DH and I are going to a conference in San Francisco in January. We thought we would take a few days after the show to drive to the Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur area. We're from FL.

We have 4 nights and 5 days--where would you suggest we stay? (generally or specifically--<$180 a night)Are we trying to do too much?

Definitely not doing too much--drive from SF to Monterey/Carmel will take 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Do a search for prior threads, there have been very recent threads discussing places to stay in the Carmel/Monterey area, as well as restaurants. You can take a nice day trip south of Carmel and do the big sur drive. May even want to consider going down to Hearst Castle for the day and taking the tour (it's about a 2 hour drive from Carmel to Hearst Castle). If you want to do that, you must order the tickets well in advance--you can do that at hearstcastle.com.

You are not trying to do too much. Depending on your preferences or lodgng, I'd check out priceline and see if you can get the Monterey Plaza or call direct and see what midwinter prices they have during the week. You should be able to get something for less than $180/noc that way. Otherwise, we're staying at the Best Western Monarch Resort in Paciic Grove for three days over the New Years weekend. It is in Pacific Grove near the light house,fireplaces and heated outdoor pool with jacuzzi. With triple A or AARP discount, rack rate is $100/noc.

With 5 days you should have plenty of time to get out of SF to see some of the sights. From SF to Monterey is about a 3 hour drive assuming no real traffic problems. The scenic 280 to 17 to 1 is the best route to take. Highway 1 between SF and Monterey is not all too scenic, and in the winter time there are often parts of the road that are closed, especially along Devil's Slide area. THe link below is a map of the most popular places to sightsee along Highway 1.

http://www.pelicannetwork.net/big.sur.coast.htm

Pacific Grove has lots of inns and B=bed and breakfasts. It's very close to both Monterey and Carmel and generally the accomodatons there are more reasonable that in either Monterey or Carmel.

www.pacificgrove.org

If you deciide to visit Hearst Castle, be sure to make reservations in advance. On the way to Monterey I'd also suggest stopping along the way in San Jose as well. There are a number of great museums, restaurants, as well as shopping in the city. The Tech and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museums are two of the ones I would recommend. The Winchester Mystery House is also a fun place to visit. www.sanjose.org

Have a great time in California.

OK, BOTH you, San Jose booster of so many screen names, AND you, Questionmotives, can you lay off the continual arguments so some discussion of Northern California can survive in this forum without being deleted over your quarrels, as so many others have? Isn't it clear that every time one of you posts, it just goads the other into a shriller reply? Let's everyone post just once (unless asked a genuinely inquisitive rater than argumentative question), under one screen name, and not attack others personally. Then readers will be best able to form their own conclusions from the opportunity to hear a wide variety of opinions. That's an opportunity they will lose if you two cause forums involving any place anywhere near San Jose to be cut off because they have become dominated by your incivility.

Carmel is a great place to stay, full of funky B&Bs, with both downtown and the beach within walking distance. We like to stay at the Green Lantern Inn (the Holly is our favorite room, about $89/night), stroll up to Jack London's (the only place open after 9 pm in Carmel) for a late dinner and then walk back to take a moonlight walk on the beach, before returning to fall asleep to the sounds of the surf outside our window. Carmel is nicely situated between Monterey and Big Sur.

Just south of Half Moon Bay, there is a beach called Ano Nuevo. If you are interested in seeing some wildlife, you can make a reservation to view the elephant seals who are there this time of year. It is absolutely wonderful. Here is the link to the site
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=523

If you like antiques, both Half Moon Bay and Pescadero are good towns. this part of the coast is really beautiful this time of year and very few tourists check it out.

Marci,
I posted info yesterday in response to your inquiry of the Best Western Carmel Bay View Inn for $80/night, Deetjen's, general Carmel info, and restaurant recommendations, if you're interested. I felt the Bay View Inn could be a good value for you.

Now that you're interested in a more expensive place, you should be able to get pretty good rates for off-season, especially mid-week stays.

You said in the other post you had decided on Carmel and Big Sur, so you could check out historic old-Carmel hotels like LaPlaya, (near the beach)Pine Inn (in the heart of Carmel),or Cypress Inn,(if you really like pets.)
I've heard some Pine Inn & Cypress rooms can be small, so you need to inquire. There are lots of choice open to you, but I'd book asap.

I've enjoyed very good meals at LaPlaya's Terrace Grill overlooking the gardens and the Pine Inn has Il Fornaio, good Italian. Good luck in your search!

Marci in Monterey we like the Spindrift Inn located right in Cannery Row, it very nice and you can walk to all the hot spots. On the wharf (we were just there a couple of weeks ago) we like Albonetti's and Domenico's. Cafe Fina also is nice and you can make reservations online there.

We stayed at the Sandpiper Inn in Carmel many years ago. It was very nice located in a residential area and walking distance to a very beautiful part of the ocean. The breakfast was very good there and treats are set out each pm for the guests. I hope you get see the Highland's Inn property. It's worth going to just to check out the views. The California Market is very good for lunch. I love their fish tacos and Tahatiian vanilla creme brulee there.

I hope you have a great trip! Also, in the Monterey area is the BW Monterey Beach Resort that is located directly on the ocean with a nice stretch of beach. Our family loves this place!! ***kim***

I just posted a separate topic on an item I found in NY Times today about a deal (buy one night get one night free) on certain inns on the west coast. There's one in Carmel and one in Pacific Grove. You can check out the post, or go to www.foursisters.com.

Good work, almesq. Four sisters inns are all charming, well-run places, so this is a good deal. The inn in Carmel with the 2-for-1 is The Cobblestone Inn and in Pacific Grove, The Gosby House Inn. The website has pictures. Gee, I wish I were going! amp;

I just wanted to say thanks for the great information. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I'm not always in front of a computer so I'm sorry for my slow response.
We're booked at a cheaper place in Caramel for the entire trip, but I'm still evaluating my options.

Marci,

Abi has outlined a great itineray. We did a very similar trip south of SF to San Jose, Monterey, and Big Sur a a few months back and really enjoyed it. You will have plenty of time for some sidetrips to the Monterey and San Jose areas from SF. I agree wholeheartedly with the suggestion of staying in Pacific Grove in the Monterey area. When we visited San Jose we stayed at the Hyatt Saint Claire downtown which was a fabulous hotel.

Would like info. on this area for 3/2004. This time last year we were in British Columbia (Vancouver, Vanc. Island and Whistler). It was gorgeous and we had a great time. Wanted to go somewhere new, but have diversity...thought of the Calif. Coast and then maybe into Yosemite and then on into one of the ski areas. Will be traveling with our 16yr. old son. We like: whale watching, tidal pool searches, outdoor beauty, and of course good skiing. How will this trip compare with Canada? Where should we fly into?
Have read the posts on hotels and restaurants...have that in mind.
Thanks,

We just did a similar trip with two kids and loved it. Our best trip tip is to rent a car with a GPS-Hertz has them standard in their cars. Absolutely a lifesaver. The PCH can be trecherous (sp?) if the weather is bad-it almost caused my husband to drink!!! Falling rocks and mud slides were more than we bargained for. Check priceline for rates-we saved a bundle. Near the Hearst Castle is San Luis Obisbo and the Madonna Inn-a funky inn with a good restaurant. Also if you are a golfer, be sure to stop and see Pebble Beach. Even if you don't golf, it's breathtaking. Nepenthe was also a suggestion for us but due to the weather we passed.