Driving to SF this Friday... should I take 101N or I-5?

[IS2000]

I'm going to San Francisco on Friday night, but I've never driven up there before. I'm still deciding if I should take I-5N (shorter route as stated on mapquest) or 101N all the way. My question is, which one is a better route regarding of traffics, road conditions, sceneries, cops, etc.
Thanks.

[drmosh]

101N is a pain in the ass, although there are some really nice areas to drive up.

[ReHeat]

I've always taken the I-5, traffic should be better than 101. But becareful not to drive too fast when u drive through the big cities like Fresno. A radar detector would help.

The sceneries are pretty boring on the I-5. But if you take the PCH on the way back from San Francisco, now that's a drive to remember! (but beware of cliffs)

[Coolguy949]

And we aren't invited????? :(

[IS2000]

And we aren't invited????? :(
Lol, I'm driving there just for more boost! :lol:
(going to Works to get my P2 flash)

[apexstrafer]

I've done that drive many, many times. The 5 is fastest, no doubt, but brutally boring, even if you're going triple-digit speeds the whole time. 101 is always going to take longer, but the scenery is a bit more interesting. Take the 154 shortcut if you do the 101. PCH is awesome IF you take it on a weekday. Otherwise, its an absolute nightmare where you have to drive 25 mph THE WHOLE WAY on one of the best roads in the world because 5000 geriatrics on it and they freak out as soon as they see the road curve (and there are about 10,000,000 curves).

[IS2000]

I've done that drive many, many times. The 5 is fastest, no doubt, but brutally boring, even if you're going triple-digit speeds the whole time. 101 is always going to take longer, but the scenery is a bit more interesting. Take the 154 shortcut if you do the 101. PCH is awesome IF you take it on a weekday. Otherwise, its an absolute nightmare where you have to drive 25 mph THE WHOLE WAY on one of the best roads in the world because 5000 geriatrics on it and they freak out as soon as they see the road curve (and there are about 10,000,000 curves).

Thanks!
I think I might be taking I-5 up there, and 101 on the way back.

[SuPaNooK]

what will the P2 works do for you?

[EvolOne]

Yes, take 154 in Santa BArbara, go over the pass and out to 101 by Los Olivos.

I'd never go to SF without finding an early am or early evening cut over to hwy 1 at either Atascadero, or sliighty north, then I'd bookup highway one.

It takes more time but think of all of the wonks you can scare the hell outa as you cruise by in your Evo.

Then at Monterey, head over to 101, if you're pressed for time, and finish the north trip.

NEVER EVER head to SF without at least hitting highway one on the way up or the way down.

And near big sur, there's a place called Nepenthe, (heading south from Carmel, it's at the end of the long climb out of the Big Sur campground area. Nepethe is the place to stop and get caffeinated, sweeping view of Pacific, a chance to prep yourself for the twisty road to come.

Another think you can do is from 101 check the maps for a highway that roughly parallels 101, but is east of 101, between paso robles and hollister. But it entails a little side to side.

However, Hwy 25 is usually uninhabited and is a playground for sport bikes and evos.
R2

[SuPaNooK]

take I-5 first then get into 101.....
101 is a shitty road...and i think once you get onto 101....go on 380 and take 280 north and go to sf from there...i think its better...
but it all depends where in SF you are going