We're going to a wedding in Santa Barbara in early March, and since I've never been to California, we're making a vacation of it.

We're flying into Oakland and staying two nights in San Francisco, then driving down the coast to stay one night in Monterey, then two nights in the Big Sur area. After that, we're going to head down to Santa Barbara for some touring and the wedding, then we're heading home.

A couple of questions for any takers:
- What is the climate likely to be in early March? Coming from the East Coast, I expect that it will be fairly unpredictable.
- We're planning to camp for two nights in Pfeiffer Big Sur park. Any suggestions on the best locations for campgrounds? We'll have a car with tents.
- Does anyone know anything about the Youth Hostel in Monterey? It seems reasonable and well-located, but from reading other posts, it looks like the Monterey Bay Lodge is also nice and reasonably priced.
- I've read through several of the posts and trip reports on this area, but any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

The weather in March is a complete crap shoot! Last year we drove down the coast the first week in March with the top down on the car. It was beautiful. Frankly, I think if you're planning on camping you're taking your chances. I can't imagine that there is any more rain out there, after this week! But then who thought there would be 4 hurricanes in Florida? You could always try Big Sur Lodge, which is in the park. www.bigsurlodge.com

I think the Big Sur Lodge is a good idea, it is "almost" like camping AND you are actually in the park..
Usually the weather is windy--maybe overcast--50--50 chance of rain..
Had you thought of stopping to see Hearst Castle (SanSimeon) which is north of Cambria and Morro
Bay. You could reserve a early afternoon tour which would give you all morning to drive down from Big Sur...Stay overnight in Cambria or Morro Bay and the drive to Santa B. next day.. --just a suggestion...
Good luck..

I believe that the state park also has cabins for rent. Unless you are used to chilly damp camping, this might be a safer bet. I don't mind the drive on the coast, so I would not look for lodgings in Monterey.

I personally would not plan a camping trip on the Coast in Feb/March. Feb/March are still very much during the rainy season. You MIGHT luck out, but you could just as easily face gale force winds and heavy rain.

It sounds like you're flying in w/ camping gear/tents. Unless budget is a killer I would definitely plan on staying places w/ roofs, very sturdy walls, and heating . . . . .

Another vote for staying someplace with a roof and walls that time of year. I have heard good things about Ripplewood in Big Sur - fairly rustic cabins on the river.

Thanks for all of your feedback! Since we're doing such a long trip (10 days is long for us), we'd hoped to save some money by camping. But the Big Sur Lodge seems nice, and it looks like the rate includes entrance to all of the area parks.

>>>But the Big Sur Lodge seems nice, and it looks like the rate includes entrance to all of the area parks.<<

Actually, the Big Sur Lodge is IN the Pfeiffer State Park - so naturally, you can gain entrance to it. The only other park that you might want to visit that charges an entrance fee is Julia Pfeiffer State Park, which is south of the Big Sur Lodge. Molera park is at the North End of the Big Sur section and that requires a fee also, but it's not as great as Julia Pfeiffer SP.

The Pfeiffer State Park is OK, but it is not near the coastline. The other two are.

The best place to access the coast in Big Sur is Pfeiffer Beach (you get the idea that Pfeiffer was a big name in this area), is just south of Pfeiffer State Park/Big Sur lodge about 1 mile. As you travel south, look for the first right UP a dirt road with a chain link fence across the road. Just 20 yards beyond that is a road DOWN, with several signs. There is not a lot of markage for this road, so pay attention. The road name is Sycamore Canyon Rd. Turn right there & drive for what seems like forever (2 miles). You will initially be in a thick forest with lots of furns. Eventually you will hit a parking lot, so park the car & walk to the beach. This, in my opinion, is the best beach in the area, although it's almost always cold & windy. If you have ever seen the scene with Burt Lancaster & Deborah Kerr (I think), embracing in the surf in the picture "From Here to Eternity", it was filmed on this beach. Parts of "The Sandpiper" movie were also filmed there.

Have lunch or dinner at Nepenthe. You can do the real cheap there (hambergers or just a salad) & nobody will be bothered. In March, they will be glad you are there. We've been going there at least anually, for over 35 years - IMHO, it's a "must see".

