southern cal to big sur

davidsiv wrote:
Im taking my family From So cal to big sur in a few weeks. Looking at the route I want to take the 5 north to the 46 into Paso Robles then take the 101 up to Monterey then dowm into Big Sur. Im traveling with my two little ones under 4 yrs old so im looking for the fastest safest route. I have been up HWY 1 and dont care to two up above Cambria where it gets tight. Any Thoughts would greatly appreciated.

I live in the area and travel the various routes on a regular basis, and I believe you have the route that best suits your criteria. The most direct route with the least traffic. The Grapevine, in my opinion, is a non-issue. Four lanes in each direction with few gentle curves.
Stay with your suggested route!

I think the fastest and safest is going to be heading north on 101 to Monterey and heading south. With that said, you can't beat the view all the way up the 1. I have done both many times over the last few years. I prefer taking the 1, but I know it is a much longer drive. I know that on the 1 it is generally 30mph average all the way up vs 55mph on the 101 average. Do the math if you are looking to get there fast.

davidsiv wrote:
Im taking my family From So cal to big sur in a few weeks. Looking at the route I want to take the 5 north to the 46 into Paso Robles then take the 101 up to Monterey then dowm into Big Sur. Im traveling with my two little ones under 4 yrs old so im looking for the fastest safest route. I have been up HWY 1 and dont care to two up above Cambria where it gets tight. Any Thoughts would greatly appreciated.

Another alternative route, I-5 to hwy. 126 then west to 101 at Ventura, Santa Barbra then 101 all the way to Monterey. Much more scenic route and RV friendly. This also avoids having to drive over the Grape Vine:)

Sounds like the best route to eliminate some of the tight curves.

We stopped at San Lorenzo Park right off of HWY 101 in King City. The campground was so nice we ended up staying for 3 days. before heading on to Monterey. Only drawback at the park it is near an onion field but you get accustomed to the smell and the air cannon used to scare birds during the day. Nice farm machinery display at the park.

We stayed another night at Laguna Seca Raceway. The campground there overlooks the raceway. It is a very nice campground. Wild turkeys raom the grounds.

Hwy 1 is subject to landslides so be sure to check with CalTrans for latest road conditions into Big Sur