HI! If you had an extra day on your coast trip from LA to San Fran, where would you spend that extra night? We have one night Santa Barbara, driving to Monterey area staying 2 nights, then driving to San Fran, staying 2 nights. Should we add another night to San Fran, because when we drive from Monterey we want to check out Santa Cruz and might want to do a day trip on the way to San Fran. I know a lot of you suggested Cambria, but my fiance will not be interested in Hearst Castle. We went to the Vanderbelt estate in North Carolina, and were a bit bored. What else is there to do in Cambria? Thanks!

Silkiegal

Cambria is one of the nicest places to spend a night on your route. You can enjoy the town without going to Hearst Castle in the same way you can enjoy Cuzco without going to Machu Pitchu, Luxor without going to Karnak, New York City without going to Broadway, and so on.

We always enjoy spending a night in Cambria at one of the motels on Moonstone Beach Drive, and there are several good places for dinner.

I would definitely add another night to your stay in San Francisco; two nights in Monterey and one night in funky Santa Cruz would not, in my opinion, be a good use of your precious travel time.

You seem to have a number of threads going on this subject. Maybe you have gotten all the info you need.

If not, why don't you tell us what does interest you if your fiance would be bored at the Hearst Castle. Are you looking for outdoor adventure such as hiking or beachcombing or are you looking to be pampered at a plush resort. In either case, Big Sur has many options and, in my opinion, would be THE place to stay on a coastal trip.

Tell us what turns you on.

Since you have an extra night between LA and SF I would advise one night in San Jose. Depending on your interests there's quite a bit to do in the city. Some of the more popular things to see/do are the Tech Museum, Winchester Mystery House, Santana Row shopping and dining, Japanese Gardens, San jose Museum of Art, etc.. Big Basin Redwoods Park just outside the city is also a great place to check out.

www.sanjose.org

www.bigbasn.org

San Jose is an inland city. If you want that, what the previous poster suggested is fine. If you are looking for cities along the ocean, you may want to visit Santa Cruz and nearby. Capitola is a little beachside community with little shops and restuarants. If there are any children with you, you may want to spend half a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It's also wonderful to walk or drive along Westcliff Drive in Santa Cruz. You may want to visit the Shadowbrook restaurant in Capitola, it's fantastic. Santa Cruz is also close to Nisene Marks, Henry Cowell & Big Basin...all places that you can see redwoods. However there is much more to do and see in the Monterey/Carmel area such as Point Lobos, the Aquarium, 17 mile drive, etc., so be sure to allow enough time there. Have a great trip!

I second the recommendation for spending a night in San Jose. It is very near the coast, maybe a 25 minute drive from Monterey Bay. Since you will already be in Monterey for 2 nights, a 3rd night is not necessary. Big Basin and Henry Cowell are easy daytrips from San Jose, about 15 miles from the city. Santa Cruz is also a nice daytrip from San Jose, but other than that would not warrant an overnight as there is not much to do there at night. San Jose will be on your way to SF from Monterey via route 1 and highways 17 and the scenic 280.

Have a great trip.