Suggestions for driving route and stops San Fran to San Diego

[rachaeld]

We leave San Francsico on a Monday morning, we stay in Santa Barbara that night and then the next night we are in San Diego. Originally planning on driving the coastal route the whole way, but wondering if this is the best idea or not. Are there some places that lack interest and we should jump into the freeway for? We are two families traveling together (separate cars) kids range from 7-14 and this is our first time in the USA.

I will also mention that we will already have had 10 days in Anaheim earlier in the trip and will have seen what we want to in LA, so we are happy to drive around LA instead of through it to save time.

 

[Poohbear 64]

If you want scenic driving, I would take HWY 1 / HWY 101 South along the coast from San Francisco through Monterey. It would be a longer drive to Santa Barbara, but very scenic and beautiful. From Santa Barbara the coast isn't as wonderful and congested. I would take HWY 101 to HWY 5 and go South straight to San Diego. You could go on the 405 to the 5 around Los Angeles, but it really won't save you time. You will eventually be along the coast on HWY 5 in South Orange County. If you leave Santa Barbara by 10-11am you should zip right through LA on HWY 5 before any major traffic starts. Safe travels.

 

[PrincessInOz]

If you had 2 nights on the road, then it would give you more time to stop a bit.

The 1/Cabrillo Highway from San Francisco down to Santa Cruz is lovely; and there are a few places to stop. But it will make for a long drive down. If you do have time and still want to drive down,there is the alternative to the Cabrillo, the Skyline drive, the 35, which would take you along the redwoods in Palo Alto. It is different to the coastal vistas you'll see along the PCH.

If you are keen to press on, I would take the 101 down and then cut across to Monterey and head down from there. Julia Pffeifer State Park is worth a stop and a walk. There is a waterfall that cascades straight down to the beach. You won't be able to get to the waterfall but there is a lookout where you will be able to see it.

I would also consider getting to the 101 after Pismo Beach and heading along the 154 into Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez valley can be quite pretty. If you haven't done so already, check out Solvang and see if you might want to stop there for a danish or three.


Have fun!

 

[rachaeld]

Do you think the route I have marked on this map (red hand drawn line) would work without missing any must see sight/attraction? This obviously is just the San Francisco to Santa Barbara portion.

 

[bcla]

I'd suggest going through Santa Cruz. However, Gilroy does have an outlet mall if you're looking to buy something.

I'd recommend going down CA-17 and taking a side trip to Roaring Camp Railroad.

http://www.roaringcamp.com

It's a narrow-gauge railroad with locomotives that were formerly used for logging and mining operations. They've got a couple of locomotives that were used on sugar plantations in Hawaii. The site itself was protected from commercial logging and there are spectacular old-growth redwoods there. My kid loved the place. It might take about two hours, but it would depend on their train schedule.

 

[Poohbear 64]

Perfect, We have traveled that route a few times both North and South and still love doing it. The scenery is spectacular. Enjoy and drive safe!!!

 

[rachaeld]

I'd suggest going through Santa Cruz. However, Gilroy does have an outlet mall if you're looking to buy something.

I'd recommend going down CA-17 and taking a side trip to Roaring Camp Railroad.

http://www.roaringcamp.com

It's a narrow-gauge railroad with locomotives that were formerly used for logging and mining operations. They've got a couple of locomotives that were used on sugar plantations in Hawaii. The site itself was protected from commercial logging and there are spectacular old-growth redwoods there. My kid loved the place. It might take about two hours, but it would depend on their train schedule.

That does look really cool, unfortunately we have to do San Fran to Santa Barbara in one day, hence why we have sacrificed some of the coastal route between San Fran and Monterey to cut down on time.

 

[PrincessInOz]

That does look really cool, unfortunately we have to do San Fran to Santa Barbara in one day, hence why we have sacrificed some of the coastal route between San Fran and Monterey to cut down on time.

That's a long drive for one day.

If you're heading via Solvang, I would recommend that you take the 154 into Santa Barbara rather than heading back out to the Coast Road. Depending on how traffic is around Santa Barbara, this might be the more direct and quicker route.