[GMAP]<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Lighthouse+Ave&daddr=36.611671,-121.897773+to:36.6166848,-121.9008883+to:36.6369277,-121.9353721+to:36.597622,-121.9610112+to:36.571124,-121.9690401+to:baja+cantina+%26+grill,+carmel+valley+road,+carmel,+ca+to:Julia+Pfeiffer+Burns+State+Park,+CA+toiedras+Blancas,+CA+to:San+Simeon,+CA+to:Novo+Restaurant+%26+Lounge,+Higuera+Street,+San+Luis+Obispo,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fbd-LgIdJhC8-A%3BFVemLgId0_y7-CmZUaMzA-SNgDFp01y5W-UnLg%3BFey5LgIdqPC7-CkdSozuAeSNgDFfoyOk5OexsA%3BFf8ILwId9Gm7-CnpSFy4EOGNgDG25RaqVe96-A%3BFXZvLgIdzQW7-Ck5bCMIMeeNgDGohOQb7VVEkQ%3BFfQHLgIdcOa6-Cm3ikyJDueNgDGISdGfNo-NKQ%3BFQx3LQId3La8-CE-B5R6YwYljindzz33o--NgDGi7oCEYk3JJQ%3BFSgdKQIdI9C9-CEL16_gTCHqNg%3BFdwuIAIdqHvF-ClhedxJd7WSgDFnDNLwAimAbg%3BFdPhHwIdn8bG-CkJiW_M-suSgDGtRAqn9K3nPQ%3BFfVRGgId-s7O-CHdKAlo8Y4gkikFwztcAvHsgDH1sU8KLjKEVw&mra=ls&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=35.95133,-120.640869&sspn=1.663077,2.458191&ie=UTF8&ll=35.95133,-121.256104&spn=2.134407,3.515625&z=8&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Lighthouse+Ave&daddr=36.611671,-121.897773+to:36.6166848,-121.9008883+to:36.6369277,-121.9353721+to:36.597622,-121.9610112+to:36.571124,-121.9690401+to:baja+cantina+%26+grill,+carmel+valley+road,+carmel,+ca+to:Julia+Pfeiffer+Burns+State+Park,+CA+toiedras+Blancas,+CA+to:San+Simeon,+CA+to:Novo+Restaurant+%26+Lounge,+Higuera+Street,+San+Luis+Obispo,+CA&hl=en&geocode=Fbd-LgIdJhC8-A%3BFVemLgId0_y7-CmZUaMzA-SNgDFp01y5W-UnLg%3BFey5LgIdqPC7-CkdSozuAeSNgDFfoyOk5OexsA%3BFf8ILwId9Gm7-CnpSFy4EOGNgDG25RaqVe96-A%3BFXZvLgIdzQW7-Ck5bCMIMeeNgDGohOQb7VVEkQ%3BFfQHLgIdcOa6-Cm3ikyJDueNgDGISdGfNo-NKQ%3BFQx3LQId3La8-CE-B5R6YwYljindzz33o--NgDGi7oCEYk3JJQ%3BFSgdKQIdI9C9-CEL16_gTCHqNg%3BFdwuIAIdqHvF-ClhedxJd7WSgDFnDNLwAimAbg%3BFdPhHwIdn8bG-CkJiW_M-suSgDGtRAqn9K3nPQ%3BFfVRGgId-s7O-CHdKAlo8Y4gkikFwztcAvHsgDH1sU8KLjKEVw&mra=ls&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=35.95133,-120.640869&sspn=1.663077,2.458191&ie=UTF8&ll=35.95133,-121.256104&spn=2.134407,3.515625&z=8" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>[/GMAP] Usually identified as one for the top 10 drives in the US. Driving from Monterey, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA down Highway 1 can be a half day drive or a weekend trip. There are numerous side trips that can be tacked onto this drive. The drive will be an adventure and beautiful. However, it can be a little uncomfortable for passengers not use to twisty roads with steep drop-offs. The drive shown on the map starts at Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey and follows Hwy 1 down to San Luis Obispo. I like driving south down Hwy 1 because you get to drive along the cliffs looking down at the ocean. Head west from the Wharf (Point A) through Cannery Row towards Pacific Grove. You can start the trip with one of many things to do in Monterey such as visit the Wharf, Cannery Row, or the Aquarium. If you have never been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium it is a must visit place. Follow the the road along the coast line. There are many places to stop for sightseeing. Look closely in the water for sea otters near the shore and farther our for whales. I suggest taking the 17-Mile Drive Toll Road if you have never driven it before. 17-Mile drive takes you through Pebble Beach. There are many places to stop for pictures or picnics. 17-Mile drive ends in Carmel. Carmel is a great little town to stroll with many little shops. You could spend all day just on 17-Mile Drive and in Carmel. After leaving Carmel, if it is time for food, I suggest a few mile drive out of the way east to the Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley (Point B). Great food and automobile memorabilia all over the place. From Carmel/CarmelValley you will head south on Hwy 1. The road hugs the coastline for awesome views of the rugged coastline. There are many places to pull off the road for photos. There are all kinds of interesting places to stop and see while travelling down Hwy 1 it just depends on how much time you set aside for the trip. A few interesting stops are: - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Point C): Nice break from driving to take a short hike to view a 80 ft waterfall. - Elephant Seals: Just south of Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is a Elephant Seal Viewing Site (Point D): It is worth at least a quick stop to see these enormous seals. - Hearst Castle (Point E): Near San Simeon, you can see the castle up on the mountain. There is a large visitor center with movies and tours. Keep an eye out for Zebras along the highway near Hearst Castle. Sebastian's Store in San Simeon is a great place for sandwiches. - Morro Bay: It is easy to stop Morro Bay because of the large rock and three smoke stacks. Nice little bay for shopping, eating, or kayaking. Our journey ends in San Luis Obispo (Point F). San Luis Obispo (SLO) has a great downtown area for shopping and eating. I suggest Novo for dinner. There are many hotels in SLO and the nearby towns of Shell Beach and Pismo Beach.
quikmini - Yes the section of Highway 1 from Monterey to SLO is one of the most beautiful drives in the USA if not the world - unless it is totally fogged in. Don't forget to stop here - Ragged Point Inn: South Big Sur Hotel, Restaurant & Views At least for coffee or a sandwich if not to stay overnight. Views are incredible. Or eat lunch here - Nepenthe Restaurant, Big Sur, California Expensive food - but the views are worth it!! :smilewinkgrin:
...And if you do go to Novo, be sure to ask for a table outside in back under the big tree... Very unique place! ... and not so far from Hwy 229! _Dave_
