<p>My parents are from Northern California (I’ve lived all of my life in Nebraska) and I’ve only ever been to So Cal. Anyhow, this summer after I graduate, I’d love to drive/travel down the coast, because it’s always been a dream of mine. Since I’ll only be 18, I don’t think I’ll be able to rent a car if I fly into Frisco. I also think it’d be a long, long drive (25 hours) if I were to drive to California. Just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions or know if transportation is readily available down the coast. My parents are from Monterey and I’d love to spend some time there as well. I have virtually no time restraints, so I’d like to spend a week or two there.</p>
<p>I’ve always wanted to try Amtrak. I believe it’s picturesque but takes a really long time.</p>
<p>I believe Amtrak travels down the middle of the state, rather than down the coast. Greyhound buses travel to coastline cities like Monterrey, or fly there and have your parents drive you in and around Monterrey/Carmel/San Simeon/Big Sur, etc. IMHO…some of the most beautiful places on earth are in and around Big Sur/Carmel…have fun!</p>
<p>Whatever you have to do – well almost whatever – find a way to have your own car even if it means driving here.</p>
<p>Highway 1 is a beautiful experience. Hell, don’t start at SF; go to the top of Cali and come down through the Redwoods on 101 and then hit Highway 1 and come down through SF then Monterey and then along the Big Sur Coast to Santa Barbara and see some of the most beautiful country in the US.</p>
<p>You can stay at campsites along this route, but you should make your route and reservations now. And since time is on your side, take a lot of it.</p>
<p>The Amtrak route travels some really great scenery especially in the southern part of the state, but for town-to-town travel, it’d be Greyhound.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions so far, the only potential downside I could see to train travel, is that I won’t have the freedom to stop when I want, which is what is more enticing about driving down the coast.</p>
<p>My parents aren’t in the picture, they can’t get time off to travel, ever… which is why I’ve never been there. They’ll be back in Nebraska. I checked the prices to fly into Monterey, and they’re really cheap, but I don’t want to just be stuck at some resort the whole time by myself… it’s difficult to appreciate the natural beauty of a place surrounded by a bunch of tourists.</p>
<p>Here’s one tip–don’t call it Frisco…</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Ha ha. Yeah, every person who’s been to SF for any amount of time knows: only the damned feriners call it Frisco.</p>
<p>Ok, well since I’m not from California, I don’t use California colloquialism… just Nebraska’s. But thanks for the heads up… what do you call it?</p>
<p>And I like your suggestions BedHead, and that’s exactly what my parents have told me, as far as driving down Highway 1. I’m looking into how feasible it is to drive to California, because I agree, that having a car would be the best option.</p>
<p>Nickname: The City, The City by the Bay, San Fran, Frisco,[1] Baghdad by the Bay[2]</p>
<p>lol</p>
<p>People in the Bay Area call it The City which makes NYC people cringe until they come to touch with their own provincialism. No one calls it the City by the Bay or Frisco or Baghdad by the Bay in colloquial speech. Yes to San Fran and The City and SF. </p>
<p>There was an old joke – with truth in it – that cops would know they were dealing with outsiders when they called SF Frisco and were more likely to write them tickets.</p>
<p>There are a number of independent car rental agencies in California which rent cars to 18 year olds. Do a little searching on the internet and you should come up with something you can work with. There may (probably will) be a surcharge. </p>
<p>Also, the Amtrak main route runs right down the coastline most of the way - including areas where there are no roads. It’s really spectacular. But it is slow and I don’t know what the rules are about getting off for a day or two and then continuing on.</p>
<p>Coast Starlight
Seattle - Portland - Los Angeles
[Amtrak</a> - Routes - West](<a href=“http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321841&ssid=137]Amtrak”>http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321841&ssid=137)</p>
<p>Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Paso Robles - San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - San Diego </p>
