California - Road Trip: SFO to LAX: How would you do it ?

Looking to do a road trip San Fransisco to Los Angeles (or vice versa)in mid march but after advice form lurkers who know the cities the best way to do it ( Fly out to LAX/ SFO ). Looking to take our first redemptions in F so want to make the best of F experience.
Regards

Highway 1 all the way - one of the best things Ive ever done - Pebble beach, Monterrey, Santa cruz, Big Sur, - you could add in a side trip to Yosemite as well depending on how long you have. Enjoy !

Hi,

I would probably do;

(1) LHR-SFO ( easier immigration)

(2) LAX-LHR ( whilst TBIT is not as nice as SFO intl terminal the OW First lounge is better than the small room at SFO- although at SFO you are almost face to face with the 747-400 and you will board from the lounge)

If you are driving down the Pacific Coast highway ( via Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur/Pebble Beach and the 17 mile scenic drive) then as you drive down on the right you will have the Pacific ocean directly to your right

Regards

TBS

Immigration seems to be better at SFO as LAX can be a nightmare.

On the other hand, SFO is a much nicer airport to leave from.

On balance, I would probably make sure that I arrive at SFO, do the road trip to LAX, and then fly Virgin America back to SFO purely for the opportunity to try that carrier.

If you want to speed between the two locations, the drive can be done in a day on the main Freeway (101?). However, if you also a night or two, the drive is lovely.

Carmel is nice place to visit
You can smell Gilroy approaching since it is the Garlic Capital of the world
A must do is the the Hearst Castle near San Luis Obispo.
Santa Barbara is also a reasonable lunch time stop.

In terms of directly, it is better to be on the coast side of the road for better views. That would mean north to south (SFO-LAX) direction. If you are a driver of a slightly nervous disposition, then the LAX-SFO direction would keep you away from the edge of the cliff beside the road. Take a leisure drive with lots of stops to enjoy the views. You will not be the only car to do so.

Personally I'd fly into LAX and drive North. TBIT is pretty lousy but I've never had signifcant immigration issues there other than the queues ("lines") and if you're fast off the plane which you will be in F, then that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
As to my reasons, the log day flight in F to LAX tends to be more amusing. There's usually a celeb or two in the cabin which can be an interesting diversion. Also, the LA crew always seem in a good mood to me whereas SF can be a tadge more earnest.
As to the drive, Highway 1 of course. For me, driving north seems to work better as you're not driving into the sun so much. However, you're on the inland side of the road (but the steering wheel is on the left). I'd stop at San Simeon, check out the wineries near San Luis Obispo, go to Big Sur (Post Ranch Inn is very nice) and wind your way up to SF with a stop at the elephant seal reserve at Pescadero. You'll need advance reservations for San Simeon (and the seals around December to March when the breeding herds are in).
Lastly, you end up in SF which is much more charming than LA as a place to finish a trip and flying out of SFO (on the later flight in my view) is a much better experience than LAX overall, even with the small lounge. Just my 2c; whichever you choose, it's a fabulous trip, especially in a rag-top of course although March can be iffy weather-wise.
cheers
Fritz

if you're fast off the plane which you will be in F

Unless of course the plane is low-J config and you disembark from door 2. Unusual I know but still possible.

Another vote for:

LHR-SFO-Highway 1-LAX-LHR

While I agree about route 1 as the way to go, you also might consider going inland to visit either Redwood or Yosemite national parks.

Highway 1 definately and stop over at Pismo Beach on the way south. An alternative route that is very scenic is to detour through the Carmel Valley and then cut back onto Highway 1.

This thread almost makes me want to learn to drive. A roadtrip down the west coast really sounds like a great idea. ^

I like doing it LAX-SFO since this way the views and towns only get better during the trip. If you start in SFO it is all downhill from there.

I would not take the airport into consideration at all.

