East Coast girl needs help with CA Itinerary
 

I'm sure that many niave folks like myself have posted similar entries -- but I am an 'East Coast girl' (believe it or not I've been back and forth to Europe and the Carribean - but never been to the West coast!) who is trying to plan a trip to CA. We are staying at La Costa (husband has a conference there to attend) from June 25th-29th. Then we are taking a week to drive up to San Francisco. I'm hoping folks can tell me if this itinerary is 'do-able' and can give me hints of where to stay:

Sunday - Relax on the beach in San Deigo
Monday - Seaworld (thinking about doing the 'swim with the dolphins experince. Is it worth the $$$?). Drive to LA in the evening for late check-in.
Tuesday - Tour sites in LA. Stay in LA.
Wednesday - Drive to Hearst Castle via PCH. Stay in Cambria(Is this do-able??? I read another post that said it take 5 hours to get there?)
Thursday - Drive to Monterey. Do 17 mile drive. Stay in Monterey or Carmel
Friday - Drive to San Francisco (stop at Big Basin on the way) Stay in SF.
Saturday - Tour SF.
Sunday - Fly home.

My questions:
1) Is this do-able? I am most worried about the day from LA to Hearst Castle.

2) Like I said -- I am used to East Coast beaches - where you stay in a hotel right on the beach and can swim in the water. I have been doing LOTS of reading that makes me realize that CA beaches will be much different. It doesn't seem like a lot of hotels are right on the beach and it sounds like a lot of beaches aren't swimable. If I am looking for a 'layout-swimable' beach btw San Diego and LA -- where is my best bet?

I'm sorry for the long-winded email and lots of questions. But I have taken many great vacations off advise I've gotten on this board!! Any feedback on the plan and suggestions of places to stay would be fantastic!! My husband and are are in out late 20's - and are looking to make this a relaxing, quiet vacation of sunshine, exploring beautiful scenary and seeing a few key sites. I would love to make this a longer trip -- but am trying to use this time as a 'sampler' to decide where to go back and spend more time in another trip.

THANKS!!!

Bailey, if you type LA to Hearst castle in the text search, there are at least 5 strings on this question. It takes between 4-6 hrs to drive depending upon traffic & how often you stop. Tours at the castle end at 4 pm, so while it's "doable" you may feel a bit rushed to get there. You would probably be better off planning the Castle tour for the following morning (& you have to book these in advance.)

You might consider staying in Santa Monica while you're in LA if you want a beach location. There are several hotels on the beach there & it's a fun location with restaurants & shops. The downside is a half hour to hour drive (depending on traffic) to get into LA for sightseeing.

While I'm not 20 anymore, this trip doesn't sound particularly relaxing & with only 1 day in LA you can either sightsee or relax on the beach/wander around but not both. See what others think.

Bailey,

I was getting tired just reading your itinerary. You really will not be able to see very much with such a whirlwind tour.

My advice would be to staying in the Southern California area.

Sunday and Monday: San Diego

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Los Angeles. There is so much to see in LA: Getty Center, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Universal Studios, etc.

Friday: Hearst Castle, stay overnight in Cambria.

Saturday: Drive back to LA area and fly out from there on Sunday.

I would save Northern California:(Monterey, Carmel, San Jose, and San Francisco for another trip).

A couple of quick comments to add to what has already been said....

-- West Coast beaches are "not swimmable" for the simple reason that the water stays quite cool for most of the year. This is still the "northern" part of the Pacific. There are a couple of hotels in the area with beach access-- but most are a short hike across a street. You can lay out on most any beach you choose. Down in SD, I think the Hotel del Coronado has full beach access-- though I'm not sure.

-- I agree with the other posters: Your itinerary is a recipe for exhaustion. Focus on the southern half of the state, and save the northern half for another trip. San Francisco and the Wine Country are well worth taking your time.

I'll disagree with the others, your itinerary is fine for a "sampler" tour. You won't see any area in depth, but that's life. If the conference is a low-key type, La Costa will give you a chance to unwind before driving. You might want to shift the San Diego days into the LA or NorCal part of the trip.

I would consider planning Hearst Castle for the morning on your way to Monterey rather than the afternoon after the drive from LA. If you've come up via Big Sur, I'm not sure I would bother with 17-mile drive; I'd spend the time in old town Monterey or Carmel.

As the previous poster stated, if you are looking for a quick overview of CA your trip is fine. It depends on what you are looking for, it certainly won't be relaxing since you will be doing a lot of driving and staying in four different places in 4 nights. If you are going to do this kind of overview encompassing both N and S, I would also skip the 17 mile drive as you will see some pretty spectacular scenery driving through Big Sur. I personally would also skip Hearst castle in order to enjoy more of the coast itself. Hearst Castle is certainly worth a visit but it will take time to take a tour and I would rather spend that time enjoying Big Sur or Carmel.

