Monterey/Big Sur/San Simean Drive Advise
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:02 PM
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Monterey/Big Sur/San Simean Drive Advise
Sorry for yet another help question on this, but think my needs/timing are slightly different than others so please help.
I have 2-3 days for a driving tour, based in SFO. No need to do SFO as have been there before. Want to see some of Monterey (been to the Aquarium and part of 17 mile drive), ? need to see Pacific Grove, but must see Carmel/Big Sur (and some red woods, of not too far off course would be nice) and hopefully Hearst Castle. My initial rough plan is leave SFO after rush hour, to Monterey/17 Mile drive, lunch, short stroll, off to Carmel, stroll, then to Big Sur. Stay overnight there, tour castle next day, and drive back to SFO and catch anything I missed on the way down. Too rushed? If I do 2 overnights, suggestions on how to divide things up...Also, is late October a good time to go, or will I get the fog and thus not see much??!! Thanks.
I have 2-3 days for a driving tour, based in SFO. No need to do SFO as have been there before. Want to see some of Monterey (been to the Aquarium and part of 17 mile drive), ? need to see Pacific Grove, but must see Carmel/Big Sur (and some red woods, of not too far off course would be nice) and hopefully Hearst Castle. My initial rough plan is leave SFO after rush hour, to Monterey/17 Mile drive, lunch, short stroll, off to Carmel, stroll, then to Big Sur. Stay overnight there, tour castle next day, and drive back to SFO and catch anything I missed on the way down. Too rushed? If I do 2 overnights, suggestions on how to divide things up...Also, is late October a good time to go, or will I get the fog and thus not see much??!! Thanks.
Jun 6th, 2005, 11:46 PM
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I’ve only driven that road once (in 2002) and my memory is that it will take you longer than you think. We left Morro Bay (around 30 miles south of San Simeon) at 8 am. We stopped at Hearst Castle and took one of the tours (there are several), then spent a little time in the gift shop. After that, we headed north for San Francisco. The road is beautiful, but it is very winding and curvy in places and it goes up and down the hills. Often, you cannot go faster than 35 mph. We had a quick dinner in Santa Cruz before arriving at our hotel (near San Fran’s airport) around 7 pm. Because I love to take pictures, we did stop several times along the way for me to snap some photos.
We didn’t try to take in any redwoods since we were going on to Yosemite in a few days.
Personally, I would not want to do that drive 2 days in a row. It was very tiring to me (more tiring than the previous day’s drive from Flagstaff AZ to Morro Bay) and I love to drive! But after driving it, you might think, “Wow, I’ve got to do that again!” After staying the night in Big Sur, I would drive down the coast, stopping at any interesting places, take a tour at Hearst Castle, then stay the night in Cambria. The next day you can either go back up the coast or drive inland to Pasa Robles and drive north on Hwy 101 back to San Francisco. Would I drive the coast road again? Definitely. Just not 2 days in a row.
Also, I seem to remember that gas prices were very high along the coast road (I think because the gas stations are few and far between).
Others who have driven this road more often, or are from the area, may be able to give you better advice than mine (based on one trip).
We didn’t try to take in any redwoods since we were going on to Yosemite in a few days.
Personally, I would not want to do that drive 2 days in a row. It was very tiring to me (more tiring than the previous day’s drive from Flagstaff AZ to Morro Bay) and I love to drive! But after driving it, you might think, “Wow, I’ve got to do that again!” After staying the night in Big Sur, I would drive down the coast, stopping at any interesting places, take a tour at Hearst Castle, then stay the night in Cambria. The next day you can either go back up the coast or drive inland to Pasa Robles and drive north on Hwy 101 back to San Francisco. Would I drive the coast road again? Definitely. Just not 2 days in a row.
Also, I seem to remember that gas prices were very high along the coast road (I think because the gas stations are few and far between).
Others who have driven this road more often, or are from the area, may be able to give you better advice than mine (based on one trip).
Jun 7th, 2005, 07:11 AM
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Here is what I would do:
Day 1: Drive to the Monterey area with a possibly stop in the Santa Cruz mountains to see some redwoods (Henry Cowell or Big Basin State Park). Spend the afternoon exploring Monterey and Carmel.
Day 2: Drive through Big Sur, stopping often to take in the sights, maybe do a couple short hikes along the way. Be sure to stop at Point Lobos, which is just south of Carmel. Stay in Cambria that night.
Day 3: Visit Hearst Castle in the morning and then head back to SF via Hwy 101, which is an inland route and much faster than Hwy 1. Hwy 101 is an interesting drive, and although it doesn't have the spectacular coastline that Hwy 1 has, you will be able to see a different side of California. There are a few missions along the way, and some wineries, I believe.
Mission San Antonio is interesting because it is in the middle of nowhere, so you get a good feel for the isolation the people had. The town of San Juan Bautista is a nice stop - the mission is there as well as a bunch of reconstructed or restored buildings from the old town square. Both these are about a 15 minute or less detour off Hwy 101.
Day 1: Drive to the Monterey area with a possibly stop in the Santa Cruz mountains to see some redwoods (Henry Cowell or Big Basin State Park). Spend the afternoon exploring Monterey and Carmel.
Day 2: Drive through Big Sur, stopping often to take in the sights, maybe do a couple short hikes along the way. Be sure to stop at Point Lobos, which is just south of Carmel. Stay in Cambria that night.
Day 3: Visit Hearst Castle in the morning and then head back to SF via Hwy 101, which is an inland route and much faster than Hwy 1. Hwy 101 is an interesting drive, and although it doesn't have the spectacular coastline that Hwy 1 has, you will be able to see a different side of California. There are a few missions along the way, and some wineries, I believe.
Mission San Antonio is interesting because it is in the middle of nowhere, so you get a good feel for the isolation the people had. The town of San Juan Bautista is a nice stop - the mission is there as well as a bunch of reconstructed or restored buildings from the old town square. Both these are about a 15 minute or less detour off Hwy 101.
Jun 8th, 2005, 03:41 PM
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The drive from Monterey to Big Sur is about 30 to 45 minutes. Big Sur is gorgeous and you must spend as much time there as possible. Have a cocktail at Nepenthe - the restaurant sits on top of a cliff and overlooks all of the Big Sur Coastline. Have a picnic at Pfeiffer Beach - dramatic rock formations. October is a beautiful month - no fog. We stayed at a place called Deetjens in Big Sur last year in October. Deetjens is an old Inn from the 30's and most cabins have fireplaces or wood stoves in the rooms. The whole Inn sits in a forested canyon and the restaurant is unbelievable. You will hear spirtual music while dining with candlelight and a very intimate atmosphere - it is a must. Breakfast are the best in Big Sur and Deetjens. We spend 5 days in Big Sur only. Hope this helps.
Jun 11th, 2005, 12:55 PM
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Thanks for all the replies thus far..very helpful..I'm not familiar with Cambria..can you guys tell me more about that area so I can decide whether to spend the extra night or not? I have only the 4 days and want to maximize my time...
