Honeymoon Driving from SanFran to LA

[Ice]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

I remember it's really stinky around Fresno.

You're totally right!! Fresno and south to Bakersfield, both stinky, neither worth the drive. For that matter, there is no reason to go anywhere near the 99 unless you're heading north to Sequoia/Kings Canyon.

For a nice drive, stay on the 101/1 and take the scenic route. Hearst Castle is a pretty nice place to see around the Big Sur area.

For a close up look at Redwoods, Trees of Mystery was a place we visited many times growing up. It's just off the 101, about an hour (more or less) from the Oregon/California border.

http://www.treesofmystery.net/

There are several missions to visit and most are off the 101. You can really get a feel of the history of California and the influence of early settlers when wandering the grounds. The Santa Barbara mission is my favorite, it's beautiful and has the best view of any of the missions I've visited since its on a hillside in a coastal town.

One of the largest outlet malls in the country is in Camarillo, right off the 101. If you enjoy shopping, it could eat up an entire day. Take Las Posas Rd and you'll see the mall. (One block on the other side of the outlet mall is In-N-Out Burger, sort of a must have when visiting California)

Santa Monica pier is a good tourist attraction but Manhattan Beach pier is just as beautiful but not as crowded. It's a really nice beach.

The city of Hollywood has done a really nice job cleaning up that city and making it safer. You can see the Chinese Theatre and meander the Walk of Fame with no concerns for your safety.

If you like museums, The Getty Museum is really nice. On a clear summer day you can see all the way to the ocean from its hilltop location. You have to navigate the 405, but its not too terrible. It's 10 or 15 dollars to park and entrance to the museum is free. The gardens are beautiful. It would make for beautiful honeymoon pictures.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Hollywood is definitely safe, but still kinda dumpy. It's in transition right now, lots of money being sunk into it to redevelop buildings and blocks, side by side with dodgy looking places,

[Kavvy]

We have 2 weeks, so lots of time for everything, hopefully. Thank you all for your responses, even if not directly replying, it is all great info and we need to put it all into excel (by post) and go through it all to simply it for myself. Keep it coming!

Thank you,

Kavy

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Just drive the 1 (PCH) as much as you can allow to. The scenery is jaw-dropping, and my favorite memory of my own road trip from last summer.

Thank you! She is reccomanding this as well and I have since googled it, looks great!

Originally Posted by surferguy

Santa Cruz is a cool little city to check out and drive the Big Sur Hwy.

Thank you will do.

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Since its your first time, I would recommend taking the longer but more enjoyable CA-1. Of your stops, I'd recommend Carmel and do 17-mile drive. From SF, you may want to grab lunch at the pier in Monterrey, they are priced quite reasonably there. The 101 route is longer then the I-5, but not as boring (I-5 is like HWY-2 from CGY/EDM).

If you take the I-5, there is a section (152?) that is single lane and traffic gets jammed from 3pm-9pm, especially on Friday's. Other days its probably just normally bad, rather then nightmare bad. For me, my scheduel is usually leave SF around 7pm, 152 clears out by 8:30... when you enter LA, you avoid the 5/405 junction nightmare after midnight, as any time from 4am to 11pm is a nightmare.

Thank you for the traffic info, easy to miss when planning. I think we are taking the I-1

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Oh for other recommendations, since you have a car, the best panaramic shots of SF are :

- Mt Tamalpias (just north of SF)
- Treasure Island (in between SF/Berkeley)
- top of Berkeley hills

If you head towards TI/Berkeley, there is a ton of cheap food around campus. The most popular among students there is Top Dog. Watch out of parking, I have about 10 parking tickets from there as I swear parking officers are hiding in the bushes waiting for the second your meter expires. Half of those, I was within 5 minutes after my meter expired.

EDIT : to minimize spam... I recommend going to farmers market which is Tues/Thurs/Sat mornings. Its my favourite thing to do in SF. A lot of cool shops and stands there. I usually get a few raw oysters, I think its 3 for $5? The sandwhich place that has a really really long line is pretty good, not worth a 30 minute wait but if you go just before they wrap things up, its <5 minutes.

