Hi Everyone - I posted this msg yesterday but it disappeared, so I am reposting. I am going to CA in July and was hoping to get some feedback on my itinerary. I can't thank you all enough for helping me to get this far! I have 5 nts & 5 1/2 days in total before I need to be in Santa Barbara and then will be spending a few days there. Any feedback on whether or not this itinerary will work? Am I cramming too much in? Should I substitute anything for another "must see" driving down the coast? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Day 1, 2 & 3 - San Francisco
Day 4 - Get early start on drive down the coast on Highway 1 - leisurely drive stopping through Monterey & Carmel - stay overnight in Carmel
Day 5 - wake up early and spend half day in Big Sur area (is this too little time to do much in Big Sur?? Any recommendations on where to go in Big Sur??) Hit the road by around 4PM or so in time to reach San Simeon before dark.
Day 5 1/2 - Take first tour of Hearst Castle - need to be in Santa Barbara by around 3-4PM (will this be too rushed? Do you think Hearst Castle is worth the stop)?

Any other recommendations would be appreciated. My Santa Barbara portion of the trip is already planned since I have to be there for a few days. I will be doing the "Sideways" like Vineyard tour while I'm there so that will already be covered. Any other places you think I should hit on the way down?? Should I substitute Hearst for something else like San Luis Ibisbo? Any hotel recommendations would be appreciated too. Thanks so much everyone!! - Laura

Can't help with Big Sur, but I do think Hearst Castle is worth the time if you like art, architecture and way overdone decor - I found it fascinating!

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Big Sur: start out late, there may be fog in the morning. You'll have plenty of time to do what you want to do. Visit Carmel Beach in the morning and watch all the dogs and their owners. Have a cup of coffee/breakfast somewhere in some hidden corner of Carmel.

Then visit Point Lobos, two miles south of Carmel - worth the beautiful views.

Lunch somewhere? Carmel, Nepenthe along the coast, or any number of wonderful places.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for McWay Falls. Easy 1/2 hour hike to the ocean.

Leaving from JPB Park at 4pm will give you plenty of time to get down San Simeon before dark. This is the least populated section of that part of Highway 1 and also some of the most beautiful. You will want to schedule time to pull out and just look at the vistas.

Enjoy! It's a beautiful coast!

Definitely go to Hearst Castle, it's really an amazing home!
And I agree with the last poster about stopping at Point Lobos, talk about awesome views!!!
Have a fun and safe trip . . .

I'm a big fan of Nepenthe's -- great views, food is very good, albeit a little pricey (you're paying for the view). They also have a less expensive cafe partway up the hill to Nepenthe (owned by same people) -- have never eaten at that one so can't vouch for quality.

Thanks everyone!! Great advice as usual. On the way down, would you recommend staying in Carmel or Pacific Grove??

Either one is very nice. We recently stayed at La Playa in Carmel. www.laplayahotel.com It was a gorgeous property with many amenities, excellent service and beautiful grounds. We'll definitely return.

We also spent time at Pt.Lobos, the Monterey aquarium and toured the Carmel Valley Wine Country. If you stay in PG, Cannery Row is really just right around the corner. We enjoy the entire area, so much to do and see. Have a great time! ***kim***

Sunset magazine MAY 2004 had an article on California Road Trip "your best ever summer road trip, maybe you can archive the article. Looks pretty good. Just did Sideways with 4 couples. You must stay in Los Olivos at the Fess Parker Inn, the town is a step back in time but most cool.