where to stop for break from driving

[glewis1123]

Hi - we're driving down from San Jose for the 1st time - usually fly into SNA (don't like lax) but airfare is too high right now. So..... where's a good place to stop, stretch our legs a bit and grab a quick bite - mc donalds, burger king type places? We plan on leaving about 4 or 5 in the morning.

Any ideas about how long it will take us

Thanks

 

[Uncle Buck]

This brings back a lot of memories driving between Long Beach and San Jose State!

Assuming you are taking 101 to 152 to I-5 and leaving at 5:00, and driving rather conservatively, you won't have a lot of choices. Kettleman City is approximately 175 miles from San Jose, so you'll wan't to just fly by since it will only be around 8:00 and you'll still have way more than a half tank of gas. You'll hit Buttonwillow by 9:00 - if nature calls, stop, otherwise keep on going.

Keep on truckin' over the Grapevine until you hit Castaic, just past Magic Mountain. You should get there between 10 and 11. There is everything you'd ever want an then some. Turn right at the exit, then immediately left. Ignore everyhing else and hit In-n-Out - it's down the hill a bit on the left-hand side.

Depending on traffic, you'll be about 2.5 hours from DLR.


Tip: roll-up the windows and put the A/C on recirculate when you see the signs for Coalinga until you pass Harris Ranch (beef cattle).

 

[jlproffitt]

We left San Francisco last Thursday night about 9 pm, stopped at Buttonwillow at the Motel 6 at 2:30 am. We had reservations and the motel was fully booked. Left again at 7:30 am and got to Universal at 9:30 am. Drove straight back from DLR Tuesday during the day. Took about 7 hours.

From the Bay Area, you'll pass Lost Hills on I-5 about an hour before you get to Buttonwillow. That is equally sized with similar accommodations.

If you are on I-5 southbound, don't take the first exit that says Buttonwillow. There's nothing there. Wait until you see the motels and other signs at the next exit.

 

[glewis1123]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Is Buttonwillow the area just before going over the grapevine?

I drove down once - but that was back in 1972 and I was 18 driving with my parents - what is the speed limit on 5 - we always manage to stay around the speed limit - meaning 5 - 10 over.

thanks

 

[Uncle Buck]

Buttonwillow is about 30 miles from the foot of the Grapevine. Distance from Buttonwillow to Castaic is about 85 miles.

There is a small area just after Hwy. 99 joins I-5 at the foot of the Grapevine. Couple gas stations, a truckstop, and a couple small fast food joints. Last time I was through ('95), there was nothing noteworthy.

Your travel times should be fine any day of the week.

 

[teri]

When we take 152 to 5, we like to stop at Casa de Fruta, for the kids. Cute little playground there, we load up on relatively nutritious snacks and gift tins, gas up the car, and then blast down.

When we take 101, we always stop in San Luis Obispo, either at Madonna Inn or one stop further down at Hobees for a good meal. then we blast down.

 

[year2late]

heed Uncle Bucks warning about putting your AC on recirculate near Coalinga!!!!
You will be thankful!

 

[teri]

That is very true... one of the reasons we usualy take 101 is that my asthma acts up right on that stretch of Rt 5, it isn't worth the 1 hour driving time difference to me to be that sick.

 

[year2late]

You go 101 all the way down? How is the drive?We go down often and it is such a boring drive down on I-5. (plus we seem to get held up un Mckittrick/Buttonwillow because of big rig accidents about 1/4 of the time)

 

[teri]

Yep, all the way down. It is a much more pleasant route, in terms of scenery, worth the extra time. The only really serious curves are around Atascadero, before you get to SLO, but it is no worse to me than Grapevine and the traffic isn't as crazy. How long it really takes depends on traffic, accidents, etc.. For us, having a pleasant trip down is more important than speed. We really enjoy seeing the coast from Avila Beach to Ventura, and even the inland parts of the drive are scenic - we love it. If we are going to the inlaws, we go on down Rt. 1, but I don't recommend it as an alternate to 101 unless you have some reason to go that way, it is not an efficient route and PCH can be bad when there is an accident, or even if they are filming a movie.

 

[year2late]

Thanks!!!!

 

[glewis1123]

Hi

Just wanted to thank everyone for all the replies, suggestions and advice.

You are all truly appreciated.

Thank You.

 

[teri]

For those interested in the 101 or Rt. 1 route, check out my post on Mary Jo's FAQ about Other Things to do in Southern California and let me know if something is missing!

 

[sueg]

We are driving from SF to DL on 1/101. They closed 101 w/ us on it due to a bad accident at San Luis Obsipo. We stopped for the night at the Santa Maria Inn. What a gem! Large rooms, rose garden outdoor sauna. Reasonable rates. After leaving the Hearst Castle, I learned that many celebs, who were visiting Hearst, stayed at the Santa Maria Inn.

 

[teri]

Sueq, I hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly!