By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | July 21, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Travel, Best of the Bay, Restaurants, Travel & Recreation, Weekend Escapes, wine,
Las Vegas is a popular destination for those in San Francisco who want to get away to a hotter oasis that's not too far. Between the two dazzling cities there are plenty of fun stops along the way that are just as fabulous and are worth the sightseeing.
See our list of the best attractions from San Francisco to Las Vegas to make your next trip down even more spectacular.
See also: The 31 Best Las Vegas Bars And Lounges You Need To Visit In 2022
Heading down from San Francisco, Palo Alto is a great first stop due to its many posh clothing boutiques, lavish restaurants, and gorgeously serene neighborhood! If you happen to be starting in the morning, this is the perfect city to begin your trip with a fabulous brunch or coffee. We recommend the new and delightful Sweet Maple, followed by a quick shopping trip (you always have time to look for your Vegas statement piece!) around Stanford Mall before grabbing an energizing Verve Coffee for the road.
Gilroy is just past San Jose and makes the absolute best second pit-stop on your Vegas sojourn for its cute neighborhood and many must-see attractions such as the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, the Gilroy Premium Outlets, and the Kirigin Cellars Winery. You won't be able to resist stopping for at least five minutes in this garlic-famous landmark!
Even further south out of the Bay just past Santa Cruz are Monterey and Carmel, two absolutely charming and picturesque seaside towns everyone should visit. Definitely take your time strolling through Carmel’s historic European-style downtoen, admiring both all the wonderful shops and the magnificent waterfront views. You will definitely fall in love with this beach city and maybe even want to begin planning your next trip here as you start to venture down central California afterwards.
Paso Robles is an idyllic wine must-stop along the 101 right before transversing left towards Bakersfield. Sculpterra Winery and Vineyard has the most stunningly ornate sculpture garden, and you also have to make time for their many natural hot springs and horseback riding.
The elevated and bucolic vino country here is also the home to the historic California-only Mission San Miguel, and Tin City, which is home to a diverse selection beer, spirits and food to replenish as you begin to approach Vegas.
See also: Las Vegas Weather Heats Up So Cool Down With These Activities And Adventures
For some of the most majestic nature California has to offer, the Sequoia National Forest just past Bakersfield will definitely take your breath away. You can't resist posing next to the towering giant sequoias here. Its Crescent Meadow Trail is also only just short of 2 miles, making it the perfect short loop to get out and enjoy the amazing greenery with.
For more lavishly fun ideas not mentioned in this list, be sure to also check out The Ultimate Guide For A Las Vegas To Los Angeles And San Francisco Trip!
Photography by: Sergey Tarasov/Unsplash