Last minute California Coast Trip - Help!
Dec 12th, 2011, 10:47 AM
#22
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I see now. I've got the map up now as I type. Went by memory before, not a good thing for me. Let's try this again... Any recommendations for stops between LA & Cambria on Fri? Sat stop at Julia P B & Point Lobos on way to Carmel. On Sun 17-mile Drive, Big Basin on way to San Jose.
Dec 12th, 2011, 12:53 PM
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After driving up the coast, hiking around Big Sur and going to places like Point Lobos, I would skip 17 mile drive unless you are a big fan of golf courses, and spend more time in places like Big Basin.
Dec 12th, 2011, 03:49 PM
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I would stop for lunch or a Danish pastry in the cute town of Slavang - which as you might guess - it Danish themed. It's about 45 minutes above Santa Barbara - and then just a couple of more hours to cute Cambria, which has several nice restaurants.
Also - I think Hearst Castle at San Simeon is a terrific tour - but if you don't have the 2 hours to spare, you might at least go by the Visitor's center at the bottom and check out the small/free museum there - and maybe catch the 20? minute movie.
And - the Elephant Seal beach about 2 miles north past the entrance to Hearst Castle is worth a stop - and it's just off the hiway.
One other place to stop for the view on your way into Carmel is at Nepenthene - where they have great coffee.
Also - I think Hearst Castle at San Simeon is a terrific tour - but if you don't have the 2 hours to spare, you might at least go by the Visitor's center at the bottom and check out the small/free museum there - and maybe catch the 20? minute movie.
And - the Elephant Seal beach about 2 miles north past the entrance to Hearst Castle is worth a stop - and it's just off the hiway.
One other place to stop for the view on your way into Carmel is at Nepenthene - where they have great coffee.
Dec 12th, 2011, 03:51 PM
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Here's the webpage for Nepenthene (at about Big Sur) - and it has sort of a funky art shop. It makes a nice break when traveling from Cambria to Carmel. http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Dec 12th, 2011, 09:03 PM
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I'd drive the 95 minutes from LAX to Santa barbara on Thursday night, rather than sit in L.A. traffic on Friday morning.
What time do you arrive Thursday? Leave L.A. before 7am, or wait until 10am on Friday.
What time do you arrive Thursday? Leave L.A. before 7am, or wait until 10am on Friday.
Dec 13th, 2011, 04:48 AM
#30
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Agree that if you can get out of the LA basin on Thursday night - best to do so and enjoy Santa Barbara or Solvang.
And Cat: No idea about the stuffed squid at Grappolo, but the website looks geat - and it's close (Santa Ynez) to Solvang in any event. Might try it one time myself - but still think at least driving through Solvang is worth it - as well as seeing the pretty wine country around it. http://www.solvangusa.com/ You can also stop at one of the wine shops in Solvang to pick up some good wines grown in the greater Santa Barbara area, and I like the Chards from the Santa Rita Hills.
And Cat: No idea about the stuffed squid at Grappolo, but the website looks geat - and it's close (Santa Ynez) to Solvang in any event. Might try it one time myself - but still think at least driving through Solvang is worth it - as well as seeing the pretty wine country around it. http://www.solvangusa.com/ You can also stop at one of the wine shops in Solvang to pick up some good wines grown in the greater Santa Barbara area, and I like the Chards from the Santa Rita Hills.
Dec 13th, 2011, 05:49 AM
#31
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Tom, do you live close by? Grappollo is so good! They have a wood burning oven and prepare almost everything in it. We leave LA mid-morning, and stop there for lunch on almost any trip where we are heading north along the coast. The tip is to sit at the bar, not a table. Then you can watch them cook right in front of you.
We stay in Solvang when we go wine tasting and I agree about some of the wineshops. I particularly like Lucas and Lewellen and Mandolino.
http://www.llwine.com/
We stay in Solvang when we go wine tasting and I agree about some of the wineshops. I particularly like Lucas and Lewellen and Mandolino.
http://www.llwine.com/
Dec 15th, 2011, 06:23 PM
#32
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Are you interested in seeing the Hearst property? Here is my mini-report on a hotel close to there:
I just wanted to recommend this place, where I stayed just one night, before visiting Hearst Castle (about 10 minute drive from this hotel).
Best Western PLUS Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
9415 Hearst Dr
San Simeon, CALIFORNIA
93452-9724
805/927-4688
I did not pay extra for an oceanview room, but the hotel is located right next to the water. I could easily see the surf from my room's front door, which door opened to an outside landing. The property has two or three bonfires set on the beach, with chairs, and it is extremely pleasant at night.
I paid about $138 for my room, without breakfast, but with free parking. Best part was the little fireplace in my room. It was ready to light and was much appreciated on the foggy night. Great little Keurig coffeemaker with selection of coffees and teas in the room's granite countertopped bathroom outer area.
Nice little restaurant on site, too.
I just wanted to recommend this place, where I stayed just one night, before visiting Hearst Castle (about 10 minute drive from this hotel).
Best Western PLUS Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
9415 Hearst Dr
San Simeon, CALIFORNIA
93452-9724
805/927-4688
I did not pay extra for an oceanview room, but the hotel is located right next to the water. I could easily see the surf from my room's front door, which door opened to an outside landing. The property has two or three bonfires set on the beach, with chairs, and it is extremely pleasant at night.
I paid about $138 for my room, without breakfast, but with free parking. Best part was the little fireplace in my room. It was ready to light and was much appreciated on the foggy night. Great little Keurig coffeemaker with selection of coffees and teas in the room's granite countertopped bathroom outer area.
Nice little restaurant on site, too.
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