Final answer:
The actual straight-line distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 450 miles, known as the distance 'as the crow flies'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is that the actual straight-line distance from San Francisco to San Diego is 450 miles. This measurement is based on the idea of distance "as the crow flies," which is the shortest path between two points without considering any obstacles or the actual path taken.
If one were to travel by road, the distance would be longer due to the necessity of following highways and roads that are not in a direct line. To calculate such distances accurately, one would refer to a map with a proper scale or use GPS technology for precise navigation.