[ALX_B]

I will be picking up my M2C from the dealer near San Diego (in about 10 days) and driving north to San Luis Obispo (then eventually home in SF Bay Area).

Not too familiar with SD/North County to LA area - any suggestions or thoughts on the drive? I could just hit the 5, but curious to hear of places to check out, or stop for a quick/late lunch, interesting roads, traffic thoughts, etc.

It'll be a weekday, hopefully hit the road by 11AM or so, gentle on the car through break-in...

thanks in advance!

[AlpsRider]

I would go the fastest way to Santa Barbara > 101 to SLO > Highway 1 through Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Bay Area.

[AJAXF1]

If you can work in a canyon, there's a few roads near Malibu:

Topanga Lookout Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DAeMCMYZWXxyPdZg6

Hopefully that link works but it's a decent road going up from the 101 side. So you could catch the 101 and cut back over to the coast via these canyons.

[ALX_B]

Originally Posted by AJAXF1

If you can work in a canyon, there's a few roads near Malibu:

Topanga Lookout Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DAeMCMYZWXxyPdZg6

Hopefully that link works but it's a decent road going up from the 101 side. So you could catch the 101 and cut back over to the coast via these canyons.

link worked, thank you. Looks like a nice drive... tempting!

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

I would go the fastest way to Santa Barbara > 101 to SLO > Highway 1 through Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Bay Area.

^^ this 100%

[ALX_B]

Originally Posted by KevinC

^^ this 100%

It might just end up being that...might be somewhat pressed for time on way up to SLO anyway..:

- take delivery 9:30 - 10:30am
- to SLO by ~4pm-ish

[JL M3]

Originally Posted by ALX_B

link worked, thank you. Looks like a nice drive... tempting!

After Malibu, make your way to Ojai, take the 33 to McKittrick, jump on the 58 to 101.

[leopard print]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

I would go the fastest way to Santa Barbara > 101 to SLO > Highway 1 through Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Bay Area.

Originally Posted by KevinC

^^ this 100%

+1000 for this suggestion if you haven’t done it before. Great scenic drive through forest and along the beach.

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by JL M3

After Malibu, make your way to Ojai, take the 33 to McKittrick, jump on the 58 to 101.

This is a great detour as long as you don't want sea air and your windows down. That is firmly in the hot zone.

[ALX_B]

that looks like loads of fun...
if I can manage to escape the dealer early enough and make good time through LA, will definitely do it!

it's going to be really difficult to maintain a gentle pace though.. road looks great.

[bjorn///M]

SLO to Bay Area thru highway 1 is fun. I did this when I got my m2c at SLO. Just double check that it's open all the way because there was a time that part of highway 1 was closed. I had no idea about it and luckily it was open all the way for me.

[ALX_B]

Originally Posted by bjorn///M

SLO to Bay Area thru highway 1 is fun. I did this when I got my m2c at SLO. Just double check that it's open all the way because there was a time that part of highway 1 was closed. I had no idea about it and luckily it was open all the way for me.

Good point! I just checked and it seems open - had been closed or restricted for a long time.

Haven't gone through that stretch in close to 10 years probably (sad!), but used to do it frequently - Would be good to check it off the list again.

[AJAXF1]

Originally Posted by bjorn///M

SLO to Bay Area thru highway 1 is fun. I did this when I got my m2c at SLO. Just double check that it's open all the way because there was a time that part of highway 1 was closed. I had no idea about it and luckily it was open all the way for me.

Not sure how long ago this was, but there was a recent collapse on the 1 that shut it down in the past few months. I think rockfalls and things like that also close the highway so that could play into the trip here. Very much doubt it tho

[AlpsRider]

Highway 1 was open all the way through just a few weeks ago. I made the trip during the last heat wave. It was nice and cool at the coast though!

[omark2398]

In the San Diego area if you're into BBQ, hit Phil's BBQ! For Mexican food, Tacos el Gordo or Taco Stand.

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by omark2398

In the San Diego area if you're into BBQ, hit Phil's BBQ! For Mexican food, Tacos el Gordo or Taco Stand.

Casa de Guadalajara on the rear patio! 😋

[ALX_B]

Originally Posted by omark2398

In the San Diego area if you're into BBQ, hit Phil's BBQ! For Mexican food, Tacos el Gordo or Taco Stand.

It took forever and a day to get out of the dealership.. ended up just heading north on the 5/405 in hopes of making to SLO for dinner.

needless to say, I have 'unfinished business' in SoCal.. BBQ, Tacos, HWY 33...

Thanks everyone for the great intel.