I'm interested in hearing about a quiet, isolated spot to stay a few nights on the CA coast in May - will be passing through on way from LA to Yosemite. Would like ocean views (and easy access) and no crowds. Hope to take in San Simeon while in the area. Any ideas?

Ventana at Big Sur is an isolated, top-notch place for a couple days -- however, it is expensive. Everyone who I've talked to that has stayed there has raved about it. I have only eaten there, and the food is superb!

Thanks for the response - I'll check out their Website. Any other ideas out there - maybe further down the coast, near Cambria - Morro Bay?

Dear Dan:
You'll want to stay in Pismo Beach--funky old beach downtown with great pier and splendid beach, plus lodging right on the cliffs north of town; in Morrow Bay, which is one of the great waterfront towns on the coast, with lotsto do; in Cayucos (beach, pier, fun people); and in Cambria, which has beautiful cliffs topped by gnarled pines.
Look for elephant seals on the beaches north of San Simeon (some loll right below vista parking areas), and for coast redwoods in canyons north of Salmon Creek. Be sure to stop for a look at the waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park. . . .
There's just so much to see and do.
If you like wine, you might want to visit the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County wineries just a few miles off US 101 and CA 1.
HAve a great time!
John

Dan, We stayed in Morro Bay last September and enjoyed the place very much, O.K.so there is a power station at one end of the bay but don't let that put you off.The coast line just south of Morro Bay in the Montana de Oro state park is lovely and there are many marked hiking trails to enjoy, we spent a wonderful day there. I would agree with John do try and visit the wineries in the area, there are many to choose from and on our visit they were a lot quieter than ones in Nappa and Sonoma so the staff had more time to talk to you. Although we did not stay in Cambria we did visit and liked the town in fact one of the highlights of our holiday in California was to watch the Sea Otters in the sea near Cambria.

Where is the nearest airport to fly into to visit Morro Bay? I have ff miles burning a hole in my pocket!

NEAREST AIRPORTS TO MORRO BAY:
(In order of proximity)

Commuter Flights(prop planes ar small jets):
1. San Luis Obispo
2. Santa Barbara
3. Monterey

Regular commercial flights (big jets):
1. Burbank
2. LAX
3. San Jose

Monterey and Santa Barbara have the most senic access routes; but you could drive up along the coast from LAX via Santa Monica, Malibu, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.
Don't let LAX's evil reputation scare you. It's not that bad, and it's easy to get away via the Coast Highway, CA 1. (Avoid the freeways; they're O.K. however, north of Burbank).
Have a great trip!

Thanks for the suggestions. How about lodging in Morro Bay/Cambria area? I've read about the Blue Whale Inn and the Inn at Morro Bay - anyone know them, or have other suggestions? Thanks.

I'd go for the Inn at Morro Bay!

the Ragged Point Inn which is about 20 minutes North of the Hearst Castle on highway 1 is a little know stop. The rooms are about a b- class but the views are unbeatable, best on the central coast. The resturant is very good. I would definately give this place a try. Cambria is a great little town with lots of quaint stores and very good resturants. Robin's is especially good. there are good hotels but I am not familar with them.