If I drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, are there any scenic places on the way to break my journey?

Question

I plan to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles and would not mind breaking my journey on the way to see any scenic places. I have heard Big Sur is a good option. Are there any other such places?

Answer 1

PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is the most scenic route. I would suggest buying a book which help you to decide which towns and tourist spots to see.
Big Sur is very (naturally)beautiful and breath taking.
Mission Carmel is a beautiful historic spot with lots of early California history including old Whaling stations.
Monterey, next to Carmel also very beautiful and lots of nice shops.

Be cautious though..... the road is curvey and not fun to drive at night. Your trip will take you at least a few days longer going and stopping at sights along the way. I think that you have to detour at Santa Barbara(due to construction) although the road may be finished by now?? If you are going alone you should stop every so often to enjoy, otherwise your eyes will be on the curvey road and you will not be able to enjoy yourself.

Interstate 5 sucks but is direct. You might want to find a path to I5 if you get tired of the scenery and curvey roads

Answer 2

Most people gave answers relating to the coast route (Highway 1), but Highway 101 is also worth considering, since it's quicker and safer (and it's not boring like I-5). Hwy 101 goes right through Silicon Valley, then Gilroy (you'll smell the Garlic even if it isn't Garlic Festival time), and the Salinas Valley (historical and picturesque). You pass within a few miles of many of the old missions (this being the route of El Camino Real from the days of Spanish California). The hot springs region just south of San Luis Obispo is interesting as is Pismo Beach just beyond. Lompoc is somewhat off Hwy 101, but has interesting architecture and a lot of outdoor murals. Gaviota Pass is very scenic, and Santa Barbara is certainly worth getting off the freeway for a look. A little ways beyond Ventura you'll pass the Camarillo Outlet Mall in case you need to buy any clothes, and then over the hill into the San Fernando Valley (the smog will give you a clue that you've reached LA).

Answer 3

Well, the 101 goes pretty close to hearst castle which is interesting. You'll more or less go through both santa barbara and pismo beach which aren't the most scenic beaches but can be pretty at the right time of day.

I like Shell Beach which is right next to pismo, not much sand but lots of rock formations and the sand that is there is pretty much rocks and shells. There is a gazebo at the top there where you can feed seagulls.

edit: oh right, if you take the 1 instead of the 101 or...the 5? there is quite a bit of ocean to see along the road (although it is quite a bit longer drive, and winding as all get out)

Answer 4

Los Angeles

Answer 5

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is cool, especially at night.

Answer 6

If you take the coast route rather than the freeway it is a very scenic and winding road.

Answer 7

carmel and monterey, then on to san simeon, down to paso robles and to san luis obisbo and pismo beach at that point you are half way there!

Answer 8

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/losangeles/0014020009.html

http://www.totalescape.com/destin.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_1

http://www.allgetaways.com/region.asp?areaid=100822

http://wedrivecalifornia.com/california_drives.php

http://www.verde.ro/california/drives/index.html

http://mobiltravelguide.howstuffworks.com/scenic-drive-in-california-arroyo-seco-historic-parkway-ga.htm