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Old 10-26-2016, 04:00 PM   #1
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Route Tucson, AZ to Monterey, CA

We're on the road, now in Tucson, AZ looking for a good route from here to Monterey, CA. where we'll begin a two month visit to various points along the coast also spending time in Santa Barbara area and San Diego, where we lived for many years during our Navy years.

Not looking for anything scenic at this time, just decent roads and traffic conditions to get us to Monterey.
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Old 10-26-2016, 04:40 PM   #2
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Doug,

We take that trip several times a year, three times already this year. There are not a lot of options but several of the same.

We typically take I-10 west. After you climb up from Palm Springs watch for the I-10/60 split near Beaumont for your land placement. After you come down the hill in Redland take the 210 loop versus staying on 1-10. It takes you up into more local traffic and keeps you out of the "headed to LA" traffic.

The 210 is a newer freeway and runs you west along the San Gabriel mtns past Pasadena and you start to head north toward the 5 interchange. There is always a bottle neck there as 3 freeways and lots of traffic come together.

Once transitioned to the I-5 you go through the Los Padres/ Gorman Pass and the lanes are wide and fairly smooth. Stay I-5 north until Highway 46 at Lost Hills. We go west on 46 to Paso Robles. This is almond and vineyard country but the road is nicely redone there and easily traveled. Go north in Paso Robles onto the 101 till Highway 68 . 68 seems a bit far north, almost to Salinas but it is the most direct route thru the Monterey Hills toward the coast.

Hopefully that made sense and wasn't to convoluted.

The 101 to Monterey is a bumpy lumpy CA budget affected highway. VERY short off and on ramps.

Of course Highway 1 is a gotta do it once but with your travels you guys have likely done that.

Safe travels.
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Old 10-26-2016, 04:55 PM   #3
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Good route above.
There is nice camping at Laguna Seca race track even when nothing ing happening there at the track. The camping there is managed by the county.
Nice spot to visit the coastal areas from.

Have a good trip.

Cheers Richard
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:31 PM   #4
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We we thinking of the route as described by Hittinstiel, but taking 215 north to 395 at San Bernardino, up to 58 to avoid the congestion of greater LA. Then to Paso Robles as described, then to Monterey. What do you think?

We'll touring and traveling down 101 and 1 late Nov and Dec working our way through Santa Barbara/Oxnard to San Diego.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:39 PM   #5
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Doug we have done that route also and enjoyed the change of pace and scenery.

If you have the time that is certainly a viable choice. And depending on the traffic which is so unpredictable in the I-5 interchange it might not be any slower and definitely more relaxing. Smaller roads but still good conditions.

Your trip sounds delightful.

We took a good look around the campgrounds at Laguna Seca last time we went up and would consider staying there next time. It's a dry grassy area with some trees but very well spaced. A grade to get up into the campground but short. We found it fun to watch the race cars go round.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:51 PM   #6
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Another vote for Laguna Seca. SB sketchy.

Santa Barbara can be a challenge for reasonable a RV spot. South of SB about 15 miles on the 101 are spots along the beach to dry camp. Only one RV park in Santa Barbara along the highway behind a wall. CA state parks are an option albeit pricey and not well maintained.

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Old 10-26-2016, 10:29 PM   #7
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Thanks for the help. I started my Navy career in 1966 and served much of it in these areas so it's kind of a 50th year anniversary tour. Things have changed over the years with population growth. We'll be camping at military facilities in Monterey, Pt. Mugu, and Coronado (which are usually booked six months ahead).

Looking forward to it, last time on Hwy 1 was with our VW Camper Van 10 years ago. I expect it'll be a little tighter headed south from Monterey with the Airstream, anyone done that lately?
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Old 10-26-2016, 11:15 PM   #8
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-- snip -- I expect it'll be a little tighter headed south from Monterey with the Airstream, anyone done that lately?
About a week ago we came North from Pismo. The road gets tight in a few places and there is a bit of reconstruction in process. However, travel on a weekday, take it easy, and stay wide on blind turns.

Travel safe. Pat
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Old 10-27-2016, 08:39 AM   #9
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Our last trip down from Monterey in June we had a little bit of extra time on our hands but not enough time to do the whole route. (Plus we have done the trip often)

So we took 101 south from Monterey to SLO and got on the 1/101 from there. That means we skipped the scenic Big Sur San Simeon section but have seen that often.

From San Luis Obispo on we hugged the coast and pulled out at every beach and pull out sign there was. We didn't make good time but it was a beautiful day and our goal was to see all those little state campgrounds for future trips.

Weekday travel on the 1 should be great. Your will be traveling in the correct direction for entering all the pullouts and turnouts with ease. The driver doesn't get to look around much but the views are expansive so you can see it for hours and lots of turnouts. The pullouts also enable people stuck behind you to get around easily.

Fort Ord still has commissary in case you enjoy a stock up there on ocassion.
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Old 10-27-2016, 07:49 PM   #10
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Alternative route

If you are not traveling during rush hour traffic, a faster route would be to take the 210 freeway past Pasadena, then turn west on the 118 Freeway. That will take you through Simi Valley before it transitions to the 23, which will take you to the 101 in Thousand Oaks. We lived in Ventura County for many years and used that route often. That way you avoid the interchange with I-5 and it is more direct. Better scenery too!
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Old 10-27-2016, 08:36 PM   #11
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Don't miss Ocean Mesa just north of Santa Barbara. Stay on top. Great views and amazing amenities.
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Old 10-27-2016, 08:59 PM   #12
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Our plan is to go through or bypass LA this Sunday, and direct as possible to Monterey for all of November, then south on 1/101 in December.

Lots of good routes and tips, thanks to all !
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Old 10-31-2016, 02:32 PM   #13
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Just checking in how did your route work and which way did you go.
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Old 11-03-2016, 09:23 AM   #14
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We stayed in the Monterey County fairgrounds campground. Very convenient to get around from there.
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Old 11-04-2016, 08:31 AM   #15
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We stayed in the Monterey County fairgrounds campground. Very convenient to get around from there.
Yes, this is a central location for the area. The entry driveway is a sharp transition - doable, but take it slow. The sites are in two areas. One area is paved, but the sites there are tight and the hookups are shared so you may need to run your connections under the coach. We needed a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter. You also have to park the tow vehicle in a lot off the entry drive. It's not far away, but not assigned next to your coach. The other area is a dirt lot that is on a lower level. A bit dusty and more like a storage lot than a park, but seems to be the choice of some folks as there is more space to access your site. This park is not cheap, but it is a reasonable price for the area.

We really liked the fairgrounds. There are lots of smells for the pups to investigate. The toilets and showers are fair. There are paved walkways and green grass to enjoy. There are airplanes taking off and landing next door, but with strict noise control on the airport, it's quiet at night. It's not a high end park, but rather an available solution if you need or want to stay in the area. We wanted to do 17 mile drive again and it was an excellent base to do that tour.

Good luck and travel safe. Pat
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