Place to spend one night between San Francisco and Monterey?
May 29th, 2012, 06:45 AM
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Place to spend one night between San Francisco and Monterey?
We land in San Francisco in mid-afternoon and had planned on spending the night there before heading to Monterey for 3 nights then back to SF for another three. On second (and third) thought, we now wonder whether there might be a nice place to stop en route. It's been years since we've driven down that way and only have the vaguest recollection of what it's like. Is there someplace on the water that'd be nice for a respite after a long travel day? It'd especially be great if it had a good restaurant or there was a good one within close proximity. Thanks in advance!
May 29th, 2012, 06:48 AM
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Not sure why you wouldn't just drive to Monterey straight away from airport, as it isn't all that far a drive.
But, if you want a place to do so, Half Moon Bay would fit the bill. Cute town, some nice B&B's and very good restaurants.
But, if you want a place to do so, Half Moon Bay would fit the bill. Cute town, some nice B&B's and very good restaurants.
May 29th, 2012, 06:56 AM
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Monterey is about 1 3/4 hrs from SFO - in non-commute hours. I would stop in Half Moon Bay - like Deb recommended. The next area south on the coast with hotels is probably Santa Cruz - but you'll practically be in Monterey if you travel that far south.
I would not stay overnight at the airport.
Stu Dudley
I would not stay overnight at the airport.
Stu Dudley
May 29th, 2012, 07:26 AM
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Thanks to you both! I think we stopped for lunch at Half Moon Bay last time we drove to Monterey; I'll definitely look into it!
There are a couple of reasons we'd rather delay our trip a day - one is strictly financial. Our 3 nights in Monterey are already booked and the hotel is on the pricey side, so if we can save some money on the first night, it'd be good. The second reason is that even though the trip down from the airport isn't long, we'll be adding it to 4 hours of prior flight time, one hour of delay en route, and the hour+ we'll need for our initial check-in and boarding. So 1 3/4 to 2 hours suddenly turns into nearly 8. Wears me out just thinking about it!
There are a couple of reasons we'd rather delay our trip a day - one is strictly financial. Our 3 nights in Monterey are already booked and the hotel is on the pricey side, so if we can save some money on the first night, it'd be good. The second reason is that even though the trip down from the airport isn't long, we'll be adding it to 4 hours of prior flight time, one hour of delay en route, and the hour+ we'll need for our initial check-in and boarding. So 1 3/4 to 2 hours suddenly turns into nearly 8. Wears me out just thinking about it!
May 29th, 2012, 10:16 AM
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Susan - I think you are smart to take into consideration how you will feel upon arrival. For some, 8 hours of travel wouldn't matter, but for others it can be very tiring. It is important to plan based on how you react to travel personally.
HMB is a great choice for the first night, but I don't know if you will find lodging any cheaper than Monterey. From a strictly financial perspective, staying near the airport will be the cheapest option.
HMB is a great choice for the first night, but I don't know if you will find lodging any cheaper than Monterey. From a strictly financial perspective, staying near the airport will be the cheapest option.
May 29th, 2012, 11:32 AM
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november - You're right about taking into consideration how we'll feel on arrival. My husband just turned 70 and I'm not far behind, so even though we're more spry than many people our age, traveling does take a toll (especially on me because flying drives me nuts!)
As for the cost of lodging, we've always stayed at the Monterey Plaza, but this year have made reservations at the Intercontinental Clement. It's not as expensive as the MP, but with a waterfront room and options for upgrades, it's hardly economizing either. It's a splurge for us!
I think we'll be fine at Half Moon Bay. I've already found one place that sounds good...if it doesn't work out, I'll be back!
As for the cost of lodging, we've always stayed at the Monterey Plaza, but this year have made reservations at the Intercontinental Clement. It's not as expensive as the MP, but with a waterfront room and options for upgrades, it's hardly economizing either. It's a splurge for us!
I think we'll be fine at Half Moon Bay. I've already found one place that sounds good...if it doesn't work out, I'll be back!
May 29th, 2012, 12:36 PM
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DebitNM - It's Beach House at Half Moon Bay...supposedly next door to Sam's Chowder House. It had good reviews on tripadvisor, with the exception of a rather loud fog horn that apparently goes off every few seconds. That might be a problem.
