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Driving up California coast from LA to SF. Looking for any tips or suggestions!
Posted on 9/22/19 at 6:21 am
Posted on 9/22/19 at 6:21 am
Wife and I are leaving in a couple of weeks for this coastal road trip that we’ve been dying to make. It was originally supposed to be our 1 year anniversary trip but now we have a little boy on the way and it’s going to be our “babymoon.” We’ll be flying into Los Angeles and out of San Jose. We have a few things planned, but I’m always down for changing things up if something catches my eye so if anyone who’s been in these areas has any tips they’re definitely welcomed!
Our nights will be divided as follows:
1st night - LA
2nd night - San Luis Obispo
3rd night - Cambria
4th night - Monterey
5th night - San Rafael
6th night - San Rafael
7th night - San Francisco
8th night - San Jose
Our nights will be divided as follows:
1st night - LA
2nd night - San Luis Obispo
3rd night - Cambria
4th night - Monterey
5th night - San Rafael
6th night - San Rafael
7th night - San Francisco
8th night - San Jose
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Posted on 9/22/19 at 6:32 am to dualed
Solvang is close to San Luis Obisbo. It’s a cool little Dutch town. (They spent a lot of time there in the movie “Sideways”.
Also, you can stop by the Neverland Ranch while you are there!
When you are close to Monterey, go see the lone Cyprus and pebble beach golf club pro shop.
Monterey has a really cool aquarium
In SF, go to dinner at the Slanted Door. Great food, good view, and kid friendly.
Also, you can stop by the Neverland Ranch while you are there!
When you are close to Monterey, go see the lone Cyprus and pebble beach golf club pro shop.
Monterey has a really cool aquarium
In SF, go to dinner at the Slanted Door. Great food, good view, and kid friendly.
Posted on 9/22/19 at 7:13 am to dualed
Find Jade Cove. Don’t skip Santa Cruz.
Posted on 9/22/19 at 8:40 am to dualed
Rent a convertible
Posted on 9/22/19 at 9:19 am to dualed
quote:Moonstone Beach is worth a visit. Hearst castle is just north so would be convenient for a morning visit on the way to Monterey (see about getting tickets lined up online).
3rd night - Cambria
quote:As mentioned, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-mile drive. Whale watching (2-4 hour trip, IIRC) is a possibility.
4th night - Monterey
quote:Muir Woods but check website ASAP. Need reservation these days. There are shuttles running from Sausalito and Mill Valley, need to reserve one if you go that route.
5th night - San Rafael
Posted on 9/22/19 at 1:00 pm to dualed
I’d love to do this same trip but start it in San Diego.
Posted on 9/22/19 at 1:16 pm to cassopher
Posted on 9/22/19 at 9:58 pm to dualed
I would cut out San Fran as it’s such a contrast with the natural solitude of the coast, and car break ins happen (a nightmare with luggage). Palo Alto would make for a nicer stop if you do want to see something just a tad more urban.
If you and your wife are ok with communal nudity, check out the nighttime hot tubs at Esalen. There’s also really good barbecue at the Fernwood campground restaurant in Big Sur. Of course, Hearst Castle is a must. Winchester House is pretty cool, but not a must do.
Surrey rental in Monterey is a great way to get some romantic exercise. Santa Barbara has a nice little bike trail where you can surrey as well.
If you and your wife are ok with communal nudity, check out the nighttime hot tubs at Esalen. There’s also really good barbecue at the Fernwood campground restaurant in Big Sur. Of course, Hearst Castle is a must. Winchester House is pretty cool, but not a must do.
Surrey rental in Monterey is a great way to get some romantic exercise. Santa Barbara has a nice little bike trail where you can surrey as well.
This post was edited on 9/22/19 at 10:00 pm
Posted on 9/22/19 at 10:28 pm to dualed
Make a stop in Santa Barbara
Posted on 9/23/19 at 5:42 pm to dualed
Thanks everyone 
Posted on 9/23/19 at 11:07 pm to dualed
Start at San Fran so you're driving in the lane closest to the ocean...
