Southern California Carlsbad to Anaheim--which route?

[RAnderson0819]

We will be driving from Carlsbad up to Anaheim in early September. Is that route that would take us up the coast, maybe the Pacific Coast Highway? (Not sure where to access it). What are good not-to-miss spots along the way? TIA!

 

[ILUVALASKA]

You can do 1 or take 405. YOu will be along the water until Capistrano.YOu can visit San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano Mission, or other pull outs.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

You can take the San Diego/5 freeway north. At San Clemente, take the El Camino Real offramp and head towards the ocean (left). It will wind its way to the coast, and then turn into PCH. Just keep in mind that there are also a lot of coastal cities, so some of the view of the ocean might be blocked by houses, but it's interesting to also see the beach communities. You can grab a bite in Dana Point or Laguna Beach. When you hit the 55 in Newport Beach, go east. That will take you to the 5 north again, and you can make your way to the Disneyland Resort.

 

[SMD]

It will only take you about an hour in good traffic. If we take the coastal route we usually do it south of Oceanside/Carlsbad when the traffic picks up. If you're planning to head into San Diego after Carlsbad, that's an option.

 

[RAnderson0819]

Thanks all! Still mapping it out