we are planning an overnight trip to see san simeon with 2 teenagers over christmas - what town would you recommend that we spend the night? looking for something to do the other half of the day before we head back to the city.

Cambria is the nearest town and very nice. Lots of shops, restaurants. There is also an elephant seal beach near San Simeon where you can view the seals up close.

Be sure to get reservations right away for both a place and the castle.

In agreement with Cambria area for hotels. We enjoy heading a little south to Los Osos and Montana de Oro State Park. Drive through the park to the end of the road and parking area. Get out and walk along the cliffs of the ocean with the waves dashing against the rocks. Be a little careful, don't walk and use a camcorder at the same time. Spectacular! Morro Bay has the big rock, and some little shops and food.

You might want to consider staying in Morro Bay. Around 1/2 drive to Hearst Castle. Easy drive. The advantage with Morro Bay is that there is a big old movie theater in town (something to do in the evening) and there is the Embarcadero to wander around. Might appeal more to teens than Cambria.

thanks - tell me a bit about the Embarcadero in Morro Bay - what's going on there?

For more ideas and information, go to

www.sanluisobispocounty.com

Terry: For some Morro Bay pix, go to http://community.webshots.com/user/bookhall . 2nd album. We stayed there last Sept. and quite enjoyed it. It's a nice town, though I don't know about night life. The Rock is quite fascinating, and surfers hang out on the north side--I believe competitions are held there.

any opinions about places to stay? i'd like a little ambience but not too picey as we will probably need 2 rooms.

Terry: We stayed at an el-cheapo about a mile north of Morro Bay. Just now, a google search turned up a site for some good comparisons: http://www.guide105.com/north_americ.../lodging1.html .

how are the cheapo hotels/motels in the area? should we just go for a days inn or travel lodge and be done with it? anyone have any thoughts about san luis obspo? is there anything to do there that 2 teens might enjoy?

ttt

Terri.....your teens might really like the downtown San Luis Obispo area. It has lots of great shops and is frequented by the college students from Cal Poly. It is a sophisticated downtown that you'd expect to find only in a much larger city.

If you get the chance to visit San Luis Obispo on a thursday evening, it is farmers market night downtown, which is basically a big street fair; lots of fun.

How about the Red Roof Inn or Days Inn - there's one of each in San Luis Obispo and Morro. Anyone stay at any of them? Just looking for a place to sleep between things to do.

This sounds good to me now! What about kids 12-17? Would this be good for them too? Any luxury resorts in the area? We'd love to see the seals up close and the castle!