LA to Carmel - 1 Day
 

We are driving from LA to Carmel in one day and spending the night in the Carmel. We are trying to figure out the best way to do the drive up Hwy 1 so that it is enjoyable and not overly packed since it is a lot of driving. We think the total drive is approx. 6-7 hours. We've read suggestions on lunch in santa barbara or the hearst castle but how much can we fit in and still get to carmel not too late (in time for late dinner)? We figure we'll explore Carmel the following morning/afternoon before we head up to Napa. Staying in Carmel isn't set in stone but we thought it would be a good spot.

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If you are truly serious about doing this drive in one day, you will not have time to stop for any of the sights along the way. Forget San Simeon and forget having a leisurly lunch. I would suggest McDonalds in SLO.

Instead of dinner in Carmel, arrange for a long massage.

Thanks for the insight. It's about a 6-7 hour drive, correct (up Rt 1)? Well it doesn't really matter where we stay on the drive up. We leave LA on a Tuesday morning and need to check into Napa in the early evening Wednesday night. Any suggestions about possibly stopping earlier along the way and visit somewhere early in the day on Wednesday? Thanks again.

Either way, LA to Napa in 2 days will be a long haul if you take the coast route. Hopefully you have at least 2 drivers because the road through Big Sur is a tiring drive - very curvey, eyes on the road all the time. No automatic pilot.

Your best choices to spend the night are either SLO/Morro Bay/Cambria or Monterey/Carmel.

I would be inclined to stay in the Cambria area for the night and then get an early start the next day. That way, you will be fresh for your drive through Big Sur and enjoy it more rather than being tired and just wanting to get to Monterey. You will also have time to hang around Carmel a bit for lunch before heading up to Napa - or you could take an early Hearst Castle tour before driving through Big Sur. I think you would have to choose one or the other - there really isn't enough time to see both Hearst Castle and Carmel with this schedule.

The drive from Monterey to Napa isn't bad. It takes a few hours, but it's pretty much freeway all the way.