Car sickness along coastal drive

[Cameo]

Tentatively thinking about a So. Cal. trip this summer - DL (a MUST), Hollywood, drive to Yosemite, over to San Fran and down the coast. I get pretty car sick on twisty, turny roads. I'm reading everyone say that the coastal road is just that. Will I be risking car sickness here? Also, what about road from LA to Yosemite - should we travel shortest route? Is that up the middle/valley? Any twisty/turny roads here? Thanks!

 

[GrandBob]

Tentatively thinking about a So. Cal. trip this summer - DL (a MUST), Hollywood, drive to Yosemite, over to San Fran and down the coast. I get pretty car sick on twisty, turny roads. I'm reading everyone say that the coastal road is just that. Will I be risking car sickness here? Also, what about road from LA to Yosemite - should we travel shortest route? Is that up the middle/valley? Any twisty/turny roads here? Thanks!

Well, only you know how bad your carsickness is, so it's hard to say. I can tell you that my wife gets carsick, especially in the back seat. We live near Big Sur, and drive the twistiest part of Highway 1 often. As long as she's in the front seat (passenger or driving), whe has no problems at all. It helps that the traffic moves pretty slow - often 30 mph or so. That way nobody gets slammed back and forth. Take your time, and I suspect you'll be OK.

For your 2nd question, yes, the driving in and around Yosemite also involves some twisty mountain roads. Coming from the south, you'll probably leave the interstate at Fresno and take CA 41 north. That will start to get twisty past Oakhurst, and will continue with some twisty sections and some straight, all the way through Yosemite to Yosemite Valley. Again, my wife has never had a problem with it. The same caution holds - take your time. If you need to, pull over to let faster traffic pass (it's actually the law if some number (6?) cars are behind you, but a good idea regardless).

If you still think you may have a problem, try Bonine. I get seasick, and Bonine works wonders for me. It's totally non-drowsy, unlike standard Dramamine.

HTH,
Bob

 

[vegasnative]

We were recommended Bonine for our son from a Walgreens pharmacist after he got very sick on a plane. She said she gives it to her own daughter for her air sickness. So, we did, we gave him 1 Bonine tablet and it worked wonders. It is our new best friend for any kind of travel. He gets car sick, I can get car sick too, and whenever we fly or drive both my son and I take our Bonine and we are fine. I will say that have tried a different brand of motion sickness meds and it didn't work, he got sick on a road trip...since then we only trust Bonine. When he takes it (same with me) he can look down in the car, play his DS and we have no problems. I can even read in the car when I have taken it. I highly recommend getting Bonine.

 

[Lucille1963]

My DH's family lives on the coast. The first time I went to visit we took the coastal highway. I got sick and it was a whole bunch of no-fun. Now we take the inland highway. Not as pretty, but its hard to appreciate pretty when you just want to hurl.

 

[GrazingGoat1966]

As posted here previously Cameo, the Coast drive can be a hair-raiser, so if you are someone who suffers from car sickness then I think you might struggle. The one option that saved my sister (who also suffers from your affliction) was driving UP the coast from LA to SF. That way she was hugging the cliffs mostly so her nervousness/hurl factor was decreased somewhat and she managed it fairly well. Don't know if it's possible but possibly worth a thought.
It's a magnificently picturesque drive so if possible you should try to do it. Also remember that there are pull-offs every couple of mile at worst usually so there are plenty of opportunities to get some relief if you feel an In and Out about to re-appear!!
Enjoy your trip!!

 

[JumboBu]

Route 1 is one of the nicest, most picturesque drives you will ever take. As such, you should be the driver. anyone can get sick as a passé get on this road. As previously noted, full of hairpins and such. But also full of 100 year old bridges and stunning cliffs/lookouts. Stick to I-5 and 101 for alternate, non-stomach twisting routes.

 

[KCmike]

Greatest drive in the world! I did get a little car sick at times. Best to take breaks often if you feel like that. The worst part for me was just south of Monterey. Seemed like it went on forever. Gorgeous is probably an understatement.

 

[WDWLinda]

I agree with JumboBu...you should drive if you're worried. I get carsick if I'm a passenger, but driving I'm fine. And my husband loves to be chauffered around! This is a beautiful drive and you should try it!