We're heading up north, actually starting out in Orange County, and want to stop in Simi Valley (Reagan Library) on our way to SF Peninsula. Since we won't be leaving there until the afternoon, we'd like to stop somewhere on Interstate 5 to break up the trip- is there anywhere along 5 that we'd actually want to spend the evening and night?

In case you're going to suggest taking 101 as a more scenic alternative, we're going to be going that way on the drive back down- stopping to visit Solvang etc and the "Sideways" wine area. Any suggestions would be appreciated- it seems like there's a whole lot of nothing on the way- but perhaps a hidden treasure?

hi,
forgot to ask if people like the Reagan library?

I think you're not getting any responses because the answer is no...there are no nice places to spend the evening off that stretch of I-5. I'd recommend driving as far as you can, then stopping some place like Santa Nella (I know there's a pretty good Holiday Inn Express there) and getting a good head start on the next day.

Re: Reagan Library; I used to ride my horse around there but never set foot inside the place. Not a Reagan fan, sorry.

It's Easter. You'll get more responses tomorrow. And, unless there is a motel with cable TV near Harris Ranch, I cannot think of a place to stop, either. But you will soon find out!

Yes, the answer is "no". We use I5 to get to the bay area every year or so. I envision it as a sort of tunnel that delivers us to the delights of San Francisco.
Five hours of deadly boring transit through our fertile Central Valley is educational but not recreational.

The Reagan library is definitley worth a stop. The grounds are beautiful. Plus, the museum is very interesting. They have an Air Force One that you can walk through. The exihibit on Nancy Reagan was also very nice.
Sorry I can't help with a place to stop!

There is absolutely no place I'd plan on stopping - it is a long, dreary nasty stretch.

That doesn't help you much - but really, I'd just drive to whatever exit you see one of the national chain motels and pull in. Makes no difference where you stop - nothing scenic/interesting.

As for the Library - I personally really enjoyed going there. Some parts were quite moving. This was before the Air Force One exhibit was added so probably it is an even better experience now.

Only decent place to spend the night is Harris Ranch....near Kettleman City/Coalinga. Yep, out in the middle of no-where, but these are the same people who own Harris' in San Francisco....and a great steak at the mid-point on the ever so dull I-5 is a nice break.

But only if you can stand the smells of a large scale cattle operation . . . .

I've stayed at the Harris Ranch Inn and it is surprisingly nice. If you get a poolside room on the ground floor it's really nice!! There is no smell feed lot at the Harris Ranch Inn.

http://harrisranch.com/stay.php

The only time I take I-5 is when I don't want to stop overnight and I think for most the point of taking I-5 is to get between Northern and Southern CA fast. Consequently we don't have many recommendations.

How late in the afternoon are you starting out from Simi Valley?

It's about a six hour drive from Simi Valley to San Francisco.

I've driven a good stretch of that part of I-5 so many times I know exactly how long it takes for me to get from one point to another.

From the moment I glide/roll down the Grapevine (Tehachapi Mountains) and hit the valley floor, it's takes me two and a half hours on I-5 until my turnoff of Highway 152. It takes about 45-60 minutes on 152 to get to Highway 101 northbound and the town of Gilroy.

So, if you are starting out from Simi Valley, you are about 2-2 1/2 hours away from Harris Ranch. The Fodors folks are correct, Harris Ranch would be the recommended stop (just hope the Harris cows are out shopping or doing something far away!). Were you thinking of stopping this early after leaving Simi Valley - stopping two hours after leaving Simi Valley?

If not, you can drive on two more hours (one more hour on I-5 and 1 hour on Highway 152) and reach Gilroy-Morgan Hill area. Plenty of lodging choices here.

If you want to still push on after Gilroy, you are only about 1 1/2 hours away from San Francisco.

I wouldn't recommend continuing on I-5 after Highway 152 because that would make for yet more time on the long boring stretch of I-5. Highway 152 curves around in the hills, is not boring at all to drive, and Gilroy represents the southern boundary of the Greater San Jose area.

The best choice for a hotel in Gilroy is the Hilton Garden Inn. There's also a Hampton Inn, but I don't know anything of this hotel.

Further up (15-20 minutes) in Morgan Hill is a Courtyard by Marriott.

From Simi Valley you are only 4 to 4 1/2 hours away from Gilroy. I would recommend you stop here.

Please let us know what you think of the Reagan library after your visit.