According to forum posts, driving along the California coast on Highway 1, particularly through Big Sur, requires the driver's full attention due to its winding roads and dramatic scenery. Travelers have called out that this stretch should only be driven during daylight and good weather to ensure safety.

Some travelers suggested breaking up the drive with overnight stops if covering long stretches, such as between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Popular overnight suggestions include Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, or Cambria for the first night, and Carmel or Monterey for the second night.

Forum posts highlighted the importance of timing when driving through urban areas like Los Angeles to avoid heavy traffic. It’s recommended to plan your travel outside of rush hours to avoid delays.

Travelers often recommend planning for several scenic stops along the way. The Avenue of the Giants and various state parks like Prairie Creek and Jedidiah Smith are popular for experiencing majestic redwoods and wildlife.

Some travelers have recommended flying as the fastest way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Options include flying from LAX to SFO, with alternative airports like Burbank and Long Beach also mentioned for their convenience.

According to forum posts, taking the train is another viable option, albeit slower. Amtrak provides service with a combination of train and bus rides, which could be a scenic alternative to flying. The Coast Starlight train, specifically, offers views of the California coast and other sites like Elkhorn Slough.

For those considering driving, it is noted that the journey can be done directly via major highways or more scenically via Highway 1, though this takes longer due to lower speed limits and the winding nature of the road.

Travelers have called out that while public transportation options exist, such as buses, they might not be as convenient or efficient as flying or driving, given the long distances and potential for multiple transfers.

According to forum posts, a popular road trip route in California involves starting in Los Angeles, heading to San Francisco via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), and then exploring the central coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel. From there, travelers often head inland to visit national parks such as Yosemite before looping back to Los Angeles. This route offers a mix of city attractions, coastal views, and natural landscapes.

Some travelers have suggested alternative routes that include starting in Las Vegas, then moving to San Diego, up to LA, and finally to San Francisco, possibly including stops at national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia. This route is noted for its variety, covering desert landscapes, bustling cities, and lush national parks. For those interested in less driving and more in-depth exploration, focusing on either the southern or northern parts of California might be more manageable.

For nature enthusiasts, forum users have highlighted routes that focus specifically on California’s national parks. One suggested itinerary includes starting from San Francisco, exploring Yosemite, and then traveling to other parks such as Sequoia and Death Valley before concluding the trip in Las Vegas. This route is particularly popular for those looking to immerse themselves in California’s diverse natural beauty.

According to forum posts, for a trip focusing on California's national parks, some travelers recommend starting in San Francisco, then visiting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. This route provides a mix of urban exploration and natural beauty. Yosemite is particularly recommended for its iconic views and should ideally be booked well in advance due to high demand for accommodations.

For those interested in less travel-intensive options, other users suggest exploring parks closer to major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. This could include day trips to nearby state parks or focusing on coastal drives that offer natural scenery and opportunities for short hikes. Some travelers shared itineraries that include driving from San Francisco through Monterey to Big Sur, emphasizing stops at beaches and forest areas like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning and reservations, especially for popular destinations like Yosemite. They suggest ensuring accommodations are booked early, particularly if planning to stay inside the park. Moreover, considering travel times and distances between parks is crucial to avoid spending too much time driving.

According to forum posts, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente are highly recommended for their big surf and warmer waters. These Orange County beaches embody the quintessential Southern California lifestyle.

Some travelers mentioned that Dana Point and Newport Beach are excellent spots for whale watching, especially during August. Prebooking for boat tours during this peak holiday time is advisable.

For families, San Clemente is highlighted for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beach, coupled with a walkable downtown area featuring restaurants, cafes, and breweries. This makes it an ideal spot for travelers wanting to relax without needing to drive frequently.

Travelers have called out Huntington Beach specifically for hosting the US Open of Surfing, which could be a significant draw for visitors interested in surfing culture and events.

According to forum posts, navigating cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles with an RV can be particularly challenging due to the lack of conveniently located RV parks, necessitating commutes into the city. Some travelers suggested opting for regular hotels in big cities and using the RV for exploring the coast or less urban areas.

Travelers have called out the necessity of booking campgrounds well in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and near popular destinations like Yosemite and the California coast. It's also recommended to check the availability of amenities such as electrical hook-ups, as some places like Yosemite do not offer these for RVs.

For many users, the size of the RV can impact travel plans significantly. Larger RVs might face restrictions on certain roads and in specific campgrounds. It’s advised to consider smaller RVs for easier maneuverability and broader access to various sites. Additionally, some routes such as the coastal drive are noted for being narrow and twisty, which could pose challenges for larger vehicles.

Some travelers also highlighted the importance of considering the weather, as snow and ice can lead to road closures and restrictions, particularly in mountainous areas like Yosemite during early spring. In such cases, renting a car for portions of the trip might be a safer and more convenient option.

According to forum posts, a Highway 1 road trip offers breathtaking coastal scenery, especially through the Big Sur area where the road meanders along dramatic cliffs, offering spectacular ocean views. The drive includes notable landmarks such as the Bixby Bridge and provides numerous opportunities for scenic stops.

Travelers have highlighted various activities and attractions along Highway 1. These include visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, exploring the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and enjoying the natural beauty of Point Lobos. Additionally, the route offers access to several beaches and state parks where visitors can engage in hiking and other outdoor activities.

Some travelers said that the drive through Highway 1, particularly from Monterey to Santa Barbara, can be intense with its sharp curves and steep drop-offs, but is well worth it for the views and the experience. They recommend taking breaks at small coastal towns to enjoy local cuisine and culture.

For many users, planning adequate stops for rest and sightseeing is crucial due to the length and winding nature of the road. They advise against rushing the journey and suggest spending at least a couple of days to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and attractions along the route.

According to forum posts, Amtrak operates several routes in California, including the Coast Starlight, which travels from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and the San Joaquin route. Travelers have mentioned that these trains offer scenic views, although the Coast Starlight is noted for providing more picturesque landscapes along certain stretches, particularly from Ventura to Santa Barbara.

Some users pointed out that Amtrak’s services often include connecting bus services to cover areas not accessible directly by train. For example, travelers can book a combination of bus and train tickets from San Francisco to Monterey via Salinas. Despite these connections, forum contributors have noted that Amtrak's passenger trains frequently experience delays due to sharing tracks with freight trains, which can affect travel reliability.

For many users, the general advice is to compare the cost and duration of Amtrak travel with other modes of transportation like flying, especially for longer distances like Los Angeles to San Francisco. Some travelers suggest that while the train provides a more scenic and relaxed journey, flying might be more time-efficient for certain routes.