Driving LA-Monterey w/toddler--which route?
Jun 4th, 2002 | 10:00 PM
#1
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Driving LA-Monterey w/toddler--which route?
My husband and I will be driving from LA to Monterey (more specifically, to Seascape Resort in Aptos) in a few weeks, with our 2-year-old in tow. It'll be the longest road trip we've taken with our son, and we're debating which route to take: Speed (the 5) versus scenery (the 101)?
Can anyone tell me what the travel time for each route is? One concern I have with taking the 5 is there will be nowhere to stop for a bite to eat, a bathroom break or to stretch our legs. Any advice would be appreciated!
Can anyone tell me what the travel time for each route is? One concern I have with taking the 5 is there will be nowhere to stop for a bite to eat, a bathroom break or to stretch our legs. Any advice would be appreciated!
Jun 5th, 2002 | 05:06 AM
#2
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It takes approximately 6 hours from West L.A. to Monterey with one stop on 101 and about 1/2 hour less on highway 5. We do this route every year for a conference in Monterey. Except for 1 time, we have always taken 101 because there are more places to stop and more scenery to enjoy. Along the 101, you can stop in SLO at the McDonald's, where they have a play area, and there are several other McDonalds with play areas along this route. There's also a rest stop I believe just outside of SLO which, back in February, was just being renovated, so it should be ready to go now. You can also stop to stretch at the several missions along the way, either in SLO or San Miguel in Santa Maria, about 1/2 hour north of SLO. There are bathrooms there, as well as a place to stretch your and the toddler's legs.
Jun 5th, 2002 | 07:28 AM
#4
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I agree with Shannon, take the 101. You will have more places to stop along the way for emergency potty breaks and running around.
We've taken our kids on many road trips of that length, starting from when they were babies. For two year-olds, it's best to time the ride so they will nap for part of it, and when you stop at McDonald's don't expect them to sit and eat. They can do that in the car, use the time outside the car to run around. A tape player with some of their favorite tapes will help pass some of the time. You will drive by grazing animals, my husband and I always laugh now when we remember mooing and baaaing and neighing as we drove with our little kids. Good luck!
We've taken our kids on many road trips of that length, starting from when they were babies. For two year-olds, it's best to time the ride so they will nap for part of it, and when you stop at McDonald's don't expect them to sit and eat. They can do that in the car, use the time outside the car to run around. A tape player with some of their favorite tapes will help pass some of the time. You will drive by grazing animals, my husband and I always laugh now when we remember mooing and baaaing and neighing as we drove with our little kids. Good luck!
Jun 5th, 2002 | 08:27 AM
#5
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Another vote for 101. It's time consuming to come over 152 to Aptos so you probably wouldn't gain a lot of time on the 5 and it is truly ugly! Just plan for about an 8 hour day and take those rest stops. In the town of Monterey is a Dennis the Menace park for little kids.
Jun 5th, 2002 | 11:47 AM
#6
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San Miguel and Santa Maria are two separate towns, so don't get confused by the previous mission suggestion. Santa Maria is actually 30 minutes SOUTH of the SLO, while San Miguel is around 30 miles north of SLO.
If you want a break along the drive up 101, San Luis Obispo might be a good place to stop. There's a lot of restaurants and the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum located in historic downtown San Luis Obispo.
If you want a break along the drive up 101, San Luis Obispo might be a good place to stop. There's a lot of restaurants and the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum located in historic downtown San Luis Obispo.
