Driving down the California Coast - SF to LA
Mar 16th, 2003, 08:04 PM
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Driving down the California Coast - SF to LA
Message: Hi. My boyfriend and I plan to fly into San Francisco and drive down the coast to LA the 3rd week in July. We basically have from Friday to the following Friday (as we'll fly back from LA on Saturday. He's never been to SF before so I figure Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in SF. Can anyone suggest an itinerary for Monday through Friday. I'm thinking to spend at least one night in Monterey or Carmel, and somewhere near Hearst Castle another night. I'm interested in seeing the Big Sur area and possibly staying in Santa Barbara that Thursay. Friday is reserved for LA. Can anyone give insights into logistics in terms of what to see, where to stay, how long to drive, etc. Thanks.
Mar 16th, 2003, 08:53 PM
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I recommend driving from LA to SF, not the reverse. However, you may have booked your tickets. The reverse drive is nicer because one drives on the right side away from the cliff.
If you don't mind an open plan, start in one city and stop when you feel like it. Carmel is interesting. I've never been to the Hearst Castle. I've been to the Danish-like town of Solvang, north of Santa Barbara.
With one week, you have to choose sites. You can't see the entire city in depth. You can cover San Francisco in 2 days. People seem to like the Muir Woods, Fisherman's Wharf, restaurants, cable cars. Some like Berkeley. There are free guidebooks at the airport that have 1/2 ads and 1/2 guidebook.
Parking in parts of SF is expensive. If you are there 8 days, why not rent a car for 7. If you are there 7 days, consider leaving the car at the hotel for half a day while you visit crowded areas. With a car, the Lombard Street motels are convenient. They have free parking. They are near the Marina, a good neighborhood. The motels include the Ramada Limited, Cable Motor Inn, and many others.
If you don't mind an open plan, start in one city and stop when you feel like it. Carmel is interesting. I've never been to the Hearst Castle. I've been to the Danish-like town of Solvang, north of Santa Barbara.
With one week, you have to choose sites. You can't see the entire city in depth. You can cover San Francisco in 2 days. People seem to like the Muir Woods, Fisherman's Wharf, restaurants, cable cars. Some like Berkeley. There are free guidebooks at the airport that have 1/2 ads and 1/2 guidebook.
Parking in parts of SF is expensive. If you are there 8 days, why not rent a car for 7. If you are there 7 days, consider leaving the car at the hotel for half a day while you visit crowded areas. With a car, the Lombard Street motels are convenient. They have free parking. They are near the Marina, a good neighborhood. The motels include the Ramada Limited, Cable Motor Inn, and many others.
Mar 16th, 2003, 09:18 PM
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July on the coast (SF to Pismo Beach) can sometimes be very cold and foggy, so make sure you bring warm clothes in case you encounter that. The hotter it is inland, the foggier it is on the coast. We lived in Pismo Beach for a decade, and it was always sad to see tourists freeze in the summer. The warmest months on the coast are fall and late spring. That's a lot of ground to cover in a week, and I could suggest a thousand places; it would really help to know what your interests are.
Mar 16th, 2003, 09:20 PM
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I would do it this way:
Monday - Santa Cruz/Redwoods
Tuesday - Monterey/Carmel/Hearst Castle
Wednesday - San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay
Thursday - Santa Barbara
Just my take. You really can't go wrong on this route. Happy travels!
Monday - Santa Cruz/Redwoods
Tuesday - Monterey/Carmel/Hearst Castle
Wednesday - San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay
Thursday - Santa Barbara
Just my take. You really can't go wrong on this route. Happy travels!
Mar 16th, 2003, 10:19 PM
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Your basic itinerary sounds good in terms of places to stay along the way. The most scenic part of the coast along Highway 1 is from Monterey south to Big Sur, so it would be best to pick up Highway 1 in the Santa Cruz area.
For an itinerary from SF to LA I would suggest the following:
Monday: From SF take the scenic 280 freeway south and stop in Woodside for a tour of the Filoli Estate (www.filoli.org) Reservations would be advisable. From there you can head into San Jose/Silicon Valley for the day (www.siliconvalley.citysearch.com) (www.sanjose.org) Some of the key things to see would be the Tech Museum, Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Japanese Gardens in Kelley Park. You could stay the night in Downtown, which is convenient to many attractions and restaurants.
Tuesday: You could go to Big Basin Redwoods State Park via Highway 17 south(www.bigbasin.org) Big Basin has many hiking and biking trails.
