Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/19/2009

Question
Hi Ernest from browsing the site you and the other experts do fantastic work, thank you.I have already found answers to most of my questions.

We are planning an US trip in July/August. There will be 2 adults and an 8 year old. The current plan is fly into LA from JFK late on a Monday and then out of LA back home to Brisbane late the following Monday.

Our plan is overnight near the airport, hire a car, see the Hollywood sign, Venice Beach (and possibly other things)then head down to San Diego. We want to be back in Anaheim late on the Friday for 2 days at Disneyland.

I would love some advice on what routes to take for the drive to San Diego. Preferably a different route each way to keep it interesting. Whichever way though we want to do the drive in one day and with a youngster along cannot have late arrivals. Being an Aussie long drives aren't a problem but who wants to be rushed on holidays?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks

Answer
Greg,

Thanks for the question.  There are only a couple of routes between LA and San Diego.  Highway 5 is standard, and necessary much of the way.  From Laguna Beach south to San Clemente and Mission San Juan Capistrano, it's possible to take Hwy 1, but I'd consider using Mapquest to check your route.  This could be more time consuming that it's worth.  Another route not often thought of is to go east toward Yorba Linda on Hwy 91 (Riverside Freeway) and then south on I-15.  This is a much more pleasant freeway drive south with some scenic potential, particularly around Rancho Bernardo and other north county suburbs of San Diego.  This region may remind you of Australia.  These are both easy to do in one day, but use Mapquest to gauge more exact drive times.

Have fun...alan