San Francisco to LA

[photomama]

we'd like to drive half way and spend the night, any must see sights?

Thanks

 

[lcasa]

Depends on which way you go - much more to see if you take the 101/Coast route than the 5 - unless you're a country music fan and want to go to Bakersfield!

The 101 is about twice as long time-wise, but beautiful - Big Sur, Monterey ( 17 mile drive really gorgeous - plus the aquarium is great), Carmel, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Redwoods. So for a 2 day trip I'd definitely do that. San Luis Obispo area is probably about 1/2 way and has some nice wineries - along with the Madonna Inn. I've never stayed but it's pretty famous ( and pretty pink ) - rooms have themes, like the "cave room" ( all on their website)

 

[corgi_monster]

Hearst Castle!

 

[skiingfast]

Hearst Castle!

I would definitely consider this. Because of where it is it's not terribly accessable and you may be driving right by it. It's between Cambria and San Simeon if you need somewhere to stay near it.

But I also like the Monterrey Bay Aqaurium and driving through the big trees.

 

[Somegirl]

Depends on which way you go - much more to see if you take the 101/Coast route than the 5 - unless you're a country music fan and want to go to Bakersfield!

The 101 is about twice as long time-wise, but beautiful - Big Sur, Monterey ( 17 mile drive really gorgeous - plus the aquarium is great), Carmel, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Redwoods. So for a 2 day trip I'd definitely do that. San Luis Obispo area is probably about 1/2 way and has some nice wineries - along with the Madonna Inn. I've never stayed but it's pretty famous ( and pretty pink ) - rooms have themes, like the "cave room" ( all on their website)

101 actually goes through the Silicon Valley and then the Salinas Valley but doesn't include Big Sur, 101 comes out at the coast near Pismo Beach. Then goes inland again until Gaviota near Santa Barbara. You'll drive along the coast until Ventura then it's inland the rest of the way to Los Angeles. 101 doesn't take twice as long, it will add about an hour to ride vs. Highway 5.

The route you want to see Big Sur and redwoods is Highway 1 and yes it takes a long time, but it is very nice. If you want to see the Big Sur coast and Hearst Castle you can skip Highway 1 until you get to Monterey and take it south from there. You could stay the night in San Simeon or Cambria. It takes about 3 hours to get to Cambria from Monterey with couple of short stops. Plan on longer if you stop for lunch or a hike. Try Nepenthe for lunch with the most amazing view around.
Then you can take 46 to 101 or stay on 46 to 5. Personally I'd take 101 the rest of the way to Los Angeles. This way you'll still see a lot of the coast the rest of the way down.
From San Francisco you can take 101 south to highway 68 which will take you right to Monterey. Let me know if you any other questions. This is my neck of the woods and I've done this trip a million times.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Consider staying 2 nights and dividing the trip into thirds, or you'll be driving most of the time and won't be able to relax and enjoy anything. I'd stop at Monterey/Carmel for sure, and then further south for whatever you want to see there, such as Paso Robles (wine tasting), Hearst Castle, Solvang, Santa Barbara.

 

[sharon78]

We drove along the coast, wonderful. We split it into two. Starting at SF driving to Pismo Beach staying at The Light House Suites, Beautiful.

SF to Pismo took us 8 hours, we made loads of stops, saw some beautiful sights, took some lovely photos. Pismo to Sheraton Universal Hollywood took us 6 hours, again had plenty of stops, stoped at a few towns and took in some rays at a few beaches.

Not a drive you should rush, enjoy.

 

[rodfromhawaii]

Monterey Aquarium is nice.
Half way to LAX is Hearst Castle and Solvang. It is a perfect rest stop. May be a boring for young kids though.