Trip on Highway 1
 

I recently spent two days in Monterey/Pacific Grove and took a drive down Highway 1 to Big Sur. We stayed at the Pacific Grove Inn and loved it. We ate at place called Fifi's in Pacific Grove and had a great meal and wonderful experience. On Sunday we drove down highway 1 to Point Lobos park, took a short hike and then drove further south and had a late lunch at the Rocky Point Restaurant just south of the park near the Bixby Bridge.

My wife, daughter and I fell in love with the area and scenery and wanted to come back with my other daughter for a longer trip . (One daughter is in college the other in high school)I am thinking of planning a road trip of about a week on highway 1 stopping for side trips along the way. I am looking for some advice about 1.) what time of year is the best and 2.) where to start and stop my trip. Should I start as far south as LA and go to San Francisco, or maybe start in San Francisco and go north?

We did it about 2.5 years ago. Flew to LA, got a car, and spent the first night in Santa Barbara. Second night, Morro Bay. Third was Big Sur. 4th and 5th were the Monterey area. Then into the City.

If I were to do it again (and I'd love to,) I'd spend a 2nd night in Santa Barbara. We didn't get there until suppertime, and that area deserves a full day or two itself.

Pix at http://community.webshots.com/user/bookhall

By far the most scenic coastline along highway 1 is from Monterey to LA. The best time would either be may or September/October. June, July, and August can be overcast and foggy most of the day, especially in the Monterey Bay Area. I would recommend starting in LA and ending your trip in San Jose and flying out from there. Places i suggest stopping along the way would be Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and Monterey. The website below is an interactive map of some of the more popular sites along the scenic highway 1.

http://www.pelicannetwork.net/big.sur.coast.htm

The stretch of Highway 1 between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is also very beautiful. Our favorite places to stay are Cambria, Ventura, Pismo Beach, and Santa Monica.

I agree to stick to the part of route 1 south of Monterey for the best scenery. The coast between Santa Cruz and Sf plaes in comparison. I can't get enough of Point Lobos and Big Sur. I also would make time for lunch at Nepenthe.