Travel Answers

Hi all, here I am again... I'm planning to drive from S. Francisco to Big Sur enjoying the landscape on the way down, and driving straight back to S. Francisco airport, staying overnight in Big Sur. My question is: do you think I can easily drive back in the morning to catch a flight leaving early in the afternoon or is it too risky? I can't get an idea of the time needed to drive the distance...!

we want to spend a night on the coast as we head back down to SB we are on a budget, where would you recommend we stay for one night? Thanks

Planning a daytrip to and back from Hearst Castle from Santa Clara & wondered if: 1. Is it too much to try to do in one day? 2. Is a Sunday or a (Mon/Tue) the better day choice for less for traffic, etc? 3. Is driving Rte 1 trouble in the night and should take different route back to Santa Clara ? Any help would be appreciated..

will be coming in May 2012 with my 23 yr old daughter and I need info on a couple of places to stay, a cabin, cottage would like small place with frig and microwave, coffee maker of course we are on a budget. We plan to be in this area for 4 days and then head to Yosemite. Any suggestions most welcomed. Thanks

We were planning to drive down the big sur but heard it got washed away near bixby bridge. Can we still get to Garrapata state beach? if we cant drive the big Sur, where else can we go? What is the alternative route south to get to Cambria?

I will be driving from San Francisco down to Cambria in mid-april. I know I can hire a kayak and do a boat ( whale watch) trip in Monterey bay to see sea otters. Is there anywhere else along the coast where you can reliably see and photograph sea otters, particularly from a boat.

Hi, I am looking to go camping with 2-3 friends in this area in mid December. We are all experienced backpackers, and are looking to get away from the mainstream campsites (not that anything will be too full this time of year). We would like to hike 5-10 miles into a campground (or area where we can make one). Any river/stream fishing near the camping area would be a bonus, but not necessary. Does anyone have any suggestions? They would be much appreciated. We have all camped in the Big Sur area, but usually in more popular campsites, and have not managed to get away from everyone else. Thanks. -Eben

Hi all, I would love some advice please. We will be arriving in San Francisco in 3 weeks time. After a few days acclimatizing we will be driving down to Santa Barbara for a few days and then back up to San Franciso, with stops at Solvang and San Luis Obispo on the way. What I'm unsure of is this...is it better to drive the Big Sur on the way down to Santa Barbara? Or is it better to drive it when we return back up to San Francisco? Many thanks, Matt

Hi -- I'm looking to book massage appointments and visit the hot springs at Esalen. Any tips? Is it worth the extra money to stay the night there or just find another place in Big Sur? Thanks! Valerie

I'm looking for one or two nights (Fri, Sat, or both) Memorial day weekend and I'm striking out. Anyone have a cabin or vacation rental with one or both of these nights available or have any tips for me for finding one? I've contacted all those on vrbo.com and craigslist and not having luck. All ideas welcome, and thank you in advance!!

Hello this is my first post in the forum. It seems to have a lot of great info. I am looking for some good hikes in December. Ideally I'd like to spend 3-4 days hiking and camping any recommendations. My final destination is the LA area. Is there any hikes that would take me from the Big Sur area to within a couple hrs (driving) to LA? Any info or input is appreciated so long as it pertains to the central coast or just great day hikes. Are camping spots open in Dec. I am open for any suggestions and appreciate any guidance :) I'm coming from PA so not too familiar with the West Coast.

Does anyone know a route to the beach shoreline at McWay Falls? I'd like to snap some pics from that vantage point

I am coming to San Francisco at the end of March and was going to drive down to Big Sur to do some hiking. I know there were some fires about a year or so ago. How are the conditions for hiking and should I still come here or is it best to head to another area? Any recommended hikes are also welcome. Tks. Bill.

Rain is predicted on Christmas Eve in Big Sur. I will be driving up in the dark. This is suppose to be an enjoyable, although short trip. Any insight on the road conditions of Hwy 1 and would it be better to postpone? Any input from informed individuals will be appreciated. Francia

anyone know about rockcliming/bouldering as well as hiking/backpacking oppurtunities in big sur in January. I don't know what the weather is like over there and what the options are...

Hi Driving from Carmel to San Luis Obispo in September. Would ideally like to book a tour of Hearst Castle, but am worried about rushing through the Big Sur. This is our first trip to this region, and hotels are booked either end. Would you recommend not tying ourselves up with the Castle, or do you think we could fit it in? Suggested iterniaries and estimated timescales would be most welcome many thanks Phil

I'm heading to Big Sur for a weekend in a few weeks, and was wondering if any of the local beaches allow bonfires??

