Flying into S. CA driving to SF

Question

2 retired adults flying from Minnesota into somewhere in S. CA. We think we want to avoid LA, but haven't been there for decades. We don't care where we start in S. CA, but we have to end up in SF for a cruise. We're thinking 5-7 days with a rental car. What thoughts/suggestions do y'all have to help us out? Thank you so very much!

Answer

For a 5-7 day road trip from Southern California to San Francisco, avoiding LA traffic as much as possible, you have several scenic and interesting options. Since you’re retired and want a relaxed trip with flexibility, focusing on coastal and inland scenic routes works well. Here’s a breakdown of ideas:

Starting Point Options:

San Diego: If flying into SD, you can start your trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/Highway 1) northward. This allows for scenic coastal stops without going through LA’s heavy traffic.
Orange County (John Wayne Airport): Easier than LAX and still gives access to beaches like Laguna or Newport. Traffic is lighter and you can quickly start the drive north via I-5 or PCH.
Palm Springs: If you prefer desert scenery over beaches, start inland and drive through I-10 to Central California. Less coastal traffic but fewer ocean views.

Suggested Route & Stops Along the Way:

Option 1 – Coastal Route (PCH/Highway 1):
- Laguna Beach / Dana Point – great for a relaxed morning stroll.
- Santa Barbara – charming downtown and coastline; ideal for an overnight stay.
- San Luis Obispo / Pismo Beach – wine tasting and scenic beach walks.
- Big Sur – must-see rugged coastline; consider staying overnight to enjoy sunrise/sunset.
- Monterey / Carmel – Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive.
- Santa Cruz – brief stop for boardwalk or beach view.
Option 2 – Inland / Faster Route (I-5):
- Temecula – wine country tasting.
- Fresno / Central Valley – convenient stopover with easy access to Yosemite if desired.
- Santa Nella – midway point for rest and meals.
- San Francisco – arrive for your cruise.

Tips & Considerations:

Allow at least one overnight in Big Sur or Monterey if taking the coastal route – it’s scenic but time-consuming.
If avoiding LA, leave early from SD or OC to bypass morning traffic, and plan breaks outside metro areas.
Rental cars: opt for mid-size or larger for comfort, especially if planning coastal driving along winding roads.
Weather: Northern sections can be foggy; check local forecasts along Big Sur and Monterey.
Reservations: Summer is busy; book accommodations ahead.

Overall, a mix of coastal stops with occasional inland shortcuts allows you to enjoy California’s highlights without the stress of LA traffic. You can customize depending on your pace and interests – beaches, wine country, or scenic viewpoints.

Flying into S. CA driving to SF

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