Opinions onHighway 1 driving from Monterey to Hearst Castle

Map quest says 94 miles and about 2 hours. I haven%26#39;t driven this in years and I%26#39;m wondering how curvy is it? From Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz- Highway 1 is beautiful %26amp; fairly straight, but I know this stretch is different. I%26#39;m picking up my daughter at UCSC, making a quick stop in Monterey %26amp; will return there the next day after visiting the castle %26amp; staying in Cambria this Saturday. Our scheduled tour time is 2:50. Should I zip down 101 %26amp; cut over at Paso Robles for a less stressful ride since going down we%26#39;ll be pressed for time? I live in the Bay area %26amp; see the ocean all the time %26amp; driving in traffic with lots of curves is not my idea of fun!

Opinions onHighway 1 driving from Monterey to Hearst Castle

It is the most beautiful part of Highway 1, but of course you do not want to drive it under pressure. I do not think it is at all difficult except during fog or rain when it should be avoided. Assuming good weather, I would definitely take Highway 1, but leave early enough so you can enjoy the drive and not be under pressure.

Opinions onHighway 1 driving from Monterey to Hearst Castle

I am a little confused.

It seems to make sense to zip down for your 2:50 appointment, as you suggested, leaving out Monterey on that day, and then driving BACK to Monterey on Highway 1, no?

waverider sez 芦Map quest says 94 miles and about 2 hours禄

Two hours is rather optimistic. Easy at night but if it%26#39;s a fog-free day, it%26#39;ll be painful t%26#39;go that fast.

芦I%26#39;m wondering how curvy is it? From Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz禄

Not very.

芦Should I zip down 101 %26amp; cut over at Paso Robles for a less stressful ride since going down we%26#39;ll be pressed for time?禄

That%26#39;s a very good idea.

芦I live in the Bay area禄

If you live in the Monterey Bay Area, you should know all that. Why ask us San Franciscans?

Take the 101. It will take longer than 2 hours down the 1 from Monterey. It isn%26#39;t just the hairpins, etc. It%26#39;s the road work with flagmen and the slower drivers who won%26#39;t get out of your way that will slow you down. Take the 1 on your return trip and enjoy it.

Thanks all for your advice. I have to stop at a photo archive gallery in Monterey for a school project and the only available day to see it open is Sat. morning.Also need to review the Steinbeck Center in Salinas.

I agree- sounds like a planto take 101 down %26amp; maybe 1 back north, but my daughter gets easily carsick, and has never done this drive before, and as I said I haven%26#39;t in almost 30 years, hence the reason for my question.

I doubt if your daughter will get carsick on the Highway 1 trip.