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Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel/Big Sur
Posted on 12/12/18 at 9:30 am
Posted on 12/12/18 at 9:30 am
Headed to Monterey area in Jan. Any favorites, hidden gems, or quirky tips for me? TIA.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 10:03 am to hungryone
Carmel if you have a SO who likes to spend serious shopping $$$$
Big Sur, try to drive the PCH at different times of the day.
Dawn-ish for me was my favorite.
Carmel Highlands Accomodations?: Tickle Pink Inn
You'll thank me later.
I'm a Steinbeck fan so all things related in Monterrey were good for me.
The Aquarium is OK, I'd probably go a second time.
The former Chateau Julien Winery is now Folktale Winery & Vineyards.
All in all, I'd consider living in that area (at least part time) if I were wealthy.
Big Sur, try to drive the PCH at different times of the day.
Dawn-ish for me was my favorite.
Carmel Highlands Accomodations?: Tickle Pink Inn
You'll thank me later.
I'm a Steinbeck fan so all things related in Monterrey were good for me.
The Aquarium is OK, I'd probably go a second time.
The former Chateau Julien Winery is now Folktale Winery & Vineyards.
All in all, I'd consider living in that area (at least part time) if I were wealthy.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 10:42 am to soccerfüt
Thx--looking forward to the PCH. Did you happen to eat anywhere along the drive? Considering a drive to Nepenthe for lunch.
How twisty/brutal is that stretch of road? I don't think it's something I'll want to do at night.
How twisty/brutal is that stretch of road? I don't think it's something I'll want to do at night.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 11:08 am to hungryone
Following. Wife and I are going in March.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 11:19 am to hungryone
Plan to spend some time at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. Pack a small picnic and hang out for sunset. They limit the number of people in/out, so you want to get there a bit early to see sunset. You should be able to get some pretty cool pics of sunset through the keyhole that will be a highlight of your trip. It is a small hike to get to the beach, dress comfortably.
Nepenthe or Sierra Mar for lunch in Big Sur. Eat outside if at all possible.
Mission Ranch in Carmel is a pretty cool setting for dinner. Get there a little before sunset and have drinks overlooking the sheep pasture/coast.
Nepenthe or Sierra Mar for lunch in Big Sur. Eat outside if at all possible.
Mission Ranch in Carmel is a pretty cool setting for dinner. Get there a little before sunset and have drinks overlooking the sheep pasture/coast.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 4:03 pm to hungryone
Since you're the hungry one, go to Compagno's Deli in Monterey.
Matter of fact, go freaking twice. That's how good it is!
Matter of fact, go freaking twice. That's how good it is!
Posted on 12/12/18 at 4:03 pm to BrockLanders
quote:
Since you're the hungry one, go to Compagno's Deli in Monterey.
That's the sort of info I need, thx.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 4:04 pm to hungryone
quote:
How twisty/brutal is that stretch of road? I don't think it's something I'll want to do at night.
I went all the way down from San Francisco to L.A. in October, and I would definitely advise getting off the PCH before dark. A lot of it is quite brutal...the whole idea is to take your time with it anyway.
This post was edited on 12/12/18 at 4:05 pm
Posted on 12/12/18 at 4:19 pm to BrockLanders
quote:
I went all the way down from San Francisco to L.A. in October, and I would definitely advise getting off the PCH before dark. A lot of it is quite brutal...the whole idea is to take your time with it anyway.
I've driven the Amalfi Coast, the gnarly sections of the A82 in Scotland (wrong side of road, whew, that was rough), and some of the roads in the Bay area, but this will be my first time on the PCH. Just discovered that Monterey/Salinas transit has a public bus that runs all the way to Big Sur....so I could always ride the bus, LOL.
I looked at the Compagno's website, my better half will be happy that I can take him to a crafty beer store. Booked an ABB w/a lovely view of Monterey Bay.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 5:30 pm to hungryone
quote:The Bixby Creek Bridge is iconic. Pfeiffer Beach was mentioned. I'll add that we parked on the shoulder of the main road and hiked in. It was much quicker than waiting for a spot to park in the park and it didn't cost my anything. We walked Sea Lion Point trail, too. The sea lions are far enough away that it's difficult to see them and you won't bother them, but you can definitely hear them. Further south is McWay Falls and McWay beach that's worth a trip.
Headed to Monterey area in Jan. Any favorites, hidden gems, or quirky tips for me? TIA.
We took an RV trip and drove he PCH starting at San Francisco and driving through Big Sur before cutting across to Sequoia, Vegas and the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. Much of the trip was spent pulling over down the PCH for the shutterbugs to get their fill of pictures. It's a nice drive.
