Phoenix to San Diego (and driving within San Diego)

[asksd]

@ RAM

Lots of desert, farms, mountains.

There are ways around the many laned sections of freeway, however easty-westy you're most likey to encounter 6+ lanes only where the major interstates meet. The 15 north is insane, if you can avoid it, do, if not go all white knuckles on the steering wheel. Really there are ways around if you want to add time to your route.

Hope this helps!

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Greta2009

I'll be driving to San Diego from Phoenix this summer. As explained in a previous posting, large highways really scare me. 4 laners are doable, but 8 is just too much for me. Is it feasible to get around San Diego while completing avoiding such highways? Also, while I know I'll have to follow the highway for most of the road from Phoenix to San Diego, I'm wondering if there's a way to get into the city that at least avoids the 8 laners. Thanks much for your help.

I realize this is a rather old thread that I apparently missed in its initial stage ... but I really don't understand this mentality. You're from Phoenix, but large highways scare you??? How do you possibly get around in Phoenix without using the many large, wide streets & freeways?

Originally Posted by jksouthbay88

Our freeways may be the same size as PHX Metro's from what I see.The only wide freeways are the merge and parts of the 15 around the 163,Mira Mesa Blvd and the 56.Most of them have four general purpose lanes and you might get a fifth lane but it's normally an exit only lane or a lane form an on ramp.

I agree. This is why it's baffling the way the OP wanted to avoid "large highways" when Phoenix and San Diego both have a rather extensive freeway system. San Diego may have more freeway miles than Phoenix, but not that many more!

Originally Posted by zango

The good news. There are no friggin speed cameras here. So you dont have to worry about getting your picture taken while doing 76 mph. So enjoy your new freedom. Welcome to Ca.

Amen!!! Keep in mind, though, that the ridiculous photo SCAMera system was put in place by Arizona's ex Governor ... it was never approved by the voters. In fact, more people than not are against the speed cameras if the truth were known.

Originally Posted by chrispycritter2

Phoenix blows!

Only when there's wind!
()

[tomwins]

Originally Posted by RAMose

Are there any good sight seeing spots between San Diego & Phoenix?

The most interesting stop would probably be Joshua Tree National Park. This would require you to take I-10 route. It is a little faster to use I-8 but if you want the scenic route, go I-10. Another interesting stop along the way includes Palm Springs and the many things to see/do there (I highly recommend the tram).

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by RAMose

Are there any good sight seeing spots between San Diego & Phoenix?

Also, the sand dunes that can be seen from the 8 on the CA/AZ border are pretty sweet.