We may take a 21' Travel Trailer across the country. If we do - I definitely want to go up Route 1 from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur and camp at Big Sur.We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense. Would it be better to take Interstate or another road to the campground in Big Sur, then do a day trip on Route 1 so we can pull off and take it all in. I am picturing being a nervous wreck just in a vehicle, let alone pulling a trailer! I've done this drive many years ago and I remember being nervous back then (before having kids and in my early 20's where I didn't know fear). Would like to know what you all think would be best for inexperienced/newbies like us!Thanks

One very important thing to consider is the pull outs you want to stop at are most often on the right hand side when travelling south. Go to the top on other roads, then travel the coast fron North to South.

It can be done and people do it all the time. But if you want a worry free trip, head to Big Sur and make a long day trip south.nNow all you need to worry about are good pix and you get the views in both directions

Buckeyewriting wrote:We may take a 21' Travel Trailer across the country. If we do - I definitely want to go up Route 1 from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur and camp at Big Sur.We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense. Would it be better to take Interstate or another road to the campground in Big Sur, then do a day trip on Route 1 so we can pull off and take it all in. I am picturing being a nervous wreck just in a vehicle, let alone pulling a trailer! I've done this drive many years ago and I remember being nervous back then (before having kids and in my early 20's where I didn't know fear). Would like to know what you all think would be best for inexperienced/newbies like us!Thanksthe South to North route is the safest for newbies.but it's also not for the weak at heart.many big rigs travel the route and also many large RVs.you could go to Big Sur from the North and just take trips in your tow vehicle farther south from Big Sur.

My first thought is that by the time you get to California you will not be uneasy about towing. Second, I don't think there is an alternative to driving Hwy 1 to get to the State Park. If once you get into the state, and if you still feel nervous, then I would recommend that you come in from the north. But we have taken that route in both directions, and we have enjoyed it all.

The only way to get to Big Sur is Hwy 1.If you're nervous about the road, stay on freeways until you get to Monterey. Take Hwy 1 south from there to Big Sur. Then take day trips south from there in your tow vehicle.

Newbie - California Coast question | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

mgirardo
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
Buckeyewriting wrote:
We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense.

Get more experience towing your TT first. If you are concerned driving just your car on a specific road, then you do not want to tow on that same road until you are comfortable towing. Towing and being nervous is a recipe for disaster.

In my opinion, driving on an interstate is much easier than driving smaller roads. Get familiar towing on all roads. Even if you aren't going camping, take it with you to the store or just drive around with it.

-Michael
jmtandem
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2016
My first thought is that by the time you get to California you will not be uneasy about towing. Second, I don't think there is an alternative to driving Hwy 1 to get to the State Park. If once you get into the state, and if you still feel nervous, then I would recommend that you come in from the north. But we have taken that route in both directions, and we have enjoyed it all.

X2
rollingslow
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
No problem i do it in a 35ft class a with a toad
BizmarksMom
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
The only way to get to Big Sur is Hwy 1.
If you're nervous about the road, stay on freeways until you get to Monterey. Take Hwy 1 south from there to Big Sur. Then take day trips south from there in your tow vehicle.
korbe
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
My first thought is that by the time you get to California you will not be uneasy about towing. Second, I don't think there is an alternative to driving Hwy 1 to get to the State Park. If once you get into the state, and if you still feel nervous, then I would recommend that you come in from the north. But we have taken that route in both directions, and we have enjoyed it all.
bikendan
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
Buckeyewriting wrote:
We may take a 21' Travel Trailer across the country. If we do - I definitely want to go up Route 1 from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur and camp at Big Sur.

We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense.

Would it be better to take Interstate or another road to the campground in Big Sur, then do a day trip on Route 1 so we can pull off and take it all in.

I am picturing being a nervous wreck just in a vehicle, let alone pulling a trailer! I've done this drive many years ago and I remember being nervous back then (before having kids and in my early 20's where I didn't know fear).

Would like to know what you all think would be best for inexperienced/newbies like us!

Thanks

the South to North route is the safest for newbies.
but it's also not for the weak at heart.
many big rigs travel the route and also many large RVs.

you could go to Big Sur from the North and just take trips in your tow vehicle farther south from Big Sur.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
It can be done and people do it all the time. But if you want a worry free trip, head to Big Sur and make a long day trip south.nNow all you need to worry about are good pix and you get the views in both directions
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
One very important thing to consider is the pull outs you want to stop at are most often on the right hand side when travelling south. Go to the top on other roads, then travel the coast fron North to South.

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Newbie - California Coast question

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