Hi All, I will drive up from LA to monterey and was wondering the best of the routes. Mapquest, google and yahoo provide options which are different. Option 1 : I-5 to CA 46W to 101N to CA68W Option 2 : I-5 to CA 152 to CA 156 to CA 1S Option 3 : I-5 to CA 33(1.5miles) to CA 198 to 101N to CA68W. Also on my way back, I plan to go from Monterey-BigSur-SanSimeon and then connect somewhere onto I5 rather than drive CA 1. Since, am the only driver, driving so much could be stressful and want to ensure that I opt the best. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks very much guys.VT folks have always been very helpful..chz

Hi All, Myself and my wife plan to spend around 4-5 days around the place of Monterey, BigSur and Hearst castle. I plan to drive down from LA to Monterey and spend the night there... On first day, take the 17 mile drive(need booking?), walk around cannery row, visit aquarium for the day..then move on to BigSur. Second day, just do some hiking around Bigsur's Point Lobos SR..and plan to relax here for 2 days. On the final day, drive towards Hearst castle(obviously need to book in advance) and drive back to LA. Since I am visiting the place the first time, want to know : a) Is there something else am missing out in Monterey/Carmel..like a visit/hiking trip to Garland Ranch Regional Park worth ? b) I thought of doing hiking in Bigsur,we are just begineers and want to get some nice views around BigSur and dont want to miss em..any suggestions you have here? c) Since am planning to spend 2 days in BigSur want to know if its worth and could I do something more there? Any pointers would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

My wife & I from UK have been visiting Big Sur for 30 years but have never ventured far up the Nacimiento Road. Know it is all unpaved but some sources say "best avoided" although the views are magnificent..we are coming mid-October, will be driving from LA & SLO up to Big Sur & thought it might be good instead of going via Ragged Point etc. as usual, to go via Paso Robles & the Fort Hunter Liggett base and across the Sta Lucia mountains using the Nacimiento-Ferguson road. Can anyone reassure us that it will (normally) be passable please? If so, should we upgrade the rental car to a 4WD SUV? Any advice gratefully received.

We're visiting Big Sur in early June. We'll be arriving in California(driving) from Reno. I really wanted to travel up the coast from Big Sur (south to north) but upon studying the map it appears that it's going to be more practical to start from the north and travel south. Any thoughts on this?

I will be traveling from NJ to LA in March. I am interested in taking the drive to BIG SUR from Burbank CA. Is there a specific point that has breathtaking views and cafe, shopping in all in one? Will just be going for the day. Thanks

Hello, I am planning to visit the Big Sur area with my family around June 16th - 19th this year. I was wondering how prevalent the "fog" is that time of year in the Big Sur area, since we would like to catch some of the famous views of the Pacific (i.e. Ewoldsen Loop in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Also, how about bugs, etc. that time of year when hiking in that area? Thanks! Rick O.

Hi Guys...I'm taking a road trip with some friends for my birthday...which culminates in SF. On the way up, we'll be staying one night in Big Sur. It's 3 guys on a road trip, enjoying some nature, a few laughs a couple of drinks etc. Can anyone recommend a place to stay that will be fun and pretty nice. I mean, we're not gonna stay at a swank resort, but I don't want to stay in a flea bag either. Anybody have any suggestions or inside tips? I'd sure appreciate it! Any other thoughts on things not to miss. I love Nepenthe, so we'll be there for a bite to eat and Pfeiffer beach for sure.

I want to know what time the sun sets in big sur in mid-october... any info or ideas of where to get this info is much appreciated!

I am coming to the US from Australia where we drive on the LEFT.I have read that Highway1 from Monterey through to Santa Barbara can be very dangerous.I have driven on the right in France and Spain,but having read some reviews of the Big Sur,I wonder if it worse than driving in Europe?I am really worried although I am a good driver.

I will be on holiday with my wife in California this summer and I wondered whether I need to book accommodation in advance around the July 4th holiday. I'd prefer to be flexible but wouldn't like to run into the problem of finding everything fully booked.

Beautiful home on a cliff with bonsai like trees north of esalen institute. WHO OWNS IT?

There are several places to stay in Big Sur. The Bíg Sur Lodge where I have stayed before is quite nice but is there a better (or even nicer) alternative to stay for my wife and me and my 10 y.o. son for a week or more?

Hi. I am planning to drive from LA to SF on Highway 1 and I'm looking for someway to stay obernight. I need a hotel that has a rrom for 2 adults and 3 kids. Somewhere near the Big Sur or Morro Bay. Many thanks.