panucci

Just decided to go to Cal for my 50th in Feb. I have read so many great posts that my head is spinning. So far I think we will fly into SF, drive to Carmel for 2 nights, Big Sur 2 nights then back to SF for 3 nights.So far I have decided on the Ventana, Muir Woods and going to the Monterey Aquarium, the rest is still up in the air....any help would be greatly appreciated.

andrew8

I highly recommend staying at the Post Ranch Inn over Ventana. Ventana's restaurant Cielo won't be open until the summer of 09 due to a kitchen fire.
They're serving breakfast in the lobby area.

panucci

Isn't the Post Ranch way more expensive? I was hoping to keep hotels about $300 or less. I think the Ventana might have a special when I checked the prices.

DebitNM

DO make a point of going to Ana Nuevo State Natural Reserve to see the elephant seal that are birthing and mating at that time. It is "on the way" from SF when heading south.

We went last year in March and missed the massive groups, but did manage to see a lot of pups and yearlings. It is amazing!

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

Deb

DebitNM

"weaners" not yearlings.

Deb

DebitNM

"weaners" not yearlings.

Deb

panucci

Thanks Deb, that sounds exactly like something I would love to see!

Sara

Be sure to go to Point Lobos State Reserve, which is just south of Carmel. There are lots of hiking trails there, and the scenery is spectacular. I especially liked the Cypress Grove Trail. You can find out more about it at their website here:

http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/index.html

andrew8

I doubt you'll find anything at Ventana for under $300 but you never know in the off season.
You could also look into Deetjens.
http://www.deetjens.com/

joeyi

at least go and have lunch at the Post Ranch Inn, we couldn't afford to stay there either but lunch was wonderful.

the hike to the waterfall the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is very nice and a very easy hike. the waterfall is breathtaking.

peterboy

I'm with Sara...do NOT miss Point Lobos.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/56550975

While there, make sure to wander Weston Beach to see the colorful rocks and tide pools.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/13048753

Point Lobos is one of my favorite places.

easytraveler

If you are planning on going to Ano Nuevo State Reserve for the pinnipeds, a reservation for the guided walks is highly recommended. They are very popular and may not be available if you just walk in. Here's the link to the state park:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1115


Point Lobos is beautiful when the weather is good. If the fog is in, you will not be able to see much.

Near the Post Ranch Inn is the Tickle Pink Inn at much more reasonable prices.

http://www.ticklepinkinn.com/

However, I'd suggest staying in Carmel itself where there are any number of good and relatively inexpensive places to stay and you will be able also to walk and dine around downtown Carmel. Carmel Beach is a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.

If you want ocean views, stop off for lunch at Nepenthe (about 3 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur Park) - again only if the weather is good.

Are you a hiker? There are some wonderful hikes along Big Sur.

DebitNM

Just to give you a heads up - I just booked tickets for Ana Nuevo tour in mid Feb and they are lots of days that there are no tickets left.

Be sure to book now to avoid being dissappointed.

Deb

panucci

Thanks everyone! This is what I've done so far....2 nights at Tickle Pink Inn, 2 nights at The Ventana. It was over my budget $400 but we are getting a room with a balcony, fireplace and ocean view. The splurge is for my 50th and we get back on budget in SF where we will stay at The Campton Place for 3 nights at $169.I hope it's nice there are very few posts about it and I don't always like trip advisor.

Thank you Deb we made reservations at Ano Nuevo. We are going on the way back to SF. Is it closer to SF or Carmel?

We will be in Big Sur for the big day (50) any suggestions for dinner?

sf7307

"centralparkgirl" stayed at Campton Place and really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, multiple tries and I couldn't find her thread called "centralparkgirl's first trip to California". Maybe you can find it.

DebitNM

We are working on a last minute trip in mid Feb.

We are staying at The Mosser which is in Union Square and is a nice, simple place. They have a special now - $84 for a queen room with private bath. It is right across the street from Marriott at a fraction of the price.

We stayed at The Mosser last year and loved it.

Ask for a high floor!

themosser.com

We are trying to get a few nights in Big Sur, and would love to do Ventana, but way to $$$ for this trip.

Deb

andrew8

Sierra Mar for dinner in Big Sur