you sure you wouldn't rather go Hwy 101? runs along the coast from just south of San Luis Obsipo, lots of places to see along the way, much pleasanter drive for all, I think. I always take rest stops.turist gaga at Madonna Inn in SLO (a ock quarry hotel that looks like the inside of a German-stykle music box, buikt i the 1950s, a trip) then all-you-can-eat meal in Buellton at the original pea SOup ANderson's a little south , also a prime touristy stop that's really kid-friendly...there's also one going north on 5 in carlsbad)...then there's a hot springs just a quarter mile hike up from 101 just south of the Goleta Tunnel going to Santa Barbara.

there IS a major theme park with rides, Magic Mountain, where I% meets another major highway north of town, in Valencia, can;t remember the hwy nunmber off the top...

anywayh, tghat's my vote; I drive I5 only under extreme duress.

huh...maybe the midnight launch will work if you aare a nightowl and your kid is a sound sleeper.

I'm a bit of a lark rather than an owl by nautre, and by the time I ahd a toddler, I crashed when she did...but if the all-night bus works for you, sure, go for it.

"sleepyhead"