Hi,

We are flying in to San Francisco and then driving to Monterey (one night) on to Cambria area (Hearst Castle) for two nights, then to Yosemite (two nights) and back to SF.

One question I have is any advice re whale watching excursions near Monterey. We will be there mid-May.

Our current hotel choices are: Monterey Bay Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn (Cambria) and Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn in Oakhurst.
If anyone has any comments on the above, please advise.

Thanks so much!

I think you'll be past whale watching season in May.

My question is why did you elect to stay 2 nights in Cambria and only one in Monterey? Unless you have been there before - there is MUCH more to see in and around Monterey/Carmel than there is in Cambria. You only need one night there to see Hearst Castle and some of the nearby beaches.

In fact I would stay 3 nights in Monterey and spend one of those days to drive down to San Simeon and back as a day trip. It is a much shorter/easier drive from Monterey to Yosemite than from Cambria.

I think a day-trip from Monterey to San Simeon would be rather daunting. To drive that section of Hwy 1 twice in a day could be quite intimidating.

Whale-watching might be over, but you can get more information at Fisherman's Wharf, where the tours leave from. It's still fun even if there aren't any whales -- plenty of other marine and bird life.

George - I never intended them to drive BOTH directions on Hwy 1. You're right -that would be nuts. It makes much more sense to go south on 101 and cut across on 46. Then return via 1 to Monterey/Carmel. A main reason is they could then drive on 152 to Merced, Mariposa and into Yosemite. That would be MUCH better than Cambria to Paso Robles to Fresno to Fish Camp/Wawona.

No whales in May! But you can rent kayaks and go out in Monterey Bay with the sea otters. You'll most likely see elephant seals on Hwy 1 just south of Ragged Point and before you come to Cambria--look for wildlife viewing sign.

If you enjoy wildlife, look up Elkhorn Slough out of nearby Moss Landing. You'll see many seabirds, otters, and seals {sorry, no whales!}. The trip was recently featured on a National Geographic special.