Community Forums

myfiona · 10-11-2009, 09:45 AM

We have a 36 foot coach with a tow vehicle. We are fairly new to RVing, and are interested in traveling the PCH between LA and San Francisco.
Are there areas of the highway that are unsuitable for large RVs?

Any suggestions for reading about or planning such an excursion?

dieselclacker · 10-11-2009, 04:01 PM

myfiona, PCH is completely doable in your RV. Highway is as you probably know pretty twisty as it follows the ocean shoreline. It is a bit narrow around Big Sur area. Take it slow, enjoy the views.

Dieselclacker

Fred and Bonnie · 10-11-2009, 05:07 PM

Sure it's doable, however it's a narrow 2 lane with sharp curves and swithbacks. It's what your skill/nerve level is.

bkphotog · 10-11-2009, 05:22 PM

Hi

Route 1 from LA to SF should be OK for you. It will have some tighter curves at Big Sur and Monterey. Also be aware that Route 1 goes into US 101 at Oxnard just south of Ventura. From there you will be driving US 101 until you get up to San Luis Obispo. It is fine except for the traffic at the typical rush hour time of day around Ventura, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. The only other concern would be the time of year that you are going to make this trip. From San Luis to Montery in the winter might be "touchy". The winter storms come in on that coast rather strongly and there could be alot of driving rain and wind. It is a rather scenic drive but take it slow as "dieselclacker" states. Be safe and take great pic's

Bill

PizzaGuy · 10-12-2009, 10:09 AM

It is true that PCH ends at Oxnard and turns into the 101. However, you can get back on the 1 just past Gavotia. Take the Lompoc turn off. This takes you past Vandenberg AFB, Guadalupe. Oceano, Grover and Pismo Beach. Then you get back on the 101 until San Luis Obisbo.
Don

paz · 10-12-2009, 10:59 AM

We dorve parts of the Pacific Coast Highway this summer in both the toad and the motorhome. I consider myself an experienced RV driver, and personally, I would not recommend taking an RV on the section from about 15 miles north of San Simeon to Big Sur. We drove that much of that section in the toad, and it's narrow, steep, and winding. We didn't drive any of the part from Santa Cruz to San Francisco, but it looks pretty winding from the map, too.

Bill Adams · 10-12-2009, 11:05 AM

PCH is a great drive. I prefer the N to S drive as you are not as close to the sheer walls but some may find the drop-off when going S intimidating. Don't avoid this drive, just take your time, pull off when you can if you are holding up traffic, and enjoy the scenery. When you get into the Ventura area don't miss dry camping on the Pacific Ocean at Emma Beach. You get back on PCH for a bit and you park parallel to the Ocean just a few feet away. An evening fire is a must and don't forget the marshmallows.

Bill Davis · 10-15-2009, 09:15 AM

Also in this area is the Rincon Parkway, an old section of Hwy 101, bypassed by the new freeway. You park parallel to the beach, some sections may be closed during current renovation. Shopping in Ventura nearby. A little tight if over 35'. Take Seacliff off ramp.

Tom-NC · 10-24-2009, 03:05 PM

Even though the other members say you can travel the PCH with a RV since you are new to Rving I wouldn't recommend it. Keep in mind that switchbacks are usually very tight turns and with a toad may be tricky for you.

We were in that area this past Summer and I have driving Buses and RV's since 1984 and would not drive the PCH and recommend you drive Rt101 which is a good drive. San Luis Opisbo is a great place to visit also.

If you want to take a drive along the coast I would recommend driving Route 101 in Oregon as it is absolutely beautiful and picturesque.

Have a sfe trip and enjoy.