Hello,

I am a California native and have never driven down the coast before. I know...hard to believe. I am going to be traveling from San Francisco to Solvang. We are doing a little trip and would love some recommendations on sites to see and places to stop. If anyone has any suggestions, they are more than welcome. We enjoy site seeing, the beach, waterfalls, breweries and anything else spectacular.

Thank you!

Are you making the drive in 1 day or staying over someplace en route?

There is quite a bit to see. Are you interested in outdoor activities, scenic drives, history and culture, or something else.

There is a historic boardwalk in Santa Cruz, a great aquarium in Monterey, several missions, the Hearst Castle, the sea lions north of San Simeon and loads more.

Here is a link to craft breweries: http://www.californiacraftbeer.com/w...e/brewery-map/

I haven't heard of any waterfalls in the area. Maybe there are none or they are small.

HTtY

By waterfalls, do you mean this one?

http://www.hikinginbigsur.com/hikes_mcwayfalls.html

I was just out that way but didn't make it to this beach or waterfall. Maybe next time.

Lime kiln Falls at Lime Kiln State Park.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/577/fi...ochure2012.pdf

Stop at Pismo Beach as you heading south toward Solvang

Agree, Pismo, Shell and Avila Beaches are a nice stop for lunch on the way down.

- Monterey area: Wharf and Aquarium, Pebble Beach, scenic drives: 17-mile Drive & Pacific Grove. Really get into the Monterey groove by reading some Steinbeck...

- Carmel: the Village.

- South of Carmel, Point Lobos State Park (don't miss!!)

- Big Sur (Google)

- San Simeon: Hearse Castle

- Cambria: Moonstone Beach

- Cayucos: small beach town

- Morrow Bay: the 'Rock'. Perhaps Kayak. Nice waterfront.

- Alt route: 46 east to Paso robles wine trail.

- San Luis Obispo: many breweries and labeled 'happiest city in America'. Huge farmer's market.

- Avila Beach/Port San Luis: nice views of the port and usually one of the warmer beaches along the way.

- Shell Beach: Zorro's & the very short but very scenic beach drive (walk).

- Pismo/Oceano Beaches: surfing, kiting, dune-buggies, drive on the beach.

- Nipomo: Jocko's

- Los Alamos: great antique shopping

- Buellton: Hitching Post

- Alt route: Santa Maria to Los Olivos via Foxen Canyon wine trail. Then go through Los Olivos to Solvang.

TT

Thanks for all the input! We are just driving down during the day. We are leaving early in the morning. Thanks for the links. I printed them all up. And yes, the waterfall I was thinking of was McWay Falls. But, the other link for Limekiln State Park looks great too. Thank you!