Driving from Disneyland to Bay Area in May 2012

[SRAV]

Folks,

This may be a common query, so my apologies in advance.

I will be driving from Disneyland to Bay Area (San Jose/Fremont) in May. Google maps suggest I take 5 for the shortest route. Any inputs on that - any intermediate good/touristy halt points or detours for kids? I guess 101 or the scenic pacific drive are also options. I am tempted to do the scenic drive but I am reading on the web that there are too many twists and turns (I am not too big a fan of heights either) ....

Thanks!
SRAV

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The 3 routes are all quite different and the best one really depends upon what your goal of the trip is

If you are trying to make the drive as quickly as possible, then I-5 is your best choice. Its about a 7 hour trip, depending upon traffic. Its a very straightforward trip through the farm country of the central valley.

If you want scenic, the then following the coast is the route you'd want, as it is widely considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. There's no shortage of things to see and do along that route, but it is very slow going with lots of twists and turns and it really is a trip where you need 2 pretty full days.

US-101 is somewhere in the middle. Its still mostly freeway and you can make the drive in a single day. It will take a couple hours more than I-5, but it is more scenic, and for much of the drive you can cut over and see some of the coast and coastal towns.

[SRAV]

MM,

Thanks for your very clear note on the three options - it is very helpful!

Best,
SRAV

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The 3 routes are all quite different and the best one really depends upon what your goal of the trip is

If you are trying to make the drive as quickly as possible, then I-5 is your best choice. Its about a 7 hour trip, depending upon traffic. Its a very straightforward trip through the farm country of the central valley.

If you want scenic, the then following the coast is the route you'd want, as it is widely considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. There's no shortage of things to see and do along that route, but it is very slow going with lots of twists and turns and it really is a trip where you need 2 pretty full days.

US-101 is somewhere in the middle. Its still mostly freeway and you can make the drive in a single day. It will take a couple hours more than I-5, but it is more scenic, and for much of the drive you can cut over and see some of the coast and coastal towns.

[glc]

No matter which way you go, the hardest part is going to be getting through LA. There is really no good way to do it unless you leave around 5 am or earlier or do it on Sunday morning. Your 2 choices are I-405, which is one of the most congested freeways in the world, or I-5 right through downtown LA.

If you need to do the drive in 1 day, I'd take 101.

[DonnaR57]

The intersection of 405 and 101 is AWFUL. Avoid it at all costs.


Donna