Can anyone tell me, if we drive from SF to Big Basin (on the way to Carmel) instead of coming back up, will we miss much foregoing the coastal views on 1? I was thinking what we miss could be made up (?!) at Point Lobos or on 17 mi drive. Also, may avoid tourist traffic. How much time is drive from Carmel to P. Lobos? <BR> <BR>Kam, Pls do give a few Santa Cruz restaurant recommendations. <BR> <BR>

Point Lobos is great, 17 mile drive is... well,do a search for 17 mile drive limited to Calif. and after that decide if it's what you're looking for.

DK, Sorry we've been away too and didn't see your request. If you drive from SF to Big Basin and then down "over the hill" to Hwy 1 at Santa Cruz you will NOT have missed much on the coast. Between Santa Cruz and SF the coast is pretty flat and agricultural with the exception of Devil's Slide, the part that keeps getting washed out during winter storms. North of Half Moon Bay(famous for its Pumpkin Festival in October and its very high surf) it can get very fogged in and then you don't see anything at all. I would do Big Basin on the way to Carmel, then Pt. Lobos and then down through Big Sur. That way the scenery will keep getting more impressive as you go south. While in Sta. Cruz look for painted VW buses--they still exist! Restaurants--Hobee's, a Peninsula institution for great breakfasts served all day. It's on Front St. There's also one on the beach almost, near the wharf with inside and outside seating and I can't for the life of me remember the name but it's just south of where you sign up for surfing lessons (sorry). India Joze--always Asian but country changes according to day of the week--always Indonesian on the weekends, I think that's still true. And, the Santa Cruz Brewing Company also on Front St. has bar food also. Hope I've caught you in time. Be sure to do a trip report when you return.

Thanks, Kam and Liz! Liz, good idea - I'll do a search. <BR>Yes, you caught me in time, Kam (T-3hrs). Will do a trip rept for sure. So far our itinerary is: <BR>Fri - Arrive SF, spend SAT/part SUN <BR>SUN - spend night in Pacific Grove <BR>MON - staying Carmel <BR>TUES night - red-eye back east (maybe see fireworks from the air?!) <BR>A quick trip for sure but worth it nonetheless! Thanks again.

Just reread your last post. I would only wonder why you are staying in both Pacific Grove and Carmel. They are practically next door to each other. Also, Pt. Lobos is at the southernmost border of Carmel, just before you start down the coast through Big Sur. The 17 mile drive might be too congested this weekend--I personally would skip it unless one of you is an avid golfer. Have a great trip.

We're back from a wonderful trip - was short but we squeezed a lot in. Sit back and grab a cuppa joe - here's my report: <BR>San Fran: Stayed in a victorian B&B, the Inn San Francisco, in the mission district. Away from the hubub, but that's what I liked about it. Just a few blks from BART so you can get to Un Square or wherever pretty easily. We did the "usual" tourist things but spent brief time in the overcrowded (due to Jul 4) areas: Union Square, Wharf, Ghiradelli and Lombard St. Enjoyed the Maritime Museum. Spent time wondering through Chinatown - a great experience and fun to look in the markets. Lunched in North Beach at a L'Osteria del Forno on Columbus Street. Small place - great food. Went to Cafe Trieste to enjoy cappuccino and their late afternoon concert - the owner sings in Italian! Priceless. <BR> <BR>Sunday morning we went to Golden Gate Park - a bonus is that if you get there b/f 9:30 AM you get into the Japanese Tea Garden for free! cold foggy day - great for enjoying gardens and tea. Back to Mission District for burritos (Taquerias el Cumbre - no atmosphere but good food). Then it was off through the mountains to Big Basin Redwoods St. Park - windy roads, lots of hills, worth it - park was peaceful and nice. Would be fun to camp there. <BR> <BR>PACIFIC GROVE/MONTERREY/CARMEL: arrived early evening in P.G. - stayed at a great B&B - Old St. Angela Inn. Highly recommend it. Had dinner at the Paradiso on Cannery Row (Monterrey) - great seafood and water views. The B&B was booked for the 2nd night so we stayed in Carmel at the Green Lantern (So-so). I loved Carmel and want to spend more time there. The highlight was Pt. Lobos Park - seals, otters, starfish, breathtaking views. Spent time gazing in tidepools - like being at the aquarium but better! Got some great pics of an otter who put on a show for us (he was actually eating abaloney off a rock). Pt. Lobos is one of the most beautiful spots I've seen. We skipped the 17 mi drive. But we did stop at the Carmel Mission which I enjoyed - lots of hummingbirds in the garden there. We did drive south (almost) to Big Sur - more gorgeous views. <BR> <BR>I've rambled enough so just let me say THANKS TO ALL for the great advice - was a memorable trip and I can't wait to return. Glad to give any info to anyone who needs it. <BR>

Thanks for posting, DK. It makes all of us who gave advice happy to hear you had a wonderful trip. You did indeed pack a lot into a short stay. Next trip spend a bit longer with us!