Hi,

I would probably do;

(1) LHR-SFO ( easier immigration)

(2) LAX-LHR ( whilst TBIT is not as nice as SFO intl terminal the OW First lounge is better than the small room at SFO- although at SFO you are almost face to face with the 747-400 and you will board from the lounge)

If you are driving down the Pacific Coast highway ( via Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur/Pebble Beach and the 17 mile scenic drive) then as you drive down on the right you will have the Pacific ocean directly to your right

Regards

TBS

+1 on TBS assessments as to flights and clubs as well as advice to drive DOWN the coast. I would highly recommend that you plan your trip such that you have a few extra days for stops on the way down. I would stop at either Carmel or Monterey or Big Sur (Post Ranch in Big Sur is very special but pricey). Agree with others that San Simeon is a must see. And I would stop again for a night in Santa Barbara -- probably the most charming smaller coastal city -- worth touring the Mission, and if you like gardens, there is a fantastic private garden called Lotusland (go to their website and you will need reservations). Highway 1 is truly a great drive -- just hope you have good weather. Enjoy.

Personally I'd go for landing in LAX and ending at SFO but in my view it all depends whether you want to spend a few days in one or the other at the end of the trip. San Francisco is much the nicer city for just having a wander around (and you can ditch the car and use public transport).

I landed in LAX in July and the immigration wasn't too bad (about 20 mins and that was only because I joined the slowest queue).

Looking to do a road trip San Fransisco to Los Angeles (or vice versa)in mid march but after advice form lurkers who know the cities the best way to do it ( Fly out to LAX/ SFO ). Looking to take our first redemptions in F so want to make the best of F experience.
Regards

You've had some good suggestions so far . How long are you planning to visit for ? Do you want to see the Cities at either end of your trip?
(With BA) SFO is a good airport for arrivals and departures.
LAX (TBIT) can be a nightmare for arrivals (external alterations not helping at all)
but IMHO not bad for departures.
All of this dependant on what other flights have just landed before yours.

BTW have you any preference on car hire companies ?

We'll let this run for a day or so and then move over to the California board (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/california-450/).

I like doing it LAX-SFO since this way the views and towns only get better during the trip. If you start in SFO it is all downhill from there.

I would not take the airport into consideration at all.

I'm with you- airports relatively small consideration, and SFO is such a special place to anticipate as you draw near. LA has no soul.

I did San Fran to Palm Springs (not a gay road trip itinerary at all!). Overnighted in Monterey and Carmel which was lovely and then highway 1 with picnic and picture stops enroute. On the way back we drove via Yosemite which was again a wonderful place to stay overnight and broke the distances into nicer sizes.

I would do it again in a heart beat.

Personally (and without any bias :D ), why on earth would you want to go to LA anyway? It's not a real city in the London/Paris/NYC sense, just endless quantities of traffic, smog and human debris. :p

Arrive and depart SFO, drive Highway 1 down to Monterey-Carmel-Pebble Beach-Big Sur, then turn around and head back to San Francisco and the wine county of Napa/Sonoma.

Thank you all for the advice, to say I was somewhat confused before posting this thread is an understatement after all the great ideas I have now recieved.
We are planning to travel on a friday returning monday week giving us at weekend at each city. I think we may plump for the SFO/ LAX route, my thoughts are that if the weather isn't great for March we can always do a run across to Las Vegas for a few days in the sun before going over to LAX for return flight.
We both enjoy a tipple of the old plonk (me red/ TOH white) so hoping to do a few overnights on the road south to do some samlpling.
Availability is looking good for both options at the moment, been having a look at car hire firms and many seem to be unclear as to fees for 1 way hire.
Many thanks to all.
:cool:

... been having a look at car hire firms and many seem to be unclear as to fees for 1 way hire.

Most of the majors don't charge extra for 1 way SFO-LAX since they are corporately owned locations. But, beware of huge surcharges for SFO pickup. Example: Avis is quoting 1 week SFO airport-LAX at almost $800. But SFO city-LAX comes in at only $450.

Since you are planning on your first weekend in SFO, I would suggest taking a taxi $40 from the airport to your hotel and not renting your car until Monday... you don't need one in SF anyway. That saves on nightly parking (as much as $45 a night depending on the hotel) plus it cuts your rental to a week. Most majors (Avis/Hertz) have multiple downtown rental locations near hotels.

Since you are planning on your first weekend in SFO, I would suggest taking a taxi $40 from the airport to your hotel and not renting your car until Monday... you don't need one in SF anyway.

