California - where to stay along the coast highway???

Hi all,

Hi everyone,

We are driving from SFO - LA in June, and being tourists and honeymooners are definitely going to drive the coastal route.

I am looking for somewhere to stay in either Carmel/Monterey/Big Sur etc.
We would like to do the 17 mile drive and will spend 2 nights in the area so ideally want somewhere where everything the area has to offer is accessible. I have been told about the Carmel valley ranch, Highland Inn (Hyatt I think?) and the Ventana Inn. Does anyone know anything about these (except that they are painfully expensive) and have any thoughts on which hotel to stay in when in the area?

Out of interest, should we be ok for good weather in June?

Thanks for all your help,
LCG

You have named three of the most elite/expensive places in the area - omitting only Post Ranch Inn. Ventana Inn and Post Ranch Inn are in Big Sur, about 45 minute drive south of Carmel. You should certainly see Big Sur, but unless you want to drive back and forth each day, you are probably better off closer to or in Carmel/Monterey. Highlands Inn is one of my favorites, though some people have claimed it is not the same high quality it was since Hyatt started converting many of the rooms to time share. I still like it, especially for the setting, the view and what many consider the best restaurant in the area - Pacific Edge. Get a room with an ocean view.

Carmel Valley Ranch Resort is inland about 15 minute drive. I've never stayed there.

The other place I suggest you look into is the Monterey Plaza Hotel. It is of very high quality on Cannery Row, and is therefore very convenient to the whole area. If you stay there, again be sure to get an ocean view (as opposed to a city view) room.

Regarding the weather, it will almost surely not rain but it can be foggy along the coast and therefore cooler than you might expect. Some days the fog burns off early and some days late - totally unpredictable more than a couple of days in advance. But it definitely will not be hot - mostly in the 60s and 70s.

thanks for you quick reply.

we will leave san fran at about 11.00am on Saturday so I assume we will arrive in Monterey around lunchtime (1pm). By the time we have lunch and check in etc most of the day will be gone, leaving us all of the Sunday and Monday morning. we need to hit the road to make it to Santa Barbara (although may stay a night in San Luis Obispa for fun as have heard about the legendary Madonna Inn).

Do you think that is enough time/not too much time to be in the area?

Thanks again for all your help.

Look at the last page of this thread for reviews on the Highlands Inn:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/134039-highlands-inn-hyatt-carmel-review-master-thread.html

We stayed there in December and loved it. On the other hand, I am top tier in Hyatt, and received a wonderful upgrade. But for anyone, the view is breathtaking, particularly from the restaurant.

thanks for you quick reply.

we will leave san fran at about 11.00am on Saturday so I assume we will arrive in Monterey around lunchtime (1pm). By the time we have lunch and check in etc most of the day will be gone, leaving us all of the Sunday and Monday morning. we need to hit the road to make it to Santa Barbara (although may stay a night in San Luis Obispa for fun as have heard about the legendary Madonna Inn).

Do you think that is enough time/not too much time to be in the area?

Thanks again for all your help.

I wouldn't make an overnight stop for Madonna Inn. Too much else of real interest and quality. You could spend a lot more time around Monterey, depending on your interests. Point Lobos, 17 mile drive, Carmel Beach and the town of Carmel.

What are your plans for Santa Barbara? That is another great choice for spending some time.

We can either stay one night in between Carmel and Santa Barbara if there is anywhere worth staying, if not we will stay 2 nights in Santa Barbara. I know nothing about Santa Barbara though and would very much welcome things to do there.

I have heard of a hotel called the Canary which is meant to be great - do you know anything about it?


I wouldn't make an overnight stop for Madonna Inn. Too much else of real interest and quality. You could spend a lot more time around Monterey, depending on your interests. Point Lobos, 17 mile drive, Carmel Beach and the town of Carmel.

What are your plans for Santa Barbara? That is another great choice for spending some time.

I, too, would skip the Madonna Inn, its okay as a lunch stop, but, that's more than enough.

In Big Sur, consider: Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
Inn and Restaurant
48865 Highway 1
Big Sur, California (CA) 93920
Telephone: 831-667-2377 ~ Fax: 831-667-0466
Website: www.deetjens.com

And, try to visit the famous Henry Miller Library.

Best thing to do in Big Sur is take a walk.

