I will be driving from Portland to San Diego on the 2nd of December. We will have 5 days to get there and were thinking about possibly going down the coast or going down I-5 and spending time exploring once we get there. I understand there is a Roy Rogers museum somewhere. We have a cruise that leaves from SD on the 7th-14th and then have another 2 weeks to hang out in the sunshine. I am kind of willing to think about anything. Its only 11 weeks away.

The Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum will be moving to Branson, MO. next March for a grand opening in April or May of 2003. We will remain open in Victorville, California at least through February 2003, business as usual. Victorville is in the high desert and is on the drive to Las Vegas from LA. Nothing to do in Victorville unless you're really into Roy Rogers.

Head west from Portland to Astoria. Hang a left and trael the coast route. I5 sucks big time, Use 101 thru OR and north CA to Frisco onthe Golden Gate Bridge, Follow the signs to Highway 1 thru Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur and San Luis Obispo. Rejoin 101 there and follow the signs to San Diego. Will take all 5 days unless there is a landslide in Big Sur and you'll miss your boat. FANTASTIC views and living history all the way.

Both Williams and Willows are highlights of any trip to California when you're traveling on I-5. Lots of sunshine and fast food.

Your best bet would be to take I-5 down to about Stockton, CA and from there take 580 West to 680 South. 680 will turn into 280 North in San Jose, and from there take 17 South toward Santa Cruz and catch Highway 1 South for the coastal part of the trip. By far the most scenic part of the California Coast is from Monterey Bay southward. By taking I-5 for part of the trip, you will have extra time to stop and enjoy the California Coastline. I would not advise the 101, as this freeway is very congested in the San Francisco area. And now with the heightened state of security, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge you will find yourself in a monumental traffic jam due to the random vehicle inspections.

Go down the coast. While it may be rainy/blowy in early December it's better than icy/snowy/foggy on I-5 through the Siskyous and down the valley (and borrring). With five days you can play it by ear (watch the weather and daylight) and take either an extra day in the SF area, or take Calif. SR1 - either the northern part (Mendocino etc.) or the southern part (Big Sur etc.) en route. Don't miss the redwoods - grand in the mists that time of year.

You might also be thinking of the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage in LA, which is really special. http://www.autry-museum.org/

Hwy 1 often gets rained out after the first big storm of the winter season. So there's a good possibility that you might not be able to make the drive along Hwy 1 from Carmel to Cambria during December. Before you leave, check the Caltrans website for road conditions.

If the roads are open, I'd recommend sticking to the coast as much as possible. I am not as familiar with the winter road conditions north of SF, but Hwy 1 from SF to Santa Cruz and from Carmel to Cambria can be pretty bad in the wintertime - mud slides, road closures and so on.

The best bet is to wait until you get down to SF to decide on the route. Hwy 101 is an alternative to Hwy 1. It's not a scenic as 1, but nicer than I5.

I would make hotel reservations around Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Both towns are fairly convenient to Hwy 1 and Hwy 101.

Do yourself a favor and avoid the 101 freeway. It really is not that much different in terms of scenary that I-5, however the traffic on 101 can be a real nighmare. In addition, I-5 has a higher speed limit than 101, and given the fact that you have only have 5 days to get from Portland to San Diego, I would take I-5 and then cut over to the coast from 580/680, etc. The fog on I-5 is sporadic as it is on 101, so do check the weather conditions ahead of time. Another option from I-5 is to take 580 West to 680 South then 101 South to 156 West to 1 South in the Monterey area.

Robert and David, you seem to post repeatedly advising people to avoid driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, there is heightened security, but you do realize that people drive across that bridge EVERY DAY, to and from work? It's not impossible to cross and it is one of the most memorable and scenic sights in the world. One does not mind being stuck in traffic on the Golden Gate, especially when it is your first time ever crossing it. In fact, one of the reasons traffic is slow crossing the bridge is because tourists are gawking at the city skyline, the sail boats, Alcatraz, the rugged coastline, etc. I can't imagine someone choosing to drive down 680/880 (yuck) and missing this wonderful scene.

In fact, anyone who is interested can go to kron.com and view a webcam of the traffic on the Golden Gate. As of right now, no incidents and traffic is moving at the speed limit.

Traveling man,

Kathy only has 5 days to get from Portland to San Diego. In addition she did mention that she wanted to be able to have some time to explore the coast. As such, it is advisable for her to take the inland I-5 route so that she can enjoy the coast from other than a moving vehicle. I live in the North Bay and travel the Golden Gate Bridge on a regular basis. From my experience I have noticed a significant increase in traffc delays due to heightened secrity. Kathy is best to save SF for another trip when she can actually enjoy it.

I would get on 101 for sure after the Bay Area.I-5 thru the central valley is the most boring drive imaginable. We tested it once and 101 was only about 30 minutes longer and it's much more enjoyable. There are plenty of places to stop and rest.And there aren't as many big trucks.Have fun.

Cali native/traveling man, No California native in their right mind is going to believe that 101 is onlt 30 minutes slower than the I-5 route. For one thing, the speed limit is faster on I-5 than the 101. And interms of which route is more scenic, it's a toss up between I-5 and 101. Anyone in Northern California knows from experience that 101 is frequently a parking lot with brick sound walls on either side. Not too scenic if you ask me.

Thanks for all of your advise. I have been to S.F. many times and in fact we are planning to stay there on our way home, altho, I bet it will be cold, rainy and blowing. We will be comming home after Christmas. I have never been south of Monterey, so I really want to see as much of the coast as I can. Old missions, artist colonies, california history galore. Again. Thanks

If you do get stuck driving on the 101 (if the 1 gets washed out), do stop and see one of the original missions in San Miguel (7 miles north of Paso Robles).

San Luis Obispo has a nice downtown area and mission.

Harmony is a very small village that you pass through on Hwy 1 between Cambria and Morro Bay. If you like blown glass, be sure to pull off and check out the Phoenix glass studio (you can watch the artists at work).

Laguna Beach will definitely be a necessary stop on your drive down to San Diego. You'll be there just in time for the winter sawdust festival.