Looking for a place to stay to cut trip in half (San Francisco: how much, dangerous)

[Statz2k10]

Originally Posted by AustinTraveler

You'll pick up the 101 in San Luis Obispo. There is a section of Hwy 1 near Lompoc but don't take that as it just runs by Vandenberg AFB and not along the ocean. If you don't want to see the Carmel area then you could push on to Cambria. I wouldn't go any further though because you'll be tired from the driving. Highway 1 isn't like the 101. The driver has to be concentrating on the road the whole time. Lots of twists and turns and slow moving traffic. This all might be a moot point by March because rainy season is coming and with the recent fire we could very likely have mudslides, which means Hwy 1 will closed.

Thanks for the advice on mudslides. I have a feeling this will happen closer to May or June now.

[Statz2k10]

Originally Posted by evening sun

Unless you want to stay in SF the first night, why not head down to Pacifica or Half Moon bay, both are small towns, just south of SF & right on Highway 1. Hotels there will also include parking, make sure any place you book in SF also has parking, some hotels want to charge extra for parking. If you want to stay on One all the way, just stay on it. If you use gps it will likely try to divert you back to the freeway.

Well, you raise a good question. The reason I'm flying into SFO is two reasons. One, Delta I do not believe flies to Oakland or any other airport close by.

Two, I would like to venture up near the Golden Gate bridge to get some good pictures.

Otherwise, I'd like to start heading south the minute I land. BUT.. I have a feeling we won't land in SFO until after 9. And after a long day of flying it's just better to start fresh in the morning.

[evening sun]

Originally Posted by Statz2k10

Well, you raise a good question. The reason I'm flying into SFO is two reasons. One, Delta I do not believe flies to Oakland or any other airport close by.

Two, I would like to venture up near the Golden Gate bridge to get some good pictures.

Otherwise, I'd like to start heading south the minute I land. BUT.. I have a feeling we won't land in SFO until after 9. And after a long day of flying it's just better to start fresh in the morning.

That sounds fun, but the traffic on the GG Bridge can be knarly.

[Statz2k10]

So here is some additional information. You all have been helpful

I have considered flying into SFO on Thursday night. And making it a goal to get to LA by Sunday.
This would allow more time to check out spots on the way down there. The reason I am not 100% sure on that is if I set a check in time for LA (hotel) on Sunday. I might find myself within 2-3 hours driving distance of where I plan to check in Saturday night. So it's almost like I'd then be upset that I didn't just schedule to check in on Saturday night.

The idea of flying into SFO on Thursday night. Leaving Friday towards Santa Barbara via highway 1 for Friday night. Then the next day arrive in LA was an idea to maximize that in terms of still having 6 days in LA area.

I know that the 101 is close to the 1 so if I felt like I was getting behind I could always jump on the 101 to make up time (say for Saturday).

I just have a goal to do the whole PCH. I've done it from LAX to SD. If I could do it from SF to LAX that would just leave North of SF to finish.

[evening sun]

I think you need to forget your drive to the GG Bridge. While it is beautiful, it will delay you by at least half a day. Get a jump start on your trip & head down One as soon as you land. If time was not an issue I would say spend time in Sf, but time is an issue.

[Statz2k10]

I'm actually thinking about making it a two day road trip instead of one.

I fly into SF on Thursday night. Stay there that night. Then on Friday morning leave & make it a goal to get to LA on Sunday at some time preferably by 4-5 pm right after check in time.

I figure that would allow much more time?

[NORTY FLATZ]

Originally Posted by Statz2k10

Thanks for the advice on mudslides. I have a feeling this will happen closer to May or June now.

May or June? Don't bother then, as it'll likely be FOGGY.

[AustinTraveler]

Originally Posted by NORTY FLATZ

May or June? Don't bother then, as it'll likely be FOGGY.

Much more likely to be foggy later in the summer. May and June are fine. Also, since you're driving from San Francisco, any fog will likely have burned off by the time you reach Big Sur. Just make sure your drive on Hwy 1 is over well before it gets dark. That's not a road you want to be on after dark.

[Statz2k10]

Originally Posted by evening sun

I think you need to forget your drive to the GG Bridge. While it is beautiful, it will delay you by at least half a day. Get a jump start on your trip & head down One as soon as you land. If time was not an issue I would say spend time in Sf, but time is an issue.

You say it would delay me half a day? Why is that?

I'm not talking about driving over the bridge but driving from the hotel we stay at to the park area on the south end of the bridge. I've googled directions & it says 30 minutes from the airport to that park area.

And that's from the airport. I'd be coming from a hotel that would likely be 10-20 minutes north of the airport.

Now, I will say my original trip of just 1 full day of driving probably wouldn't work to well but I think I'm going to spend 2 days going from SF to LA area.

Thanks again for suggestions.

[nmnita]

You will be able to find lots of scenic and small towns on your drive and it is a beautiful drive as long as the roads are open by the time you take your trip. San Semeon is one place that would work for you. Now, lets pray for open roads, no more fires and no more mudslides