Cal HWY 101 from San Fran to LA

[Paulie Boy]

Have any of you taken 101 from Petaluma actually down to the LA area. We're actually going to end up at the KOA in Pomona.

[bruceatlam]

I've driven it in a car. I don't believe that you'll have any issue with ONE BIG EXCEPTION. I would not even try to pull anything through San Francisco on #101. At times, you'll be on regular old narrow city streets. It won't be pleasant at all.

If you're going to make that trip, I would advise that you route around the city itself and then rejoin #101 south of the city.

[bikendan]

101 is no problem anywhere for RVs, except, as noted, thru SF.
LA is doable except for the traffic.

[iceblaze580]

I would cut over to hiways 80 and go down 80/880 till it hooks up with 101 again

[Blucruz]

I make that trip often however only done it a few times with my 5th on the back. I agree to stay out of SF if you can but it is doable just don't get frustrated by the narrow lanes and impatient drivers. Will take about 3-4 hours longer than cruising out to the valley and hitting I-5 but there is nothing to look at out there. Hitting the LA basin after 8PM or before 6am will reward you with a smoother trip as well.
Good luck

[OniOne]

Paulie Boy,

Our first trip in our 3171ds was from the Petaluma KOA to AZ stopping in LA to visits family. We went via 101 to 580 to 5 was an easy trip.

~onione

[Prism 24G]

Pauline,
depends on your driving exp and do you want to see SF, if don't like drive thru SF go to San Rafael, Oakland, San Jose ..... LA

[dj3spots]

I wouldn't go thru SF with my fiver. We stayed in Petaluma KOA (best KOA we used during our trip) and did days trips. And, SF bridge is a toll road. Watch the road signs and they will tell you what .com to use to pre pay or pay after you go over bridge. There are NO toll takers. They do ticket if you don't pay.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[downeyr]

Totally agree with not going through SF. We took this trip two years ago. When from North of SF around the bay and down 101 all the way to Long Beach. Great drive with a few close moments. The scenery is spectacular, just don't be in a hurry. Be sure and spend some time at Hearst Castle.

[Mark and Kelly]

Beautiful, but narrow roads and slow. I would guess nearly 4 hours longer, but if time isn't an issue then you might enjoy the scenery.

[Paulie Boy]

Done, sipped SF and took 580 to 101 and are sitting at a rest stop outside of Graviata, CA. Thanks for all of the input from everybody.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mark and Kelly

Beautiful, but narrow roads and slow. I would guess nearly 4 hours longer, but if time isn't an issue then you might enjoy the scenery.

You're thinking of Highway 1, not 101.
101 in California, is not narrow anywhere, except for a short stretch between Leggett and Benbow. Most of 101 is 55 or 65 mph.

[bruceatlam]

Welcome to Gaviota!!!!!!

[I-RV]

Did Hwy 1 north of San Fran from Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay. DW then laid down the law and did 101 south of San Fran, Definitely no problem, Skirted San Fran to do Napa Valley. Hopped over to the ocean at Morro Bay. Nice campground and the famous Morro Rock. It was a nice base camp for car travel to San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle and some of the famous Hwy 1.