Help wit h driving itin Santa Barbara to Monterey

Hi Everyone,

My sister is getting married in Santa Barbara in July. My husband I have decided to drive from Oregon instead of fly. Can anyone help us with our plans? This is what we have so far.

We want to drive the quickest route from Oregon to Santa Barbara on the way there. We will have 5 nights in Santa Barbara with at least 3 of those tied up with wedding stuff UGH! :)

We plan to leave Santa Barbara on a Monday morning and drive 1/2 way to Santa Barbara. We are considering staying either in San Luis, Pismo Beach or Cambria (the last would only be if we decide to go to the Hearst Castle--which I not yet been convinced this is a must see).

On Tuesday afternoon we will arrive Montery. We plan to spend 3 nights there. Is this to many nights? Most of the hotels are sold out because their is some type of GPMOTO race (Sp) going on. I was able to find a room at the Hyatt though with a decent rate.

What should we do in Monterey. We already plan to do the 17 mile drive, aquarium, shop, eat etc. Is there a great beach area that we should go to? Lunches or Dinners not to be missed? I don%26#39;t really want to have to get all dressed up after the wedding stuff but we do like nice quality food. Also like to go and just have a drink here and there sometimes.

From Monterey we plan to start the dreaded drive back to Oregon with 1 night stop on the way home. Probably in Redding just to get at least 1/2 the drive over.

I am a little concerned about the safety and windiness of Highway 1. Sometimes I do get naseau in the car but I don%26#39;t want to miss this opportunity to see this drive. It is such a perfect time to take advantage because of the wedding.

Any advice on driving routes, things to do etc would be most appreciated. We are in our late 30%26#39;s with no kids if that makes a difference.

Thanks for any help.

Sincerely,

Gina

Help wit h driving itin Santa Barbara to Monterey

I find it interesting that you plan on three nights in Monterey but you don%26#39;t even mention San Francisco.

Do you need to get back to Oregon in such a hurry?

Highway 1 between Sana Barbara and Monterey is perfectly safe. Yes, it is winding.

Help wit h driving itin Santa Barbara to Monterey

Hi Puter-

Thanks for your imput :)

Having lived in Oregon most of my life, we have been to SFO city many times thus the reason that we are skipping SFO on this trip. We will be back there in November for the Oregon-Cal football game and will do the SFO thing then.

My parents were married 10 years(yet still divorced when I was 2). They lived in Monterey and I have always heard how much they liked living there. I have also wanted to see where they lived. My mom passed away with Cancer 14 years ago when I was 23 so it makes it even more important to me to see a place that I know she was happy. Plus I have heard many great things about the Carmel/Monterey area.

I went to college at UC-Irvine in Orange County so I am not too interested in going South as I have seen most of that.

Sorry to write a book. I hope that our plans make a little more sense now.

Thanks again, Gina

Hi Gina. It%26#39;s nice that you want to see the place that your mother loved. There%26#39;s a lot to love here. In addition to the aquarium and 17-Mile Dr., I%26#39;d suggest the following:

Point Lobos State Reserve--about 5 miles south of Carmel on Hwy 1. There are beautiful trails overlooking the ocean and tide pools. Take your camera!

Carmel Valley--for wine tasting (Chateau Julien and Bernardus) or just for a drive to see the valley views. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Hwy 1 (on Carmel Valley Rd) to Carmel Valley Village, where you can have a great meal at Cafe Rustica.

Carmel-by-the-Sea--downtown is full of shops and galleries, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Carmel Beach, is at the end of Ocean Avenue in downtown.

Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing--you can rent kayaks (Monterey Bay Kayak) or take a relaxing pontoon boat tour of the slough, where there is a lot of wildlife to see. About 25 minutes north of Monterey on Hwy 1.

Pacific Grove--a small town that is sandwiched between Monterey and Pebble Beach. It has some gorgeous coastline. You can walk the recreation trail that runs along the water. Also, I highly recommend Red House Cafe in PG for lunch.

As for dining, unless you go very upscale, you%26#39;ll find that casual dress is fine. Some of my favorites: As mentioned, Red House and Cafe Rustica. Also, I like Massaro %26amp; Santos on the Coast Guard Pier (Italian and Seafood); Tarpy%26#39;s Roadhouse in Monterey; Grasing%26#39;s Coastal Cuisine in Carmel; Taste Cafe and Bistro and Max%26#39;s Grill in PG. If you want a meal when you drive the 17-Mile Drive, Roy%26#39;s at Spanish Bay Resort os very good and has fantastic views. Most of these places have websites, so you can check the menus and prices in advance.

Have a wonderful trip.

That%26#39;s a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it. I think you are doing the right thing.

Howesomeever, when you come down for the Cal Oregon game please understand, that as an alum I will be saying GO BEARS!

I don%26#39;t think Hearst Castle is a ';must-see';, and it will take up at least two hours out of what seems to be a crowded schedule. I agree with others that Cambria is great - Robin%26#39;s is my favorite restaurant there, with a beautiful outdoor patio.

While you%26#39;re driving through Big Sur, this GoList may give you some ideas.

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i14592-Big_Sur_鈥?/a>

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your help and advice.

I really appreciate it.

Gina