Wednesday: Highway 17 will lead you to Highway 1 south into Monterey(www.monterey.com) Some of the must sees the include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, 17 Mile Drive, and quaint Carmel. You may be able to find more reasonably priced accomodations in nearby Pacific Grove than in Monterey or Carmel.
Thursday: Then on to Big Sur and San Simeon. Hearst Castle is amazing(www.hearst-castle.org) As with the Filoli Estate, make reservations for Hearst Castle ASAP. From there I would go to Santa Barbara and stay the night.
Friday: Los Angeles.
As already pointed out, the coastal areas of SF, Monterey, and Big Sur will most likely be cold and foggy at this time of year, so don't forget to bring appropriate clothing. SJ, Santa Barbara, and LA will be sunny and comfortably warm (around 75 or 80)
For an itinerary from SF to LA I would suggest the following:
Monday: From SF take the scenic 280 freeway south and stop in Woodside for a tour of the Filoli Estate (www.filoli.org) Reservations would be advisable. From there you can head into San Jose/Silicon Valley for the day (www.siliconvalley.citysearch.com) (www.sanjose.org) Some of the key things to see would be the Tech Museum, Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Japanese Gardens in Kelley Park. You could stay the night in Downtown, which is convenient to many attractions and restaurants.
Tuesday: You could go to Big Basin Redwoods State Park via Highway 17 south(www.bigbasin.org) Big Basin has many hiking and biking trails.
Wednesday: Highway 17 will lead you to Highway 1 south into Monterey(www.monterey.com) Some of the must sees the include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, 17 Mile Drive, and quaint Carmel. You may be able to find more reasonably priced accomodations in nearby Pacific Grove than in Monterey or Carmel.
Thursday: Then on to Big Sur and San Simeon. Hearst Castle is amazing(www.hearst-castle.org) As with the Filoli Estate, make reservations for Hearst Castle ASAP. From there I would go to Santa Barbara and stay the night.
Friday: Los Angeles.
As already pointed out, the coastal areas of SF, Monterey, and Big Sur will most likely be cold and foggy at this time of year, so don't forget to bring appropriate clothing. SJ, Santa Barbara, and LA will be sunny and comfortably warm (around 75 or 80)
Mar 17th, 2003, 11:18 AM
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You will not be able to do Monterey, Carmel and Hearst Castle in one day. Sure, you can drive from Monterey to Hearst Castle in one day .... but you would not have time to see anything.
Here is what I would propose (my husband and I did a similar trip 2 years ago.
Monday: San Fran to Monterey (perhaps a stop in Santa Cruz for lunch.
Stay in Monterey or Carmel Monday and Tuesday nights. (We loved the Monterey Plaza hotel and Spa on Cannery Row).
Tuesday: do the 17-mile drive, explore Monterey and Carmel.
Wednesday: Get up, have breakfast in Monterey or Carmel and begin the drive through Big Sur. Stop to enjoy the views along the way. There are hidden beaches you can go to. Have lunch at Nepenthe. Be sure to check out The Post Ranch Inn. Arrive in Cambria late afternoon (You will pass Hearst Castle) and enjoy dinner in this sleepy little town with lots of Bed & Breakfasts.
Thursday: Get up early and go to Hearst Castle when it opens. (You will definitely want to make reservations for your tour(s) ahead of time. I would suggest taking 2 tours (one general, one specific ... go to hearstcastle.com for more info). Spend the morning there (you will love it) before driving down to Santa Barbara. (Perhaps stopping in Morro Bay for lunch.) Allow some time for shopping in Santa Barbara and a great meal (may I suggest The Palace Grill? Terrific!)
Friday: Have breakfast in Santa Barbara, drive around a little more and then head down to L.A.
Let me know if you'd like anymore info! We absolutely loved this trip ... we still talk about it often.
Here is what I would propose (my husband and I did a similar trip 2 years ago.
Monday: San Fran to Monterey (perhaps a stop in Santa Cruz for lunch.
Stay in Monterey or Carmel Monday and Tuesday nights. (We loved the Monterey Plaza hotel and Spa on Cannery Row).
Tuesday: do the 17-mile drive, explore Monterey and Carmel.
Wednesday: Get up, have breakfast in Monterey or Carmel and begin the drive through Big Sur. Stop to enjoy the views along the way. There are hidden beaches you can go to. Have lunch at Nepenthe. Be sure to check out The Post Ranch Inn. Arrive in Cambria late afternoon (You will pass Hearst Castle) and enjoy dinner in this sleepy little town with lots of Bed & Breakfasts.
