Would like some information on driving the California coast at the end of September. We have two weeks, and would be interested in doing some hiking. Should we drive N to S or S to N? What kind of weather can we expect. Many thanks!

If you drive southward, you'll be on the ocean side and will get a better view.

OTOH, some people, especially those who are not used to driving curvy roads, prefer to drive northward and be onthe "land" side of the road. Makes them feel safer.

Which part of the California coast are you planning on visiting? Or are you driving the entire coastline?

How many days do you have? What are your interests?

We're planning on driving from SF to San Diego and then flying out of LAX. We'll have two weeks and are looking for a relaxed trip, with days for hiking, maybe some time in the wine country, but are open to suggestions. We'll probably stay at B&b's along the way, so suggestions are welcome!
PS: sorry for re-posting, I was trying to get this in the California section, but was unsucesfull!

You're likely to have good weather. The biggest threat that time of year is a chance of "Santa Ana's" in S. California (hot dry winds) and fires. But generally it's very nice, not much fog and not much chance of rain.

I posted a list of things to do around Santa Cruz. http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35130385

There are redwood walks there as well as the more popular ones in Mill Valley's Muir woods.

You can also hike up to Mt. Tam in Marin. Be sure to find Stu Dudley's San Francisco post which has lots of details.

Around Monterey, Point Lobos is a good place for walks out to the tide pools. There's also a nice path along the ocean in Pacific Grove. The stretch around Asilomar is particularly nice. (Pacific Grove is the place to stay if you want B*B's).

If the search function is working there are a lot of posts about the Big Sur area. I'm not sure if the state parks are still closed.

Pismo Beach has a long flat beach that's good for running, there are also walks through the dunes. I think they're called Oceano Dunes if you want to Google them.

In San Diego, Torrey Pines State Park and Beach have good walks, but stay away from the cliff face! Assuming they have opened the staircase, you can walk up to the visitor center from the parking lot, then back down via the beach. You can also walk along the bluff top all the way from Del Mar to Torrey Pines and back along the Beach.

In Monterey, there is the Spindrift Inn which is right in Cannery Row, we had a beautiful corner room there, breakfast is delivered to your room in a picnic basket which is a nice touch. Try to get an oceanview room here. I hope you enjoy your travels and have fun! ***kim***

You should expect good weather ~ the Northern coast is always a bit cooler than the southern coast. We get some fog in the early mornings and late evenings ~ sweater weather.
I live on the coast and we locals can't wait for Sept/Oct weather. Muir Woods and Pt. Lobos are good suggestions for hiking. Have fun!

We just did this drive - I posted a mini-trip report you should be able to find.

We really liked the Old St. Angela's Inn B&B in Pacific Grove.

Definitely stop at Hearst Castle - we were completely skeptical about this and gave in after a flood of recommendations from family and friends. Really enjoyed it!