Good advice about no having a car while staying in SF, but id say you can probably save even more and take BART unto SF for ~$9/person, which is walking distance from most major hotels.

I also agree with those saying you should start in LA and end in SF ;)

Good advice about no having a car while staying in SF, but id say you can probably save even more and take BART unto SF for ~$9/person, which is walking distance from most major hotels.

OP noted that he was "... Looking to take our first redemptions in F so want to make the best of F experience..." BART hardly qualifies, although it would be one way to experience a different part of SF, especially if OP got off at the wrong stop. :eek:

Personally (and without any bias :D ), why on earth would you want to go to LA anyway? It's not a real city in the London/Paris/NYC sense, just endless quantities of traffic, smog and human debris. :p

I'd much rather live in LA than San Fran any day^^^

As far as adding anything I would land in LA go up to SFO.

I'd much rather live in LA than San Fran any day^^^

I don't doubt it considering your FT handle. :D

I'd much rather livein LA than San Fran any day^^^

No arguments there. However for a visitor sightseeing ?????
I'd recommend booking a one day bus trip of LA . You'd see all the 'tourist bits' and decide that none of them really warranted any more attention for a separate trip.

Most of the majors don't charge extra for 1 way SFO-LAX since they are corporately owned locations. But, beware of huge surcharges for SFO pickup. Example: Avis is quoting 1 week SFO airport-LAX at almost $800. But SFO city-LAX comes in at only $450.

Since you are planning on your first weekend in SFO, I would suggest taking a taxi $40 from the airport to your hotel and not renting your car until Monday... you don't need one in SF anyway. That saves on nightly parking (as much as $45 a night depending on the hotel) plus it cuts your rental to a week. Most majors (Avis/Hertz) have multiple downtown rental locations near hotels.

Driving in SF can be a bl**dy nightmare. With the trams and the steepness of the hills it can become quite stressful, particularly at night. It's quite unnerving when you look out of the windscreen and can't see the road in front of you :D.
As mentioned, hotel parking prices are steep (much like the hills :) ) expect to pay $50 a day.
In summary ,try to avoid having the car in SF.

While I agree about route 1 as the way to go, you also might consider going inland to visit either Redwood or Yosemite national parks.Redwood NP is 250 miles north of SF. Wrong way.

Yosemite in March? Hmmm.

Edited to add... if the one-way car fees/costs are too high, you can drive from LA to SFO via the inland route (Interstate 5) in around 6 1/2 hours (or considerably less, depending on your skill at slip-streaming the semis.) So you could return the car to SFO, thereby (probably) saving considerable scratch.

Redwood NP is 250 miles north of SF. Wrong way.

Yosemite in March? Hmmm.



But, Sequoia National Park (IMHO one of the most insanely cool places on earth) is sort of between SFO & LAX and it's stunning in the snow.

My inexperienced choice would be to drive LAX-->SFO - no doubt there are many great part of LA but most people I've spoken to have been underwhelmed by LA (myself included), so would be best to get it done first!

One thing to bear in mind when considering side trips (e.g. Yosemite) is that some of the key roads will be closed by snow when you are there. So you can rock up somewhere and then realise it's quite a long drive to where you want to go because e.g. Tioga pass is still closed.

But you will often find that visiting these places (e.g. Yosemite, Bodie CA etc.) in winter is very rewarding.

But, Sequoia National Park (IMHO one of the most insanely cool places on earth) is sort of between SFO & LAX and it's stunning in the snow.A bit like saying that Holyhead is sort of between London and Edinburgh.

Go SF > LA on SR 1, stopping at Point Lobos State Park, Nepenthe near Big Sur (with Orson Welles' and Rita Hayworth's cabin below) and the Hearst Castle. Go clam digging in the surf at Pismo Beach (cold, but the mutant Pismo clams are to die for) and go wine tasting around the Santa Ynez valley (Sideways.) Spend at least one night (two better) in Santa Barbara, one of California's (make that America's) most beautiful cities. Bring money. Have breakfast (Latkes or Salami and Eggs) at Nate 'n Al's on Beverly Drive and play spot-the-former-movie-star (or current TV types.) Go to a Lakers game. Dinner at Nobu or Spago. Bring more money. Walk along the Strand and out the pier at Manhattan Beach and watch the surfers. Eat a burrito. He who is tired of LA is tired of... oh wait.

