We are planning a drive trip between San Francisco and San Diego on Hwy 1 and I have a question.

Which way should we drive it? I know that North to South puts you on the Pacific side of the road which I think would be cool. However, I have read recently that driving South to North gives you "clearer views". For you locals, what does this mean? Which way would you suggest we drive. We are from CO so we are used to mountain driving, so being on the "edge" does not bother us.

Driving north to south not only means you won't be looking over other cars at the views, but also means it'll be easier to pull out wheever you want to stop.

That said, it is beautiful driving both directions. Drive the direction that best suits your plans.

We like the often overlooked stretch of Highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, which goes through Half Moon Bay.

Highway 1 south of LA is quite built up, but there much of interest along the way. Take a good guidebook, such as Fodor's California.

I just had my own thread going on this same question and there is some good info to take in:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-feb-ideas.cfm

You may not be thinking of doing this in winter, like I was, but the replies should still be helpful. With the threat of winter storms cutting off the roadway, I opted to focus on Southern CA but still hope to do this drive in the near future. I have done the San Francisco to Santa Cruz part and agree that it is wonderful.

Driving North to South is great because as sf7307 mentions - you'll be able to pullout w/o crossing the road.

But for some, driving that direction is too nerve wracking. In many places you are right next to a 500-1000 foot sheer drop to the ocean. So for those a bit skittish about winding mountain-like roads, driving south to north builds in a little more confidence.

Honestly, except on really busy weekends/holidays you can usually cross to the pull outs easily from either side of the road. The views are just about as good either way.

So really - start from the end that gets you the best airfares/schedules. (Unless you''re nervous nellies and will be more comfortable away from the cliffside )

I think from Big Sur to Half Moon Bay, there are some "venues" that you don't see going from North to South, that are visable from the other direction. Bixby Bridge is better, and some "Dover" like cliffs south of Half Moon Bay are not visable going north to south.

Stu Dudley

Forgot to mention something. From north to south, you will also be traveling slightly east. In fact, LA is east of Reno, Nevada. So, from about September through April, the sun will be in your face most of the day traveling from SF to LA. Many of the hills will be in shadows and you won't see them as well. We go over to the coast around Half Moon Bay quite a bit in winter (when the weather is less foggy), and it's amazing how the hills and "Dover" cliffs are more pronunced going south to north with the sun at our backs.

Stu Dudley