We’ve made the LA-SF drive up the 5 many times over the college years. Actually, San Jose area, so we went up the 5 and then cut across the 152 to the 101. The 5 til that point is ugly, dry and dusty. I don’t think there are many places to stay that would be scenic… Be careful if you plan to stop along that stretch. It’s pretty safe, but it’s a trucking route, not scenic. Past the 152 junction it might get nicer, but I’m not sure. I am so glad we don’t need to do that drive anymore (6 hrs from our house (which is an hour south of LAX), to the greater Palo Alto area). Once you get into the SF area, lots of fun things to do. Have fun!!
In main Big Sur, imo, driving south is prettier because of the way the land that projects west is carved. It seems most scenic photos look south. Maybe TripAdvisor has opinions.
I think renting the van is wonderful. You’re thinking of the bonding adventure. I just wonder about the extra mileage. Did you look into flying into Oakland or San Jose, picking up the van in SF as planned, then just driving down to Morro Bay, returning it up north?
I also think the whole area is so beautiful that maybe you don’t worry about which direction, if you need this to make $ sense.
Keep ears open for potential of the Mavericks Invitational surf competition, which could happen anytime before 3/31. Near Half Moon Bay. Greatest surfers in the world. You can’t get close enough to see it anymore, but they do have a festival in Half Moon Bay, which is a lovely seaside community near SF. It does however bring massive crowds to HMB and Hwy 1…
@gosmom Ooh, good thought on the Mavericks competition. I’ll keep checking the website. Thanks!
@shellz thanks for the warning. I think we might actually stay the first night around the Antelope Valley Poppy reserve, then just make the icky route 5 slog the next morning. We’re likely to wake up very early since we’ll still be on East Coast time and both of us are early risers anyway!
@lookingforward, thanks for the advice! I did do a cost comparison and the extra mileage will probably add about $115 (less than flight changes). They also have an “unlimited mileage” plan that’s an extra $175 which I might get just to be on the safe side, but either way it’s less than the other options.
Check out the Huntington Library before leaving LA, great museum, must see.
Ooo, right! I remember that from college. It has the fabulous gardens and the Blue Boy, if I recall. Great reminder, thanks!
The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena! It houses a wonderful collection of Degas, as well as quite a few Rodin sculptures. If you are hungry (and feeling adventurous) the Tibet Nepal House nearby gets great reviews. Yak, anyone?
If you have the budget and it’s available, the Huntington Library has a very nice tea as well. I still remember having tea there with a very good friend. Scones, berries, sandwiches, tea, and a lovely ambiance.
Traffic in the LA area is horrendous along the 405/5 in the afternoon/evening. Depending upon where and when you pick up the van you may wish to spend the first night in at either Dockwiler or Topanga. Very early the next morning (like 5am), hit the road. Get through the grapevine before traffic and arrive in Bay area between 10 and 11. Bay area traffic is notoriously evil as well. Most of the camping off the 5 (grapevine area) is at high altitude and be chilly at night. I’ll post back later with suggestions for cheep eats/ farmers markets etc.
I would be very careful spending the night in freeway rest stops, as those Juicy Vans stick out like a flashing tourist sign. -FYI
Thanks! I was actually thinking of staying the first night at a state park campground at a ATV recreation are just off 5 here: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/. It’s near where rte 138 branches off 5. About 1.5 hours outside LA… The tripadvisor reviews seemed okay, didn’t look too sketchy. Also we’re not renting a jucy, the one we’re getting looks like a regular van. No advertising or logos… if that matters! I certainly dont want to put us in a dangerous situation, though!
That campground is close to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627). I don’t think they know when it will be at peak bloom, but you might check into it. I just checked, and it looks like they update the bloom status on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoppyReserve
Yes! That’s our plan. The next morning, head over to see the poppies if they’re in bloom. 
I hope our extreme drought doesn’t limit the poppy bloom. On good years it looks like bright orange paint spilled all over the hillsides. Fingers crossed!
I would take a quick look at the central coast groupon amazon local and travelzoo offerings. Sometimes you’ll find amazing deals which make upscale dirt cheep.