ideas for pacific coast drive (CA)
Jul 29th, 2014, 05:08 PM
#1
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ideas for pacific coast drive (CA)
I need some help planning this drive. I was thinking to fly in to San Francisco and drive down for about 5 days to San Diego (with my brother who happens to live in San Diego)
i am arriving in San Diego the 26th and do a day or two in San Diego and then fly to San Francisco. even though i am planning 5 days for the drive, i have more time if necessary since I am flying out Sept 5th at night: my total days on this trip is 11 days
this is what I have down on my list to see. Please let me know time wise if this is possible or if i need more time. Also if I am missing anything that is a must see please offer suggestions.
I also plan on at some point along the way to do some whale watching, so I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of the best areas along the coast in August for whale watching. Ive read in the summer humpback whales and grey whales can be found on tours in Monterey area and maybe i could do the whale watching in San Diego (where you can find blue whales). I am open to suggestions. (I was thinking it would be best to do whale watching in San Diego where I have more time)
I know i cant do everything and I have limited amount of time. Please let me know what you guys think:
San Francisco area: Alcatraz, ride cable cars, Walt Disney family museums, fisherman's wharf,golden gate bridge, muir woods
santa cruz (natural bridges state beach)
Monterey bay: aquarium…mission carnal…cannery row, fisherman’s wharf
big sur( slow drive)
17 mile drive
hearst castle
carmel mission
Santa Barbara- mission and possibly wineries?
LA- Getty museum, hollywood walk of fame, Chinese theater, griffith observatory
San Diego- Sea world, safari zoo ( i have already done the regular san diego zoo), torrey pines, museum of men, la jolla, torrey pines
i also happen to love to see animals so any good spots to find seal lions, elephant seals, etc. can be added to the list as well but I am sure I have too much here to begin with.
i am arriving in San Diego the 26th and do a day or two in San Diego and then fly to San Francisco. even though i am planning 5 days for the drive, i have more time if necessary since I am flying out Sept 5th at night: my total days on this trip is 11 days
this is what I have down on my list to see. Please let me know time wise if this is possible or if i need more time. Also if I am missing anything that is a must see please offer suggestions.
I also plan on at some point along the way to do some whale watching, so I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of the best areas along the coast in August for whale watching. Ive read in the summer humpback whales and grey whales can be found on tours in Monterey area and maybe i could do the whale watching in San Diego (where you can find blue whales). I am open to suggestions. (I was thinking it would be best to do whale watching in San Diego where I have more time)
I know i cant do everything and I have limited amount of time. Please let me know what you guys think:
San Francisco area: Alcatraz, ride cable cars, Walt Disney family museums, fisherman's wharf,golden gate bridge, muir woods
santa cruz (natural bridges state beach)
Monterey bay: aquarium…mission carnal…cannery row, fisherman’s wharf
big sur( slow drive)
17 mile drive
hearst castle
carmel mission
Santa Barbara- mission and possibly wineries?
LA- Getty museum, hollywood walk of fame, Chinese theater, griffith observatory
San Diego- Sea world, safari zoo ( i have already done the regular san diego zoo), torrey pines, museum of men, la jolla, torrey pines
i also happen to love to see animals so any good spots to find seal lions, elephant seals, etc. can be added to the list as well but I am sure I have too much here to begin with.
Jul 29th, 2014, 05:36 PM
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This is a good list.
Some things you might add...
SF - Lands End/Sutro Baths (off Highway 1...beautiful views of the Bay)
Monterey - wine tasting, pebble beach
Big Sur - Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (there are so many parks along the route)
LA - Griffith Park
Hit some beaches between LA & Orange County.. absolutely gorgeous. Marina Del Rey, Huntington, Newport, Laguna, Malibu
Some things you might add...
SF - Lands End/Sutro Baths (off Highway 1...beautiful views of the Bay)
Monterey - wine tasting, pebble beach
Big Sur - Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (there are so many parks along the route)
LA - Griffith Park
Hit some beaches between LA & Orange County.. absolutely gorgeous. Marina Del Rey, Huntington, Newport, Laguna, Malibu
Jul 29th, 2014, 05:47 PM
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Leaving aside the logistics of which direction, etc.
Elephant seals can be found at either Año Nuevo SP south of San Francisco, or north of Hearst Castle at Piedras Blancas. Check into both websites to see if there are trail restrictions at either one or both. The Piedras Blancas is easier for a quick visit, but I prefer Año Nuevo.
August is a great time to see Blue Whales! I've only ever done it off of Newport Beach from Newport Landing, but they have them elsewhere (Dana Point, Long Beach). The websites have whale counts. I think the boat options in Dana Point are supposed to be nicer. Be sure to look for coupons and half off deals online if that matters. Usually on the whale cruises you will see the Ca sea lions when you enter or leave port, so no need to make a special excursion for those.
Definitely make a point of looking for the sea otters off of Monterey Bay, they are the cutest things ever. Point Lobos is a good spot for them.
When you are in San Diego, hike up to Torrey Pines State Reserve to one of the ocean overlooks, and you will almost always see dolphins in the breakers and passing back and forth.
Of course La Jolla for the harbor seals. They are best around sunset.
Elephant seals can be found at either Año Nuevo SP south of San Francisco, or north of Hearst Castle at Piedras Blancas. Check into both websites to see if there are trail restrictions at either one or both. The Piedras Blancas is easier for a quick visit, but I prefer Año Nuevo.
