San Fran to LA via PCH

Old Jul 30th, 2015, 07:55 AM
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San Fran to LA via PCH

Myself and my GF are planning on driving down the PCH over maybe 3 days. After finding various threads on this forum its hard to get up to date info so I thought Id start my one thread.

We would like to hire a car and drive the route so any advice for non US citizens and companies to use would be great.

The amount of time we spend getting there can be changed but really we are just going to enjoy the drive. Where are the best and possible cheapest places to stop along the way? Are there any must see things to do and see?

Thanks so much for any help
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Old Jul 30th, 2015, 08:09 AM
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You'll want to stop in the Monterey area to visit the aquarium, Carmel and its mission, and the Point Lobos State Reserve.

Redwoods can be visited at the Henry Cowell State Park near Santa Cruz.

Elephant seals can be seen near San Simeon, and Hearst Castle may also be worthwhile.

If you are looking at pricing (since you mention budgeting), keep in mind the following:

European travelers coming to the States should plan on adding to a budget based on posted prices 10% on regular purchases (I'm rounding up), 15% to 20% on accommodations depending on the amount of the sales and hotel tax plus tips, and 25% to 30% on restaurant meals.

An idea of what there is to see between LA and SF (in reverse order for you):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...8387/show?rb=1
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Old Jul 30th, 2015, 11:17 AM
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You need to define cheap in USD per night for lodging without tax.
Monterey would be cheaper than Carmel so one night there.
One night in Pismo Beach or Morro Bay.
Also what time of year? Obviously you will have longer hours of daylight during summer.
Try and avoid weekends if possible as quite a few places have two night minimum stays for weekends.
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Old Jul 30th, 2015, 12:08 PM
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Thanks for the responses, were travelling down on the 10th/10th/2015 for 3 days.

Through this site I found a car Rental company offering a car for $130 for the whole trip which I thought was pretty good ( Ford Focus or equivalent )

I'l have a look at that flicker account but those sound like great suggestions. We have a daily budget not including the car hire of around $150 so the cheaper we can find accommodation the more we have to eat and see attractions.
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Old Jul 30th, 2015, 12:36 PM
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The car rate often depends on what country you're from. UK residents will get best rates from Hertz or Alamo, or by using Avis.co.uk.

In San Fran you'll want a downtown pickup spot near your hotel, not the airport car rental center. Make certain that your rate quote INCLUDES collision waiver and liability supplement, as some of the lower quotes will not and insurance will be mandatory.

For Monterey, The Monarch Resort (Pacific Grove) is available on the 10th at $120 on booking.com, and free cancellation while you continue to decide. There is also an HI hostel in Monterey.
Lots of budget choices for Sunday in Morro Bay, or near Pismo the Shell Beach Inn is @ $85. In Santa Barbara consider SBcastilloinn.com or CoastVillageInn.com, or a few miles south of SB there's the Sandyland Reef budget motel @ $60.

You probably don't need advance room reservations for Sunday and Monday if you just want to wing-it and decide to stop where the road takes you. However you'll probably want to have a list of cheap n cheerful possibilities along the way, or print out this thread after you get some suggestions.
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Old Jul 30th, 2015, 02:49 PM
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Wow great thats awesome thanks.
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