Never even thought about a farmers market in another city, will do.

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

Make sure you go see some Redwoods. Awesome!

Dumb question - where are they?

Originally Posted by troutman

Honeymoon? Stay around the Bay Area and skip LA. SF is more romantic, and has fantastic dining.

Chez Panisse, the birthplace of California cuisine:

http://www.chezpanisse.com/intro.php

Point Reyes National Seashore:

http://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

Calistoga Spa:

http://www.calistogaspa.com/

Clos Pegase Winery

http://clospegase.com/about.php

Oysters at Tomales Bay:

http://clospegase.com/about.php

Rent bikes, cross Golden Gate Bridge, take ferry back from Sausolito:

http://bikethegoldengate.com/

Mission Burritos:

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

AT&T Park is great, but Giants tickets could be hard to come by.

Based on your post, we are prob lengthing our stay in SanFran and shortening it in La, thank you for all the suggestions for activities and food!

Originally Posted by HOOT

We didn't have an issue at all and we saw the Braves vs Giants. I think it would depend on the game. Saturday/Sunday day game would probably be the busiest from my experience because more people bring family but there were still tickets to be had. It's just not like the Mariners where you can get $20-30 tickets right behind the plate.

My advice for AT&T Park would be dress warm and bring a blanket even in June. You are right along the bay and if you aren't in the lower section along the 3rd base line it gets cold at night. I'd actually recommend a day game if you can make it work but a night game is still worth going just be prepared for pay $8 for a hot chocolate.

Thank you, wouldn't want to get cold. Honeymoon is one time $8 non-booze drinks won't make me mad, my wallet is going to be empty after, I plan on enjoying myself.

Originally Posted by Table 5

If you're going to Napa, do yourself a favor and stay at Dr. Wilkinson's in Calistoga. It's a great little town that's one step removed from all the central Napa stuff, so it's a little more relaxing.

Dr. Wilkinsons is a fantastic little hotel that with different kids of mineral pool. You can also get some mud baths and stuff that they are known for. We just enjoyed the pools, and it was fantastic.

If you're going to spend a lot of time on the PCH (which you'd be a moron not to), get yourself something a little fun to drive. It's your honeymoon...don't go for the Camry.

Oh, and one last thing... don't call it San Fran.

They hate that? Or just bad in general? Thanks for the hotel tip!

Originally Posted by Ice

You're totally right!! Fresno and south to Bakersfield, both stinky, neither worth the drive. For that matter, there is no reason to go anywhere near the 99 unless you're heading north to Sequoia/Kings Canyon.

For a nice drive, stay on the 101/1 and take the scenic route. Hearst Castle is a pretty nice place to see around the Big Sur area.

For a close up look at Redwoods, Trees of Mystery was a place we visited many times growing up. It's just off the 101, about an hour (more or less) from the Oregon/California border.

http://www.treesofmystery.net/

There are several missions to visit and most are off the 101. You can really get a feel of the history of California and the influence of early settlers when wandering the grounds. The Santa Barbara mission is my favorite, it's beautiful and has the best view of any of the missions I've visited since its on a hillside in a coastal town.

One of the largest outlet malls in the country is in Camarillo, right off the 101. If you enjoy shopping, it could eat up an entire day. Take Las Posas Rd and you'll see the mall. (One block on the other side of the outlet mall is In-N-Out Burger, sort of a must have when visiting California)

Santa Monica pier is a good tourist attraction but Manhattan Beach pier is just as beautiful but not as crowded. It's a really nice beach.

The city of Hollywood has done a really nice job cleaning up that city and making it safer. You can see the Chinese Theatre and meander the Walk of Fame with no concerns for your safety.

If you like museums, The Getty Museum is really nice. On a clear summer day you can see all the way to the ocean from its hilltop location. You have to navigate the 405, but its not too terrible. It's 10 or 15 dollars to park and entrance to the museum is free. The gardens are beautiful. It would make for beautiful honeymoon pictures.

