Driving to SD. Where should we stop?

Question

We're driving down to San Diego tomorrow from Beverly hills and can't get to the property until after 4pm for check-in. We're happy to take our time and stop off for lunch somewhere along the coast. Where would people recommend the nicest stop would be? Thank you

Answer

Driving from Beverly Hills to San Diego along the coast gives you some beautiful options for a lunch stop, depending on how much time you want to spend and the type of scenery or dining experience you prefer. Since your arrival is after 4 PM, you’ll likely want a lunch spot roughly halfway or a bit beyond the halfway point along the I-5 or Pacific Coast Highway route.

Here are some great options along the way:

Malibu: About 25–30 minutes west of Beverly Hills if you take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Enjoy ocean views and casual beachside dining. Some options include Malibu Farm Pier Café for fresh, locally sourced meals, or Neptune’s Net for a classic seafood shack experience.
Santa Barbara: A little farther north if you wanted a longer scenic detour (adds roughly 1.5–2 hours each way). Great for waterfront dining, like at Brophy Bros. for seafood or The Lark for upscale Californian cuisine. Worth it if you have a relaxed morning and want a scenic stretch along the coast.
Oceanside or Carlsbad: These towns are closer to San Diego and are ideal if you want a later lunch without straying far from your route. Oceanside has casual beachside restaurants, like Hello Betty Fish House, while Carlsbad offers a few nice spots near the village or pier with ocean views.

For a smooth drive with minimal detour and good coastal scenery, Malibu is likely the most convenient option, giving you a nice lunch stop while still keeping a reasonable arrival time in San Diego. If you prefer a more scenic, slightly longer drive, consider the PCH through Laguna Beach, where there are numerous seaside restaurants and galleries to explore briefly.

Tips:

Leave early to avoid LA traffic, especially if you’re taking the PCH or I-5 south.
Check restaurant hours in advance, particularly on weekdays versus weekends, as some coastal spots close earlier.
If you’re traveling with kids, casual beachside eateries or piers often provide the best balance of scenery, food, and flexibility.

Overall, stopping in Malibu for a lunch with an ocean view is a classic choice, while Carlsbad or Oceanside works if you want to be closer to your final destination in San Diego.