I had a laugh at the 'chore' bit too :)

Hwy 1 is one of the glorious drives one should do at least once -- UNLESS they think driving is a chore/scary.

i have done the round trip from San Jose many times. it's no big deal. (and Monterey is a lot closer)

I'm agreeing. I'd prefer the coast both ways. You are THERE! Drive the drive! They are spending a week in Pebble Beach. They can set their own schedule. Spend one glorious day driving the coast - and seeing the Hearst castle.

I'd stop at Nepenthe for a burger and drink too, but that's just me. :-)

Nepenthe, yes! (I actually saw the Hale-Bopp comet there many years ago...)

Thanks for your replies. We like the idea of driving on the 101 straight down and then taking our time on the return. In this way we don't have to worry about missing our tour and can focus more on the scenery on the return. Great Suggestion! Does anyone know the time of drive from Pebble on the 101?