We're driving from San Francisco to LA in six days in late December with two kids, 8 and 10. Where should we stop and what are the must-sees along the way?

don't miss: Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Hollywood.

also nice places to see: San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills.

Did not mention Yosemite because it's inland, and would take up 2 days, but it's also really fantastic...

Have a great time!

well the 8 year old in me loves to look a tide pools--and there are a number of them--I remember some on the 17 mile drive in monterey/carmel, but I'm sure they are fairly common--there was an article in the NY times on friday about "36 hours in monterey/carmel." I think whale migration is happening--which can be seen from monterey among other places--

hearst castle is pretty amazing but i'm not sure how it woud play to an 8 year old

An important consideration, besides the whole "six days in a car" thing, is WEATHER. Fall in CA has shaped up to be cool (well, COLD for me) and wet. I hope the weather cooperates enough for you to enjoy our incredible coastline and the outdoors activities....

Nepenthe's in Big Sur for lunch. Kids will like the BIG (read HUGE) basket of fries. The Ambrosia burger is expensive but what a view off the back patio overlooking the ocean!

I personally would not plan such a drive until 5 to 6 days ahead of time. Reason being, the weather forecast would be my decider. Winter storms alng the coast should not be discounted. Heavy rains can mean anything from simply slow going, all the way to mud slides and road closures.

If you luck out and the weather is OK then, the previous suggestions are all good ones. But - be sure to have a plan B in case of stormy weather.

I agree with Janis. For example right at this moment there is a strong rain storm with winds around 50mph. It is evidently only going to be a 12 hour storm but driving with little ones would not be relaxing if one hit during your trip. But sometimes around Christmas time there is sunshine and nice weather.

"what are the must-sees along the way?"

First Stop : the SEARCH box at the top of this screen will lead you to many more threads with many more answers to your exact question.

Not to worry though, if a storm does hit the day you plan to drive down Hwy 1, you can cut inland and take Hwy 101. It isn't as scenic, but it is still a nice route and it's a good road. You can get a feel for the Big Sur coast if you stop at Point Lobos just south of Carmel. It's not as spectacular as driving the Big Sur coast, but if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate with your plans, at least you haven't missed the whole thing.

We just returned from three days in Santa Barbara. Absolutely loved it! The first day was very warm, I was sweltering in my sweater while we dined at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito.

The next day we woke up to rain and horrid winds, but that didn't stop us from having fun. We shopped, took in Sideways at a local theater and had a wonderful day in spite of the strom.

We woke up the next day to sun, clear skies and warmth. Even laid out by the pool, so the weather changes drastically from day to day. Santa Barbara is a big thumbs up! We even spotted the dolphins in Montecito and your kids will love Stearn's Wharf. ***kim***

where did you stay, Kim?

Start in SF by taking the Great Highway (western most road in SF) and follow it south. Devil's Slide is quite pretty (south of SF). Get out of the car & visit Half Moon Bay (the very cute shopping village is a couple of blocks east of Ca Hwy #1). Continuing south, stop at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, which has fabulous tidepools, lots of wildlife - especially seals & sea lions - don't miss.

There is a Fun Zone in Santa Cruz, but I don't know how much fun it will be in December. I would skip Santa Cruz - other spots along the coast are much more interesting, IMHO.

In Monterey, don't miss the Aquarium (get there very early in the AM - as soon as it opens).

Don't miss Pt Lobos, just south of Carmel - fabulous.

Nepenthe in Big Sur (south end of Big Sur), as someone else mentioned, is a perfect stop - we've been going there for over 35 year, and it has changed very little (except the prices & the wine list). Great fries - only order a 1/2 basket and 4 people will be well fed (along with the Ambrosia Berger too).

Note - between Carmel and San Simeon, there are not many places to stay along the coast. Big Sur is about the only one - and the choices there are either rustic or luxurious (very expensive). I would reserve ahead to stay in Big Sur - you don't want to get there & have to backtrack to Carmel if everything is booked or closed (except the ultra expensive places).

Someone else suggested cutting over to Highway 101 from Hwy 1 if the weather turns bad. Between Carmel & San Simeon, there are not any roads to cut over on. Make your decision before Big Sur, and backtrack from there to Carmel if you need to cut over.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca

Hi, we are planning to drive down from SF to SDiego from 19th -24th Dec (need 2 b back to SF on 24th). Will it make sense to stay @ Monterey,Pismo Beach and LA(2 days with day trip to SD) way down and Cambria on way back. Whats the best route if one wants to see the coast? What are good places to eat n stay at these places. Your suggestions for any good budget hotel will be great.
thanks
rashmi

Hi frankie! After much research, I chose the Harbor View Inn to be down by the water. We had a gorgeous room with views of Stearn's Wharf and the pool and gardens. I'll tell you more about it later in the week after I finish all of my foodie reports on Chowhound.

It was a wonderful place to stay and I highly recommend it! ***kim***

rkilam - from SF to LA, for the coastal route, I would take Hwy 1 all the way to San Luis Obispo and then pick up Hwy 101 there and follow that into LA.

If I were doing this trip, I would more than likely take the coastal route one direction and then Hwy 101 the entire way the other direction. This would allow you to take a more leisurely drive down the coast one direction rather than going faster and driving the route twice. Or, if you will be in a rental car, you can always see about leaving it in LA and flying back to SF.

Monterey/Carmel, Pismo Beach, and Cambria are all good places to stay. Carmel and Cambria are more upscale and Monterey and Pismo Beach are more midscale. So which ones would be best for you really depends on what you want to do.

While Pismo isn't one of my favorite coastal towns, we did enjoy our stay at the Sea Venture Resort. A very nice property located right on the beach. Get a room with an oceanview and soft-tub jacuzzi on your own private deck.

They also offer comp surrey bikes that are fun to ride around town. Cambria is also very nice. I could give you suggestions for lodging if you're interested in staying in Cambria. ***kim***

thanks, Kim! Look forward to your report on this hotel. It does look really nice.

Agree with almost everything suggested above - great advice!

Weather is key. If the weather breaks your way, you'll have a glorious drive along the coast.

One more suggested stop: Mission La Purisma near Lompoc, just about the best mission overall to give you an idea of what mission life was like.

Thanks for the help. J, you are right about taking 101 way-up. I would prefer mid-scale like monterey, explore B Sur, eat @ Nepenthe; drive from Cambria/Pismo and then stop @ S Luis Obispo. A good budget/mid-scale property sounds great.
Post SLO, i want to spend sometime @ Solvang, SB and Malibu. any tips?

Once in LA on 22nd, is a day trip to SDiego good?
The idea is to spread across the 6 days and leave LA on 23rd morning.
Stay the night somewhere between and drive to SJC to catch a flight. Is it a good drive from 101. It sure seems faster. Is there a place one can stop at?
BTW, will camping atleast for a night sound absurd in this weather??
Ken, pls go ahead and give me your suggestions on cambria - i didn't find lots of them right in the village.
thanks again ciao...rashmi

hi Kim, what are good things to do in Cambria and Harmony...did you ever stop in Solvang..the danish town?
cheers