August is a great time to see Blue Whales! I've only ever done it off of Newport Beach from Newport Landing, but they have them elsewhere (Dana Point, Long Beach). The websites have whale counts. I think the boat options in Dana Point are supposed to be nicer. Be sure to look for coupons and half off deals online if that matters. Usually on the whale cruises you will see the Ca sea lions when you enter or leave port, so no need to make a special excursion for those.
Definitely make a point of looking for the sea otters off of Monterey Bay, they are the cutest things ever. Point Lobos is a good spot for them.
When you are in San Diego, hike up to Torrey Pines State Reserve to one of the ocean overlooks, and you will almost always see dolphins in the breakers and passing back and forth.
Of course La Jolla for the harbor seals. They are best around sunset.
Jul 29th, 2014, 05:59 PM
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We saw the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, and it was amazing to see so many of them. You just turn off into the pull out, park and enjoy. Be sure and take binoculars. There is really no telling what you will see on your adventure on the coastal highway. We spotted three California condors just hanging out on the side of the road, perched on a railing.
Jul 29th, 2014, 06:42 PM
#6
5 days is a lot of time for the drive between SF and San Diego.
You could do the Dana Point whale watch as a day trip from San Diego. It's possible there are also cruises from SD but I haven't researched it and don't really remember hearing about them.
You could do the Dana Point whale watch as a day trip from San Diego. It's possible there are also cruises from SD but I haven't researched it and don't really remember hearing about them.
Jul 29th, 2014, 09:44 PM
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I personally prefer the drive from San Diego to San Francisco. Driving from SF to SD I don't like having the steep drop offs to the ocean on my right and oncoming traffic on my left.
I don't know if it's still that case but one year we were in Monterey and there were docks and areas that had very large sea lions. I must say they were quite aggressive so we kept our distance. We also so some really cute otters swimming around.
I don't know if it's still that case but one year we were in Monterey and there were docks and areas that had very large sea lions. I must say they were quite aggressive so we kept our distance. We also so some really cute otters swimming around.
Aug 9th, 2014, 01:31 PM
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Here are some interesting things to do in San Francisco.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Stu Dudley
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm
Stu Dudley
Aug 9th, 2014, 05:25 PM
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Humpbacks (no grey whales at this time of year) have been feeding very close to shore in the Monterey Bay on an abundance of anchovies lately. Moss Landing has been a good place to see them but it also varies day by day. We've seen several from the beach there. The whale watch companies all report sightings https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monte...70012223096521
Point Lobos is also an excellent area for spotting wildlife.
Point Lobos is also an excellent area for spotting wildlife.
Aug 9th, 2014, 07:09 PM
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Every year is a little bit different as to the prime whale spotting months - but you can easily get out of SD on several different companies/boats.
The BIG elephant seals - Males - are usually also in during certain times of the year (colder months?) - and we were fortunate to see nature in action (if that appeals to ye) - two HUGE males - over 5,000 lbs - fighting - (just north of San Simeon/Hearst Castle) and it ain't no joke. Bloody gashes on the necks, etc.
And there are many great places to stay between SantA Barbara and Carmel/Monterrey - and be sure to see the waterfAlls at Jules Pfeiffer State park? - by Big Sur.
The BIG elephant seals - Males - are usually also in during certain times of the year (colder months?) - and we were fortunate to see nature in action (if that appeals to ye) - two HUGE males - over 5,000 lbs - fighting - (just north of San Simeon/Hearst Castle) and it ain't no joke. Bloody gashes on the necks, etc.
And there are many great places to stay between SantA Barbara and Carmel/Monterrey - and be sure to see the waterfAlls at Jules Pfeiffer State park? - by Big Sur.
Aug 10th, 2014, 02:14 PM
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We had a wonderful trip several years back from SF southward. Stayed our first night at a great quiet and elegant place called the Seal Cove Inn. 5 minutes through meadows to the cliffs with an abundance to critters (Mr. Fox came in daily for tea time. Half moon bay is too touristy for us. We then south to Pescadero and ate at Duartes (not once, but 3 times!) That town is so full of charm with the textiles and woodworking and many artworks that spoke so mesmerizingly about the natural beauty. Then onward to Monterey where every seaside is unusual and very welcoming. Please do the 17 mile. It really is worth drive. Then onward to Carmel where the quiantness of the village is awesome. Places to stay there or inland. We spent our days at Carmel Highlands and had a good stay and a FANTASTIC view to boot.
We like to eat out, but my passion is to visit a farmers' market or a producer of seafood, then take is home and munch. The cheese get better year to year.
Onward through Big Sur. we enjoyer picnicking since Post Ranch Inn as well Ventana did not have room.Bottom line; We enjoyed the nature the small stuff. also we really likes Phil's restaurant This would be on approach to Moss Landing. Worth it for the incredible Cioppino. I also is a little off the besten pack close to the end of the marina If you need ome tips for Oregoncoast let me know.
We like to eat out, but my passion is to visit a farmers' market or a producer of seafood, then take is home and munch. The cheese get better year to year.
Onward through Big Sur. we enjoyer picnicking since Post Ranch Inn as well Ventana did not have room.Bottom line; We enjoyed the nature the small stuff. also we really likes Phil's restaurant This would be on approach to Moss Landing. Worth it for the incredible Cioppino. I also is a little off the besten pack close to the end of the marina If you need ome tips for Oregoncoast let me know.
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