Driving from San Diego to SanFransisco...what should I be sure...

rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:04 PM
Original message

Driving from San Diego to SanFransisco...what should I be sure...

...not to miss?

Thanks!

:hi:

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Misunderestimator

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:04 PM
Response to Original message

1. The ocean.

:hi:

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:06 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. LOL

I think we've got that one covered.

:loveya:

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flowomo

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:09 PM
Response to Reply #2

6. the one on your left.

can't quite see the other one from there.

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tjwash

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:07 PM
Response to Original message

3. Stop in Ventura or Santa Barbara for lunch.

Because their isn't a whole lot between there and SF

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The Sushi Bandit

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:09 PM
Response to Reply #3

5. Dont go that way!

Edited on Mon Nov-14-05 01:10 PM by The Sushi Bandit

Do the grapevine and cut 4 hours off your drive.

That is unless you plan to spend the night in SLO

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LeftyMom

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:08 PM
Response to Original message

4. Stop in Santa Cruz

Edited on Mon Nov-14-05 01:09 PM by LeftyMom

It's just about the neatest place in the universe. :D There are a zillion neat little shops and places to eat.

Also if you can time it so you're headed into San Francisco just after dark, it's worth it because the view off the 1 just south of the City as you're driving along cliffs over looking the ocean is so beautiful in the gathering dark.

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:46 PM
Response to Reply #4

11. Cool!

Thanks! Sounds perfect!

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LeftCoast

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:12 PM
Response to Original message

7. There are two main routes

I-5 is a direct shot, but it's BORING and the scenery is not so good. You can take the coastal route, but it's much slower (add an extra 3 hours or so). BTW, the weather in CA at the moment is really wonderful. When will you be out?

:hi:

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Gormy Cuss

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:35 PM
Response to Reply #7

9. About the coastal route

LeftCoast was generous in the description of I-5 as merely boring, IMO. Once you're north of L.A. it's the best way to drive quickly to the Bay Area but you'll bypass the beautiful Central Coast region (SLO, the coast near Morro Bay to San Simeon, plus Big Sur) and spend hours driving through a zone with not much for tourists.

Highway 1, the route right on the coast, is beautiful for much of the length. The problem with it is that it takes eons to drive long distances. Once you have the choice,use Highway 101 to go longer distances at higher speeds and cut over to Hwy 1 for specific sections like Big Sur.

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LeftCoast

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:39 PM
Response to Reply #9

10. It's a good idea to bring along some Dramamine if you take Hwy 1!

If you are at all likely to get car-sick, Hwy 1 will do it for you!

:hi:

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:52 PM
Response to Reply #10

18. I do sometimes have a problem with that.

Thanks for the reminder.

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Gormy Cuss

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:54 PM
Response to Reply #10

19. That's why I mentioned 101 vs. 1

If one looks at a map one might think we mean Hwy 1, the most beautiful rollercoaster ride in the country, as opposed to reliable ole 101.

Hwy 1 is also a terrifying road if you're afraid of heights but that's more so driving south than north. Easterners are used to a quaint convention called guardrails, something that Caltrans uses with much reluctance based on what I've seen.

:hi:

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:49 PM
Response to Reply #7

14. We'll be there on Friday.

It's our honeymoon. We're finally going on our honeymoon after 2 years of marriage and 9 years of living together.

We're taking our 14-month-old son with us. So we plan to make a lot of stops along the way so he can get out of the car.

:)

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hunter

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Mon Nov-14-05 04:41 PM
Response to Reply #14

30. When our kids were small we drove up Highway One.

It took FOREVER.

Stopping along Interstate 5 with little kids is no fun either. Inevitably children get the fussies at the ugliest places on earth. Some places along Interstate 5 are beginning to have that harvested out end-of-the world "Mad Max" quality at this time of year, and that's probably where you'll end up changing diapers, having snacks, etc.

Your best bet is the 101.

