On the Road from LA to San Francisco: Best Sights to See on PCH 101

It's about 390 miles by highway when you drive north from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the two largest cities in California. The most direct way is by Highways 101 or 5, inland routes that could require less than eight hours, with one gas/potty/dining stop on a good clear, no-delay day.

The most scenic way to go is via the Pacific Coast Highway, U.S. l, which starts in the Los Angeles neighboring city of Santa Monica's ocean front, and follows the Pacific shore north. The highway offers many interesting places to visit and beautiful scenery all the way. The distance, because of beach and cliffside twists and turns of the highway, is about 30 miles longer and requires a total of about ten hours of driving.

However, with such beach towns as Malibu, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel along the way, it's well worth the decision to drive to San Francisco on PCH. If you have the time, there are many great restaurants, beaches, historic places and scenic vistas you wouldn't want to miss.

About two hours up the coast from Santa Monica, a stop in Santa Barbara is good for some sightseeing and food. There are great seafood restaurants near the beaches, and a visit to the 17th Century Mission Santa Barbara is worthwhile for rest and reflection. It was founded by Father Junipero Serra, one of many he and his followers established in early California years.

Halfway between Santa Barbara and Monterey on PCH is the Hearst Castle. It's on the inland side of the highway, and requires a reservation and fee to visit. For Hollywood history buffs and fans of the movie, "Citizen Kane", it may be worth a stop to see the opulent structure, priceless artifacts from all over the world and beautiful surrounding gardens.

Monterey is also a very picturesque oceanside town, and the world-famous National Marine Sanctuary can provide some interesting hours for travelers of all ages. The neighboring town of Carmel is usually a quiet coastal vacation spot, except when Hollywood celebrities and spring break students vacation there. Clint Eastwood once served as mayor and owner of a popular tavern.

Santa Cruz has maintained its fun beach town atmosphere for decades, and a walk along its boardwalk reminds visitors of Coney Island and Atlantic City in their heydays. It may be worthwhile to spend a night at one of its beachfront hotels before doing the final 70-mile drive to your San Francisco destination.