Is Route 74 OK to drive to the coast?

We%26#39;ll be staying Rancho Mirage for a few nights before driving to the coast - either Dana Point or Newport Beach. Is Route 74 OK to take or is there a better route? Is 74 scenic?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Is Route 74 OK to drive to the coast?

The quickest route is the the 10 to the 60 to the 91 to the 55 which deadends in Newport Beach.

74 us not the quickest. It is scenic in parts, sometimes the view is of just a smoggy valley though. It is a very windy mountain road in some parts.

Most of the time when headed back to OC from parts east I just want to get home as quickly as possible, so I may not be the best person to ask for the scenic route.

Is Route 74 OK to drive to the coast?

The only time I would take 74 is if I have half a day and don%26#39;t mind windy roads AND if it is spring when the hills are green and there are wild flowers. The rest of the year - no way. Take the freeway route suggested above and spend the extra time on the coast....and especially check out the Montage Resort in South Laguna, perched on the coastal bluffs with public metered parking by turning right at the Wesley Drive light at the south of the property giving access to the public to the beautiful grounds and the north end of the Aliso County Beach, If you decide to eat at the resort then do valet and get a discount.

Thanks so much for the help! It%26#39;s always so hard to tell what%26#39;s the best way from a map. I usually like taking the scenic route, but this doesn%26#39;t sound like it would be.

Vicki or Juday: One more question! Which town do you think would be best: Laguna Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point? We%26#39;re only staying there 2 days before going to Catalina. We%26#39;re looking for good restaurants %26amp; scenery.

It depends on what your budget is. If you%26#39;re going first class there are a few five star hotels: St. Regis in Laguna Niguel; Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, Montage in Laguna Beach, and Islands in Newport Beach.

If you prefer a upscale budget hotels: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort in Dana Point, Marriott Hotel %26amp; Tennis Club in Newport Beach, and Surf %26amp; Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach.

Enjoy SoCal.