Are you planning to stop at Hearst Castle? If so, reserve now for the mandatory tour via California State Parks website.

thanks for you quick reply.

we will leave san fran at about 11.00am on Saturday so I assume we will arrive in Monterey around lunchtime (1pm). By the time we have lunch and check in etc most of the day will be gone, leaving us all of the Sunday and Monday morning. we need to hit the road to make it to Santa Barbara (although may stay a night in San Luis Obispa for fun as have heard about the legendary Madonna Inn).

While you *can* likely make it from SFO straight to Monterey in two hours...

I wouldn't. Instead, I would make a leisurely day touring some of the sights between the two places. I'd either take Highway 92 West over to the coast and pickup Highway 1 South, hitting Ano Nuevo State Reserve (book a walk to the largest elephant seal colony in North America) and/or Big Basin Redwoods State Park.....or I'd swing down Highway 17 towards Santa Cruz (a great seaside community with a traditional boardwalk) making a detour to hit the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. I'd plan on *dinner* in Monterey.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++

As for the Madona Inn, if your tastes run to pop-culture kitsch, it might be O.K.....but it's more of a novelty than a decent hotel. Frankly, I'd stay either at one of the boutique hotels in Cambria or Morro Bay.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++

Santa Barbara's a great tourist town, if a little pricey. Great beaches, a walkable downtown full of boutiques, good restaurants, and small nightspots. Historic mission and presidio. You might consider a whale watching, day fishing, or sailing charter out of the harbor. There are all sorts of interesting wineries scattered across the north county. Go visit the local orchid farms. Or just kick back on the beach.

If you take highway 101 from Monterey to Santa Barbara, it is probably about 4 hours - no need to stop overnight on the way. If you do go this way, I recommend a "short cut" - at exit 146 south of Santa Maria and just north of Buellton, take highway 154 to Santa Barbara. It goes through the town of Los Olivos, the center of the Santa Ynez wine country, past Lake Cachuma and some great scenery. Even though it is not a freeway, it is much shorter than 101 and takes the same amount of time. Or you could take the next exit at Buellton (exit 140A - highway 246) and go east on 246 to the Danish town of Solvang (definitely worth a lunch stop) and pick up highway 154 just east of Santa Ynez.

On the other hand, if you take the coast road (highway 1) south from Monterey, it will take at least 2 hours longer and you may want to stop overnight in Cambria or Morro Bay. Be advised that for a good stretch of highway 1, it runs along the side of the cliffs (beautiful scenery) but the road is quite winding and you are driving on the ocean side of the highway. Some people are not comfortable with this drive, although it really is quite safe.

If you take highway 101 from Monterey to Santa Barbara, it is probably about 4 hours - no need to stop overnight on the way. If you do go this way, I recommend a "short cut" - at exit 146 south of Santa Maria and just north of Buellton, take highway 154 to Santa Barbara. It goes through the town of Los Olivos, the center of the Santa Ynez wine country, past Lake Cachuma and some great scenery. Even though it is not a freeway, it is much shorter than 101 and takes the same amount of time. Or you could take the next exit at Buellton (exit 140A - highway 246) and go east on 246 to the Danish town of Solvang (definitely worth a lunch stop) and pick up highway 154 just east of Santa Ynez.

Second both of these recommendations. Take the quick detour through Solvang if you have time for a stop or just 154 over the pass if you're in a hurry. Either way is much more scenic and interesting than 101 along the coast (which is really a good half-mile from the coast most of the way and therefore not really all that scenic).

You could also get some bread/cheese/pastries in Solvang and then enjoy dinner at the Cold Spring Tavern (http://www.coldspringtavern.com/) under the well-known Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_Spring_Canyon_Arch_Bridge) (you'll likely recognize it from several movie scenes).

and then enjoy dinner at the Cold Spring Tavern (http://www.coldspringtavern.com/) under the well-known Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_Spring_Canyon_Arch_Bridge) (you'll likely recognize it from several movie scenes).

This is really a neat restaurant with lots of history. It can be hard to find - look for the sign for Stagecoach Road on the right just east of the Arch Bridge.

Sorry for my slow response guys I have been travelling for a couple of days.
Thanks for all the suggestions I really do appreciate it and am going to spend some time over the weekend route-planning.
It really is great to be have people to discuss this trip with who have first hand experience so thank you all again.

