Route from Los Angeles to San Francisco via 101 fwy?

Question

we're always taking the 5 fwy i use google maps, yahoo maps and mapquest and they all give directions via 5 fwy.

Thanks all! Took the 5 going to SanFo and took the 101 going back to Los Angeles.

Answer 1

The Pacific Coast Highway (highway 101 or, in places, highway 1) used to be the only way to travel that route. If scenery is what you're after, it still is. However, it winds along the coast and takes almost twice as long as other routes.

Head out of LA toward Santa Barbara. From there, follow the signs to Salinas and then on to Santa Cruz. Be careful to take 101 north toward San Francisco out of San Jose or you'll end up on 80, heading north along the east side of the bay instead of on the PCH. 101 signs will be easy to find and, as a rule of thumb, staying along the coast means you'll be following the PCH. Keep an eye out for highway 1signs - often adorned with the image of a california poppy - and follow them wherever possible. Highway 1 is the original PCH route. It intersects with 101 quite often and travels through some breathtaking scenery.

Most people nowadays take Interstate 5, it's straighter and takes less time. When you get to the bay area, just turn off I-5 and go west on 580 (which turns into 80 at the bay bridge) and head into the city.

Did you know that, following lobbying from oil companies, long, almost imperceptable curves were built into the plans for Highway 5 to ensure travellers would use more gas on the route?

Answer 2

It's straight 101 from L.A. (where it's the Hollywood Freeway) to San Francisco. Just keep following the "San Francisco" signposts.

As others have suggested, you might want to veer off to Hwy 1 after Santa Barbara (for Big Sur and Hearst Castle), though this is a challenging and slow drive. If you keep going on the 101, you'll hit SLO and Salinas instead.

You can also veer off to Hwy 156 from Salinas (which will also take you to Hwy 1 near Monterey and Santa Cruz). Either way, you'll eventually end up in the Bay Area -- most likely San Jose.

Once there, 101 is called the Bayshore Freeway all the way to San Francisco.

Answer 3

You haven't taken a California trip until you've driven PCH all the way up to SF. There are alternate routes where you have the option of the 1 or the 101. If time is a factor, take the 5!

Answer 4

We vacationed by taking this route and you do need to plan some extra time but it is well worth it! Hwy 1 and 101 are a wonderful,casual, scenic adventure and your missing out it you don't ride them at least once. Much depend on your schedule but it was the best week I've had in years. The coastline (which is protected -thank God) from builders-can you tell I live in the now extinct So Cal? Is breathtaking---GO! Get a Rand McNally in Target or Kmart or the bookstore or just print out a map of California from the net---

Answer 5

101 is beautiful depending on what time of year and weather. But the 5 is MUCH faster.
Trick to the map quest google thing.
Pick a coastal city like Santa BArbara and it will show you the general area, back off the map and you will usually get the freeways.
Or get a real map you can take with you.Some gas stations still have them and bookstores.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I drive a truck up that way and always take the 5. Its faster cause the 101 is the old mission road. A great view but not timely.

Answer 8

That's a great question

Answer 9

Hello, just wanted to say, I liked this discussion. inspiring replies

Answer 10

Take the coastal road, it is beautiful.