japw82

We are planning a trip to CA. and want to go to Pebble Beach and Pismo Bech. DH loves golf and wants to see the courses at Pebble and I want to ride dune buggies and sand surf at Pismo. Which airport is the most convenient if flying Southwest? Any sites to see along the way and restaurant recs are appreciated. We would also love to hear about great places to stay. Looking for either a hotel or condo. We already know that Pebble Beach is a bit too pricey!!! Thanks in advance!!!

japw82

Also wondered if it would be more convenient to fly in and out of different airports? We will rent a car.

Jean

I'd fly into San Jose and out of Burbank (or the reverse). How many days do you have?

japw82

We will have 5 days.

Jean

I assume this trip is in the summer. If so, be aware that most lodging along the coast have 2-night minimum stay requirements Friday (sometimes Thursday) to Sunday.

A few suggestions between San Jose and Burbank:

Monterey Aquarium
17-Mile Drive
Carmel
Pt. Lobos State Reserve
State Sea Otter Refuge off Hwy. 1
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Big Sur)
Sea lions at Piedras Blancas Beach (north of San Simeon)
Hearst Castle
South of Pismo, Hwys. 135 to 101 to 154 through wine area, past Lake Cachuma and through Los Padres National Forest to
Santa Barbara

Obviously, this list is too much for 5 days, so you'll have to decide how much time you have after your stays in the Monterey/Carmel and Pismo Beach areas and then pick what interests you.

onemoneygirl

Santa Barbara has a wonderful airport...much more convenient than driving south the extra two hours to Burbank.

japw82

We will be going this summer. Thanks for all the suggestions. Any restaurant and lodging recs? We like deli, burgers, italian, mexican, and may want to do a nice steak/seafood dinner one night.

SOCALOC

hello japw82- one of my 'musts' when visiting the central coast is to swing by here. It's about a 15 minute drive north of Pismo Beach, exit Avila Beach Rd. Day or night, it is a fabulous way to spend an hour. Very private, peaceful, relaxing and romantic. Clothing optional. And you can bring a bottle of wine if you so choose. We only go for the hot springs so I have no input about the hotel/restaurant.

http://www.sycamoresprings.com/relax/

As for flying via Southwest; RT San Jose. Burbank 'might' be 15 minutes shorter, factor in LA traffic and it's a lot longer. Plus, you won't have a drop off fee for your car rental.

mlgb

Pismo Beach has a good Italian, Giuseppe's. There's also a version of Gary Danko called "Lido" at the Dolphin Bay Resort, in Shell Beach (north end of Pismo). For steak the best would be the classic Casmalia branch of the Hitching Post although it's outside of Pismo (casual very old school). Which golf courses will he play? He shouldn't miss La Purisima near Pismo. I think also that Pasatiempo north of Santa Cruz is worthy of the green fee.

onemoneygirl

Sorry I missed the Southwest preference...

Just wanted to clarify that La Purisima is a wonderful golf course but its further south in Lompoc, which is on your way to Santa Barbara. There is also a newer golf course called Monarch Dunes that is getting good comments, it's between Nipomo and Arroyo Grande.

japw82

Thanks for all the great information. DH would love to play Pebble Beach but it is pricey and hard to get a tee time. He is looking up the suggested courses. I think we'll fly both ways via San Jose. Any lodging suggestions? We don't want to break the bank but would like a nice hotel or condo resort. Any input on lodging would be great!!!

mlgb

I plan a 3-day tournament up in the Central Coast each year. Monarch Dunes is one of my favorites. However it is likely to be foggy until about 11 am, as are many courses along that part of the coast such as the great course at Vandenberg Air Force Base (Marshallia). If your husband is single-digit he will prefer La Purisima. If he is a regular golfer like most of us he will probably hate it.

Pasatiempo is worth the $220 greens fee which doesn't include a cart. Another good course between San Jose and Santa Cruz is Delaveaga. Around Monterey Bay the two Fort Ord courses, Black and Blackhorse. Pacific Grove Muni is great but very tough to get on. Be sure to check the greens aeration schedules.

http://www.delaveagagolf.com/

japw82

Thanks everyone. So, how far out of the way would it be to tour the Reagan Presidential Library? Suggestions on where to stay and what to see each day would be extremely helpful. I know nothing about the area. We have been to SF and Napa but no further South.

Jean

You could hit the Reagan Library on the way to Burbank Airport, but it wouldn't make sense to visit it if you plan to drive back to San Jose Airport.

dbdurand

If the furthest south you plan to go is Pismo Beach, then the Reagan Library is about 2 1/2 hours further down the coast. And since you've said that your plan is to fly in and out from San Jose, it makes sense to visit it only if it's a "must see" for you.

japw82

Hmmm. Maybe I need to rethink which airport to access. DH really wants to see the Reagan Library. Any thoughts or guidance is appreciated.

Jean

The Burbank Airport is about a 30-minute, non-rush-hour drive from the Reagan Library.