Best route Salinas to Petaluma California

[Fulltimers]

I will be leaving soon on a trip from Salinas to Petaluma, Elks Lodge to Elks Lodge. I am not interested in going through San Francisco. Two years ago I did that by going from 101 to 85 to 280 to Highway 1 and over the bridge. What a nightmare with a 36 foot motorhome with car in tow. The fog was so bad I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of the motorhome. Highway 1 was under construction so I was routed off onto side streets. On the way back from Petaluma I followed the 37 Highway to 80 to 780 to 680 back to 101. This was a good route. I am thinking of taking this in reverse this time. It looks like I will have one toll bridge at the Benicia–Martinez Bridge. I can live with that.
What are your thoughts?

[CA_Traveler]

nevadanick wrote:
Just drive trough where there is no toll worker and they will mail you a bill. No stopping and convenient.

Correct, but if you are not home for an extended period of time then you could get late charges. Probably best to pre or post pay at a store or go online and post pay.

For our limited bay area bridges use it was best to just get Fast Trak.

AFAIK The Golden Gate bridge is the only bay area bridge that doesn't take cash.

[nevadanick]

Just drive trough where there is no toll worker and they will mail you a bill. No stopping and convenient.

[CA_Traveler]

Fulltimers wrote:
Thanks everyone for your replies. This route 101 to 680 to 780 to 80 to 37 and back worked perfect. Very easy drive with no traffic both up and back. Parts of the 680 were rough and rattled the motorhome pretty good and the $20 toll bridge is a bit much though.

I'm in the bay area enough that I got the Fast Track device. I believe you save a buck or so. The kicker for me was no cash on the Golden Gate bridge, no toll collectors, etc.

[Fulltimers]

Thanks everyone for your replies. This route 101 to 680 to 780 to 80 to 37 and back worked perfect. Very easy drive with no traffic both up and back. Parts of the 680 were rough and rattled the motorhome pretty good and the $20 toll bridge is a bit much though.

[Just_Lee]

Fulltimers wrote:

Just Lee wrote:
My response is "Hi Dan" LoL

Hi Lee. I see you got another RV. That makes about 6 to my 1.

Yup and this should be "It" we are aging out.... ha ha

[Fulltimers]

Just Lee wrote:
My response is "Hi Dan" LoL

Hi Lee. I see you got another RV. That makes about 6 to my 1.

[Just_Lee]

My response is "Hi Dan" LoL

[dkreuzen]

Instead of taking 37 to/from 101, you can save about 5 miles and the traffic by using Lakeville Hwy between 37 and 101 at Petaluma.

[Fulltimers]

CA Traveler wrote:
37 ALERT! If it's a race day at Sears Point good luck!

That’s the reason we are heading there. We will be traveling before and after race day so no problem.

Thanks

And thanks for everyone’s response.

[CA_Traveler]

37 ALERT! If it's a race day at Sears Point good luck!

[CA_Traveler]

We often take 280, 19th Ave center lane, GG in both directions mid day through SF and these days with 42' plus toad. Maybe after so many years in the bay area I just go with the flow.

NEVER take US 1 through SF!

37 Highway to 80 to 780 to 680 back to 101 - good choice.

[BTPO1]

Executive wrote:
Your reverse route is fine and the Benecia bridge only has tolls on one side...:)....Dennis

X2, your toll with 4 axles will be $20.00.

[MarkTwain]

Fulltimers wrote:
I will be leaving soon on a trip from Salinas to Petaluma, Elks Lodge to Elks Lodge. I am not interested in going through San Francisco. Two years ago I did that by going from 101 to 85 to 280 to Highway 1 and over the bridge. What a nightmare with a 36 foot motorhome with car in tow. The fog was so bad I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of the motorhome. Highway 1 was under construction so I was routed off onto side streets. On the way back from Petaluma I followed the 37 Highway to 80 to 780 to 680 back to 101. This was a good route. I am thinking of taking this in reverse this time. It looks like I will have one toll bridge at the Benicia–Martinez Bridge. I can live with that.
What are your thoughts?

The 37 to 80 etc. is the route to take. I drove over the Golden Gate 1 time by mistake and never again. White knuckle all the way:):)

[Executive45]

Your reverse route is fine and the Benecia bridge only has tolls on one side...:)....Dennis