Thursday: Get up early and go to Hearst Castle when it opens. (You will definitely want to make reservations for your tour(s) ahead of time. I would suggest taking 2 tours (one general, one specific ... go to hearstcastle.com for more info). Spend the morning there (you will love it) before driving down to Santa Barbara. (Perhaps stopping in Morro Bay for lunch.) Allow some time for shopping in Santa Barbara and a great meal (may I suggest The Palace Grill? Terrific!)
Friday: Have breakfast in Santa Barbara, drive around a little more and then head down to L.A.
Let me know if you'd like anymore info! We absolutely loved this trip ... we still talk about it often.
Mar 17th, 2003, 12:31 PM
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I don't think that anyone suggested doing Monterey in one day. Maybe DreamingOfItaly misunderstood DavidDJ's itinerary. His itinerary looks good, as it also includes a stop at Big Basin. I did a very similar trip last summer and loved it. I would propose this itinerary:
Monday: SJ and surrounding Silicon Valley including Old town in Los Gatos. Stay in downtown SJ.
Tuesday: Drive to Big Basin from SJ (about 15 or 20 miles). After that drive to Monterey and stay in Monterey, Pacific Grove, or Carmel.
Wednesday: See the aquarium, do the 17 mile drive, and have a nice meal in Carmel, drive to Cambria and stay overnight.
Thursday: The next day tour Hearst Castle and drive to Santa Barbara.
Friday: Spend the morning in Santa Barbara before driving to LA.
Monday: SJ and surrounding Silicon Valley including Old town in Los Gatos. Stay in downtown SJ.
Tuesday: Drive to Big Basin from SJ (about 15 or 20 miles). After that drive to Monterey and stay in Monterey, Pacific Grove, or Carmel.
Wednesday: See the aquarium, do the 17 mile drive, and have a nice meal in Carmel, drive to Cambria and stay overnight.
Thursday: The next day tour Hearst Castle and drive to Santa Barbara.
Friday: Spend the morning in Santa Barbara before driving to LA.
Mar 17th, 2003, 12:53 PM
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I hate to spoil DavidDJ's plans here but both the Rosicrucian Museum and the Tech Museum are closed on Mondays.
I think that others have provided a great itinerary for a 1 week visit for a tremendous amount of Real Estate.
I think that others have provided a great itinerary for a 1 week visit for a tremendous amount of Real Estate.
Mar 18th, 2003, 06:56 AM
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Deluca,
I do not in any way mean to be argumentative here, but I still think your suggestion for Wednesday is not ideal. I just wouldn't suggest trying to squeeze in the drive to Cambria on the same day you are trying to explore Monterey and Carmel. It is quite a long drive (not in miles ... but you can't go very fast on the Pac. Hghwy 1 in that area). It is one of the most beautiful drives in the country ... I wouldn't try to rush through it or tack it on at the end of your day.
The 17-mile drive itself is beautiful ... we took a good half day to do that ... stopping to take pictures and check out the Inn at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach. I'll never forget enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace that overlooks the ocean and the 19th hole at Pebble Beach. And downtown Carmel is charming. You'll definitely want some time there.
Big Money D ... you are certainly correct ... one day is not enough time in Santa Barbara ... my husband and I would now like to go back for a long weekend. But if you're trying to fit this much into a week, that's the sacrifice you have to make. I would guess that the reason most people suggest 2 or 3 days in Monterey and Carmel is to allow one day for Monterey and one day for Carmel. Even thought they are often grouped together ... they really are two separate towns, very different from each other with lots to do.
I do not in any way mean to be argumentative here, but I still think your suggestion for Wednesday is not ideal. I just wouldn't suggest trying to squeeze in the drive to Cambria on the same day you are trying to explore Monterey and Carmel. It is quite a long drive (not in miles ... but you can't go very fast on the Pac. Hghwy 1 in that area). It is one of the most beautiful drives in the country ... I wouldn't try to rush through it or tack it on at the end of your day.
The 17-mile drive itself is beautiful ... we took a good half day to do that ... stopping to take pictures and check out the Inn at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach. I'll never forget enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace that overlooks the ocean and the 19th hole at Pebble Beach. And downtown Carmel is charming. You'll definitely want some time there.
Big Money D ... you are certainly correct ... one day is not enough time in Santa Barbara ... my husband and I would now like to go back for a long weekend. But if you're trying to fit this much into a week, that's the sacrifice you have to make. I would guess that the reason most people suggest 2 or 3 days in Monterey and Carmel is to allow one day for Monterey and one day for Carmel. Even thought they are often grouped together ... they really are two separate towns, very different from each other with lots to do.
