Anaheim to San Francisco

[RanStak65]

I apologize if this has been asked before, but we have a few extra days after our disney trip and we were thinking about driving north to San Francisco. I noticed there are several different ways we could go, and I was hoping someone who is an expert in this area would help me pick the best route. We wanted to take the PCH, but I'd heard that takes longer because there are traffic lights scattered along the highway. Which is the best? Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[denyd]

If speed is the issue, then Highway 5. Anywhere from 6-8 hours depending on drivers speed and number of stops with nothing but cows, amber fields and tractor-trailer rigs to break the monotony.

For a nice drive in a reasonable time, Highway 101. Quite a few tempting stops with some beautiful vistas. However it can take 10-12 hours. Most people using this route stop overnight somewhere along the way.

If you liked Mulholland Madness you'll like Highway 1. 20+ hours of a twisting, turning, winding road (sometimes 2 lanes, sometimes 4). While the views are spectacular, this is a multi-day trip.

 

[RADOPT]

If you want to spend time in San Franciso, take I5. If you take 101 there are too many tempting place to stop!

When you check into your hotel in San Francisco, make sure to ask about their facilities (spas, eatery etc.) adn the are around them. We did this on our last stay and because we ask, we got 50% off our dinners at the hotel. They were having a promotion that they were not offering to everyone that check in.

 

[RanStak65]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I now have to decide between speed (I5) or scenery (101)! Thanks for the hotel tip as well.

 

[boosmom96]

If speed is the issue, then Highway 5. Anywhere from 6-8 hours depending on drivers speed and number of stops with nothing but cows, amber fields and tractor-trailer rigs to break the monotony.

For a nice drive in a reasonable time, Highway 101. Quite a few tempting stops with some beautiful vistas. However it can take 10-12 hours. Most people using this route stop overnight somewhere along the way.

If you liked Mulholland Madness you'll like Highway 1. 20+ hours of a twisting, turning, winding road (sometimes 2 lanes, sometimes 4). While the views are spectacular, this is a multi-day trip.

We generally make it from Berkeley to Santa Monica on Highway 1 in 12 hours with a lunch stop. Figure another hour to get Anaheim. (Depending on the time of day.)
The thing to keep in mind is the time of day you are traveling. On I5, after the Altamont pass, you will need to get from Dublin/Pleasanton to SF. 580 to the Bay Bridge can be really busy. 101 Northbound is a parking lot in the am & pm. If you are driving 101, it might make sense switch over to 280 at some point.

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

My family lives in Pleasanton and it usually takes us about 6-7 hours(8-10 with L.A. traffic) to get to Anaheim. The Pacific Coast Highway is very pretty, but it is also very windy. Motion sickness occurs easily.

 

[AFMom]

My parents loved PCH when I was a kid - absolutely beautiful. We'd drive it all the time. I got so sick on every drive, though, that I now get the willies thinking about being a passenger on that road! You could always drive a little of it - somewhere convinient to see the views. SF is my favorite city - so either way you drive there - I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[RanStak65]

Well, the PCH is definately out... not only because of time, but the carsickness issue. On our last trip to Disneyland my daughter got carsick on the way home driving through the desert!
We are very excited for San Francisco as well. My wife and I had a great vacation there several years ago, but our kids have never been there. We are staying at a Marriott on Fisherman's Wharf. It will be fun to spend time at both Disney and San Francisco.
Thanks again to everyone for all the great suggestions.

 

[yeartolate]

If you take I 5....

Helpful hint of the day.......


When you get near Coalinga.......


Close the windows and press the recirculate air button.......





(too many trips.......too many cows......too much cowpoop)


(I go I 5 exclusively - easy drive. leave early enough to miss LA freeway nightmare and you will arrive early enough to miss SF freeway nightmare)