Last time we were in Big Sur, we stayed at the Esalen Institute. You can't book very far in advance, but if they have space, they allow people to book "personal retreats." I don't know if it's ideal for a honeymoon, but it is incredibly peaceful and beautiful and you get your own room. The food is actually very good (they grow a lot of it on site) and they have these incredible hot springs that are otherwise only open to the public between 1am and 3am or something like that. We had actually wanted to eat at Post Ranch Inn (I'm suddenly blanking on the name of the restaurant) but we weren't sure how accessible Esalen would be or if it would be rude to use it just as lodging, but as long as you check in early enough to get your keys, I think it is easy to come and go.

I recommend a "short cut" - at exit 146 south of Santa Maria and just north of Buellton, take highway 154 to Santa Barbara. It goes through the town of Los Olivos, the center of the Santa Ynez wine country, past Lake Cachuma and some great scenery. Even though it is not a freeway, it is much shorter than 101 and takes the same amount of time.

While it's a lovely drive...it certainly does *NOT* take the same amount of time.... While 101 is 45 miles vs. 154's 34 miles, the former is a two+ lane limited access highway the full length....while the latter is mostly one lane in each direction and rather winding for much of its length. One can easily average 55 MPH on 101 (with some 65 MPH stretches) ....while 154's *maximum* speed is 55...and much of it is speed limited to 40 MPH or less, with cross traffic, blind curves and traffic signals along the route.....and traffic along the route can slow everything. 101 is roughly 40-45 minutes, I'd expect 154 to take an hour....the only reason to chose it is if one wants to go winery hopping, visit Los Olivos, Santa Yenz, and /or Solvang, or stop at Lake Cachuma.

I like Monterrey Bay Inn on Cannery Row. There's a hot tub on the roof. You can take your wine up there and sit and watch the sunset. The bedrooms are all kings (I think). Across the street is a place where you can rent bikes and kayaks. Biking down to Asilomar (spelling?) is cool. It also has a spa. I'd take 1 down from SF. It's a lovely drive.

While it's a lovely drive...it certainly does *NOT* take the same amount of time.... While 101 is 45 miles vs. 154's 34 miles, the former is a two+ lane limited access highway the full length....while the latter is mostly one lane in each direction and rather winding for much of its length. One can easily average 55 MPH on 101 (with some 65 MPH stretches) ....while 154's *maximum* speed is 55...and much of it is speed limited to 40 MPH or less, with cross traffic, blind curves and traffic signals along the route.....and traffic along the route can slow everything. 101 is roughly 40-45 minutes, I'd expect 154 to take an hour....the only reason to chose it is if one wants to go winery hopping, visit Los Olivos, Santa Yenz, and /or Solvang, or stop at Lake Cachuma.

In my experience, it's about 5-10 minutes shorter and nearly INFINITELY more beautiful (all right, slight exaggeration), especially coming down into Santa Barbara (gorgeous views of the city and ocean from the mountainside). I've driven between SLO and LA probably 200 times. About 75% of that was over the pass, and the only reason I did it the other 25% of the time was because a family member wanted to stop in Buellton for lunch at Andersen's for pea soup (OK, but not really all that--much better food in Santa Barbara). I see virtually no reason to choose 101 over 154.

While it's a lovely drive...it certainly does *NOT* take the same amount of time.... While 101 is 45 miles vs. 154's 34 miles, the former is a two+ lane limited access highway the full length....while the latter is mostly one lane in each direction and rather winding for much of its length. One can easily average 55 MPH on 101 (with some 65 MPH stretches) ....while 154's *maximum* speed is 55...and much of it is speed limited to 40 MPH or less, with cross traffic, blind curves and traffic signals along the route.....and traffic along the route can slow everything. 101 is roughly 40-45 minutes, I'd expect 154 to take an hour....the only reason to chose it is if one wants to go winery hopping, visit Los Olivos, Santa Yenz, and /or Solvang, or stop at Lake Cachuma.

It's not really worth a big argument, but my personal experience on 154 is quite different. The only traffic light I can think of is actually in Santa Barbara as you get back onto 101. The speed limit is 55 nearly all of the way except near the entrance to Lake Cachuma, where it is 45 for about a mile or so, and for about a mile at the northwest end just after getting off 101 before Los Olivos. The road is quite straight from the northwest end until the top of San Marcos Pass and only then it is a bit windy as it descends into Santa Barbara. And there are a number of places along the road where there are passing lanes.

I personally find traffic on 101 to be more of a problem than on 154. My experience is that the drive on 154 takes about 40-45 minutes.

