Thanks all. Things are coming together - I have a more clear idea of my itinerary.

I like Stu's plan, but I would stay 2nights near Cambria. We try to avoid 1 nighters when trying to relax.

Michelle - where would you recommend she reduce a night to gain a night/day in Cambria.

I would only stay in Cambria for 2 nights if I got there very late in the day. and also wanted to take multiple Hearst Castle tours the next day and visit a winery or two in Paso Robles. Or if I wanted a day to "do nothing". Otherwise, I think there is much more to do & see in San Francisco and the Carmel area, than in/near Cambria/Paso Robles.

Stu Dudley

Carmel. We don't like one nighters. Just our preference. Especially since we have passed 50

I try to avoid one sight stands too . . . when possible.

But in this case I'd probably do 1 night in Cambria and 3 in Carmel. Sometimes a one-nighter is OK if it frees up more time somewhere else.