PCH (CA1) in March

"James Silverton" <not.jim.silverton DeleteThis @verizon.not> wrote in message
news:S8Llj.5002$hk4.573@trnddc03...
> Graham wrote on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:30:34 -0000:
>
> GH> My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterrey
>
> I've never done the drive so I have no serious suggestions to offer but
> you intrigued me with your subject title. It's apparent from the text that
> "PCH" is "Pacific Coast Highway" and "CA1", California Route 1 but I'd not
> seen them described your way
>
> James Silverton
> Potomac, Maryland
>
> E-mail, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

Marketing is everything!
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

In article <Id-dnb5thJ4m5AranZ2dnUVZ8tOmnZ2d DeleteThis @bt.com>,
Graham Harrison <edward.obvious.harrison1 DeleteThis @btinternet.obvious.com> wrote:
>If you were going to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles during late
>March where would you stop? I'm thinking of taking in Pinnacles as well.

OK.
Pinnacles can be nice. I used to go climbing there(better rock else
where). Depends what you want to see and do.

>My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterey

OK. Avoid 1 and 101 rush hour from where ever you start in SF.
It's not a long drive.

>Day 2 day trip to Pinnacles returning to Monterrey for the night but I'm
>wondering if staying night 1 in Soledad might be a better bet.

Not many motels in Soledad. Those that are there are there for a reason
(visitors for the near by infamous prison).

>We've been
>to Monterrey before and done the 17 mile drive and the aquarium. We've
>also been to Santa Cruz so on day 1 I was thinking of being pretty lazy and
>just going 101 all the way to Soledad. If we spend night 1 in Soledad then
>next day go to Pinnacles and then to Monterrey for the night.

Consider the Steinbeck Center in Salinas. Maybe his home. Read up on
some of his works before hand. Realize that many of those personalities
still exist.

Many things to do in Monterey. And Carmel. Some require boats.

>Day 3 wander down the PCH to San Simeon. It seems to be about a 2 and a
>half hour drive so we can do that in the morning, have lunch and then book a
>Hearst Castle visit for the PM. Spend the night in San Simeon or move on
>to San Luis Obispo?

2.5 hours is optimistic unless you get up early. But I am not into that
kind of tourist place. I merely live here.

>Day 4 I was then thinking of a night in Santa Barbara before finishing in
>Santa Monica on day 5 for a couple of nights before flying back to the UK.

It all depends what you want to do here.

>So, all pretty relaxed. We're not gourmets or inclined to stay in really
>upmarket places. Best Western is about our level.
>
>I plan to visit Travel Town and the miniture railway in Griffith Park in Los
>Angeles (even if Santa Monica isn't *the* most convnient location for that.

The observatory is good after watching something like the start of
Terminator or the first episode of Mission: Impossible.

>I'm tempted to stay around Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. When we've
>visited previously we've stayed with family in San Mateo/Foster City but we
>fancy the city this time. I've seen adverts for B and B on some of the
>boats moored in the wharf area - anyone ever used them? If we went for one
>of the chain hotels down there anyone got preferences? Any other
>suggestions?

Depends where you want to go on the ferries or tours. I've also had my
own boats. A meal on one might be fun. Sailing under the Golden Gate
in 10 foot swells is impressive on a small craft.

>Stopping places other than those I've outlined. We like
>gardens/landscapes, hiking, railways (tourist/steam and modern and I already
>know about the Roaring Camp and its' neighbour down to Santa Cruz), airplane
>museums (is the one just south of Foster City still open? and I've been to
Hiller: yes.
>Moffett). I'm thinking maybe somewhere just to sit and contemplate the
>ocean, or a short hike to the ocean. If anyone knows the Fish Market on
>Norfolk in San Mateo are there any places like that en route?

The Fish Market is a chain and can be found else where.
There is also Hobbie Alder's Charthouse chain.
Douglas Adams fell in love with the Enterprise Fish Company in Santa
Barbara which appears in So Long and Thanks for All the Fish.

Also, Ventura and Channel Islands.
Rincon and surfing.

There is a PBS TV series titled California's Gold by Huell Howser which
has a web site with programs on small obscure historic bits of CA.
Howser has more than enough for 11 days.

Right now the big problem is the winter flooding hitting Santa Maria.

