PCH Stops/Time
 

I'm planning on driving up the California coast from San Diego to San Francisco. I'm definately stopping in Orange County to see a friend. I would like to stop somewhere between LA and San Fran for a night (closer to San Fran). Does anybody have any recommendations on where to stay? Also what kind of time can I realistically expect to spend on the road?

Thanks!

I'd choose either the San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay/Cambria area or Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove.

LA to SLO is about 3-4 hours. SLO to Monterey is about 3 hours. Monterey to SF is about 2-2.5 hours.

In my expereince Monterey to SF is about a 3-3.5 hour drive. I would not waste your time on Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz as the scenery on that part of Highway 1 is not nearly as nice as south of there in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. My choice for an overnight place to stay would be in the Monterey/Carmel area. From there I would recommend taking Highway 1 to 17 north into San Jose and then the scenic Highway 280 from the city to SF.

The link below highlights the most scenic areas of Highway 1 with points of interest.

http://www.pelicannetwork.net/big.sur.coast.htm

To shahnm77!
I did the same drive last spring. It was a wonderful drive!
We stayed at a very nice and different place called Sea Side Motel in Cayucos. Cayucos is in the middle of LA and SF.
It was a very charming small city and the motel was fantastic. If you go there.....say hello for me to Rebecca from Finland.

We decided on staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Cayucos. Thanks for all your help.