Southern California Help with toll roads/transponders....oh my!

[jonsmom57]

Where to begin....

I am planning a family trip to California next Summer. In order to accommodate everyone's wishes, we are flying into San Francisco for 3 days. We are renting a car on the last day & driving North to Napa Valley.

We will then travel south, stopping in Pismo Beach, Disneyland and finally San Diego.

What type of Fast Pass/Transponder will I need to rent/purchase that will allow me to travel all the toll roads from Point A to Point B?

I know the rental agency does offer a rental, but $11 a day adds up and there will be days where the car wont be used for 2-3 days.

What is the best solution?

Thanks - also posting to Disneyland board incase this board isn't visited as often.

 

[rmgreenesq]

I can't speak for any of the toll roads/bridges in northern California (I live in SoCal), but there are only three toll roads down here in Southern California that are transponder only and do not take cash: The CA-91 Express Lanes, the I-110 Express Lanes, and the CA-241. All the other roads will take cash.

The first two toll roads (CA-91 & I-110) parallel free roads. They are optional lanes that people who wish to pay can drive in. Given your route of travel, I'd advise you to stay off the 241. Not sure why you would need to travel on it.

Rick

 

[jonsmom57]

I can't speak for any of the toll roads/bridges in northern California (I live in SoCal), but there are only three toll roads down here in Southern California that are transponder only and do not take cash: The CA-91 Express Lanes, the I-110 Express Lanes, and the CA-241. All the other roads will take cash.

The first two toll roads (CA-91 & I-110) parallel free roads. They are optional lanes that people who wish to pay can drive in. Given your route of travel, I'd advise you to stay off the 241. Not sure why you would need to travel on it.

Rick

Its mind-boggling - thanks Rick

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

Here's a link to the FasTrak website for the Bay Area: https://www.bayareafastrak.org/

I don't know all the details on it, but from the website it says this:
"The quick and convenient way to pay tolls on Bay Area bridges and future Express Lanes. Your FasTrak toll tag can be used anywhere you see the FasTrak sign, including all toll bridges and Express Lanes in the Bay Area, as well as toll roads in Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. There are several ways to sign up for FasTrak — follow one of the steps below."

I have heard of people from out of state setting up an account and ordering the FasTrak before they come out here. You get a transponder thing (I think they call it a "Toll Tag" on the website) that you can put in any vehicle. The other option is to pay after using the toll bridge by going online and entering in your credit card and the license plate info. But that can be tricky with a rental - not sure how that would work.

Hope that helps!

 

[StageTek]

We are renting a car on the last day & driving North to Napa Valley.

We will then travel south, stopping in Pismo Beach, Disneyland and finally San Diego.

Using this path the only toll you will encounter is Golden Gate bridge
going south (into San Francisco). After that (to Pismo>Anaheim>San
Diego) no toll roads at all.

http://goldengate.org/tolls/

 

[jonsmom57]

Using this path the only toll you will encounter is Golden Gate bridge
going south (into San Francisco). After that (to Pismo>Anaheim>San
Diego) no toll roads at all.

http://goldengate.org/tolls/

Thanks!

 

[GrandBob]

Using this path the only toll you will encounter is Golden Gate bridge going south (into San Francisco). After that (to Pismo>Anaheim>San Diego) no toll roads at all.

I was going to say the same thing. And the only reason to take the GG bridge when going south from Napa is if you really want to sightsee over it, and are willing to put up with the traffic in the City after crossing the bridge.

If you just want to travel, a much better way to go south from Napa is to take CA 12 east to I-680 south. In San Jose, switch to US-101 south. No tolls in that direction at all (the Benicia bridge is toll in the northbound direction only).

-Bob

 

[jonsmom57]

I was going to say the same thing. And the only reason to take the GG bridge when going south from Napa is if you really want to sightsee over it, and are willing to put up with the traffic in the City after crossing the bridge.