May 29th, 2012, 03:44 PM
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visit Santa Cruz, I like it. There's a nice restaurant there called "The Buttery" that serves up gourmet breakfasts. There are also many nice restaurants along the pier, and the classic iconic boardwalk is filled with rides next to the waves of the ocean.be sure to pick up some garlic fries on the boardwalk. Many movies were filmed there, notably "The Lost Boys".
May 29th, 2012, 07:12 PM
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If you're planning a leisurely drive from HMB to Monterey, I would also recommend a stop in Santa Cruz. The wharf has a lovely view of Monterey Bay and good places for lunch. If you are into wine, stop by the Bonny Doon Tasting Room on the westside for a tasting. You could also take a leisurely drive up the hill and see the picturesque campus of UC Santa Cruz.
May 30th, 2012, 08:18 AM
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I agree that a lunch stop in Santa Cruz on the way to Monterey is a great choice - or a late breakfast if you are early risers.
The Boardwalk is open seasonally, so depending on when your trip is, it may or may not be open. You can check their web site for hours of operation. But, there is a lot more to Santa Cruz than the Boardwalk, so it makes a great stop any time of year.
If you are interested in redwoods, Henry Cowell state park is about 5-10 miles up Hwy 9 from Santa Cruz. They have a nice interperative trail by the visitors center.
The Boardwalk is open seasonally, so depending on when your trip is, it may or may not be open. You can check their web site for hours of operation. But, there is a lot more to Santa Cruz than the Boardwalk, so it makes a great stop any time of year.
If you are interested in redwoods, Henry Cowell state park is about 5-10 miles up Hwy 9 from Santa Cruz. They have a nice interperative trail by the visitors center.
May 30th, 2012, 02:25 PM
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I live in the area you are going to visit.
When in HMB you may want to visit the Ritz Carlton there. Beautiful setting and looks like it should be in New England instead of California. Nice place to stop for a meal before heading south to Monterey.
Driving to HMB: The traffic gets heavy here around 3 pm. The commute lane opens at 3, you qualify with 2 people, but it is still crowded. Your map will probably tell you to drive south on Hwy 101 from SFO to HWY 92 west to HMB. I would recommend you go slightly north on 101 from SFO to HWY 380 west. This will connect you to HWY 280 south to Hwy 92 and west to HMB. I do this drive daily into SF. I never use Hwy 101 for my evening commute. Never. Plus, the drive on 280 is beautiful. No buildings, all trees. The traffic is lighter also as there is virtually no commercial business. Just a thought from a local. The mileage will be about the same either way. Look at it on the map.
The Clement in Monterey is very nice and pretty new...about 4 years old. The Pebble Beach shop next door is an outlet for PB. If you want PB gifts or stuff, do it here. There is a small French restaurant very close called the BISTRO MOULIN. The owners both work it. My wife and I enjoy it. Ask at the hotel. You can probably walk.
When in HMB you may want to visit the Ritz Carlton there. Beautiful setting and looks like it should be in New England instead of California. Nice place to stop for a meal before heading south to Monterey.
Driving to HMB: The traffic gets heavy here around 3 pm. The commute lane opens at 3, you qualify with 2 people, but it is still crowded. Your map will probably tell you to drive south on Hwy 101 from SFO to HWY 92 west to HMB. I would recommend you go slightly north on 101 from SFO to HWY 380 west. This will connect you to HWY 280 south to Hwy 92 and west to HMB. I do this drive daily into SF. I never use Hwy 101 for my evening commute. Never. Plus, the drive on 280 is beautiful. No buildings, all trees. The traffic is lighter also as there is virtually no commercial business. Just a thought from a local. The mileage will be about the same either way. Look at it on the map.
The Clement in Monterey is very nice and pretty new...about 4 years old. The Pebble Beach shop next door is an outlet for PB. If you want PB gifts or stuff, do it here. There is a small French restaurant very close called the BISTRO MOULIN. The owners both work it. My wife and I enjoy it. Ask at the hotel. You can probably walk.
