db6040

Hello. I am planning a first trip to California for October and have lodging set, but can make changes still. We are flying into San Francisco. On the day we leave San Francisco (wanted to stay until noon or 1) and then head down to Santa Cruz. Google maps shows it as being faster to take US 101 and California 17, but I am assuming it would be much more scenic to drive down Highway 1 along the coast. Is this correct? Any particular stops we should be making? Redwoods state park looks pretty close - worth a stop? We are heading to Sequoia later in the trip. We have a hotel near the boardwalk reserved in Santa Cruz. The night we are staying here is our wedding anniversary - any special restaurant we should make a reservation at that would be memorable for an anniversary?




The next night we are booked at Ragged Point. This hotel looks amazing even though it might be a long day getting there as we want to make stops to take in the scenery. Is this too much for a day? I don't anticipate spending much time in Monterey or Carmel but would like to stop at Big Sur. Any other can't miss places we should make quick stops? After this we are heading east to Kings Canyon and Sequoia. I realize our time on the coast is short - this is more of a national park trip and we only have a couple nights for this portion of the trip. Thanks in advance!

janisj

>>The next night we are booked at Ragged Point.

db6040

Thanks janisj. Good pointers. We had originally planned the first night in Monterrey or Carmel and the second at Ragged Point. I might go back to that plan to shorten the drive the next day. We won't get to see everything, that's for sure.

db6040

Wow just googled Point Lobos - it is stunning. We are kind of just adding in these two nights on the coast as a last minute addition to this trip. Is Point Lobos a place you recommend just stopping at, spending a few hours, half a day? Just trying to get an estimate in my mind! thank you.

janisj

I usually spend a couple of hours at Pt Lobos but even just an hour would be worth it.

You could go there in the morning, then head down into Big Sur exploring/stopping along the way -- have lunch at Nepenthe. Then on to Ragged Point.

sf7307

We were just at Pt. Lobos - we spent two hours, walking the north and south loops. Many people however, just parked closer to the views and got out of their cars just to look. I'd budget a couple of hours. And I also agree with Janis, stop at Nepenthe for lunch - overpriced, and the food is just okay, but the views are phenomenal.

janisj

$50 food w/ a $1,000,000 view (assuming it isn't fogged in )

MichelleY

I agree with Janis and sf7307. Carmel will be so much more romantic for your anniversary. Try to see some of the coastal redwoods on your way. Different from the Sierra Nevada Redwoods.

traveler24

A great restaurant in Capitola...adjacent to Santa Cruz..Shaddowbrook.Inn .On Soquel Creek, Very romantic and unusual.. I would advise reservations..

traveler24

Highway one from SF to SantaCruz is VERY senic..yes little slower but worth the effort..many places to pull off road and "passing"lane..

sf7307

Yes, we also recently spent the day in Santa Cruz and drove home via Rte. 1. Indeed very scenic.

db6040

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. It is so helpful and has given me a lot to think about and look into!