driving down highway 1

[kalster]

We are thinking of driving down highway 1 form san fran to l.a during labor day long weekend . I have been on highway 1 in parts but never more than a few miles. What are some good places to stop at. I was thinking of stopping at Monterey, Cambria, Slo, santa barbara, any other interesting places along the way we should stop.

 

[OdiN]

Those are good places to stop.

I would say to stop at Hearst Castle, but you may not be able to get tickets if they are doing tours. It's pretty cool.

 

[imported_Mike]

Pismo Beach :thumbsup:
Carmel > Monterey
SLO :thumbsup:
Santa Barbara :thumbsup:

Not a whole lot inbetween Santa Barbara and SLO and likewise for the drive from Big Sur to SLO.

 

[OdiN]

Oh and if you are into aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium is nice, if you've never been there.

And Mike is right. Carmel is really nice.

 

[Drako]

If you have some time to do some hiking, Point Lobos is really nice.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Anywhere in Big Sur

 

[jimmyjam]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
Anywhere in Big Sur

Absolutely. Julia Pfeiffer State Beach has a sweet waterfall that drops onto the beach. That whole area is amazing.

 

[dudeman007]

Gotta stop at SLO

Go Mustangs!

 

[Sukhoi]

Any other parks recommended in particular? I'll be doing the drive in March or April.

 

[thomsbrain]

You're taking all weekend to do this, right? Cause you probably wouldn't make it in one day, even without stops.

For your first day, Wilder Ranch State Park just north of Santa Cruz has a short ~1 mile loop trail with some of the most amazing ocean-cliff views you'll ever see (made the top 10 hikes in CA list in a book I have). Parking is very close to the trail (small fee, but there are bathrooms), and you could do it in <1 hour, then have lunch in Santa Cruz and be on your way to Monterey, where you could spend the night.

Second day, see the aquarium in the morning, then hit the road for the drive to SLO. Carmel is a good spot for lunch.

After that, I don't know enough about the stuff out there. Santa Barbara is not that interesting, though, from what I remember.

 

[Corporate Thug]

splash cafe at SLO

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
You're taking all weekend to do this, right? Cause you probably wouldn't make it in one day, even without stops.

For your first day, Wilder Ranch State Park just north of Santa Cruz has a short ~1 mile loop trail with some of the most amazing ocean-cliff views you'll ever see (made the top 10 hikes in CA list in a book I have). Parking is very close to the trail (small fee, but there are bathrooms), and you could do it in <1 hour, then have lunch in Santa Cruz and be on your way to Monterey, where you could spend the night.

Second day, see the aquarium in the morning, then hit the road for the drive to SLO. Carmel is a good spot for lunch.

After that, I don't know enough about the stuff out there. Santa Barbara is not that interesting, though, from what I remember.

wha? highway 1 is a 7 hour drive from SF to LA, I do it all the time in one day (I actually just got home, left SF at noon)

 

[andylawcc]

also, visit Half Moon Bay, the Sheraton or Marriot has a stunning view (where they film American Pie IIIIVVIVXX: American Wedding).

and Santa Barbara has a ton of wineries for you to choose from.

 

[kalster]

bump

 

[homercles337]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
You're taking all weekend to do this, right? Cause you probably wouldn't make it in one day, even without stops.

Not true. I did SF -> LA in less than one day. I think it took me about 7 or 8 hours. This was on the 1, not the 5. The 5 can get you there in about 5-6 hours.

It is absolutely a beautiful drive.

 

[kalster]

leaving tommorow morning, anything interesting between slo and santa barbara

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: homercles337

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
You're taking all weekend to do this, right? Cause you probably wouldn't make it in one day, even without stops.

Not true. I did SF -> LA in less than one day. I think it took me about 7 or 8 hours. This was on the 1, not the 5. The 5 can get you there in about 5-6 hours.

It is absolutely a beautiful drive.

Exactly 6 hours for me when I went from Moorpark along the 118 and then up the 5 and across the 580 to Berkeley.

6 hours from San Jose southwards got me stuck in LA traffic near downtown.

PCH takes a LOT longer. Even taking 101 will take you a long time compared to taking the 5.

 

[deadlyapp]

Hooray SLO.

Too bad school isn't in quite yet.

By any means, I'd take a look at Pismo beach, it's just 15 minutes south of SLO. In town itself, I'd try Splash Cafe, it's right on monterey street, firestones grill, downtown on Higuera, I'd stop at the Madonna inn as well, if anything just to piss in their mens room. I'd say drive through Cal Poly campus, but there isn't anything going on since school doesn't start for a few more weeks.

Thats all I can think of right now.

 

[Muttsta]

Originally posted by: OdiN
Those are good places to stop.

I would say to stop at Hearst Castle, but you may not be able to get tickets if they are doing tours. It's pretty cool.

Definitely worth a stop
All they do is tours, you can't walk around on your own
You can't even really walk up to the castle, since only busses run there and it's a good few miles up

If you want to see some pictures from it check out my site: (Starts at 5166)
http://www.cyclingforacause.co...ornia%2F&var2=2&var3=0

I found Santa Barbara to be really sweet as well