Planning a road trip

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

I'm thinking about a road trip up the coast from here in San Jose, Northwards. I have maybe a week to 10 days, I'd really like to travel further North than California and I'm not too worried about spending all day sight seeing, but I would like to end the day somewhere fairly pleasant. If anyone has any ideas about a route of places to stop I'd love to hear them.

I've never actually driven out of California since moving here,lol. Normally my vaction is spend going back home to see family the UK, so please educate me ...... I need help!!!!!

scottmandue · 03-01-2007, 03:29 PM

Mendaceno is nice, Eureka was too, Bodega bay, Ft Bragg.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Giant Redwoods in N. Cali and maybe Crater Lake, here in Oregon. Bothe way cool. Where in the UK are you from?

Cheers,

Paul.

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm going to need to write a list of all these places and then look them up on the map........

Last place I lived in UK was Tauton, Somerset, but have also lived in Devon and Northumberland, I've been here in California for 10 years now!!
Matt

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Matt,
I've lived all over England & Scotland- been in the US since '94. As for the road trip- are you looking for good driving roads for the 911? How far north do you plan to travel? Will you camp or stay in B&B/hotels? Lots of cool stuff to see in the Pacific Northwest!

Cheers,

Paul.

troy jones · 03-01-2007, 07:29 PM

Matt. i'm in brookings Or. on the coast just across the border. I.m from s.j. and the drive up highway 1 is great on up the101 from about the oregon border north is some of the prettiest coastline on the west coast roads are pretty good for letting your car stretch out its legs to. it is however very wet up here right now, but being from the UK. that probably wouldn't bother you. have a great time wherever you go.

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

OK I'm off to AAA today to get some maps and Barnes and Nobel to look at some guidebooks. I'm thinking of drving approx 250 miles a day, on scenic roads, this should give me enough mileage to see some of the country and also allow for a good break somewhere for lunch and arrive somewhere in the afternoon without being too exhausted!!!! I would say that I will be going maybe 1000 -1250 miles from home. Travelling a great distance everyday is not my objective, but seeing some of the beauty of the area is, coastal roads, hill country is what I'm looking for I guess. I just don't know this area at all

Will be staying in hotels not camping. Perfer eevening stops in smaller towns, just not into staying overnight in a city! Oh and I will be travelling in May-June.

Matt

dan79brooklyn · 03-03-2007, 07:18 AM

Mendocino was very nice ( I think the locals refer to it as 'spendocino' though).

You should stay in B&Bs not Hotels. Much nicer in my experience and will start your day with a homecooked breakfast.

My wife and I did a roadtrip from Arizona to Seattle a few years ago and drove all the way up Highway 1 in California.
The roads and sights were great. Redwoods are amazing. Definitley stop by Hearst Castle for one of the tours.
Lots of cars on Highway 1, but plenty of great empty roads if you veer off the coastal routes.

Seahawk · 03-03-2007, 07:23 AM

Matt,

Coast up to Oregon is good. Go inland to Bend, a nice little town that has become a bit crunchy, but still nice. From Bend go further inland on back roads to any small town with a hotel near Lewiston, Idaho. Easy days drive.

I used to run the Snake River as a white water rafter, though Hells Canyon out of Lewiston once every year in the late 70's.. See if you can book a trip. If not, spend a few days exploring the area.

From there, take the Lewis and Clark trail to Missoula, MT. Again, there are small towns near. Missoula is a bit crowded.

Go south to Ketchum, Idaho, or any small town with a hotel near that area. From there you can see some amazing lands near Arco...craters of the moon national preservation site is great.

You can get to Ely, NV, along route 50 from there. Nice drive. Take route 50 west through Austin. My favorite drive. You can get home easlily from there.

You can get to the Pacific anytime you want. Go inland and see the west.

Enjoy.