The Pajaro River is a river in the United States that runs along California’s Central Coast, constituting part of the borders between the counties of San Benito and Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey, and San Benito and Santa Cruz. The river drains into Monterey Bay west of Watsonville, California, after flowing roughly east to Westsmall, a peaceful park with access to the river for kayaking. I was forewarned by a local that that parking lot had seen car break-ins. Suppose you have no desire to paddle there. Walking from the parking lot via the picnic area to the actual river access site takes a little while. 1000 feet or so.
However, the road is sufficiently clear to roll through if you have wheels. The river gets narrower and more challenging to navigate upstream because of fallen branches and trees. However, traveling by kayak at high tide was safe to the HWY bridge. Soon after, it became overly blocked. When paddling downstream, be aware that some areas become wide and shallow; these areas must be navigable at low tide. Nearly a half-mile has passed since I passed the Thurwatchter Rd bridge.
However, you can notice more fish and even a harbor seal approaching and swim up to my kayak! I’ve just seen that seal and a few birds so far regarding fauna. However, that was around midday, so let’s hope the morning hours become more fascinating. When returning, note that the put-in location is challenging, but fortunately, the water treatment facility is prominent and should be easy to locate. Wind: The river’s top section is relatively sheltered but becomes more expansive and noticeably windier as you travel downwards.
Mission San Miguel Arcángel
Distance From Pajaro River Picnic Area | 1 Hour 44 Minutes |
Time To Reach | 110 Miles |
Mission San Miguel Arcángel is the name of a Spanish mission in San Miguel, California. On July 25, 1797, the Franciscan order was established in a place specifically chosen because it was home to numerous Salinan Indians who the Spanish missionaries wanted to evangelize. The mission is still in use as the Monterey Diocese’s parish church. Six years after the San Simeon earthquake in 2003, the church reopened to the public on September 29, 2009. Esteban Munras painted the chapel’s interior murals.
The mission acquired the distinction of National Historic Landmark in 2006 after being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. One of California’s missions, including a portion of the neophyte town, has retained more of its original building than any other. Once back under the control of the Franciscans, the mission served as a retreat, a gathering place, and a school for noviciates. The task is still a running parish and a hub for training newcomers. Visitors can now see the immaculately restored and conserved mission buildings at Mission San Miguel.
The Lavender Garden
Distance From Mission San Miguel Arcángel | 61.4 Miles |
Time To Reach | 1 Hour 1 Minute |
Now open are the lavender garden and gift shop. It takes around 30 minutes to get there from Paso Robles, located halfway between Bakersfield and the Central Coast in Kern County, California, off Highway 46. Five different types of lavender are grown on four lovely acres at The Lavender Garden, the only lavender farm in Kern County.
Experience our lavender fields’ beautiful splendor and aromatic scent, which will energize and calm the mind. Enjoy the view while snapping pictures, looking through the gift shop, tasting lavender lemonade or La Rosa Fruit Bars, or unwinding at one of our umbrella-covered tables. RVs can come to our location. Our grassy dog park, which is 1,000 square feet, is open to leashed dogs.
Three French immigrants who came to California during the Gold Rush of 1848 formed Blackwell Land in 1871. The original three’s descendants managed large expanses of land for farming and cattle and sheep herding. Now that we are starting a new business using lavender, the younger generation is excited to welcome people to the farm.
Wonderful Park
Distance From The Lavender Garden | 61.4 Miles |
Time To Reach | 1 Hour 1 Minute |
This Wonderful Park in Lost Hills awaits all park and environment enthusiasts! One of the most frequented and well-liked destinations for visitors searching for a laid-back hang-out is a park that has evolved into the beating heart of a vibrant community. For young people interested in sports and fitness and willing to play a game or two, the park has a playground area for children, a fantastic splash pad, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and even a soccer field. This vast park is easily accessible, has much to offer, and is secure for you and your kids.
You may also work out on one of the park’s walkways by taking a fast walk. It is a lovely location for stopping and enjoying a picnic while traveling. While Lost Hills might be a nasty rest area, this park stays clean. Lawn, a playground, several tables shaded by trees, and clean restrooms. Purchase food from Lost Hills and eat it here.
Glendale Narrows Riverwalk
Distance From The Wonderful Park | 61.4 Miles |
Time To Reach | 1 Hour 1 Minute |
Supporting park initiatives, recreation programs, trails, and open space activities that benefit the entire community is the goal of the Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation. In a nutshell: Glendale Outdoors Getting. The Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation aims to fund community-enhancing park initiatives, recreation initiatives, trails, and open space activities. In a nutshell: Glendale Outdoors Getting. The Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation manages several trails and open space initiatives that offer hikes, presentations, and campfire gatherings to different Glendale neighborhoods. The programs for trails and open spaces are
- Glendale Outdoors! (GO!) Program
- One Glendale Youth After-School Sports Program
- Walk on the Wild Side Nature Education Program
- Glendale Youth Alliance
- Club Maple
- Senior Services
Disneyland Park
Distance From Glendale Narrows Riverwalk | 34.9 Miles |
Time To Reach | 57 Minute |
The popular theme park Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. The Walt Disney Company’s first theme park to debut was also the only one Walt Disney directly oversaw in planning and building. In 1955, it did so. Disney originally intended to build a tourist attraction near his Burbank studios to entertain fans who wanted to visit. Still, he quickly realized that the selected site needed to be revised for his ideas. Disney purchased a 160-acre (65 ha) plot close to Anaheim in 1953 after contracting the Stanford Research Institute to conduct a feasibility study to identify a viable site for his project. Walt personally selected a design team for the park from inside and outside talent.
They started WED Enterprises, the predecessor to Walt Disney Imagineering as it is known today. On July 17, 1955, a special news conference televised live on the ABC Television Network officially opened the park. Construction on the park started in 1954. Some additions and significant improvements have been made to Disneyland since its founding, together with the development of New Orleans Square in 1966, Bear Country in 1972, Mickey’s Toontown in 1993, and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in 2019. Additionally, on the site of Disneyland’s original parking lot, Disney California Adventure Park debuted in 2001.
FAQ for California coast road trip from San Diego
- What Is The Most Scenic California Coast Drive?
Ans: The coastal stretch of Highway 1 between San Francisco and Santa Monica is the state of California’s most recognizable picturesque route. Although the Pacific Coast Highway connects Dana Point in Orange County with Leggett in Mendocino County, it is usually more practical to end the journey at the two bigger cities.
- What Is The Best Coastal Route In California?
Ans: One of the world’s most well-known and scenic routes is the Pacific Coast Highway in California. This road trip is one of the most adaptable because it covers a vast portion of the Golden State and largely follows the coastline from Malibu southward. Beautiful views are almost always assured, no matter where you start.
- What Is The Best Time Of Year For A California Coast Road Trip?
Ans: Schedule your Pacific Coast Highway road trip around the first few weeks of spring. By doing so, you can avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying the nice weather along the coast.
Some Final Words
California coast road trip from San Diego is an exciting trip to have. Therefore, you can have a wonderful time while you have the trip. All the places mentioned above are the most popular places to visit and have a great time. Therefore, Enjoy your trip with our guide with the best options.