In mid-August my husband and I are planning a side trip San Francisco while visiting LA. We will have about 6 days to get back to LAX. Is there a scenic route we could take? Can you tell me how long it would take to drive or would we be better off flying. This is our fist trip to California. Thank you for your help.

The coast route (Hwy 1) is not to be missed. Great stops along the way are Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey (Carmel). A faster but less scenic route is the inland trip on Hwy 101, but this does not follow the coast. The inland trip takes about 8 hours to travel. The coast route takes about 9 hours to Monterey, and another 2.5 hours to S.F. from there. The best plan is to take a full day driving up the coast, stop in Monterey, Carmel or Pacific Grove at the end of the Monterey Peninsula, and then continue to S.F. Plan to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and spend some time walking in Carmel.

Driving is the way to do this! My husband & I took 3 overnights on this leg of our vacation several years ago. One in Santa Barbara...one at San Luis Obispo (sp?)...and one in Santa Cruz. If I had it to do over again, would only change the Santa Cruz to Carmel or Monterey, someplace on the penisula. Fantastic amount of things to see and enjoy on this ride. Take a cooler packed with water and drinks, possibly snacks...so you can pull over at scenic roadside points just to enjoy the atmosphere! Email me directly if you wish more specific info. Enjoy!

Driving is a great way to see the coast, but consider taking Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Somebody else does the driving, food is great and views spectacular. Catch the train in Oakland, and it takes you right into LA. Scenery seems to changes every 30 minutes.

I agree whole heartedly with all of thee above responses. The reason I am adding my 2 cents is that nobody mentioned Hearst Catle in San Simeon just north of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The drive on scenic Highway One is one of the most beautiful areas of Calif. If you cannot do this , then I would suggest the Amtrak, as mentioned above or flying. The inland route, U.S. 101 or Interstate 5 is so boring, one might be terribly disappointed. Don't forget the Redwood Forest in Sequoia National Park or Yosemite National Park (although they are considerably east of the LA - SF route. Leave lots of money for our economy.

There is only one way to get to San Fransico if you have six days to do it and that is to drive. You will see the most breath taking views in the world and this trip will be in your memory for the rest of your life. The drive takes approx. 8 hours but it is well worth it. Stop in Monterey Bay and take the 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach. ENJOY!!

if you want to go directly from L.A.to SAN FRAN.
in less than eight hours and not deal with rushour
traffic jams i would take the plane. save the driving
for the route home it gets much more intersting on
the way back down than on the way up.