CA Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) Anaheim to Crescent City

We'll be stopping in San Francisco on the way to Disney to visit relatives who live next to Golden Gate Park. We both grew up in the Bay Area, so we've already done most of the touristy stuff around there.

We also have a whole separate trip planned to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Eureka and the surrounding area, which is happening next month over our 25th anniversary.

Disney is planned for September after all the kids go back to school. ;)

I'll ad a great campground on Hwy 1. It is near the bridge and great views. Kirk Creek is on the Cal State Reservation system so call first.

I would not try to do that amount of territory in 10 days. I would drive up to Morro Bay and see that area including Hearst Castle and the sea elephants north of San Simeon and the sea otters, etc. in the harbor area and the wine country with stops at Harmony Cellars in Cambria and heading over to Paso Robles and continuing up Hwy 101 to Monterey (aquarium, Carmel, Moss Landing, etc., etc. etc.) and then if time permitted going to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and taking in the city by foot and by cable car. For redwoods you have the Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park.

That would be a very packed 14 days. I live in Monterey and I am planning a fall trip up to Orick (Redwoods State Park at Prairie Creek) via Mendocino on Hwy 1 and Hwy 101 and Hwy 1 and then over to Quincy area and back to Monterey through the gold country.

More often than not I would lay out a trip plan and then realize that I have not allowed for spending time at a particular spot and relaxing and enjoying the area. Then I need to shorten the distance overall or break one trip into two.

Safe trip and for the Hearst Castle tours, once school is out they fill up pretty fast so you might want to check on line or call now. May have to firm up where you will be on what dates to make it work. Calling the castle will give you the best/newest information.

Thank you again for all the feedback, it is SO very much appreciated. (I thought I posted a thank you and some comments yesterday, but they seem to have disappeared, so I'm not sure what's up with that.)

We will actually be camping in the California Redwoods over our 25th wedding anniversary next month. But we'll be concentrating on the area between the Humboldt Redwood State Park to Eureka and north. We have our eye on the Jebadiah Smith N.P. as part of that trip. So, I'll be researching everything you've all recommended around that area for our Redwoods trip.

We'll be in a camper van, so size is not an issue for us. And we love to boondock so I'm very excited about the campgrounds that have been recommended. I think planning the trip is almost as much fun at the trip itself, so I'm really looking forward to investigating each and every one of your suggestions.

We'll cross over to I-5 once we reach Oregon, because being from Washington State we camp along the Oregon Coast two or three times a year. Although we don't usually get as far south as Brookings, so we may pop into the very bottom or Oregon before crossing over.

I love the idea of traveling North to South on the PCH, but because of some obligations we'll have on the way to Disneyland, it's going to work better if we go South to North. Hitting the scheduled stops to friends and relatives first will make the rest of our trip schedule free.

DRTDVL: My Mom was born and raised in Santa Monica and my Grandma lived there until the early 70s. We moved from Van Nuys to the Bay Area when I was 10 (1976). I'm really looking forward to revisiting the area and especially the PCH.

I see there are many different types of tours for Hearst Castle. Is there a best one? Does anyone know how far ahead we should reserve a date?

You all have made so many great suggestions, I may have to extend the trip to fit it all in. :) THANKS AGAIN!

PS. When in Anaheim don't miss the food at Mi Casa Mexicana. Got take out to eat at the RV every night. Delicious.

We just did this route as part of our big trip. Took I-5 to LA, then over to Santa Monica, up the coast from there. Camped at Carpinteria (TINY campsites, at least where we were, but terrific beach/town). Continued up the coast for a bit, then towards Solvang and over to Monterey, camped at Marina Dunes. Next headed up through Paolo Alto (left the coast somewhat accidetally), toured San Fran, and across the golden gate bridge. Be SURE to be in the outer lanes when crossing the bridge. The left lane puts you through the old toll booths which are NOT RV friendly. We then stayed on 101 through Sonoma etc..and camped at Ancient Redwoods RV, very nice setting, but none of the ones I mentioned may be your cup of tea if you like boondocking.

We did try to tour hearst castle, but hadn't prebooked and were out of luck. Friends like to camp at Jebediah Smith National Park near crescent city, so would be worth checking out. Terrific Beach camping in Oregon, if you decide to travel a bit further north. Have fun!

Thanks EVERYBODY for all the fabulous suggestions! As you see, size is no issue for us on the winding roads, and since we love boondocking, too -- pretty much anything goes. I'm having a great time looking at all of your recommendations. I'm glad I'm not going for several months so I can drool over everything. I'm one who thinks the planning is as much fun as the actual trip itself, so I am just LOVING all of your ideas. I might have to extend the trip. :)

Teri

DRTDEVL wrote:
My family settled in Santa Monica in the 40's and I grew up exploring the PCH in my grandfather's old Winnebago. I look to do this again in retirement soon.

My mom also grew up in Santa Monica. My Grandma lived there until the early 70s. We lived in Van Nuys, but moved to the Bay Area when I was 10 (1976). I really haven't been to that area since. Looking forward to revisiting.

TyroneandGladys wrote:
Montaña de Oro State Park was one my favorite stops last year on our 101 trip. Off the beaten path but that is part of what makes it special.

With his rig and love of no frills camping MDO would be a perfect place. Great suggestion.