How to Drive from L.A. to Santa Cruz?
 

We're driving from L.A. to Santa Cruz. Mapquest says to take the 5 freeway up and cross over and that the trip will be almost 6 hours. Mapquest says going up 101 is about 30 minutes longer. The scenery is better up 101 but I'm wondering if 5 is really only 30 minutes shorter. I thought it would save at least an hour. We're in a hurry to get there for Thanksgiving and we'll be returning down the coast. Any advice? Thanks.

Hwy 101, for almost all its length in the area you asked about is either freeway style or at least two lanes in each direction with an occasional stop light. The major exception to that is the area through downtown Santa Barbara which is two lane in each direction but with frequent stop lights (caveat: I have not driven that stretch for 3-4 years-it is possible it's better now. Not likely but possible).

For me I-5 would be considerably quicker, not because you can drive at so much higher speds but because there is so much along 101 to tempt you to stop and look. The only thing along I-5 that tempts me to stop are restrooms.

I forget to mention, many people confuse Hwy 101 with the coast route. It is not. CA-1 runs along the coast and Hwy 101 is inland, between Hwy 1 and I-5.

I always take mapquest's times with a grain of salt.

There may be more congestion on 101 because there are still some non-freeway bits. But I-5 is a lot farther from Santa Cruz, so getting there from the freeway eats up some of the time savings over 101 to hwy 1 around Monterey Bay..

Travel around Thanksgiving is always a crap shoot because of so much traffic - Just get an early start. As long as there isn't fog in the central valley -- I'd probably take I-5 but there really isn't that much difference. If you weren't driving back along the coast I'd definitely recommend 101 tho'.

(Be sure to check the weather reports before you set out to see if the tule fog is covering the valley)

Just a friendly reminder that the CHP has stepped up its patrols on Hwy5 and on Hwy17 which runs from Santa Cruz to Oakland. If you're breaking the law -or- if you need their assistance : You're looking for a black, white, black & white, light blue, or navy Crown Vic; and white Camaros. Of course a black & white pickup w/a camper shell would be focused on truckers. Around Seal Beach they were using Saleen Mustangs at one time...

My guess is that the "only 30 minutes less" takes into consideration the varying speed limits and the cross-over time/distance from Hwy5 to Hwy1.

I'd head up Hwy 101. It's a nicer drive and wont take much longer. The I-5 portion of your trip would go fast, but the drive from I5 to Santa Cruz is a good distance.

I drove from LA to San Jose a couple months ago and it was a nice, easy drive. I can't remember any stoplights in Santa Barbara though.

I would take 101 for sure. I drive from Santa Cruz to LA at least once a year and it usually takes about 6 to 6 1/2 hours. It's an easier drive, less big rigs, better views and more places to stop.