dbaker

To choose between more time at Toulomne Meadows, Mono Lake, or Bodie, they would definately come in at 1-2-3 in that order - at least for me. Hiking near a stream for a few hours in an alpine setting with the white granite of Lembert Dome, Unicorn Peak, and Cathedral Peak shining against the blue sky was much more enjoyable for us than our trip to Bodie. It was hot (we had to use umbrellas because it was about 107 the day we were there), dusty, and we almost tore the oil pan out of our car trying to drive the dirt road too fast because we had underestimated the driving time. Most of what you would see there can be seen on www.bodie.com. Look at the 3rd picture on that webpage. That is exactly what it looks like. Very spread out and lots of walking in very hot weather. Mono lake is interesting, but to be honest it only took us a few minutes at the center to be done and on our way. See this link for http://images.search.yahoo.com/searc...P6K.0bTwABAA@@ for pictures of that area of Yosemite (the prettiest).

Barbara

I agree with dbaker. When the temp is over 100, which it is a lot there, you will be pretty miserable, and in Bodie also dusty and dirty. But, I don't think I know when your trip is, so maybe it won't be so hot.

On a different track, when posting a very long link, please try using www.tinyurl.com.

LoveItaly

Hello joools, you have received a lot of good suggestions here. I wanted to congratulate you on the obvious research you have done for this trip. So many people don't when they first post here.

Regarding the outlets at Camrillo, if you are short on time I wouldn't bother taking the time to stop, or just go to a few stores that might interest you. I have a stepdaughter that lives in that area and although she use to find a lot of good buys at this outlet complex she hasn't been pleased with it for a few years. I have one just a few blocks from where I live and basically I find all the clothing stores are not great bargains as the clothes are made especially for the outlet stores so they are not the quaility one would get at the brand stores "regular" stores.

Do have a beautiful trip! I hope you will have time after you get home and settled in to give us a trip report. Best wishes to the two of you.

TravelTess

Go to Nepenthe for a drink ONLY - the food is dreadful and overpriced but the views are terrific. Have dinner at the Ventana Inn, instead.

You've packed too much into Day 8. You haven't put a visit to Carmel Beach on your itinerary and that's a must-do on day 7, at sunset. Since you've got so many parks you're planning to visit in Big Sur, I'd skip Point Lobos. It's beautiful but you'll see a lot of the same you've already experienced at Big Sur.

TravelTess

You've gotten some really good advice from many helpful people. Besides what I've already suggested, I'd like to suggest some more.

You didn't mention when you're coming nor on which days of the week that you'll be traveling. Please know that if you are planning to drive from L.A. to Santa Barbara on a weekend, you're going to hit heavy beach traffic so be prepared to be in your car a long time or leave really early.

Now, some more tweaking. Please remember that I think you have a wonderful trip planned and my suggestions are merely something that I would prefer, being a CA native, living on the central coast...I just can't help myself. OK, now that the requsite caveat is out of the way....

Day 5 - Yes, spend the morning in SB but skip SLO. You're going to see enough of the rest of CA that is very similar to SLO and it feels like a wasted day, to me. I suggest you drive to Cambria/San Simeon from SB, skipping boooooring Morro Bay and spend the night in the Cambria area doing all of the wonderful things you have already planned. The next day, tour all of Big Sur, as you have outlined but for dinner and the night, go to Monterey rather than spending the night in Big Sur. You can see the sunset in Carmel and have dinner downtown (I can make suggestions, if you like). The next day, spend the morning, as you said, at the aquarium, then drive Ocean View Blvd. all the way around PG, seeing Asilomar etc., to the PG-Pebble Beach gate. Have lunch at one of the restaurants at the Inn at Spanish Bay and your gate entrance fee will be reimbursed by the restaurant. I suggest Roy's. You have an ocean view with fabulous fusion cuisine. We're regulars at that particular Roy's and bring visitors there frequently. As a matter of fact, we're vacationing on Maui right now (it's still morning here and I'm sipping coffee while the rest of my family is still snoozing) and had dinner at the Kihei location just last night. After lunch, continue your drive around PB, taking in the glorious coast.

While you're in SF, make sure you drive down Lombard Street. It's great fun, a windy cobblestone street with beautiful views and homes. Have a drink at the Carnelian Room, at the top of the Bank of America building or at the Top of the Mark (Mark Hopkins Hotel) for a lovely view of the bay and GG Bridge (if it's not foggy). Coit Tower is also nice to drive up to and take in the vistas. Of course, Twin Peaks will offer views of the bay area that are breathtaking. If you enjoy the theatre, SF usually has some wonderful plays or musicals and of couse, the museums are amazing!