Forget the ragtop in March - too expensive and you'll freeze your tuchas off. Get a small SUV instead so you can use the higher seating position to see over the other cars.

Props to Gardyloo...

Driving in SF isn't any worse than driving in London or New York. Maybe worse than driving in Boston, however.

But, Sequoia National Park (IMHO one of the most insanely cool places on earth) is sort of between SFO & LAX and it's stunning in the snow.


Err I meant Sequoia, sorry.
I know both are out of the way-But how many times are you going to be driving in California? I think one of them is definitely worth the detour, IMO

Props to Gardyloo...

Driving in SF isn't any worse than driving in London or New York. Maybe worse than driving in Boston, however.No. Boston has the worst drivers in North America. They possess that special combination of aggressiveness and incompetence found only in a few places worldwide. Portugal, for instance.

Highway 1 definately and stop over at Pismo Beach on the way south. An alternative route that is very scenic is to detour through the Carmel Valley and then cut back onto Highway 1.

+1 for Pismo Beach

Did SFO, Monterey, Pismo, Santa Monica on a first First last year.

No. Boston has the worst drivers in North America. They possess that special combination of aggressiveness and incompetence found only in a few places worldwide. Portugal, for instance.

or most of the middle east.

I plead very tired, delayed and mildly PUTI at JFK last night. Of course Boston is the worst in the western world -- and I know. I meant to say something like at least it's not Boston.

I did this trip in March this year - started in LA (flying CW - miles didn't stretch to F) - but we had 2 weeks. Oh - and we had our young teenagers with us - their first visit to the West Coast. We ventured more inland, rather than staying on the coast and did LA, Grand Canyon, Vegas - (flight to Fresno) - Yosemite and SFO. I would have missed Vegas, but we were meeting someone there. Highlights for me were the National Parks - Yosemite in the snow is rather special, and the waterfalls were at their best.

Think about driving inland rather than the coastal route. You can do Death Valley, the redwood parks and Yosemite. I found this much more interesting than the coat trip.

Good advice about no having a car while staying in SF, but id say you can probably save even more and take BART unto SF for ~$9/person, which is walking distance from most major hotels.

I also agree with those saying you should start in LA and end in SF ;)

I'd stay in a hotel near the airport. Plenty of them and usually they offer a free pick up. No need to have a car in SF - it is a compact city and easy to get around. Stay in Millbrae and from most hotels the BART station is usually within walking distance. Hire your car and pick it up at the airport when you leave the city. BART also stops at the Airport.

I did this last summer. We flew into LAX but didn't hang around there. The trip was:

1 Santa Barbara - 3 days (Inn at the Spanish Steps)
2 Paso Robles - 1 Day (Marriott Courtyard) There was a country show on with Rodeo (!) Got hoovered in the bar with a band called the Outlaws! There are great wineries here.
2.5 Joined the PC1 at San Simeon, stopped off to see Hearst Castle
3 Monterey - 3 days (The Clement) Wonderful hotel
4 San Francisco (IC Mark Hopkins) Another fab hotel

As an aside, if you want to go to Alcatraz (and I recommend you do), make sure you book the tickets well in advance otherwise you might be disappointed. You can do this on the web.

We had a great trip (hired a convertible mustang) but as others have said there are so many great places on the way. We want to go back and do it again!

Driving within San Francisco is not much fun, but not like trying to drive in Boston or Paris! If you're not going to leave the city, then I agree - don't get a car. But if you want to explore outside the city -- drive over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County (Sausalito, Mill Valley) then you'll want a car. If you don't get a car, if the weather isn't too bad, take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito (the Golden Gate Ferry) -- it's a fabulous trip and you'll get fantastic views! Really lots more interesting than driving across.

Props to Gardyloo...

Driving in SF isn't any worse than driving in London or New York. Maybe worse than driving in Boston, however.