BTW, we've camped at the Pfeiffer State Park probably 30 times - when we were much younger. We used to maintain a list of the best campsites. However, about ever 5 years they would often re-arrange the sites & fould us up.

In re-reading this, the name Pfeiffer makes the sites confusing. There is a:
1. Pfeiffer State Park
2. Julia Pfeiffer State Park
3. Pfeiffer Beach

I'm just guessing, but Ripplewood is probably the least expensive option for a roof over your head. Deetjen's Big Sur Lodge is really eclectic/funky, but might be an interesting place for you to stay. We've dined there, but we've never stayed there. Many people love it.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca

Have a backup plan that skips your drive on Highway 1 and gets you over to the 101. Enjoy Paso Robles wine tasting, Hearst Castle, CAmbria and San Luis Obispo. Highway 1 near Big Sur is often closed for weeks at a time and with the rain we have had this year... I would say that March is about out of the question, unless February is incredibly dry. Also, the 101 has been closed at Gaviota (North of SB) has been closed twice already and the 154 is also closed. Santa Barbara has been landlocked by the mudslide to the south and to the north. Watch the weather channel and hope for the best!

Thanks to all for your great information. After further discussion, we've decided to consider "real" lodging. For this leg of the trip, we're not too interested in staying somewhere luxurious, but we'd appreciate any comments (cleanliness, ambience, location, other observations) about the places below, or any other recommendations you may have.

Cheapest: "Tent Cabin" at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins
Next cheapest: Double bed room with an outside bathroom at Deetjen's
Most expensive: Big Sur Lodge standard room

I must take issue with the advice of eating at Nepenthe because "you can do it real cheap there." The view is jaw-dropping, but $13 for a so-so burger is not real cheap by my math. And dinner is even worse. Buy a drink and watch the sunset, but eat elsewhere.

The Big Sur tent cabins are just what they sound like - a solid floor, real beds, but canvas tent walls and ceiling. Nice and comfy compared to the kind of camping you were originally considering.

DO NOT MISS HEARST CASTLE - it is only a couple of hours south of Big Sur on your way to Santa Barbara.

I haven't stayed in the Big Sur tent cabins, but I have stayed in other tent cabins and liked it - even during rainy and/or chilly weather.

>>>$13 for a so-so burger is not real cheap by my math. And dinner is even worse<<<

You're right - Mc D's is cheaper, but there aren't any in Big Sur. Where else in Big Sur can you dine for $12 & get a view & ambience like you can at Nepenthe???

You can eat elsewhere, but you might have difficulty finding any "experience" better than spending a couple of hours watching the sunset at Nepenthe, with the big fire going, and the "warm" feeling of the restaurant.

IMHO, there is more "bang for the buck" available at Nepenthe than almost any restaurant I know of - and we spend 2 months in France every year (I'm a foodie) & I've been a Bay Area resident for over 30 years.

I always order Lolly's roast chicken and my wife the Ambroisia burger. We split a 1/2 order of fries and a bottle of wine. The food is passable, as long as you stick to something simple (and cheap).

Food - C+, and you can spend under $25 per person.
View & ambience - A+

Stu Dudley

I always loved the Ambrosia burger despite the price. Besides, it's big enough to split, so it's really a $6. burger and a great view!

I like the way you look at things, surfergirl! We do "the split thing" a lot when we eat out, the portions are always so large in restaurants anyway! ***kim***

One of my friends and I always split meals when we travel together. This helps save room for dessert too When we were in NYC, we went to Katz Deli for a pastrami sandwich, which we split because there was no way we were each eating one of those things. And because we split it, we had room in our tummies to enjoy a piece of cheesecake and an egg cream.

We split desserts, also. It's a great way to have a sweet taste after your meal and still watch your waistline! ***kim***

Moneygirl is right to have a backup plan for SR1 to Big Sur.It is closed quite a bit in the winter months due to rock slides on the road.You can check the Caltrans website for up to date info.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/

This may be out of your price range but thought I'd send it along. I found it in today's local paper. And I agree with the other posts. I wouldn't take the change on camping the coast in March.

The Big Sur River Inn has a special rate of $125 per night, which includes lodging, dinner and breakfast for two. The deal is valid Sunday through Thursday through March. (800) 548-3610, www.bigsurriverinn.com.

Forgot to add that StuDudley's dirrections to the BEST beach are right on!