OK, if I come up with more ideas, I'll post...you're still reading these suggestions, right?

ggreen

I'm posting with the caveat that I'm a NYer who's only visited Cali as a tourist! But I wanted to add to the food suggestions, as it's always my experience that as extensive as my restaurant list is, I inevitably end up hungry in an area for which I have no recommendations!

If you're driving up the coast from LA to SB, the Malibu Seafood fish shack makes awesome tuna burgers and more. (On the inland side, sign is a large (neon?) lobster. One side of the shop sells uncooked fish and seafood by the pound, the other has food prepared to order.)

A number of years ago, we car-camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur and ate both dinner and breakfast at the restaurant there. I remember it being very tasty; my BF had stuffed trout at dinner (though I can't remember what I had)! Yummy buckwheat pancakes with blueberries for breakfast and lots of real maple syrup...

Conversely, I remember being distinctly unimpressed with the food in Yosemite - though of course I can't remember which of the park's eateries we tried! (I do remember it was gooey, bland pasta of some sort!)

Have a great trip - sounds wonderful - I'm jealous!

microdol

When you get here, do this:

Pick up your rental car, then find the nearest place like a store or drug store, and buy the cheapest foam cooler you can get. $5 should do it.
Then find a store and buy a case of water, and a case of whatever pop you like to drink.
Why ?
Because if you do it that way, you will save a fortune - I have seen 12 oz. bottles of water go for $3.50 - EACH.
You can get a CASE of bottled water for $5.00. Pop I have seen go for $1.75, a case of pop (24 cans) may run you $6 or $7.
Any big drug store or store like Target or Wal-Mart will have coolers, and drinks also.

You will save a fortune, especially over 3 weeks. Ice you can get for free at your hotel/motel, or spend $1.50 on a bag at a kwik shop. But don't buy your pop or water there, it's too $$$$$$$

Califgal

Just be sure you store the cooler in a "bear box" in Yosemite. Don't leave it in your car as the bears are very smart and know what coolers look like, even with blankets draped over them. They can recognize the shape of the cooler and will break into the car to get them - even if all the cooler contains is ice and water. You can safely lock it in your trunk (where a bear cannot see it) IF it does not smell of food. Your trip sounds great. I wish we could go!

joools

Wow - great suggestions. Am going to digest and get back shortly!
Think the many suggestions to cut out S.L.O make sense - will try and get some alternative accomodation nearer to Hearst Caslte. Not too sure about cutting out Big Sur Stay though - that would only give me one day for Big Sur & Hearst Castle.
Will try and fit some more of San Fran into my itinerary too.
Am now also leaning towards cutting out Bodie - might leave it as a "maybe" dependign on the time & temperature on the day!
And thanks for all the practical advise on food & water!

TravelTess

No it wouldn't Jools...read my day 5 suggestion, again. You'll have one full day to tour all the beauty of Big Sur.

TravelTess

To clarify, instead of staying in SLO, spend the night in Cambria. Instead of staying in Big Sur, stay in Monterey. It just makes more sense to me.

Barbara

You could stay in San Simeon, very close to Hearst Castle, so it's easier to get an early start. We stayed at the Best Western Cavalier and it was very comfortable, clean, oceanfront and reasonably priced.

http://www.cavalierresort.com/

mlgb

I don't think you need to spend a night in SLO, but I do think it is worth a stop in the old town area for stretching your legs and eating at Big Sky Cafe. That's what I do.

I don't find Cambria all that interesting unless you are into trinket shops or glass. But it is a convenient stopping point for Hearst. Robin's is nice and they also do take away foods.

ggreen

Oh yes, we did the styrofoam cooler thing, too. A must on a road trip!

As for bears and coolers and how clever they are, anyone remember this story from a few years ago?
"Bear drinks 36 cans of favorite beer"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat...eer-bear_x.htm

Peripatetic

If you are in Yosemite on a Sunday, you should try out the brunch at Ahwahnee. We really enjoyed it esp since it came after a grueling day of hiking
As far as the Vegas buffets go, try Paris or Alladin. Loved the desserts at Paris, but Alladin had the foods of the world theme which was pretty incredible too.

joools

Thanks all! I've got lots of notes for my trip - just have to wait another few weeks to go!!

Traveltess - Sorry I misunderstood your post. So you think that I should visit Hearst on Day 5? I checked out their website - the last tour is 3.40 for Tour 1 and 3.20 for Tour 2. The mileage that jtrandolph sugggests from S.B to Cambria is about 140. Do you think that this is doable to get to Hearst by 3pm, after spending the mornign in Santa Barbara, with stops along the way for Pismo Beach, and maybe a quick stop at Morro Rock?