I've stayed at the Carmel Valley Ranch several times (only once post renovation). The rooms I've stayed in are two room suites with two fireplaces and a big balcony. The grounds are beautiful. Some of the best room service dining I've ever experienced. It's a lovely hotel, but unless you are golfers, I would recommend staying closer to the coast.

If you do plan to golf, you can get very affordable golf packages.

Hi LCG - from a local's point of view, as far as staying in Monterey a lot depends on what type of places you enjoy. +1 The Monterey Plaza is very nice and walking distance to the tourist areas in Monterey (Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf). Great spa there too. There is also the relatively new (~ 1 Yr Old) Clement Monterey which is an Intercontinental hotel. The Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hilton Garden Inn are fine - nothing spectacular. Here is Ric's review of the Hyatt Regency in MRY (the Loyalty Traveler blog) http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2010/02/01/hyatt-regency-monterey-photo-album/

Over in Carmel, I agree that the Highlands Inn (a Hyatt) is stunning. Great restaurants too (I think both restaurants are on restaurant.com for a discount). The La Playa is old time Carmel in the middle of town. And of course if you are into golf, you've got Pebble Beach & Spanish Bay.

Carmel Valley Ranch is very nice (I'd also highly recommend Bernardus Lodge for a Carmel Valley stay), but if you are only going to be here for a couple days then I think you'd enjoy staying on coast instead of inland.

Big Sur places (Ventana Inn, Post Ranch) if you want to be more secluded and have great views/scenery. Pretty expensive.

BTW, Travelzoo is listing a great rate at Asilomar for $79, but only through May. http://hotels.travelzoo.com/los-angeles-hotels/746988

If you are talking traditional honeymoon, perhaps the Monterey Plaza or the Highlands Inn are the way to go. Of course we had our wedding reception at the Monterey Plaza 20 years ago, and both my folks and my grandparents honeymooned at the Highlands Inn, so I may be a bit biased ;)

Weather in June - we call it the "June Gloom". 2 or 3 days of fog in the mornings/sunny afternoons in the 60's by the coast, followed by 2 or 3 days of sun along the coast. Natures air conditioning. Shorts & Sweatshirt weather. No rain and no heat waves in June.

As far as heading south down to Santa Barbara, the coast drive from Carmel southbound really is beautiful, but as mentioned in earlier posts it will add a couple of hours to your travel time. IMO it is definitely worth doing once. +1 on Hearst Castle - that tour is pretty fun if you are in the neighborhood down there. If you take the coast route on the way to Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach is an option to stay (near Hearst Castle). It is a real old time California beach town - not a lot of luxury. Avila Beach, Morro Bay and Cambria are nice - as JerryFF mentioned a lot of small, cute boutique places to stay.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!

Hi LCG - from a local's point of view, as far as staying in Monterey a lot depends on what type of places you enjoy. +1 The Monterey Plaza is very nice and walking distance to the tourist areas in Monterey (Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf). Great spa there too. There is also the relatively new (~ 1 Yr Old) Clement Monterey which is an Intercontinental hotel. The Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hilton Garden Inn are fine - nothing spectacular. Here is Ric's review of the Hyatt Regency in MRY (the Loyalty Traveler blog) http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2010/02/01/hyatt-regency-monterey-photo-album/

Over in Carmel, I agree that the Highlands Inn (a Hyatt) is stunning. Great restaurants too (I think both restaurants are on restaurant.com for a discount). The La Playa is old time Carmel in the middle of town. And of course if you are into golf, you've got Pebble Beach & Spanish Bay.

Carmel Valley Ranch is very nice (I'd also highly recommend Bernardus Lodge for a Carmel Valley stay), but if you are only going to be here for a couple days then I think you'd enjoy staying on coast instead of inland.

Big Sur places (Ventana Inn, Post Ranch) if you want to be more secluded and have great views/scenery. Pretty expensive.

BTW, Travelzoo is listing a great rate at Asilomar for $79, but only through May. http://hotels.travelzoo.com/los-angeles-hotels/746988

If you are talking traditional honeymoon, perhaps the Monterey Plaza or the Highlands Inn are the way to go. Of course we had our wedding reception at the Monterey Plaza 20 years ago, and both my folks and my grandparents honeymooned at the Highlands Inn, so I may be a bit biased ;)

Weather in June - we call it the "June Gloom". 2 or 3 days of fog in the mornings/sunny afternoons in the 60's by the coast, followed by 2 or 3 days of sun along the coast. Natures air conditioning. Shorts & Sweatshirt weather. No rain and no heat waves in June.

