California People, I need your help.

[Legend_master]

So I will be planning a road trip to California in the late summer months (July/August). I will be starting in San diego, and heading north up the coast. Just wondering if you guys know of any cool places to visit (not looking for touristy places). Basically looking for chilled out bars, and other places with interesting people to meet. I will be driving the 3Gee as well, and spending somewhere in the range of 2 weeks, to a month. If you guys want to get a meet set up we could do that as well. Let me know what kind of info you have, and some google maps links to the location.

[jesus_charger]

well im not 21 yet so i dont really know much about bars.. but if ur into partying pacific beach in san diego is the spot to be. Also seeing down town SD at night looks amazing!

[Legend_master]

well im not 21 yet so i dont really know much about bars.. but if ur into partying pacific beach in san diego is the spot to be. Also seeing down town SD at night looks amazing!

Thanks, I'll have to check that out. Not to much of a partier, but like to get my drink on lol.

[gfrg88]

http://www.neptunesnet.com/

Awesome place for a quick bite and drink. Great view, right next to the Malibu Beach. Also The Fast and The Furious was here, right after he beats the ferrari.

[2ndGenGuy]

I just got back from a road trip down the coast. Pretty much the entire Highway 1 is EPIC. It starts off in southern Cali as lots of cool little beach towns, then works its way into an epic 100+ miles of 25-45mph curves along the ocean cliffs as you head north. If you want to come inland a bit and hit some epic twisties through some amazing redwoods, then highway 199 is pretty sweet, I think it will take you from Crescent City to Grants Pass in Oregon. Most of the roads that go over the smaller mountains between I-5 and the coast are pretty awesome little 2 lane roads that wind through the woods.

If you see any places where gas is ridiculously overpriced, like Big Sur, skip the place and go another 15 or so miles to where they aren't ripping you off for gas.

We just stopped in Huntington Beach and that was pretty nice. Ferarris, Lambos, Cobras and tons of hot rods are just driving around everywhere. I suppose you could try out some surfing there. I bet it's pretty packed in the summer. The town was crowded yesterday, but the beaches were relatively vacant. It was still in the 70s though, so it was nice for me.

Anyways, yeah if you've got the time, it will take about 20+ hours to drive up the coast from LA to Oregon. Break it up how you will, but I've done it twice in one shot and still want to go do it again with the chance to take some breather time.

If you're getting up into Oregon, Cannon Beach is pretty chill and has good places to eat. I also stayed in Astoria, which has a pretty badass bridge that takes you across the Columbia River into Washington.

[frantik]

Hwy 1 is definitely cool, though a long drive to get anywhere

Ventura in socal is worth checking out.. chill beach town

[Legend_master]

http://www.neptunesnet.com/

Awesome place for a quick bite and drink. Great view, right next to the Malibu Beach. Also The Fast and The Furious was here, right after he beats the ferrari.

Now that I am definitely going to go see, I didn't even know that was a real place. Thanks for the link!

I just got back from a road trip down the coast. Pretty much the entire Highway 1 is EPIC. It starts off in southern Cali as lots of cool little beach towns, then works its way into an epic 100+ miles of 25-45mph curves along the ocean cliffs as you head north. If you want to come inland a bit and hit some epic twisties through some amazing redwoods, then highway 199 is pretty sweet, I think it will take you from Crescent City to Grants Pass in Oregon. Most of the roads that go over the smaller mountains between I-5 and the coast are pretty awesome little 2 lane roads that wind through the woods.

If you see any places where gas is ridiculously overpriced, like Big Sur, skip the place and go another 15 or so miles to where they aren't ripping you off for gas.

We just stopped in Huntington Beach and that was pretty nice. Ferarris, Lambos, Cobras and tons of hot rods are just driving around everywhere. I suppose you could try out some surfing there. I bet it's pretty packed in the summer. The town was crowded yesterday, but the beaches were relatively vacant. It was still in the 70s though, so it was nice for me.

Anyways, yeah if you've got the time, it will take about 20+ hours to drive up the coast from LA to Oregon. Break it up how you will, but I've done it twice in one shot and still want to go do it again with the chance to take some breather time.

If you're getting up into Oregon, Cannon Beach is pretty chill and has good places to eat. I also stayed in Astoria, which has a pretty badass bridge that takes you across the Columbia River into Washington.

That's about exactly what I planned, but I'm gonna be stopping in all the towns. I will go past Los Angles (will stop in long beach), not really a fan of that big of a city. Most likely stop and camp in the national parks as well, since I can't stay in all the hostels. I think the highest north I will go is Mendaceno County, then I am gonna head towards the Grand canyon.

