US101 Southbound
Welcome back, fellow nomads! Day 6 of my winter road trip down the California coast took me from the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway to the beautiful Malibu coastline via US101 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). While the journey was filled with anticipation, it also came with its fair share of challenges. Let me take you through the highlights of this adventurous day!
A panorama of the Laguna Seca Raceway from my campsite. (Brian Gailey)
Camping at Laguna Seca
What an amazing night I had camped at the iconic Laguna Seca Raceway, just steps from the hairpin and Turn 5! I rarely pay for campgrounds, but I needed to recharge the house batteries and found this hidden gem. If you’re a race fan or a Gran Turismo enthusiast, you know all about this legendary track. Its iconic twists, turns, and hills, like the corkscrew, make it unforgettable. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a race today, and I wasn’t allowed to take the van on the track. Maybe one day, I’ll get the chance to drive on this famous course—that would be a dream come true!
Southbound
After a quick supply stop in Salinas, it was time to put on some 300+ miles and head to Malibu, where I planned to park on the PCH tonight—somewhere between the Malibu Pier and Santa Monica Pier. Sadly, with the Big Sur section of CA-1 remaining closed due to a mudslide, I had to take US101 south. But this was okay, as I was eager to make good time since I had reservations I couldn’t miss the next day. This meant driving right by some interesting places and attractions that I couldn’t visit on this trip, including San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, Vandenberg, and Solvang.
The drive gave me the chance to catch up on some Netflix and podcasts. Plus there was this cat that kept passing me.
Traffic woes & killer sunsets
Throughout this trip, I had the good fortune of encountering little to no traffic, even through the Bay Area. However, that all changed as I approached Gaviota State Park. From there all the way to Malibu, traffic was thick and slow-moving for a hundred miles. It felt like it took forever to cover this portion of the route—especially through Santa Barbara. As a result, I arrived in Malibu well after dark.
Despite the traffic, I managed to detour to Rincon Parkway just in time for sunset. The views were beautiful, but the area had clearly been storm-damaged. Just a few nights prior, the beaches had been hammered by a tidal surge from the same storm we encountered further north, washing debris ashore and across the roadway. It was a stark reminder of nature’s power, but the beauty of the sunset made it all worthwhile.
There is nothing like a tasty dinner after a long drive. Cheeseburger with hand cut fries with a Malibu and real sugar Pepsi. (Brian Gailey)
Due to the heavy traffic, I rolled into Malibu after dark, too late to appreciate the stunning scenery that the area is known for. I did find a place to park for the night, where I made dinner and enjoyed a cocktail (Malibu and Pepsi) to unwind after a long day in the driver’s seat. I was tired but content, knowing I had an early morning ahead of me for a drive through downtown Los Angeles on the Santa Monica Freeway on my way to my reservation.
Final thoughts
Day 6 of my winter road trip was a mix of excitement and challenges, from the thrill of camping at Laguna Seca to navigating heavy traffic on my way to Malibu. Each day brings new experiences, and I’m grateful for the journey, even when things don’t go as planned.
As I settle in for the night, I’m looking forward to what tomorrow has in store. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this incredible adventure along the California coast! Happy travels!
