Thinking of road trip from L.A to S.F. this summer (San Francisco: how much)

[Raven1976]

What are some great places to visit on the drive between those two?

We are going to make a stop at Santa Cruz to visit the famous boardwalk, but other than that what do you suggest?

[Lifeshadower]

Originally Posted by Raven1976

What are some great places to visit on the drive between those two?

We are going to make a stop at Santa Cruz to visit the famous boardwalk, but other than that what do you suggest?

This is kind of ironic..I've made that drive so many times, I can practically do it asleep (both on the 5 and the 101!)

Well, it really depends on which route you're going to take. If you're going to do I-5 and I-580, there are cows and fields of random things you can see (and even experience the smell of Harris Ranch!)

I'm assuming you're going to do CA-1/US101 the whole way.

Here's an itinerary that I've given before that pretty much highlights a whole lot of what is there to see (but keep in mind, its not everything)

If you can, I would leave LA via PCH/Highway 1, going through Malibu up to meeting the 101 in Oxnard. You'll understand why so many people move to Southern California once you drive along this highway! Breathtaking cliffs, million dollar homes, beaches all within this drive.

Follow the 101 up to Santa Barbara. I would take a bit of time to explore the downtown area, since its one of the nicest medium size towns along the route. Familiarize yourself with the Spanish architecture of the area. It's great!

Try to follow Highway 154 through the mountains, and you shall soon hit the Santa Ynez Valley. This is the area where Neverland Ranch is (not sure if its open), and Solvang, a little Danish-style village in the California countryside. If Indian casinos are your thing, then you could always play a bit at Chumash Casino. From here, you can reach the 101 using highway 140, and head north.

North along 101, you'll pass through Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. Any of these areas would make great stopping points. Highway 1 splits from the 101 at SLO (another great town to see), and if weather permitting, head off highway 1 to see some of the most scenic landscape in America.

Along highway 1, you'll pass through Morro Bay, be relatively close to Hearst Castle (another must-see), and Big Sur. If its sunny, you'll enjoy breathtaking views from high cliffs off a windy road. It's actually kind of scary, but if you're heading north it shouldn't be a big problem. Really take time to see this area! You'll be glad you did.

The next huge town of consequence is Monterey. You could stop at the aquarium (I think its worth it) or just walk around town. This is probably my favorite place in Central California, but its known to be a huge tourist trap. From here, you could either head inland toward Salinas and back to the 101, or you could continue along highway 1 to San Francisco. This all depends on the weather.

North of Monterey along highway 1 is Santa Cruz. It's a nice beach-town with a decent boardwalk. From here, you could either head up highway 1, highway 17 (its a limited-access highway, but windy), or highway 9 (never done this one) to go to the Bay Area. Obviously, the first choice is the most scenic, but you might be on scenic overload by then and want to head back to a large metropolitan area as quickly as possible.

How much time are you giving yourself? How much time do you want to give yourself driving? Typically, I-5 is the fastest (if you go the speed limit, its 6 hours, but most can make it in 5-5.5), with US 101 the whole way being somewhere in the middle (around 8 hours, but I've done it in 6.5-7) and CA-1 being the slowest, but most scenic drive (around 11-12 hours without stopping).

Just remember: California is a HUGE state, so plan accordingly.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Lifeshadower

How much time are you giving yourself? How much time do you want to give yourself driving? Typically, I-5 is the fastest (if you go the speed limit, its 6 hours, but most can make it in 5-5.5), with US 101 the whole way being somewhere in the middle (around 8 hours, but I've done it in 6.5-7) and CA-1 being the slowest, but most scenic drive (around 11-12 hours without stopping).

Just remember: California is a HUGE state, so plan accordingly.

I would also add Carmel's 17-Mile Drive when nearing Monterey. It's beautiful and a great way to begin enjoying the area of Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Also, take the time to briefly drive into Aptos and Capitola on the way to Santa Cruz. Cute beach towns and rather eclectic. Again, not too time-consuming.

[Snort]

When you're in the Santa Cruz area, make a stop here: Henry Cowell Redwoods SP There's a nice very short loop hike through some big redwoods and there are longer trails that are very nice as well.
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on Highway 1 in Big Sur is a must stop:

I think I've written advice for this trip a dozen times. I'll have a look and find my other posts on this trip.

[Raven1976]

THose are definitely some great ideas for the trip. We were planning to stay like 2 days in L.A, maybe 3 in S.F and two somewhere else in between. I guess the 12 hour drive would be a lot more beautiful than just your typical highway. I definitely like to see bodies of water and lush greenery.

I haven't been to CA in 20 years so I don't know a thing. My husband and I also like dark things like cemeteries or anything macabre that is around. Is there anything like that too? OH! I forgot that Colma is near San Francisco too isn't it? Called the "city of the dead" Definitely have to add that to my list. I have to plan everything out.

I think it would be a lot of fit all we want to do in about 7 or 8 days

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Raven1976

I haven't been to CA in 20 years so I don't know a thing. My husband and I also like dark things like cemeteries or anything macabre that is around. Is there anything like that too? OH! I forgot that Colma is near San Francisco too isn't it? Called the "city of the dead" Definitely have to add that to my list. I have to plan everything out.

Sacramento City Cemetary is very historical and interesting.

[Snort]

Ah, you should do a google search for 'haunted CA'. Moss Beach Distillery supposedly has a ghost, but if that doesn't scare you, the prices of the menu items certainly will: Unsolved Mysteries historic restaurant ghost: The Blue Lady in Moss Beach Distillery Half Moon Bay
Nice location, though I don't recommend you eat there.

[eureka1]

You might find the book"Weird California" helpful. Have a great trip.

[TimC2462]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

I would also add Carmel's 17-Mile Drive when nearing Monterey. It's beautiful and a great way to begin enjoying the area of Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Also, take the time to briefly drive into Aptos and Capitola on the way to Santa Cruz. Cute beach towns and rather eclectic. Again, not too time-consuming.

Another vote for Carmel. Check out Carmel by the Sea and Pacific Grove (which just a short drive away from the Monterey Bay Aquarium & Cannery Row).