Is there a way to avoid LA traffic?

[Arch Hoagland]

We've RV'd in all 48 states and most of the large cities. I prefer driving in L.A. to any other city in the country. They move right along, come on the on ramp at full speed and blend right in. Usually they stay in their lane and signal when changing...not always but usually.
I follow the trucks through L.A. because they know what lane is the best to be in.

I've been in Pennsylvania and have had more than one person stop right in front of me on the on ramp and look around before getting on the interstate.

So if I were you I'd take the quickest route and move right along at the speed everyone else is going.

I normally drive 55 in California but in L.A. I'll run 65 to 70 with the traffic. The CHP leave you alone if you are going with the flow of traffic in a safe manner. I've actually passed CHP down there when my lane was going faster than theirs.

[SCVJeff]

Originally Posted by BobGed

I hate LA traffic so here's the way I would go:
I-10 to
Hwy 210 N to
I-215 N onto I-15 to
Hwy 138 NW to
Hwy 14 W to
I-5 N to
Hwy 126 to
Hwy 101 N

BINGO!

Stay OFF the 134 at all costs!. The only bottleneck is going to be the 210 ramp in Pasadena. Just be aware that the 210 turns into the 134, and the 210 goes North so be prepared and you will be fine.

Short of that you can take the 10 to the 15 North, to the 138 West, to the 14 West, to the 5 North, to the 126. You will COMPLETELY miss any LA traffic whatsoever.

[Tyler6357]

Originally Posted by begete

Thank you all very much! What's in Solvang?

Solvang is a small little town just north (45 min drive) of Santa Barbara. It has a danish theme and all the buildings are built like a danish town. It's a torist attraction. Check here----> Solvang CA - Official Travel Resource for Solvang, Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County - Solvang, CA There is also a local indian tribe (Chumash Indians) with a rather large indian casino and resort very close to Solvang. They often have shows and concerts there.------> The Chumash Casino Resort

There are very few RV parks in Santa Barbara and they are all over priced and not that good, you might want to stay at Lake Cachuma. They have some pull through spots right on the lake that are very resonably priced with awesome views. There is no swimming in the lake but you can boat and fish. ---> Camping at Cachuma Lake

If you like horseback riding there is a very large RV park called Rancho Oso down a long winding road not far from Lake Cachuma. It is a horse ranch and has horseback riding as well as a pool and showers, etc.. It is part of the "Thousand Trails" park stystem but they will rent by the night if you are not a member. ---> Rancho Oso

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

RV park in Buellton...Flags or Flying Flags. Close to Solvang, Santa Inez valley wineries, Vandenburg AFB, and the coast. Premium sites not worththe extra $$ and std sites have all amenities. Weekly rates are offered.

[OldPugVA]

Split Pea soup in Solvang. Fish & Chips in Morro Bay!!

[Glenn and Kathy]

Originally Posted by DennisZ

I have a small modification to one of the posts below. Here it is, I always go this way.

I-10 to
Hwy 210 N to
210 West to
I-5 N to
Hwy 126 west to
Hwy 101 N

Dennis

This is the route you want. I used to live near the I5 Hwy 126 interchange and had many oportunities to drive this route.

Glenn

[RickO]

Originally Posted by begete

Thank you all very much! What's in Solvang?

Solvang is a cute little Danish town with great shops and restaurants... wine tasting too!

I also second the vote for Flying Flags RV Resort in Buelton. That's where we stay every year while there.

Rick

[Tyler6357]

Originally Posted by OldPugVA

Split Pea soup in Solvang. Fish & Chips in Morro Bay!!

The famous Split Pea place is called "Anderson's Pea Soup" and it is located in Buellton not Solvang ----> Welcome to Andersen's Pea Soup - Fine Food, Catering and Gifts - Everything For The Traveler

[SCVJeff]

AND it's literally across the street from Flying Flags

[BZam]

Originally Posted by begete

In mid February, we will be traveling from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara which we have never done before.

What is the fastest route? and is the fastest route the best route to avoid traffic in a 30' motorhome towing a car?

You have a lot of suggestions but I live in LA and have driven my 38 footer and previous RV with car behind all through the central freeways for 22 years with no problems. You will find lots of truck and large vehicles out there so just get in second lane and follow along. Anytime you want to change lanes, just turn on you blinker and some good sole will hang back and let you in. The accident rate keeps dropping so now there are actually few delays with the flow control they have on lights at on ramps. Sure, might avoid 3-5 in afternoon and 7-9 in AM but I would not go much out of my way going through LA.

Bob

[njs42]

Originally Posted by DennisZ

I have a small modification to one of the posts below. Here it is, I always go this way.

I-10 to
Hwy 210 N to
210 West to
I-5 N to
Hwy 126 west to
Hwy 101 N

Dennis

Eureka! you have found it---go this way.

Solvang is a quaint Danish Village---really cute, shops and restaurants---touristy of course but worth the trip. There is a nice park Flying Flags in Buellton. We stay there and can reccomend it----just a few miles from Solvang. Wineries permeate the entire area---and ---if you wanna see where Michael Jackson used to hang out (neverland) it is in the valley---ick for me but my wife would like to see it---so far I have avoided it---good luck and good travels.

[njs42]

Originally Posted by BZam

You have a lot of suggestions but I live in LA and have driven my 38 footer and previous RV with car behind all through the central freeways for 22 years with no problems. You will find lots of truck and large vehicles out there so just get in second lane and follow along. Anytime you want to change lanes, just turn on you blinker and some good sole will hang back and let you in. The accident rate keeps dropping so now there are actually few delays with the flow control they have on lights at on ramps. Sure, might avoid 3-5 in afternoon and 7-9 in AM but I would not go much out of my way going through LA.

Bob

This is all good information---but the roads are just better on the other suggested route---we just came through LA, over the Grapevine to 210--the 57 and then 10 to Palm Desert. y daughter suggested the 126 but I plowed ahead from Paso Robles---46 to the 5 then 210 etc; It is not a fun drive but traffic was moving right along---we hit the 210 at about 1:30pm. It can back up anytime anywhere---but for the most part it moves---and for the most part people will let you in on your signal.

[OldPugVA]

I stand corrected. It is 3.6 miles away.

Reminds me of the South of the Border advertising across the east - the Split Pea soup chain is across California and billboards all along the highway.

They were on the Food Channel not too long ago. Awesome soup!