Has anyone driving along the American west coast?

Trying to figure out what I want to do for a holiday later in the year (Oct/Nov) thinking itd be fun to fly into San Fransisco, drive along the coast to LA then down to San Diego. Hire out a convertible and cruise along  

Alternatively thinking about something in South America, as Ive never been there.

How long do you want to spend. I drove North from San Diego when I lived there. You can get to Sanfran in about 3 days of really slow cruising/stopping everywhere.

But I recommend you keep going up into Marin County and Oregon as the Coast is just phenominal up there.


Youll have to excuse the constant edit, youve just reminded me how brilliant a time I had.

North of San Fransico, Sonoma County is where they filmed Goonies too.

What I would say, go Highway 1 and 101 north from SF and go all the way to Seattle in Washington state there you can find good music.

If youre going to take the time to do that, make sure you do it properly and head a little further in, visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon.

Ive done that about three times, recommendable. Americans think Highway 1 is a dangerous road, because it has bends in it    
Definately include San Diego, and also Boulder Dam as Nige says. Imho Grand Canyon is a bit dull, big dirty hole in the ground, Death Valley and Vegas at night are more impressive. You could also try and get into Area 51




Crazily, you can drive 7000 feet up behind LA to get views like this:



I thought Northern California beyond marin county was a bit dull compared to the rest.

Some pics:

Clint Eastwoods beach:



Big Sur (from Here to Eternity )



Griffith Observatory:

Wow, the sky over L.A in those shots isnt as yellow as I remember

Monteray bay is worth stopping off at. Theres an aquriaum & a "scenic" drive = which basially means rocks sea, trees & golfers houses. At the end is Pebble Beach golf course.

Direct driving without stopping off should take the best part of 2 days. - you cant really head in land a bit to visit the grand canyon & hoover damn, as thats another days drive & is more nearer Vegas than LA.

Maybe do what Bear said & drive North? Through Nappa Valley wine region? maybe take in Yosemite Park & Keep driving inland to Reno for a spot of gambling.

Quote from: Clockd 0NeWow, the sky over L.A in those shots isnt as yellow as I remember

That was in January, temp a mere 20 DegC.

Thanks guys.

Im thinking around the 16 day mark (two weeks off work). Im not too fussed about Yosemite, Hoover or the Canyon as Ive done them before. I was contemplating including Vegas as a start or end spot, but I think itd be nice to concentrate on the coast line.


My mate reckons we should go somewhere in South America instead as neither of us has been there. Lima/Machu Picchu would be cool, although were also thinking Costa Rica, Argentina, & Brazil...

While I do want to go to those places, theres something about driving the west coast that really appeals to me

If your into clubbing, theres a really good place in Uraguay