Hello, I am trying to finalize some details of my July trip to CA. I will be traveling from Pismo Beach to Santa Monica on July 5th. I am trying to decide whether to use US 1 or take 101. I know 101 is faster but how nice is US 1 on this stretch? How much time am I looking at for each route. What would I be missing on US 1? Timewise, I am assuming about 4 hours on 101 (expedia backs this up) but I am not sure about US 1. I would stop and take some pics I assume but other than gas and food I would probably not stop for anything else.

As always I really appreciate all the wonderful advice.

April

What would you miss doing the 101 instead of Highway 1 (aka PCH)?

Lots and lots of ocean views, really. It is a nice drive. But the 101 isn't awful, and it shares with CA-1 through Santa Barbara-- a very pretty part.

I think doing CA-1 all the way Pismo Beach-Santa Monica would add another hour to the trip over US-101. Maybe 90 minutes.

Are you talking about the part between Oxnard and Santa Monica or are you talking about aking 1 from Pismo to Gaviota? Highway 1 south of Pismo is not so much along the ocean so I've never found that part worth the time. Now Oxnard to Santa Monica along PCH is much better than taking 101 to 405. Avoid 405 whenever you can!

I'm also planning a trip leaving USA April 10, 2007 and returning on Apr. 26. Planning Shanghai arrival, 4-day President Line Yangzi Cruise, Xian, and Beijing. Will add some other stuff as I learn more and will use overnight trains on certain routes. Let me know if you want to swap info.

The 5th is a wednesday, so avoid commute time through LA. If you arrive in Santa Monica by 2:30 pm or earlier I think you'll be okay.

It's been several years since I've been on that stretch of CA-1 but if memory serves, I don't remember that you'll miss too many beach views in the northern part by taking US-101. CA-1 goes inland just south of Pismo Beach and stays that way to Gaviota, where it joins US-101. For beach viewing, I would pick up CA-1 again just south of Ventura and take it to Santa Monica. There is quite a difference between CA-1 and US-101 on that southern stretch.

As a previous poster said, barring accidents on one or the other, plan on 60-90 minutes extra for CA-1 plus any sight-seeing stops you make, assuming you use both stretches of CA-1. If you use only the southern strech, plan on 30-45 minutes extra plus stops.

Not sure why, but this thread has not come back up on my computer until now. Thanks for the info. I appreciate your feedback. I would rather see the coast but I also want to get on into Santa Monica before it is too late. Staying at the Georgian and I LOVE that hotel!!
Thanks again, April

We do this trip all the time. 101 to Oxnard, but stay on 101 to Las Posas Road. You'll get off 101, go right onto Las Posas. Las Posas will run into Hwy 1 and you'll by-pass the downtown Oxnard traffic. Then you'll enjoy the PCH (Hwy 1) drive through Malibu to Santa Monica.