Thank you, I don't think we will make it that far north, however still thank you. She loves museums.

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Hollywood is definitely safe, but still kinda dumpy. It's in transition right now, lots of money being sunk into it to redevelop buildings and blocks, side by side with dodgy looking places,

The more I read the shorter our LA portion is going to get. Might only travel there so we can do the I1 and fly home

[The Goon]

I've heard about the Madonna Inn, a themed hotel in San Luis Obispo. Always wanted to stay there. All the rooms have crazy things like waterfalls or rock showers. SLO is a nice little town on the way.

http://www.madonnainn.com/features.php

Also, for a nice detour, do 17-mile drive south of SF by the Pebble Beach (and other) golf clubs. Really scenic drive.

http://www.pebblebeach.com/activitie.../17-mile-drive

[awildermode]

Check out Hearst Castle.

750 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452

Get directions

‎
(800) 444-4445


http://www.hearstcastle.org/



google images link

[octothorp]

You mention she likes museums... One of our favorite stops in LA is the Museum of Jurassic Technology, which is really difficult to describe but can best be described as an homage to the cabinet of curiousities approach that preceded modern museums.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_...sic_Technology

[Julio]

If you are doing Giant's games Stubhub is your friend...I bought tickets for two games yesterday...tomorrow @ 30% off face and Friday night in the club (in case it gets cold) for 50% of face.

[Flabbibulin]

My wife and I did the same trip a few years ago

Stayed at the Omni in San Fran. Great hotel.

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Monterey Bay south of San Fran is awesome- they have a great aquarium, awesome seafood restaurants, and plenty of whale watching tours. We stayed at the Monterey plaza hotel which is an awesome hotel with some pretty killer ocean rooms.

South of montery bay is Carmel and one of the greatest stretches of road in the US called 17 mile drive- incredibles views, beaches, houses. I think you have to pay $10 or so to take the drive, but it is well worth it. At the end of the drive is pebble beach golf course- obviously you dont have to play the course, but it is pretty awesome to just walk around the compound (massive)and have lunch at one of the many restaurants etc

[macker]

Another vote for taking Highway #1 and crawling down the coast. You will want to drive slow so that you can take in the views. We have done this stretch about 5 times and the most recent parts of the road were being repaired from falling into the ocean It is that close to the edge! Also make sure to stop at Pfeiffer State Beach. Extremely windy every time we have been there but the views are extreme. Nudists hang out at the North end of the beach......didnt' check out the views there though. If you are going to wine country Napa is neat but you will get bogged down a bit in that area. Quicker and just is good would be going to Sonoma or even Santa Barbara further down the coast. Santa Barbara is definitely worth checking out if you like wine and beaches.....warmer water...

[macker]

If the dates line up : http://www.henrymiller.org/upcoming/

[woob]

As others have said, definitely take the PCH. One of the best drives in NA. As for my recommendations:

San Francisco - Mission - Tonnes of great food in here at some of the most hole in the wall places. I have friends in the district, so I don't know much about accommodation. Great coffee in the area, as well.

To get from greater SF area down to Cabrillo Highway (Hwy 1, which you can take to Monterey) I went on a gorgeous drive through the mountains/trees from Saratoga. I took Hwy 9, to Hwy 236, to Jamison Creek Rd., to Empire Grade and then Pine Flat Rd. through Bonny Doon and down to Hwy 1. (When you come to the T intersection for Hwy 1, there's a fantastic spot to stop there and sight see. You can park right there, climb up over the tracks, and then enjoy the views.) You can also just stay on Hwy9 and it'll bring you out at Santa Cruz. This is single lane highway, so if you want something faster, take Hwy 17 from Los Gatos. It's a beautiful drive as well, and not as super twisty/turny.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Website - Amazing aquarium that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I stayed at this Best Western in Monterey: Beach Resort Monterey - Right on the beach. I stayed on the third floor, which was great. Excellent views and you fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Good beach next to the hotel to hang out on or fly a kite. Trip Advisor for the hotel, too. Price was decent. I think I found a deal somewhere for when I went.

