We recently took a San Francisco to Paso Robles road trip, and it was beautiful. The drive itself was breathtaking, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills along the way. In this comprehensive guide, we will map out the best San Francisco to Paso Robes road trip highlighting amazing, lesser-known places to see, ideal overnight stops, fun activities, favorite eats and their associated costs. Bountiful, beautiful and endless room for roaming and exploring, this San Francisco to Paso Robes road trip will be your respite.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Paso Robles
The 205 mile San Francisco to Paso Robles road trip takes 4 hours and can be done in one day; however, it’s best to do this road trip over the course of several days. Notable stops include San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and many more stops along this road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles.
When is the best time to take a road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles
The best time for this road trip is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are at their most picturesque. Summer can be hot, while winter might bring rain and fog. You will experience moderate weather all year long, with temperatures ranging from 57 – 65 degrees.
Fall: Sunny mornings and warm afternoons
Winter: Can be windy with occasional showers
Spring: Provides cool, sunny weather
Summer: Mornings often deliver a foggy marine layer covering the coastline, this create cooling effect. This fog usually clears by the afternoon and the weather get much warmer
Planning Your Road Trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles
When planning a road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles, there are a few things to consider to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.
Essential Packing List
When packing for your road trip, it’s important to bring everything you need to be comfortable on the road. Here are some essential items to consider:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat or visor
- A reusable water bottle
- A variety of Snacks and drinks
- A first aid kit
- A map or GPS device
- Binoculars
- Cash and credit cards
- A camera or smartphone for taking photos
Additionally, if you plan on doing any outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, be sure to bring appropriate gear and equipment.
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Road Trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles Logistics
Days: 4-6
Starting Point: San Francisco,CA
Distance: 367 miles, 7.5 hours
Iconic Highways Driven: Pacific Coast Highway, 17 mile drive,
***notes on driving Highway 1***
- Highway 1 is a one lane road, in many places it is narrow winding cliff road and very curvy
- It is not allowed and too dangerous to pass slow moving cars or RVs in many sections.
- Expect a slow driving with many short stops at roadside viewing points along the way.
State Parks: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Big State Park
Landscapes/Attractions : Beaches, Mountains,Waterfalls, Hot Springs, Sea Caves, Tide pools, Rock formations
End Point: Paso Robles
Cost: Priceless
Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey
Distance: 2 hours, 120 miles
The Pacific Coast Highway
Your adventure starts as you leave San Francisco on Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This scenic route hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Half Moon Bay
As we started our road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles, our first stop was the scenic coastal town of Half Moon Bay. Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a perfect spot to kick off the journey.
We arrived at Half Moon Bay State Beach, which is a beautiful stretch of coastline with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We took a walk on the beach, enjoyed the cool breeze, and watched the waves crash against the shore. Parking is 10.00 per vehicle
After spending some time at the beach, we headed to the historic downtown area of Half Moon Bay. The town is known for its charming Main Street, which is lined with unique shops, bakeries, art galleries, and restaurants.
Get yourself some Hot Cross Buns at Half Moon Bay Bakery, a vintage bakery with a modern taste. Their hot cross buns sell out very fast and are definitely worth taste testing. We got our deserts and coffee and drove to Poplar beach which was one mile away.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
A short drive south of Half Moon Bay, you’ll find Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is impressive and is more than a century old. If you are a photo addict like me, the surrounding cliffs against the ocean make for an amazing photo opportunity.
Ano Nuevo State Park
As we were driving south there was nothing but the beautiful Pacific ocean to our right but then, we saw a sign for Ano Nuevo State Park and decided to check it out. We were glad we did. At the park, around 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.
The beach was covered with sea lions, some very large (Elephant type). Our first thought was that they were dead, but they were just sleeping.
Definitely a must sea if you are visiting around that time. The cost is around $10 per person.
Monterey and Pacific Grove
Monterey and its neighbor, Pacific Grove is where you will probably spend most of your day and spend the night. It’s such a vibrant city with so many things to see and do. When you go to Monterey, figure on doing a lot of walking.
Cannery Row
Cannery Row is a great walking area. There are so many shops, cafes, restaurants, and places for snacks (candy, ice cream, baked goods, etc.) to browse and window shop. OK, admittedly it is quite touristy, but fun nonetheless.
For lunch, we stopped at Fish Hopper, a seafood restaurant located on Cannery Row. We ordered the clam chowder and fish and chips, both of which were delicious. The restaurant offers outdoor seating with ocean views, making it a perfect spot for lunch.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the big attraction however you are most likely going to see some sea life on your trip. Look out for sea otters and sea lions wherever you get an outlook over the bay. Just bring your binoculars on this trip!
