Monterey Travel Forum

We're driving to Monterey from SFO, and definately want to stop in Gilroy (we're garlic lovers).

What's the best/most scenic route to Monterey that takes us through the "Garlic Capitol of the World? We're in no rush to get to Monterey, and always enjoy a peaceful, scenic drive!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi. You will more than likely take US Highway 101 (El Camino Real)south from San Francisco to the Gilroy area. It is not necesarily scenic to get there until you get to the Gilroy area and then it becomes rural and much nicer.

On your way back you can drive north on Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway) from Monterey to San Francisco and through Castroville--the artichoke capital of the world-- plus Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and a host of other more scenic routes.

While in the Gilroy area you can drive around the more rural and less traveled roads to see the fields and see/stop by some of the fruit stands.

You can take Highway 156 (the Pacheco Pass road) to the San Felipe area and experience the huge Casa de Fruta or you can take Highway 25 to Hollister (a small town which claims to be the earthquake capital of California) and you can take Highway 152 (over Hecker Pass Road)to Watsonville-the strawberry capital of California.

All are relatively close to each other and all are scenic drives. Be extremely careful on the 2 lane (1 each way) roads and you will see signs of road fatality numbers from drivers who drift across the lanes,fall asleep, or pass in no-passing zones (it is hilly and curvy). Just set a reasonable speed and enjoy the outdoors and scenery.

Plus going down 152 you will be passing the Garlic processing center. Roll down your window and savor the smells.

You will probably want to stop at the famous Garlic World shop too while in the area.

I hope this helps. It is a wonderful area and you will not even have been yet to the Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove area!

Have a great, fun and safe trip.

Ann, The Travel Slut

You are sort of limited if you want to stop in Gilroy and you did not say if you were going back to San Francisco after Monterey.

I agree with the other posting Hwy 101 to Gilroy then Hwy 152 over toward the coast. If you are not going back to SFO or won't have time to take any detours going back then do this.

Just east of the town of Watsonville you will be on Hwy 152/Hecker Pass Road, which turns into East Lake Blvd for a short distance. At Holohan Road turn right (it is Holohan to the right and College to the left) Holohan will turn into Airport Blvd. Stay on Airport Blvd for a short distance and at Freedom Blvd turn right. Stay on Freedom until it runs into Hwy 1 then go south toward Monterey.

If you still have time, right after you get on Hwy 1 at Freedom and head south you will see San Andreas Road/Larkin Valley exit. Head toward the ocean on San Andreas and follow it along the coast for a few miles. If you want to stop for a few minutes take the Sunset Beach Road over to Sunset Beach State Park. Stay on San Andreas to Beach Street then head back east to Hwy 1 and head south again toward Monterey.

You will have a great trip no matter what you do...

If you are actually leaving from SFO (airport) you could also go over to Hwy 280 instead of taking Hwy 101 south. Milbrae Ave exit off of Hwy 101 just south of the airport is probably the best road over to Hwy 280. Hwy 280 is called Skyline Blvd and is a more scenic drive than Hwy 101. It runs along the hill tops west of Hwy 101 and the ocean. At City of Cupertino take Hwy 85 to Hwy 101 and continue south to Gilroy.

Thanks everyone whos responded so far. To clarify, we'll be heading directly from the SF airport to Gilroy and then Monterey.

After a few days in Monterey we'll head to SF for a day or two.

thanks again!

On the way back to SF take Hwy 1 back along the coast. For a great dinner and view in the Monterey area try Al & Jack's Rocky Point. It is south of carmel just south of the Highlands Inn Resort on Hwy 1. It is a small sign and you will miss it the first time and have to turn around and go back. It is well worth the hunt. Keep an eye out for famous faces they like the hang there.

If you do go back Hwy 1 to SF then skip that little detour on the way to Monterey and just stay on Hwy 152/Hecker Pass to Hwy 1. But take the Hwy 280 route when you leave SFO headed to Gilroy as it will be out of your way going back to SF.