If you’re planning a road trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego, you’re in for a treat. This stunning coastal drive will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery California has to offer. From quaint beach towns to rugged cliffs and everything in between, there’s something for everyone on this drive.
Hertz
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Enterprise
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Fox Rent-A-Car
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Santa Barbara to San Diego Drive
The drive from Santa Barbara to San Diego is approximately 214.7 miles (345.5 km) and should take you around 3 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route is to take the US-101 S and the I-5 S, which will take you through Los Angeles.
While this route is the fastest way to get to San Diego, it’s not the most scenic. If you have the time, consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) instead. The PCH will take you through charming beach towns like Santa Monica, Malibu, and Laguna Beach, and offers some of the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Barbara to San Diego: How Far Is It?
The distance between Santa Barbara and San Diego is approximately 214.7 miles (345.5 km). If you’re driving, the fastest route will take you through Los Angeles, which should take around 3 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re flying, the flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, you’ll need to factor in time for getting to the airport, security, and waiting for your flight, which may make driving a more attractive option.
How Far is Santa Barbara to San Diego by Plane?
The flight distance between Santa Barbara and San Diego is 187.83 mi (302.28 km). If you’re flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego, you’ll need to take a connecting flight as Santa Barbara Airport doesn’t offer direct flights to San Diego. The flight time between Santa Barbara and San Diego with connection is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
What Is the Time Difference Between Santa Barbara and San Diego?
Santa Barbara and San Diego are both located in the Pacific Time Zone, which means that they share the same time standard. The Pacific Time Zone is a time zone that observes standard time by subtracting eight hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-8). This time zone encompasses the western part of the United States, including California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. Therefore, travelers can rest assured that they won’t need to adjust their watches or clocks when traveling between these two cities, making it easy to plan their itinerary and avoid any confusion regarding the time difference.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Santa Barbara to San Diego
If you’re on a budget, the cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara to San Diego is to take a bus. Greyhound offers several daily trips between the two cities, with fares starting at around $30 one way.
If you prefer to drive, renting a car is a good option. You can rent a car in Santa Barbara and drop it off in San Diego, which is convenient if you’re not planning on driving back to Santa Barbara. Rental car prices vary depending on the time of year and availability, but you can expect to pay around $50 to $70 per day.
Santa Barbara to San Diego Drive – Rent A Car In Santa Barbara
If you’re planning on renting a car in Santa Barbara for your road trip to San Diego, there are several options available. Here are a few rental car companies to consider:
- Enterprise: starts at $55 per day
- Hertz: starts at $67 per day
- Avis: starts at $78 per day
- Budget: starts at $64 per day
Be sure to shop around for the best rates and make your reservation in advance to ensure availability.
Santa Barbara to San Diego – Driving Stops Along The Way
If you’re driving from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there are several stops along the way worth checking out. Here are some of our favorites:
Solvang
This charming Danish town is located just a short drive from Santa Barbara and is worth a stop for its unique architecture, delicious pastries, and quaint shops.
Malibu
If you’re taking the Pacific Coas Highway, be sure to stop in Malibu for some of the most stunning views of the coastline. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, surfing, and beachcombing.
Santa Monica
This beach town is known for its iconic pier and amusement park, as well as its lively shopping and dining scene.
Laguna Beach
Another picturesque beach town, Laguna Beach offers stunning beaches, art galleries, and a thriving arts community.
San Juan Capistrano
This historic town is known for its Spanish mission, which dates back to 1776. Visitors can take a tour of the mission and learn about the history of California.
La Jolla
Just north of San Diego, La Jolla is home to beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Best Route for Santa Barbara to San Diego Drive
If you have the time, we highly recommend taking the Pacific Coast Highway for the most scenic route from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Here’s the route:
Head south on US-101 S Take exit 96B for Seaward Ave toward Harbor Blvd Turn left onto Seaward Ave Continue straight onto W Harbor Blvd Turn left onto CA-1 S Continue on CA-1 S for approximately 110 miles Merge onto I-5 S toward San Diego Take exit 23A for CA-163 S toward Downtown Continue on CA-163 S until you reach San Diego
This route will take you through some of the most picturesque coastal towns in California and offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. However, if you’re in a hurry or prefer a more direct route, taking the US-101 S and the I-5 S is the fastest option
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, a road trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego offers a stunning coastal drive with breathtaking scenery, charming beach towns, and rugged cliffs. Whether you take the most direct route through Los Angeles or opt for the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, there’s something for everyone on this drive. Additionally, travelers have the option to fly or take a bus, but renting a car gives the most flexibility to explore the stops along the way. With plenty of driving stops like Solvang, Malibu, and La Jolla, this road trip promises to be a memorable experience for anyone seeking adventure and beautiful views.