17 Mile Drive
I suggest you also do the beautiful 17 mile drive in Monterey. It is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove that hugs much of the Pacific Coastline and passes through famous golf courses, mansions and scenic attractions.
It is an easy drive with many pull-offs to get to the water or to just park and admire the outstanding views of the coastline. We went on one weekend in September so it was not too crowded. The entrance fee is $11.00 (2023)
Where to stay in Monterey
Monterey offers a variety of mid-range hotels and bed-and-breakfast options, with prices averaging $150-$250 per night.
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Day 2: Monterey to Big Sur
Distance: 1 hour; 60 miles along Highway 1
After leaving Monterey, we continued south on Highway 1 towards Big Sur. We made several stops along the way to take in the scenery and snap some photos.
You can easily spend a couple days in Big Sur as there is so much to discover and see. Here is a list of some of the must see attractions along along Big Sur.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge that hovers 260 feet above the canyon and is quite a spectacle to see. It will probably take you no more than 20 minutes. There are plenty of places to park to allow visitors to step out and take some nice photographs.
You may get lucky and see some wildlife along the shore. We did and we are so glad to have carried out binoculars with us for this road trip. The cost to go on the bride is free!
2.) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Entrance fee to this park is 10.00. You then walk under a tunnel to a path which allows hikers to witness this beautiful McWay Falls waterfall. This waterfall is humbling, it drops over a cliff of 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean. This stop should take about 30 minutes.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Home to a rich marine habitat, this nature reserve is popular for both whale-watching (in winter) and spotting sea lions (all year round). Take a long hike or simply stroll along the magnificent coastline, it’s perfect for everyone. We loved just being able to take short little hikes that did not tire us out.
There is no food service inside the park, so be sure to bring your own food. Inside the park, there are many great places for picnics. The restrooms are cleaner, compared to other state beaches. Also be sure to bring a binocular, you need it to see the birds, sea lions, and whales.
There are many short trails in the parks, the Cypress Grove, Bird Island, and North Shore are the most beautiful ones. China Cove and Gibson Beach are also very pretty.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
This park has a bit of everything: redwood trees, waterfalls, and scenic river for dipping in the water when its hot out.
Be sure to check out Big Sur River Gorge, there are quiet and calm sections of the river that are quite scenic and there are rocky areas with plenty of visitors enjoying themselves in the pools of water. To get there, park at the Day Use Lot 3 and follow the sign to the gorge.
If you want to see a waterfall The Pfeiffer Falls is about 60- foot tall reachable from a “moderate” 1.3-mile out and back trail with lots of stairs. To get there, park at the Day Use Lot 1 and follow the sign to the fall.
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is quintessential Big Sur. It is iconic. It is beautiful. It is a must visit. The sand is purple in some spots. It is usually very windy and cold so dress for that. You will see just about everything if you are able to get into the park. The parking closes after it has met visitor capacity and is best to get there very early between 7 and 7:30 AM.
Where to Stay in Big Sur
1.)Sycamore Hot Springs Resort
Book a room with Sycamore Hot Springs Resort to get to relax and unwind from the adventures of the day.
2.)Camping under the Stars at a campground
For a truly immersive experience, consider camping in Big Sur. Campgrounds like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park offer stunning natural settings for around $35 per night.
3.) Stay the night in a cute AirBnb
Day 3: Big Sur to Morro Bay
Ragged Point
Your first stop out of Big Sur has to be Ragged Point. Ragged Point offers dramatic coastal vistas and is a great spot for a picnic. Stop here for a breathtaking photo opportunity and stop for some yummy coffee at Ragged Point Coffeehouse.
Hearst Castle
After enjoying the beautiful views of Big Sur, we arrived in San Simeon. This small coastal town is home to the famous Hearst Castle, a must-visit attraction for anyone in the area.
The Hearst Castle is a stunning mansion built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century. It features 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, and numerous works of art and antiques. We took a tour of the castle and were amazed by the opulence and grandeur of the place. It was very fascinating.
Tours of this grand estate start at $25 per person, and you’ll be mesmerized by its lavish architecture and art collections.
Aside from the Hearst Castle, San Simeon also has a beautiful beach and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
We took a stroll along the beach and enjoyed the fresh sea breeze. We also went on a hike in the nearby trails and were rewarded with breathtaking views of the coast.
Elephant Seal Viewing Point
A must visit attraction and the highlight of my trip was visiting Elephant Seal Viewing Point. This is a fun and free attraction that is sure to bring joy.