<p>[Amtrak</a> - Routes - California](<a href=“http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256322013&ssid=132]Amtrak”>http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256322013&ssid=132)</p>
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<p>Why on Earth not? I enjoy seeing the nearly uncontrollable rage it causes…</p>
<p>There’s a parallel between San Francisco and those who use Apple computers. Both are largely defined by their opposition to a greater force they can’t control: San Franciscan’s fear and loathing towards Southern Californians, and Apple users towards Microsoft. While Southern Californians and Windows users are largely oblivious to SanFran and Macs, respectively, the same cannot be said of the reverse. A San Franciscan hardly goes a day without disparaging LA, and Mac owners OBSESS about Windows, Microsoft, and, especially, Bill Gates. It’s kind of cute, really, and a reliable source of dark humor.</p>
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<p>Don’t get me wrong. It’s an absolutely beautiful trip, the Amtrak Starlight route. As Shrinkrap’s post shows though, above SB a lot of the Starlight’s route is not right on the coast, it’s a bit inland. For all intents, 5 miles inland is the same as 50 miles inland once one is out of sight of the coast. Nothing beats Highway 1, trust me on this.</p>
<p>If you can figure out a way to drive it, then that’s the way to go. You’ll miss too much on a train or a bus. You’re right, it’ll be tough to rent a car as an 18y/o. You can google ‘18 year old car rental’ and see what you can find. There may be some companies who will rent to you. Before renting, check with your insurance company to see if they cover you on car rentals so you can skip the expensive collision damage insurance from the rental company.</p>
<p>I’ve driven from here to Nebraska before and it’s a long way but there’s beautiful scenery in between. If you have the time, are a bit adventurous, have a reasonably reliable car, like to drive, and can stay safe, then you might want to think about driving out. Figure about 3 days to get out here - more if you want to see some sights in Colorado, Utah, or the Sierra in California on the way out. which would be a good idea. Don’t push it and drive while you’re sleepy - it’s too dangerous and unenjoyable. If you have a buddy who could accompany you it might be more fun.</p>
<p>The tip on camping is a good one - it’s a good way to save money. Keep in mind that some hotels don’t want to rent rooms to an 18 y/o so you might get turned away from some.</p>
<p>Make sure you have a credit card with you to avoid carrying a lot of cash and for emergencies. </p>
<p>I used to scuba dive in Monterey/Carmel and it’s a beatiful area. Actually, the entire western coastline is really nice.</p>
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<p>I wish MSers could get over their obsession with Google, a greater force MS cannot control. :)</p>
<p>Actually, SFers don’t really think too much about LA, except when political issues or being painted with the LA brush (as part of the same state) are at stake.</p>
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<p>After living in California for 42 years, I respectfully disagree.</p>
<p>"There are a number of independent car rental agencies in California which rent cars to 18 year olds. "
Hi Kluge,<br>
We have a 19 yr old son and haven’t been able to find any such agency here in Calif, and believe me we’ve tried. Can you post a link?</p>
<p>Here’s a list someone posted for LA:
<a href=“http://www.ameriparsrentacar.com/home.nx[/url]”>http://www.ameriparsrentacar.com/home.nx</a>
[Atwest</a> Rent A Car - Discount Car Hire, Auto Rental, Car Rental in Los Angeles, Rental Cars in San Diego California](<a href=“http://www.atwest-rentacar.com/]Atwest”>http://www.atwest-rentacar.com/)
[Basic</a> Car Rental - West Los angles - Hollywood - LAX](<a href=“basiccarrental.com - basiccarrental Resources and Information.”>basiccarrental.com - basiccarrental Resources and Information.)
[Car</a> Rental Los Angeles Cheap Rent A Car Starting at $6.99 Per Day](<a href=“http://www.699rentacar.com/index.asp]Car”>http://www.699rentacar.com/index.asp)</p>
<p>Look around, call around. The big companies don’t do it; the ones who do charge a surcharge - typically $15 a day. My son did it once in San Diego.</p>
<p>WashDad- could we add Canadians to that group of SF & Apple people 
They do think and have feelings about the states far in excess of any notice most Americans give to them.</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>