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rbnyc

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Tue Nov-15-05 12:43 PM
Response to Reply #30

44. Thanks!

That's kind of what it's looking like.

:)

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radwriter0555

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:27 PM
Response to Reply #14

34. Ahhhh then the aquarium IS THE TICKET. It's very, very kid oriented with

fantastic touch tanks and wonderful interactive experiences designed for tykes and toddlers of all ages.

The 2 story tall aquarium will knock your socks off... seriously, the Sun Fish is the most amazing creature ever...

I suggest going when it first opens while the baby is wide awake, and then driving later when everyone is tired and naps are to be had, with sweet dreams of mackeral swimming in one's head. Lunch is affordable and quite good in the cafeteria.

My daughter still has her MBA stuffed otter. She's had it since she was 4... and she's 12 now.

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tjwash

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:16 PM
Response to Original message

8. Try and stop in Sausalito while you are up there

I love that place. Great restaurants, and a whole lot of nice little shops to go into.

I usually try and stay away from the wharf and the other tourist traps in the city (although off season like now it's not so bad). I can't get enough of Chinatown though...

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #8

15. Awesome.

I love your sig line graphic, btw.

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Rabrrrrrr

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:47 PM
Response to Original message

12. The road, curves, and turnoffs

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #12

16. Very funny!

:hi:

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ronnykmarshall

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:49 PM
Response to Original message

13. Stop at the Madonna Inn - San Luis Obispo

If you can, check out the men's bathroom with the waterfall urinal.

The place is so tacky it's FAB!!!

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:51 PM
Response to Reply #13

17. cool!

My husband keeps asking me if thee's anything I want to make sure to see, and I just have no idea. This is great.

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ronnykmarshall

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Mon Nov-14-05 01:56 PM
Response to Reply #17

20. It's easy to find.

Once you get into SLO, it's right off the 101. You'll see the exit signs.

It's a pretty good place for lunch as I recall.

It's too bad they don't let your tour the rooms. One is called the "cave room" looks like something out of the Flinstones.

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Gormy Cuss

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Mon Nov-14-05 02:31 PM
Response to Reply #20

22. Definitely a lunch stop -- the restaurant decor puts Vegas to shame.

There's a gift shop with postcards of some rooms so you can at least get the flavor of the decor. I've stayed in the San Francisco room and the decor is best described as "Gold Rush bordello."

SLO is a nice overnight stop. Big enough college town to have restaurants of all types and there are many places to stay.

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radwriter0555

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Mon Nov-14-05 02:04 PM
Response to Original message

21. Monterey Bay Aquarium. THE BEST aquarium in the USA...

You HAVE TO SEE THE SUN FISH!

And the otters are just amazing.

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XemaSab

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Mon Nov-14-05 03:16 PM
Response to Reply #21

24. I second that

but don't spend the night in Monterey-- $$$$$$$$$.

There are quite a few missions along the route you describe. And Big Sur and Pinnacles have condors.

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rbnyc

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Mon Nov-14-05 03:26 PM
Response to Reply #21

27. I LOVE a good aquarium!

Thanks!

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maveric

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:08 PM
Response to Reply #21

32. I'm partial to New England Aquarium in Boston.

But think that Monterey is second best.

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Jara sang

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Mon Nov-14-05 03:09 PM
Response to Original message

23. Big Sur and the Henry Miller Center.

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CaliforniaPeggy

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Mon Nov-14-05 03:21 PM
Response to Original message

25. If you have time, I would definitely not miss San Simeon.....

or, as it is popularly called, Hearst Castle.......

It is definitely worth a day's stop!

I also recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium....it's fabulous!

You will have a lot of fun on this trip....California is gorgeous!

And NO I am not biased!

