Seaventure in Pismo Beach is right on the ocean and there are numerous restaurants and bars, including an excellent on-site restaurant, within a 3-block radius, Great place!

Hi Elliot P, and welcome to TripAdvisor forums.

Ideally you'd have 3 days / 2 nights for this lovely Hwy 1 drive, but if you only have one, make the most of it! This drive is described on the Top Questions about California (upper right) on the California forum page: tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28926-i29-Califor…

I assume you're dropping the car in SF as soon as you arrive and that you're flying to Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas, New York, and Cancun forums are pretty active. Read each forum for a few days (along with the Top Questions) before diving in.

Have fun!

Sea Venture and Kon Tiki are good options and are within walking distance to downtown Pismo Beach. Another option is to stay at Spyglass Inn, Dolphin Bay Inn (pricey) or the Cliffs in Shell Beach - there is a boardwalk that runs along the ocean cliffs between the three, allowing you to easily wander between all three restaurants/bars.

"....We are leaving from LA on the 12th of may in the morning and hope to be in San Fran on the 13th of may mid afternoon. "........

That's not going to happen if you stick to the coast. Pismo Beach to San Francisco via Highway 1 is a 7 hour drive WITHOUT stops!! With so much to see/do en route, it's closer to a 12+ hour drive.

To arrive in SF by mid afternoon, you'll have to stick to the inland route of Highway 101, sadly by-passing some of our most spectacular coastal scenery.

We love The Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel. Ventana Grill is right next door, great food , Happy Hour and service there. :)

Given your age and interests, you might want to stay in the heart of Pismo Beach at the slightly funky Pismo Beach Hotel. It's right next to Harry's Beach Bar, plus there are many other restaurants with bars/lounges within walking distance.

My brother in law and his family just got a great deal with the Pismo Lighthouse Suites- the rooms were incredible and also right on the cliff overlooking the ocean. I highly recommend.