Bakersfield to SLO
 

We will be taking a driving trip the first of Jun and part will entail driving from Bakersfield to SLO and then Hwy 101 to Monterey. I'm looking at 3 rtes, which would you recommend as most scenic and still allow a fairly casual drive along 101 to Monterey?
Hwy 58 (seems the shortest, but less traveled road)
Hwy 33/166 or
Hwy 46
Thanks any suggestions would be appreciated.

46 is the prettiest and least winding. It goes slightly north of San Luis Obispo. Unless you specifically want to go to SLO you can take 46 to Paso Robles and pick 101 up there.

If you do want to visit SLO then take 41 off 46, which will lead you there.

Definitely stay clear of Hwy 58 - very windy and not an enjoyable drive. I'd agree with the use of Hwy 46.

Rte 46 it is and thats for the information.

I meant "thanks" for the information. I need to learn to preview my posts.

I like the 166 route. It's scenic, but it's a bit remote with few places to stop for food/gasoline. 166 runs into 101 just north of Santa Maria. You could take 101 to SLO, then catch Hwy. 1 north to Monterey. Hwy. 1 is curvy, but the scenery is breathtaking and so much prettier than the 101 route to Monterey.

I have family in the SLO area and grew up in Bako. We always drove 166 even though it's a smidge longer. I love the drive. I always get so nervous on 46. Much prefer the southern route.

I can think of several adjectives for Hwy 166, but scenic isn't one of them. I mean it's relative for that part of Calif (Hwys 5 and 99 are even worse), but except for the last 20 miles before it hits 101, 166 is almost totally desolate. The closest thing to scenic is some flat farmland and distant views of a few mountain ranges.