Fantastic Journey - Please Help
 

Hi, <BR> <BR>I am trying to plan a trip in mid-April to California, my intentions are to fly to SF and after a few days there hire a acr a trawl down the West coast. <BR> <BR>I initially thought about going down to Mexico but then wondered about Baha etc. <BR> <BR>I have approx 14 days and no real restrictions on how long I stay in one place or how much it costs (its a treat to myself) <BR> <BR>I am looking for a lazy time but as I am on my own would be keen to socialise in the evenings. <BR> <BR>Any help would be greatly appreciated on routes, recommended accomodation, highlights. <BR> <BR>thanks <BR>Nick

Nick, <BR> <BR>This is a wonderful road trip. You definitely should travel down Highway 1. The views are magnificent and worth any traffic jams you may encounter along the way. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. <BR>When you get to Big Sur, you should stop and stay at either Ventana or the Post Ranch Inn. You must lunch at Nepenthe where the food is average and the views breathtaking. For dinner, Ventana has a wonderful restaurant that has changed names since I have been there. ??? The beach here is rocky, but spectacular. Stop by Henry Miller's library while you are here. There is not much night life in Big Sur, but Monterrey and Carmel are close enough to drive to for the evening. <BR>Santa Barbara is another wonderful town in which to stop for a few days. There is a wealth of lodging and great restaurants here. I have stayed at The Old Yacht Club Inn. The rooms are nice, and the staff friendly, but the best thing about this place is its vicinity to the beach and the breakfast. Fabulous. <BR>I have not spent much time in L. A., but I liked the Studio City and Beverly Hills area. I stayed in Santa Monica and was a little disappointed. Venice beach is very colorful. If you go here, eat at the Sidewalk Cafe. Wait for a table along the sidewalk. It is worth waiting for to be able to watch the people walk, or skate by. I met some very interesting people here. <BR>I have never been to San Diego, but I understand that La Jolla is absolutely beautiful. <BR>As for Mexico, DO NOT drive into Tijuana or Mexicali. Very dangerous. There are tour buses that travel every day from SD to Baja. Have you considered Palm Springs? You might want to. <BR> <BR>Enjoy <BR>

Dear Nick: <BR>If money is no object, why plan? Just dawdle down Highway 1 and stop at any place that looks good to you, whether it's a cliff, beach, restaurant, hotel, museum, or whatever. Talk to folks at a local cafe or pub, to learn about attractions you might miss. (You'll be amazed how much you can learn from a hotel manager, bartender or wait person--I've found some great, unsung places that way). Be willing to take detours or stop for days if necessary. It's the best way to travel. <BR>And, please, get back to this forum afterwards and share your experiences.

Hi Nick - Lucky you! I envy you very much. Having a few weeks off to myself to take to the road at leisure with money basically being no object is my dream come true. I'm assuming you're not from the States - "hire" and "keen" tipped me off! :-) Let me just say that while 2 weeks is a lot of time, California is long state, even from your starting point of S.F. You'll be surprised how many miles you'll be driving, but they'll be worth it. I lived in northern CA for a few years and Monterey was my southern-most travel destination. Please spend a day or two in that area. The aquarium was a high point for me and my husband. I agree with Cecily - don't drive into Mexico yourself. John made a good point about talking with locals (or other visitors) in local restaurants, etc. People are always eager to share their hometown or visitor "secrets". Enjoy your trip. :-)

Being a native Californian and having lived all over the state, I would say that you are very lucky. You have the great opportunity to explore the state without adhering to schedule of worry about cost. <BR> <BR>I would allow a few days for San Francisco as there is much to do and see in the city and surrounding areas. I would also allow for at least 3 days in the San Diego area. Ohter than that I would proceed south along the coast in a leisurely manner stopping wherever I wanted. First, check to make sure that Hwy 1 is open all the way south of Carmel. It has been closed due to a severe washout. <BR> <BR>I would plan on a day or two in the Monterey/Carmel area. Make sure that you take the 17 mile scenic drive just north of Carmel. Vist Solvaang. Santa Barbara is good for a day. There is so much to do and see that your best bet is just don't plan too much. If you can't take Hwy 1 ( closed, foggy, etc. ) then cut over to Salinas from Monterey and proceed south on 101. Don't go north to cut over. There is a road that cuts straight across to Salina from Monterey and is quite scenic though only a 1/2 hour drive. <BR> <BR>I would skip Mexico as you will not have time to do it justice and will only see the usual tourist traps. Definitely do NOT drive into Mexico. Not worth the hassle. <BR> <BR>You have a wonderful opportunity to visit what I consider to be the greates place on earth. Take your time and enjoy.

Consider flying into LA - where you would board the Coast Starlight train. This is a first-class experience, and a great way to meet folks. After clearing the LA suburbs, the train travels along the coast line (much closer than Hwy. 1) for several hours. You'll actually look down on gulls and water - it's like being on a ship. If you opt for this, even if only for a few hours, be sure to get a compartment...that will gain you entrance to the first-class observation car (where coffee, pastry and fruit are served, first thing), and your meals in the dining car will be included. The complete trip (two days/one nite) would take you all the way up to Seattle, thru some gorgeous mountain scenery, and include two sunsets, and complimentary wine and champagne tastings each evening. But even if you don't take the train all the way north, do consider hopping aboard for that first portion out of LA - it's a grand experience! E-m if you'd like more info.

Nick, <BR>Though an unplanned trip down the coast would be exciting and fun, I must offer a word of caution. April is beautiful in California and you will be sharing the road, hotels and restaurants with thousands of other people. If you are at all picky about where you rest your head, reservations are a neccessity. This is advice tried and true. On one of my trips down the coast, I travelled from Big Sur all the way through LA stopping at practically every hotel along the way in the middle of the night looking for a place to stay. I finally ended up in a horrid hotel in an L. A. suburb. YIKES!! Don't let poor planning ruin your fantastic journey.