Lynn

IMO staying in Morro Bay or San Luis Obispo is a good choice--I go there often from Napa. I leave Napa about
8:30 head for 680 & 101, usually arrive SLO 4 &1/2 hrs.(0ne potty stop)
You can get over to Monterey and highway One From Salinas (on 101)
(Napa-Salinas usually about 2 or 2&1/2 hrs) Maybe lunch and walk around in Monterey--then drive down
Highway 1 to Morro Bay. (I have no idea how long that would take?)

Lindsey

Your total drive time from Napa to Santa Barbara is around 9 hours. The least interesting part is the drive from Napa to Carmel/Monterrey. Leave around 8 should get you there around 12. If you are driving on the weekend, the relative merits of the debated routes are not as important. Although, I have had good luck listening to Kam.

The drive through Big Sur is about 2 hours. That's wihtout stopping to take in the scenery. Did not do any hikes, but wished I had.

Not much, in terms of places to stay, along Big Sur proper. If you camp, you might want to stay in one of the parks. Also might try Cambria. I know it is close to the Hearst Castle, but it is a cute little town.

Ny guess is that most of what you want to do is between Morro Bay and Monterey. My suggestion. Drive to Monterey or Carmel and stay there for the overnight. Eat lunch in Monterey and visit the Aquarium. Very cool. Roam around Carmel, neat city despite the quaintness Nazis. Do 17-Mile Drive. Walk along the beach in Carmel and watch the sunset.

Next morning up early, drive to one of the Big Sur parks for a hike. Hikes in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park are supposed to be fantastic.

After your hike, drive to Cambria or Morro Bay for lunch. Drive over to the Santa Ynez Valley. Although I am not as fond of the wines, Los Olivos is quaint, and the drive into Santa Barbara is beautiful.

You should have a fun trip. Enjoy.

bodi

I enjoy Hwy 1 from Napa down the coast, through Pacifica, Montera, Princeton, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero (artichoke soup) etc. I'd prefer stuck in trafic on the coast rather than 80,580,680,101,etc.

J Correa

I second bodi's preference for driving down the coast the whole way. Hwy 1 from SF to Monterey is great.

What else does Duarte's Tavern serve besides artichoke soup?

Brad

I agree with the advice to stay at San Luis Obispo... on a Thursday to catch the Farmers Market. Really cool! Santa Barbara is a beautiful city and worth a stop, but SLO is what Santa Barbara used to be 20 years ago and is far more quaint and unique, and probably a lot cheaper lodging.

From SLO, catch the 101 South towards Ventura/LA, and then take the SR 1 fork in Ventura to avoid suburban LA gridlock, and to allow you the lovely drive through Malibu, and into Santa Monica. Santa Monica is worth a visit as well, if you have time. LAX is close by, might be a nice place to grab a final meal? Happy travelling!

Jodie

Matt,

I agree with Lindsey that the drive on Highway 1 from SF to Monterey on Highway 1 is really noth worth the time. The scenery is not all that great on that stretch of Highway 1. The 680 to 17 to 1 route is the best option.