colombiana

Hello I am going to be visiting S.F. end of May 2006 I already made reservations to stay in Yosemite (through scenic wonders) I need to know which is the best route to leave Yosemite to go into Carmel will be there for about 2 days 1/2 and want to know what are the absolute can't miss things to do, am taking some friends that have never been and want to make sure they get the best if more days are needed to stay can go for 3 full days. Thank you for your help
Gina

J_Correa

For the route, I would leave through the south entrance on Hwy 41 and see the Mariposa grove on the way out. You head south on Hwy 41 and then cut over to Hwy 99 north and then take 152 west. Then 156 west to Hwy 1 and 1 south to Carmel. It is a pretty easy route. Once you leave Yosemite and the mountains, it isn't particularly scenic, but you have to get across the valley one way or the other. If you are interested in California history, the town of San Juan Bautista makes a nice stop.

In the Carmel area, I would definitely go to Point Lobos for some hiking and also into Monterey to see the aquarium. Other than that, it really depends on what your interest are.

colombiana

Hi J Correa, thank you for your help do you think more than 2 days would be too much for this area, meaning is it possible to see Point Lobos and do the 17 mile drive in the same day, or should split it.

StuDudley

Two days is enough time to see Point Lobos, Carmel shopping, a drive/walk along the beach in Carmel, 17 mile drive, Pacific Grove, Ocean View Blvd & Sunset Drive in PG, and the aquarium. Get to the aquarium early to avoid crowds.

Casanova is our favorite restaurant in Carmel.

Stu Dudley

TravelTess

JCorrea gave good directions with a good plan. I might add that Christopher's is THE restaurant to dine at in Carmel. It's located downtown, on Lincoln, just north of Ocean Ave.

colombiana

Thank you guys for your assistance. I have one more question (sorry) how far is the drive down from Yosemite taking in consideration that I may make a short stop at suggested sights.
Once again thank you.

Suzie

Well, if you plan to stop at the Mariposa Grove let's estimate your time from Fish Camp which is just outside the south entrance. From there it is a 4 hour drive to Carmel.

J_Correa

I would say about 4 hours from Fish Camp as well. From Yosemite valley to Fish Camp is about 45 minutes or so.

I think 2 days is fine - more would be ok too if you like to take things slow and have the time. It just depends on your travel style.

Point Lobos and 17 Mile drive in the same day makes sense. On the day you see the aquarium, I would go in the morning - definitely. Plan to spend 2-3 hours there.

kimamom

We just spent four days in Carmel, stayed at the Highland's Inn which was wonderful. We were in under the Timeshare for $79/night which was a great rate. We had an oceanview room with a Pt. Lobos view.

We enjoyed:

The Sunday Jazz Brunch at Mission Ranch
The Carmel Mission
Dinner at Little Napoli (a great Italian restaurant in Carmel)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium (close to 3 hours here)
Lunch at Schooner's Bistro at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Lunch at Casanova (we like to dine out on the back patio)
Shopping at Tiffany's for Christmas presents for the girls in our family
Dinner at the Sardine Factory in Monterey
An amazing dinner at Pacific's Edge @ the Highland's Inn
Pt. Lobos State Reserve (a great place where we enjoyed bike riding and photo shoots)
Lunch at the California Market

When we visited in May, we enjoyed a very nice dinner at Bouchee and toured the Carmel Valley wine region. Lunch at Wickets at the Bernardus Lodge was excellent and highly recommended.

Happy Holidays and enjoy your trip! ***kim***

colombiana

Hi Kim, thank you. I also owe a timeshare (Maui, Hawaii) mine is from Interval do you think I can possibly get it like that too?
thanks happy holidays Kim.

jtrandolph

If you visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (I would strongly suggest it) you can avoid standing in line for tickets by calling ahead. You may also be able to do this online. Then you just walk up to the will call window for your tickets.

colombiana

Thanks a lot I will Definitely do that I really appreciate that piece of advise.
Gina