Trish_Callahan

We want to fly to San Francisco late January, rent a 32' motor home and drive down the scenic coast on highway 1. We could either go all the way to San Diego to fly home or fly out of Los Angeles. We can drop off at either location. I need to know from other motor home drivers if this is a feasible drive down this scenic route. We don't want to spend any time in LA. We're most interested in seeing all the beautiful scenery and short side trips off this route. Can anyone give us some advice. I don't think we are crazy to do this drive in an RV are we? Any suggestions on what to see along the way? We plan to take 6 nights. THANKS!

janisj

OK -my main question is why are you thinking of doing this by motor home? Is it for the 'romance of the open road'? To save on accommodations? Or some other reason?

I ask because Hwy 1 is magnificent -- but by motorhome, and in the winter no less, it will be a looooong slow slog. Renting the thing, gas, one-way drop off, and campsites will cost more than just renting a car and staying in nice motels.

Parts of hwy 1 are very winding and there are very steep drop offs - not the most pleasant drive in a motorhome.

peterboy

Unless there's an very good reason to use such a large vehicle, I'd suggest not doing it. For the driver in particular it will be nothing but stress and missed scenery since the road will demand all of his/her attention. There is no shoulder on many stretches and pull outs for something that large will be few. You will also be the most hated people for those stuck behind you as you clog up the road...there are NO passing possibilities. If you are polite you'll spend a lot of time trying to find someplace to pull over to let the line of cars behind you pass. Short side trips will also be difficult in something that large. Get a nice van and enjoy some of the neat lodging available along the way.

Here's a couple of shots from HWY 1 so you get the idea.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/56557769

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/56556543

Trish_Callahan

This is exactly what kind of comments I was looking for. We want to rent a motor home to see if we would like to purchase one but was wondering if this was the wrong trip to do it. I really appreciate the comments. More are very much welcomed! What do you expect the weather to be? I am concerned about all the rain I hear on the news. Does this stretch have mud slides? We are from Georgia. We drove a car from Seatle to San Fran. about 5 years back and now want to do San Fran. south. We have dog/house sitters this month so that's why we are choosing this time.

Trish_Callahan

Also is fog going to be a problem? Has anyone done this drive in January? Do you think motel reservations would be necessary this time of year or not? I didn't really want to be on a set itinerary.....

dwooddon

You need to check road conditions just before you set out on this trip. It may not even be possible to make this trip in January. The latest series of storms caused serious damage and several closings to the Coast Hwy. More storms are forecast. Depending on how recent the storms and how serious the damage, the Hwy may not be open for fairly long stretches.

iamq

I would do your "shake down" drive another time and in another location. Someplace with longer stretches of straight road and at a time where the weather and the peripheral conditions dwooddon describes wouldn't be such a factor.

Trish_Callahan

Thanks all for your information. We are putting our Ca. maps & info up for now. Doesn't seem like a good time of year to do this trip. We may go to Puerto Rico or just stay home. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

Barblab

Hwy 1 in not the place to try out the RV lifestyle. As others have said I would pick a less stressful route that did not involve major cites on both ends. When you decide to do that trip go to RV.net for expert advice on all things RV.

As for Hwy 1 via car it is one of the planets most spectacular drives. However, before going call Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623, input the road you want conditions for (in this case "1") and you will get an up to the minute report. Just checked it and the only closure today is in the Oxnard area, which is south of the scenic central section. You are right to be concerned about fog, and under no circumstances take this route if it is fogged in, but my experience has been you will have more fog issues in late spring and summer. The last time we took hwy 1 was a couple years ago in Feburary. We had light off and on rain and windy conditions which cleared the view and made for an eye poppingly beautiful drive.