Final Plans for PC1 Calif Trip
 

Hi...
Finalizing plans for 1st week in April trip.
Dana Point to Carmel/Monterey.
We have decided not to make room reservations since it will be during the week, is this a good idea?
Will be stopping over night in Santa Barbara & Carmel/Monterey
Any must see's and restaurants that we shouldn't miss?
What is the weather like? Capri's, shorts?
Where should we pick up PC Highway? After Santa Barbara?
Thanks so much.. Getting very exicited....

>>We have decided not to make room reservations since it will be during the week, is this a good idea?<<<

Probably OK

>>Will be stopping over night in Santa Barbara & Carmel/Monterey
Any must see's and restaurants that we shouldn't miss?<<

-Hearst Castle
-Nepenthe for lunch, early dinner, or just to have a drink
-Pt Lobos

Click on my name & try to find some old posts by me & others regarding "don't miss"

>>What is the weather like? Capri's, shorts?<<

About a 5% chance for capri's. More likely jeans weather. We had a major heatwave last week - hottest this time of year since the 1800s, but that's not likely to happen again.

>>Where should we pick up PC Highway? After Santa Barbara?<<

It's actually called the Cabrillo Highway, not the Pacific Coast Highway. Santa Barbara is OK, but since you plan to do this in 1 day, I would concentrate on the most scenic section, which is from San Simeon to Carmel, so pick it up at San Luis Obispo.

Thanks for the info..
Where is Nepenthe located?
So what is the best route to take from Santa Barbara to Cambria/San Simeon/San luis Obispo?
We'd like to leave Santa Barbara fairly early to go up to the castle, not sure how long that would take.

>>Where is Nepenthe located?<<

southern end of the Village of Big Sur on the coast side - you won't miss it. It's kind of an institution.

>>So what is the best route to take from Santa Barbara to Cambria/San Simeon/San luis Obispo?<<

As Fast as Possible - take 101 to where Hwy 1 branches off just north of SLO. Hearst Castle, slowly enjoying the coast, stop at Nepenthe, Pt Lobos, will/should take all day and then some. I would probably plan on staying in Big Sur, so you don't have to rush the extra 45 mins to Carmel & then backtrack the next morning to see Pt Lobos.

Stu Dudley

If we took 101 to San Simeon from Santa Barbara how long do you think that may take. I think I have to make reservations for a tour?