As far as heading south down to Santa Barbara, the coast drive from Carmel southbound really is beautiful, but as mentioned in earlier posts it will add a couple of hours to your travel time. IMO it is definitely worth doing once. +1 on Hearst Castle - that tour is pretty fun if you are in the neighborhood down there. If you take the coast route on the way to Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach is an option to stay (near Hearst Castle). It is a real old time California beach town - not a lot of luxury. Avila Beach, Morro Bay and Cambria are nice - as JerryFF mentioned a lot of small, cute boutique places to stay.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!

We travelled up the coast last June and had pretty poor weather - hope you have more luck!

We stayed at The Clement Intercontinental - quite up market and not a bad hotel but if a pool is important then avoid avoid avoid - One of the worst excuses for a pool ever - no view, TINY (think minuscule lap pool) - any more than 4 people in the pool area and it will seem crowded - it felt very much like they were building the hotel and then someone said "I don't see the pool on the plans, $hit squeeze it on that roof ledge, oh and put a big wall round it so no one can see how rubbish it is"

We actually preferred Carmel to Monterey and said next time we're up that way we'd look to stop there. We have stopped in Solvang before and found accommodation pretty average and have also stopped near San Simeon at the southern end of The Big Sur - lots of pretty tatty Motels but for 1 night it wasn't too bad.

One thing to remember is that Monterey and Carmel are really two different cities with two diffent personalities and they can each take a day. If the weather is off you may want to consider a visit to the aquarium in Monterey as it is truely amazing.

This is one of the most amazing drives in the world so take your time and enjoy the beauty and take time to pull off and just watch the Ocean.

X

We travelled up the coast last June and had pretty poor weather - hope you have more luck!

We stayed at The Clement Intercontinental - quite up market and not a bad hotel but if a pool is important then avoid avoid avoid

When you say the weather was poor - did it impact on the drive? Or was it just foggy mornings?

I too have a reservation at the Clement Intercontinental - we were going to try one of the ranch resorts but I don't golf and I don't want her running up a 2 day spa bill!!!!! Seriously though we just felt the ranch resorts might be a bit far from the action. We aren't too worried about a lack of pool at the Clement as we have time in LA at the end of the trip.

My only concern is if there is anywhere we are missing out on in Carmel instead.

With regards the drive down and 101 v 154, if we take the 1 down from Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur, where do we cut inland to take the 154 to run into Santa Barbara? Is it like any monotonous freeway - we have no time constraints and so really just want to do the most beautiful journey.

With regards the drive down and 101 v 154, if we take the 1 down from Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur, where do we cut inland to take the 154 to run into Santa Barbara? Is it like any monotonous freeway - we have no time constraints and so really just want to do the most beautiful journey.

Highway 1 will rejoin 101 in San Luis Obispo. At that point, you will take 101 south through the Five Cities (Pismo Beach, et. al) and Santa Maria before heading into the hills. Just before Buellton, you will see the exit (overpass) for 154.

This will be your route:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=36.177791,-121.70105+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3B%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=8&via=1&sll=35.60252,-120.796495&sspn=3.291342,4.938354&ie=UTF8&z=8

It is possible to split from 101 in Pismo Beach and follow Highway 1 again through Guadalupe and Vandenberg Air Force Base before rejoining 101 just before Gaviota, but doing so puts you well south of the 154 split-off (that would be doing this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:34.986128,-120.569458+to:CA-1+S%2FSan+Julian+Rd+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3BFRxQKAIdKMa--A%3B%3BFdWfDwIduC3T-A%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2,3&sll=34.852692,-120.49118&sspn=0.415281,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=34.83635,-120.213776&spn=0.830722,1.234589&z=10)), but while I've never done it, I'm not sure I'd say it's nearly as interesting a route as 154 and probably not worth the extra time it would take--it just takes you through the rolling hills of the Central Coast that you'll have seen more than enough of by that time and doesn't really put you anywhere where you would see the coast. (I suppose if you REALLY wanted to spend a LOT of time driving and see everything interesting possible, you could do this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:CA-1+S%2FSan+Julian+Rd+to:Gaviota+Beach+Rd+to:34.5947 81,-120.147858+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3BFRxQKAIdKMa--A%3BFSTAFAIdUorQ-A%3BFQiHDwIdzEnT-A%3BFWYADgIdznTV-A%3B%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=5&sz=14&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=34.600503,-120.148287&sspn=0.052069,0.077162&ie=UTF8&ll=34.75741,-120.200043&spn=0.831518,1.234589&z=10)--that would allow you to see this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaviota_State_Park), this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaviota_Tunnel), and this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvang), and it actually would only add a little over an hour in pure driving time.)

