Santa Cruz to San Fran---HELP!
 

What is the best driving route to take to get from Santa Cruz to San Fran(Fisherman's Wharf). We would like to park in one of the garages in that area. Any suggestions on which parking garage and how early to get there for a space. Also how early should we head out of Santa Cruz to avoid morning rush hour.

The most direct route is over Hwy 17 to Hwy 280, which takes you right into SF. You will have to head out very early (7 AM, say) if you want to avoid morning traffic over 17 (which many commuters take to get to jobs in Silicon Valley) and 280 into SF. With morning traffic, allow 1-1.5 hours for the drive. It also depends on weather, though, as 17 is a curvey route over the mountains that becomes hairy and therefore slows down in the rain. Hwy 1 is the "scenic route" and is not a commuter route, but is two lanes most of the way, which can turn especially slow if you get stuck behind a truck.

Caitlin's advice is good. Even at 7 am though there can be traffic. Rather than trying to beat it, just leave extra time and relax. Coming up 101 follow signs for I80 marked "Bay Bridge". Take I 80 to the last exit in San Francisco--4th street then turn left on 3rd and right on Mission to Embarcadero and turn left. Follow Embarcadero around to the Wharf. There's a huge parking structure across from Pier 39 and I don't think it ever completely fills except the day after Thanksgiving. You can't miss it. I can't tell from your question if you're staying in SF or just coming for the day. If you're staying you might want to consider turning in your rental car at SFO and then taking a taxi to the city. You might even break even with the cost of parking.

A little more direct route than Caitlin's is to take 85 north from 17 to 280 north. Take 17 from Santa Cruz over the mountains to 85 and then 85 north to 280. Not only is this route the shortest but 280 is quite scenic though the hills.

Thanks everyone for your help. We will only be there for the day(Friday) to see and do as much as we can(Bay Cruise, Cable car ride, ?, Drive over Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Wood). We will head out that night from Marin County to go to San Jose, our flight leaves the next day. Any suggestions on a route to San Jose?? Any other helpful information would be welcomed. Thanks again.

Instead of seeing redwoods at Muir Woods, why not make a bit of a detour when you get to the Summit on 17. Drive north to Big Basin State Park and see the redwoods there. I actually think it's nicer. Then take Rt. 9 down the hill to 85 to 280 and follow the above advice. From SF to San Jose I would suggest 280 straight down unless you're doing it fairly late at night in which case 101 is slightly shorter and won't be as crowded as normal. Either route is a bear on a getaway Friday commute so stay put in SF until the traffic clears.

Heed the advice about traffic out of San Francisco on a Friday. It can be brutal. I know, I have been brutalized by it!!!!