Driving across country

NedRN · Mar 31, 2017

PCH is indeed one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. I've bicycled it from SF to SD twice, several times on a motorcycle, and half a dozen times by car. When going transversing CA north and south with sufficient time, (driving is perhaps 15 hours versus 5 hours on I-5), it is a highly recommended alternative, especially when it is 105 degrees on I-5 (which I've done several times with no AC - not fun even with).

CameToSlay · Apr 1, 2017

I drove I-10 to an assignment from the east coast.. it was fun! I prefer to drive at night because there's no traffic, just trucks, and you can cover massive distance. Didn't waste any time at all, just stopped at truck stops for bathrooms and food/caffeine while I was awake, then crashed at the nearest extended stay (check-in is at 4pm) . I literally made it in 3 days/ 2 nights.

Just make sure to go under the speed limit when you're crusin'.

I don't think there are any 'unsafe' states, just some less-than-savory areas in just about all cities. The Extended Stay hotels I stopped in were all fine.

nurse2yu · Apr 18, 2017

UPDATE:

Thank you all for the comments! I appreciate all of the advice. The drive was a lot easier than I expected and it only took me 3 days. I did stop in Vegas to visit some friends (and gamble lol). It was a really easy drive though. I did lose some service in New Mexico and AZ and was a little nervous, but I just kept following the signs. I started my drives at 6 am, latest 6:45 am. I drove for 12 hours each day. When I stopped, I did so at hotels off of the highway. I chose to stop in Little Rock, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. It was totally doable and I wasn't too worried about being alone. I just listened to podcasts the whole time!