San Diego to LAX - Scenic Route?

[outlander]

We were thinking about driving along the coast from San Diego back to LAX. We've never been to California before, so don't know if this would be a good plan or not. Would this be feasable to do in one day and is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[mechurchlady]

You can get off at San Clemente and drive north along the coast. There are quaint towns like Laguna Beach and you can go down to see the Hide Throwers statue in Dana Point. There is lots to see and I love the view from the cliffs next to the Lantern Inn if it is still there. You can eventually veer off and drive through 2nd street and stop and a delicious Naples Rib Company just as you go over the bridge. Gluten free corn muffins, sigh, and ribs. Excellent and large portions of food.

Let me count the ways I love the coast roads, lol. I got a ton of them but some are not quite doable on a short schedule.

 

[bumbershoot]

IMO, the scenic route is best achieved by taking the Surfliner train to Anaheim. No one is driving, everyone can enjoy the views!

 

[outlander]

Thanks mechurchlady and bumershoot! I appreciate the feedback.

We are renting a car from LAX and driving down to San Diego after our stay in Anaheim. We have a time constraints for the trip down but the whole day is available for travel back to LAX from San Diego. We were just wondering if it is feasable, or even worthwhile to do a 'scenic route' on the way back. Driving the SoCal coast sounds awesome, just not sure if it really is!

Any more advice, routes, must see's along the way would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[mechurchlady]

Sure do that and you can pick and choose like drive up to San Clemente and then up the coast or maybe get off at Oceanside for a quick beach stop.

La Jolla (La Hoy yah/La Ho yah/La Hoy ah)
Quaint beach town
http://www.lajollabythesea.com/

http://www.torreypine.org/
For the nature lover

Not sure where but there are flower farms along the way and a Music Museum along the way and Legoland.

Carlsbad and Del Mar a nice towns and I love Capitstoran of its history.
Dana Point and Balboa Island, oh so much to see and do but most important is the nice drive you get. It is no longer a through rode and you have to use the freeway through Camp Pendleton.

 

[outlander]

Thank you so much for more great tips! we are in Anaheim today. Great day at DL and beautiful weather!

We appreciate all of your help!