Driving From San Diego to DL. Take the PCH or no?

[deej696]

We are planning a long weekend to San Diego and Disneyland. Its always been a dream of mine to drive the PCH, but I dont really know much about it as far as where is the good driving. I looked at Google maps and it looks like you can take the I-5 to Capistrano Beach and then hop on the PCH.

My questions are, first is it worth it to do this stretch of the drive, is it as picturesque as I've always seen. If so, how long will it add to the drive to DL. TIA

 

[deej696]

Anyone?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Some of the drive is picturesque, but some of the drive is just through city. PCH doesn't always have views of the beach and ocean. I have driven it a few times, and we've enjoyed it, but it's not always scenic.

 

[MANewcoste]

At its southernmost end, Route 1 terminates at Interstate 5 in Capistrano Beach, just south of San Juan Capistrano. With the name Pacific Coast Highway, it then travels north into downtown Dana Point, where, for one mile (1.6 km), northbound traffic continues along the original PCH alignment while southbound traffic is diverted onto parallel Del Prado. After the two roads merge into PCH, Route 1 then heads north along the coast through Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove State Park.


Southbound PCH near Laguna Beach.Route 1 then enters Newport Beach, where its name changes to simply Coast Highway. It passes through several affluent neighborhoods, including Newport Coast and Corona Del Mar, and spans the entrance to the Upper Newport Bay. Upon entering Huntington Beach, Route 1 regains the designation of Pacific Coast Highway. It passes Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach, and passes through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. It continues along the coast into Seal Beach, the final city in Orange County.


I take this route above ~ The drive for me is wonderful as you see the ocean at various points and drive through the towns. I'd say it is worth it if you have the time. Depending on traffic it can add anywhere from 30 mins to an hour and a half (getting to PCH/travel on PCH/getting back to the 5)

 

[scooter15]

The scenic drive on PCH is from Morro Bay up towards Big Sur or vice versa. The drive from OC to San Diego isn't so bad but not what most people picture. If you aren't from here then I suggest that you should go that way but its a LONG drive and you will hit some residential neighborhoods and not so scenic (non beach) views.

 

[Disney Dreams]

It's a great drive, sometimes amazingly beautiful, if you are not in a hurry and not concerned about time. It is much longer thhan I-5, but again, very pretty in certain sections.

 

[deej696]

Thnaks for the info everyone. Considering I've never seen the PCH, my guess is I wouldnt know the difference between this stretch and those areas that may be more scenic. Think we're gonna add a few hours to our trip from San Diego to DL