Tomsd

Uno Mas Dos: Since you will have pretty much two full days in the Carmel/Monterrey area - you can see much of what they offer - at least for an initial tour - and then decide if you also want to return for a more in depth visit.

You could also head south to - a bit beyond - Big Sur one afternoon (or morning if it's clear - go when the weather is best) - and experience that incredibly beautiful drive for an hour plus - maybe enjoying the good coffee and view at Nepenthene - and be back in Carmel/Monterrey/Pacific Grove in time for dinner - or lunch - depending on when you left.

easytraveler

We were in San Francisco yesterday and while there was that perpetual fog that seems to come into Pacifica, San Francisco was a beautiful clear day.

HMB is only about 15 miles south of Pacifica and does sometimes gets fogged in also while the rest of the Bay Area remains clear.

Just another thought to put into your pipe.

tomsd: I mean this in the nicest way, since my Spanish spelling isn't the greatest, but do believe that's "Vaya con Dios" and the town near Carmel is "Monterey" spelt with one "r", whereas "Monterrey" is in Mexico, capital of the state of Nuevo Leon, and is one of the richest cities in Mexico.

happytrailstoyou

Happy to have some of this clear in my mind before I leave.

You can see clearly now. Bye-bye.

hotzim

Cambria would be a must for me. The boardwalk along the ocean is super and the vibe of the place is lovely. Nice galleries etc in town, but Sea Otter resort across from the beach is a nice place. Just north of the Hearst is a spot to watch the elephant seals and you will definitely want to do this. You can walk for several miles on trails and see the Blanca lighthouse (the top is missing) in the distance. Half moon left me cold, but to each their own. If you are in Paso Robles, I would recommend Sculptura winery for their sculpture and Robert Hall for their wine. Big Sur is a terriffic drive and in the village of Big Sur is a super gallery that was made from recycled redwood water storage units. Monterrey is pleasant also. 17 mile drive in Carmel is on most people's bucket lists.

UKnewcomer

Hi, we have just returned from our Pacific coast trip - amazing time. We are in our early sixties and would thoroughly recommend seeing more of Big Sur, and don't miss Point Lobos State Reserve. We did the 17 mile drive inside the reserve, loved it.