[yvonne]

When you come from LA to the Bay Area, there are three basic routes. The fastest by far is through the Central Valley on I5. It is also the most boring. By far. If you have the time, try to take 101 through Santa Barbara and then also drop over to Monterey. Google Maps says it's 7 hours and 25 minutes, but that's not stopping for sightseeing, food and restaurant breaks. The I5 route is listed as at 6:04, and that's pretty accurate, since you'll probably be stopping for quick food and restroom breaks. The most scenic route, up the coast via California Highway 1 and then over to 101 is listed at 7:59, but I'd venture it actually takes longer than that. People used to say to allocate 12 hours for that route.

[yvonne]

When you come from LA to the Bay Area, there are three basic routes. The fastest by far is through the Central Valley on I5. It is also the most boring. By far. If you have the time, try to take 101 through Santa Barbara and then also drop over to Monterey. Google Maps says it's 7 hours and 25 minutes, but that's not stopping for sightseeing, food and restaurant breaks. The I5 route is listed as at 6:04, and that's pretty accurate, since you'll probably be stopping for quick food and restroom breaks. The most scenic route, up the coast via California Highway 1 and then over to 101 is listed at 7:59, but I'd venture it actually takes longer than that. People used to say to allocate 12 hours for that route.