Route 1 California

[denisegordon]

When travelling on Route 1 coast road from San Francisco to LA does it make a difference to the trip whether you travel North to San Francisco or South to LA?

[Toglet]

It makes a difference as to your desired destination - where do you want to go, LA or San Francisco?

[boognish76]

It's generally considered to be a nicer drive if you go south as you will be driving on the ocean side of the road.

[cupra]

It also depends whether you want to go from 'hot' to 'cool' or vica versa! I've done SF to LA and it is a spectacular drive.

[mikewith]

It will probably make a difference as to way you stay the night - so you could work out where you want to see the sun set/ rise and plan your route that way. We drove north slowly from LA, spending nights in Ventura (to meet friends - no great shakes), and Carmel (quiet). Monterey is special... but then so is the whole route. There's a great song about every town so you get your very own soundtrack. We returned through Yosemite, the central valley and Death Valley - also v highly recommended. (Even though it rained on us and our shiny red convertible as we entered Death Valley!)

[denisegordon]

Thanks everyone, I think we'll try and do it in a southerly direction then.

[Headtime]

It is one of the most amazing journeys you can take. At each turn on the cliff road you think the view can't get any better, but then it does! You, shouldn't do it all in one go, but the Stop-over towns are very disappointing.

Carmel: Boring and twee.

Monterez: a bit tacksville

There are a few little woodland log cabin places on the way (near Carmel, if I remember correctly. They're in the Rough Guide). They were full when we tried to stay there so book in advance.

Also, if you're going North from LA to San Fransisco, a little drive further North to Stinson Beach is a good bet. You drive through a completely fab redwood type windy windy road, and Stinson Beach itself is particularily comely. Enjoy