California Road Trip: The Fun Way From Calexico to Crescent City
Traveling from Calexico to Crescent City will take you on a fantastic road trip that offers more than just highways and freeways. This is a beautiful journey that showcases the best of California's landscape, from deserts to mountains, charming towns, and coastal views. So, buckle up, make yourself comfortable, and let's hit the road.
The Route Options
Several routes can take you from Calexico to Crescent City, but the most popular ones are the I-5 and the US-101. We'll take a look at these two options and what you can expect from each.
The I-5 Route
The I-5 route is the shortest and quickest route. It takes you through some of California's vast agricultural land and through major cities like Sacramento and Redding. This route covers approximately 750 miles and takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes to drive.
The US-101 Route
The US-101 route is a little longer, but it's worth it because of the stunning coastal views. It takes you through some charming towns like San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Francisco. This route covers approximately 860 miles and takes about 15 hours and 30 minutes to drive.
The Drive
Driving from Calexico to Crescent City is an excellent adventure. While on the road, you'll pass by some fantastic places worth exploring.
Stopovers
The first stopover you might consider is in San Luis Obispo. This city is known for its stunning coastline and sandy beaches. You can visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which was established in 1772 by the Spanish.
Another stopover is in Santa Barbara, known for its Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and wine-country. Here, you can visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which contains over 5,000 species of plants native to California.
A trip to Monterey is another excellent stopover. Here, you can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Here, you'll find over 600 species of marine life, including the popular sea otters.
If you decide to take the I-5 route, consider visiting the Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park is home to an active volcano, and you can go hiking, camping, or fishing here.
Driving Times
Driving times can vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the route you take.
If you take the I-5 route, you can expect the following driving times:
- Calexico to Sacramento: 8 hours
- Sacramento to Redding: 2 hours
- Redding to Crescent City: 2.5 hours
If you take the US-101 route, you can expect the following driving times:
- Calexico to San Francisco: 11 hours
- San Francisco to Crescent City: 4.5 hours
Conclusion
Traveling from Calexico to Crescent City is an exciting adventure that offers beautiful landscapes and charming towns. Whether you decide to take the I-5 route or the US-101 route, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable journey. So, grab your camera, your travel map, and hit the road!