#1 Scenic Drive in Winter

Please Advice! I%26#39;m flying in to San Jose this weekend. Originally I plan to spend a nite in Cambria or Morro Bay. Unfortunately the hotels in this weekend are so full/very expensive/2 days min stay. This trip is for our 15th years wedding anniversary. We only been to San Fran once 20 years ago and only for business. Our plan is to spend the first day in Monterey (we%26#39;ll arrive at noon). Next day will drive to Cambria. Since we don%26#39;t have any room reserve in Cambria, we will drive back to San Jose and spend the next day in San Fran %26amp; San Jose.

Please advice where are the best places (scenic, desert, dining) to go since this trip is so short. Also to drive back from Cambria to San Jose, should I take route 46 to Hwy 101 then all the way to San Jose? How long would it take? Thanks

#1 Scenic Drive in Winter

The best drive to take especially because you will be in Monterey is the famed 17 mile drive that takes you right on the coast. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.Being from SoCal I%26#39;m not sure about Hwy 46. I do know that Hwy 101 is the fastest and most direct way up and down the coast.

#1 Scenic Drive in Winter

The 17 Mile Drive will not get you to Cambria. It is a toll road through the Pebble Beach area that is in a loop. You want to take Highway 1 south to Cambria from Monterey. Have you looked into maybe a B%26amp;B for your week-end in Cambria? It may be too late, but doesn%26#39;t hurt to try. It will be a holiday weekend, therefore the high prices and the 2 night min.

Some options include the Olallieberry Inn, The Squibb House %26amp; the J. Patrick House.

San Simeon is another option. It%26#39;s only a few miles north of Cambria. There%26#39;s a Motel 6, the Sands Hotel or the Orchid Inn.

There are many excellent restaurants in Cambria. Some favorites include Robin%26#39;s, Black Cat Bistro, Wild Ginger, Moonstone Bar %26amp; Grill. There%26#39;s also the Main St. Grill if you want something simple.

From Cambria, head south 4 miles to Hwy 46 (AKA: Green Valley Road) and turn left. This road will take you through some very pretty wine country. Our hills are greening up and that will make for a lovely drive. There are lots of oak trees through this route, as well. When you reach the 101 freeway (it should take about 20-25 minutes from Hwy 1), take the northbound on-ramp. This will speed up the trip back to San Jose. It isn%26#39;t the prettiest drive, but you will be able to enjoy looking west toward the coast range and see part of California%26#39;s agricultural hub.

The page of DRIVING DIRECTIONS at the TouringSFO site at http://geocities.com/touringsfo/ will provide details complementary to what kibblesmom told you: geocities.com/touringsfo/…DriveDir.html

Kibblesmom gave a good list for Cambria restaurants, The Sow%26#39;s Ear Cafe and the Sea Chest are a couple of other nice places for meals in Cambria. :)