Questions about trip from SF to SD

[stmom2]

Hi everyone. I have been doing a lot of reading here but still have a few questions.

Our family of 4 will be doing a two week trip in June from San Fran to San Diego or vice versa. Is it better to start in San Diego or San Fran in your opinion? We are going down the coast 1/101 for the scenic route and I am a bit nervous about the drop off/cliffs etc. Is one way better than the other in that regard?

We will be spending several days in San Fran, 2 days in LA, 2 days in Anaheim at Disney and 2-3 in San Diego. I would like to add Big Sur and Monterey into the agenda if possible??? Your thoughts? Any place else that you can suggest that we add going doing the coast?

Any input is appreciated. We travel a lot but this trip seems to be quite overwhelming to plan.

Thanks
Trish

 

[PrincessInOz]

Happy Planning! Sounds like you've got a great trip planned.

Hi everyone. I have been doing a lot of reading here but still have a few questions.

Our family of 4 will be doing a two week trip in June from San Fran to San Diego or vice versa. Is it better to start in San Diego or San Fran in your opinion? We are going down the coast 1/101 for the scenic route and I am a bit nervous about the drop off/cliffs etc. Is one way better than the other in that regard?

I would say that whether you start in SD or SF would depend on which airport would give you a better airfare price when you book your flights.

The Pacific Coast Highway is a very scenic road and the drop offs/cliffs really aren't as bad once you start driving. From memory, I think it really is past San Simeon towards Monterey that is a little higher. The only thing is to check road conditions closer to your travel time; as there are rock falls from time to time that may block the road.

We will be spending several days in San Fran, 2 days in LA, 2 days in Anaheim at Disney and 2-3 in San Diego. I would like to add Big Sur and Monterey into the agenda if possible??? Your thoughts? Any place else that you can suggest that we add going doing the coast?

Any input is appreciated. We travel a lot but this trip seems to be quite overwhelming to plan.

Thanks
Trish

I recommend a minimum of 2 nights on the Pacific Coast Highway. One night at Solvang or Pismo Beach or San Simeon; and the other night at Monterey. If you decide you want to see Hearst Castle, then I would add a 3rd night and stay at San Simeon just so you can see the castle properly. Check out the website and decide if it is for you and your family. I believe that some of the day tours do book out; so it might be something you would need to consider and decide on beforehand.

Other road stops to consider:

• There is usually a colony of elephant seals at Piedras Blancas. It's just past San Simeon on the San Francisco side.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. There is a short walk out to McWay Falls. It cascades straight on to the beach.
• Bixby Bridge.
• Nepenthe. It's been years since I've been there; but check out if the restaurant appeals. $$$.
• Somewhere along the way will be a place where you might be able to spot otters. It might be at Point Lobos??

 

[Purrkins]

Heading South to North will put you on the right side of the 1, and thus further away from the cliffs.

But noting to worry about. It's a slow and pretty drive. Enjoy!

+1 for Point Lobos, for my money, one of the most magical places on earth.

 

[alex881]

Agree with the 2 nights on the pch. We did it over thanksgiving. Spent a night in San Luis obispo and a night in Monterrey. We felt rushed on our day between the two (but the sun will set 3-4 hrs later in June giving you more time).

There is a federally controlled beach around Julia Pfeiffer. We actually found out about it from a guide map in Julia Pfeiffer park. There are no real signs for it but it was an awesome beach. Majestic rock formations with huge waves crashing along them. One of many very cool scenic stops.