Although Boston is pretty bad , I'd rather drive round Boston, the West End of London and Manhattan than say Nob Hill and Chinatown in the dark.
Each to their own I suppose.

Stay in Millbrae and from most hotels the BART station is usually within walking distance.
There's an In-n-Out about 200yds across from the station parking.
If that's your thing of course.

Be careful in Millbrae, it's rather pedestrian unfriendly there

I did this trip in March this year - started in LA (flying CW - miles didn't stretch to F) - but we had 2 weeks. Oh - and we had our young teenagers with us - their first visit to the West Coast. We ventured more inland, rather than staying on the coast and did LA, Grand Canyon, Vegas - (flight to Fresno) - Yosemite and SFO. I would have missed Vegas, but we were meeting someone there. Highlights for me were the National Parks - Yosemite in the snow is rather special, and the waterfalls were at their best.As someone who was born and raised 60 miles from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, the statement by BlackBerryAddict concerning Yosemite in the snow brings back so many pleasant memories. Actually, I consider mid-to-late March as the very best time to visit Yosemite. By that time, the roads are usually sufficiently clear of snow that tire chains are not required, and best of all, the park is at its most pristine - the "spring awakening" is something to behold, unspoiled by the summertime crowds that mar the overall experience.

Back to the Coastal route: Most visitors choose to drive in a southerly direction, for the simple reason that the non-driving passengers have the maximum opportunity to look at the view (the driver needs to concentrate on her/his driving, therefore, stops to take photos etc. should also the the occasion to change drivers). Also be aware that slides during rainy weather will occasionally close the road. Caltrans (the state department responsible for roads and highways) does a good job of keeping the roads open, but an occasional major slide may close the road for an extended period - be sure to have a "Plan B" in mind should you encounter one of these (thankfully infrequent) events.

One last comment about Los Angeles (where I went to college) - it has to be remembered that, until about the 1890s, less than 5,000 people lived in in the greater Los Angeles area. So while L.A. does not have the extended history of other world cities, it certainly has attractions of a more current vintage :) that visitors can certainly find rewarding.

If you don't like LA, you can always drive further south to San Diego. It's much more charming (she says modestly). And then you drive back to LA for your flight.

I agree that there's no point picking up the car at the airport. If you are in First then, given your comments on sampling plonk, I assume that you want the full experience which, as many regulars here attest, includes copious amounts of Champagne. This, combined with jet lag, is incompatible with picking up a car straight after the flight. Furthermore, as many others have pointed out, if you are starting at SFO there is no point in having a car whilst you are in the city.

Another recommendation is to get a Sat Nav for use in the car. It saves messing about with maps and is particularly useful in the cities.

There are so many options in the region that it will be hard not to have a great time, whatever you decide.

Polk

When are you doing this? Certain times such as Mid June i have found PCH, specifically the So Cal section very gloomy/misty. It really makes the difference if the weather is nice

However if you drive North (the views are also in front of you) you can continue to Yosemite or further north along the coast where you will find some amazing scenery and forests. Once again: start with the less than perfect (still nice) and end with the perfect. From San Simeon north it is just more beautiful with every mile (so going south it gets less beautifull).

Maybe the Britts were right when the chose to drive on the left... :)

However if you drive North (the views are also in front of you) you can continue to Yosemite or further north along the coast where you will find some amazing scenery and forests. Once again: start with the less than perfect (still nice) and end with the perfect. From San Simeon north it is just more beautiful with every mile (so going south it gets less beautifull).

Maybe the Britts were right when the chose to drive on the left... :)If this was any other time of year, and if the OP had more time, then my recommendation would strongly be to start in Seattle and drive down the coast to SF, rather than SF > LA. The Oregon coast is superb, the Redwoods unique, and the northern half of SR 1 (Leggett > Mill Creek) is IMO the scenic equal of the southern half (Big Sur et al) although a different type of scenery - smaller scale, more interesting towns. As for the Redwoods - there's nothing like them anywhere else, while there's plenty of scenic coastline all over the world. However, in mid-March the Oregon coast weather is likely to be rainy, and the settlements a bit dismal for that route.