Posted on 9/24/19 at 3:41 pm to dualed
Am planning on doing this exact trip in late October and looking for any recommendations as well. Recommendations on anything from must see sights, places to eat, places to stay etc. Last half of the trip is set in stone, but first half is still up in the air.
1st Night - LA (Will be arriving late, plan to stick around airport and find something cheap as we will be there for a few hour nap)
2nd Night - Undecided
3rd Night - Monterey / Carmel Area (Hoping to get pair up at Pebble Beach as a single)
4th Night - Monterey / Carmel Area (Day two of trying to play Pebble if Day 1 doesn't work)
5th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
6th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
7th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated. Work function is Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday so plenty of time in S.F.
1st Night - LA (Will be arriving late, plan to stick around airport and find something cheap as we will be there for a few hour nap)
2nd Night - Undecided
3rd Night - Monterey / Carmel Area (Hoping to get pair up at Pebble Beach as a single)
4th Night - Monterey / Carmel Area (Day two of trying to play Pebble if Day 1 doesn't work)
5th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
6th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
7th Night - San Francisco (Company Function)
Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated. Work function is Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday so plenty of time in S.F.
Posted on 9/24/19 at 3:52 pm to SaltyDawg21
I would suggest Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo for your 2nd night
Posted on 9/24/19 at 4:39 pm to SaltyDawg21
Consider spending that first night in Marina del Rey . It’s very close to LAX, has a variety of hotels at different price points (Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott, the Ritz). In the morning, you can bike the Marvin Braude trail up/down the beach. It’s a great way to kick off a trip. The local Ruth’s Chris has a badass happy hour by the way. You can also hike down the Venice canals to Aubrey Austin Park for seals, sea lions, dolphins, starfish etc. You can also completely traverse Marina del aren’t in a free ride- an electric vehicle you can summon by text or an app called circuit.
I’d say make the 2 hour drive to Santa Barbara for the second night. Don’t be afraid to do it at night because you’ll probably take the 101. Santa Barbara has a 4 mile bike trail that passes a bird sanctuary and a cute, quick zoo. After a morning doing that, enjoy the coastal drive to Monterrey (good choice). Try to plan a tour of Hearst Castle- it’s worth it.
I’d say make the 2 hour drive to Santa Barbara for the second night. Don’t be afraid to do it at night because you’ll probably take the 101. Santa Barbara has a 4 mile bike trail that passes a bird sanctuary and a cute, quick zoo. After a morning doing that, enjoy the coastal drive to Monterrey (good choice). Try to plan a tour of Hearst Castle- it’s worth it.
This post was edited on 9/24/19 at 5:14 pm
Posted on 9/24/19 at 8:16 pm to dualed
Take a day in Santa Barbara, no doubt. If you like wine or beer walk around the Funk Zone. If not, hit up Santa Claus beach in Carpinteria or Butterfly Beach in Montecito.
Posted on 9/25/19 at 12:02 am to dualed
Go to Pfeiffer Beach while in Big Sur. You won’t regret it.
Posted on 9/25/19 at 7:21 am to dualed
Are you actually driving the coast road the entire way? If so, beware motion sickness with a pregnant wife. It’s not super twisty, but there are some sections that combine steep drops with curves. Be prepared to be flexible and adjust to the 101 if it’s too much for her.
Also, some sections are incredibly remote. Plan restroom and snack breaks accordingly.
Also, some sections are incredibly remote. Plan restroom and snack breaks accordingly.
Posted on 9/25/19 at 9:04 am to dualed
I have taken this trip, or some portion of it, several times. I would say that it is my favorite road trip in the U.S. Some of our stops include S.D., Capistrano, L.A., Solvang, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), San Louis Obispo, Big Sur, Monterray, Pebble Beach, S.F., then to Napa and Sonoma. We next plan to do this in 2021 when LSU plays UCLA.
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