Anyone know some nice place between san francisco and los angeles?

Question

I am planning to go down from san francisco to los angeles. Can anyone advise me where I should stay over for 1 or 2 nights and what places are worth checking out. I am really not familiar with that are at all

Answer 1

You have a treat in store - this is some of the loveliest area of California.

Basically, pack your bag in SF and head south on Hwy 1 and take your time.

Monterey/Carmel area is lovely (as someone else noted). Great places to eat. You can bike along the bay, kayak, take the 21 mile drive past multiple 1st class golf courses (e.g. Pebble Beach) and some more than 1st class scenery. There's great shopping (particularly if you like art) in Carmel. This would be a great place to spend one night.

South of Carmel, the Big Sur/Julia Pffeifer Burns State Park is gorgeous. Just keep driving down the Central Coast - every turn is a new view. I believe you can make a reservation (on the California State Park website) to see part of San Simeon, which is worth seeing. (This is the closest thing to a castle in the US)

I suggest a second night's stop in Cambria, a charming town near San Simeon with lots of B&Bs.

At this point, I would hop over to the 101 - see fields of racehorses in the Paso Robles area, and stop in Solvang, a charming Danish community with lots of great pastry.

Then weave your way back to the coast - to Santa Barbara, which is surely one of the prettiest places on earth.

When you get to Venture, be sure to get back on the 1 - you don't want to miss the Malibu coastline.....

Answer 2

Highway 1 is DEFINITELY worth the extra 2 hours, especially since you are in no rush. Those of us who live here almost always take the fast way, but since you have never been, and it may be some time before you can come back, you really should take the scenic route. San Louis Obispo is right about half way between SF and LA, and is near Hearst Castle. But there are lots of other places you could stop: Big Sur, Pacific Grove/Monterey/Carmel, Santa Barbara, Solvang (very cute Danish style town). If you are a wine drinker, most of these stops are near wineries, aside from Big Sur which is more of a wilderness area. If you are interested in something unique and off-beat, check out the Madonna Inn in San Louis Obispo. It has dozens of rooms, each with its own theme like a cave room and a Victorian room.

Answer 3

If you just want to do 1 night stay, I would totally recommend the San Luis Obispo area. Just about half way point down 101. Cool college community near the water. Great hot springs open 24 hours a day near the ocean. Very laid back vibe.

If you have two nights. I would probably go to Carmel/Monterey First night. Then probably Santa barbara the second night. I would try to go on highway 1 on this route. Be sure to check out Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Very odd unique place.

Answer 4

The Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove area is absolutely wonderful! Do the 17-mile drive and don't forget to eat at Bubba Gump's. Also, take a whale watching cruise with the Monterey Whale Watching company on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey (tell Benji I said Hi). They are the best. Also eat at Old Fisherman's Grove on the wharf. They have excellent food and award winning clam chowder. Watch the sunset at Carmel beach. And don't forget to tour the Monterey Aquarium. Take the Pacific Coast Highway down to LA after that. It's awesome!

Answer 5

Carmel is absolutely fantastic. It is by far one of my favorite places. La Playa is in the heart of Carmel and is a great place to stay. Check out the walk along the beach. Carmel is great if you have or love dogs. Cafe Stravaganza in the Safeway shopping center is one of my favorite restaurants. The Japanese place in the same center is also really good. Point Lobos is great if you like to hike. And, if you have time, go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Answer 6

Stop in Solvang, CA a cute Danish town.
Then maybe in Monterey or Santa Cruz.
Then you are about 2 hours south of SF.

Answer 7

here check this website out www.roadsideamerica.com has things about california and that way you can pick and choice