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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaSan Luis Obispo Drive
Avila Beach California

San Luis Obispo Drive

Los Angeles - Santa Monica - Malibu - Ventura - Santa Barbara - Pismo Beach - Avila Beach - San Luis Obispo

Expect on your itinerary

Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
San Luis Obispo Drive ACTIVATE MAP Stages7 km376 h/stage1.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a San Luis Obispo Drive in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 348EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 438EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 521EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 629EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 772EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 952EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 354EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 804EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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San Luis Obispo Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Take a drive down the beautiful San Luis Obispo Drive, a 376km route from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo in the United States. The best time of the year to take this road trip is between late spring and early fall. Along the way, you'll pass through the towns of Santa Monica, Ventura and Pismo Beach, each with their own unique attractions and experiences. Santa Monica offers a wide range of attractions, from its pier and beach to its many restaurants and shops. Ventura is a great place to stop and explore its many parks and beaches. Pismo Beach is a great place for beachgoers, with its many beach activities and stunning views. The entire route offers excellent road conditions with plenty of stunning scenery, from mountains to forests to beaches. This road trip is sure to provide a high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver. However, it is recommended that you plan your trip with a high budget to make the most of the experience.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 376 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Los Angeles

Distance 376 km Driving time 7.6 h Pace: modest 97.9 kWh Airports LAX
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Los Angeles is a major city in the United States and the perfect starting point for the San Luis Obispo Drive road trip. The city abounds with attractions, cultural and historic sights and entertainment options. Tourists can visit the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Universal Studios Hollywood, the Museum of Tolerance, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are some of the city's most visited attractions. The Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West are also worth visiting. Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX) is the closest international airport to the city. Car rental services are available at the airport for those who wish to travel by car. The San Luis Obispo drive is a great way to explore the beauty of the California Coast, from the stunning beaches of Santa Barbara to the stunning views of San Luis Obispo.

1 Los Angeles - Santa Monica

Distance 27 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 6.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Monica? This 17-mile journey will take you less than an hour, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. As you drive, you will be able to admire the historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Make sure to keep an eye out for the famous Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the Pacific Coast Highway. Once you reach Santa Monica, you will be able to explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!

2 Santa Monica - Malibu

Distance 21 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome road-trippers! Ready for an amazing journey? Let’s get started! Our first stop is Santa Monica, one of the most popular destinations in the United States. Here, you can experience the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade, and Muscle Beach Venice. After that, we’ll head to Malibu, a stunning beach town filled with beautiful beaches, stunning vistas, and plenty of outdoor activities. We’ll travel 13mi and it will take us fewer than 1 hour. Along the way, you can visit the Getty Villa, Zuma Beach, and the Malibu Lagoon State Beach. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!

3 Malibu - Ventura

Distance 73 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 21.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for a fun and exciting journey from Malibu to Ventura. This 45mi drive should take you an hour or less, and you’ll be passing some of the most beautiful places in California. Start your trip in Malibu and make sure to visit the famous Malibu Pier. Here you can take a stroll, explore the area, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Continue your journey to Ventura and don’t forget to stop at the Ventura Pier. This pier is the longest one in California, and it offers a unique experience with its shops, restaurants, and the stunning views of the city. Finally, end your trip at the Ventura Harbor Village. Here you can find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a beautiful marina. This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready and start your road trip from Malibu to Ventura. Enjoy the views, explore the area, and have a great time!

4 Ventura - Santa Barbara

Distance 48 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 14.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to the Ventura-Santa Barbara road trip stage! This 30mi drive takes less than an hour, and it is an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the California coast. Start your journey in Ventura, where you can visit the San Buenaventura Mission, a historic landmark built in 1782. Afterward, head to the Ventura Harbor Village, a quaint waterfront area with plenty of restaurants and shops. Continue your journey to Santa Barbara, where you can explore the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, an iconic building with a unique Spanish-Moorish architecture. You can also visit the Santa Barbara Mission, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Make sure to take a break and admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget to take some photos of the amazing sunsets! This is only one stage of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip and have a great time!