I go along with the others who say that you have too much on your itinerary. Trying to cover a distance of close to 600 miles while sightseeing along the way with only about 6 or 7 days is next to impossible. Remember that the drive along highway 1 is narrow and winding and will take quite a while, especially since you will be traveling during the busy summer season. I agree with the others who say to focus on southern CA (San Diego, LA, and Hearst Castle). You might be able to squeeze in Monterey, but that is a stretch. In my opinion I would go there on another trip.

Ok, you're itinerary is definitely doable. What threw some of us off is that you used the word "relaxing" in your post. It's not going to be relaxing. It's the kind of trip my hubby would plan. He's never met a rental car he didn't want to drive all day.

Spend your time on the beach at La Costa. Then Santa Monica was a good suggestion. The drive to Cambria is long, but you'll go through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obisbo and Morro Bay. All good places to stop and stretch or get a meal. Take your time. I would second going to Hearst Castle Thursday morning.

Highway 1 to Monterey is a long and winding road with a mountain on one side and a cliff on the other. The scenery is beautiful, but the going is very slow. I'd backtrack a little from Cambria and take Highway 101 to Monterey. You won't see anything, but you'll get there much faster.

Thank you all for your input! I knew that I would get somewhat critized for trying to pack in too much (trust me if I had 14 days of vacation I would definitely extend this to two weeks! - but alas I only have one week.) I really want to use this as a 'sampler' to get a taste for where I'd like to go back and spend a full week someday and to see if I'd rather spend that time in Northern or Southern CA.

I really do not want to see much in LA. My husband has been there many times and he isn't a big fan for some reason - so I don't want to force him to spend more time there than a day. I am ok with just seeing a few highlights there.

I'm thinking now that I will cut out the first 'beach' day in San Deigo and give myself 3 days to spend on the drive from LA to SF. It definitely sounds like the drive from LA to Cambria is too long so we'll bump the tour of Hearst Castle to the next morning and then maybe spend two nights in Monterey (my husband is a golf fanatic so he really wants to do the 17 mile drive).

SO how's this for a modified itinerary:

Wed - Sat: Relax at La Costa. See some sites in San Deigo in evenings (after husband gets out of his classes).
Sunday - Seaworld (thinking about doing the 'swim with the dolphins experince. Is it worth the $$$?). Drive to LA in the evening for late check-in. Stay in Santa Monica.
Monday - Do a 'backlot' tour, see Rodeo drive, Santa Monica pier. Stay in Santa Monica (possibly take husband to see his beloved Dodgers)
Tuesday - Leisurely drive from LA to Cambria. Stay in Cambria.
Wednesday - A.M. tour of Hearst Castle. Drive up through Big Sur. Stay in Carmel or Monterey.
Thursday - Do 17 mile drive and Julia Pheiffer SP. Stay in Monterey.
Friday - Drive to San Francisco stopping to see redwoods in Big Basin on the way. Fisherman's Wharf for dinner?
Saturday - Tour SF. (Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz?, cable cars).

I too am an "east coast girl" now living in the bay area. I have toured and lived in various parts of the state. So if I may give you some advice from one east coast girl to another. I'm not sure what part you're from but if you're from Jersey to anywhere south of there...you're going to be very disappointed with the beaches out here. They are breathtaking to look at...truly, although I find the Northern beaches much prettier than the southern beaches. But you're definitely not going to want to go in the water. The water in August in San Diego is still only like 60 degrees (or so it feels), so I can't imagine what it's like in June. San Diego is nice, I would try the Zoo or the Animal Park over Seaworld, especially if you've already been to the one in FL. I'm not a fan of LA but your itinerary there is necessary just to get the experience of it. Driving north on the PCH all the way to SF is a great idea...the coast here is amazing. I recommend you stop in Santa Barbara for lunch/dinner it's a beautiful little town and they have some nice seafood restaurants on the little pier there(1.5 - 2 hours north of LA?). The town where Hearst Castle is, is very small...nothing really going on and Hearst is really all there is to do, we never bothered with the tour b/c it seemed like a big waste of time and $$. Keep in mind it's only like an 8-9 hour drive up the coast from LA...If you really want to do Hearst I would then drive up to Big Sur after...it is a must see. Hike in Point Lobos for the day (Big Sur Monterey area), beautiful coastal park...better than Julia Pfeiffer. Carmel and Monterey are only about 30 minutes away from Big Sur. If you don't want to stay in Big Sur (mostly campgrounds) I recommend Carmel...it's a very cute area...great local shops and food. Carmel beats out Monterey for stuff to do, unless you're a bar person. 17 mile drive is ok, but as of 3 months ago it was closed down...so you may want to check that. The drive from Monterey to SF is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours if you continue on the PCH. Once in SF there are tons of touristy things to do. If you plan to eat in the wharf area and you have time, you should take a boat ride out to the bridge and past Alcatraz..it's only like $10 and it's really neat.

Keep in mind once you get to the Big Sur area, it's going to get chilly, 70 degrees...and SF will be around the same if not 65. OK...hope that hasn't totally confused you!!

