Any advice on traffic or fun pit stops from nor. cal. to LA?

[ExcitedMama]

DH has a work conference in Newport Beach next week so on Sunday we are heading down to Newport. We are going to drive to DL from there and stay at the HOJOs the following weekend before driving home. We live in Monterey so we have a couple of options for routes we could take both ways. Any idea how bad traffic is going to be on Sunday? Definitely not an ideal day to be driving!

Any fun pit stops for kids along the way either to Newport or home from DL? Thanks!

 

[jina]

If you take 101 we like stopping at one of the beaches around Pismo Beach but since you're in Monterey it may not be that special for you. Another option if you have a few hours is stop @ the Santa Barbara Zoo.

There's also a great playground we visited in OC just off of I-405 (sorry, "The 405)
http://funorangecountyparks.com/2008/11/tewinkle-park-costa-mesa-angels-playground.html

 

[Jaylens Papa]

If you head over to the 5. They opened up a Bravo Farms in Kettleman City. I know the one on the 99 just north of Visalia has some cool stuff. Lots of Antiques, wine and cheese tasting and a restaurant

 

[MouseEXP]

First, leave early in the morning and keep in mind traffic on the 101 near the 405 will have crazy traffic.

I would normally say the beach is a good place, but you are probably familiar with that, plus you are staying in Newport Beach which is awesome on its own.

I would also recommend taking the 101 since you will get a pretty good view of the the ocean going that way.

You have Solvang
Santa Barbara Mission
Universal Studios . Universal Citywalk.
Hollywood Blvd aka El Capitan TCL Chinese Theater area
Griffith Park area which has train rides and the Merry Go Round that influenced Walt Disney to build Disneyland.
http://www.griffithparktrainrides.com/
If you take the 134 to the 210 then to the 57
Old Town Pasadena
Aboretum in Santa Ana

 

[ParkHopper1]

Monterey is not too far...I wouldn't wanna waste any time and get my butt to Disneyland as soon as I could!

When headed down 101, I try and hit Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach for some AMAZING clam chowder. It is a quick counter service kinda place...You can get the bread bowls to go and walk a block down to tables by the beach.

Pismo is a fun beach town with some cool shops all in the area of Splash Cafe that are fun to check out. I believe there are ice cream and chocolate shops in that area as well.

My I-5 pit stop is the base of the Grapevine. They have Chipolte and few other good food options but it is just a pit stop.

In reality, I-5 will be easily 30-45 minutes faster for you than 101.

 

[wdwfan22]

Im not an expert on the CA coast, only having driven it a couple times, and last time was 10 years ago. And I'm not sure how old your kids are, but we toured Hearst Castle both trips and we LOVE it. It is truely an amazing place to visit. So much history, and fun for kids, as long as they are not too young. Mine were 6 and 12 last time, and they both thought it was amazing.

 

[ExcitedMama]

Monterey is not too far...I wouldn't wanna waste any time and get my butt to Disneyland as soon as I could!.

This is how we did it last year when we went straight to Disney so I agree with you! But on Sunday there is no going to Disney just checking into our hotel in Newport. Just wondering which way we should go and if there is anything fun to do on our way to Newport or after Disney and back home.