101 From Seattle to San Diego

I see a flaw in your plan, the 101 doesn't go all the way to San Diego. South of Santa Barbara, around Oxnard it turns inland and turns into the 210 which goes east & west across the top of the LA area. You can turn onto Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Oxnard and follow it down to Orange County or you can find the 405 and follow it down to Orange County. PCH has many slowdowns and lights. In San Juan Capistrano Hwy 1 ends and you end up on I 5 to San Diego.
We have been on the 101 through Oregon, very nice views but slow, you go through every little town and Oregon state parks are nice.

You don't see much of the ocean from 101 in California either.

In Washington you have to leave the main highway at places like Forks, Ocean Shores and Long Beach to see the ocean. You can even drive on the beach.

We did 101 a few years ago on our motorcycles, and were thoroughly disappointed with the Washington part of it. You can only see the ocean in a few limited spots. Oregon is a different story. It is beautiful. We had friends we met later that trip that rode the Columbia River and said they would do that again.

US 101 doesn't go through Seattle, you may want to plan on picking it up just west of Port Townsend which is north and west of Seattle. Take it northwest over to the Olympic NP and then head southward towards OR and CA. I agree with the other comments on CA 1, it's a beautiful drive but not so great if you're pulling a trailer. Suggest you drop the trailer somewhere along US 101 and drive CA 1 in your TV.

Just don't try to take Route 1 between Monterey and Cambria. Its very curvy and slow going.

I second the notion of avoiding the San Francisco area on 101.
The road surface is terrible, the traffic is terrible and the drivers are terrible. It's just a horrible experience.

Oregon coast: My favorite is Bandon and Gold Beach. Hearst Castle was mentioned but it is on Hwy 1 along the coast. If you visit that area be sure to slow down along the coast drive just south of Hearst Castle and before Cambria, CA. You can pull off to the side and walk 60 feet down to the beach for a close look at the sea lions on the shore. You may be tipped off as to their location by watching for other parked cars. Don't touch the sea lions or get too close.
Be sure to visit the many wineries in California. . .

If at all possible, don't try to follow 101 thru San Francisco. If you really need to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, park the TT someplace first.

When you get to LA, you might consider one of the interstates to minimize traffic congestion woes, but you can also just time your trip and avoid rush hours.

From Seattle, stay on 101 and go up and around the Olympic Penninsula. Visit the rain forests on the west side of the National Park. Drive or ride horses on the beach at Ocean Shores.

Just into Oregon, spend some time in the Astoria area - Lewis & Clark country and lots more. Stop at the Tillamook Dairy for cheese and ice cream. South of Tillamook, detour out to the Pacific City area and enjoy the beach and some quirky places to eat.

Lincoln City is always fun if you like antique shops. Newport is well worth some time . . tour the lighthouses. Stop in Depot Bay for whale watching. See the animals at Sea Lion Caves north of Florence. From Florence to Coos Bay, rent an ATV and ride the dunes. (There's a popular surfing spot at Winchester Bay.)

South of Coos Bay, don't pass up Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State park. Great views and good views of an elephant seal breeding beach.

Into California, the redwoods are always worth a few days. You might consider a detour south of the redwoods and head out to the ocean and pick up CA-1 for a while. Some while-knuckle driving, but the scenery is spectacular.

Inland from 101, the Napa valley is very tasty. We tend to avoid the San Francisco area, but just south on 101 is San Jose. The Winchester Mystery House is a must. Then head to the coast again for Monterey and Carmel.

Don't miss Hearst Castle and the Pismo Beach area.

Plan on spending time in the Santa Barbara Area. It's a delightful town.

And of course San Diego has bunches of stuff in Balboa Park - you could spend a week in just that one park.

And that's just for starters. Have a bunch of fun. We've been wandering up and down 101 for several years now, and always find a few surprises on every trip.

al

Way to many places to see and things to do to list here. Lots of "things to do" guides you can pick up along the way to help you plan. Be sure to have your gortex along for the WA and OR time.

Can't offer any advice but we did that trip exactly 37 years ago, where does time go?
At the time there was still a lot of wilderness and ocean view. The further south you go the busier it gets.
Enjoy.