Vancouver BC to Santa Barbara early January

[Barbara]

We have four days to make this journey. Given the possibly bad weather, can anyone suggest (a) the safest route (b) some interesting places to stay on this route. Thanks.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

With 4 days, I'd probably take I-5 down into Oregon, then cut over to the Coast, and Follow US-101 down to San Francisco.

That's a trip that would take up a good chunk of your 4 days - considering how much slower US-101 is - and you probably wouldn't have time to add in CA-1 for the sections like big sur where that is the coast highway. However, this would allow you to bypass some of the major mountain passes, while enjoying a very scenic drive with lots of attractions.