We're planning to drive from Cambria to Pacifica on August 7. Will that take about 6 hours on Rt 1? Probably we'd be too late and too tired to stop at the aquarium in Monterrey? But maybe Nepeenthes (poor speller. sorry) for lunch? Two adults, two boys 11 and 14, rental car (as opposed to van with tv). Thanks for suggestions.

I'd say 6 hours should be about right, not including stops. You will want to stop often along the way to view the scenery and since the drive is intense for the driver (no letting the mind wander like on the freeway), esspecially south of Carmel, breaking the day up to wander around Monterey or Santa Cruz is probably a pretty good idea. That way everyone can get out of the car for a good while.

I'm glad to know you will not be travelling in a vehicle with a television in it. You will be driving through some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere and it would be sacrilege for anyone to watch television on the drive.

A stop in Monterey or Carmel should be approx. half way on your trip--2-3 hours from Cambria and 3 hours to Pacifica.

Depends on how many stops you have to make.

The road from Cambria through Big Sur to Carmel should be taken at about 30mph. After that, you can speed up to 60 mph.

It's 20mph if you want to stop awhile here and there for the gorgeous view.

It's 10 mph if you want to take a "little hike" to see the redwoods and the waterfalls.

Ooof. That's a long drive. Maybe it's best to see how we feel when we get to Monterey. Stop if we want or push on if we want. Road trip. Get out on the highway. Born to be wild. That sort of thing...

Keep in mind that summer is the high season on the California coast. In August, lodging is likely to be booked solid. If you can break the trip up into 2 days, I would definitely do it - and make reservations ahead of time. If you just pull into town hoping to find a place to stay the night, you may be out of luck. If you find a vacancy, you will likely pay through the nose for it.

If you break the trip up into 2 days, you can spend more time exploring Big Sur and Monterey, and on the second day you could stop in Santa Cruz for a few hours.

It will be a lot of serious driving for sure, but it will be very nice and you will see a ton of the California coast.
You may want to stop for a soda at Nepenthe and have lunch at the River Inn in Big Sur. The food is better and MUCH cheaper, plus the kids can check out the river and burn off some energy.

Be prepared to hit some traffic in Santa Cruz. It can be very slow from Capitola all the way down Mission Street (which is hiway 1).

If you could, it would be nice to break up the drive with a stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz. The kids will most likely enjoy Santa Cruz more.

Thanks again. I'll think a little more and report back...