driving the california coast
 

We are driving north from San diego to San francisco in september in 4 days. We need some advice on where to stop, lodging, sights, etc. any helpful hints would be great. Also, is it true that its better to drive south down the coast? Unfortunately, we have no other choice but driving north. Thanks!

There are so many possibilities. Plan to spend one night in Cambria--six miles south of San Simeon (the Hearst Castle). It's a nice little town. Stay on Moonstone Beach Drive.

I should have mentioned that driving on Highway 1 is wonderful whether going south or north. Driving north in the daytime you will have less sun in your eyes.

Driving south means that the vehicle is right at teh edge of highway 1. Lots of people are uncomfortable with this. It is also very difficult fro teh drive to enjoy the scenery becasue as vision goes he/she would be looking toward the left at oncoming traffic and the ocean would be toward the right. I have always preferred driving north because the driver has less concern with the shoulder/no shoulder issue and the view is straight in front of he=im/her. Hope that makes sense.

On your way up stay in areas in or around Santa Barbara, Cambria, Monterey and/or Santa Cruz.

You can visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Julia Pfieffer Park near Big Sur, the aquarium in Monterey and the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. You can go wine tasting north of Santa Barbara, visit the redwoods near Santa Cruz and hang around the many lovely beaches along the way. What types of activities do you like?

wow I thought I fixed all those typos, sorry.

Driving South on Hwy 1 definately has a better view for the passenger. I do agree with Suzie's comments about dring North being easier for the driver. Either way will be great. :-)

Oh, and let us know where you decide to stop and your price range. then we can make lodging suggestions. :-)

Thanks for all your help gang! We really dont have any stops scheduled, and we have no price limitations...

We prefer driving north on that stretch of Hwy 1 because that provides us with the inside lane. It feels much safer, and the views are still beautiful.

We often stay at the Pelican Suites (if you stay there, be sure to book a suite (not a room) with an ocean view in Cambria. It is on Moonstone Beach Drive. Cambria has some good restaurants: The Sea Chest, Robins, The Sow's Ear.

We also like Carmel. Recently we stayed at La Playa in the village. It is an older hotel, but does have some old time charm. The Rio Grill in the Crossroads shopping center is a good place to eat. We've stopped there for lunch after driving up the Coast Highway from Cambria on our way home.