Mar 18th, 2003, 07:54 AM
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DreamingOfItaly, I have driven from Monterey to Cambria, and it is about a 2 hr drive while leisurely taking in the scenery. It is possible to see the aquarium in the morning, have lunch, and then do 17 mile drive and leave for Cambria in the afternoon around 4 or 5 PM and get to Cambria in time for a nice dinner. Being that Dawn will be taking this trip in late July, it will not get dark until around 9 PM.
Mar 18th, 2003, 08:34 AM
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The problem with your one-day plan for Monterey->Cambria, in my opinion, is that it slights Big Sur. Yes, you can drive it in two hours, but it's so worth it to actually stop and check out the parks.
I'd recommend driving from SF to Monterey on Monday morning, with a stop in Santa Cruz for a walk in the redwoods in Big Basin and lunch in Santa Cruz or Capitola Village, near the beach. Continue on to Monterey, walk around the wharf and Cannery row, and stay in Monterey, Carmel or Pcific Grove. Tuesday, visit the Aquarium, stroll Carmel, and do 17 Mile Drive if you want to. SDtay the night.
Wednesday, head down Highway 1 into Big Sur. Stop at Point Lobos and walk down to the beach; stop at the various turnouts for the view, etc. Have lunch at the outdoor cafe at Napenthe (the view and satify the high prices and just okay food). Then go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and do the 1/4-mile round-trip walk to McWay Cove/McWay Falls; DO NOT miss this, as it's one of the most beautiful views in the US.
Continue on to Cambria and stay at Moonstone Beach. Make a morning tour reservation at San Simeon and do Hearst Castle. Then continue on to Santa Barbara, have dinner and spend the night. Spend Thursday in Santa Barbara and then drive down to LA and spend the night there; you'll already be there for Friday, when you want to spend the day in LA.
This is a full (though no more so than the previous recomendations) but doable itinerary that doesn't slight any of the attractions on the route and gives you the one full day in LA you want.
A terrifiv web site for driving through Big Sur:
http://jrabold.net/bigsur/index.htm
I'd recommend driving from SF to Monterey on Monday morning, with a stop in Santa Cruz for a walk in the redwoods in Big Basin and lunch in Santa Cruz or Capitola Village, near the beach. Continue on to Monterey, walk around the wharf and Cannery row, and stay in Monterey, Carmel or Pcific Grove. Tuesday, visit the Aquarium, stroll Carmel, and do 17 Mile Drive if you want to. SDtay the night.
Wednesday, head down Highway 1 into Big Sur. Stop at Point Lobos and walk down to the beach; stop at the various turnouts for the view, etc. Have lunch at the outdoor cafe at Napenthe (the view and satify the high prices and just okay food). Then go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and do the 1/4-mile round-trip walk to McWay Cove/McWay Falls; DO NOT miss this, as it's one of the most beautiful views in the US.
Continue on to Cambria and stay at Moonstone Beach. Make a morning tour reservation at San Simeon and do Hearst Castle. Then continue on to Santa Barbara, have dinner and spend the night. Spend Thursday in Santa Barbara and then drive down to LA and spend the night there; you'll already be there for Friday, when you want to spend the day in LA.
This is a full (though no more so than the previous recomendations) but doable itinerary that doesn't slight any of the attractions on the route and gives you the one full day in LA you want.
A terrifiv web site for driving through Big Sur:
http://jrabold.net/bigsur/index.htm
Mar 18th, 2003, 09:22 AM
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Taking 2 or 3 hours to drive from Monterey to Cambria still allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery of Big Sur without missing any of the scenery along the way. If I had to do this trip my take on it would be:
Monday: Drive from SF to San Jose. Go to the Tech museum and/or the Winchester Mystery House. Take a walking tour of downtown, have lunch in San Pedro Square, maybe do afternoon tea at the Fairmont. St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful building that is worth a visit. Stay one night.
Tuesday: Check out of your hotel and go on to Big Basin for the day. From there go to Monterey and stay one night there.
Wednesday: The next day see the Aquarium, Carmel, and 17 Mile Drive. Have lunch at one of the many cozy cafes in Carmel's central area around Ocean Avenue. Leave Monterey/Carmel around mid-afternoon and enjoy the vistas along route 1 through Big Sur, with stops along the way at scenic points. Stay the one night in Cambria.
Thursday: See Hearst Castle and drive to Santa Barbara. Walk around town and stay one night in SB.
Friday: Leave in the morning for LA. By the time you get there, the commute traffic will be gone, so it should not be too much of a hassle.
