SF to LA – Three Days – No Freeways

[The route described will be followed, south-to-north by the 2008 Mille Autunno]

When's the last time you went to Mt. Hamilton, San Juan Bautista, Soledad Mission, or Morro Bay? How about Bitterwater, McKittrick, or the Angeles Crest Highway? All of these places are on this 825 mile, three day itinerary from San Francisco to Los Angeles. If you think California is crowded, take this drive and you'll have a new perspective.
Plan a mini-vacation, starting with a quick drive up Highway 5 to San Francisco. After a day or so in the North, head South on this route. But first, buy a detailed map of California, one that shows all the little roads. I like the one published by Benchmark, available in bookstores, and consisting of about 135 pages of clear, easy to use maps in a scale of about four miles to the inch.

The overnight stops I recommend are, first, Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, then the Inn at Morro Bay, and finally, the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena.

The route leaves San Francisco on Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay , then over to Highway 35, joining 9 into Saratoga. Cross over thru San Jose and climb Mt. Hamilton and descend its East slope to Patterson. South on 33 from Patterson, onto 156 West, then to San Juan Bautista. Find the Old San Juan grade, and head South to the Old Stage Road. Around Chualar cross over to River Road, continuing South and eventually joining Carmel Valley Road, over the hills to Quail Lodge.

For your second day continue out to Highway One, then South to Fergusson-Naciemento Road. This is a steep climb up to Camp Hunter Liggett. Pass thru Hunter-Liggett to King City and over to Bitterwater. Then South on Hwy 25 to 198. At 198 take Peach Tree Rd. South, joining Indian Valley Rd. Down toward Paso Robles, and on Hwy. 46 to Highway 1 near Cambria, then South to Morro Bay.

On your third day, take Hwy 41 thru Atascadero, then watch for La Panza Road. Right on La Panza, down to Hwy 58, and East to McKittrick.Take Hwy. 33 South thru Taft. In Taft, don't miss the Oil Museum on the South edge of town. Pass thru Maricopa and then watch for Cerro Noroestra Road on your left. It will take you over to Frazier Park, then Gorman, the Gorman Post Road, to Hwy 138. Left on 138, then right on Three Points Road, following Road N2 to Palmdale. South from Palmdale to the Angeles Forest Highway, joining Angeles Crest Highway, to La Canada and Pasadena.

Should you want route notes contact me at mswig@californiamille.com

In exploring this route, I used a new Cayman and a Miata. Each one is just about perfect for a drive like this, being quick, agile, and comfortable. I was surprised to discover that despite the price difference, I found the two cars equally satisfying. If you think a Miata is a "girlie" car, you're wrong!

Mazda Miata, the canyon carver

Remote section of the route