cradduck

I am in the beginning stages of planning my first "mini" tour from my doorstep in Huntington Beach, Ca down the coast to San Diego. Google maps says that it is 109 miles avoiding the highways. It is going to be a credit card tour and I plan on splitting up the ride between two days and then taking the train back north on the third (unfortunately, I only have a three day limit for my first tour).

The one thing that confuses me currently is getting through (or around) Camp Pendleton. Some online maps show a road that will take you around the back side of the base, other online maps do not. Must this portion of the ride be ridden on highway 5?

I know I will have more questions over the coming week, but this is the first hurdle I have run into.

mev

For a few years after 9/11 it was closed, but I believe it was re-opened again a few years ago.

Here is a schematic map of the route when it is open: https://www.efgh.com/bike/campend.gif

valygrl

I did it when it was closed, they would not allow me through, so I rode on I-5. It was about 8 miles on the freeway, it was noisy and unpleasant, but the shoulder is about 12 feet wide so it's not totally unreasonable.

Definitely bring your ID to get through the base. If you have a US passport, that might not be a bad thing to have with you as well. (I'm guessing here)

ronzorini

Camp Pendleton is pretty easy to access nowadays.

Here's Camp Pendleton info:
https://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/scout/...vise/cycle.asp

Mev's link is a good one. Here's routing through that entire area:
https://www.efgh.com/bike/old101.htm

There's some problematic areas going from L.A. to S.D. where traffic is bad or streets are confusing.

Torrance to Long Beach
Naples area
Laguna Beach
Coming into Mission Bay

Bring a good street map. Kirkendall's book is a good reference as well.

Muttsta

You can get through the base, just bring your ID
Check out this book at your local bookstore:
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Paci.../dp/089886562X
It gives you turn by turn directions

Booger1

Don't forget your helmet.Must have a helmet to go on the base, but they have no problem sending you to ride on the freeway without one?...LOL!