I-5 or PCH???

[JediPhil]

This is our first trip to DLR, actually our first trip to California. We'll be heading to Anaheim from Carlsbad, going the I-5 route. Just eyeballing Google maps, there comes a point where PCH branches off I-5, around Dana Point. We were wondering if the PCH would be a nice scenic way of getting to Anaheim? We are in no rush, we have a whole day to get from Carlsbad to Anaheim for our 6 day DLR stay. Or should we just stick to I-5? Maybe PCH is more stop-n-go traffic? Any major construction going on with either route? Anyone make the trip recently? Anyone have a favorite spot along the way to get down and enjoy the beach for an hour or two? Great, unique spots to dine at? Thanks for any info you can pass along to some Disneyland/California rookies.

 

[misty7260]

The PCH is a beautiful drive. I would recommend checking to make sure it is open all the way however. We wanted to take it earlier this year and found out part of the road was closed, and had to back track about 10 miles.

 

[AmyLou30]

If you have the time PCH is a beautiful drive

 

[AmericanItGirl]

The PCH is gorgeous, but keep in mind that you will have to cross over to the I-5 at some point (I recommend either Jamboree Road or the 55 if you want to stay on the PCH for as long as possible). There wasn't any problem with the PCH between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach when I was driving along it on Sunday. If you do head up to Newport Beach, I highly recommend making a left (head west) when you reach Jamboree Road, driving onto Balboa Island, and getting a Balboa Bar (a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in quick-freezing chocolate and your choice of topping) at either Dad's or Sugar and Spice. There are a number of good places to eat along the PCH, particularly in Laguna Beach (another great place just to pull off and walk around).

 

[SarafinaPink]

Dana Point is really pretty, one of my favorite spots in so cal, especially because it seems like a quieter area than most beaches. If you are in the mood for great all american diner food, my favorite diner is there, Harbor House Cafe.

 

[JediPhil]

Thanks for all the excellent tips, we really appreciate it. How about using the 22/Garden Grove Freeway to cut over from the PCH to I-5? Good idea, bad idea? Anything along the Garden Grove Freeway worth noting?

 

[eduk8r26]

JUst don't do it on a weekend during the summer!! It will take forever. It is a nice drive but it will be very crowded.