I-5 would be the one that's "like any monotonous freeway." Completely uninteresting, at least until you get to the Grapevine. 101 is a much pretter, more interesting route--curves, hills, [small] canyons, etc. And I wouldn't say that the stretch of 101 between the 154 cutoff and Santa Barbara is not pretty, just that 154 is prettier. (So, actually, the last link I gave above would kind of be the best of all worlds if you have the time, since it would let you see the coast by Gaviota [which is very representative of what you'd see between Gaviota and Santa Barbara], the Gaviota Gorge, Buellton and Solvang, and then [IMHO, the crown jewel of this part of the state] San Marcos Pass (http://www.lkjh.org/bike/california/santa_barbara/camino_cielo/index.html) [154].)

Highway 1 will rejoin 101 in San Luis Obispo. At that point, you will take 101 south through the Five Cities (Pismo Beach, et. al) and Santa Maria before heading into the hills. Just before Buellton, you will see the exit (overpass) for 154.

This will be your route:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=36.177791,-121.70105+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3B%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=8&via=1&sll=35.60252,-120.796495&sspn=3.291342,4.938354&ie=UTF8&z=8

It is possible to split from 101 in Pismo Beach and follow Highway 1 again through Guadalupe and Vandenberg Air Force Base before rejoining 101 just before Gaviota, but doing so puts you well south of the 154 split-off (that would be doing this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:34.986128,-120.569458+to:CA-1+S%2FSan+Julian+Rd+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3BFRxQKAIdKMa--A%3B%3BFdWfDwIduC3T-A%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=11&via=1,2,3&sll=34.852692,-120.49118&sspn=0.415281,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=34.83635,-120.213776&spn=0.830722,1.234589&z=10)), but while I've never done it, I'm not sure I'd say it's nearly as interesting a route as 154 and probably not worth the extra time it would take--it just takes you through the rolling hills of the Central Coast that you'll have seen more than enough of by that time and doesn't really put you anywhere where you would see the coast. (I suppose if you REALLY wanted to spend a LOT of time driving and see everything interesting possible, you could do this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=monterey+ca&daddr=CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:CA-1+S%2FSan+Julian+Rd+to:Gaviota+Beach+Rd+to:34.5947 81,-120.147858+to:Santa+Barbara,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fa55LgId7Ai8-CmR-7VwUuSNgDFePUrYCUlI7g%3BFRxQKAIdKMa--A%3BFSTAFAIdUorQ-A%3BFQiHDwIdzEnT-A%3BFWYADgIdznTV-A%3B%3BFV44DQId8ozd-CnVgy1vxxTpgDFIdrrXZDrRyA&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=5&sz=14&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=34.600503,-120.148287&sspn=0.052069,0.077162&ie=UTF8&ll=34.75741,-120.200043&spn=0.831518,1.234589&z=10)--that would allow you to see this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaviota_State_Park), this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaviota_Tunnel), and this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvang), and it actually would only add a little over an hour in pure driving time.)

I-5 would be the one that's "like any monotonous freeway." Completely uninteresting, at least until you get to the Grapevine. 101 is a much pretter, more interesting route--curves, hills, [small] canyons, etc. And I wouldn't say that the stretch of 101 between the 154 cutoff and Santa Barbara is not pretty, just that 154 is prettier. (So, actually, the last link I gave above would kind of be the best of all worlds if you have the time, since it would let you see the coast by Gaviota [which is very representative of what you'd see between Gaviota and Santa Barbara], the Gaviota Gorge, Buellton and Solvang, and then [IMHO, the crown jewel of this part of the state] San Marcos Pass (http://www.lkjh.org/bike/california/santa_barbara/camino_cielo/index.html) [154].)


Thank you so much for that - I really appreciate the advice.

Can I ask what the speed limits are on Highway 1/101/154? I appreciate that they will vary between towns and on the coastal stretches but we are trying to figure out how long each section of drive will take and what we can fit in in between.

LCG

Thank you so much for that - I really appreciate the advice.

Can I ask what the speed limits are on Highway 1/101/154? I appreciate that they will vary between towns and on the coastal stretches but we are trying to figure out how long each section of drive will take and what we can fit in in between.

