USA driving from North -South California

[Big Bas]

I intend to casually drive from San Francisco to San Diego in May 06 down the coast road (the Pacific Highway ??) taking in the breathtaking scenery

Does anyone know of 1) friendly hire car company and 2) stop off places with cosy comfortable overnight accommodation ?

[dzug]

Given your other question about a visa, you need to read the T&C of the hire car company carefully.

You'd be OK with Hertz (as it was more than 36 months ago) but other companies could be more restrictive.

[dannydingbat]

Check the map for a place called Solvang, It's a Danish community - very quaint and welcoming when I was there. Also it may be intersting to go to San Luis Obispo, where Hearst had his home.

[Steve_Luts]

I did this trip on 2003 on a Harley Davidson Electraglide - awesome road trip!! There are too many car hire co's to list - all the big operators are prominent in the major towns & cities en route. Similarly, accomodation is no problem - we found the best thing to do was head to Tourist Information and tell them what budget you have and they will find you something.

Highlights of that trip were SF and San Deigo...and everything in between. Santa Barbara is lovely, as are Carmel, Monterey and the Big Sur coast. LA also has some great beaches. Jeez - I could go back tomorrow.

Remember to take a CD of cool driving tunes, rent a convertible, and have a great time!

[metagirl]

It is not difficult for foreigners to hire a car - just need a valid UK drivers license and credit card. Most are friendly - you have a lot to choose from. (Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise, etc)

All the places Stu mentions are right on - Santa Cruz is also good - with alot of hotels and laid back vibe. Just drive down Highway 1 from SF and you will go through all the major little beach towns.

Nearing LA stop off at Pismo Beach. Its a wonderful trip - jealous!

[Fish the Mod]

I have done this trip many times and I use Alamo. I book it here first and just pick up the car in SF. When you get to SF and all car hire companies do this, they will try and sell you extra car insurance, its very much like the current nationwide advert with different options. These guys are all on commission and I tell them to P.. off. They will say that 1 out of 4 cars are not insured ( have they been to North London?) you may need extra cover, or this only covers you for such and such. When I asked Alamo in London was I FULLY insured? they said yes. Because I hire cars often in the States, I just say no thanks and if they go on, I say cancel the booking, I am very tired or I am going to a funeral, I havent got time. Another tip is, they will try and offer you a bigger car with ' that's a long drive to do in a metro' the chances are,( and it happens to me every other visit) that they don't have your grade of car and before they offer you a larger one at the same price, they will try and sell it first. Just say, this cars fine thanks and if you get a bigger one at the same price..great if not...not to worry it was the car you booked anyway. Regarding hotels, my advice is book a couple of days in SF ( Best Western, Holiday inn) first here in the UK, so after a long flight, a car you havent driven in place you have never been to, you don't wanna be looking for a hotel. Once on the Pacific highway just stop as you go, there are some places you may want to stay for a day and others like Santa Cruz you may wanna stay longer. There is never a problem finding a room as long as its not late in the day. It really is a fantastic drive.

[dannydingbat]

Coming back to Fish's useful info reminds me, I have never, in 15 trips to the US got the car I booked, they have always been bigger! I always book before I go and include as much as they want to give me. Online, give Airline Network a try.

[shortstop]

If your budget can stretch to it I suggest getting Sat Nav....Finding your hotel in San Fran can be a bit of a mare...PCH is fine, you won't get lost going on that...I do however recommend it if you are staying or sightseeing in LA (The place is not easy to drive round in my opinion), for example Santa Monica to Anaheim is 30 miles and you have to change Freeways. My only other suggestion is avoid Highway 1 (PCH) between LAX and Huntingdon Beach on the way to Newport beach (Use the Freeway instead). This is a VERY POOR area and my wife and I felt pretty scared....This is about 10 miles in total...Worth the detour.....