If you just want to travel, a much better way to go south from Napa is to take CA 12 east to I-680 south. In San Jose, switch to US-101 south. No tolls in that direction at all (the Benicia bridge is toll in the northbound direction only).

-Bob

Its the sightseeing aspect After Napa we are heading back to Fishermans Wharf for a night.

 

[GrandBob]

In that case, and since you want to see sights from/near the GG Bridge, I have a couple of comments and suggestions.

First, the very popular overlook toward the city on the north end of the GG Bridge is only accessible from the northbound lanes. If you want to see this overlook, you'll have to do it on the way to Napa. You can't get there on your way back from Napa, unless you go all the way across the bridge, make a U-turn, and go back.

However, there's another lookout spot that I like even better, and that one is accessible from both directions. If you're southbound (back to the city), exit on Alexander Ave, which is the very last exit before you hit the bridge. It's a very short exit. Turn left, go about 50 yards, then make sure you stay right so you don't go back onto the freeway. Follow the road uphill about 1/4 mile. There's a small parking area with space for 15-20 cars or so. Park, get out, and follow the trail for 100 yards or so (past the WWII artillery bunker). You'll be on top of a hill, directly opposite the north tower of the bridge. Close enough that you'll feel like you could reach out and touch it. It's a fantastic view, all the way from Angel Island and Alcatraz, past the city, and out to sea. The bridge is right next to and below you.

See my posts #7 and #8 in this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2511788

In post #8, the first photo is at the popular tourist overlook that you can only get to while northbound. The second photo is from the overlook off Alexander Ave, that I just described. Notice we're more bundled up in the 2nd photo - it can get windy there. But the view is worth it.

HTH,
Bob

ETA - Looking at it via Google Maps street view, it appears that the Alexander Ave exit is just marked as "Sausalito". But never fear. It's the only exit possible after passing through the Waldo Tunnel and before you hit the bridge.

 

[jonsmom57]

Bob,

What amazing photographs. Sure does look like you can reach out and touch the bridge. What time of year was the photo taken? We are travelling in August and I understand temps are cooler than on the East Coast.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my post with such great detail.

I have copied/pasted your reply and attached it to my itinerary.

Thanks again.

 

[GrandBob]

You're welcome, jonsmom57; and thanks for the compliments on the pictures. I believe they were taken in February, which is typically our rainy season. But as you can see, when it isn't raining, it can be nice and sunny out.

Similarly, August is usually fog season. But again, it will vary day to day, and some days will be nice. Just make sure you bring along sweatshirts and/or jackets, as you'll undoubtedly encounter some cold foggy days. Reportedly, it was Mark Twain who stated "the coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco." When I lived there, we used to say that the local sport was watching tourists in Bermuda shorts, turning blue. Forewarned is forearmed.

Have a great trip,
Bob

 

[jonsmom57]

Geez Bob, do you ever have a period of time where it isn't cold, rainy or foggy? lol....

Thanks for the info. If I can figure it out, I would like to private message you from time to time with questions, if you don't mind.

We have rented an apartment on Point St. (I think its Point or North Point) which is close to Fisherman's Wharf and we won't need a car.

I hadn't given a thought to sweatshirts/jackets. Now I will.

Thanks for your replies.

Joanne

 

[GrandBob]

Geez Bob, do you ever have a period of time where it isn't cold, rainy or foggy? lol....

Yes, now. It's been mid to upper 80s here lately. I keep telling whoever will listen that the times to visit the west coast are spring and fall. April, May, Sept, Oct are beautiful, warm months.

You're welcome to send email to ask questions any time. I'd suggest email over PM - just click on my name and then "send email". I tend to not notice PMs for long periods of time, as I don't normally use that mechanism.

On North Point St, you'll be at ground zero for the Fisherman's Wharf area. Between the many things that will be in walking distance, plus SFs quite good public transit, you'll be fine without a car.

Have fun,
Bob