I want to drive from LA and just realised that there are two ways, Interstate 5 and 101. I would like to drive along the beach, so it would be 101 I think. How long would it take if I take 101? And which one do you think is best to take?
2007-07-10 01:35:11 · 6 answers · asked by Moonfairy 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
I prefer 101 over I-5 any day. I drove on 101 from LA to SF and it took less than 8 hours. Started from San Diego around 3 PM and was in San Mateo around 11:30 PM (time includes 3 stops totaling about 40 minutes while driving). It's not that long. I did find out that I-5 was much more crowded at many places, whereas 101 was much better. Much of the driving on 101 is in little hills so you don't get to see too much ocean, but it's pretty nevertheless. There is some single lane driving as you get close to Gilroy but it is not bad at all. Get enough sleep the night before drive and stay hydrated. You will enjoy the drive on 101.
2007-07-11 11:37:53 · answer #1 · answered by Kanan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The 101 will take you past a few beaches, but if you want to drive along the beach you would have to take 1 which i don't recommend its very long and has narrow and bendy in parts. The 5 is the fasted but boring. I like the 101 the best and you can stop off in beach towns.
2007-07-11 05:20:46 · answer #2 · answered by KiwiLA 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
101 doesn't go by the beach really. That would be Highway 1 which takes the longest. Taking 101 can be nice but it will take a few hours longer. The 5 isn't pretty but you can be done with the trip in like 5 or 6 hours.
2007-07-10 01:45:36 · answer #3 · answered by amber 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The route that you want if you want to see the ocean all the way from LA to SF is not 101, but Route -1. You take the 101 route to San Luis Opispo and then take RT-1 north. Its called the Pacific Coast highway and it follows the contour of the land all the way from Morro Bay to SF. It is an all day drive, like at least eight (8) hours. I have driven it twice. Its very scenic with overlooks but not many services. Make sure you have gas and even pack a lunch.
2007-07-10 01:47:27 · answer #4 · answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
101 is the old route and may take few hours more and you're right when you say scenic. The 15 mostly goes through farm land and at times..depending on weather can smell pretty farmy...if your not in a hurry you may want to take the 101 and stop along the beach and spend the night in a nice hotel.
If you use yahoo maps it will tell you approx how long it will take to drive straight through each way.
2007-07-10 01:46:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
5 is fastest. 101 is more scenic but takes a little longer. i'd take highway 1 off the101 in San Luis Obispo, and take that all the way to SF. it's longer still and slower, but the scenery is some of the best in the world.
2007-07-10 01:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by delujuis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