Feedback on itinerary to Ca. Coast
Jun 10th, 2005, 05:05 PM
#1
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Feedback on itinerary to Ca. Coast
After reading the message boards for the last few weeks, I have narrowed it down and wanted to get feedback on my itinerary.
Day 1 Fly into SF and drive to Wine Country
Day 2 WC (a couple of wineries-don't drink much) and then drive over to coast and back down to SF.
Day 3 SF
Day 4 SF
Day 5 SF to Carmel
Day 6 Big Sur to SLO or SB (which one)
Day 7 SLO to SB
Day 8 SB
Day 9 SB to Reagan Library to LA
Day 10 LA tour
Day 11 LA to SD
Day 12 SD
Day 13 Fly out
Don't know if it is too much to fit in with drive times etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Day 1 Fly into SF and drive to Wine Country
Day 2 WC (a couple of wineries-don't drink much) and then drive over to coast and back down to SF.
Day 3 SF
Day 4 SF
Day 5 SF to Carmel
Day 6 Big Sur to SLO or SB (which one)
Day 7 SLO to SB
Day 8 SB
Day 9 SB to Reagan Library to LA
Day 10 LA tour
Day 11 LA to SD
Day 12 SD
Day 13 Fly out
Don't know if it is too much to fit in with drive times etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jun 10th, 2005, 06:55 PM
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If you want to enjoy the coast, drive to Carmel via Half Moon Bay.
After Carmel, spend a night or two in Cambria at a motel on Moonstone Beach Drive (visit the nearby Hearst "Castle").
Visit SLO on your way to Santa Barbara.
After Carmel, spend a night or two in Cambria at a motel on Moonstone Beach Drive (visit the nearby Hearst "Castle").
Visit SLO on your way to Santa Barbara.
Jun 11th, 2005, 04:45 AM
#3
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I want to fit everything in but also don't want to be rushed where we don't enjoy anything. It's hard to know what you are going to love and then wish you had more time to enjoy it. That is where people come in handy that have been there or live there. Thanks.
Jun 11th, 2005, 06:55 AM
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Hi Ladynole
I think this can be a great trip however it is a lot of ground to cover. With that itinerary you will get a good sense of how vast and varied the Golden State really is. It will be impossible at some point not to be rushed due to what you have set out to do. I have done similar trips in the past and had a blast. Given the fact you don't drink much, one night in Sonoma or Napa is OK. You might try driving from SFO to the Napa Valley the returning back through Sonoma, you could even come back via Pt. Reys, it is very nice out there. I would cut a night out of SF and add one on to Carmel or Cambria as advised by happytrailstoyou. The Aquarium in Monterey and Point Lobos just south of Carmel are must see places. I have never been to Hearst castle but it gets good recommendations from the members of this forum. It is less than 100 miles from Carmel to Cambria but is an all day drive even if you stop at just half of the pull out for the views.I like Morro bay for lunch, There are lots of places to eat located right on the bay. A lot of California history is found in Monterey and Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara visit the State street area and the Mission along with the near by rose garden. I do not get south of Santa Barbara too of often (unless I'm going to Mexico) so I can not help you out on the area south of there. If I can be of more help let me know.
Have Fun
GP
I think this can be a great trip however it is a lot of ground to cover. With that itinerary you will get a good sense of how vast and varied the Golden State really is. It will be impossible at some point not to be rushed due to what you have set out to do. I have done similar trips in the past and had a blast. Given the fact you don't drink much, one night in Sonoma or Napa is OK. You might try driving from SFO to the Napa Valley the returning back through Sonoma, you could even come back via Pt. Reys, it is very nice out there. I would cut a night out of SF and add one on to Carmel or Cambria as advised by happytrailstoyou. The Aquarium in Monterey and Point Lobos just south of Carmel are must see places. I have never been to Hearst castle but it gets good recommendations from the members of this forum. It is less than 100 miles from Carmel to Cambria but is an all day drive even if you stop at just half of the pull out for the views.I like Morro bay for lunch, There are lots of places to eat located right on the bay. A lot of California history is found in Monterey and Santa Barbara. In Santa Barbara visit the State street area and the Mission along with the near by rose garden. I do not get south of Santa Barbara too of often (unless I'm going to Mexico) so I can not help you out on the area south of there. If I can be of more help let me know.
Have Fun
GP
Jun 11th, 2005, 08:46 AM
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GP,
We have been to Monterey before (a couple of days) and went to the aquarium, cannery row, and the 17 mile drive. My husband golfed a day while I went to Carmel and walked around. I thought it would be good to stop there so we could start the next day and have a full day for Big Sur. Would it be better to stop in SLO or would Santa Barbara be do able? I hear so much about the traffic in LA but I thought a guided tour would help us not have to deal with that. What do you think?
