Distance Newport Coast Villas to San Francisco

[cwtkm3]

We're going to be staying at NCV villas next July/Aug. Have never visited San Francisco before. How far is it and would you do it? Husband loves it there and I'm keen to see it!

Thanks

 

[blr666]

It's 6 to7 hours depending on how fast you drive. I LOVE SF and will definitely do it since you are also coming from the UK.

 

[luv2vacation]

How about adding a few days to your vacation, at the beginning or end, and spending those days in San Francisco? When we flew to Orange County (SNA), we flew via SFO. So maybe in one airport and out the other also?

 

[vacationtime1]

If you have flexibility in your "July/Aug" trip to California next summer, visit San Francisco in August, not July. We have a coastal fog pattern and many days in June and July are foggy, chilly, and windy. This is not to say that there are not good days in June and July; it is just that the odds favor better weather later in the season. The best (i.e. warm and sunny) weather in San Francisco is in May and September. And 75 degrees is a warm day in San Francisco.

 

[Bill4728]

It's 6 to7 hours depending on how fast you drive. I LOVE SF and will definitely do it since you are also coming from the UK.

It could be a lot longer than 6-7 hrs. It can take 3 hours just driving from NCV to the north edge of the LA basin.

 

[chalucky]

It could be a lot longer than 6-7 hrs. It can take 3 hours just driving from NCV to the north edge of the LA basin.

True, true....but not typical

 

[SDKath]

I'd fly! It's really painful to drive. The traffic in the summer is fairly heavy at almost all hours of the day.

But you can fly easily from John Wayne to SFO in about an hour.

K

 

[applegirl]

San Francisco is absolutely worth your time. It is a beautiful city with SOOOOO much to see and is VERY different from Southern California. August is probably your best month all around for both locations. Definitely fly to San Francisco instead of drive. It's all freeway if you were to drive, so you wouldn't be missing much scenery. Plus, once you get to San Francisco, you don't need a car as public transportation is very easy/efficient and the tour companies like Grayline do a great job of taking you to all the interesting places that you don't get to on your own. Parking is very expensive difficult in the city, so a car would just be a hassle.

Now, if you have a lot of extra time and can afford several days to drive up to San Francisco along route 1, then that would be worth it. Spectacular scenery along route 1, along the coast. Then maybe fly back?

 

[cp73]

Now, if you have a lot of extra time and can afford several days to drive up to San Francisco along route 1, then that would be worth it. Spectacular scenery along route 1, along the coast. Then maybe fly back?

I agree with Applegirl. Fly into SFO. You dont need a rental car in SF. Then get your rental car and drive down the coast (Route 1). Allow 2 days for your drive and stay somewhere along that route. Be sure to stop and see Hearst Castle on your way down. Its a beautiful drive along the coast. Not the quickest way to Newport Coast but a great drive with lots to see.

 

[Icarus]

It's 6 to7 hours depending on how fast you drive.

I was surprised that you said 6 - 7 hours, but that's pretty accurate according to google maps, thought it also says up to 9 hours in traffic.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=...125341&sspn=6.287849,7.437744&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=7

Of course, this is the fast way (I5), not the scenic way (Hwy 1).

With 2 people (or more) in the vehicle, you will be able to use the carpool lanes in the LA and SF areas. LA has full-time carpool lanes on many freeways, many of them are on dedicated roadways.

-David

 

[cwtkm3]

Thanks for all your replies and ideas. I hadn't realised it would be such a long drive! We'll only have the two weeks so will leave San Fran for another trip in the future without the kids!

 

[MikeM132]

I agree with Applegirl. Fly into SFO. You dont need a rental car in SF. Then get your rental car and drive down the coast (Route 1). Allow 2 days for your drive and stay somewhere along that route. Be sure to stop and see Hearst Castle on your way down. Its a beautiful drive along the coast. Not the quickest way to Newport Coast but a great drive with lots to see.

In my wife's opinion, you are taking that road in the wrong direction! She is a chicken, and will only drive on mountain roads on the inside lane.
When we went to Muir Woods last Fall, she reclined her seat all the way down and closed her eyes when we went up and down the roads into that valley.

 

[cp73]

In my wife's opinion, you are taking that road in the wrong direction! She is a chicken, and will only drive on mountain roads on the inside lane.

Tell your wife I agree with her. I do prefer the drive going up the coast. Its easier for the driver to appreciate it going up the coast...and you are a little further away from the cliff!!!!