Another ? on Sacramento-Seaside drive
 

I posted in June about the best route from Sacramento to Seaside. We didn't get to California in June. We are going in December. Is I-5 going down and crossing over on 152 an o.k way in Dec.? Want to stop at San Juan Bautista. Any weather problems, don't know the area at all.

There's always a chance of fog or rain in December, but aside from that, I don't know what issues you'd encounter.

Dear Lallie:
The I-5/152 route will be fine. Nothing scary to worry about.
Have a nice trip.

MY

You had better check on 152. We heard a month ago or so that it would be closed for "some time" for repair, that is from Hwy 101 to Hwy 1.

Better to take 152 to Hwy 101 and go a little south to Hwy 129 and then over to Hwy 1. Then go south and turn off before Castroville to the shortcut to the Monterey Peninsula.

I prefer 129 anyway because 152 between 101 and 1 is a mountain road, whereas 129 follows, essentially, the Pajaro River and is relatively flat.

Hwy 152 over Mount Madonna (between Gilroy and Watsonville) has been reopenned.

I'm not sure of your complete routing, but San Juan Bautista is on 156, not 152. Remember to take the turn-off onto 156 just past Casa De Fruta. It'll be 30 miles or so from that point. Get back on 156 afterward, follow the road signs toward Monterey, which will take you on to Hwy 101 for a while. Everything is well marked, and it's very easy, even without a map.

As to weather, you may encounter dense fog in the Central Valley, so check road conditions and drive very carefully. Once over Pacheco Pass on 152, it should be fine. Enjoy your trip!

Oops, San Juan Bautista is approx. 10 miles (more or less) from the 152/156 junction. Sorry!