Road trip help from Disneyland to Sea..

[yenanh00]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me which route to take for a road trip from Disneyland to Seattle? I'm going to have 3,4, and 8 yrs old with me plus DH. We are doing a road trip after Disney. I'm planning to hit the beach at least once since there really isnt an actual beach in Seattle. Which one do you guys recommend? also to stop by San Francisco and Sacramento? any good place to eat along the way? What about anything is a must do or fun for my kids? thank you in advance.. Also when is rush hour in LA to start leaving for our trip?

 

[skiingfast]

Your final question is tricky because of another one.

The beaches will be better the further south you are. This is because the water and air will be warmer. So to avoid traffic and get to the beach when it's warm you might want to leave at ten, go to the beach, leave the beach by 3pm to avoid traffic leaving LA.

I would drive the scenic coast on highway 1, Between San Louis Obisbo and Monterey. This is a long drive.

If not on the coast there, you could drive the coast between Eugene and Portland Oregon.

 

[yenanh00]

any suggestion where to stop along the way? san francisco or sacremento?

 

[skiingfast]

I guess it depends on how you want to time the first day.

Stopping in San Louis Obisbo or Monterey.

You could visit Hearst Castle, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even the board walk in Santa Cruz.

SF I'd try to give a couple or 3 days. Lots to see and do there.

If you go all the way to Sacremento, I have enjoyed the Train Museum as a youth and adult. But Sac is a little out of the way.

 

[eduk8r26]

The drive along 101 from San Francisco north to Astoria, Oregon is a nice drive. The redwoods in northern California, ocean almost all through Oregon. The cheese factory in Tillamoook. You can easily drive and stop, drive and stop all through Oregon. There's so much to see.

 

[mamacatnv]

any suggestion where to stop along the way? san francisco or sacremento?

San Francisco hands down!
If you are coming up the coast San Francisco is easier to get to. Sacramento is much further inland and only worth a stop if you are coming up I-5

With the ages of your kids I would highly suggest
The Childrens Museum in San Jose (this place is amazing!)
The San Francisco Zoo
The Exploratorium is really cool but better suited for you older child
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is amazing
Personally while Hearst Castle is quite a site for adults I would imagine that small children would find it very boring.
The Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk would be fun for the whole family

What is your time frame for the road portion of your trip? That is a Loonnnggg drive

 

[Aurora1959]

The drive along 101 from San Francisco north to Astoria, Oregon is a nice drive. The redwoods in northern California, ocean almost all through Oregon. The cheese factory in Tillamoook. You can easily drive and stop, drive and stop all through Oregon. There's so much to see.

I totally agree with you on this drive. We did it when I was 13. The only issue is that the OP is going to have 3 young kids. Unless you want to stop and see a lot of things along this route - they are going to be bored. There is only so much looking out a window that they can handle before they get cranky. If you have the time to really enjoy the trip, I think it's worth it.

When my mom and dad took us on this, we spent about 10 days. We started in Astoria and and ended in SF before we went home. Their pattern was to visit a bit where ever we stayed the night. Drive for a few hours stopping to take breaks, then getting to our next overnight in time for dinner, or just after. Then start all over again in the morning. We hit Tillamook, Mystery Trees, Lighthouses I can't remember the names of, Fort Ross, Sea Ranch, Bowling Ball Beach, and a few other places I forgot the names of. I don't think everyone needs to take all that time. I just don't think it should be done with small kids in a day or two. It's not worth it.

 

[Esteri]

I think we're missing a really important piece of information to give you the best recommendations... How many days are you planning on your road trip taking? There's a world of difference between 3 and 10.

I can't recommend coming to Sacramento (and I live there!) on a trip like this - it's out of your way. Better off spending the time in San Francisco.

You've received some really great suggestions, all stuff that I'd say, so I'll just shut up now.
.