I was actually going to look for a new book today.
Get Surfer Magazine’s guides to Northern/Central California and Southern California. They desctibe most spots in great detail. Those. along with pacificwaverider.com and surfline will make finiding waves cinchy. Scope the coast with google earth too. Not like the old days. I drive the coast a couple times a month… do like Benny1 says and grab waves when and where you can.
I can’t give you anything near as good a read on the waves themselves as the locals can. But I can give you some items from the perspective of a Right Coaster who has done what you are about to do, if you are interested in more than just time in the water. First, I’d start with a jaunt to just North of SanFran up the PCH (1). Not far over the Golden Gate there is some very impressive forest where some of the scenes from Star Wars flicks were filmed (I believe it’s called the “John Muir Forest” or something like that). One of the most impressive things I have seen in California is the Point Reyes National Seashore (http://www.nps.gov/pore/) - think of Hatteras Island jacked up on cliffs. On your way from SanFran to PRNS you might want to stop in Bolinas (a sleepy artist colony just North of Stinson Beach - bear left around the lagoon, or better yet ask a Stinson Beach local how to find it - the Bolinas villagers seem to have a habit of taking down the road sign). Bolinas is only a mediocre quality longboard spot (AFAIK) but very laid back and surfer friendly. Stop in Smiley’s Tavern if it’s open. A little North of there you will see signs for at least one restaurant featuring barbequed oysters - recommended, especially if washed down by a cold one. I did not see any surfers in Point Reyes (September), but it sure looked like there was a variety of breaks (including the wraparound into Drake’s Bay) that could get good on the right swell and wind combination). If you don’t object on principal to doing tourist things, the Fisherman’s Wharf strip in San Francisco itself merits at least one visit at night. Recommend a Lynchburg Lemonade and blues at Lou’s Pier 47, a beer at the Steelhead Brewery, and an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista (not necessarily in quick succession:-) South of SanFran I recommend Santa Cruz if it hasn’t been mentioned. For all it’s fame I was actually not all that impressed with Steamer Lane on a shoulder high day, but it is worth checking out, as is the nearby surfing museum. If you have the time, a drive (inland) through Napa Valley would not be out of order, it’s “touristy”, but very scenic country (just don’t try to get a room without a prior reservation:) If you see “calamari” on a menu somewhere I recommend trying it. I was expecting little rings of squid, breaded and deep fried, what came was a 6 ounce, half inch thick seafood steak, broiled in butter. If you happen to get South of LA into Orange County, there’s Huntington, Newport and San Clemente. Don’t miss the Surfing Heritage Foundation if you get that far - it may be the best of the surfing museums.
Center to center, ~382 miles by the direct route (I5), probably somewhat over 400 by PCH/US 1. My suggestion of Point Reyes to San Clemente adds another 100 miles or so.
Depends on how much you hug the coast. I5 is way inland, but the most direct at around 350 miles. 101 adds another 75 or so miles. Hwy 1 adds maybe another 75, but hugs the coast. And then when you say “LA” - the megalopolis that is the LA area is a couple hundred miles long and 75 miles wide.
The drive on I5 takes about six hours from SF to Santa Monica. 101 takes about seven or eight hours. Hwy 1 takes about ten. I make the trip every other week - used to be every week - and I usually take 101. Can’t stand I5 even though it’s way faster.
If the waves are pumping by the time you get to Santa Barbara, then I would just stay there for the rest of the trip. I lived in SB for five years and really loved surfing there. I now live in San Diego again, which where I grew up. The waves in SD are much more consistent than in SB, but when a big North West swell hits SB is the place to be. That is my opinion based on the fact that I love long peeling right hand point breaks. There are a few exception spots, but don’t expect to get many barreling waves in SB. If that is what you are looking for, then head south to Oxnard. You will find barrels-o-plenty down there.
The drive on I5 takes about six hours from SF to Santa Monica. 101 takes about seven or eight hours. Hwy 1 takes about ten. I make the trip every other week - used to be every week - and I usually take 101. Can’t stand I5 even though it’s way faster
Driving in California is such an experience in relativity that it is hard to comprehend if you haven’t spent time there…not unlike grasping the vastness of the Australian continent. You can drive from Los Angeles over to Las Vegas, Nevada in 4-6 hours depending on luck and preference, but L.A. to the Oregon border is a solid 14 hours even on Interstate 5. If you fly into Los Angeles from the east over the Palm Springs direction you fly over civilization (houses, cities, etc) for about 30 minutes before you land at LAX. In a jet aircraft.
For a Sf to LA run one would do best by segmenting it as your time permits. SF to Monterey could either be one day or two with the break being Santa Cruz. This is small mileage on the map but dense surf/cultural terrain. Monterey to Morro Bay/San Luis is one long day if you stop. Many travelers think of Big Sur as a drive through experience, but the best rewards are as a drive to destination. San Luis to Pismo (a very unique beach town, touristy in the old style of beach towns which does not exist below this area except in Avalon on Catalina Island), Santa Barbara coast and Santa Barbara…that’s an easy day trip with stops. SB to Ventura is a half hour but accessable surf is a draw. Malibu is a quick drive from Pt. Mugu to Santa Monica, maybe 60 minutes max, but you have ocean on one side and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area on the other…surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, surf fishing, hiking, camping…then down past Zuma you get the True 'Bu with mansions and more beaches…this is the edge of L.A. and that whole thing. In Santa Monica you get the start…or finish…of Interstate 10…you can get on I-10 and drive until you hit Jacksonville Florida a continent away should you so desire.
