Drive from San Francisco to LA
 

My wife and I are going to drive from SF to LA and are looking for places/things to see along the way.
We want to take 2 days for the drive.(maybe 3)
What should we go see? How long does it take to drive this using the 101?
Thanks!

If you intend to stop and sitesee, you will want AT LEAST 3 days. Monterey, Carmel is beautiful. Monterey Aquarium is excellent if you like that type of thing. Carmel is quaint and expensive. Do the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. Drive down Hwy. 1 through Big Sur is spectacular as long as you don't suffer from car sickness. Check on currenty road conditions as El Nino did some serious damage and a bridge was out earlier in the year. I'm sure it's fixed by now. Hearst Castle near Cambria is a must see, get your tickets ahead of time because big tour operators hog most of them in the summer and weekends. Santa Barbara (beautiful mission) and the Santa Ynez Valley (Solvang) and wine country (Los Olivos) are very nice too. You could easily make this a week trip, depends on what you like to see. Have fun and write back if you want more specifics or have different areas of interest.

Pat, Dayle had WONDERFUL suggestions...."I second" to all of them. One addition....if you decide to see Hearst Castle, try and stay nearby at the Madonna Inn -- a real kick in itself....each room is done in a different 'decor' (Cave, Boudoir, Western, etc.)

I agree with all - but I suggest you by pass Carmel and visit Monterrey - and stay around Pacific Grove. Secondly- you must see Hearst Castle and Solvang. Stay at Morro Bay. I would not use Highway 101 - use Highway 1 - it runs along the coast. We made it in two days from Huntington Beach to Morro- and then to Pacific Grove. From Pacific Grove to San Fran. - about 2 hours. While in Monterrey you need to visit the Aquarium - it is one of the best I have ever seen.

Great ideas all. Here's a suggestion for a wonderful place to stay in Pacific Grove -- THe Grandview Inn is just beautiful. We spent two glorious days there last year and i can still go back there in my mind just by the mention of the place. Have fun.

Dear Fellow Traveller,
all of the above is fantastic information but please check road conditions between San Luis Obispo & Carmel as El Nino has created a few problems with the road. Take three days and really enjoy the sites. Safe Travelling.

Just came from there. Must agree that those are wonderful suggestions. Our regret was we didn't have time to stop over at many of the places mentioned. We did Monterey and Solvang and there were just too many sights to savour along the way. I agree abt highway 1. Why take 101 when you can do Highway 1. Bear in mind the journey takes longer and it is a more ardous drive. The highway is open the whole stretch but controlled traffic at some points. Shouldn't be a problem... Enjoy!!

Love this part of the country! Carmel is not that expensive. Hearst Castle and the mission at Santa Barbara are absolutely tops. Our room at the Madonna Inn (2/1998) cost about $90 - well worth it. <BR>