We have been to Monterey before (a couple of days) and went to the aquarium, cannery row, and the 17 mile drive. My husband golfed a day while I went to Carmel and walked around. I thought it would be good to stop there so we could start the next day and have a full day for Big Sur. Would it be better to stop in SLO or would Santa Barbara be do able? I hear so much about the traffic in LA but I thought a guided tour would help us not have to deal with that. What do you think?
Jun 11th, 2005, 11:53 AM
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If you're going to hit wine country first, compare the fares and one-way car rates and consider flying into Sacramento instead of San Francisco. The traffic will probably be much easier getting out of Sacramento. Plus you'll get to see California's capitol city.
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:18 PM
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Ladynole
I think you are trying to do too much in one week. I think this time you should concentrate on San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Barbara.
On your next trip you can visit LA and San Diego.
Enjoy your holiday!
I think you are trying to do too much in one week. I think this time you should concentrate on San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Barbara.
On your next trip you can visit LA and San Diego.
Enjoy your holiday!
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:28 PM
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Sacramento Airport is a small and nice airport but when you leave it you do not see the City of Sacramento. You would have to go into the City to see it, and not sure that is something that would be worth your time. Just my opinion for what it is worth.
South of Santa Barbara (off of 101) is the City of Ventura. It has a lovely downtown area, interesting shops and some very good restaurants etc.
Also south of Santa Barbara you will see a turn off (going east) Hwy 33. About a 20 minute drive will take you into Ojai which is a lovely small city, quite an artist haven.
Not sure what your interest are but just another thought.
Personally I would not try to go all the way to San Diego especially since you don't want to feel rushed.
Whatever you decide, wishes to you for a beautiful trip.
South of Santa Barbara (off of 101) is the City of Ventura. It has a lovely downtown area, interesting shops and some very good restaurants etc.
Also south of Santa Barbara you will see a turn off (going east) Hwy 33. About a 20 minute drive will take you into Ojai which is a lovely small city, quite an artist haven.
Not sure what your interest are but just another thought.
Personally I would not try to go all the way to San Diego especially since you don't want to feel rushed.
Whatever you decide, wishes to you for a beautiful trip.
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:40 PM
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Thanks to all for the advice. We thought that we would drive up to Mendocino and then down the coast and fly out of LA. But then so many people said that SD was not to be missed that I couldn't decide what to do. I go back and forth and read these boards but then I can't seem to make a decision about it. Keep any advice coming my way. I still need it.
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:55 PM
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Well, San Diego is a great place, but, IMHO you will be missing way too much of Northern California.
Like, Monterey....Cannery Row, the Aquariam
Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer State Park
Morro Bay, "the rock"
How about the sand dunes in Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo, cute little town
Santa Barbara, another cute little town, and, the wineries
What about San Francisco! Pier 39, Haight Asbury, china town, Nob Hill...
Unless you already bought your tickets, I would seriously reconsider...
Like, Monterey....Cannery Row, the Aquariam
Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer State Park
Morro Bay, "the rock"
How about the sand dunes in Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo, cute little town
Santa Barbara, another cute little town, and, the wineries
What about San Francisco! Pier 39, Haight Asbury, china town, Nob Hill...
Unless you already bought your tickets, I would seriously reconsider...
Jun 11th, 2005, 03:43 PM
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Donna,
We don't have our tickets yet. Our plans are really to see the coast and spend some time in SF. That is the main point of the trip. I want to spend a few days in SB also. The more I receive advice from yall, I think I am trying to pack too much into our trip.
We don't have our tickets yet. Our plans are really to see the coast and spend some time in SF. That is the main point of the trip. I want to spend a few days in SB also. The more I receive advice from yall, I think I am trying to pack too much into our trip.
Jun 12th, 2005, 05:47 AM
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Hi Ladynole
It looks like you are getting some good feedbcak. As to your questions.. you can make it to Santa Barbara in a day. We have driven from Monterey to Santa Barbara in one day. If you want to get to Santa Barbara quickly you would take Highway 101 via Highway 68 not 1. Save Big Sur and the central coast for another time. You could focus more on the southern part of the state. Or you could spend more time on the central coast and less time in the south. If it was me I would spend more time on the central coast. In March of 2005 the wife and I took 10 days and drove from Eureka to Santa Barbara and back. Except for two days in Sonoma we spent all of that time on the central coast. All I know about LA is what I read and see in the media so it sounds like a great place to fly out of.
