>>would we use Carmel as home base and just drive to these locations for the day?<<

Yep. Pt Lobos is at the south end of Carmel - about 10-15 mins from the "main drag" (Ocean Ave) in Carmel. Then it is another 30 mins (with no stopping - but you're gonna want to stop for pics) to the north part of Big Sur village (Big Sur Village is small). Then Pfeiffer State Park on the left side of the road (perhaps skip), and Pfeiffer Beach (hard to find - see my link - watch for the yellow sign)) is mid Big Sur down a road off Hwy 1. Nepenthe is at the south end of Big Sur just 1/2 mile or so past Pfeiffer State Park. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is just south of Big Sur (watch for signs). IMO, Pt Lobos, Pfeiffer Beach, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns are "must sees" - and so is lunch/drinks at Nepenthe.

Keep driving as far south on Hwy 1 as you have time for. I would allot a full day for this day-trip south of Carmel. This is the prettiest section of coastline you're likely to see for many years, IMO.

Stu Dudley

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! We are so excited to experience the beautiful west coast. And yes we have nothing planned for that Friday but driving and soaking in as much beautiful coastline as we possibly can. When we drive back early on Sunday to fly home I will drive back to San Francisco for at least a few more hours to soak up the city! Thanks again to all.

Your updated itinerary makes more sense. I live here and would not attempt your first itinerary. They have good wine tasting in the Carmel area if you drive east out Carmel Valley Road. We njoy Heller, Bernardus and Talbott's wine tasting. All are very close to eash other. You can pick up a map to show you where they are located.

The Baha Cantina is also out that way. Decorated in car motif and serves Mexican food.