Drive Along California Hwy 1

thank you for sharing your trip, can't wait for my road trip to start

My husband wants to take a trip in the spring of 2008 flying from Alabama and we havent decided where to land in CA...he's thinking San Diego or LA to San Francisco. Rent a convertible and drive from San Diego or LA to San Francisco on the Pacific Highway. Anyone have any suggestions? It will probably be a 3-5 day trip...we havent decided that yet.

My Husband and I took this trip down to L.A. and it was really nice. We took some pictures and the pictures came out looking like postcards. Very scenic views. This is a trip to remember. A trip that you won't regret. Got to love the coast.

Let me give a try :)
Hope I njoy.
Thanks

I have taken this trip many times and there is no better scenic trip to enjoy. The coastline is breathtaking and awesome. The views of the ocean and quaint little hotels in small towns ~ it makes it a paradise to enjoy like no other.

Monatage Montage Montage...... O La La

We have been along this route several times. Monterey tends to be congested in the summer time, there is very little parking space. The aquarium had a line wrapped around the building with people waiting to get in. That was the one thing I really wanted to do but didn't get to. Make sure you check out Cambria, it is still a quaint little town along the ocean. The sand is really dark, and finding a place to climb down to the ocean is challenging but well worth the effort.Santa Barbara is spectacular. A relative got married there at the Fess Parker hotel. When we travel to tourist spots we try to stay away from the main drag as it is usually rather expensive,of course with the price of gas these days you have to factor that into going to far off the beaten path! Our next trip up the coast will be in the fall or late winter prior to tourist season.

I travel to San Francisco on business once a year and always make time for Big Sur and Nepenthe restaurant. Rent a car in the city, head for the ocean and turn south - always stopping in Half Moon Bay and driving through Santa Cruz before stopping in Monterey, Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive and finally to Big Sur...simply awesome!

I use to live in Big Sur and am from Santa Barbara. I can't tell you how many times I have done this drive and everytime was still blown away by how beautiful it is! Living in Big Sur gave me the chance to explore beautiful beaches and trails. Like another poster said, allow plenty of time for traffic (nad huge campers) while traveling on HWY 1.