Monterey Travel Forum

Hi All,

I am will drive up from LA to monterey and was wondering the best of route. Mapquest, google and yahoo provide options which are different.
Option 1 : I-5 to CA 46W to 101N to CA68W
Option 2 : I-5 to CA 152 to CA 156 to CA 1S
Option 3 : I-5 to CA 33(1.5miles) to CA 198 to 101N to CA68W.

Also on my way back, I plan to go from Monterey-BigSur-SanSimeon and then connect somewhere onto I5 rather than drive CA1. Since, am the only driver up and down wanted to ensure its less stressful.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks very much guys.VT folks have always been very helpful..chz

I have driven two of the three routes you mention. Your option 2 is probably the most scenic with a great lake, some hilly terrain, and options for quick stops at great towns like San Juan Bautista, but it seems to be a bit further than the other two routes.

I drove across CA 46 (your option 1) last fall, and it was pretty flat and easy, but quite a bit of farm traffic across the valley. This would be my guess for the fastest route.

I have never driven your option 3 across 198, so I can't be of any help here.

Joe