San Francisco to San Diego

[Anonymous]

We live near the San Francisco airport and we’re going to San Diego for a week in April. We have to kids (12 and 8). The 8 year old sometimes gets carsick but generally does well. We have done 5 hr road trips before, but not longer.

For various reasons (expense and concerns about air traffic controllers at San Carlos airport - because that take off path crosses SFO’s landing path) we are considering driving. Alternative options are fly from SFO both ways, fly from San Jose (about a one hour drive) both ways, or leave from SFO and land in San Jose (and then take a train home). The flights for the whole family would be about $1,000 and I haven’t looked into a rental car. I assume two hotel stays (one driving south and one driving north) would come to about $800 give or take. So that plus gas would mostly cancel out flight costs.

I think it’s safer to fly, but could imagine it maybe being fun if we stopped at some special spots along the way.

Would you drive or fly? If you’ve done the drive, anywhere really fun to spend a night? We’ve stayed in Santa Barbara at UCSB’s campus before. I was thinking maybe Pismo Beach but welcome other recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Fly, not even a question, unless your kids are the unusual type who appreciate nice views for more than 10 minutes. Or if you are going to make it a few days of driving and stop to go on hikes, Hearst Castle, etc.

It's 7.5 hours of driving with no stops, if you take the inland route which is faster but VERY boring. And you still have the wildcard of LA traffic and 405/5 traffic between LA and SD. Or take 101 and it's 8.5 hours, with some.nice views between SLO and Santa Barbara, but you miss the incredible Big Sur views. You can add a LOT more time and go through Big Sur, but right now I don't think that's really possible because of landslide road closures. You should check the state highway website on current status.

The way to do that drive is to take a few days when CA-1 is fully open, and take minimum 2 days to do it, stopping a lot for the views, hikes, picnics, etc. Soak in the vibes stuff, probably best done as adults without kids.

[Anonymous]

PCH is closed south of Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park, so the much longer but much more scenic route isn't an option.

OP, I would fly. I used to make that drive when I was a poor grad student. It's an absolutely brutal slog, and I imagine the traffic has only gotten worse in the 15+ years since I moved to DC. I'd probably just fly out of SFO since you live close, but if it makes you feel that much better flying out of San Jose, do so. Just know your fears aren't rational, flying is still far safer than driving.

[Anonymous]

The concern about San Carlos airport is not a reason to not fly. I wouldn’t think twice about it.

[Anonymous]

Train not an option?

[Anonymous]

I’ve done this drive so many times. I’d just do the drive, it isn’t too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Train not an option?

14 hours from San Jose to San Diego, including a connection at Los Angeles which isn't guaranteed. An absolutely brutal way to do this. Bus is better, honestly.

Maybe in 20 years once the high speed line is done.

[Anonymous]

Fly. If you take the 405/5 without some kind of delay you have achieved the almost impossible. It’s a mess most of the time nowadays.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks all. I am booking my flights.

The air traffic controllers in San Carlos had their contract run out a few weeks ago. They have renewed until a few days before we return. The take off path for San Carlos crosses the landing path for SFO and my DH really doesn’t want to land at SFO. Our compromise is flying out of SFO since it’s so close and flying back to San Jose. I’m also booking on Southwest so easy to make changes. We have heard that with layoffs flying is a lot less pleasant than it was a few months ago, but the drive still sounds far worse to me.

[Anonymous]

Maybe take BART to Oakland if you guys are that concerned? I get it to a certain extent, as I’m avoiding DCA myself now and only flying from IAD.

But I’ve actually flown out of San Carlos (a really, really long time ago) and as best I recall, those planes would be below planes flying in and out of SFO. If you’re flying in the daytime, I don’t think I’d really worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks all. I am booking my flights.

The air traffic controllers in San Carlos had their contract run out a few weeks ago. They have renewed until a few days before we return. The take off path for San Carlos crosses the landing path for SFO and my DH really doesn’t want to land at SFO. Our compromise is flying out of SFO since it’s so close and flying back to San Jose. I’m also booking on Southwest so easy to make changes. We have heard that with layoffs flying is a lot less pleasant than it was a few months ago, but the drive still sounds far worse to me.

Sorry but your concerns about SFO and ATC are completely irrational.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live near the San Francisco airport and we’re going to San Diego for a week in April. We have to kids (12 and 8). The 8 year old sometimes gets carsick but generally does well. We have done 5 hr road trips before, but not longer.

For various reasons (expense and concerns about air traffic controllers at San Carlos airport - because that take off path crosses SFO’s landing path) we are considering driving. Alternative options are fly from SFO both ways, fly from San Jose (about a one hour drive) both ways, or leave from SFO and land in San Jose (and then take a train home). The flights for the whole family would be about $1,000 and I haven’t looked into a rental car. I assume two hotel stays (one driving south and one driving north) would come to about $800 give or take. So that plus gas would mostly cancel out flight costs.

I think it’s safer to fly, but could imagine it maybe being fun if we stopped at some special spots along the way.

Would you drive or fly? If you’ve done the drive, anywhere really fun to spend a night? We’ve stayed in Santa Barbara at UCSB’s campus before. I was thinking maybe Pismo Beach but welcome other recommendations.

It's doable and fun! Lots of breaks even a non car sick person can get sick with the road. Obviously stay up on the weather. UCsB is always fun. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

I've only done this drive from SF to Orange County but I'd do it over and over and over again. It's the most stunning drive.