I'm thinking about flying into San Diego,
renting a car and driving up the coast for
a week or so and 'seeing the sights'.
I plan to fly out of San Jose to return home.
Do you think this trip is insane or do
you have any suggestions about a better route?

Sounds like a good trip to me. Stick to the coast route as much as possible. Since it will be winter time, Hwy 1 south of Big Sur is likely to be closed, in which case you should take Hwy 101 at San Luis Obispo, then cut back to the coast at Monterey. After Monterey, head up Hwy 1 to Santa Cruz and take either Hwy 17 or Hwy 9 over to San Jose. Hwy 9 is more scenic - through the redwoods and several small towns. Both Henry Cowell and Big Basin State Parks are great for seeing the redwoods. If the weather is stormy, skip Hwy 9 and take 17 instead.

This road trip is do able in a week. Santa Barbara, Cambria, Hearst Castle, Carmel and Monterey are some of the popular stops along the way. But you need to be aware that if there are heavy rains in the next few months, Hwy 1 will likely be washed out between San Simeon and Carmel. If this is the case, you'll have to take Hwy 46 over to the 101 and then cut across again to Carmel. This will exclude the most scenic part of the drive. But there's a good chance that the road will still be intact, since the heavier rains tend to be avoided until February.

Hearst Castle is decorated for the holidays, so be sure to book your ticket early since it tends to sell out quickly during that time of year.

Like the previous poster mentioned, the big rainy season isn't until February in this area. I often make the drive up Hwy 1 through this section on Christmas Day and haven't had a problem most years.

If for some reason it is rained out, go up to 46 before crossing over. Cambria and Hearst Castle shouldn't be missed. They are much nicer in my opinion than anything you'll see in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is ok in the summer, but it's not that great in pouring rain.

Sounds like a great trip. I agree with J Correa's comments about Highway 1. Hearst Castle (www.hearst-castle.org) is really nice to see. Do make reservations for the tours. In Monterey (www.monterey.com) don't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and 17 Mile Drive. Carmel (www.carmelbythesea.com) is a quaint town with lots of cafes, galleries, shops, etc. If you have time, visit Big Basin (www.bigbasin.org) The Roaring Camp Steam Train tour (www.roaringcamp.com) in nearby Felton is also a great way to see the redwoods. For more information on places to stay, restaurants, or attractions in San Jose, go to (www.sanjose.org) I highly recommend Chirstmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park across from the Fairmont Hotel (www.christmasinthepark.com)

J Correa's comments were to bypass Hearst Castle and Monterey and just go straight to Santa Cruz. Bad advice! Don't pass up on the castle and aquamarine for a boardwalk in winter weather.

Go up Hwy 1 if possible and if not, make the cross over at Hwy 46. You don't want to pass up Morro Bay and Cambria. Santa Cruz is pushed so much and yet isn't much fun during the winter months.

x - I didn't say to bypass Heast Castle and Monterey and go straight to Santa Cruz. I said that if Hwy 1 is closed south of Big Sur, Sher should take Hwy 101 at San Luis Obispo and cut back over to the coast at Monterey. This would not preclude her from taking a short detour up Hwy 1 from San Luis to see Hearst Castle. She's got a week, she can take many detours to see the sights. Also, I mentioned Santa Cruz as part of the route, not specifically as a destination.

Someone needs a map before he gives advice. J. Correa has mislead you into thinking that you must go back to San Luis Obispo to reach the 101. The other posters directed you correctly in telling you to take Hwy 46 over to Paso Robles to pick up the 101. No need to back track down to SLO.

J. Correa is always pumping Santa Cruz as if it's the only place in California.