Hey everyone. Just wondered how many of you guys drove down to California? Ruby will be heading down there next Friday...and I need all the input I can get.

For example.....how long does it take driving along the coast way, vs along staight thru I-5 way?? (is that right?)

Any good places to stay along the way?

Hmm....hope Ruby doesn't drop dead along the way. She might get too tired!!

It will be her last run b4 she hibernates on the 14th. Sigh...what have I done?

Thanks everyone!!

 

you really need to stop talking about your car in the third person. it's kinda weird.

i'm sure vtecmom can help u here as well as others.

 

The coast drive is great and will add some great scenery and driving experiences. But, you will have an increased trip time and lack of common ammeneties that can be found along interstates. Also, getting stuck behind slow moving traffic on the coast can be a bore.

If you've got the time, take the coast highway but pack a lunch. If you're in a rush, take 5.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WRS2K
you really need to stop talking about your car in the third person.

 

Next time I head down to cali via car - we're going down the coast. Last trip we took I-5 and it took ~ 12 hours to San Francisco and ~ 18 to hit L.A.

Ruby!

 

Where is your final destination?
Taking the I-5 will save you time, but the drive itself is quite boring.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig

 

I'm hoping to go to Los Angeles. I want to go Newport Beach!!

 

Cool!

Let us know if you end up making a pit stop in the Bay area.

 

If you mean REALLY all the way down the coast, highway 1, it'll take you forever. Plus I guarantee you'll be bored stiff after miles and miles of following motorhomes, trucks and slow drivers 'cause you can't get around.

I say I5 all the way to Grants Pass. 199 over to 101 which will take you through the redwoods and down a good stretch of coast. Stick on 101 until around Monterey, then head back over to 1 through Big Sur and San Simeon. You'll get stuck behind traffic in lots of places, but that drive is worth it. Stop and see Hearst Castle, bizarre. Rejoin 101 again around San Luis Obispo. Stay with that except for a side trip on 154 that goes through Los Olivos and over Santa Ynez pass, down into Santa Barbara and meets back up with 101.

Around Oxnard, absolutely, positively get back on 1 through Malibu. (Check the fire situation first.) You might have some trouble staying on 1 through La La Land but it'll take you right to Newport although you'll be in traffic a good portion of that way from Santa Monica on.

That'll get you a mix of coast and other scenery with some twisties and pretty scenic freeway mixed in.

I5 all the way will get you there quickest but it is just flat out boring from Redding all the way into Los Angeles. Following I5 all the way, I make it to Edwards Air Force base in 18-22 hours. I'm guessing Newport might add another 2-3 hours onto that. You should allow at least three days for my other route just to make it fun.

I always wanted to be a travel agent.

Gary