We have an early flight out of Santa Ana Ariport (7:30) and will be driving up from San Diego on that morning (ugh!). Please tell me if there is any fog or other things we should be worried about. Already getting up at 4 in the morning to make our flight...what about traffic- any "secret" routes we should take or just use the interstate? Thanks in advance for all your help.

It can be foggy (depends a lot of the time of year) along the coast. We encounter more fog this time of year than other times of the year. Think I would drive up the night before and stay near SNA.

I second the idea of staying up there. We often drive San Diego to LAX and although it usually is trouble free, when there is an accident, it can take twice as long. There are lots of inexpensive motels up there. Get a good nights sleep and don't have to stress over it. Either way, the 73 toll road is a good short cut...right around Laguna Nigel.

Is the toll road pay as you go, or do you need one of those transponders that are in everyone's windows when I visit Orange County on business?

The toll is paid in the middle (or as you exit if you leave earlier. It is a whopping $2.25 for the complete trip and the road will save about 1/2 hour. I am always amazed how empty it is!

So how do I avoid getting stuck in rush hour traffic? We have decided to drive up the day before and are thinking of checking into our hotel and then do some shopping (South Coast/ Fashion Island) before turning in early for our AM flight. How early should we leave San Diego and what route (exactly- please!) should we take? If we decide to stay later in San Diego, how late should we leave to avoid rush hour? Thanks again to all of you who take the time to help.

Traffic is pretty intense from San Diego up towards the north. The 5 freeway starts to get filled up around 2 pm. Or you're going to have to wait until after 7 or 8 pm. But if it's a Friday night, plan on leaving earlier or much later. Friday traffic is the worst!

I think you should consider starting to drive north on the 5 and then stop for lunch in Carlsbad. Then drive the rest of the way in the early afternoon before the San Diego and Orange County traffic gets too bad.

Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza are good choices. Plenty of good restaurants to choose from at Fashion Island.