>>Neither of us want to be exhausted at the end of the trip.> I think we'll do the first night in Carmel and the second in Cambria because Hearst Castle really does figure big in our list and we'll probably want to book two separate tours.

While I completely agree with Stu that Carmel would be lovely for 2 nights, I also think it's worth it as a "drive by". Here's a link to my trip report about a day trip we took a few years ago from the San Francisco Peninsula to Big Sur (and back) (coincidentally, we then lived in the same town as Stu).

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-part-way.cfm

I'd stay 2 nights in/near Carmel as well. Not just for Carmel -- but if you want to see Pt Lobos, Monterey and/or the Aquarium, Carmel, the mission etc -- you really need at least 1.5 days which means 2 nights.

After leaving Carmel it is a long and scenic drive through Big Sur. You could book a late afternoon or evening Hearst Castle tour, stay in Cambria one night, do a morning tour the next day and head south by lunch time.

I also would have recommended the first night closer to SFO, Carmel or Monterey, Cambria, Santa Barbara then LA. I've done that trip, actually, but in reverse.

I think I stayed in Cambria two nights and that might have been because of 2 night minimums, although I had more time, anyway. Hotel rates and things to do vary a lot depending on dates and season, and perhaps I've missed it, but I can't see anywhere what time of the year this is planned for.

In Cambria, I really liked Moonstone Landing, and they don't seem to require 2 nights. Second floor partial OV was fine for me, as I don't need views that much from my hotel room. It is about $200-250 for a double, I think, more inn summer than next month, but not that much. http://www.moonstonelanding.com/

IN Santa Barbara, I really liked the Best Western Peppertree Inn. It's on State St so not right in the thick of things and thus less expensive. But it was really quite convenient since I had a car, easy parking, and Santa Barbara isn't that big, it wasn't a long drive to get down to the area closer to the ocean for the day or whatever. http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...-_-GMB-_-05182

That hotel is about $200-275 in summer, cheaper in March. I think some hotels in that area, including that one, have minimum stays on weekends from about May-Oct. So that can affect your planning depending if you planned to spend a Friday night there before going to LA, for example.

>>Carmel... I also think it's worth it as a "drive by".

I know you're right, but I'd still do it over not doing it at all. We're up in Sonoma visiting friends and watching the OKC game right now!

I second the Best Western Cavalier near Hearst Castle for the nightly beach bonfires. Sitting in a chair while watching the waves break behind the fire is magical.

On the SB to LA segment stop and see the Reagan Library as backtracking to Simi Valley from LA is a waste of time. Figure about 3 hours for the library and depending on the time to avoid LA rush hour you may want to spend the night out there.

Have fun!

sf7307:: OMG!!!

Can you believe it

Unbelievable!!!!!!!! For anyone who is not watching Steph & Warriors basketball - you're missing something that you may never witness again - if you like sports. Perhaps better than Montana, Rice, Young, Posey, Lincecom, Cain, Bumgarner, Barry, even Wilt. This run is something special.

Stu Dudley

Hi, Your replies were very useful in helping me focus on our trip, and provided me important info. I inadvertently didn't mention something that might have changed your replies.. DH and I are both retired military and were stationed in Honolulu a total of 14 years. Definitely agree the Pacific Coast is amazing, but we've see quite a bit of it from the other side. Want a different kind of trip.

What I think we should do is leave SFO and stop in Salinas Wednesday night and see the Steinbeck site and hopefully have time for Cannery Row.

Straight to Cambria for Thursday and Friday nights along 101 with the hope of doing both an evening and morning tour of Hearst.

Take off Saturday morning for afternoon tour of Reagan Library in Simi Valley, staying close to Library Saturday night.

Sunday cover both Getty buildings. (closed Mondays). Stay Sunday night area to be decided.

Monday and Tuesday Los Angeles County Art Museum and other sites to be decided.

Wednesday fly out of LAX.

This itinerary checks off our priorities but I feel like I need more advice. If I had it to do over, I probably would have flown in and out of LAX, but the free mileage trip to SFO was very tempting. If you can refine my thoughts, I'd appreciate it.

Again, thanks for advice.

>>What I think we should do is leave SFO and stop in Salinas Wednesday night and see the Steinbeck site and hopefully have time for Cannery Row.

The Steinbeck center is quite nice. Allocate a couple of hours. Have lunch in his Victorian home (ask the center for the location).

Stu Dudley

Art seems to be a theme so here are more of my favorites:

All-time, gardens & art: http://huntington.org
Two more nearby: http://www.nortonsimon.org & http://gamblehouse.org

Agree with skipping Salinas which has well known street gang and crime problems.

Skip Salinas. Waste of your precious time. Much better sites to visit.

Your replies were invaluable as always. Okay, we will skip Salinas. We will go to Carmel for Wednesday night, Cambria for Thursday and Friday nights (specifics to be decided based on whether or not Hearst has an evening opening); Santa Barbara for Saturday and Sunday nights (wineries and missions), Reagan Library on Monday before going to Getty area for hotel Monday and Tuesday nights (see two Getty sites on Tuesday); drive to LAX Wednesday for flight home. Have to skip some art museums but can't do everything and still have the feeling we're actually vacationing.
Really you've all helped us in selecting and rejecting and finally agreeing with each other (the most important step on a vacation). I haven't done any research on restaurants but have chosen Carmel and Cambria hotels and am mulling over VRBO place in Santa Barbara. Any ideas near Getty much appreciated. Usually by the end of a week's trip, we're happy with a local place that serves good salads.
Thank you!