I'm driving to Carmel. If I go on,round trip, to Anaheim and then back to the East Bay, what path would you drive and points to visit, so nothing is repeated. Big Sur south will all be new to me. Would like to break up the driving so it is restful & fun. Elderly Lady, Will be driving alone, so safety is also important. No Hearst, been there. Thanks ahead for any suggestions.

How long do you have for the drive? From the Oakland area I would suggest 880 or 680 to 101/156/1 and then get back on 101.

Off of 101 the city of San Juan Bautista and the Mission are worth a visit as is the Steinbeck Museum in Salinas. I would do an overnight stay in either San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay.

Thanks, my time is open. How do I make and interesting drive down, and then a very different interesting drive back?

I think that Montgomery has given you some good ideas and the route given is one that I would also recommend.

Other places to consider stopping on the way to Anaheim would be Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Solvang, and Santa Barbara. I think that 1 or 2 nights in each place is about right. On the way back I would suggest taking 101 to 156 to Highway 1 up to Monterey and then 17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains through San Jose and from there back to the Oakland area. The alternative would be to take 101 all the way up to San Jose on the way back. It all depends on how much time you have.

In the Monterey area 17 Mile Drive, Carmel, and the Aquarium are worth a visit, as is Fisherman's Wharf.

http://www.morrobay.org/

http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/

http://www.solvangusa.com/

http://www.santabarbaraca.com/

Aproximately, how many Hours driving time from Carmel to Hilton Convention Way Anaheim? What hours are best for driving, to arrive in Anaheim?

What is Apple Farm and the Botanical Gardens like on San Luis Obispo?