If, however, the OP had an extra two days and didn't mind a loop drive, then I'd strongly recommend spending one of them driving north to some of the major Redwood groves around Eureka (about 5 hrs north of SF), then staying the night in the very cute town of Ferndale. The next day, head south along US 101 to the SR 1 cutoff, then follow the coast through Mendocino back to SF. A longish two days, but incredibly rewarding. In late March there might be some wildflowers appearing roadside, and/or some whales offshore.

If, however, the OP had an extra two days and didn't mind a loop drive, then I'd strongly recommend spending one of them driving north to some of the major Redwood groves around Eureka (about 5 hrs north of SF),....


But with only one week, if they want to see redwoods, I'd take in the groves just north of Santa Cruz, like Henry Cowell State Park or Big Basin Redwood State Park....which are on one reasonable route to SFO.

When are you doing this? Certain times such as Mid June i have found PCH, specifically the So Cal section very gloomy/misty. It really makes the difference if the weather is nice

Ah... We call that June Gloom. It can get very foggy (kind of nice actually) near the water during that month.

I vote for a drive south (SF-LA) since California angles from NW-SE and you avoid driving into the sun, assuming you drive during the afternoon after your lazy late morning starts :)

It has been a long time, but when I did the drive it was SF to LA. I thought that was better since most of the sights will be on the right side so easy to pull off and take pictures and soak in the view. I did it in July so there was some fun coastal sea fog :)

I tool Route 1 right in SF. I was staying by Fisherman's Wharf. I got in the car and headed west, then turned south.

i stopped the night in Monterrey, toured that area and off to LA the next day. As you get close to LA, really closer to Oxnard, you lose the coast anyways and on to the highway. If I did this again, I would stay in Venice Beach (Marina del Rey Marriott) and soak in Venice Beach before heading home. Last time I stayed at the Marriott LAX. Was convienent for exploring LA, but not as great as the beach.

i stopped the night in Monterrey, toured that area and off to LA the next day. As you get close to LA, really closer to Oxnard, you lose the coast anyways and on to the highway.

Sounds like you missed the Highway 1 turnoff from US 101 at Oxnard, since while the Interstate (101) goes through the hills, 1 dodges Port Hueneme and NAS Pt. Mugu and then returns to the coast to go through Malibu and end up in Santa Monica & Venice.

Actually, the longest stretch where Highway 1 loses the coast is from Pismo Beach to Gaviota, where it cuts the corner on Point Arguello, passing through Guadalupe and Lompoc. Frankly, I'd stay on Highway 101 from Pismo Beach to Gaviota, since it's much better road....and I suspect that's what you did, without realizing it...as Highway 1 through that area is rather obscure.

However if you drive North (the views are also in front of you)

+1. That time of year, the climate typically favors traveling the northern section in the afternoon. As Henkybaby correctly points out, you have forward views as well. On top of that, when traveling northbound, you notice many views of dells, canyons, and streams on the right side. Plenty to see on either side going north! If you go south (like most tourists) you fix your attention only on the ocean view.

(I worked that run for nearly fifteen years when I worked for a major tour operator).

since while the Interstate (101) goes through the hills

101's an Interstate? :p

I will admit it's much better now. I remember when there were stoplights on 101 in downtown Santa Barbara. The traffic through there used to be horrendous.

Now, 101 is stoplight-free south of San Francisco and even has a 70mph speed limit through the southern Salinas River valley. I never thought I'd see the day! :D

Sounds like you missed the Highway 1 turnoff from US 101 at Oxnard, since while the Interstate (101) goes through the hills, 1 dodges Port Hueneme and NAS Pt. Mugu and then returns to the coast to go through Malibu and end up in Santa Monica & Venice.

Actually, the longest stretch where Highway 1 loses the coast is from Pismo Beach to Gaviota, where it cuts the corner on Point Arguello, passing through Guadalupe and Lompoc. Frankly, I'd stay on Highway 101 from Pismo Beach to Gaviota, since it's much better road....and I suspect that's what you did, without realizing it...as Highway 1 through that area is rather obscure.

Thanks MLSHANKS, I missed the turn in the directions when I was typing.