Hi we are traveling to the Santa Barbara area and heard that the potholes on the Grapevine can swallow small cars whole. Has anyone been through there recently? If we should avoid it what route would you recommend? We are starting from Red Bluff, Ca and so if we should take a different route please let us know.
Thanks,
Les
Les, I would recommend taking HWY 101 south from the Bay Area.....a much more enjoyable ride, and much, much better road surface. I-5 south of Bakersfield is horrible with a capital "H".
Les,
We came down the 101 from north this summer. Not bad, there were some areas with construction,but not bad. Not sure that I would use the Grapevine from where you are.
Thanks for the advice. What about Hwy 1 near Santa Barbara - is that okay? We need to get to Ventura.
(10-29-2012, 07:58 AM)whatsnewell Wrote: [ -> ]Les, I would recommend taking HWY 101 south from the Bay Area.....a much more enjoyable ride, and much, much better road surface. I-5 south of Bakersfield is horrible with a capital "H".
HWY 101 will take you right to Ventura.....HWY 1 would be a much slower, difficult drive....
(10-29-2012, 08:32 AM)les korcala Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks for the advice. What about Hwy 1 near Santa Barbara - is that okay? We need to get to Ventura.
(10-29-2012, 07:58 AM)whatsnewell Wrote: [ -> ]Les, I would recommend taking HWY 101 south from the Bay Area.....a much more enjoyable ride, and much, much better road surface. I-5 south of Bakersfield is horrible with a capital "H".
Les,
No I would not recommend Route 1. It is very narrow and windy. It also may instigate a Divorce! Stay on 101 South and then you may need a short Rout 1 North, but make it short and where the 101 and 1 are the same, just my humble opinion.
There are many areas on Highway 1 and other highways where semis and 45' coaches are prohibited. Those areas can be found online and I have a listing available on my computer when traveling in California.
Les, just looked at the maps again. At Santa Barbara you will be on 101 and it is a good road. further north is PCH and I would not recommend that. Just stay on 1001 and you should be fine.
Where are you going?