driving from Long Beach to Seattle (San Francisco, Santa Monica: best, studios, county)

[brrrinmass]

Hi all, How long does it take from Long Beach to Seattle? What is the most scenic route? What is rte 1 like? Does it take forever to drive up rte 1? Are there many traffic lights and towns to drive thru? I am assuming this is the most scenic route. Probably like to stop a few nights along the way to make a nice leisurely scenic ride. Where are the redwood forests located? Guess I should have stated earlier that we have never been to CA. so would like to see some major attractions along the way. Gold Gate bridge among the sites to see.

[Hemlock140]

Stopping only for gas, restroom and food, it ill take about 20 hours taking I5 freeway all the way. For a more scenic route using 101 and 1, you could add 4 hours to that without stopping. There will be lower speed limits, some winding roads, and small towns with traffic lights and speed traps. The best Redwoods are in Humboldt County, on Highway 101. I would suggest going up the coast
to San Francisco, then stay north for the night at somewhere like San Rafael or Petaluma. Continue on 101 and eventually, on the next day stay at Eureka. Then see the redwoods, and spend night in Brookings, Oregon. the most scenic part is in Oregon, I'd stay at Tillamook, then the next day see Canon Beach and Seaside before heading to I5 via Astoria/highway 30 for the rest of the trip to Seattle. It would be a shame to rush and miss the Oregon Coast.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Stopping only for gas, restroom and food, it ill take about 20 hours taking I5 freeway all the way. For a more scenic route using 101 and 1, you could add 4 hours to that without stopping. There will be lower speed limits, some winding roads, and small towns with traffic lights and speed traps. The best Redwoods are in Humboldt County, on Highway 101. I would suggest going up the coast
to San Francisco, then stay north for the night at somewhere like San Rafael or Petaluma. Continue on 101 and eventually, on the next day stay at Eureka. Then see the redwoods, and spend night in Brookings, Oregon. the most scenic part is in Oregon, I'd stay at Tillamook, then the next day see Canon Beach and Seaside before heading to I5 via Astoria/highway 30 for the rest of the trip to Seattle. It would be a shame to rush and miss the Oregon Coast.

Agreed.

I make the trip several times a year, alternating between route described and, on other trips, I take I-5. I-5 is also beautiful part of the way, but really only between Redding, CA and about Eugene, OR. The rest of I-5 could be anyplace USA.

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by brrrinmass

would like to see some major attractions along the way.

Long Beach Aquarium
USS IOWA
Maybe some views in Palos Verdes
The Strand in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach
Venice Beach
Santa Monica Pier
The Getty Museum
LACMA
The Space Shuttle
Universal Studios
Hearst Castle
Central Coast Wineries
Big Sur
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Napa Valley

//www.city-data.com/forum/monte...l#post38042145

[OwlKaMyst]

The Redwoods stretch from Big Sur to Oregon. The road to 'see' them is called Avenue of the Giants. It runs parallel to 101, starts about 220 miles from SF. It is about a 40-50 mile road, goes through several very small towns (Miranda, pop. 515). There are many places to pull over and walk the groves. Pick up a lunch in Garberville and picnic on the Avenue. If you pull off on the west side, you can even go down to the Eel river, as it is right there. It is one of the few north flowing rivers in the world.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by OwlKaMyst

The Redwoods stretch from Big Sur to Oregon. The road to 'see' them is called Avenue of the Giants. It runs parallel to 101, starts about 220 miles from SF. It is about a 40-50 mile road, goes through several very small towns (Miranda, pop. 515). There are many places to pull over and walk the groves. Pick up a lunch in Garberville and picnic on the Avenue. If you pull off on the west side, you can even go down to the Eel river, as it is right there. It is one of the few north flowing rivers in the world.

Also agree here that the Avenue of the Giants is a great stretch - if the OP has the time. If not there are many good redwood stops along 101 as well. But the Avenue is best!

[brrrinmass]

Thanks for all the quick replies folks. I certainly will start looking things up that you have suggested. Really appreciate your time. Any other suggestions are certainly welcome and thanks in advance. We would probably take 3 or 4 days to drive up the coast. Would that be enough time to catch most of the things that you "guys" mentioned? Also I have been reading about the fog. We will probably be going around the beginning of August. Will this be a huge problem or a minor nuisance?
Thanks again.