San Fransisco to LA
 

Hi
We are planning on driving the PCH between SF and LA in Late August to September this year. We are looking to take about 5 days to do it allowing for a least one day of full on beach!
I have kind of got the first two days sorted
Day 1 - SF to Monterey taking in Carmel and Pebble Beach
Day 2 - Monterey to Cambria taking the whole day to do the "Big Sur" and staying overnight in Cambria or maybe heading down to Santa Maria as a base for the evening as the road heads inland then anyway.
From then on, I would like to head down to the coast and spend the remaining time to get to Santa Monica via Santa Barbara and Malibu.
Do you have any suggestions of good stop off points, particularly on the latter stretch between Santa Maria and Santa Monica? We would like to spend at least one day purely on the beach.
Thanks in advance
Dave

Santa Barbara is nice but isn't as scenic ast Carmel/Monterey/Big Sur. And there really aren't many places to stay in Malibu.

As it is you have almost no time in the Carmel area. It will take 2 to 3 hours to get there and then you leave the next morning. Not enough time to visit the aquarium, Point Lobos, the Mission, enjoy Carmel, etc.

I'd stay 2 nights in/near Carmel, one night in either Cambria or San Luis Obispo, one night in Santa Barbara, and then on to Santa Monica.

I agree with Janisj. More time in Carmel. If you are arriving in SF late in the day, or from far away (and might have jet lag), I would spend 3 nights in Carmel. You'll run out of days before you'll run out of things to do & see. I might even do my "beach" day in Santa Barbara & skip Santa Monica (which I don't find interesting at all).

I don't want any more "heat" from anyone on this - but Hwy #1 between about Santa Barbara & SF is the Cabrillo Highway - not Pacific Coast Highway.

Stu Dudley

I was going to post that it isn't called the PCH up here -- but figured someone else would take care of it ;)

I would try to visit Hearst Castle.

Avoid Santa Maria. Blech! Agree with Janis and Stu.

I agree with the above... we stayed in Marina and added a morning tour with Monterrey Bay Whale Watch and time at the pier, aquarium and 17 mile drive, carmel and the area was well worth the added time...

Agree with janisj and Stu, try and spend two nights in the Monterey area and skip Santa Maria (pity because I just love their Santa Maria BBQ - tri-tip, pinquinto beans, salad, etc). I have read it has developed a bit of a gang problem in parts.

Also try and avoid Labor Day (first Monday in Sep) and weekends in the coast as some places will have 2 night minimum stay requirements).
For the beach, maybe try Zuma in Malibu, lots of parking and since it is further north not as many folks drive there.

Hi Dave, you sound more like younger road warrior types mainly looking for “stops” as you drive and sight-see the beach areas. Do I have that right? If so… (this is hurried but an eyeful and I assume you both have a lot of energy.) If not, then skip.

Day 1 - Enjoy the ride along the coastal (Cabrillo) highway through Halfmoon Bay and spend a little time in Santa Cruz. Check out the Boardwalk. Then on to Monterey. Squeeze tome for Fisherman’s Wharf, check into a one nighter in Monterey or PG, head to Carmel, walk the village a bit and have dinner.

Day 2 – Take the 17 mile drive from the Carmel gate and lunch at Pebble Beach. Finish the drive along the scenic Pacific Grove beach area. Rest, stay the night again. You will need it.

Day 3 – This will be one of your longest days mainly because the drive can be exhausting (but I do it all the time). If you’re up for it, stop at Point Lobos south of Carmel. Leave time for Big Sur and drive south. Stop at Nepenthe for lunch, then head to McWay falls followed by Limekiln Falls (short hike). Visit Cambria and Morro Bay on way down to San Luis Obispo where you can have that tri-tip dinner! If you’re looking for a “base” hotel, make it Pismo Beach or Arroyo Grande area. Do not stay in Santa Maria.

Day 4 – Drive south to Los Olivos (154 exit off the 101) .Take the back-road from Los Olivos to Solvang. Both are nice “quick” stops, then off to Santa Barbara via highway 246, for lunch and possibly beach. Beaches from SF to SB are usually cool or cold but you will get more beach sun in SB’s East Beach or further south in Carpentaria. Carp is nice to stay overnight. Try the Palms for dinner. Everything so far is scenic.

Day 5 – You’re on your own buddy - good luck through LA! 

Thanks to all for the the replies and apologies for the incorrect terminology for the road. Must try harder!!

Bear900, thanks for the compliment; kind of spot on but we are not exactly young, but we are young at heart!!

I didn't mention that the "road" trip is part of a two week holiday in which we were planning to take in Yosemite, Death Valley and Vegas.

Looking at the map more, the responses, other forums and balancing the driving with rest days, I still think the suggestions above work well for the SF leg, but we might stay in around Pismo for a day to get more rest, then head up to Yosemite before working our way down through Death Valley stopping over for a night at each. then head to Vegas to complete the trip.

