Starting to plan much anticipated trip to the California coast. Flying into LA and out of Oakland. Any tips on the drive between Monterey and Oakland--places to see, stop? Having some trouble pinning down lodging in Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterey for 2 beds under $200 (would prefer under $169). Asilomar seems a bit far from town. Concerned about the many "positive" reviews of various recommended places that cite noise, thin walls, plumbing problems etc. as commonplace. Have traveled 90% of US and abroad and never had problem with this. Wanting clean, convenient location for walking, catching trolley in Monterey, parking rental car. A refrigerator would be thrilling. Any thoughts about the Best Western Monterey? Best Western Cabrillo Rd in Santa Barbara? Thanks all.

I prefer staying in carmel over monterey, there are many charming small places in the "village" part of carmel that are older, but clean with great locations for walking to the wonderful shops, restaurants and beautiful beach. check tripadvisor.com, monterey is pretty, but not as nice in my opinion. have fun.

I forgot to suggest point lobos national park in carmel it is spectacular. Easy walking trails along the coast, bring your binoculars.

Point Lobos is on the must see list. Any other suggestions out there--place to stay? Tips for drive from Monterey to Oakland, nice place to stop enroute or recommended Oakland site?

I was in Santa Barbara last week and stayed at Inn by the Harbor which is about 2 blocks from the beach. This hotel is part of a group - the Santa Barbara Hotel Group. The hotel was quiet and easy walking distance to State Street and the harbor. It's not fancy, but was clean and our room had 2 queen beds and a full kitchen. Breakfast was included along with afternoon wine and cheese and late night cookies (and other dessert bars) and milk. Heated pool and hot tub. We had a special rate because it was booked for a 6 week stay, but I think it should be in your price range.

We took the 101 to Buelton/Solvang exit to tour some vineyards. We had met Ms. Gainey of Gainey vineyards earlier in SB so toured Gainey. We also stopped in several tasting rooms in Los Olivos and visted some vineyards in that area. One of our favorite wines was the Consilience Bien Nacido Pinot in Los Olivos.

The drive from Monterey to Oakland isn't generally all that scenic. You definitely want to avoid weekday commute traffic on the stretch between San Jose and Oakland if possible. If the weather is clear, it might be worth driving up Mt Hamilton, east of San Jose; there are great views from up there. Another possibility would be to go via Santa Cruz and hwy 17; just north in Felton, you could stop at Henry Cowell redwoods or do the steam train ride through the redwoods at adjacent Roaring Camp.

Not sure of the rates, but we always like the Carmel Country Inn because it has large, nice two bedroom suites with living room and kitchen.

Asilomar is not in walking distance to a downtown, but it is right on the ocean and that is something special. It is rustic and simple, but very popular.


There are several routes from Monterey to Oakland. Here's one: Take Hwy 1 north through Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay. Along the way are a few cute towns. Capitola is a very cute "beach town".. with a nice downtown right on the water and a few good restaurants. Santa Cruz is larger with a nice yacht harbor and restaurants, Half Moon Bay is very nice with a sort of hokey little downtown, but there is a Ritz Carlton right on the ocean, and slightly north of Hwy 92 are a couple of nice places, too. As soon as my dementia clears up I will return and post the place I am forgetting at the moment ;-(

You can take Hwy 92 east across the bay to Hwy 880North to Oakland. Just avoid 4pm-6pm.

We prefer to stay in the Pacific Grove area when visiting Monterey. Asilomar IS a special place, Julia Morgan architecture, comfortably rustic, with beach access and a full breakfast included. Rosedale Inn across the street in Pacific Grove is nice, too. For someone coming for the first time, I'd recommend the Martine Inn Bed and Breakfast. The rooms feel very private and it faces the Bay. It is on the walking path that goes all along the water and you can also walk to the Monterey Aquarium and Cannery Row. There is a wide variety of room rates, too. Otherwise, check out Julia Pfiefer State Park for lodging (in Big Sur).

For Santa Barbara the Marina Beach Motel and Mason Beach Inn are often recommended and should be under your price range, The Eagle Inn is a favorite of ours but might be over your price range on weekends or in summer.

We enjoyed Best Western Carmel Mission Inn in the heart of Carmel and they have weekday specials on their website. In Monterey, The little Howard Johnson downtown is fine in a pinch and I think even had a fridge.

