recommendation for west coast trip
 

Every year my sisters and I meet on the West Coast for 4-5 days of vacation. We've been to Sonoma (It;s West Coast if you live in CT.) and La Jolla. We want comfort, scenery, good food, some shopping but not a big city. Any suggestions?

kathy: <BR> <BR>What time of year do you come out here?

How about Cambria and Monterrey? Maybe you could consider flying into L.A. - I know you don't like big cities, but there are great theatres and restaurants here. You could possibly spend a night and the following morning rent a car and drive up the coast to Cambria. This is approximately a 3-4 hour drive along the California Coast. Great scenery, good food, wonderful little towns along the way - Including Santa Barbara. <BR> <BR>Cambria is the home of Hearst Castle - beautiful tours that could be done in two days. Then, Monterrey is only about 2 hours away. <BR> <BR>Have a great time.

I agree with the idea of the central coast. I get up there around 3 or 4 times a year and find it to be so relaxing. I love Cambria. Great little town...shopping, good restaurants, Moonstone Beach, and Hearst Castle up the road. Also a lot fo great wineries in the area. <BR> <BR>An alternative up on the Central Coast would be to stay at the hotel with hot springs in Avila Beach. Located in a very scenic canyon. And within a few minutes of San Luis Obispo. A college town with a lot of fun restaurants and things to do and see...a favorite weekend destination of both Southern and Northern Californians.

I agree with the Central Coast tips. I went to Cal Poly SLO and spent a lot of time there growing up as well. It is a safe, picturesque and clean town. Sycamore Mineral Springs would be a good place to stay, at Avila Beach. A really fun, memorable and funky alternative is the Madonna Inn. I would try to describe it but you wouldn't believe me. They have theme rooms that span the range from odd to garish to very cool. Do a search and see if they have a website. The SLO area also has quite a wine industry. I think over 40+ wineries there, including names you would recognize, like Wild Horse and Meridian. What a fun afternoon. Lots of other stuff to do. Morro Bay, Hazard Canyon and Montana de Oro State Park, Cambria, San Simeon (Hearst Castle) etc. <BR> <BR>Another alternative is the Palm Springs area. But that would depend entirely on the time of year. Too hot for most from May to November. Gorgeous the rest of the year. Have fun.