Do you have any suggestions for how long we should stay in Yosemite and Death Valley respectively.

Based on the above we wouldn't get to Yosemite until the afternoon so would plan to stay that night and probably the next.
Then head down to Death valley which by the looks of it will be a fabulous drive down the 395?. We would then stay there for the rest of the day and the next, moving on to Vegas the next morning.

Finally, we might move the trip back to the end of September. Would that be better weather wise than August?

Cheers
Dave

August in Death Valley???? The temps are likely to be 120.

I hope you already have reservations for Yosemite for August - or forget that leg of the trip.

Definitely move the trip to September. The weather on the coast is much better then, and you have a chance of getting accommodations in Yosemite. Death Valley may have cooled off to 90 or so by October.

Stu Dudley

Having the whole plan up front might have changed some responses. The VERY first thing you should do is try to book accommodations in Yosemite valley. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is the best option - but anywhere in the Valley may already be booked up. Be flexible about the dates during your time frame? Once you get a place to stay in yosemite, then plan the res of your itinerary around that.

If the Valley is full, book a stay at Yosemite a view lode in El Portal - they have a liberal cancellation policy - and then keep trying for a cancellation at Yosemite Lodge.

As for Death Valley - IMO a VERY. Bad idea in August. The heat can be dangerous - in fact Las Vegas in August is also bad. It will literally too hot to lay by the pool after about 10AM.

Now you’re talking! End of September is perfect timing and kids are back in school. Will be great weather on the central coast and in Yosemite but still *warm* inland.

You’re only as old as you act. We’re probably not far off in age and I still like to hit the road hard. I decided the last couple of years to experience the central coast by car camping and invested heavily in camping and fishing gear. Trust me, it’s more like *glamping* (glamorous camping).

Now that I know the rest of your plans I would like to add two options that will maximize your experience before leaving the central coast area. I would take option two if time permits.

Open up the following map:

http://www.pasowine.com/wineries/map.php

From Cambria, take 46 east towards Templeton. This is a scenic, relatively short drive into wine country. We have some great wine here. If that interests you, drop down a short way on Vineyard Drive and experience the Zins at Turley. Then backtrack north across 46 up to Opolo vineyards and Justin wine cellars for some beautiful rolling vineyards and wine tasting. They close around 5.

Option 1 – You can wine taste and still make it safely to Pismo Beach for an overnighter. The beach weather is generally perfect that time of year – for this area of the coast. Breakfast at Zoro’s in Shell Beach and head north on 101 to San Luis Obispo. Old downtown SLO is a great place to stroll and take in the Mission and other ambiance. Head to Paso Robles and exit 46 east then 41 north to Fresno. It’s about 4 hours from Paso to Yosemite Valley. There is only one spot I would stop at in Fresno and that is Riverview area on the north end off the 41. Plenty of everything there.

Option 2 – Make Pismo area your base for two nights. The full day in-between, you can do all I mentioned on the way to SB and back. There is another great wine trail past SM if you’re interested. Your stops along the way to SB (Sideways movie) are totally different from Big Sur area and you will enjoy the experience. Next day follow the directions in option 1.

I will leave Death Valley and LV to others.

Best!

Regarding time of stay in Yosemite, with your time alotment, try for two full days (three nights). Be sure to stop at the entrance to the park and walk among the giants.

May want to cancel Death Valley.

Thanks for the advice. I think you have convinced us that September is a better option
We like the winery option too as we are keen on our wine
Cheers
Dave

Hi
Right after taking in all of the advice above we think we are set. We have decided to try and drive for a day then stay for at least a day to a: recover from the driving and b: minimise living out of a suitcase everyday!!
Trip Starts on 26th September and finishes on 10th October

Days 1-3 Fly to, in and around San Francisco
Day 4 - Drive to Carmel via Monterrey
Day 5 - In and around Carmel
Day 6 - Drive to Pismo Beach (possibly via Cambria)
Days 7 & 8 - In and around Pismo Beach and Wine Country
Day 9 - Fly to Las Vegas
Days 10 & 11 - Las Vegas (possible Grand Canyon trip)
Day 12 - Drive to Death Valley
Day 13 - Drive to Yosemite
Day 14 - In around Yosemite
Day 15 - Back to San Francisco airport

I'd appreciate any thoughts and suggestions for good places to stay.
Thanks in advance
Dave

>>Day 14 - In around Yosemite
Day 15 - Back to San Francisco airport <<

I hope your flight leaves sometime after 3 PM on Day 15 - which is Friday "get away day" if it is on Oct 10.

Stu Dudley

Yep - Currently looking at an evening flight as works best back to the UK.
BTW, what's "get away day" other than a Friday. Is there anything special about 10th October?

On Fridays, people leave work a little early for a weekend trip to Carmel, Yosemite, North Coast, LA, or elsewhere. There is notably more traffic, starting around 2-3PM.

Stu Dudley