Thanks to info from this site I have decided to start our Calif. coast trip in SF stay about 4 nights and then rent a car when we are ready to leave SF. I will investigate a hotel in the Union square area and if anyone knows where it would be convienent to pick up a car there I would appreciate it. Then on to 2 nights in Carmel, I am deciding between a room at the vagabond house, 2 double beds for $220 (would have loved 2 queens) or a cottage at La Playa for $348. (we are 4, my husband, myself and 2 kids ages 11 and 13) Any opinions to help me decide???

Then the hard part comes. I am either looking at 1 night in Big Sur , 2 nights in Cambria and onto L.A. or possible 1 or 2 nights in Cambria, then Santa barbara and then L.A. I am really confused. There is a lot of feedback that Cambria is best for 1 night but I did get the Moonstone Landing Hotel oceanfront which sounds so nice I thought 2 nights might be good. I also didn't like the idea of 1 night in Big Sur, 1 night in Cambria and 1 night in Santa Barbara. I think it sounds hectic so much checking in and out. Which of these towns would be worth two nights and which should be eliminated? We are interested in seeing hearst Castle. Regarding Big Sur my thought is maybe we can really enjoy it without spending the night? Also, what is your opinion of Santa barbara is it a must see???I would love any more feedback that might help me clear my head. I'm so sorry to have rambled on like this. Thanks in advance to all!!!

Hi Nancy,

My opinion is that Santa Barbara is a nice city, but not a must see and I have spent a few weekends there over the years. Great wine tasting in the area though!

Cambria, Heast Castle, Big Sur are all much more impressive scenery.

I picked up a car at the Dollar rental car near the Fisherman Warf area and they allowed me to return in to the airport (SFO) for $26.00 including taxes for one day.

If you are going to see Hearst Castle then I would do two nights in Cambria. While there isn't that much to see in Cambria itself, it's a good spot for a day trip to Hearst Castle. And the dining options in Cambria are good. Santa Barbara is pretty but only two hours from Los Angeles so if you are continuing on then I don't see a need to spend a night in SB. Plus the hotels are more expensive in SB and most are not on the Beach.

You didn't ask, but I think Pacific Beach is my favorite location in the Monterey Bay area. It is halfway between Carmel and Monterey City. You might want to see if you can find a room at one of the inns there instead of Carmel.

I meant Pacific Grove, not Pacific Beach!

Another vote for Pacific Grove - right between Monterey and Carmel, beautiful town with great architecture and right on the water.

For Big Sur, you can definitely see Big Sur on your way through without spending the night - it just depends what you want to do.

I agree with your plan not to spend 1 night in one place, 1 night in the next and so on. Too much packing, checking out, and so on. A couple nights in the monterey area and then a couple nights in Cambria would be good.

For Santa Barbara, I would be inclined to stop in for a couple hours rather than spending the night. It is a nice place, but with limited time, that is what I would choose.

In my humble opinion, with two pre-teens, I'd spend time in a beach town such as Pismo Beach (unless the kids are used to going to beaches often). While I love Cambria, I feel it's more of an adult oriented area (not including Hearst).

I think after Carmel, you can day trip through Big Sur and spend the night in Cambria. See Hearst in the morning and head down the coast to Pismo. From there, on to LA or wherever your final destination is.

And, I agree, Pacific Grove is a great stay to cover both Carmel and Monterey

Thanks so much for such great feedback. This site is amazing. I live in mexico city and i am from NY if I can return the favor. I have decided to skip staying in Santa barbara and Big Sur. Do you really recommend pacific grove over carmel even with reservations at the vagabond house or la Playa? If so, what hotel do you recommend in pacific grove? Is the town as charming as carmel with lots of nice shops and restaurants?
Thanks again!!!!

Me four? Yes, I like PG more with each visit.

Nancy:

I always stay in a La Playa cottage when visiting my family in Carmel/Big Sur.

They are really charming, part of the neighborhood and not connected physically to the hotel building. They also have nice views of the ocean and are within easy walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants. The La Playa Rooom Service is outstanding and the cottages have roomy decks.

The one I stay in with my hubby is pretty small, though fine for us. With two kids, I'd make sure you're getting one of the bigger ones!

I don't have any recommendations for hotels in Carmel or Pacific Grove - I grew up not far from there and have never actually spent the night in either town. I just like Pacific Grove better than Carmel in general. Pacific Grove has a great paved path along the water with small beaches and plenty of tide pools. Also, the architecture of the houses is wonderful - craftsman, spanish, victorian, old monterey - and most of them are really well taken care of. The atmosphere in PG is great.

Carmel has always been a little snooty and overly impressed with itself, which although a beautiful place, just doesn't really do it for me.