Much to my disappointment, I won't be in Yosemite on a Sunday, so will have to leave sunday brunch at the Ahwahanee until next time! But you can be sure I'll visit a Vegas Buffet!

bear900

Joools:

I was looking up some information for myself when I came across your itinerary. We’re rather fast paced travelers ourselves, or perhaps I just enjoy cramming a lot in, much to my wife’s protests but followed by her exhausted enjoyment. So I keep doing it.

With such an extended road trip, may I suggest you download Google Earth? http://earth.google.com/

It’s free, and there are many viewing options including road maps, lodging and restaurants along the way to view. I sometimes use it for no other reason then to get a quick bearing even though I know my way around – pretty much. It may keep you from shooting yourself in the foot by planning excursions that backtrack, as other posters have already pointed out especially in day 6. (Hint for Google Earth: Type the city and state at the top left and enter. Hold down your left mouse button to move around on the map; use your scroll wheel to zoom in and out.)

I agree you did an excellent job planning especially from so far away. I love to ask questions while I’m traveling and dismayed how few people can give directions much less practical tips. For that reason I will offer a few of both. These may already be out of your immediate plans from what I am reading. Even if you bypass these tips, someone else might be able to use them.

That you and others may selectively read my comments I will break them down for you in a several posts covering only the area that I can be of benefit to you. I won’t attempt to hijack your schedule. The information is detailed but may help you smell some of the flowers and not just a lot of hiway on your trip. I have not posted for about a year and probably will be another year when I post again.

Day 4: After leaving the parking lot of L.A. (it’s worse then any sheep poo you might step upon in Ireland), you mentioned a visit to the Outlets. The California Outlets have much to be desired and there are much better places with often better bargains if you look around in the larger cities (L.A. & SF). We have stopped and poked around each outlet maybe once or twice. We feel them a waste of time unless we’re absolutely bored. Otherwise I would head straight for SB.

Quick tip: If you really need to stop for gas or just a restroom break on your way down to SB (adding to other practical advice being given), look for the Point Hueneme (pronounced Yneme) exit, just past Camarillo. I believe it’s the Victoria exit. Just off the exit you will find an unusually well-stocked gas station. If we have to stop, I head for that station as it has just about everything you can imagine, including marble bathrooms, and much more in a micro-mini store setting. Down the road just a bit (Thompson exit in Ventura) is Bad Ass Coffee (real name of a Hawaiian coffee franchise) if you have a need for that.
http://www.badasscoffee.com/storedirectory.php These have both been life savers on more then one occasion. I’m hoping these thoughts will benefit you as well as other California drivers.

You mentioned visiting Stearns Wharf in SB. Here is a virtual tour be worthwhile viewing.
http://www.santabarbara.com/virtual_tour/stearns_wharf/

The Harbor Restaurant has good chowder and decent food for those desiring to eat at there.

A tightly-quartered restaurant that draws mostly locals is Brophys down the beach a bit. It’s good for lunch, drinks and “if you want to be seen” atmosphere. Avoid the fried food as it’s a bit greasy. This site has reviews from terrible to outstanding. Otherwise a rather fun place.

http://www.santabarbara.com/dining/r...restaurant=611

bear900

More thoughts….

Day 5: Leaving SB. Getting off the path a bit will open up some otherwise unseen beauty, but well worth the extra time. If you’re up to it, take the San Marcos Pass (hiway 154) exit off the 101 as you are leaving northbound from Santa Barbara. If you miss it, the rest of this is history. If you take this drive, you will wind pass Cachuma Lake. Turn left (east) on hiway 246 when that appears and drive a short distance into Santa Ynez and towards Solvang (follow with me on Google Earth if you can). You will pass Chumash Casino. These are more scenic country roads and these complete directions will add perhaps a couple of hours or so to your drive. Stopping and examine the sights along the way will take more time. Between Santa Ynez and Solvang, turn right onto Alamo Pintado Road. Follow the yellow road (on Google Earth). This is a scenic back road into the town of Los Olivos. Here is a bicycle riding map of these same directions.

http://www.sbbike.org/region/rides/Sideways-2.pdf

From Los Olivos jog a very short way on hiway 154, until you see Foxen Canyon Road. This is the starting point for vineyards and wine tasting and is very scenic with its rolling hills especially during the green season. Here’s a map including wineries along the way.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jimbatterson/trailmap.html

At the Zaca Road and Foxen Road crossing, you will stay to the left and stay on Foxen Canyon for a while past the wineries and into ag country. At the end, Foxen Canyon becomes Betteravia Street and puts you back onto 101 South at Santa Maria. You are now about 45 minutes into SLO.

