DRIVING CA HIGHWAY 1

[Epigonos]

Rather than hijack the Ryan Turner Deli thread I decided to post my reaction to Glennnn's comment regarding California Highway 1 in and around Big Sur. Granted the scenery is spectacular but I absolutely HATE driving the fucking road. Every time I have attempted to do so I have ended up behind some ninety year old couple from the flat Mid West driving a HUGE motor home at 5 mph terrified that if they drive any faster they will fall off into the ocean. What should be a lovely drive rapidly becomes a frustrating nightmare.

[+ Funguy]

That's happened to me too but it's so beautiful that i just take a deep breath, pull over at some nice place, listen to some music (Tina Turner last time), get into the groove and get going again. Once you are frustrated and let it get to you, that's the end of the fun!

After all, I'm Funguy!

[+ deej]

Yeah, if your goal is getting somewhere quickly, avoid PCH pretty much anywhere along it. (Try Santa Monica/Malibu during the summer. It's such a *JOY*. LOL)

 

A friend has a house in the mouth of the Russian River in Sonoma County. At that point, the ocean isn't visible from PCH. You have to exit the freeway and go up/over a hill. Several times/year there are rear-end collisions on that road because some tourist in a mobile home came 'round the curve and slammed on the brakes because of the arresting view. The person that comes behind can't see them around the curve until it's too late.

[bigvalboy]

El Camino Real is not for those who need to transverse the state in a hurry. It is for those wishing to be at one with a work of art. It is God's country and arguably one of the most spectacular roads on the planet. If you're in a hurry, or truly don't have the time to see the beauty, then take I-5. OR as [uSER=9945]@funguy[/uSER] mentions, pull over, have a glass of wine, look out over the Pacific, take a deep breath, and marvel at the wonder of it all.

[+ Axiom2001]

As one who's lived in the Monterey area for a good fifty years and who has driven this gorgeous coast innumerable times, I have not had any difficulty in my maneuvering the road and enjoying the spectacular scenery. I have been on the Amalfi Coast and continue to compare and contrast. I'll take my "own coast" any day in contrast. I thought the Amalfi Coast to be quite beautiful, but it's way too "built up" for my tastes. One of these days I hope to return and do it via an automobile as well as by bus!

 

Bigvalboy, I thunderously agree with what you related in conjunction with Highway 1 that's in the Golden State. Thank you! Merci! Danke! Gracias! Obrigado!

[AdamSmith]

then take I-5.

 

Speaking as a survivor of too many hundreds of hours trundling up and down I-95.

[AdamSmith]

El Camino Real ... I-5.

Could we settle on the 101 as a happy medium?

 

 

[bigvalboy]

Could we settle on the 101 as a happy medium?

 

 

 

http://c3.thejournal.ie/media/2014/06/1370.gif

 

[bigvalboy]

I have been on the Amalfi Coast and continue to compare and contrast. I'll take my "own coast" any day in contrast.

Bigvalboy, I thunderously agree with what you related in conjunction with Highway 1 that's in the Golden State.

Thank you! Merci! Danke! Gracias! Obrigado!

 

Yes...I'll take Highway 1 also...

 

http://www.wildnesswithin.com/2001/01-3/nma.gif

Robinson Jeffers/Not Man Apart

[+ Truereview]

Being a new transplant to the west coast, I'm looking forward to driving down this highway. I drove from LA to Huntington Beach recently and it was nice but I'm told the best parts are north of LA? This fall I'm planning to drive from north of SF down to LA. Would welcome any tips. I'll pack an extra dose of patience and binoculars. maybe even a Valium? Or should I take 420? (giggle)

[MikeBiDude]

Being a new transplant to the west coast, I'm looking forward to driving down this highway. I drove from LA to Huntington Beach recently and it was nice but I'm told the best parts are north of LA? This fall I'm planning to drive from north of SF down to LA. Would welcome any tips. I'll pack an extra dose of patience and binoculars. maybe even a Valium? Or should I take 420? (giggle)

You will love it!! Native of "our" South Bay here (SoCal vs. NoCal Bay Area) and I promise our stretch of Hwy 1 is *nothing* like you will experience in the north.

[bigvalboy]

You will love it!! Native of "our" South Bay here (SoCal vs. NoCal Bay Area) and I promise our stretch of Hwy 1 is *nothing* like you will experience in the north.

Except that you South Bay boys have some of the hottest men on the planet.

[+ FreshFluff]

This fall I'm planning to drive from north of SF down to LA. Would welcome any tips.

 

[MikeBiDude]

Except that you South Bay boys have some of the hottest men on the planet.

Yes this is a cross we must bear in SoCal Southbay

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1383537/beach1.jpg

[bigvalboy]

 

Nooooooo!!! Not 101...That's Adam Smith's run.

[+ bashful]

Being a new transplant to the west coast, I'm looking forward to driving down this highway. I drove from LA to Huntington Beach recently and it was nice but I'm told the best parts are north of LA? This fall I'm planning to drive from north of SF down to LA. Would welcome any tips. I'll pack an extra dose of patience and binoculars. maybe even a Valium? Or should I take 420? (giggle)

 

When working, I was out in California a lot, and became one of those "tourists" driving some part of PCH at least 4 or 5 times. If you can, try a spend a few days so you can stop along the way. Monterey, Pebble Beach, 17 Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, and Hearst Castle just off the top of my head. It's been so long since I've done the drive, I can't remember all the places where I wanted to spend more time, but couldn't.

