California Coastline Road Trip
Nov 18th, 2013, 07:09 AM
#1
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California Coastline Road Trip
Hi there. I am planning a California coastline roadtrip for my family this summer (2014), I'd like to fly into San Diego and drive to the Redwoods. Does anyone know of an itinerary out there or a map that will show the points of interest along our way? Any link you may find would be helpful. -Thank you in advance.
Nov 18th, 2013, 07:35 AM
#2
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You will get better results if you map out a tentative itinerary using information from the web, then bounce it off the board. One place to start.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Cali...ient=firefox-a
https://www.google.com/search?q=Cali...ient=firefox-a
Nov 18th, 2013, 08:03 AM
#3
How many days? What else do you want to see?
I like driving the California (and Oregon) coast from north to south. The reason: You won't be making left turns into the places you want to stop along the coast.
Do you want to go all the way to northern CA to see Redwood NP or just up to Muir Woods north of San Francisco?
Are you planning on paying a drop fee on your rental car?
Fly to San Francisco (or Oakland, San Jose or Sacramento) and rent a car to make a loop to see the Coast Redwoods. Fly to San Diego or LA for another trip.
I like driving the California (and Oregon) coast from north to south. The reason: You won't be making left turns into the places you want to stop along the coast.
Do you want to go all the way to northern CA to see Redwood NP or just up to Muir Woods north of San Francisco?
Are you planning on paying a drop fee on your rental car?
Fly to San Francisco (or Oakland, San Jose or Sacramento) and rent a car to make a loop to see the Coast Redwoods. Fly to San Diego or LA for another trip.
Nov 18th, 2013, 08:11 AM
#4
before anyone can really help much, we need to know how many weeks you have for this trip. I say weeks, since you'd need a minimum of 14 days on the ground, and that would be hectic.
And also - if you plan on flying in/out of the same city you need to add more time. Open Jaw (such as in to SD and home from SF or Sacramento) would help.
And also - if you plan on flying in/out of the same city you need to add more time. Open Jaw (such as in to SD and home from SF or Sacramento) would help.
Nov 21st, 2013, 02:41 PM
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Fodor's, Frommer, Lonely Planet and other guides for California suggest points of interest on Highway 1 and other places in the state. For starters, you could Google "Guide to California's Highway 1" and select the article from the April, 2003, issues of Travel + Leisure.
HTtY
HTtY
Nov 22nd, 2013, 02:17 AM
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Just to show you how many different opinions you will receive, I strongly prefer driving south to north because most of the parts that are not for the faint of heart are on the other side of the road!
Some things to take into account:
In June you won't need a reservation for lodging except in Big Sur. Later you will.
It is not a fast trip. The scenic route is deservedly slow. Stop lots, walk around the few towns. We took three nights between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and I would not have wanted to do it faster, though we spent a morning at the Hearst Castle.
We spent the nights in a Cambria B&B, a cabin at Julia Pfeiffer state park in Big Sur ( reserved in advance), and in a B&B in Half Moon Bay.
Consider renting a convertible. You are only young once. Fuel is expensive and not always easy to find. Watch your tank. Ditto food.
I haven't done the coast above the Russian River, but it is on the bucket list. Do allow time for Point Reyes.
Some things to take into account:
In June you won't need a reservation for lodging except in Big Sur. Later you will.
It is not a fast trip. The scenic route is deservedly slow. Stop lots, walk around the few towns. We took three nights between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and I would not have wanted to do it faster, though we spent a morning at the Hearst Castle.
We spent the nights in a Cambria B&B, a cabin at Julia Pfeiffer state park in Big Sur ( reserved in advance), and in a B&B in Half Moon Bay.
Consider renting a convertible. You are only young once. Fuel is expensive and not always easy to find. Watch your tank. Ditto food.
I haven't done the coast above the Russian River, but it is on the bucket list. Do allow time for Point Reyes.
Nov 22nd, 2013, 02:27 AM
#9
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I prefer driving North to South for the best views/access - but as noted - if you are concerned about heights, etc - the south north direction also works just fine. And while you can do it in one (admittedly long) day - at least from SF to San Diego - it's much nicer to take a few days and stop along the way such as at Hearst Castle/Cambria/Moonstone Beach, Big Sur and/or Carmel/Monterrey (great Aquarium in Monterrey) and maybe also do some wine tasting along the way - and there are many choices. 
Hiking at Pfeiffer State Beach - south of Big Sur is also a "trip" - as is stopping to see the Elephant Seals a couple miles north of the turnoff into Hearst Castle see: http://www.hearstcastle.org/
Hiking at Pfeiffer State Beach - south of Big Sur is also a "trip" - as is stopping to see the Elephant Seals a couple miles north of the turnoff into Hearst Castle
see: http://www.hearstcastle.org/
Nov 22nd, 2013, 02:28 AM
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And for Pfeiffer Beach/State Park and the great waterfall - see these pics: https://www.google.com/search?q=pfei...w=1167&bih=451
Nov 22nd, 2013, 07:05 AM
#11
I agree that a convertible would be great . . . But probably not in June. That is when the coast gets its coolest/ foggiest weather of the spring/summer/fall. Plus you say a family- and most ragtops don't have luggage space for more than 2 or 3 pieces.
Whether you drive N to S or S to N really makes no difference. There are pros and cons to both. For a first timer ans ESPECIALLY if you are not used to very curvy, cliff side roads, you might be more comfortable starting in the south and going north.
Whether you drive N to S or S to N really makes no difference. There are pros and cons to both. For a first timer ans ESPECIALLY if you are not used to very curvy, cliff side roads, you might be more comfortable starting in the south and going north.
Nov 22nd, 2013, 01:45 PM
#13
