Atascadero -> Pacific Grove -> San Francisco

Old Jul 28th, 2014, 03:12 PM
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Atascadero -> Pacific Grove -> San Francisco

We are flying into SFO arriving at 11:00am and will be picking up a rental car and headed directly down to Atascadero. This will be our two night base for the area. We are then going to head up Pacific Grove for two nights and from there into San Francisco for two nights before heading home.

Any comments about the distances, sights to see, suggested driving routes or itineraries would be appreciated and welcome.

Thanks so much.
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 04:07 PM
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Why Atascadero for the area? What do you specifically want to see. Better towns to stay in. By the ocean, I would look at Cambria, Morro Bay, Pismo and Avila Beaches. Inland: Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo.
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 04:32 PM
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Our travel partner choose a Best Western in Atascadero for the base. I'm not really sure why, but we're locked into that as the trip is in a few days.
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 05:14 PM
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If you land at SFO at 11:00, and have luggage to claim, you might not get on the road until 12:30 or so. If your trip is in a couple of days (a work day) the drive to Atascadero might take about 3 3/4 hrs - getting you there at 4:15. Do not take 101 south. From the car rental office, take 380 west to 280 and then head south on 280. 280 is a MUCH more scenic road than the ugly/horrible/congested 101.

Stu Dudley
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 07:18 PM
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280 does end so eventually one needs to either take 101 or go over the hill and take 1. Atascadero is an interesting stop for 2 days. Hope there are some wineries near by. Pacific Grove, is lovely. The Monterrey aquarium is interesting, 17mile drive also a lovely sight. Might be a walking tour in Monterrey to take,
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Old Jul 28th, 2014, 08:57 PM
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Atascadero??

Did your friend get a kick back or something??

shar: >>280 does end so eventually one needs to either take 101 or go over the hill and take 1Bay Area . . . he didn't mean 280 all the way. Taking hwy 1 from SFO to Atascadero would take FOREVER . . . like 7 hours w/o any stops.

Yes there are vineyards near Atascadero/Paso Robles.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 02:44 AM
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Thanks for the replies. I think we are going to see the Hearst Castle and Pismo Beach. We really will only have one full day as we'll be heading to Pacific Grove for our third night.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 05:13 AM
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OK, I found a Best Western in Morro Bay that is reasonably priced...does everyone agree this is a much better place to stay than Atascadero?
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 05:33 AM
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I am not familiar with that Best Western, but Morro Bay is a nicer town that Atascadero.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 05:38 AM
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BEST WESTERN
Tradewinds
225 Beach Street
Morro Bay, California
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 07:23 AM
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Yes - Morro Bay is a better base/more scenic.

That Best Western is a bog standard motel a block or two from the harbor and not posh or anything.

Are you limited to Best Westerns?
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:27 AM
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I have stayed at the Atascadero BW a few times (because it once showed up on Hotwire) and it is far nicer than the typical BW.

Atascadero is convenient because it's near the 101 Hwy.

But if your main goal is to see Hearst I would try to stay as close as possible, Cambria has more choices.

We usually chose the Cambria Pines Lodge and get a Fireplace room on the second level. In the fall, the rates are quite reasonable outside of the weekends.

Make the reservation online and then ask to be places away from any groups, though! In the fall school groups shouldn't be a problem but weddings often are.

The Moonstone hotels group also has the Sea Otter Inn on the beach in Cambria.

http://www.moonstonehotels.com/Properties.htm
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:31 AM
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BTW I don't think Morro Bay is anywhere special to stay.

The town is a cluster of small motels and tourist restaurants. And a power plant.

Las Osos is a bit nicer.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:34 AM
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I'd also stay in Cambria -- much better than either Atascadero (nice BW/not such a scenic place) or Morrow Bay (more interesting/not such a nice BW)

The Cavalier in Cambria is a BW -- but would likely cost much more than the other two.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:41 AM
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OP, if you want to see Pismo and Hearst Castle, then Morro Bay is a good in-between place to stay. Just be aware that it will probably not be very warm at the coast. Summer tends to be foggy and cool.

If you are limited to Best Westerns, the nicest one in the area is actually in Pismo Beach. Pismo's weather is usually much nicer than Morro Bay.

Maybe you can see Hearst Castle on your way up Hwy 1 to Pacific Grove?
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:45 AM
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I didn't know about the BW in Pismo -- that would be a great choice if the budget works.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:55 AM
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It's definitely more expensive but it sounds like the OP or a friend has some pull with Best Western. Otherwise, why would they limit themselves to that chain?

OP, the address for the Best Western in Pismo is 2555 Price Street. It's called the Shore Cliff Lodge.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 08:58 AM
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Some people have vouchers for BW or get points.

Shore Cliffs is not cheap! Just goes to show that BWs are all different.

I do like Pismo/Grover Beach or even SLO better than Morro Bay as a place to stay.

October usually isn't too foggy.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 09:27 AM
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Their trip is in a few days.
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 09:40 AM
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In that case they may want to stick with the Atascadero BW.

I wish OPs would not assume that we have read all of their other postings and give a bit more info on when/where.

Because a hotel near the Central Coast (especially this coming weekend) is a different kettle of fish.
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