- Joined
- Apr 11, 2012
- Posts
- 852
So is the drive worth it as opposed to a quick flight, happy to spend the extra time & cost.
Definitely - assuming you're talking about going Highway 1.
Stay at Monterey, make sure you drive along the coast of the Pacific Grove peninsula to the S of Monterey past Pebble Beach and have a coffee or lunch at Carmel (pronounced Car-mel). Definitely visit Hearst Castle (a good place to stay for that is Cambria - I don't think there's much on offer at San Simeon, so the slight back-track if you decide to do Hearst in the morning, as we did when heading San Francisco-LA, is worth it.) Going in the morning can be quite interesting as you rise through the fog, thinking you aren't going to see anything, only to get above it - spectacular!
A good place to visit further on is the Santa Barbara wine region, with the Scandinavian town of Solvang a good option for overnight. Do the 'Sideways' (movie) wine trail The Sideways Wine Trail - Wine Country Getaways
(it's more interesting if you've seen the movie - famed for the phrase "I'm not drinking any f*cking merlot!"
Then just beeline for LA.
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I can recommend staying at Kon Tiki Inn at Pismo Beach for excellent value. Amazing ocean views in a 60's style hotel for a bargain rate. From memory it was $110 USD which included breakfast. We couldn't believe our luck when we stumbled on this gem. Just outside of San Luis Obispo
Swing off to the east to get to Camarillo Premium Outlets on the 101 if you are into shopping. You can print off specials coupons before you get there.