We stayed at the Tickle Pink Inn in the Camel Highlands, but visited the Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, & Big Sur areas & we really did like Pacific Grove; we thought it was charming & we'd love to stay at the Seven Gables Inn there on a return visit. We loved the walking/jogging path right by the ocean!

I do believe it will be pretty crazy. I will cross my fingers and hope for the best. Thanks for all the opinions. We are going to do a trolley wine tour our second day there..it should be fun. It picks us up only 10 min from our hotel so we thought we would get a cab so we don't have to worry about driving back. Luckily, I love hiking and hate shopping so hopefully, the wives will be doing the exact opposite ;). Bottom line, I know there will be traffic and congestion but this was the time I chose (didn't even think about the US OPEN when I did) and will make the best of it.

just make sure you dine at Passionfish..considered one of the best and its so reasonable with wine too..would hate to have you lose out so make your reservations now.
keep us posted with a trip report and see if you can maybe rent bikes so your not stuck in car traffic.

Passionfish is wonderful! (The spot prawns are great, the service is nice, the prices are fair, and the general attitude of the place is enjoyable)

many thanks and I will have to do a trip report this time..everyone was so helpful with my Utah trip and I never showed my gratitude...I'll make sure to take a few notes here and there so I can help others as all of you have done for me.