LCG

101 is going to be mostly 65, with some possible 55 (or even slower) areas in the gorge. (In Monterey County, it's 70mph, but you won't be on that stretch if you're taking Highway 1.)

154 is mostly 55, though it's possible some of the straighter stretches are 65. Once you get up towards the top of the pass and start coming down the windier south side, it may be 45 with some even further reduced speeds at corners.

Haven't done 1 all the way up to Monterey, but I'd imagine it's a mix of 45 and 55.

101 vs. 154 from Santa Barbara to Los Olivos: IMHO, its 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I generally take 154, because I am normally going wine touring in the Santa Ynez - Los Olivos area (but one can also stop at fine wineries off of the 101 as well just south of Buellton on the 2 roads that go toward Lompoc).

The 154 route is more scenic, and less prone to traffic tie-ups. Traffic does tend to average 50-55, vs. 65-70 on the 101. IMHO, if you're just passing through without stopping, you might as well stay on the 101, barring some sort of traffic tie-up.

And you can always stop for split pea soup along the way.

The Route 1 coastal route takes MUCH longer than the 101 - but it is also quite a bit more scenic. Not only is it slower, it is much more winding. IMHO, this route is one that you should only consider if you are planning some leisurely sightseeing along the way.

I realize this is an old thread and the OP probably isn't checking for updates, but I have been researching Monterey hotels and noticed that two highly rated options were not listed. In addition to Monterey Bay Plaza which was mentioned on Cannery Row, there is also Spendrift Inn (http://www.spindriftinn.com). It's a luxury boutique hotel which brings your breakfast to your room (a nice option for honeymooners). The second option, if you don't mind going just north of Monterey (in Pacific Grove), is Seven Gables Inn (http://www.thesevengablesinn.com). Neither of these places are inexpensive, but they are also much less than Post Ranch Inn. Seven Gables is very popular (as is Spendrift), so if the OP is still checking this thread, you should check your options immediately. Even if you aren't looking to change, you should still gander at the rooms in Seven Gables Inn. We finally decided on Julia's Room in Seven Gables.

I realize this is an old thread and the OP probably isn't checking for updates, but I have been researching Monterey hotels and noticed that two highly rated options were not listed. In addition to Monterey Bay Plaza which was mentioned on Cannery Row, there is also Spendrift Inn (http://www.spindriftinn.com). It's a luxury boutique hotel which brings your breakfast to your room (a nice option for honeymooners). The second option, if you don't mind going just north of Monterey (in Pacific Grove), is Seven Gables Inn (http://www.thesevengablesinn.com). Neither of these places are inexpensive, but they are also much less than Post Ranch Inn. Seven Gables is very popular (as is Spendrift), so if the OP is still checking this thread, you should check your options immediately. Even if you aren't looking to change, you should still gander at the rooms in Seven Gables Inn. We finally decided on Julia's Room in Seven Gables.

I guess this is my thread for respectfully disagreeing with some posts. While both of these Inns are quite nice, it's a little hard for me to consider either as a luxury property, not of the caliber of Post Ranch Inn. For example, AAA gives Spindrift 3 Diamonds (luxury = 5 diamonds). Indeed, Seven Gables has a great view, but in my opinion, it is basically a very nice B&B. To be even more picky (sorry), Pacific Grove is actually just west of Monterey, not north. This point is not trivial as the coastline west and south of Monterey (Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel) is a lot nicer than the area north of Monterey (Seaside and the old Fort Ord).

I guess this is my thread for respectfully disagreeing with some posts. While both of these Inns are quite nice, it's a little hard for me to consider either as a luxury property, not of the caliber of Post Ranch Inn. For example, AAA gives Spindrift 3 Diamonds (luxury = 5 diamonds). Indeed, Seven Gables has a great view, but in my opinion, it is basically a very nice B&B. To be even more picky (sorry), Pacific Grove is actually just west of Monterey, not north. This point is not trivial as the coastline west and south of Monterey (Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel) is a lot nicer than the area north of Monterey (Seaside and the old Fort Ord).

Thanks for straightening out the directional issue, that's good information. I wouldn't think either property would fit the AAA definition of "luxury" (and I value AAA highly) because they don't have 24 hour room service or a concierge desk. Neither, as you say, is the caliber of Post Ranch Inn, and their prices at less than half Post Ranch reflect that. Seven Gables IS a B&B, and a very nice one at that. I listed these as additional options for the OP, as both are the highest rated in their respective categories for the Monterey area by reviewers (with hundreds of reviews) at TripAdvisor.com. They are also highly regarded on the message boards at fodors.com by individuals who have stayed there. I suppose the people who want the 24-hour room service, concierge, club level benefits, etc. would gravitate away from some of the smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs. It just all depends on what you the traveler value. There's nothing wrong with either style of accommodation, and hopefully the OP will choose based on what is important to him/her.

