Donna1185

Do you know how long it is from Hearst Castle to Carmel on US1?
Now were thinking we should book another night in Carmel area or Pacific Grove. But that would mean penalties in flight and then another day on the rental car & another night on a room.
We'd really want to go to Pt. Lobos and Pfiepher State Park, but I feel like were running out of time.

moneygirl

Donna, May I ask why you are coming all the way from New York and only planning for 3 nights in the area? Just curious. Keep in mind that you driving plans may be (but hopefully not) impacted by weather. I would drive on the 101 until Santa Barbara and then head for the 152 (The pass) through Santa Ynez and Los Olivos for a bit of local color. You will end up back on the 101. Stay on the 101 until you get to the 46 turnoff for Cambria. I would skip the Cambria night and add a night to Carmel... unless the Sea Lions are still here and you have an interest in seeing them. Awo nights in CArmel sounds like it would allow you to see what you want to see there. Point Lobos, as other posters have said, is a do not miss and you will want to stay several hours.

babs001

I shouldn't even bring this up, but IF you get to the point of contemplating a change in flight plan, consider flying home from San Jose instead of going clear back to Oakland.

Drive the route that moneygirl suggested from SB. It will make best use of your time and it is still very scenic, you are just not a water's edge. Always be mindful of what the weather can do. Your timetable could be shot to heck in a pea soup fog coming up the coast.

Donna1185

We are flying to CA for a wedding and will be staying 2 nights in Dana Point, so we only have 3 nights to drive up.
The drive from Santa Barbara to Carmel on US1 seems far, not sure how long it will take us.

Donna1185

Can't fly out of SanJose, were taking Jet Blue and there flight times are ridiculous. That was our plan at first.
Where does the scenic part of US1 really start? Pea Soup Fog... Yikes....
All....I really appreciate all of your patience will all of the questions I have..

babs001

I have not done this exact drive...I came in to Carmel/Big Sur area from the north and to Cambria from the south...haven't driven part of the distance just to the north of San Simeon. I can tell you that the distance between Santa Barbara and San Simeon (my husband & I are scratching our heads), think about 3 hours. There is ebb and flow to the traffic as it slows down for the towns as (this is not a limited access highway). If you leave SB first thing in the morning you should be able to do your tour at HC and head back out by early afternoon. Maybe you could grab lunch on Moonstone Beach Dr either before or after your tour just so you could see it. Check mapquest and expedia (mapquest is better I think) and compare the time listed on each for the drive from San Simeon and Carmel. That should give you a pretty good idea of driving time.

Donna1185

We'd be leaving from Santa Barbara and I had checked out MapQuest last week they say Santa Barbara to Carmel is 4 1/2 hours but thats via 101.
Cambria to Carmel via US1/Cabrillo Highway (is that US1?) is 100 miles, approximately 2 hours.
So I'm guessing the most scenic part of the highway is from Cambria up to Carmel?

moneygirl

Yes, you will save time if you take the 101 from Santa Maria all the way to the 46 turn off and head over to the 1 that way. I am happy to answer any other specific questions about driving routes. If you drive form Santa Barbara to Cambria and need to stop for breakfast or luch... you MUST eat at the Madonna Inn's Copper Cafe' in San Luis Obispo! Delicious food and a real experience!

babs001

Yes, the more scenic part of the drive is between Cambria and Carmel (however, this is personal preference, as all the coast if great). This includes the Big Sur area. South of Cambria you have more of a 'southern' CA look to the coastline, while the Cambria area and on northward is a more 'northern' CA look.

Donna1185

When looking on the map, it doesn't look like US1 goes right along the coast from Santa Barbara to San Simeon/Cambria.
Both Mapquest & AAA use 101 until San Luis Obispos then you hop on US1.
What is the 46 turn off?
Its so confusing...
I think we are leaning towards staying the 2 nights in Carmel instead of the stop over in Cambria. From the directions it doesn't seem that bad of a drive.

xkenx

From the Hearst Castle area to Carmel is around 3 hours, because it is slow going on Big Sur Highway. Fastest way to Carmel from Santa Barbara is 101 to Salinas, then cut over. Speed limits all the way to Salinas are 65-70. Roughly 250 miles, 4-4 1/2 hours.

minnie17

Just want to correct what I am sure is a typo..the route moneygirl suggests from santa barbara to santa ynez and los olivos is highway #154, not highway #152.
minnie.

Grasshopper

Did you notice that Clint Eastwood gave a shout out to the gang at Carmel Mission Ranch last night? In my opinion you're missing an experience if you don't check this out. He hangs out in the restaurant there quite often.

Donna1185

Yes I heard it..
Is the ranch close to town?

Grasshopper

Donna, It's right behind the Mission. It's a 5 minute drive to town. It fills your criteria of being ON the water. It's on the bay, overlooking Point Lobos.