[Legend_master]

Hwy 1 is definitely cool, though a long drive to get anywhere

Ventura in socal is worth checking out.. chill beach town

I'm looking for a long drive, at the moment I am replacing all my suspension with something more comfortable. Really want scenery more then anything else. I have not looked at Ventura, is it along the coast?

[Legend_master]

Here is the route so far.

California Trip

[ShyBoyCA6]

so should i postpone the meet? in feb 25?

[Legend_master]

so should i postpone the meet? in feb 25?

Nah you should keep that meet going. I don't even have a set date yet.

[ShyBoyCA6]

oh alright well let us know when you get a date

[ShyBoyCA6]

there is this place where they sell steak called the stipclub gas lamp. or something like that and its in downtown san diego. its gets packed during the weekend also lots of places to choose for a drink.

[Legend_master]

oh alright well let us know when you get a date

Definitely will do, probably closer to summer before I know.

there is this place where they sell steak called the stipclub gas lamp. or something like that and its in downtown san diego. its gets packed during the weekend also lots of places to choose for a drink.

I'll be out on the steak since I'm a vegetarian lol, but I'll check out the other place .

[frantik]

I'm looking for a long drive, at the moment I am replacing all my suspension with something more comfortable. Really want scenery more then anything else. I have not looked at Ventura, is it along the coast?

yes Ventura is along your route.. it's south of Santa Barbara and has a similar vibe. If you like scenic drives, hwy 33 from ventura to Ojai is nice.. it's off your path though


One route that you should consider is taking "Skyline blvd" in norcal from Santa Cruz area to San Fransisco.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_35 . Your route has you going from 17-85-280 to get to SF.. that's a nice drive but but if you want scenic, take Skyline, hwy 35 from hwy 17

you drive along the mountain tops .. see pics from this thread: https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64335

[JamesJimJam]

Hey, I'll be in Ventura all summer ;D

[Legend_master]

yes Ventura is along your route.. it's south of Santa Barbara and has a similar vibe. If you like scenic drives, hwy 33 from ventura to Ojai is nice.. it's off your path though


One route that you should consider is taking "Skyline blvd" in norcal from Santa Cruz area to San Fransisco.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_35 . Your route has you going from 17-85-280 to get to SF.. that's a nice drive but but if you want scenic, take Skyline, hwy 35 from hwy 17

you drive along the mountain tops .. see pics from this thread: https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64335

That looks pretty badass, I can't wait to get to cali!

Hey, I'll be in Ventura all summer ;D

You need to finds some good bars for me lol.

[honda crew]

skyline would be bomb, 50mph speed limit, wide turns, beautiful views. lot's of it is a 2 lane road that's still in pretty good condition.

[MessyHonda]

my girlfriend is vegan so if you are in town we can take you out to our fav spots

[Dr_Snooz]

If you've never seen Yosemite, it's worth driving out of your way.

[3gmodifier]

there is a very popular mountain run up on palomar mountain. its off the 215 in the temecula area after you head north leaving san diego. i go up there all the time with my coupe and bike.

[Legend_master]

If you've never seen Yosemite, it's worth driving out of your way.

there is a very popular mountain run up on palomar mountain. its off the 215 in the temecula area after you head north leaving san diego. i go up there all the time with my coupe and bike.

Both of those may be a little to inland for me, but you never know I may get frisky and head that way lol.

[gfrg88]

GMR is an awesome cruise, too!! Pretty well known. AND iirc, some of Tokyo Drift was filmed there(so I've heard, iirc lol)

Can't wait 'til I can take some time off work and cruise to Cali in my lude!!!

[g.frost]

The Big Sur coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth. From San Simeon to Carmel.

On the edge of heaven is Lucia Lodge:

http://www.lucialodge.com/index.html

If the Lodging is too pricey, maybe stop for lunch or a drink. There are many campgrounds in the area.

Up the road a bit is Esalen; beautiful spot, an historical pillar of counter culture, and some fantastic hot spring baths clinging to a cliff over the ocean. (I think you can still slip in for a dip from 1-3AM, ...sometimes)

http://www.esalen.org/

Finally, stop in at Nepenthe for a drink or meal, and enjoy the view.

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

[Legend_master]

This trip starts on Friday, I think I have the 3Gee at an almost ready status. The car will need to travel over 5000 miles in 2 months. I will update as the I progresses lol. Have to make it to cali first......