[+ Funguy]

Being a new transplant to the west coast, I'm looking forward to driving down this highway. I drove from LA to Huntington Beach recently and it was nice but I'm told the best parts are north of LA? This fall I'm planning to drive from north of SF down to LA. Would welcome any tips. I'll pack an extra dose of patience and binoculars. maybe even a Valium? Or should I take 420? (giggle)

 

Monterey, Carmel (including Carmel Valley), Big Sur, Santa Barbara/Ojai, and it just keeps on going! No giggling while driving!

Have FUN FUN FUN

[tennisjock]

Big Sur coastline was designed for driving a sports car, top down, and blasting tunes and relax and enjoy the traffic jams and the like. Post Ranch Inn is a nice place to stop as is Ventana and Nepthene. All in all plan on extra time and make sure you pack a jacket or sweater as that weather can change. Also make sure you have a full tank of gas before you venture either north of San Simeon or south of Carmel

[Despardo]

Big Sur coastline was designed for driving a sports car, top down, and blasting tunes and relax and enjoy the traffic jams and the like. Post Ranch Inn is a nice place to stop as is Ventana and Nepthene. All in all plan on extra time and make sure you pack a jacket or sweater as that weather can change. Also make sure you have a full tank of gas before you venture either north of San Simeon or south of Carmel

You may wish to take into account driving either north or south where the sun is likely to be, so that it is not constantly in your eyes. It is a drop dead gorgeous, but strenuous drive. Consider packing a picnic lunch, as there are very few (if any) amenities along the way. Off the southern end of the drive, the Hearst Castle is worth a visit (there are amenities around there,) but you need to reserve tickets in advance.

 

It was the most challenging scenic drive I ever took--until I drove the Amalfi coast. Picture the Big Sur highway designed by Italians.

[Despardo]

I drove it only once. My companion and I found exactly one motel--grandfathered in since the area is now protected from development. The motel had rooms right along the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean--the sunset was spectacular. Across the road from the motel (which name I have long forgotten) was the only food option for many miles in the form of a fried chicken take out stand (also presumably grandfathered in.) The chicken was only passable (no better than it had to be) and the french fries were horrible. Outside the slider to our room overlooking the ocean, several raccoons had gathered looking for a handout. When we tossed them our fries, the creatures refused to eat them, gave us a dirty look and marched away.

[+ azdr0710]

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

 

Nepenthe has been there forever...very casual....famous views....touristy.....worth a stop.....many years ago, my family and I were there eating when an angry kitchen employee came out on the patio chasing another employee with a knife....we were longtime CA residents and we just sorta shrugged our shoulders and laughed it off, as did most of the other customers....just another day at Nepenthe....that kinda place!

 

http://www.ventanainn.com/

http://www.postranchinn.com/

 

both these hotels are very expensive, with Post Ranch a good bit more so....Ventana is older.....

 

Hearst Castle is a must-do....check ahead for tours and reservations......allow several hours.....of course, "Citizen Kane" is based on Hearst and the castle in the movie is modeled on Hearst Castle

 

http://hearstcastle.org/

 

other spots:

 

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578

 

http://www.treebonesresort.com/

 

google for lots more.....if possible, allow a couple days from Monterey to San Luis Obispo....scenery is better north of San Simeon.....may want to get back on 101 at SLO if headed south.....will need to decide if you want to drive N-S or S-N.....

[Despardo]

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

 

Nepenthe has been there forever...very casual....famous views....touristy.....worth a stop.....many years ago, my family and I were there eating when a kitchen employee came out on the patio chasing another employee with a knife....we were longtime CA residents and we just sorta shrugged our shoulders and laughed it off, as did most of the other customers....just another day at Nepenthe....that kinda place!

 

http://www.ventanainn.com/

http://www.postranchinn.com/

 

both these hotels are very expensive, with Post Ranch a good bit more so....Ventana is older.....

 

Hearst Castle is a must-do....check ahead for tours and reservations......allow several hours.....

 

http://hearstcastle.org/

 

other spots:

 

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578

 

http://www.treebonesresort.com/

 

google for lots more.....if possible, allow a couple days from Monterey to San Luis Obispo....scenery is better north of San Simeon.....may want to get back on 101 at SLO if headed south.....will need to decide if you want to drive N-S or S-N.....

Wow, your links make me want to do it again! Like the place with the yurts.

[+ bashful]

Is the Tickle Pink Hotel still there?

[+ azdr0710]

Is the Tickle Pink Hotel still there?

 

http://www.ticklepinkinn.com/

[+ bashful]

Hearst Castle is a must-do....check ahead for tours and reservations......allow several hours.....

 

When there, it was off, off season (early December). Opted to forgo the popular Tour 1, and booked one of the other of 4 tours. Since there were only of few of us, the tour guide took us to other parts that weren't normally on our tour. Such a treat.