Pad the “schedule” with surf stops both planned and magically appearing, and a week slides by…
All of this is looking toward the coast. Inland off Highway 101 just a few miles are all kinds of natural distractions…mountains…streams…various wine country…hot springs…I’m inclined to say there are few human distractions but like anyone who has done these roads a few times I’ve become jaded. I-5 for any reason is a full frontal lobotomy and since it has no surf except down past San Clemente should not be considered for any reason other than “making time”, which in this case translates into “making time stand still and your mind go numb”.
Poor Rick- we’re burying him with info! I have to say though, Nels has such a good plan here I’m wanting to make the drive. I’d add that staying in Carpinteria is much funkier and cooler than SB and more small town than Ventura. Great Mexican food at Oaxaca Fresh, the Rincon Designs surfshop, a good coffee place and the beachie AND Rincon withiin minutes- you can 't beat it, much as I love Ventura. Last suggestion from me I swear- you HAVE to buy a copy of Dana’s ‘Two Years Before The Mast’ and read it on the trip- superb book about early Cal coast times and you’ll be driving through all the places he went.
Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. Swaylocks is quite possibly the only place on the internet with sincere and friendly users. Other sites would be telling to go @#$# myself among other things.
I thought I pretty much did tell you to go s!@%$ yourself as far as surfing Palos Verdes. Just kidding.
Do hug the coast rather than go inland on 101.
Does anybody know the answer to this- there used to be a section of road (highway 1 north bound) around Vandenburg AFB that had “woop dee doos” (like a rollercoaster) through the eucalyuptus trees, then hung a right and went down a long, straight descent with one bump half way down , like a ski jump or something. You could actually get air in your car going around 80 mph! It was a blast. The last time I went up the coast it seemed I got detoured around that section at the AFB. Does anyone know if there is anyway to get to that ski jump anymore?
In my opinion, your best bet will be to narrow down your goals for the trip and spend a few days in a couple of spots. If you try to see everything along the coast between SF and LA in a week, all you will do is drive, drive, drive and at the end of the trip you won’t have much to show for it. Driving Hwy 1 takes more time than the mileage alone would suggest. In some areas the road is really narrow with many sharp curves and really big cliffs so you have to drive slowly. Once you get near Los Angeles, traffic can be a big problem. With a little research, you and your wife can figure out where you might want to spend some time and then focus on those places. Trying to cover too much ground for surf purposes seems likely to cause friction between you and your wife, no matter how patient she is.
Another factor to consider is that in central CA, winter surf can be really powerful. You could easily find yourself looking for spots that are sheltered from the swell (and wind), especially if you only have a shortboard with you. It’s a big ocean up there.
Yes, there’s just too much to attempt to do it all…time of day can make such a difference…as can time of year…tonight howling Santa Ana winds in Ventura County and most elsewhere, very cold this time, but sometimes you can catch winter warm winds and listen to the wind blow through the trees and smell the coastal scrub and the raw unplowed and unpaved earth of California…walk a mission grounds and get a peripheral glimpse of the California of 200 years ago…Padre Serra buried in Carmel I think it is but there are missions in Santa Barbara and Ventura too for quick drills…drive up to the Cross above Ventura and look out over the Oxnard Plain and out to the Channel Islands…walk on every pier available (poor man’s cruise)…
There are ways to semi-quick hit an awful lot of things while maintaining wave/session count if you plan ahead and give yourself options and know in advance your priorities. My personal feeling is with only one week, unless you need the “brain shut-down option”, playing it “by ear” will wind up leaving one with many memories of fast food joints and the usual bad taste whenever one thinks of lower California. It’s a huge, vast place with incredible diversity, and always an adventure in Time and Space.
In my opinion, your best bet will be to narrow down your goals for the trip and spend a few days in a couple of spots. If you try to see everything along the coast between SF and LA in a week, all you will do is drive, drive, drive and at the end of the trip you won’t have much to show for it. Driving Hwy 1 takes more time than the mileage alone would suggest. In some areas the road is really narrow with many sharp curves and really big cliffs so you have to drive slowly. Once you get near Los Angeles, traffic can be a big problem. With a little research, you and your wife can figure out where you might want to spend some time and then focus on those places. Trying to cover too much ground for surf purposes seems likely to cause friction between you and your wife, no matter how patient she is.
Another factor to consider is that in central CA, winter surf can be really powerful. You could easily find yourself looking for spots that are sheltered from the swell (and wind), especially if you only have a shortboard with you. It’s a big ocean up there.
Good call. Get in touch w/ a few down the coast for reports and call it as it’s happening as you arrive. If you can work that way it frees you up to drive where the waves are and not blow days on the search. If surf isn’t the priority, take your time and see for yourself. You’ve got my number…have fun
can set you and the wife up for a casual horseback ride in the sespe/los padres forest area north of ventura.you’ll see some pristine country for sure.only 45 minutes from the surf to the stables.would make a nice, full day adventure.get some surf, then spend a couple hours in the mountains, get some good food, a motel and be amped for the following day.pm me if you are interested…
can set you and the wife up for a casual horseback ride in the sespe/los padres forest area north of ventura.you’ll see some pristine country for sure.only 45 minutes from the surf to the stables.would make a nice, full day adventure.get some surf, then spend a couple hours in the mountains, get some good food, a motel and be amped for the following day.pm me if you are interested…
Wednesday I heard something about the Brothers looking for Big Horn Sheep in the Sespe. I figured you were the ring leader. How many Liddles can you fit on a mule?
yeah i was. unfortunately my day job got in the way.i had to help run an all-day teacher conference over in oxnard.tried to get out of it, but to no avail. definitely a little pissed at that deal.they are going to have a good maiden voyage for sure!
well, i got the boys involved but the idea for bighorn scouting came from chuck graham.so far we have fit 4 on a mule…yje plan is to build some racks for the buckboard then we’ll be stylin’! interesting story in regards to the bighorns being back there.should come out in Blue Edge 'zine soon…