Where to stay for 3 nights on central California coast in May.
Jan 18th, 2012, 09:57 AM
#21
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I have always thought of Pismo, Cambria and that area as central coast and Carmel Montery as more northern coast - which is why I asked to begin with. I would not drive down to cambria or Pismo beach when you are flying in and out of SFO - I personally have always wanted to go a little more north in Medocino...or I would stay in Big Sur.
Jan 18th, 2012, 09:02 PM
#22
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Caution--lots of opinions follow.
I heartily second the suggestion to drive down Hwy 1 from SF through Half Moon Bay to the Monterey Bay. It is a gorgeous drive, a 2 hour wildflower show that time of year, and you'll get your redwoods, too.
HMB has a fun little-town main street; or take a 20 minute detour back into the mountains (good road) behind HMB for artichoke soup and ollalieberry pie at Duarte's Tavern. ("Doo-art's" Tavern) Do you glamp? There's a chi chi-camping (tents, cabins and a luxe lodge I think) spot between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Take the Swanton Rd. or Big Creek loops to enjoy the back country; both return to Hwy. 1. Walk Ano Nuevo, or Greyhound Rock if the tide's out.
Big Sur will be stunning also, but is another couple of hours further south and the road is more demanding of your attention. If you want sunny weather, laid-back Santa Cruz is your better bet; Monterey and Carmel are more upscale but also often foggy and ~15 degrees cooler many days.
In Cruz look into the retro Sea and Sand, an old-school motel building re-done with jacuz. tubs, extensive gardens and a world-class view across Monterey Bay toward Big Sur. Ask about the casitas. The Dream Inn next door has had a recent JdV make-over and could be good for you. Also consider Chaminade Conference Center up on a hill away from the beach but with a nice view and trails on site, or the Hilton Scotts Valley, away from the beach but a pretty facility in the redwoods. Walk at UC SC for easy access redwood trails and breath-taking bay views.
A totally funky alternative that will either be a total hit or a dismal miss is the Capitola Venetian, in Capitola near Santa Cruz. It's a 1920s on-the-beach at-the-riverside property that was the first condo in CA. Some noise, beachy-funkiness and eclectic layouts all depend on which room you get. If you're up for it, it's a hoot.
Whether you stay in Santa Cruz or not EAT AT GAYLE'S in Capitola. Close your eyes in Big Sur, refuse to enjoy the sound of the waves, drive down 880 instead of lovely 280 or the coast, but don't miss Gayle's.
In the Monterey/17 Mile Drive area look into the CA Craftsman style Asilomar Conference Center, a property of multiple buildings, some designed by a famous architect. It's in a forest-meets-the-beach location that may be very appealing to you. Do not miss Point Lobos for a walk you'll never forget. You could easily do a day trip to Nepenthe in Big Sur for lunch and get the glorious views of those $1,000 a night hotel rooms up the road at Ventana/Post Ranch, then back to base feeling full and smug. Easy from anywhere on the Monterey Bay; possible from SF but consider taking the freeway part way.
ENJOY! Now, I'm homesick.
I heartily second the suggestion to drive down Hwy 1 from SF through Half Moon Bay to the Monterey Bay. It is a gorgeous drive, a 2 hour wildflower show that time of year, and you'll get your redwoods, too.
HMB has a fun little-town main street; or take a 20 minute detour back into the mountains (good road) behind HMB for artichoke soup and ollalieberry pie at Duarte's Tavern. ("Doo-art's" Tavern) Do you glamp? There's a chi chi-camping (tents, cabins and a luxe lodge I think) spot between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Take the Swanton Rd. or Big Creek loops to enjoy the back country; both return to Hwy. 1. Walk Ano Nuevo, or Greyhound Rock if the tide's out.
Big Sur will be stunning also, but is another couple of hours further south and the road is more demanding of your attention. If you want sunny weather, laid-back Santa Cruz is your better bet; Monterey and Carmel are more upscale but also often foggy and ~15 degrees cooler many days.
In Cruz look into the retro Sea and Sand, an old-school motel building re-done with jacuz. tubs, extensive gardens and a world-class view across Monterey Bay toward Big Sur. Ask about the casitas. The Dream Inn next door has had a recent JdV make-over and could be good for you. Also consider Chaminade Conference Center up on a hill away from the beach but with a nice view and trails on site, or the Hilton Scotts Valley, away from the beach but a pretty facility in the redwoods. Walk at UC SC for easy access redwood trails and breath-taking bay views.
A totally funky alternative that will either be a total hit or a dismal miss is the Capitola Venetian, in Capitola near Santa Cruz. It's a 1920s on-the-beach at-the-riverside property that was the first condo in CA. Some noise, beachy-funkiness and eclectic layouts all depend on which room you get. If you're up for it, it's a hoot.
Whether you stay in Santa Cruz or not EAT AT GAYLE'S in Capitola. Close your eyes in Big Sur, refuse to enjoy the sound of the waves, drive down 880 instead of lovely 280 or the coast, but don't miss Gayle's.
In the Monterey/17 Mile Drive area look into the CA Craftsman style Asilomar Conference Center, a property of multiple buildings, some designed by a famous architect. It's in a forest-meets-the-beach location that may be very appealing to you. Do not miss Point Lobos for a walk you'll never forget. You could easily do a day trip to Nepenthe in Big Sur for lunch and get the glorious views of those $1,000 a night hotel rooms up the road at Ventana/Post Ranch, then back to base feeling full and smug. Easy from anywhere on the Monterey Bay; possible from SF but consider taking the freeway part way.
ENJOY! Now, I'm homesick.
Jan 18th, 2012, 09:05 PM
#23
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I have always thought of Pismo, Cambria and that area as central coast and Carmel Montery as more northern coast....
The Central Coast extends from Santa Barbara to Monterey: http://www.centralcoast-tourism.com/
HTTY
The Central Coast extends from Santa Barbara to Monterey: http://www.centralcoast-tourism.com/
HTTY
Jan 19th, 2012, 07:33 AM
#25
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No, no, no, no, no!
If you have to eat in Capitola, dine at the Shadowbrook Restaurant:
http://www.shadowbrook-capitola.com/home/home.php
(How's that for being opinionated?
)
If you have to eat in Capitola, dine at the Shadowbrook Restaurant:
http://www.shadowbrook-capitola.com/home/home.php
(How's that for being opinionated?
)
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