Posted on 12/12/18 at 6:03 pm to hungryone
Alvarado Street Brewery is good
Posted on 12/12/18 at 6:14 pm to Geaux Frogs
Seconding mission ranch
Posted on 12/13/18 at 4:30 pm to hungryone
Definitely Drive to Big Sur early to beat the traffic one day, this was the highlight for me.
We had lunch at one of the Pebble Beach restaurants, The Bench. We were able to get a table outside overlooking the 18th green at Pebble, it was really cool.
The aquarium was just ok IMO, I prolly wouldn't go back.
We really enjoyed Alvarado St. Brewery, they had some really good craft beers (Sours and NEIPAs were all I tried but they had a nice offering) if that's your thing. The food was good too.
Tickle pink Inn is really cool, it can be pricey though.
Sanctuary Beach Resort is also really nice.
We had lunch at one of the Pebble Beach restaurants, The Bench. We were able to get a table outside overlooking the 18th green at Pebble, it was really cool.
The aquarium was just ok IMO, I prolly wouldn't go back.
We really enjoyed Alvarado St. Brewery, they had some really good craft beers (Sours and NEIPAs were all I tried but they had a nice offering) if that's your thing. The food was good too.
Tickle pink Inn is really cool, it can be pricey though.
Sanctuary Beach Resort is also really nice.
Posted on 1/24/19 at 10:00 am to hungryone
Mini trip report:
--PCH was spectacular, even in winter. Drove from Carmel to Big Sur village, turned around at Nepenthe. Easily one of the most beautiful stretches of roadway on earth. It was pretty heavily traveled on a holiday weekend in January; I can only imagine how stupidly busy it is in summer. Point Sur is otherworldly, rising up out of sea mist. Didn't get to hike to the overlook for McWay falls, as we arrived just after a big winter storm w/heavy rainfall. It & many other trails & beaches were closed due to washouts/heavy surf.
--Pebble Beach/17 mile drive....I thought it would be golf courses and it's actually quite lovely & has ample, well sited parking/pull off spots. Not the high-above-the-sea drama of Big Sur, but damn scenic nonethless.
--tidepooling was the sleeper hit. I quickly became fascinated by tidepool critters...we closed out each day by climbing on seashore rocks & looking at tidepools while waiting for a Pacific sunset.
--farmer's markets, even in Jan, held an embarrassment of riches.
Thanks again to everyone who replied--it's an incredibly scenic place, very easy to like.
--PCH was spectacular, even in winter. Drove from Carmel to Big Sur village, turned around at Nepenthe. Easily one of the most beautiful stretches of roadway on earth. It was pretty heavily traveled on a holiday weekend in January; I can only imagine how stupidly busy it is in summer. Point Sur is otherworldly, rising up out of sea mist. Didn't get to hike to the overlook for McWay falls, as we arrived just after a big winter storm w/heavy rainfall. It & many other trails & beaches were closed due to washouts/heavy surf.
--Pebble Beach/17 mile drive....I thought it would be golf courses and it's actually quite lovely & has ample, well sited parking/pull off spots. Not the high-above-the-sea drama of Big Sur, but damn scenic nonethless.
--tidepooling was the sleeper hit. I quickly became fascinated by tidepool critters...we closed out each day by climbing on seashore rocks & looking at tidepools while waiting for a Pacific sunset.
--farmer's markets, even in Jan, held an embarrassment of riches.
Thanks again to everyone who replied--it's an incredibly scenic place, very easy to like.
Posted on 1/24/19 at 10:07 am to hungryone
quote:Dem left coast bastads get this wonderful free show every night.
waiting for a Pacific sunset
Sometimes it's so stunning even normally loquacious me is stunned into silencio.
Glad y'all had a good trip, thanks for the summation. Again, I could retire there as it's one of the most beautiful places I've found on the Earth.
Posted on 1/24/19 at 10:38 am to soccerfüt
quote:
Again, I could retire there as it's one of the most beautiful places I've found on the Earth.
My better half agreed--until we looked at RE prices and laughed our heads off. I could retire to a trailer park in Salinas overlooking a manure pile, maybe.
Posted on 1/24/19 at 1:59 pm to hungryone
Thanks for the info; it is helpful & enjoyable to learn about other’s trips.
My son & DIL were in SF last year for a week and I recall them talking about the tidal pools as well. They have a friend whose job is somehow associated with the pools. I’m curious now as to what she does.
My son & DIL were in SF last year for a week and I recall them talking about the tidal pools as well. They have a friend whose job is somehow associated with the pools. I’m curious now as to what she does.
Posted on 3/23/19 at 9:28 pm to hungryone
If you're driving the Pacific Coast Highway, stop at the Bixby Bridge overlook and feed the squirrels some walnuts.
Posted on 3/24/19 at 6:51 pm to Saint Alfonzo
That sounds awesome actually
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