We'll be out in SF in August for commissioning of Navy ship. We thought driving down the coast to LA would make a great vacation. Any tips on where to stay, what to do, what to see, & where to eat? Would we be better off flying into LA & driving to SF? Am open to any suggestions on best way to do it!

Hi Kathy,

I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but this same question has been asked a hundred times in the last 2 weeks, it seems.

Do a Fodors search using the San Francisco to LA and you will get more ideas than you have time.

Native

Either way, drive down Hwy 1 from SF to Santa Cruz, Monterey, spend the night there and explore if possible. Then drive down Hwy 1 through Big Sur (not much there except scenery-you can have lunch at River Inn or Nepenthes then spend the night in Cambria. Go to Hearst Castle which is bizarre and unique then drive 101 down through Santa Barbara (another good stop if you have time) then hit LA. It's a long way. You won't see much if you just get on the highway and drive between LA and SF. Another option would be to just to trips from SF. One to Point Reyes and Napa-Sonoma, and another to Monterey, Big Sur. Trying to do all the bay area and LA would require a couple weeks to do it well. Have fun, Chris

Here's a tip that I haven't seen on the Forum before: If you have a choice and you're the least bit squeamish about driving Big Sur with its cliffs and precipices, if you drive from LA to SF instead of SF to LA you'll be on the inside lane where you may feel more secure.

Dear CAgal,

The inside road idea has also been mentioned many, many times. Personally, I have done it both ways many times and don't see what the big deal is. It is a 35 mph road. Go the speed limit or a little below and you are fine.

Native