Best drive from San Fran to Carmel and back?
Jul 27th, 2003, 10:05 AM
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Best drive from San Fran to Carmel and back?
Have one day (Friday in Sept.) to drive down to Carmel/Monterey area from San Francisco, then need to head back the next day (Sat.) to Vallejo. Was thinking I could drive down the coast, stroll around Carmel, go the Monterey Aquarium, etc. My question is what route should I take? I've driven the coast with my parents as a kid, and remember it was gorgeous. Boyfriend has never been there, never seen it. I want the most scenic drive that we can fit into our short side trip. Any advice?
Jul 27th, 2003, 11:25 AM
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I live in Carmel so have done this drive many times. The coast route is the most scenic but since it takes so much longer, it would cut into the limited time you have in Carmel and Monterey. If you had at least 3 days, I would recommend the coast route. But since your time is limited, I would recommend taking highwy 280 to hwy 17 to Santa Cruz then hwy 1 to Monterey and Carmel. This route also has many scenic areas. Have fun.
Jul 27th, 2003, 01:33 PM
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I used to live in Carmel, and now live in Marin: If you want to shave some driving time which you can instead spend at your destination, I recommend 280-85-101-156-1. Otherwise, montereybob's advice is fine, though I prefer to skip the traffic through Santa Cruz.
Jul 27th, 2003, 10:51 PM
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I agree that 280/17/1 is the best option. The scenery along Hoghway 1 between Sf and Monterey is not as nice as that along the area south of Monterey. I'd suggest once spending some time in Monterey and Carmel, that you also make time for a stop at Point Lobos just south of Carmel.
Jul 28th, 2003, 03:02 PM
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I live in Carmel Valley and make that drive frequently. There really is not much to see by going on the winding full of traffic 17. Tho only thing yuo will see are nice trees. Go 280 to 85 to 101 to 156 to 1. Once here, get an early dinner reservation at Rocky Point restaurant. It is about a 30 minute drive south of Carmel on one of the most senic highways in the USA. Get there around 6:45, ask for a window table, enjoy the fantastic sunset and views. Get the prawns. They are huge and tasty! Then head back to your hotel.
Jul 30th, 2003, 11:39 AM
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I'm another fan of 280, 85, 101, 156 and 1 to Carmel/Monterey; every once in awhile I take 280, 17 and 1 but I'm not a big fan (I just don't like driving on 17). You basically cannot go too terribly wrong taking either route and they are quicker than route 1 the entire way , thereby allowing you more time to enjoy the coast along the Monterey Penninsula and Big Sur which is spectacular.
Jul 30th, 2003, 12:08 PM
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280/17/1 is by far a much more scenic route that 280/101/156/1. The traffic on 101 in San Jose is bad at almost any hour of the day, especially in the area of the Mineta San Jose International Airport. The only time that 17 can be a little congested is during the afternoon commute (3-7 pm weekdays). Of course with the tecxh bust, traffic on 17 has beem lighter than normal even during that time.
