How's the 101 north to the bay?

I'm taking the Q up to San Jose yet again but the situation dictates that I make a stop in Pismo Beach. I've never taken the 101N before — how is it compared to the 5?

Thanks!

Traffic sucks on the 101.  I prefer I-5.

the 5 is definitely faster, shorter.

I think the 101 is smooth for the most part. except where its right next to the 1 if i remember.

I always drive the 5.  I've done that drive so much, almost every other week at one point - SF to SD, that I know every stop by now.  Like what gas and food is there.  The 5 is pretty straight and easy as hell to drive.  Road isn't too bad

yeah, the 5 is my choice too (yay kettleman city in-n-out) but i think we have to stop in pismo, which is why we're taking the 101. fml. we'll see how it goes today. thanks! :)

101 is smooth but traffic.. 5 faster but roads at some places suck

101 has its bad areas, but what road doesnt.  for the most part, you should be fine.

so i drove the 101 south back home and i prefer it to the 5 -- the 5 really sucks right around the grapevine and lebec, and the 101 avoids that stretch of road. awesome. i'm going to do that drive again next time :)