San Luis Obispo is our second home as my wife works there and I in nearby Shell Beach, so I will focus my comments to this and surrounding area. We do the “drives”(coastal and inland) nearby frequently and while enjoying all the places that have been given a thumb up or down, have our preferences based on what doesn’t become “stagnant” to us. That will differ from tourist-to-tourist and tourist-to-local as I am sure is true most everywhere. Here are a few recommendations to enhance you trip and get a fuller flavor for what is nearby, instead of a lot of boring freeway. You will see primarily rolling hills, vineyards, wineries and some agriculture. If this doesn’t interest you, stay on hiway 101.

On your way north to SLO (back on hiway 101 from Betteravia), you can exit Grand Avenue and Route 227. Turn right (east) and Grand Street is now named Branch Street. Drive through the small scenic “village” of Arroyo Grande. Here’s an interesting picture presentation of various spots along the 101, including this exit.

http://www.westcoastroads.com/califo...s-101e_ca.html

If you’re on Google Earth, you can follow 227 until you reach Edna Valley Road where you will turn left. This is a scenic back route into SLO that we take often. The deli in the heart of Edna Valley is excellent if the owner hasn’t sold it yet. The winding road of route 227 makes for a pleasant and scenic drive.

Next, SLO…..

bear900

To see or not to see SLO?

I’m partial to SLO. I love it here and never tire of it, whereas I tire quickly of Cambria and Moro Bay, which admittedly are favorite spots especially for the occasionals from inland. I like Moonstone beach in Cambria, and the pines, but you are going to see so much more and better in Carmel and Pacific Grove. The two or so good eateries in Cambria don’t demand it a place to hang out. It’s a place made mostly popular by people from the valley for weekend retreats, as an alternate to the Monterey peninsula. It’s a good place to visit, but not to spend a whole lot of time if you’re on the road, IMHO. I know others will differ.

If you decide on the back entrance into SLO (prior post), Edna Valley Road becomes Broad Street in SLO. At Broad and Orcutt on the left side is Cool Cats, a 50’s style sandwich joint in the Cross-Roads (small shopping center). Or, a bit further ahead is High Street, where if you turn left, and drive a few blocks you will find a dismal hole (that we all love) called Hide Street Market & Deli. It’s a favorite of Cal-Poly students, business people and cow-pokes alike. You won’t get this in Cambria.

From Broad Street, (just past High Street), turn right onto Church Street and left on Garden Street to see some nice Victorian homes. Turn right on Marsh Street (one way) then left on Chorro Street. This will take you straight to the Spanish Mission. Pass the mission and turn right onto Palm Street. You will see a parking structure immediately to your left. You may park and walk back to the Mission Plaza. This entire area is great for walking and sightseeing. At Mission Plaza, you will see a bridge spanning a creek. You can walk across and straight into Cisco’s Deli in the Network (small shopping area). Grab a sandwich or salad and dine out on the patio alongside the creek. This will be a different experience from the rest of your touring along the central coast. College students and tourists abound here. Eliminating a visit to SLO won’t give you a full experience of the area. Time and preference however, often dictate.

I was at Madonna Inn (in SLO) last week for a conference, and reminded of what we often take for granted here. Our guest speaker from out of state couldn’t wait to have a look around this unique piece of property. The food served there is a bit on the high side but excellent, as is the service.

I’m giving you a head’s up on why the area around SLO and the town itself are a good place to visit as opposed to those who are anxious to stay away. It makes for an excellent contrast with interesting features. I walk Shell Beach (beautiful spot) at lunch on occasion, but I still love SLO and the mountains surrounding it. Speaking of mountains, Bishops peak off Highland Drive is a favorite hike for the strong at heart. For Cal-Poly students it’s almost a must. It’s no wonder that so many students long to make this their home after graduation.

On Higuera Street, we enjoy The Natural Café, a franchise from Santa Barbara. All of Higuera Street closes every Thursday night for a Farmer’s market which is much more then the name implies.

I also feel you should see Moro Rock while touring the central coast, just as many are compelled to see Haystack Rock while driving the Oregon coast. It’s just there. So see it. From SLO, take Los Osos Valley Road across hiway 101, towards Los Osos/Baywood Park. Montana de Oro while nice won’t compare to Point Lobos State Reserve. A view of the rock from the back-bay, (the directions I gave you) is unique. In Los Osos, turn right onto South Bay Blvd to get to the town of Moro Bay. It’s our preferred route. The Elfin Forrest near that junction is unique but you may not have the time for it. The drive from SLO to San Simeon is about an hour and people commute from San Simeon to work in SLO. Maybe that will help you decide on where to stay.

In either case, I hope you have a wonderful trip, as you are planning so hard to do.

Ben
[email protected]

joools

Thanks SO much Ben - I had been toying with the idea of driving out of S.B through the mountains - and I think you just may have convinced me! I will take a look at Google earth this evening after work.
J