Considering a first-time visit to this region of California. Any decent place to stay near there...or in San Juan Baptista?
Would like to hike there while it's green. (perhaps in January/Feb)

A romantic spot would also be welcome, but not sure if any lodging like that exists close-by. Prettiest drives nearby?
Thanks so much.

If you're going during December, I would strongly recommend staying in SJB, buying tickets in advance, and taking in the show at the mission "The Man of La Mancha". If you're not bilingual (Spanish) the theatrics will fill in the blanks as the story is told... Fantastic, Intimate, Authentic.

As for the Pinnacles: I've never stayed anywhere nearby. Sorry.

Pis

Thanks for the idea!
However, w/all the holiday rush, I doubt we can make it this December.
Nice to know about, however, for the future!

Just so you know, it's San Juan Bautista, not Baptista. After visiting the Pinnacles, head south on 101 and west on 156 to Hwy 1 to Monterey/Carmel. It's not very far and the most beautiful area on the planet.

The Pinnacles Monument has two sides, east and west. I can’t speak to the Eastern Pinnacles as I’ve only been to the Western Pinnacles, and they were spectacular. Here is a sample of what you will see there:

http://www.nationalparklover.com/pinnacles.htm

Below is a site for the Western Pinnacles, off the 101 near Soledad that includes a schedule for the partial and full opening of Bear Gulch Cave. We did the balcony walk several years ago in March and it was already near 100 degrees so be sure to take plenty of drinking water. There were some small creeks to cross and the cave was pitch black, so hiking boots and flashlight came in handy. In fact, we ended up helping others without water and flashlight.

http://www.nps.gov/pinn/visit/bgstatus.htm

As far a recommending a romantic place to stay? Well, we stayed in Carmel Village, our destination. We were sidetracked by the almost obscure sign we drove by so many times near Soledad over the years and decided to give it a go on our way up one month of March. Although the pinnacles were about another ½ hour drive on a windy road east of Soledad, it was one of the best things we ever did! The same is no doubt true for the other side near Hollister. Have fun!
~ ben

Thank you all so very, very much!
Will definitely try to do then...and if Carmel Valley isn't too far for overnighting in, then, that could be a first too.

We've driven through Carmel Valley but many years ago...never stayed. Appreciate all the help & links.

Now...where to stay in Carmel Valley, I wonder? Will need to do some research.

The Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley is just gorgeous. We haven't stayed there but had lunch at Wickets and really enjoyed the property. We may go there for lunch when we're in the area later in the month. Cheers! www.bernardus.com ***kim***

Just so your only advice about where to stay in Carmel Valley isn't reading the incessant songs about dining at Wickets at Bernardus but have never stayed there...Bernardus is very, very nice and I would recommend it highly. Another choice would be Quail Lodge, which has been remodeled and is quite nice and Carmel Valley Ranch. For the ultimate Carmel Valley stay, I recommend Stonepine - first class elegance.