When we went, the seals were sunbathing and were probably in the middle of deep REM sleep. Depending on how obsessed you are with seals, this stop could take 20 minutes to 2 hours.
It is literally just on a boardwalk and super easy to get to and access. It is best to go between December and May.
Morro Bay
Arrive in Morro Bay in the afternoon and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. Morro Bay is a charming coastal town is home to a beautiful harbor, a bustling waterfront, and a towering rock formation known as Morro Rock.
Embarcadero
We started our visit by strolling along the Embarcadero, a lively strip of shops, restaurants, and galleries overlooking the harbor. We couldn’t resist trying some of the fresh seafood, including clam chowder and fish tacos, at one of the local eateries.
Morro Rock
Next, we headed to Morro Rock, a massive volcanic plug that rises 581 feet above the ocean. It is just a short hike. We took a leisurely walk along the beach, admiring the stunning views of the rock and the waves crashing against the shore.
Morro Bay
For those interested in wildlife, Morro Bay is also home to a diverse range of marine animals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and pelicans. We were lucky enough to spot some of these creatures during our visit, and we highly recommend taking a wildlife tour or renting a kayak to explore the bay.
Where to Stay in Morro Bay
These airbnb homes are perfect for your one night stay at Morro Bay.
Day 4: Morro Bay to Paso Robles
In the morning, enjoy breakfast in Morro Bay and take a leisurely stroll on the beach or along the Embarcadero for some last-minute sightseeing. Check out your accommodation in Morro Bay. Depart for Paso Robles, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from Morro Bay.
Things to Do in Paso Robles
Olive Oil Tasting
Arrive in Paso Robles and head to one of the local olive oil producers for a tasting experience. Some popular olive oil producers in the area include Pasolivo, Olea Farm, and Kiler Ridge Olive Farm, among others. Be sure to check their operating hours and make a reservation if necessary.
At the olive oil tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to sample various olive oils, learn about the olive oil production process, and even purchase some high-quality olive oil products to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Hot Springs
Paso Robles is also home to several natural hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of wine tasting. Some of the most popular hot springs in the area include:
- River Oaks Hot Springs Spa: River Oaks Hot Springs Spa offers private hot tubs and a variety of spa treatments.
- Franklin Hot Springs: Franklin Hot Springs is a natural hot spring that is open to the public and is free to use.
- Paso Robles Inn Hot Springs: The Paso Robles Inn has a hot springs spa that is open to the public and offers a variety of spa treatments.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Paso Robles
Experience the beauty of Paso Robles from above with a hot air balloon ride. Prices vary but typically range from $200 to $300 per person.
Downtown Paso Robles
Downtown Paso Robles is a charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Some of the most popular attractions in downtown Paso Robles include:
- Paso Robles Downtown City Park: Paso Robles Downtown City Park is a beautiful park that is perfect for picnics and relaxing.
- Studios on the Park: Studios on the Park is an art gallery that features the work of local artists.
- Thomas Hill Organics: Thomas Hill Organics is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious food made with local ingredients.
Where to stay in Paso Robles
In Paso Robles, you can choose from charming boutique inns or upscale resorts, with prices ranging from $200 to $500 per night, depending on your preferences.
Returning to San Francisco
After spending a few days in Paso Robles, we were ready to make our way back to San Francisco. We decided to take a slightly different route on our way back, so we could see some new scenery.
We started our journey early in the morning, and made our way towards the coast. We stopped at a few beaches along the way, and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
As we continued on our journey, we made a stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. It was a great spot to take some photos, and learn about the history of the lighthouse.
After our stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, we continued on our journey towards San Francisco. We made a stop in Half Moon Bay, where we had lunch at a local restaurant. The food was delicious, and we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the town.
As we got closer to San Francisco, we started to hit some traffic. We were glad that we had left early in the morning, as it gave us plenty of time to make it back to the city.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about our road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles. We covered a lot of ground and saw some truly beautiful sights along the way. Here are a few final thoughts on our journey:
- The drive from San Francisco to Paso Robles is a great way to experience the beauty of California’s Central Coast. The scenery is stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
- If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, we highly recommend the Madonna Inn. The themed rooms are quirky and fun, and the hotel’s amenities are top-notch.
- Don’t miss out on the chance to visit Hearst Castle. This historic landmark is a must-see for anyone interested in California history and architecture.
This road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm. Be sure to check the availability of tours and accommodations in advance, and have a map or GPS handy as you drive along Highway 1 to make the most of your journey. Enjoy your adventure along the California coast! Overall, our road trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles was a wonderful experience. We hope you’ll consider taking a similar journey and discovering all that this beautiful region has to offer. feel free to. letus know what you think in the comments below!
