Seattle to Pacific Coast Highway to LA (Los Angeles, San Diego: houses, best area)

[Statz2k10]

I really am not sure where to post this because this trip consist of touching more than 1 state/city. But since it's ending in Los Angeles or possibly San Diego thought I could post it here.

Thinking of planning a trip to fly into Seattle on a Thursday in August. It would allow me to check out Safeco Field. But ultimately the plan is to drive down the PCH and head towards LA/SD.

I drove up part of the PCH from LA to SF last summer but mostly was on the 101. But the period we did touch the coast it was really beautiful and I'd love to do more of that.

Does anybody have recommendations on where the best area would be to catch the 1 (PCH) from Seattle making a way down to LA.

Now, I know it's foolish to do this in 1 day. I would need to figure out if I need to do 2 or 3 days. Seems like 2 days would be about 8.5 hours on the road each day which could be enough time to still stop and do some moderate site seeing.

Ultimately the plan would be to be in LA by Tuesday so that I can go to a game at Dodger Stadium. Then after staying 2-3 days in LA drive down to San Diego to fly back home. I'd prefer to fly back on Saturday or Sunday at the latest.

So besides where to pick up the PCH from Seattle any particular areas of recommendations to stop on the PCH?

[Patrolman]

Taking the coastal route from Seattle to L.A. is a long, slow drive. Due to storm damage, Highway 1 is closed in California in the area of Big Sur. If you haven a time constraint, I'd do most of the trip on the 101.

[Statz2k10]

Originally Posted by Patrolman

Taking the coastal route from Seattle to L.A. is a long, slow drive. Due to storm damage, Highway 1 is closed in California in the area of Big Sur. If you haven a time constraint, I'd do most of the trip on the 101.

Thank you! I just read on another forum about Big Sur. Looking at the map it looks like you can bypas this area with the 101 is that correct?

Also, still a lot of PCH not counting this area right? Would you say there is still a lot of beautiful scenery leaving out the Big Sur area? Preferably North of Big Sur? I know after bypassing Big Sur area via 101 it wouldn't be much left of the trip anyway. I've already been past Pismo & Santa Barbara so not worth heading down that way just to see that area.

[Patrolman]

Take I-5 south from Seattle to Tacoma, then west on Rte 8 to the 101. Take the 101 south on down through Washington and into Oregon. The Oregon coast on the 101 is a pleasant ride and beautiful scenery, especially if you are into lighthouses. In California, you can stay on the PCH until Crescent City where you'll be on the 101 again. At Leggett, take PCH off the 101 to Fort Bragg and stay on the 1 all the way down to just north of San Francisco. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, take the PCH until you get to Monterey, then jump back on the 101, due to the road closure. At Oxnard, you can catch the PCH all the way into Santa Monica.

It is not a fast drive, not by a long shot, but well worth it, time permitting.

[3shipguy]

That's a shame. Some of the best sceneries are through Big Sur, imo.