Driving San Francisco to Los Angeles

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Yes it is a great drive on a dry day. Stop at the IC Monterey for at least a night as it is right on the water.
 
It is a great drive with many places to stop and play tourist.

Have a look at Hearst Castle as a possible stop though you need to pre book and you can spend a whole day there.
 
This is a drive that I have always enjoyed. Definitely a day drive rather than doing a rush on a wet rainy night. The views are wonderful and you could do it over 3 or more nights if you wanted to do Hearst Castle and stop at all the view opportunities.
I loved the sea otters and seals in the ocean off Monterey waving to us. Book ahead for Hearst Castle and enjoy the seafood meals on your drive.
 
Definitely - assuming you're talking about going Highway 1.

Stay at Monterey, make sure you drive along the coast of the Pacific Grove peninsula to the S of Monterey past Pebble Beach and have a coffee or lunch at Carmel (pronounced Car-mel). Definitely visit Hearst Castle (a good place to stay for that is Cambria - I don't think there's much on offer at San Simeon, so the slight back-track if you decide to do Hearst in the morning, as we did when heading San Francisco-LA, is worth it.) Going in the morning can be quite interesting as you rise through the fog, thinking you aren't going to see anything, only to get above it - spectacular!

A good place to visit further on is the Santa Barbara wine region, with the Scandinavian town of Solvang a good option for overnight. Do the 'Sideways' (movie) wine trail The Sideways Wine Trail - Wine Country Getaways
(it's more interesting if you've seen the movie - famed for the phrase "I'm not drinking any f*cking merlot!"

Then just beeline for LA.
 
Drive it for sure, even a quick flight will consume half a day.

Big Sur, Monterey bay, Felton, Santa Cruz, Hearst Castle. Have driven it around 6 times and never tire of it.

Matt
 
We did the drive in the reverse.
LA to San Fran. Highway 1 is a great drive, spectacular scenery.
And lots of places to stop off worth a couple of days to do the whole trip.
 
Done it both ways , one the coast, one inland,one of the best drives, go for it, you will enjoy,all previous posts cover it, especially the coast way, lucky you.enjoy the experience .
 
I did LA to SFO in May and spent three nights in San Louis Obsipo to spend a full day at Hearst Castle. Do it!
 
In a word, Yes. You'll want to take more than one day to do it though, that would not do it justice, far too rushed. It is a drive to spend a few days on to take in the scenery and places en-route. I did the drive last year with my family over a couple of days and wish I had more time.
 
Definitely - assuming you're talking about going Highway 1.

Stay at Monterey, make sure you drive along the coast of the Pacific Grove peninsula to the S of Monterey past Pebble Beach and have a coffee or lunch at Carmel (pronounced Car-mel). Definitely visit Hearst Castle (a good place to stay for that is Cambria - I don't think there's much on offer at San Simeon, so the slight back-track if you decide to do Hearst in the morning, as we did when heading San Francisco-LA, is worth it.) Going in the morning can be quite interesting as you rise through the fog, thinking you aren't going to see anything, only to get above it - spectacular!

A good place to visit further on is the Santa Barbara wine region, with the Scandinavian town of Solvang a good option for overnight. Do the 'Sideways' (movie) wine trail The Sideways Wine Trail - Wine Country Getaways
(it's more interesting if you've seen the movie - famed for the phrase "I'm not drinking any f*cking merlot!"

Then just beeline for LA.

Totally agree, especially Solvang for an overnight stay.
 
I can recommend staying at Kon Tiki Inn at Pismo Beach for excellent value. Amazing ocean views in a 60's style hotel for a bargain rate. From memory it was $110 USD which included breakfast. We couldn't believe our luck when we stumbled on this gem. Just outside of San Luis Obispo
 
I spent three days but it could have been longer. I did a shortish day, a long day, then another short day. Didn't really stop at any major sights as it was more about the drive itself for me, and the scenery.
 
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I can recommend staying at Kon Tiki Inn at Pismo Beach for excellent value. Amazing ocean views in a 60's style hotel for a bargain rate. From memory it was $110 USD which included breakfast. We couldn't believe our luck when we stumbled on this gem. Just outside of San Luis Obispo

We stayed here too for 3 nights and the views are amazing highly recommended
 
Just another vote for Solvang..
A purpose built tourist trap… that turns out to be a really nice place.
 
Do it and stay over night in Carmel at the Lamp Lighter Inn...You may even run into Carmel's most famous citizen, Clint Eastwood.;)
 
Swing off to the east to get to Camarillo Premium Outlets on the 101 if you are into shopping. You can print off specials coupons before you get there.
 
Swing off to the east to get to Camarillo Premium Outlets on the 101 if you are into shopping. You can print off specials coupons before you get there.

Highlight of day three for me. And there's an In n Out there....
 
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