5 Santa Barbara - Pismo Beach

Distance 180 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: slow 41.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Santa Barbara and ending in Pismo Beach? This 112mi journey will take you less than 5 hours. During your drive, you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in California. In Santa Barbara, you should not miss the chance to visit the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara, the oldest of the California missions, founded in 1786. Take a walk along Stearns Wharf and enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Once you leave Santa Barbara, you will be able to explore the beautiful scenery of the Santa Ynez Valley. Make sure to stop at the Danish-style village of Solvang, where you can find many bakeries, restaurants, and boutiques. Continue your journey and explore the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. After that, it is time to drive to Pismo Beach, where you can go for a walk on the beach or enjoy the views of the famous Pismo Pier. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Pismo Beach - Avila Beach

Distance 12 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 3.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Embark on an amazing road trip starting in Pismo Beach and ending in Avila Beach, a journey of only 7 miles that will take you less than an hour to complete. On your way, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. In Pismo Beach, you can take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Or you can take a tour of the Monarch Butterfly Grove and admire the thousands of butterflies that live there. When you get to Avila Beach, you can take a boat tour to explore the nearby natural reserves. You can also visit the Avila Valley Barn, a family-owned farm that offers fresh produce and a petting zoo. This is just one of the stages of an unforgettable road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

7 Avila Beach - San Luis Obispo

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 5.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip adventure? Starting in Avila Beach, you will be driving 11 miles to reach San Luis Obispo in less than an hour. On your way, you will be able to admire the beauty of the California Central Coast. Make sure to stop at Avila Beach Pier and see the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, you can explore the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the fifth mission founded in California. After that, you can take a walk in the Mission Plaza and take in the beauty of the area. You can also visit the charming downtown area and take a look at the unique shops and restaurants. And don’t forget to visit the Bubblegum Alley, one of the most unique attractions in the city. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  San Luis Obispo

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San Luis Obispo is a charming and vibrant city located in the heart of California's Central Coast. Home to excellent restaurants, galleries and boutiques, the city is a perfect end to an epic road trip. The "San Luis Obispo Drive" winds through the city, taking travelers to some of the most interesting places in town. The historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, constructed in 1772, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past. Take a stroll along the nearby Creek Trail, which winds through a lush greenbelt. Or, for those looking for a more thrilling experience, try the famous Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, a 19th century adobe house and garden complex. For a unique experience, explore the vibrant art scene in San Luis Obispo. Browse the works of local and international artists at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or check out the galleries and street art in Downtown San Luis Obispo. For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), located just a few miles away. From there, it's just a short drive to the center of San Luis Obispo, making it the perfect final destination for the "San Luis Obispo Drive"!

San Luis Obispo Drive Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, our road trip idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions of your choice.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around California, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of elements to be mindful of to make your journey smooth and safe. The following road rules will surely become useful for all drivers considering renting a car or renting a camper in California.
When sightseeing around California, there are multiple traffic regulations to be kept in mind. When moving around California in a car, try avoiding alcoholic beverages. Drivers ought to remember that the permitted consumption limit is low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum speed when driving around the build-up areas. If you are aiming for undeveloped areas, you cannot exceed the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of 129km/h when on highways. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase your safety.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that you go for, the total expenses during the whole undertaking will vary. A wide range of budget configurations is presented below.
In the cheapest option, you have to spend the maximum of 50 EUR on fuel to cover the planned 376km across California. Economy accommodation options can cost holidaymakers around 154 EUR. Food and restaurants in this option will cost more or less 144 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 90 EUR if they aim for the budget car rental offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be about 348 EUR without car rental and 438 EUR with car rental.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 63 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 242 EUR can be expected by all holidaymakers who are looking for standard hotels. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants may cost up to about 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 108 EUR. Generally, those who are interested in a standard option without car rental will pay around 521 EUR and approximately 629 EUR for an option with a vehicle.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 952 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle rental and 521 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of about 180 EUR. When it comes to the premium option of the trip, you have to spend the maximum of 88 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the tour. Tourists should expect to pay more or less 288 EUR for restaurants and food and around 396 EUR for accommodation if they are interested in the highest standard of services.
Our tour will also cater to the needs of all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this mode of transport, the expenses may amount to more or less 450 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole itinerary, they will amount to around 100 EUR. Expenses connected with accommodation should cost around 110 EUR, whereas those connected with food will be pay approximately 144 EUR.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above expenses in detail.
The part of California described in our itinerary idea is superb to be visited between January and December. If San Luis Obispo Drive has sparked your creativity, there is abundance of thrilling journeys on our website. We hope that the great variety of ideas will surely come up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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