Best time of the year to for scenic drive on US 1 (San Diego: school, living in)

[itisthumper]

I want to drive up for a road trip and a scenic & spirited drive. I want to go during a time where there are a as few cars on the road as possible. When is this time? Preferably during the Spring or Summer

[MtnSurfer]

I would highly recommend Spring. That is when wildflowers are blooming and the hills are really green. It is also warmer and less foggy than Summer, less crowded too.










Summer is the 'worst time' due to coastal fog which sets in. Yet that is when most tourist visit. So you get the worst weather and crowds combined. Don't come in Summer! Any season is better, including Winter.

Derek

[Wallop the Spot]

For the past two years, I have visited the Central Coast in October. By the second visit, I realized that, in October, I was seeing California at its driest and brownest (and hottest!). Coming from the East Coast, I was not prepared for a heat wave in October (Virginia's heat waves occur in July and August).

While we were on a tour of Filoli Gardens (Woodside) last October, our tour guide recommended visiting in late-February/early-March to see the best flower displays. Is it true that the flowers are out so early? On my next visit, I want to see my favorite town (and future retirement spot), Pacific Grove, at its greenest and floweriest.

[itisthumper]

I was thinking of going during early to mid May, just before school is out. I'm making the trip from San Diego so I will be stopping by a lot of places on the way.

[MtnSurfer]

The wildflowers can sometimes start as early as late March. Just keep in mind the peak blooms vary year to year depending on rains and weather. That said April is a good month to target which is right in the middle of bloom season - late March to early May. I've caught great flowers anywhere in that window depending on the year.

Filoli Gardens is a beautiful place. Their blooms happen at slightly different times than the local wiildflowers depending on the plants. The tulips, which they are famous for, come alive in early April:








Derek

[Wallop the Spot]

Derek,

Thank you. Love the pictures. Wish I were there (the temperature outside my door is currently 17 degrees). Whoever wrote "California Dreamin" must have been living in Virginia in January.

[itisthumper]

Thanks for the head's up, Derek. I'll try to aim for April but I'm unsure how that will work out with the Coachella Music Fest in the same month.

Are there any specific places I should visit such as the Monterey Aquarium?

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by itisthumper

Thanks for the head's up, Derek. I'll try to aim for April but I'm unsure how that will work out with the Coachella Music Fest in the same month.

Are there any specific places I should visit such as the Monterey Aquarium?

It really depends what things you enjoy most. The aquarium is always a winner. Whale watching can be really great too. Since I love nature the Big Sur coast is a destination in and of itself and not to be missed. Check out Point Lobos in Carmel.

BTW, I would check the Monterey events calandar and try to come when thee are no *major* events like the Jazz Festival, unless of course you are coming for the event itself.

[ccm123]

Always drove US-1 in the springtime (e.g. April, May) during the week. Less traffic than summertime and generally warm and nice.

Definitely a must do!

[itisthumper]

I'm aiming for April 19 - 21. Do you guys know how I can access the 17-mile private road?

Also, how are the conditions of the roads? Are there a lot of potholes, or rocky areas that I have to drive my car over?

I'm not planning to attend any events as I'm pressed for time with only 3 days to drive up and back to San Diego.