Calif. west bound from I-5 to 101

If you are leaving Anaheim on a Sunday morning, and you want the scenic 101 rather than the dull 5 (good choice!), I would leave as early as possible -- definitely by 9 am, and 7 am is better. Take the 5 to the 134 to the 101. Traffic is generally fine till 10 am. on a weekend. On a weekday, the traffic gets bad around 6 am, and sometimes earlier. I am not kidding.

On the 101 north, the Conejo Grade from Thousand Oaks to Camarillo is pretty steep, but no big deal if you use a low gear.

Taking the 5 to the 126 and then over to Ventura is considerably longer, I think.

If the weather is very warm, you may hit some traffic north of Ventura through Santa Barbara. But usually the spring is cool and cloudy, so beach traffic should not be a problem.

If we have had any rain at all, the countryside from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles is just great at that time of year -- green rolling hills, vineyards, some ocean views here and there.

Hadn't noticed the 126. That looks good. Gets to the 101 further south than where I was looking. I think I like it.

126 from Santa Clarita to Ventura is an easy drive. That would be my pick.

Shakyjay

I considered the 101 from LA but traffic is a concern. How would it be on a Sunday morning?

As korbe said you can take 101 from LA however traffic can be atrocious depending on time of day. Whenever I go that way I do it late at night. Of the routes you posted 46 is probably the easiest, and probably the one I would take. They have recently finished most of the widening and construction. Mostly a nice smooth straight road. 166 is not bad but is 2 lanes and a few more curves than 46. There is one steep grade coming out of Maricopa. They did recently put in some passing lanes which helps. 58 is not a bad drive in a car but not a recommended route for towing.

If your final destination is northern CA, Redwoods, and you don't want to go through the Bay area, SF, then stay on I 5 past Sacramento and go to Williams and take Hwy 20 over to 101, at Ukiah. this cuts out all the bay area traffic that can be heavy at times. If you don't mind the bay traffic, then post this `desire and there are ways around some of it. So where do you want to go?? Note, 101 through SF goes over the golden Gate bridge, which requires you to drive some city streets.

If I wanted to enjoy the journey heading up north, I would take 101 from LA. I would only take I-5 if I needed to get somewhere right now.