East Bay to Monterey

[overlookedx]

Me and the girlfriend are going down to Monterey this Saturday, and I want to take the best scenic route down there. I'm sure there a lot of different ways I could go so just wanted to hear your guys suggestions? Don't care how much time it adds on to the trip, just want it to be a fun/scenic way to go with my BRZ.

[BigFatFlip]

Depends on when you're going. I would say hwy 1 all the way if its on a week day since it gets really crowded during the weekends (tourists, etc.). Can't beat the scenery though.

[strat61caster]

I usually do Uvas Rd. to 152 (Hecker Pass Rd.) when going to Watsonville (from San Jose), that's pretty twisty and runs through the Southern foresty bits of Santa Cruz.

Like BFL said, 1 will put you along the coast, it may not be the most engaging driving through it but you will be along the coast the whole time (downright miserable at some points, 2 lanes and farmers doing 30 mph). idk what traffic will be like on a Saturday, I mostly take 101 just to get through the traffic quick.

Be careful wandering around SC hills though, know where you're going, drive up the wrong road and you might get a shotgun pointed at you. People like their privacy.

[tokiokun717]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I usually do Uvas Rd. to 152 (Hecker Pass Rd.) when going to Watsonville (from San Jose), that's pretty twisty and runs through the Southern foresty bits of Santa Cruz.

Like BFL said, 1 will put you along the coast, it may not be the most engaging driving through it but you will be along the coast the whole time (downright miserable at some points, 2 lanes and farmers doing 30 mph). idk what traffic will be like on a Saturday, I mostly take 101 just to get through the traffic quick.

Be careful wandering around SC hills though, know where you're going, drive up the wrong road and you might get a shotgun pointed at you. People like their privacy.

+1 to the route. However, there are certain areas where cops like to camp out so beware.

[Indestruct]

+1 on the cops, I did that drive a couple weeks ago and took PCH to Mt. Tam on the way back. The cops were working in pairs trying to trick you. Good thing i have my V1

[BlaineWasHere]

agreed on 152 being a good drive.

[InstinctRacer]

Or, Do a big loop like 880 to 101 south, on to Salinas, cut over to Monterey on 68 past Laguna Seca. Once there cruise Monterey, and head North up the 1 Through Santa Cruz. Cut back over at 92 and cross the San Mateo Bridge.

17 is fun too, or try Hwy 35 on Skyline to 92 heading back.

[PMok]

all very good suggestions above. but to be honest, when I am going to Monterey/Carmel I usually take the fastest/shortest route which is 880 - 101 - 156 - 1. Especially on a weekend. Plenty of scenic drive along 1 as you get closer and I'd rather spend more time in Monterey than driving there seeing as it's pretty far. When you get down there you can cruise the 17-mile drive to Pebble Beach or Hwy 1 to Carmel and Big Sur for even better scenery. It would also depend on your passenger, if she gets motion sickness you might not want to take the more twisty roads and just take the mellow cruise down. Hwy 1 is not bad but some of the other SC mountain roads can be too much.

[BlaineWasHere]

Yep. When I'm trying to "get there" 101->156->1 is the only way.

[overlookedx]

Originally Posted by PMok

all very good suggestions above. but to be honest, when I am going to Monterey/Carmel I usually take the fastest/shortest route which is 880 - 101 - 156 - 1. Especially on a weekend. Plenty of scenic drive along 1 as you get closer and I'd rather spend more time in Monterey than driving there seeing as it's pretty far. When you get down there you can cruise the 17-mile drive to Pebble Beach or Hwy 1 to Carmel and Big Sur for even better scenery. It would also depend on your passenger, if she gets motion sickness you might not want to take the more twisty roads and just take the mellow cruise down. Hwy 1 is not bad but some of the other SC mountain roads can be too much.

That's true, it already is a long enough drive and I've heard Hwy 1 is very scenic. Plus I don't want to have to worry about speed traps as mentioned above, or motion sickness from my passenger... she got a bit sick on Star Tours at Disneyland so I think I'll hold off on the really twisty roads for now.