Need advice getting from SNA to Marriott's Desert Springs Villas 1

[hajjah]

It took some time for me to put this trip together using an II Accommodation Certificate. The flights from the South to CA were difficult to get without connections, and the price was much higher. So, we finally booked into John Wayne Airport instead of Palm Springs which is closer to the Desert Springs Villas. We have traveled to Newport Coast in the past and are aware of avoiding the toll roads. I usually do not drive more than 2 hours anywhere, but decided to book into SNA so we could fly non-stop. Please advise me on what routes we should take for the best travel time to get us there faster. I have looked at the Apple Maps on my Iphone for the directions, but it's better to get help from those who really know.

I have also read some of the messages on things to do in Palm Desert. We are going next month in the heat of the summer. Since we are seniors, we plan to take it easy and do things that won't require us to be out of the car for long periods.

 

[Bob B]

Follow the directions on Mapquest. I've done that and it's around 2 hours. Essentially get to 91 to 60 then to 10. It's a pretty easy drive, as long as you're not in rush hour traffic.

 

[b2bailey]

Not a terrible drive.
Depends on day of week and time of day. Depending upon what time you land -- I'd consider giving this route a try.
(Don't know if the link will work.) It's called the Pines to Palms route into Palm Desert. (Highway 74)

I've gotten in some pretty heavy traffic on Route 10 into Palm Springs.


https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Joh...f86af4675!2m2!1d-116.3744556!2d33.7222445!3e0

 

[lizap]

We usually fly into ONT and drive to Palm Desert. Find the air fares and rental car rates very reasonable relative to Palm Springs.

 

[davidvel]

As mentioned, the time of day will determine the best route. Pines to Palms route is very sketchy, two lane road in the middle of nowhere with people passing etc. Also, the decent into Palm Desert is straight down the face of the mountain which many find uncomfortable.

My advice is just use Google maps at the time you arrive at SNA. It will give you the fastest route and is very accurate in So Cal. Also, if near rush hour, using the toll roads 241-261-91 will save a LOT of time.

 

[b2bailey]

As mentioned, the time of day will determine the best route. Pines to Palms route is very sketchy, two lane road in the middle of nowhere with people passing etc. Also, the decent into Palm Desert is straight down the face of the mountain which many find uncomfortable.

My advice is just use Google maps at the time you arrive at SNA. It will give you the fastest route and is very accurate in So Cal. Also, if near rush hour, using the toll roads 241-261-91 will save a LOT of time.

Oh, you're no fun!
There can be a problem with using the toll roads with a rental car. I'm a big fan of the one that takes you from SNA to Marriott Newport Beach -- however, it was very expensive after the rental car company added their service fee of $9.95 to it.

 

[hajjah]

Thanks so much for your help. Our flight arrives around 11:30 AM on a Saturday. We tried flying into Ontario, but it was with a connection, 3 hour layover and $300 more per ticket. The times did not work as well.

 

[b2bailey]

My advice is just use Google maps at the time you arrive at SNA. It will give you the fastest route and is very accurate in So Cal. Also, if near rush hour, using the toll roads 241-261-91 will save a LOT of time.

Yes, and sometimes it is worth stopping along the route for a meal if the traffic is too heavy.

 

[b2bailey]

Thanks so much for your help. Our flight arrives around 11:30 AM on a Saturday. We tried flying into Ontario, but it was with a connection, 3 hour layover and $300 more per ticket. The times did not work as well.

Sounds like one of the best times to making the drive.

 

[SmithOp]

Thanks so much for your help. Our flight arrives around 11:30 AM on a Saturday. We tried flying into Ontario, but it was with a connection, 3 hour layover and $300 more per ticket. The times did not work as well.

You should be fine at that time, the traffic will be inbound to the OC. I live 5 minutes from SNA. There is an exit from the airport to 55 north that will take you to 91. Don't need the toll road. Whatever you do stay on 10, don't take the pines to palms out of Hemet, that's 50 miles of switchbacks over the mountain!

In Palm Springs we like Agua Caliente casino resort for some adult gaming fun.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[hajjah]

Thanks again for the updates. We'll plan to take 55 north to 91.