Lots of great seafood places to eat at in Monterey. I ate at this place, which is off the beaten path but it was quiet and the food was excellent: Sandbar & Grill

The 17 mile drive was kinda cool, but as others have said, lots and lots of free and wonderful views down the PCH. There's numerous things to see along the PCH. I spent 3 days in Monterey and just did day drives down the PCH every day, doing various beach hikes or valley hikes along the way. HIGHLY recommend you research some of these as the views are incredible. The bridges along the PCH are amazing as well. Be prepared for road construction and slow drivers, as I've encountered these each time I've driven the PCH. Best to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.

Stop here for some amazing coffee and baked goods/lunch along the PCH: Big Sur Bakery.

My favourite of the PCH parks: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Definitely try and stop here for the views.

Another place I really enjoyed my stay at was Morro Bay. Morro Bay State Park is a must see. Great for kite flying as well.

Of course in LA, you have to go see Venice Beach.

I've rambled on enough, but if you have any questions, feel free to PM.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by woob

To get from greater SF area down to Cabrillo Highway (Hwy 1, which you can take to Monterey) I went on a gorgeous drive through the mountains/trees from Saratoga. I took Hwy 9, to Hwy 236, to Jamison Creek Rd., to Empire Grade and then Pine Flat Rd. through Bonny Doon and down to Hwy 1. (When you come to the T intersection for Hwy 1, there's a fantastic spot to stop there and sight see. You can park right there, climb up over the tracks, and then enjoy the views.) You can also just stay on Hwy9 and it'll bring you out at Santa Cruz. This is single lane highway, so if you want something faster, take Hwy 17 from Los Gatos. It's a beautiful drive as well, and not as super twisty/turny.

Just a side note here, as I know this area quite well (Castle Rock)... if you go a bit farther off from HWY-9 onto Skyline Blvd (HWY-35), about 3-5 minutes south on HWY-35, that pullout gives you a great panoramic view of Santa Cruz bay. There is actually a better view of what you described above if you drive a bit farther, but you have to hike a bit and bushwack for a few minutes... let me know if you want and I can pull up a map and send it off. (yeah i really know that area well)

Careful of cops though, lots of people get nailed for speeding tickets there. HWY-9/Shoreline is popular for car enthusiasts and motorcycle clubs... I think Fozzie_Debear did this last year and said it was pretty awesome.

People that do this drive usually stop at Alice's for lunch... you'll see a show room of Ferarri's, Tesla's, etc parked side by side there as its a common hang out point for these clubs.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by Kavy

The more I read the shorter our LA portion is going to get. Might only travel there so we can do the I1 and fly home

Go to Hollywood just for the shopping experience. It's just like going to any Canadian mall. Except instead of women's clothing stores, there are boutiques for stripper costumes. And instead of a food court, there are hookah bars. And instead of department stores, there are novelty t-shirt shops selling you 5 shirts for $10. And instead of a crowd, there is a bigger crowd.

OK, it's nothing like a Canadian mall.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Kavy

The more I read the shorter our LA portion is going to get. Might only travel there so we can do the I1 and fly home

Trying to think of things I do when I go to LA (usually make ~8 trips a year, my girlfriend's family is from there, she's from Santa Monica)...

- Santa Monica Promenade / pier
- UCLA (lots of places to eat around there that are cheap, PM me for names... my gf did both undergrad and graduate degree there, and a year of post-doc so she was there for like 9 years)... lots of hollywood stars live around there, so she points out some stuff
- Santa Barbara
- San Diego? (gaslamp dist)

(IMO most of the best stuff around SoCal is outdoors... not indoors stuff... we do lots of outdoors stuff down there)

Side note: realized you are going in June, its gonna be pretty hot in SoCal. But Santa Monica tends to be more moderate temps, but once you get into the Valley, temps go up 20 degrees.

Side note 2: Just realized for summer, you should check this out:
http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/
Its pretty fun...