There are 6 Best Western properties in Monterey, which one are you considering? We have stayed at the one on the beach, the Monterey Beach Resort, a very nice property about a 5 minute drive to Monterey. We have found the Best Western places to be clean, comfortable and reasonably priced. Most properties have a pool and jacuzzi area that is nice. Enjoy your travels! ***kim***

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Any thoughts on 17 mile drive-- is it worth checking out? Or will it be similar to what I've seen on the drive up from LA? I am planning to drive from LA to Monterey on Highway 1 with stops in between. Thanks again.

My thoughts on 17 Mile Drive are that I could take it or leave it. The coastline is beautiful, but someone went and put a golf course on it and ruined the whole thing For people who love golf, it is a must-see. But if you are after gorgeous coastline, you will get plenty on the drive up through Big Sur and at Point Lobos state park.

We live in San Luis Obispo on the central coast and think this is a great 1/2 way point between LA and the Bay Area. Leave LAX and head to Santa Barbara...spend the night if you can and then head on to the San Luis Obispo area. You can stay in Pismo at the Cliffs - great ocean view...they have a Thursday night Farmers Market special. I can't remember the exact price but I believe it's under $200.00 There is also a small Parisian style bed and breakfast in SLO called Le Petit Soleil. It's in the downtown area. After San Luis you can start your drive up through Big Sur and on into the Carmel area. If you are headed out of SLO around lunch time there is a great...kind of hole in the wall Mexican Fusion place in Morro Bay called Taco Temple. To die for seafood...scallop or fresh fish tacos like you've never had before, carnitas, homemade guac ect. Breakfast in downtown SLO...we like Mclintocks Cowboys Benedict! Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner try Big Sky.
There are also some wonderful wineries in this area. San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. You've got Hearst Castle in San Simeon and a little farther north you can stop and see the Elephant Seals in the wild. Tons of them! The drive through Big Sur is absolutely amazing.
Anyway...those are a few of my thoughts!

Good luck!

If you decide to stay in Monteray to catch the Aquarium and 17 mile drive, I like a small privately owned hotel called Casa Munras. I stayed there when I took my diving certification exam.

It is a 10-15 minute walk to the Aquarium, has a pleasant pool area and when I randomly entered a date on their website it was ~$145 so fits your budget. It is my choice over a Best Western, personally.

I came out of my fog and remembered that another nice beach just slightly north of hwy 92 in Half Moon Bay is Miramar Beach. So if you were to drive from Monterey to Oakland you could go north on hwy 1 to the Half Moon Bay area, eat at the Ritz or at the much cheaper but right on the beach Miramar Hotel, then catch hwy 92 over to Oakland. Just one of a few possibilities. Depends on how much Ocean you want in your day. It's not at all a bad ride, and probably not a whole lot longer than the fastest route.

Thanks again you have all been so helpful and I am workign through yor suggestions? I am still open to any suggestions. Will definitely use suggestions re Monterey to Oakland. And looking forward to trying that restaurant in SLO. Will skip 17 mile drive since HWY 1 from SLO to Monterey sounds wonderful. Also any thuoghts about the Best Westerns in Santa Barbara--The Encina and the PepperTree Inn, the Castillo Inn? Any thoughts about the state parks along the coast? What two should I put at the top of my list. I've been reading 4 travel books and referring often to the map. Thansk again all.

I suggest you also look at Pacific Grove. This is a charming small town right next to Monterey with a horepath you can readily walk to the aquarium.

In Santa Barbara, last year we stayed at the Castillo Inn ($145 for recently renovated corner room w/king bed, sm balcony overlooking a park). Great value & short walk to Stearns Wharf!

Near Oakland, you may consider the Courtyard Hotel in Emeryville. Also visit the 4th Street shops & restaurants in Berkeley.

Thanks for sticking in with me. I decided to go with the Franciscan Inn in Santa Barbara though the Castillo was a consideration also. Any thoughts on differences between the Best Western Monterey Inn (on Abrego) and Monterey Bay Lodge on Camino Aguajito? The Best Western is offering better rates. Although I haven't completely ruled out Pacific Grove. Hoping to be in walking distance of the trolley in Monterey so as not to stress over summer parking downtown.

ttt