Visiting San Diego next month. Odd request...

[sschibuola]

Yes you can do OC to SD via PCH . . . the only exception is through Camp Pendleton itself where you have no choice BUT to take I-5, as PCH no longer runs through it. Basically from south San Clemente to north Oceanside, you are on I-5.

The good news . .. it's the best stretch of I-5 in California, with a few rest stops and view points and plenty of ocean views. And the chance to be buzzed by a low-flying Marines helicopter!

[possum_magic]

Awwwwwwww, great post.

[Larry Siegel]

Coastal scenic route detail.

To avoid the heavy traffic areas in Oceanside and Carlsbad, exit Route 5 at Tamarack (south of central Carlsbad), go right, make a left on PCH or 101 which has many names through Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, and enjoy the amazing views and pretty little towns. (Leucadia is less pretty than the others.)

South of Del Mar it gets a little tricky, but this is the most beautiful part of the drive. Continue south on 101 (then called Camino del Mar) past Torrey Pines State Reserve for the best views on the south coast. Once you go up the hill it is called Torrey Pines Road. At Genesee make a right to stay on Torrey Pines, then opposite the UCSD campus take another right on La Jolla Shores. This is movie-set southern California and don't miss it even though it is definitely the slow route to San Diego.

When you get into the village of La Jolla you can either get back on 5 if you're in a hurry, but to do this you will have to literally turn around on Torrey Pines Road and then follow La Jolla Parkway to 5 southbound. Alternatively you can go through La Jolla by street to San Diego proper (definitely use a map or GPS). Have a great drive!

[GRNDHOG]

Originally Posted by Larry Siegel

Coastal scenic route detail.

To avoid the heavy traffic areas in Oceanside and Carlsbad, exit Route 5 at Tamarack (south of central Carlsbad), go right, make a left on PCH or 101 which has many names through Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff, Solana Beach, and Del Mar, and enjoy the amazing views and pretty little towns. (Leucadia is less pretty than the others.)

South of Del Mar it gets a little tricky, but this is the most beautiful part of the drive. Continue south on 101 (then called Camino del Mar) past Torrey Pines State Reserve for the best views on the south coast. Once you go up the hill it is called Torrey Pines Road. At Genesee make a right to stay on Torrey Pines, then opposite the UCSD campus take another right on La Jolla Shores. This is movie-set southern California and don't miss it even though it is definitely the slow route to San Diego.

When you get into the village of La Jolla you can either get back on 5 if you're in a hurry, but to do this you will have to literally turn around on Torrey Pines Road and then follow La Jolla Parkway to 5 southbound. Alternatively you can go through La Jolla by street to San Diego proper (definitely use a map or GPS). Have a great drive!

Perfect!

Thanks Larry!

[GRNDHOG]

As requested....lol

[Tchud Diego]

Cool! Great before and after pics!

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by GRNDHOG

As requested....lol

That's so cool that you took the time to post back and share the photo. Thanks so much for doing that. It's wonderful when people "give back" to the board, especially after people help them.

Really wonderful and hope you had a great trip to San Diego.

[GRNDHOG]

Thanks for the kind words ER! We had a great trip in SD. I wish the weather was a bit better (warmer, or at least sunny) but we had a great time. We're from Southern Florida so my blood is thin, lol

Toured the USS Midway, Belmont Park (not what I remembered it to be!), Point Loma Lighthouse, Coronado Island, Gaslamp District, Old Town, La Jolla....

It was a great few days. We wish we could move there permanently!