Driving from Monterey to Hearst Castle
 

I know that it is approximately 90 miles from Monterey to Hearst Castle, but I'm considering doing it as a day trip. It looks to be a slow moving scenic drive, so I'm wondering how long it takes to make it from Monterey to Hearst Castle. Is it worth doing if I have to do the drive there and back in one day?

Allow 3-4 hours to drive those 90 miles. There's an alternative route back on 101 from Cambria which is not scenic, but will get you there much faster. I don't know that I would want to do Big Sur twice in one day and certainly would not like to drive it after dark.

That drive is one of those experiences that look better from a helicopter view overhead of the car winding down the road with the surf crashing on the rocky cliffs below than it does from that same car. In other words, the idea of it is better than the reality. We drove it a couple of years ago and I, as the driver, didn't dare take my eyes off the road long enough to really appreciate the view. My husband fared a little better, but it was pretty foggy most of the day and he really didn't see much either. It's a fairly grueling drive--and certainly not for anyone who suffers from motion sickness. We drove from Cambria to Pacific Grove (on the Monterey Penninsula) in half a day, but choose to drive 101 back from Pacific Grove to LA--what a relief. I think that if you drive the 'Seventeen Mile Drive' between Pacific Grove and Carmel, you'll get your fill of that type of scenery--don't misunderstand...it is spectacular and not to be missed, but our drive up the coast from LA to Pacific Grove wasn't quite what we'd expected. We did enjoy the Hearst Castle--although, again, the fog kept us from seeing the incredible view from the castle. Perhaps you should drive down to the castle using the scenic route--you'll at least be driving on the ocean side of the road--and back up to Monterey on the highway.

Thanks for your replies. I definately will not be making the drive both ways on the scenic route. How long does the drive take on the highway?

David, my husband and I did that drive, one way, last year. We found it a bit scary, but not terrifying {and I hate heights}. There are spots to turn off every other minute, so you can drive slowly. We thought it was well worth the drive - on a clear day.

On the highway--101 and I think 146 is what you take over the hill from Cambria, it should take about an hour and a half max depending on traffic and exactly where you are going in Monterey. Be aware that that stretch of 101 is a big time speed trap so don't go too fast. You'll actually go right by Salinas so if you have any interest in John Steinbeck, you could stop and see his home.

Hello David, My husband and I drove from Cambria to Monterey one day. Did the aquarium, had dinner on the warf and then drove coast highway back after dark. A beautiful drive in the daytime but wouldn't want to do it at night again. My husband was driving, thus I was on the side of all the cliffs! No lights of course and not much traffic. You might as another suggested, drive it during the day and then drive back on the other route. It will be faster and safer I am sure. As you are going down the coast at least one way, may I suggest you time it so you can enjoy lunch in Big Sur at a spot called Nepenthe. It was originally a house bought by Orson Wells for Rita Hayworth and I guess they didn't spend much time there so they sold it. Through time it has become a wonderful stop for lunch, gift shop and I believe there is also an art gallery. The scenery there is wonderful and good food. Sit outside and do enjoy. Also, you may want to stop and see the elephant seals resting on the beach. There is one spot where they are in abundance and there is a docent there to answer questions for you. Julia Phiffer(?) Burns State Park (close to Big Sur) is a nice spot also. You can take a nice hike in the woods and it winds around and ends up on the ocean and there is a pretty little water fall going right into the sea. It is about a 3 hour drive one way stopping just once. If you like to "piddle" and take your time you can judge from that. As another poster said, there are many pull off spots. You will come up on very slow cars. Most people are polite enough to pull over and let traffic go by. Take your time, be safe and do enjoy! It is a great route, a must do at least once. The scenery I always say is what you see on the pages of calendars!

For peace of mind it is much better to drive north on hwy 1 and south on Hwy 101. reason - when driving north you are on the hill side of the road, not the cliff side. On the cliff side you are continually looking straight over the edge hundreds of feet to the rocks below. The view from the other side of the road is just as good and a LOT less white knuckle.<BR><BR>So drive down to Hearst Castle via 101 (a much faster drive) and return up Hwy 1. This will be your best use of time and a LOT easier on the driver.