US Westcoast trip, is timing too tight?

[skyc280]

I plan to fly down to SF and come back to Vancouver with a friend in his car.

Right now plan is fly down on 14th come back (in car) around 21st.

Originally, we were only planning to go up north from SF. However, now we are contemplating if we should either 1) Go down to LA/San Diego 2) Go vegas

I am wondering do you guys think there is enough time to go down to LA or even as far as San Diego or Vegas and come back 21st without feeling timing is too tight?

Right now our original plan is
14-17th SF
18th Drive to Portland
19th Portland
20th Drive back Vancouver

New plan (1)

14th-16th SF
17th Drive to LA or San Diego
18th LA or San Diego
19th Drive back to SF
20th Drive to Portland
21st Drive back Vancouver

New Plan 2
Same as 1 except it is Vegas instead of LA/San Diego

We don't want to feel pressure by time. However, do you guys think 1 or 2 is doable? without being stressed over the lack of time?

Which is better? (1 or 2)

if both timing are too tight, where are some good places to visit other than portland on the drive up to Vancouver. We have went to Seattle too many times so we don't plan to visit there.

Thanks!

[dealguy2]

I'd go with 1 and drive the 101 along the Oregon coast instead of visiting LA.

[rock hard]

If you've never been to LA.. I'd definatly stop there, you either will love it or hate it. There is so much to do there it's insane!

How much sight seeing do you want to accomplish in Portand? That's going to be a long drive - from SF to PDX especially if you plan on taking the seaside route.

I'd go with option 2.

[SENSEI]

I'd go with 1, but head right down to San Diego.
LA is a crap hole. Unless you want to see stars and/or have the $$ to shop on rodeo.

San Diego is much safer, more relaxing, less crowds, less traffic and is much better place to visit.

But having said that, I don't think 1 day is enough time to see what San Diego has to offer. You may better off saving the 6 hour round trip from LA to SD and spend it in LA.

You may even need to go that far.
From SF, head down to Monterey via San Jose, visit the Gilroy outlets. Spend a day there and then take your time coming back up the 101.

Heading past Monterey to LA will take up 8 hours each way to get to LA if you drive the Pacific Coast Highway. Not sure if it's worth it for just 1 day down there.