:rofl:

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maveric

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Mon Nov-14-05 03:22 PM
Response to Original message

26. Big Sur! Hearst Castle is kind of cool too.

Morro Bay
Pismo Beach
Monterrey

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SoCalDem

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Mon Nov-14-05 04:50 PM
Response to Reply #26

31. Duck into Paso Robles.. very cute little town

and if you like antiques..lots of nifty little shops:)

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hunter

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Mon Nov-14-05 04:06 PM
Response to Original message

28. Pt. Lobos, just south of Monterey.

It's on the way if you take Highway One, and not too far back if you take 101 and cut over to Monterey from Salinas.

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LynneSin

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Mon Nov-14-05 04:07 PM
Response to Original message

29. You should talk to Ramsey - she knows all the good wineries in the area

You'll have to do some sampling!!

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rbnyc

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Tue Nov-15-05 09:20 AM
Response to Reply #29

40. Oh Yeah!

Good call.

:hi:

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gardenista

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:17 PM
Response to Original message

33. In SF, be sure to visit the Ferry Building, and take the ferry to Sausalit

o

The touristy part of Sausalito is ok, but be sure to venture back to the Caledonia St. area, where all the locals hang.

There is also a new cafe, called NorthPoint, where you can sit in a beautiful garden right next to the bay and drink great coffee. Best time to go is right before sunset, when the water turns magnificent colors, and the mountain (Mt. Tam) turns pink.

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cally

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:29 PM
Response to Original message

35. Monarch butterflies

They winter on the coast at this time of year. Amazing site. I've seen them at Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Monerey. You can google them and find a location near where you will be.

I'm also not sure I'd drive up 101 or Hwy 1 with an infant. You may just want to go I5 and have more time in San Diego and San Francisco. When my kids were little, we would leave at 4 pm. Stop for a long dinner and then a park. Then put the kids in pajammas and drive until we made it. My kids were never good in cars and Hwy 1 is very twisty.

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gardenista

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:44 PM
Response to Reply #35

37. Good point about the twistiness of Hwy 1. 101 might make a good

alternative, as well. That way, they could nip out to Hwy 1 for the really good parts, i.e., Big Sur and Monterey.

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rbnyc

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Tue Nov-15-05 09:23 AM
Response to Reply #35

41. Good idea.

I'm not good in cars, so Hwy 1 may actually be too much for me.

I haven't even been in the front seat of a car since my accident.

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havocmom

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Mon Nov-14-05 05:30 PM
Response to Original message

36. Fresh fish in Morro Bay!

And a visit to Hearst's Castle if you have the time and good walking shoes. Incredible art and gardens.

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Orsino

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Mon Nov-14-05 07:11 PM
Response to Original message

38. O'Qaeda's terrorist attack. n/t

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salin

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Mon Nov-14-05 07:28 PM
Response to Original message

39. Big Sur and Monterey

Big Sur for the beauty. Monterey is absolutely wonderful - and a bit campy per Stienbeck images... and it was my favorite get away when I lived in the Bay Area. See the aquarium (its fab) and the shops are so touristy - but really quaint and fun - grab a steinbeck novel at one of the stores that features his work.

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NV Whino

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Tue Nov-15-05 11:29 AM
Response to Original message

42. Just a note...

Even this time of year, you may need a reservation for a Hearst Castle tour... and it's probably not a good idea with a 14-month-old. Once you get up to the castle on their busses, you're sort of stuck there with the tour group until it leaves.

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rbnyc

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Tue Nov-15-05 12:35 PM
Response to Reply #42

43. good to know. (nt)

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bertha katzenengel

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Tue Nov-15-05 12:49 PM
Response to Original message

45. DO miss the grapevine (I-5 from LA north) if you can. If you go that way,

you'll miss miles and miles of fabulous shoreline.

OTOH, it's a longer drive. But you did ask what not to miss. I say, don't miss the shoreline.

Have a splendid time. :hi:

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rbnyc

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Tue Nov-15-05 12:57 PM
Response to Reply #45

46. Thank You!

I can hardly wait!

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