Hi—Trying to get some info on Leg 3/Central Coast of a weeklong first trip to West Coast. We are really looking forward to seeing the Pacific, especially the rocky coastline in the Big Sur area. We’re not big on shopping (but would like to find shops with rock, wood, other natural crafted stuff), one of us on a cane, so a little slow on walking but do have disabled parking permit. Mainly want to take in the ocean views, see a little of the mission-era sites. Usually look for accommodations of the AAA 3-diamond type, but anything okay if clean, safe, decent, and where a non-smoking reservation is met with a non-smoking room, breakfast a plus—won’t be spending much time there. If you can answer any questions, provide helpful comments, or tell me if I am way off-base, or getting ripped off, I would greatly appreciate it!

Day 1
Overall plan is to start from Agoura Hills/Rt 101, and end up in Cambria for the night—this is the first night we will have a chance to see an ocean sunset! Will take 101 to Santa Barbara area, maybe see the beach and the mission, then a quick look at Solvang, then through San Luis Obispo to Rt. 1. Don’t yet have any very detailed local maps, but would like to know, in general, from Rt. 1 along the coast, will we need to get off onto local roads to see/access the ocean and/or are there designated places to pull off the road to view the ocean?

We are thinking to have a look around Morro Bay and some of the state park areas. Anyone familiar with the winery in Harmony? We’ve never toured any wineries yet and this seemed to be right on our way. Will spend the night probably at the Fogcatcher or possibly the Cypress Cove Inn ($89 w/breakfast for either). Also not sure what to expect weather-wise--does anyone actually use the outdoor heated pools in this area the last week of April, or, is it still too cold? In general, would a lightweight fleece jacket and a hooded windbreaker be enough to pack for warmth on this trip? Will the shops in Cambria be open at night?

Day 2
Plan to stop at Hearst Castle visitor’s center, but not planning on a tour—sounds like too many stairs on the regular tours and the more accessible tour doesn’t sound as exciting in comparison, so maybe another time for that. Again, continuing north, are there designated areas to pull over for the views we hope to find? We are planning to invest our walking energy at the Julia Pheiffer Burns State Park on the walk to the falls, which is said to be accessible. Still deciding on other parks to visit. Want to check out info on the sea otter refuge. Also, will try to do a short walk at Pt. Lobos if we get up there before closing. Probably stay at Best Western Bayview in Carmel ($98 w/breakfast). Think I saw someone mention Forge (?) restaurant which is across the street and sounds easy. Would shops in this area be open at night? Is the 17-mile drive worth doing in the time we have, or before leaving in the morning?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated—we’re just not sure how to pace this given the limited time we have. Thanks!

I've stayed at the Cypress Cove Inn and really enjoyed it. Check out the Sow's Ear Cafe in Cambria for a really nice meal!

Yes, the 17 Mile Drive is one of the most gorgeous drives in our state. Don't miss it. If you have a meal at Roy's, they will re-imburse you for the entrance fee.

I'm not sure what time the shops in Carmel close, I think some stay open later than others. We're headed to Carmel ourselvves next month. Have a great time! ***kim***

Just got back last week from a trip up the coast.
Stayed at Cypress Cove Inn on Kims recommendation, it was great Thanks Kim !!... Orignally Booked a 79.00 king but when we got there upgraded to the king with a patio/oceanview, just lovely. Best location on moonstone beach. The shops closed early in Cambria, we had lunch at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill on the patio and dinner at the Sea Chest, both were good. You could walk to both from the Cypress Cove...
We drove up 1 and there are "Vista Points" and pull offs all along the up US1.
During the week, the shops in Carmel closed early 5:00/6:00ish.
Try and get to Point Lobos, you can see spectacular ocean views there and do not need to do the entire length of a trail.

Thanks, Kim and Donna! Yes, the Sow's Ear sounds nice. Kim, are you familiar with the Fogcatcher? Not long ago I thought someone might have compared the two--was it you?

I've seen many mentions of fog--how often and what time does it usually lift?

Thanks, again!

The Fogcatcher is the sister property to Cypress Cove. They were actually are our first choice, but they were booked so we tried Cypress Cove.

The Fogcatcher is right next door to CCI and they have a pool that guests can use if they're staying at Cypress Cove. I haven't seen the inside of the rooms, but the exterior of the building is the same as the Cypress Cove. ***kim***

The weather in April is generally pretty nice - the rain is generally done by the end of April and the fog is light. As with any trip to the CA coast, layers are your best bet because it will likely be cool in the mornings and evennings and warmer during the day time. A windbreaker with a sweater and long pants should be sufficient for the cool times.

We stayed at the Fogcatcher in February and the room was lovely, cathedral ceiling, fireplace in room and very comfortable beds. We also loved the hot tub...it was a little too chilly to swim in the pool though!

The breakfast was self service and fine.

The shops were open quite late in the evening while we were there and we browsed after dinner.

The Sea Otter refuge is the whole coast from north of Santa Barbara to Sonoma County. Just keep an out for them. Pt. Lobos is a good place to spot them or around the wharf in Monterey.
The restaurant in Carmel is the Forge in the Forest. They just finished a remodel and it's lovely.

I'm not sure you see much of anything of interest at the Hearst Castle visitors center. The castle itself is up a hill and you have to take a transport up. You should look into it, my memory is faded, but I'm just not sure it's worth it. The castle, IMO, is definitely worth it and I don't remember too many stairs either.

Thanks for your helpfulness! I wish we had a little more time, of course!

J_Correa, thanks for the lowdown on the weather/clothing situation. I need to start figuring out just what to pack soon!

Think we're going with the Fogcatcher over the Cypress Cove, Kim, now that you mentioned they are adjacent, sister properties. Reasons? Mainly hubby is English, so we're going with the illusion of the thatched roof! LOL! And the closer proximity to the hot tub, highflyer!

Viamar, thanks for clearing up the sea otter mystery! We probably will check out the Forge in the Forest since it is said to be across from the BW Bayview. Would a reservation be necessary, do you think?

LPC48, on the Hearst website, I had the impression that the castle could be seen from the visitor's center. If that's not really the case, I think we will just skip it and concentrate on the rest of Big Sur. In my fantasy of the ideal place to live, I am in the forest, overlooking the crashing sea. Not until I started doing this research did I realize that I probably will not want to leave Big Sur. I absolutely love the tip of Cape Breton along the Cabot Trail but it wouldn't be my cup of tea in winter. Big Sur, however, sounds like it could fit the bill (just not the wallet and the family circumstances), so I think we will just spend that day soaking up the scenery.

Just a little worried about fog after reading other reviews!

Thanks, again!

If you have a certain time that you want to eat than make reservations. The Forge is a big restaurant w/ indoor and outdoor dining. Maybe check it out before and decide what area you'd like to dine in, then make a reservation for the area you like best. Try the sand dab sandwich, it's the best.

My brochure says the Forge in the Forest was voted "Best Outdoor Dining since 1992!" I do want to try the sand dab sandwich and have the Forge on our list for our first lunch.

Does anyone have any opinions on Tutto Mundo in Carmel for an Italian lunch? We've been to Casanova and really enjoyed it. ***kim***