Have Fun
GP
It looks like you are getting some good feedbcak. As to your questions.. you can make it to Santa Barbara in a day. We have driven from Monterey to Santa Barbara in one day. If you want to get to Santa Barbara quickly you would take Highway 101 via Highway 68 not 1. Save Big Sur and the central coast for another time. You could focus more on the southern part of the state. Or you could spend more time on the central coast and less time in the south. If it was me I would spend more time on the central coast. In March of 2005 the wife and I took 10 days and drove from Eureka to Santa Barbara and back. Except for two days in Sonoma we spent all of that time on the central coast. All I know about LA is what I read and see in the media so it sounds like a great place to fly out of.
Have Fun
GP
Jun 12th, 2005, 08:47 AM
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Hi,
We live in S CA and have made the drive between SF and LA many times. Be prepared for lots of traffic especilly on the simmer weekends.
I love Monterey/Carmel and spent a long weekend in that area last June. You could easily spend 2 to 3 days just enjoying that area. Beautiful scenery, good food and shopping and very relaxing
Santa Barbara is another favorite, so definitely spend 2 days in that area.
LA is more than LAX and a place to fly out of. If you only have a day, try the Getty Center and maybe a drive along the coast from Malibu south to some of the beach cities and dinner with an ocean view. The LA freeways are very busy, so be prepared for jams and slow traffic,especially during the morning and eve. drive time for commuters which can be several hrs. per day.
San Diego is great, but you may want to save that for another visit.
We live in S CA and have made the drive between SF and LA many times. Be prepared for lots of traffic especilly on the simmer weekends.
I love Monterey/Carmel and spent a long weekend in that area last June. You could easily spend 2 to 3 days just enjoying that area. Beautiful scenery, good food and shopping and very relaxing
Santa Barbara is another favorite, so definitely spend 2 days in that area.
LA is more than LAX and a place to fly out of. If you only have a day, try the Getty Center and maybe a drive along the coast from Malibu south to some of the beach cities and dinner with an ocean view. The LA freeways are very busy, so be prepared for jams and slow traffic,especially during the morning and eve. drive time for commuters which can be several hrs. per day.
San Diego is great, but you may want to save that for another visit.
Jun 12th, 2005, 09:29 AM
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If you are not that into wine tasting, you could do a half day trip while you are visiting the central coast instead of taking up a whole day initially. There are over 70 wineries in the Paso Robles Wine Region. It is about 20-30 minutes inland from Cambria and about the same distance north of San Luis Obispo. There is a hotel group in Cambria that offers reasonably priced van tours, but if you are on a schedule and don't plan to taste too much, I would just plan my own visit. You can do a web search and I could recommend some places to try if you decide to do this.
Jun 12th, 2005, 10:27 AM
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Thanks for all the post. Here is a revised itinerary. Let me know what you think.
Day 1 WC
Day 2 WC
Day 3 coast down to SF
Day 4 SF
Day 5 SF
Day 6 SF to Carmel
Day 7 Big Sur
Day 8 Maybe Cambria? Suggestions...
Day 9 To SB
Day 10 SB
Day 11 SB to R. Library to LA
Day 12 LA Tour
Day 13 Fly out
Day 1 WC
Day 2 WC
Day 3 coast down to SF
Day 4 SF
Day 5 SF
Day 6 SF to Carmel
Day 7 Big Sur
Day 8 Maybe Cambria? Suggestions...
Day 9 To SB
Day 10 SB
Day 11 SB to R. Library to LA
Day 12 LA Tour
Day 13 Fly out
Jun 12th, 2005, 02:46 PM
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Day 8 - you might want to visit Hearst Castle, I really enjoyed my first visit there last year. It is near Cambria and Morro Bay.
Day 10 or 11 (near Reasgan Library) - you might want oto visit the pier in Ventura (I have never been there but heard great things about it)
Day 11 - Go to third street prominade and the pier in Santa Monica at night, its is a happening place.
Day 12 - maybe see venice beach (muscle beach) before you head home.
Bottom line, this itinerary looks like a lot more fun. A lot more time to enjoy.
Have a great trip!
Donnae
HB
Jun 12th, 2005, 03:56 PM
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Donna
Now that I have made the decision to NOT go all the way to SD, I feel much better. The indecision was driving me crazy. Maybe later I can talk my husband into going to SD. You just don't want to feel like you are missing out on something. I can now start deciding on exactly what we are going to do at each stop. I love the planning. That is half the fun. Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks again.
Now that I have made the decision to NOT go all the way to SD, I feel much better. The indecision was driving me crazy. Maybe later I can talk my husband into going to SD. You just don't want to feel like you are missing out on something. I can now start deciding on exactly what we are going to do at each stop. I love the planning. That is half the fun. Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks again.
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