So I'm planning a summer trip down to LA this coming month and would like to hear some of your opinions as to which is the nicest drive down. I usually take the chp friendly I-5 but I want to mix it up a bit this time around. What are some scenic routes or nice pit stops along the way?

 

The only way that's really scenic is taking PCH. But it takes FOREVER to get down here. But it's really nice during the summer.You can make Malibu or Santa Monica your first stop when you get down here.

 

Is it because of traffic or is that just a long route? And is that highway 101?

 

No traffic really. it's just a long route that goes down the whole coast, so that means you gotta cut through alot of curves and mountains. It's actually highway 1. The 101 cuts through Hollywood.

 

Say from San Francisco, it takes me about 4 1/2 hours to get to Anaheim, how long would it take on PCH? And are they many stops along the way, like resturants/shopping for the gf?

 

I've only done that drive once and it was a while back. I know there's some nice places to stop and enjoy the scenery, and Hearst Castle is on the way down as well. It's a nice place to visit and stop at for a couple of hours. I'm not sure on shopping though.

 

dude, takes forever, if your not in a rush there are some great scenic spots Big Sur is prob, all burnt right now though lots of pull over spots, Monterey Bay, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Malibu "PAradise cove" Great Spot! good food and Clean beach! , Santa Monica Pier, Venice Boardwalk

 

I live in Anaheim....took my GSXR to laguna seca ...went up the 5 to magic mountain cut across on the 126 went north on ojai rd then took 33,went west on 166 jumped on the 101 then 1(pch) to montery....took around 7 hours haulin A$$......check out a map and back track on this.there's a few other ways in the middle that will probably cut the travel time......a friend and I took this route cause it was winding and some places you could open up to 180....long curvy sweepers.......anyway check it out

 

So my trip is next week. Any recommendations for Resturants/Sights in the LA/Hollywood area. I know Roscoe's chicken and waffles is suppose to be good, any others?

 

It depend what you like to do, party it up? or see all the so cal tourist locations, or discover the gems! Sports? Beach?

 

Not much partying. Probably just gonna be a tourist. Discvoery gems? sure. Venice Beach yeah. Lakers/Clippers/Dodgers a big NO. I'm from SF.

 

For good eats, My favorite spot is Lawry's Prime Rib, classic L.A. restaurant, casual setting even though the zip code is Beverly Hills. you usually need to have Reservations but you can wait if you dont, strong drinks at the Bar. Beverly center is up the street (shopping) and not to far from there is Melrose clothes, music, headshops. if you come in through HWY 1 (PCH) stop ble at paradise cove in Malibu, also good food, probably the cleanest beach in the L.A. area. then from there you can shoot over to Santa monica Peir, 3rd st. Promenade (Bars & shops) and then go over to Venice, Classic location, From their cruise up to Downtown L.A. and check out the Renaissance going on downtown, it's not done yet but lofts and other things are poping up soon, you can go to "The Alley" for some bootleg buys! Stay away from skid row just up the street Homeless area. For drinks downtown or clubing go to The Standard Hotel Rooftop party, The Broadway Bar, Chill old style bar, then from there hop on the 110 N. and you gotta drive the old 110 frwy! nice track, actually the first freeway built in the USA!, go through the Tunnel and pass by the Best Baseball Stadium this side of the mississippi "Dodgers Stadium"! Head North through the tunnels and Head to Pasadena City of Roses, Norton Simon Museum, Rose Bowl (Cool Aroyyo Secco Area) Old Town Pasadena,

Places of interest:
Griffith Park & Observatory, Olvera St., Union Station (Ride the L.A. Subway), Universal City Walk, The Getty there's too much.
Check out LA.com or LAweekly.com for more info! welcome and Good Luck!

 

Good link with more details.

http://www.world66.com/northamerica/...nia/losangeles

 

If you want a nice beaches, go down to orange county.

 

Thanks for the info ElLay. Unfortunately i just came back from SoCal and did not get to read your post before I left. I'll definately check out Lawry's Prime Rib next time i'm in SoCal, see how it holds up to our world famous House of Prime Rib. I'm sure my gf will like the shopping and the beaches as well.

Its funny how i saw NO G37s down there. Still not very popular in SoCal? Or is everybody just driving beamers