My wife and 11 year old are going to be in Monterrey until Friday next week and then need to get a flight out of LAX on Easter Tuesday. I've booked them into the CP at LAX on Monday night but what's a good trip down where there's likely to be nice, reasonably priced accommodation en route. The one no-no, having stayed there once, for her is the Madonna Inn.

TIA.

Gareth

Since you're implying they have 2 days to make the trip, they will have plenty of time. Be aware that tourist spots will be busy since it's Spring Break for many schoolkids and families are taking local vacations with the sour economy.

From MRY, she can take Highway 1 which hugs the coastal cliffs down to San Luis Obispo. It's one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives. A stop at Hearst Castle is worthwhile. It takes 4-5 hours to drive the 125 miles especially if caught behind a big RV (caravan) that refuses to yield to let others pass. The road is very winding (many curves posted for 15mph) and southbound she will be on the ocean side of the road with 300m sheer dropoffs on the right side. But if the driver is confident with that as well as driving on the right, then it's no problem.

The other alternative from MRY to SLO is US101 which is inland. It's scenic through rolling hills and farmland. Allow 2-3 hours since it's interstate-grade divided freeway.

If they need a basic, clean place to stay, either Motel6 in SLO is adequate. I slightly prefer the "south" one to the "north" (they are 2 blocks apart). Another suggestion is Solvang; I like the Solvang Inn and Cottages. The town is a Danish settlement and everything in town is Danish-themed. Many small shops, galleries, antique stores, etc. The movie "Sideways" was filmed in the area.

Curious why Madonna Inn is off her list- simply because she has already been there, or was there a bad experience?

We stayed there about 15 years ago in a caveman room. She spent most of the night awake waiting for a rock to fall from the ceiling.

She didn't think the general hote decor was the most tasteful either

Yes, Madonna Inn decor can be "over the top" to the point of gaudy. She could request some other room this time since each one is different.

Re-reading your post, if there is Friday-Monday to make the trip it could include the Sierras (Yosemite or lesser known Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks) to see the giant sequoias. Or Death Valley, there should be wildflowers in the desert this time of year.

Yosemite or Sequoia/Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks, will risk tangling with late season snow and/or icy roads. The 10 day forecast suggests precipitation, which depending on time of day and altitude is apt to be messy.

If you want to show them big trees, the Coastal Redwoods up near Santa Cruz are nearly as nice (and a lot more accessible)...

Death Valley?
Ummm... Only if they prefer spending all their time inside their rental car, rather than sightseeing! That's about 950 miles of driving....since you can't plan on going through the Sierras North of Tehachapi or South of US-50.

Hearst Castle is a sound idea, but get reservations in as soon as possible for a holiday weekend (it already may be too late). If you're the wine tasting sort, there are some great vineyards in the Santa Barbara north county, and exploring the Santa Barbara may satisfy female shopping genetics. (for more hardcore sorts, try the outlet malls in Pismo Beach & Camarillo)

Oh, and pull off US 101 somewhere from Santa Maria south to Camarillo and find a fruit stand... The locally grown strawberries are at their peak, and are absolutely nummy.

See if you can get a good rate at the Apple Farm in SLO.

They have been advertising cheap rates in the LA Times Travel section latetly, though the deals are usually not valid on weekends.