Tis plan should give you plenty of time to enjoy the coast before heading into LA. It would not be advisable to drive into LA on Thursday evening because the traffic will be a nightmare.
Monday: Drive from SF to San Jose. Go to the Tech museum and/or the Winchester Mystery House. Take a walking tour of downtown, have lunch in San Pedro Square, maybe do afternoon tea at the Fairmont. St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful building that is worth a visit. Stay one night.
Tuesday: Check out of your hotel and go on to Big Basin for the day. From there go to Monterey and stay one night there.
Wednesday: The next day see the Aquarium, Carmel, and 17 Mile Drive. Have lunch at one of the many cozy cafes in Carmel's central area around Ocean Avenue. Leave Monterey/Carmel around mid-afternoon and enjoy the vistas along route 1 through Big Sur, with stops along the way at scenic points. Stay the one night in Cambria.
Thursday: See Hearst Castle and drive to Santa Barbara. Walk around town and stay one night in SB.
Friday: Leave in the morning for LA. By the time you get there, the commute traffic will be gone, so it should not be too much of a hassle.
Tis plan should give you plenty of time to enjoy the coast before heading into LA. It would not be advisable to drive into LA on Thursday evening because the traffic will be a nightmare.
Mar 20th, 2003, 06:57 PM
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Hi All,
Thank you so much for your suggestions. So far, I've booked the Cartwright Inn in Union Square for 3 nights (SF). Monday we drive to Monterey and spend the day
(Aquarium)and stay in Carmel (Best Western Town House Lodge). We'll stay there Tuesday night as well. We'll do the 17mile drive and walk around Carmel. Wednesday we'll drive through the beauty and stay in Cambria (Moonstone Inn). Thursday morning we'll go to Hearst Castle and then drive to a friends in Los Angeles. I'll definitely book 1-2 tours of the Castle. Your help has been great. I've been looking for reasonable hotel rates. Any other suggestions I appreciate them. Keep them coming.
Thank you so much for your suggestions. So far, I've booked the Cartwright Inn in Union Square for 3 nights (SF). Monday we drive to Monterey and spend the day
(Aquarium)and stay in Carmel (Best Western Town House Lodge). We'll stay there Tuesday night as well. We'll do the 17mile drive and walk around Carmel. Wednesday we'll drive through the beauty and stay in Cambria (Moonstone Inn). Thursday morning we'll go to Hearst Castle and then drive to a friends in Los Angeles. I'll definitely book 1-2 tours of the Castle. Your help has been great. I've been looking for reasonable hotel rates. Any other suggestions I appreciate them. Keep them coming.
Mar 20th, 2003, 09:01 PM
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I'd check the rates at www.columbusmotorinn.com for SFran, because they include parking which is a big plus.
About a month before you travel, check www.carmelmissioninn.com -they often post great weekday specials at the last minute. Very nice hotel, we've gotten it for $59
About a month before you travel, check www.carmelmissioninn.com -they often post great weekday specials at the last minute. Very nice hotel, we've gotten it for $59
Mar 23rd, 2003, 03:57 PM
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Again, thanks to all. I'm modifying as I read. Special thanks to Caitlin and Dream of Italy. You were both so specific. So at this point:
Monday - Drive to Monterey. Stop in Santa Cruz and do Lunch as well as the Redwoods in Big Basin.
Tuesday - Monterey Aquarium. Lunch in Carmel. 17 mile Drive.
Wednesday - Drive to Cambria. Stop at Point Lobos, Nepenthe, and Julia Pfeiffer State Park.
Thursday - 2 tours of Hearst Castle. Drive to Los Angeles with a pit stop in Santa Barbara. Spend night with friends in LA.
Friday - LA with friends.
Question: Any recommendations on which tours at Hearst Castle?
Are we okay to go from Hearst Castle to LA in one day (driving wise)?
I booked the Moonstone Inn at Cambria. Any opinions?
Thanks again.
Monday - Drive to Monterey. Stop in Santa Cruz and do Lunch as well as the Redwoods in Big Basin.
Tuesday - Monterey Aquarium. Lunch in Carmel. 17 mile Drive.
Wednesday - Drive to Cambria. Stop at Point Lobos, Nepenthe, and Julia Pfeiffer State Park.
Thursday - 2 tours of Hearst Castle. Drive to Los Angeles with a pit stop in Santa Barbara. Spend night with friends in LA.
Friday - LA with friends.
Question: Any recommendations on which tours at Hearst Castle?
Are we okay to go from Hearst Castle to LA in one day (driving wise)?
I booked the Moonstone Inn at Cambria. Any opinions?
Thanks again.
