I'm interested in driving the Pacific Coast highway this summer starting in San Francisco. I only have a week. Where are the best places to stop in this short time (heading south)?

Carmel, Cambria, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara

Corinne

Which way are you going north or south?

She stated that she was heading south.

Carmel, Cambria, Santa Barbara

Lots of people seemed to like San Luis Obispo, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. The wine country near it is pleasant enough, but there's not a whole to see or do in San Luis Obispo

Spend more time around Carmel or Santa Barbara.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Hearst Mansion yet (near San Simeon). If you decide to tour it, you'll need reservations in advance.

Rose,

I you've read posts on this forum a few times, you would realize that Hearst's Castle (not mansion), is closely associated with Cambria. Everyone has mentioned Cambria which is 9 miles South of San Simeon and Hearst's Castle.

Native

if you want very upscale stay in carmel but i prefer monterey. just more choices of things to do in the evening and you can drive to see carmel. 2 nights at least in this area.
you don't say how far south you are going...
monterey, cambria (if you are doing the tour), santa barbara, san diego

Hearst Castle was incredible, and the drive itself is wonderful. We did this trip last July in reverse (LA to San Francisco) and did it in a week. If you want to see photos of the scenery you will encounter on this journey, go to my webshots site and look at the California Coast albums. We loved Santa Barbara, Cambria, Big Sur, Monterey, and all the stops along the way. http://community.webshots.com/user/setpics