San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Plan | Avis Rent a Car
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Are you planning a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip? Let Avis be your travel guide! There is much to do and see along the way—from exciting, one-of-a-kind attractions to the best pit stops and historical landmarks.

Not only does Avis provide more vehicle options and savings on car rentals from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but we’ve compiled a list of our favorite road trip stops for a unique, exciting experience. 

San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Details

 

Possible Routes

Here are the best routes for a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip: 

  • The scenic route: South on the CA-1, which hugs the coastline all the way to Malibu and Santa Monica on the outskirts of LA.

Pro tip: If you choose this route, plan at least three days for the journey so you can stop and enjoy the view as much as you want.

  • The speedy route: East out of San Francisco on I-80 and I-580, followed by south on I-5 right into the center of Los Angeles
  • The historic route: East past I-5 to SR-99, a highway dotted with Central Valley cities

Fun fact: SR-99 has also been called California’s Main Street (sorry, Disneyland!).

This road trip itinerary will take you down the historic route. Here are some basic data points to help you plan your trip. 

  • Distance (downtown to downtown): about 400 miles
  • Estimated drive time: 6-8 hours, depending on traffic
  • Midpoint: Following SR-99, Selma, CA, is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

 

Unique Road Trip Stops Between San Francisco and Los Angeles

Ready to kick off your San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip with a bang? These six excellent road trip stops will spice up your road trip adventure. From fun and unique attractions to the site of one of the most devastating earthquakes in American history, here are our top road trip stops to add to your itinerary. 

1. Modesto

Around 90 miles from San Francisco, Modesto is one of the larger cities you’ll pass on your way to Los Angeles—and it offers a variety of exciting attractions. Stretch your legs as you walk through the McHenry Museum or Great Valley Museum, see a performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts, check out the historic Modesto Arch, or drive some go-karts at Funworks Modesto.

There’s a lot to do in town, so if you’re on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip, it’s even a great place to stop for a day to visit the local attractions.

2. Fresno

Just a couple dozen miles shy of the halfway point, Fresno is the last major city you’ll see for the next couple of hours. And it’s packed with fun attractions you can check out on your way to Los Angeles.

  • Explore the unique sunken gardens of the Forestiere Underground Gardens.
  • Take a scenic walk down the Fresno County Blossom Trail
  • Stop by the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
  • Check out the stunning architecture of the Saint John’s Cathedral.
  • Tour the Victorian-era Meux Home Museum.

There are also plenty of dining opportunities—so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in Fresno. 

3. Kingsburg

Any Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip (or vice versa!) will include some stretches of sparsely populated areas. Between Fresno and Bakersfield, you’ll pass a lot of small farming communities. One such community worth stopping in is Kingsburg, California,

In Kingsburg, you can see a water tower painted like a coffee pot and the world’s largest box of raisins at the Sun-Maid factory. Don’t miss the historical area downtown—you’ll feel like you’re walking through a giant museum as you tour the old jail, a school building, a firehouse, and a rebuilt barn.

4. Bakersfield

Located on the Kern River, Bakersfield offers a variety of exciting local attractions, making it a great pit stop area on your way to Los Angeles. At the California Living Museum, you can learn more about California’s fauna and flora, check out the reptile house, and experience their amazing touch tank. Or you can stop at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, which focuses on paleontology and geology.  

If you’re looking for a place to stretch your legs after the long drive, take a scenic walk at the Park at River Walk which offers gorgeous views. 

5. The Grapevine Canyon

The Grapevine Canyon is a must-see on any San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip. The main draw to this area is the Fort Tejon State Historic Park, the site of one of the most devastating earthquakes ever recorded in the United States. Visiting the park provides the opportunity to learn more about the area’s history, the earthquake that devastated the area, and imagine life on the California frontier in the mid-1800s.

The area also has picnic tables for travelers, and the park has beautiful scenery and viewpoints. It’s also pet friendly if you’re traveling with a pup!  

6. Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita is about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles, and it makes for a great final pit stop before arriving in the City of Angels. The city has exciting, thrill-seeking attractions—including Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, and Mountasia Family Fun Center.

Additionally, you can get in touch with nature with a scenic walk through Towsley Canyon Park or explore the historic trails of the nearby Placerita Canyon Nature Center. If you’re feeling hungry after a long drive, there are plenty of restaurants and fast food places to grab a bite before moving on to Los Angeles. 

Book a Car Rental for Your San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip

With Avis, you can find the vehicle that best suits your travel plans and group size. We offer an extensive selection of car rentals for Los Angeles to San Francisco road trips so you can make the journey in comfort and style. 

And with our one-way rental availability, you can get the rental options you need for your travel plans. 

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