HAE

Hello, I am planning a (first time) California trip in the second half of September for 11-14 days. My initial plan is
- 3 days in San Francisco beside arrival day (long international flight): 2.5 days to explore the city and half a day for Marin area/Muir wood, etc. I decided to skip Yosemite for a later more optimal time (hopefully in Spring)
- 2 days in Carmel/Monterey. This will include a visit to to the aquarium and covering points of interest in and around that area as far south as Big Sur
- 5-6 days between LA and San Diego. Disney and Universal Studios are not high on my list as I have been to both in Orlando.
- 2 days if possible out of CA in Las Vegas mainly to attend a couple shows and as a curiosity item.

My 2 questions are:
- I am not sure whether the drive from Monterey to LA is doable in one day on the Pacific highway particularly that I expect to make several stops to enjoy the scenery, check any interesting things, visit Hearst castle, etc. Is it better to plan ahead for an overnight stay somewhere along the way between Carmel and LA? What area would you recommended for an overnight stay? Any suggestions on how to cover this part of the trip would also be welcome.
- Does the allocation of days I made for various regions seem reasonable to cover the basics?

suze

I think that itinerary is shaping up nicely (except I just don't understand the attraction to Las Vegas, I would put those 2 days 1 more in SF and one more in Carmmel/Monterey instead). Completely personal opinion, I realize!

november_moon

Monterey to LA is doable in 1 day, but given that you want to visit Hearst Castle and make several stops, I would plan an overnight in between. I would stay in San Simeon, Cambria, or Morro Bay. It will break the drive up nicely and you won't be far from Hearst Castle, which gives you the option to visit the same day you drive through Big Sur or the next morning before continuing onto LA.

I think your overall itinerary is very good though. You'll get to see a lot without being rushed.

janisj

Forget about Muir Woods/Marin -- ad that time either to SF or to your drive down the coast. You will see better redwoods in less crowded parks in the Santa Cruz mountains between SF and Monterey.

happytrailstoyou

I can understand your curiosity about Las Vegas. It is an unique place, and I have treasured memories of entertainment in Las Vegas show rooms.

It is possible to drive from Monterey to Santa Monica via Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Malibu in one day, but I don't recommend it because there are many rewards to be had by not rushing.

I have been to Las Vegas and San Diego many times, and I prefer Las Vegas for the great hotel rooms, the shows, The Valley of Fire, and the desert heat.

HTtY

DebbieDoesDulles

Definitely plan a night or two between Monterey and Los Angeles. The coast is very nice at that time of year, the weather is likely to be exceptional and crowds have settled down considerably. If it's a weeknight stay you really don't need to book ahead unless you're particular about places that you stay or are set on staying in Cambria.

logandog

Sounds like a good plan.
You might try San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach as an overnight between Monterey and LA.
SLO is a hip, walkable college town with good dining and nightlife.
Pismo is scenic and ocean view rooms won't cost you an arm and a leg.

janisj

Oh -- I didn't even notice the month you are traveling -- late September is the very best time of the entire year on the coast.

Take that Muir Woods day and definitely add it to the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur/rest-of-the-coast leg.

AustinTraveler

Note that Hearst Castle is currently closed due to a wildfire. I am very optimistic the fire will be contained before too long, but just in case, check the website before you plan your visit.

jamie99

Website is currently stating no tours through August 28 at Hearst. I agree with adding an overnight between Monterey and LA, Cambria probably has a bigger selection of lodging and food choices although we also enjoyed a stay at the Best Western Cavalier Inn in San Simeon (right on the ocean).
What are your dates for SF? I think Oracle World convention starts Sep. 18 or so.

Christina

I think Cambria is the usual suspect on that route, that's where I stayed. Accommodations are cheaper in San Simeon if that's the town on the main highway. Cambria hotels/motels are expensive if they are right on the ocean.

Otherwise, Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo are about in the middle of that route, both would do as a stopover. It's about 3.5 hrs to San Luis Obispo, if you can't do Heart castle, that might be a good idea.

janisj

>> San Simeon if that's the town on the main highway.San Simeon(That is where Hearst Castle is)

sToga

The drive from Monterey to LA in one day is doable, but it will be a long day--especially if you're taking the Pacific Coast Highway. Definitely plan to stop and see Hearst Castle, which means you should probably plan an extra day. It's really spectacular.

HAE

Big thanks for all the feedback. I have now planned an extra day to be able cover the way between Monterey and LA over two days.

Janisj, Thanks for the tip about the redwoods forests of Santa Cruz mountains. I will keep that in mind.

Jamie99, I should start my stay in SF between 24 and 27 Sept if all goes according to plan. Decent hotel (and decent price) availability is already tight. But I guess SF is probably like that most of the year.