California Road Trip - Looking for advice

Highway 1 is kind of a no brainer. Traffic is bad on weekends. Fun if you can avoid getting stuck behind motor homes. Places to stop see in Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey areas. In my mind as far as a great drive and good views North of SF at least up to Fort Bragg is prettier with history, great food and great B&B's.
Nepenthes restaurant in Big Sur is one of my favorite lunch places in the area. Breath taking view of the Pacific from back deck. Hanging out in that area is one of the very few good reasons to live in California.

 

If you are starting in LA, spend at least a night here: https://www.beach-house.com/hermosa-beach/

Rent a bike and drive up and down the strand. If you are married buy mirrored sunglasses so she won’t see where you are looking (once your there you will understand) - incredible sunsets as well.

 

I used to do this drive regularly when I lived in CA. One tip I would add is that you won't want to spend your entire time on Hwy 1. It's beautiful most of the way, but traffic is extremely slow with lots of tourists.

I would start out on Interstate 5 to Bakersfield, then cut west on Hwy 158, which is a great stretch of twisty, hilly road. From there, Hwy 101 north to Paso Robles for the night -- this is a great wine producing region and you may want to do some tastings when you get there.

Then, head west to Hwy 1 on Hwy 46. That will put you just south of San Simeon and Hearst Castle, which is a must-see if you haven't before.

Take Hwy 1 the rest of the way north through Big Sur, Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Lots of great places to eat and stay along the way.

 

We used to go to Ideal Bar and Grill in Santa Cruz, next to the Boardwalk.
https://idealbarandgrill.com/

 

and if your budget allows: https://postranchinn.com/

 

LA/Santa Monica up to Santa Barbara on Highway 1. Sure traffic will be bad but the sights are great.

Lompoc area north of Sant Barbara is not worth using that portion of Highway 1. But you could into Solvang, a quaint town. [Anyone know if Hitching Post restaurant is still there? This place was used in the movie Sideways.] Some really good wineries around this area.

Paso Robles is another good area for wineries. You will want the west side of 101 for the notable ones. As an FCA member check out Leverage as they are a national partner of the club and the owner is a club member.

Ventana in Big Sur does/did have a patio that was high above Highway 1 and gave a great view out to the ocean for a sunset.

Monterey area has a number of wineries. In Carmel stay off of driving Ocean Avenue during a weekend. Avoid that traffic mess.

Pay the money and do the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.

Past San Francisco go over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito.

Also in the Sausalito area is what is now called the Golden Gate Recreational Area. This used to be a military area. Go wandering out here and one can get to look back to see the Golden Gate and the opening into the bay.

If you are into wine, then you are on your way into Sonoma and Napa, the most noted wine regions of California. I can provide a number of recommendations for there.

 

Duarte’s tavern and restaurant in Pescadero. Have the abalone sandwich and olallieberry pie.

 

Hwy 1 is currently closed near Lucia, which is between Cambria and Big Sur. There is no alternate route between, so you will need to take Hwy 101 north from Paso Robles. CalTRANS (the California Dept of Transportation) has announced Hwy 1 will reopen late Spring or early Summer 2024, but further rains this winter could cause more landslides.
https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/highway_conditions.html

Hitching Post is still open! There are many other delightful places to stay and eat that have opened since Sideways brought even more tourism to the area.

 

I travel between LA & SF Bay Area for leisure road tripping 1-3 times a year, usually in some 50-90 year old vintage car.
As mentioned by many, Hwy 1 is one of the most iconic & scenic, but there are others and their enjoyment or usefulness depends on individual expectations, route preferences and/or timeline allowances.
Last time I drove up to SF was in June last year and while the shortest distance from home to SF is less than 450 miles and can easily be done in a day or two, I spent 5, racked up over 600 miles and didn’t encounter traffic to speak of until in the SF proper.
IMO, best way to enjoy open, scenic roads almost anywhere and more so during “tourist/vacation seasons” is to be on them already at or before dawn.

 

Edit:

 

Yep, was closed 6yrs ago when wife and I drove from SD to Seattle. We still went up to Cambria and spent the night. Didn't do Hearst castle, but that is an option. Even if Hwy 1 is closed above Cambria it is worth taking 1 up to Cambria and then driving Hwy 46 to connect with 101 just south of Paso Robles. 46 is a great driving rd.