Any must shoot spots on the Los Angeles to Oakland drive?

5 years 2 months ago #625203 by Jeffster
I'll be visiting Los Angeles and driving up to Oakland in a few weeks.  Are there any must stop and photograph spots along that drive?  

I think I'll be driving up the 5 freeway most of the way.  I was thinking of taking the Coast Highway, but not sure if there are straight runs or red lights all the way up? 


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5 years 2 months ago #625205 by Jared-Weaver
There's literally nothing on the 5 and very little access to the coast from there. If you're not in a hurry, take the PCH and enjoy an absloutly stunning drive. You can stop at Hearst Castle, Monterey, Big Sur and then straight on to the Golden Gate Bridge. 


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5 years 2 months ago #625211 by Jeffster
I totally forgot about Hearst Castle!  That might be worth stopping and spending the night.   Have you been there before?  


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5 years 2 months ago #625216 by Jared-Weaver
I've been there once. No tripods allowed. I found it to be depressing due to the fact that the home is filled with looted religious and historical artifacts taken from Europe after WWI. You're taken up from the visitors center by bus and kept in groups that move through the whole tour in about an hour. 


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5 years 2 months ago #625217 by Jared-Weaver
The iconic outdoor pool has had it's looks ruined by metal fencing that has been permanently installed around the edge as well. 


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5 years 2 months ago #625223 by Stefan-Olsson
Nothing really of interest along the 5, but obviously a ton to shoot in LA and in San Fransisco. Along PCH is a lot of beautiful scenery but will be a few hours longer drive.

Let me know if you need any specific suggestions regarding LA, I live here.

Here's your typical PCH scenery between LA and the Bay area.....








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5 years 2 months ago #625226 by GaryA
California Highway 1 ... Pacific Coast Highway is considered as one of the most beautiful/scenic highways in the world.  By contrast, Interstate 5 is largely empty. At this time of year, the Elephant Seals are calving in San Simeon.  (Hearst Castle is also in San Simeon.) Elephant Seals are these 5,000 lbs. behemoths flopping on Central Coast’s beaches. Highway 1 will take you twice as long as Interstate 5 (without stopping), but the seals alone makes it well worth the drive. If you have the time, take Highway 1 and make many stops along the way ... Santa Barbara, Pismo, Carmel, Monterey, Cambria, San Simeon, et cetera. Imagine cliffs 100’ high with 100’ high Redwoods on top.  If you have the time, take Highway 1 and take a few days for many many stops.  You will never forget the trip.  

But, check with the California Highway Patrol first before taking Highway 1, as it has been cut due to mudslides/landslides north of San Simeon. 

Good Luck and Good Shooting.

There are photographs everywhere. It is the call of photographers to see and capture those images.
www: garyayala.com

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5 years 2 months ago #625240 by garyrhook
5 is interesting if you like farmland. Otherwise, you want to drive PCH. While I think Oregon is far more scenic, you can't beat a coastal drive.


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