Thanks for straightening out the directional issue, that's good information. I wouldn't think either property would fit the AAA definition of "luxury" (and I value AAA highly) because they don't have 24 hour room service or a concierge desk. Neither, as you say, is the caliber of Post Ranch Inn, and their prices at less than half Post Ranch reflect that. Seven Gables IS a B&B, and a very nice one at that. I listed these as additional options for the OP, as both are the highest rated in their respective categories for the Monterey area by reviewers (with hundreds of reviews) at TripAdvisor.com. They are also highly regarded on the message boards at fodors.com by individuals who have stayed there. I suppose the people who want the 24-hour room service, concierge, club level benefits, etc. would gravitate away from some of the smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs. It just all depends on what you the traveler value. There's nothing wrong with either style of accommodation, and hopefully the OP will choose based on what is important to him/her.

Well said - I agree 100%. ^

How many nights total are you taking? We drove the coast route (101 and 1) the opposite direction on our honeymoon, in June a few years ago. We stayed in Santa Barbara the first night (Santa Barbara Inn; upscale but we had a discount coupon), San Luis Obispo the next (Madonna Inn; frankly, a little disappointing for the cost and its distance from the coast; but be sure to stop and eat and see the rest rooms, however); Big Sur Inn the next; then the Super 8 in Monterey (there weren't many vacancies). Next day headed to the Sacramento area. We drove the 17 Mile Drive and saw the Monterey aquarium and still felt we had plenty of time. You don't HAVE to spend 2 nights around Carmel to see what you plan on seeing. Monterey is not cheap and Carmel even pricier. And June is peak season, so it's best to book early. Where to stop further south depends on your schedule: how many days, and where you plan to stop (e.g. Hearst Castle).

During our recent trip to N. Calif., we stayed at the InterContinental The Clement Monterey, which is well located for our visit in the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur area. I have made a simple report in the InterContinental/Priority Club forum in Miles & Points.

While in the Pebble Beach Lodge for tea one afternoon, we struck up a conversation with another family who was staying at the Lodge. They suggested we go to lunch at the Post Ranch Inn (http://www.postranchinn.com/dining/), in Big Sur, for lunch. Not only we enjoyed the lunch but also the grounds. The organic architecture of the "huts and houses" are definitely a place to indulge if budget is of no cencern. It doesn't allow any children for stay. ;)

I also strongly recommend Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn for lunch. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality of food (15-30 per entree) and the scenic view. Also has an unbelievable wine list. The grounds at PRI are beautiful and it is a good chance to get a taste of the place without the astronomical room tariff.

Hi LCG - from a local's point of view, as far as staying in Monterey a lot depends on what type of places you enjoy. +1 The Monterey Plaza is very nice and walking distance to the tourist areas in Monterey (Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf). Great spa there too. There is also the relatively new (~ 1 Yr Old) Clement Monterey which is an Intercontinental hotel. The Hyatt Regency Monterey and Hilton Garden Inn are fine - nothing spectacular. Here is Ric's review of the Hyatt Regency in MRY (the Loyalty Traveler blog) http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2010/02/01/hyatt-regency-monterey-photo-album/

Over in Carmel, I agree that the Highlands Inn (a Hyatt) is stunning. Great restaurants too (I think both restaurants are on restaurant.com for a discount). The La Playa is old time Carmel in the middle of town. And of course if you are into golf, you've got Pebble Beach & Spanish Bay.
!

Another vote for the Restaurant at Highlands Inn, called the Pacific's Edge. Amazing view of the Coast, make a reservation an hour before sunset.

For the Central Coast I recommend the Dolphin Bay Inn in Pismo Beach, La Fonda Hotel in Avila Beach, and a Hot Spring Break at Sycamore Springs. (Avila Beach)

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Ventana Inn is a stunning experience. Wonderful food and service and a beautiful setting. Riding back from your message in a golf cart then relaxing on your balcony with a drink is hard to beat. As is champagne and huevos rancheros on the outside deck for breakfast with a view down the coast. Hmm, we need to go back.