visiting san fran to san diego

we would like to travel along the coast and see as much as possible from san francisco to san diego...where would be the ideal place for us to stay to use as a home base sot that we can do day trips (to san fran, san diego, l.a., venice beach, santa monica, santa barbara....all the california hot spots)

visiting san fran to san diego

There is no such place. The distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 500 miles. If you took the interstates -- the federal highway system -- (which would give you no views of the coast but would be the fastest way to go), it would take 8 hours (without stopping for meals, rests or sightseeing). This excludes any impact that traffic or accidents might have.

The conventional way of seeing the sites you%26#39;ve listed is to start in San Francisco and make your way down the coast -- 200 to 300 miles per day -- stopping along the way. The Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Route 1 or Highway 1) runs along the ocean. It is the most scenic route but it is also the slowest. Add about 4 hours to the time it takes to go from San Francisco to San Diego along Route 1 compared to the freeway system.

visiting san fran to san diego

thanks for the advice....what are the must sees from san francisco to san diego

we have 10 days, never been to california, no kids

couple in our 30%26#39;s

Can anyone offer some advice?

Wow! There is so much! I guess it all depends on what you like. There are beaches, theme parks, National Parks, city nite life, shopping...

In San Diego the must see%26#39;s are: The Zoo (of course), the beach (I prefer North County beaches), Sea World, Downtown Gaslamp District (restaurants and pubs). Look at the tripadvisor San Diego page for lots more.

The trip along the California coast is stunning but does take some time. I am reading today that Big Sur has a monster forest fire going on right now. It may not be the best time to go through there in a couple weeks. But, check the roads and the news.

California is a HUGE state. Try looking at specific cities on tripadvisor and you will be able to narrow things down.

Best of luck on 7-8!

we would like to shop (anywhere but malls), take some hop-on-hop-off tours, see beaches, and cheesy touristy stuff

advice anyone?

reptiles