Hello everyone! I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum or not...

I was wondering if you all could provide some advice on the PCH. My dear hubby and I are planning on traveling from San Francisco down to LA in 3 days/2 nights and wanted plenty of time to snap photos, visit cool places and soak in the beauty that is California (sadly sans MINI). Our original plan was to stop off one night in Monterey and another in San Luis Obispo, but I've been told by my friend in LA that the drive from San Luis to LA will be long...

Any suggestions on where we should stop off for the night to make our trip as easy and laid back as possible?

Also, if you have any suggestions on places to see or hotels and restaurants in the area, that would be great too.

Thanks everyone and Happy Motoring!

Kim

 

I did a similar trip a couple of years back and stayed in Cambria at the Bluebird Motel. It was small, but quite nice. It was also nearby Hearst Castle, which is worth a visit if you haven't been there (buy your tickets ahead of time!).

The only challenge I have when travelling down 1 is not stopping at every turnout for yet more beautiful scenery and pictures! Be sure to visit the elephant seals.

 

Hi, if you are going to stop in Monterey, I recommened Abalonettis on the Wharf . Very good and resonably priced too. If you haven't been to the Monterey Aquarium, go check it out, very nice! . Cambria is very nice, but if you want to drive alittle further, Santa Barbara is very nice also. Good luck and happy motoring .

 

I'm starting my list of great recommendations now! Thanks for the info.

 

Hi Skurvy,
I definitley recommend a stop in Cambria. It's not too busy and there's plenty of restaurants, antique shops and motels/inns. I stayed at the Cambria Pines Lodge in the springtime a few years ago and LOVED it! The cottages were not fancy, but the gardens that are on grounds are spectacular! There are many motels located along Moonstone Drive as well, which is right across from the ocean.
Enjoy yourself, and Happy Motoring(even sans MINI).
Cheers,
Michele

 

I've done it in one day... Only about 10 hours of driving, but thats with no stops....

If you wana do stops, be sure and visit Hearst's castle outside San Louis.

 

AWESOME! Thanks guys and gals!

So, do you thinking stopping in Cambria and Santa Barbara would be better than Monterey and San Luis Obispo? That's what I've been going back and forth between...

 

If you have never been to Monterey, I would definitly spend a day there. Very beautiful, but can be a bit crowded on the weekends. You have Cannery Row, the wharf, the Aquarium and don't forget Carmel. If you go down highway 1 from SF, it will take you at least 3 hours or more site seeing. You will go thru Santa Cruz then into Monterey. I personally would spend a night in Monterey, then drive down to Morro Bay or Santa Barbara and spend another night. You did say you wanted to take 2-3 day's to make this trip correct? Any way, have fun. P.S. I'm from the Salinas, Monterey area.

 

Thanks! Yes, we're leaving San Fran on a Tuesday and planning on being in LA Thursday evening.

I'm thinking we could spend a week on the PCH and still want to see more. Good thing my brother lives in San Fran, so we'll have plenty of excuses to go to Cali in the future. ; )

Ya'll rock! Thanks so much for helping me out with the planning. Anytime you want a tour guide in Atlanta, just let me know...

 

Yes forget San Luis Great place to live but Santa Barbara will be more fun,Dont forget 17 mile drive while in Monterey ,the most beautiful coast in the world IMO. Other than Hearst castle Cambria can be a little slow.Muir woods just above San Fran is a great place to see redwood forest doesnt take long.

 

Thanks! We decided on staying at Big Sur the first night and Santa Barbara the second and we plan on stopping in every place that strikes our fancy along the way... including Santa Cruz, Monterey, the 17 mile drive, Carmel, and Cambria... I think we'll have to save Hearst Castle for another trip. ; ) Thanks everyone!

 

If you are looking for a great place to eat dinner try this place out.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=e...5&iwloc=A&om=1

 

Mrs. Skurvy, how was your trip?