By the way you have plenty of time...you're schedule will just be a little packed...I've done this drive and these sights in only 4 days. As long as you stay on the PCH, even the driving will be like a relaxing vacation...we never realize the time we spend driving up and down the coast because there is always so much to look at.

Don't feel obligated to eat dinner in Fisherman's Wharf in SF unless you really want to. For the same amount of money, better food can be had in SF.

I think your itinerary is great. It's kind of a roadtrip/tasting menu of California, and a great way to scope out areas that you'd like to visit in greater depth at a later date.

As one of those folks who find roadtrips to be relaxing, I always feel it's a little unfair to say that trips which involve a lot of driving aren't relaxing, they can be if that's your style.

I think you'll be able to get some good beach time in on Santa Monica Beach. It's immaculate. They groom it with a wire meshy thing, kind of like what they use to tidy the running lines between bases in the 7th inning stretch.

As for SeaWorld.. I can't advise you on the swimming with dolphins because in truth, I like the Zoo at Balboa Park much better.

BaileyH,

Regarding your husband's "beloved Dodgers": They are off on Monday June 30th, the day you planned for the game. They are home to San Diego on Tuesday night.

Since I'm a Giants fan, oh well!

Curious

Just one note on your modified itinerary - Julie Pfeiffer is about 10 miles south of Big Sur. You can stop there for a picnic or stretching break on your way from Hearst Castle to Monterey. It's very small and a short walk to the end of the trail where you can see the waterfall.

Have fun!

Thank you all so much for your input! I really appreciate all the comments! Stagpuder - yours I definitely appreciate - I am from Washington DC and am used to Maryland and North Carolina beaches and I definitely feel like I know what to expect in CA now. I am sure I will love them - but it definitely sounds vastly different to what I am used to! I am greatful to see some others out there find a 'road trip' relaxing. We put a little extra money into renting a nice car - so we won't be cramped. I am kind of looking forward to driving on twisty roads and watching beautiful scenary and just pulling over to take pictures when the mood strikes! My reading about CA has peaked my interest in other locations already (Yosemite, Tahoe and Napa to name a few) - so this will just be a sampler and hopefully will push me into taking another trip out west soon!

I did want to send a special thanks to 'Curious' -- I hadn't yet looked up the Dodger's schedule - but since my husband can go to baseball games in Baltimore any time he wants - I was kind of secretly wishing that I'd get out of that game! =)

Thanks to all!!

I am reading up on past posts for suggestions of places to stay - but if any of you have suggestions I would be more than appreciative!!

Bailey-

As far as places to stay...I have always done the camping thing up and down the coast...But, about 50 miles south of SF there is a beautiful lighthouse and hostel, Pigeon Point. The rooms of the hostel are right on the cliff and overlook the ocean...I mention this b/c you said you've been to Europe and are prob. familiar with hostel living. I never stayed there (my place is only 10min. away) but, the accomadations look nice and I know you could get a private room. I always wanted to stay there for the view just once, but never have. There is one other about 25 miles south of SF, Point Montara lighthouse and hostel...never actually stopped here, so I don't know what it's like.

Some beaches you should stop and see after you pass Santa Cruz...Ano Nuevo, takes some time and a little hiking to get to the coast but it's a nice walk and nice wildlife viewing. Bean Hollow, very pretty and rocky...usually some seals hanging out in the water and it's right off the road (there are 2 entrances into this beach I think the second is the better one), then there is Cowell Ranch beach, I think it's right before you get into the town of Half Moon Bay...you need to look for the sign, the sign's not very big, this is a 5 minute walk out and then you go down a bunch of steps, it's a very private beach almost like a cove...the cleanest sand of any of the beaches I've seen out here. You should def. continue on the PCH to SF esp. up through Pacifica...very pretty coastline and hills. If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

You should definitely stop at Pebble Beach for at least a drink or lunch. The views are amazing. Your husband will flip!

More comments from the peanut gallery. I too would not go to Seaworld to swim with the dolphins. The water is
too cold for this southern girl (Florida beaches are what I am used to). I can barely get my feet in the water until August in Southern CA. June is out of the question!

I would try to do all the site seeing you want to do in LA on Sunday. I know that means leaving San Diego early, but you could do the zoo while hubby is working. (Sounds like he travels without you, so you can see something on your own) My hubby and I do this a lot if I am fortunate to join him on a business trip. He's sometimes glad to have a little less to do since he's been working the week I have been relaxing. If it's great, it's a place to go back to one day.

Monday you can do an amusement park in LA if you want. The GEtty Museum is also a sight to behold if you want to see beautiful scenery. Get tickets beforehand.

I would not eat at Fisherman's Wharf. I would definitely go and have a drink and walk around, but honestly we have never been impressed. There are better places to eat in SF. I'm sure this board can suggest them.

Good luck. It's a great place. We will be doing the reverse drive this summer again. We've never done Hearst Castle, so we're making sure we take the time to do that.

Diane

What type of accomodations are you searching for? Moderate, Luxury, B&B, ?