Hello, I am needing help finding a place to stay in between LA and SF. My 12 and 15 year old and myself will be visiting some lighthouses along the trip. Most of them are closer to SF. So a place closer to SF would be nice. Also is the Hearst Castle a must see? So maybe somewhere around there?

Thanks
Melissa

Melissa,

This question is asked on this forum a hundred times a week. If you would do a search, you would get more answers than you would know what to do with.

That said, Hearst Castle is a must see, and you want to stay in Cambria. Hearst Castle is in San Simeon, about 9 miles north of Cambria on HGWY. 1. There is also a light house a few miles north of San Simeon.

Native

You might want to concentrate more on the north of the state. My favorite is Pidgeon Point just north of Santa Cruz. You could stay in Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay to visit there. Great surfing area too, although you need to be experienced. Cambria is a good town to visit Hearst Castle as well as Morro Bay which the kids might like better. Go to www.cal-lights.com There is one up north near Mendocino that is open to the public----think Pt. Arena and that's a lovely part of the California coast.

The lighthouse in Santa Cruz is now a surfing museum, pretty cool, and the boardwalk with some roller coasters and other fun things to do would probably be a hit with the kids. The Westcoast Hotel is right on the beach and next to the boardwalk.

You may have already checked it out but I believe that you can spend the night in the lighthouse at Pidgeon Point, Half Moon Bay.

I forgot to add that you can ride horses in Half Moon Bay right on the beach...a hit with my teens.

Thanks for all the advice. I was wondering about staying at the lighthouse mentioned. I believe it is a hostelo. Has anyone ever stayed at one of these? The thought of staying at the lighthouse sounded wonderful, but I wasn't sure of the accomodations. Any advice would be appreciated.

Melissa

Excuse me that should be hostel.

Melissa