Drive time on Sunday July 5th from SNA to San Juan Capistrano and see the ocean (San Clemente: rental car)

[inahandbasket]

So I'm flying into SNA on 7/5 arriving at 12:30 pm. I'm renting a car and need to be in San Juan Capistrano by 3:00 pm. I want to take Hwy. 1 so I can stop somewhere along the way to see the ocean. My question is just how slow/bad will the traffic be along the highway and where is a good place to stop and see the ocean, maybe dip my toes in the surf before I must be in SJC around 3:00 pm.

[OCerik]

Taking PCH down on a Sunday, especially on 4th of July weekend, is asking for pain. Traffic is going to be nasty, especially through Laguna Beach. I'd say suck it up and do it anyway as it's a really scenic drive, but you're on a time schedule.

You might be able to make it, depending how long it takes to get off the plane, and get a rental car, but it'd be cutting it real close, and I don't think you'd have time to stop.

I think I'd avoid PCH, just take the freeway south and go to the beach in Dana Point or San Clemente or something. From there, it's an easy drive to San Juan taking side streets.

[loveorangecounty]

I agree traffic will be bad that weekend. I would probably take the freeway to get you past the main beach Laguna Beach area (Laguna Canyon Rd). I think the next street that goes all the way to the coast is Crown Valley Pkwy. If you have time there are a couple of my favorite beaches north (so back tracking a bit) of Crown Valley: Table Rock beach and Victoria Beach are beautiful although a bit of a hike to get down to the beach. All depends on how much time you have. Salt Creek Beach at the end of Crown Valley is OK if you're running late.

[inahandbasket]

Thanks, OCerik and loveorangecounty, for the collective advice. I'll take the freeway to SJC and see what time I have left to maybe scoot down to Dana Point.