We arrived in SFO the second week of September and drove west over to Half Moon Bay and went down Highway 1 to Montery / Carmel. There was not a lot of traffic coming down and the coast was beautiful. We then spent two nights at the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel on the recommendation of a relative with a home there and absolutely loved it. The location had a wonderful view. Each evening had a wine/cheese reception that was lovely.

We then headed south to Cambria, stopping at Hearst Castle. We enjoyed the tour but felt the castle paled in comparison to Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. We spent one night in Cambria at the Dolphin Inn. Again, a great experience at the Inn and I would recommend it. We were not impressed with the town of Cambria and were glad we only booked one night there.

From there we headed to Santa Barabara, staying at the Inn of the Spanish Garden. Another good choice. We walked to shopping and restaurants and found the front desk staff to be extremely helpful. We ate at a seafood restaurant on the pier (don't remember the name) and it was a good experience.

Onward to Malibu, staying at the recently renovated and updated Malibu Beach Inn. Very swanky and one of the loveliest rooms of all. I was impressed that each day we got both the LA Times and USA Today, plus they actually printed a paper from our home state. I would highly recommend the property. We played LA tourist and enjoyed the drive up to Mulholland. From there we flew out of LA and thoroughly enjoyed our week.

"We were not impressed with the town of Cambria and were glad we only booked one night there."

My reaction to Cambria is the same as yours. My wife and I spent 2 nights there about 5 years ago and came away with the same feeling. It's considerably overhyped on these boards.

Just returned from trip from UK to California. We stopped in Cambria on way from Santa Barbara going north as we had booked a tour of Hearst Castle.(By the way, that would be Brophy's seafood restaurant on the Wharf at S. Barbara).

Our first impression of Cambria village wasn't too favourable either but, by the end of our stay we really liked the place, especially the East Village. This was mainly because the people we met were so lovely. From the Bank of America staff who were so helpful when I tried to cash some old travellers' cheques, to the guy in the petrol station who helped us use the pumps, to the charming people at 'Indigo Moon' and 'Wild Ginger". Delightful!
(we lodged at Sand Pebbles Inn, on Moonstone Drive, a sister inn to the Blue Dolphin)

I'll be the fourth to agree that Cambria is overhyped. Compared to Carmel, Pacific Grove, and even Half Moon Bay - I don't think it is anything special. Perhaps the people are "lovely" and helpful - but that doesn't make a village (bricks & mortar) attractive, and the coast is just as beautiful all the way from Montara to SLO.

Stu Dudley

I would love to hear from Stu Dudley on our california trip - we got advice from him when we four lady cousins went to Ste. Guilieme le Desert last year...we loved it! Stu - if you see this could I have your comments on our California tour.... looking for advice on Carlsbad, Santa Barbara, Solvang & Palm Desert area. |Thanks!

Somehow I don't think Stu's your guy for itinerary advice on Solvang

Baddeck, I strongly recommend you start a new thread, since there are plenty of people on here who can help you, even some who live in the places you mentioned.

>>looking for advice on Carlsbad, Santa Barbara, Solvang & Palm Desert areaSomehow I don't think Stu's your guy for itinerary advice on Solvang <

Hey - I worked in Carlsbad 35 years ago, spent my first night of marriage in Santa Barbara & left early the next morning (almost 40 years ago), and my grandfather is Danish (Solvang connection).

Sorry - not much help !!

Stu Dudley

Well, depemds on your tastes obviously as we disliked Carmel intensely!! Main Street full of ghastly designer shops and galleries full of execrable 'ART'

Stu, we spent our first two nights of marriage in Carmel at the then first class Highlands Inn. Returned many times. Saw many fine places come and go over the years.

I guess we generational Californians are all washed up!

Aside, there are certain 'destinations' and certain places 'in-between' destinations.

We're glad they have food and gas at the very least. At the very most, they happen to be in CA, in a path that all the world wants to come and see.

So we put up with them; and the visitors.