Sac to Santa barbara

Thanks all I went 41 to 46. It was great!

When I go this route it is I-5 to Hwy 152 west to Hwy 101 and then all the way south on Hwy 101 to Santa Barbara. There is a quarter the traffic on Hwy 101 that there is on I-5 and nowhere near as many tractor and trailer rigs and crazy motorist trying to get past slower cars by forcing their way into the fast lane at the last moment. It is also the difference between the ugliest part of California versus one of the prettiest areas in the state. Actual travel time is as long or longer on I-5. Or you can fly.

paulj wrote:
Why not pick up US101 in the Bay Area?

GM gives similar times and distances for that, for crossing on 41/46, or going over the Grapevine.

This would be my choice I hate the 5 through the valley and use 99 if I have to go that way.

Matter of fact we will be at the TT in SB tomorrow and leave for Livermore on Sunday up the 101! :B

D.E.Bishop wrote:

DaveG39 wrote:
I would take I-5 to 41 to 46 to 101.

I agree, becareful not to stay on 41 all the way to 101 take the Paso Robles turn to the right. I have taken 41 all the way but, it is slow, hilly and windy/windy. It does twist and turn and the wind can blow through there. Nice drive on 41/46.

If you have a towed, from 101 S/B take 41 W/B to Morro Bay for lunch and then 1 to SLO and Santa Barbara. Rose's has great seafood.

Agree. The turn from 41 to 46 is an easy merge. Several miles later if you are using a GPS it may tell you to turn left onto 41. Don't turn, stay on 46 to Paso Robles and 101.

As to stopping in Morro Bay for lunch, a second option is Tognizni's at the north end of the Embarcadero. Owner/Operator is a hands on commercial fisherman who uses fresh caught local fish. Daily specials have the boat and Captain who caught the fish.

Why not pick up US101 in the Bay Area?

GM gives similar times and distances for that, for crossing on 41/46, or going over the Grapevine.

DaveG39 wrote:
I would take I-5 to 41 to 46 to 101.

I agree, becareful not to stay on 41 all the way to 101 take the Paso Robles turn to the right. I have taken 41 all the way but, it is slow, hilly and windy/windy. It does twist and turn and the wind can blow through there. Nice drive on 41/46.

If you have a towed, from 101 S/B take 41 W/B to Morro Bay for lunch and then 1 to SLO and Santa Barbara. Rose's has great seafood.

If you go Hwy 166 keep to the speed limit and watch for farm vehicles/ trucks puling out from side roads.

41 to 46 to 101 is the best choice.

Take I5 or 99 to hwy 166, the Maricopa highway, which you pick up shortly before going up the Grapevine.

Stay on 166 to 101 and go south to Santa Barbara.

There are a few hills but nothing like the Grapevine plus it is a mostly rural road and not as much traffic as any of the other routes.

I5 over the Grapevine and take the turn off to Ventura which will put you on 101 and right to SB. I like the cutover to 101 from 41/46 for the view.

Stay on 99 and avoid I-5. More to see and a LOT less boring. Now, if you are in a hurry...I-5 is the answer.