JayhawkCO

Thanks for the helpful thread everyone. Would this trip be worth it in January? I found some cheap airfare to LA from here and toyed with the idea of flying out on a Friday, driving up to Monterey on Saturday and Sunday, and then driving back to LAX in time for a 7:30 PM Monday night flight. I know from a little googling that January is the rainy season on the Central Coast, but would I still be getting nice views and such? (I don't mind driving in the rain). Thanks in advance.

Chris

abmj-jr

It is hit or miss. I have been over there in January, had great weather, and gotten some really spectacular photos. At other times I saw only the fog. The nice thing about the "off" season is that hotel rates tend to be down and crowds at attractions are low or non-existent. The aquarium at Monterey, the galleries and such in Carmel, Hearst Castle and the various other attractions along the PCH will all be fine and uncrowded. The drive might be a bit challenging if the weather isn't cooperative and I'd recommend having alternate routings planned in case of Bad Things, like a land-slide, wash-out or other impacts on Highway 1. They do get the occasional, although not common, road closure. A quick jump away from the coast and onto Highway 101 would solve that problem.

If you intend to drive all the way from Monterey to LAX for an evening departure, I'd suggest doing the return via 101 or even I-5. The PCH (Highway 1) would be too slow.

I'd say go for it. Just bring some warm clothing and weather-proof outer wear and take whatever comes. Chances are it will be fine. Even if it isn't, it'll be fun and might be an adventure.

CMK10

FWIW I did my drive in October of last year and there was a lot of rain and mist but it made the drive beautiful in a different way. I wouldn't hesitate to take the trip in January.

jdmlove

highway 1 from SF to LA in early March 2016... rent a Convertible or not?

TWA884

With my moderator's hat on.

You've already asked this question and received numerous opinions in this thread:

jdmlove

but am still confused if i go for convertible or not.. plus that post was too far from march 2016, we are getting closer now, so am sure the weather feedback are little bit more accurate.

TWA884

Nothing has changed since you received that advice. If anything, the forecast calls for a strong El Niño, which means wetter-than-average conditions in central and southern California.

If you want to follow up, continue the convertible discussion in the thread where you first asked the question. There is no need to discuss the same exact thing in two separate threads.

jdmlove

okay, thanx for the info.

reddevil0728

Drive up to SF from LA will need to be a quick one hence will be taking I-5. While we have more time to drive down to LV from SF hence taking Route 1 to enjoy the coastal view.

Been trying to find out information regarding rest area along both routes. Been on a road trip in the UK where they have like motorway service area with gas station and food outlet. Is there similar concept in the US?

Can't seem to find such information as to where exactly all these rest areas are and what facilities and food outlets do they have.

TWA884

For the most part, US Highway 101 does not run along the coast; for spectacular coastal scenery take California Highway 1.

As for rest areas, here is a list by the CalTrans, the California Department of Transportation:
They generally do not have services other than parking and restrooms. Some have information kiosks, vending machines, and picnic areas. A few have dump stations where recreational vehicles may empty sewage holding tanks.

There are prominent signs ahead of many inter city highway exits listing available services such gasoline stations, and food and lodging facilities.

Here's an example:

reddevil0728

Oops. Yea I meant Highway 1. Thanks for correcting.

What options do I have for food outlets?

TWA884

Since this question is about Highway 1 and not US 101, I'm going to merge this thread into the existing Highway 1 thread.

TWA884

Lost

There's nothing between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Otherwise most every town has one or two fast food places (like McDonalds).

The biggest cities along that route are Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. They will have more of a range of dining options.

If you want to do the historic California roadside restaurant stop then go to Andersen's Pea Soup in Buellton.

reddevil0728

Need some advise on my drive from SF to LV.

The plan is to take Route 1 to have a view of the coastline. However, the drive is extremely long. Was wondering if there's a particular part of the coastline that I should hug while driving before leaving Route 1 and go onto I-5?

Currently the plan is to leave SF and hug the coastline from Pacifica to Santa Cruz, from Santa Cruz to Monterey and from Monterey all the way to Cambria before exiting onto route 46 and head to Las Vegas by the usual way had I take I-5.

I want to just have a view of the coastline and not necessary have a view throughout. Just want to have an experience.

Wondering if there’s a part of the coastline that provides a good view on leaving SF such that I can leave Route 1 after sometime and head onto I-5 without making a detour.

Will the view between Pacifica to Half Moon Bay be good enough before exiting onto Route 92 and head towards I-5?

Or should I just hug the coastline all the way from Pacifica to Santa Cruz before taking Route 101?

Any advice would be appreciated.

abmj-jr

This is just not even close to true.

There are some very nice seafood places in Morro Bay, Cambria and Cayucos and one of the better barbecue places on the coast in Cayucos (The Smokehouse.) Big Sur also has some interesting and unique places for a nice lunch, right along the highway.