--
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

"Graham Harrison" <edward.obvious.harrison1.RemoveThis@btinternet.obvious.com> wrote in
message news:Id-dnb5thJ4m5AranZ2dnUVZ8tOmnZ2d@bt.com...
> If you were going to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles during late
> March where would you stop? I'm thinking of taking in Pinnacles as well.
>
> My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterrey
> Day 2 day trip to Pinnacles returning to Monterrey for the night but I'm
> wondering if staying night 1 in Soledad might be a better bet. We've
> been to Monterrey before and done the 17 mile drive and the aquarium.
> We've also been to Santa Cruz so on day 1 I was thinking of being pretty
> lazy and just going 101 all the way to Soledad. If we spend night 1 in
> Soledad then next day go to Pinnacles and then to Monterrey for the night.
>
> Day 3 wander down the PCH to San Simeon. It seems to be about a 2 and a
> half hour drive so we can do that in the morning, have lunch and then book
> a Hearst Castle visit for the PM. Spend the night in San Simeon or move
> on to San Luis Obispo?
>
> Day 4 I was then thinking of a night in Santa Barbara before finishing in
> Santa Monica on day 5 for a couple of nights before flying back to the UK.
>
> So, all pretty relaxed. We're not gourmets or inclined to stay in really
> upmarket places. Best Western is about our level.
>
> I plan to visit Travel Town and the miniture railway in Griffith Park in
> Los Angeles (even if Santa Monica isn't *the* most convnient location for
> that.
>
> We'll pick the car up the day we leave San Francisco - Muni will do while
> we are in the city.
>
> Total trip time including time in San Francisco and Los Angeles is 11
> nights.
>
> Questions:
>
> I'm tempted to stay around Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. When we've
> visited previously we've stayed with family in San Mateo/Foster City but
> we fancy the city this time. I've seen adverts for B and B on some of
> the boats moored in the wharf area - anyone ever used them? If we went
> for one of the chain hotels down there anyone got preferences? Any other
> suggestions?
>
> Stopping places other than those I've outlined. We like
> gardens/landscapes, hiking, railways (tourist/steam and modern and I
> already know about the Roaring Camp and its' neighbour down to Santa
> Cruz), airplane museums (is the one just south of Foster City still open?
> and I've been to Moffett). I'm thinking maybe somewhere just to sit and
> contemplate the ocean, or a short hike to the ocean. If anyone knows the
> Fish Market on Norfolk in San Mateo are there any places like that en
> route?
>
>
>

I would look at Salinas for lodging. Is about 25 miles and better choice
than Soledad. Soledad is really a state prison town. So the motels there
will be catering to familys of the Graybar Hotel.

If into air museums, there is one at the Oakland Airport also. You can take
Bart to Oakland and then a taxi over to the museum. There is a Bart Shuttle
bus to the airport, but I think it just goes to the terminals which are a
fair distance from the museum and at $2 a person, you will be close to a
taxi cost.
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

"Graham Harrison" <edward.obvious.harrison1.DeleteThis@btinternet.obvious.com> wrote
in message news:Id-dnb5thJ4m5AranZ2dnUVZ8tOmnZ2d@bt.com...
> If you were going to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles during late
> March where would you stop? I'm thinking of taking in Pinnacles as
> well.
>
> My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterrey
> We've been to Monterey before and done the 17 mile drive and the
> aquarium.
http://gocalif.ca.gov/region.php?key=central_coast

So how about Pacific Grove instead ... lots of nice B&B's on the water.
( they are not on the ocean side of street ( sheer drop) but across the
street - water VIEWS from some rooms)
Last time we stayed here:
http://www.pginns.com/index.html
Very nice - comfortable - definitely NOT cheap.
or maybe here:
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/lodging.html

For cheap, I stay in Seaside ( next town to Monterey).
here 's a link I had saved:
http://maps.google.com/maps?near=2114+Del+Monte+Ave,+Monterey,+CA+93940+(Monterey+Fish+House)&geocode=17432117994442171061,36.602079,-121.866450&q=hotel&f=l&hl=en&dq=fish+house+loc:+seaside,+ca&ie=UTF8&ll=36.607053,-121.856489&spn=0.008595,0.014462&t=h&z=16&om=0

Across from Roberts Lake ( a big puddle) there is a Doubletree/Holiday
Inn/ Comfort Inn right off Highway 1 south . Eat at the Monterey Fish
House on Del Monte Ave- see past postings for recommendations by me and a
LOT of others. < It used to be ' Bring your own alcohol' . ?? >
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32737-d523371-Reviews-Mo...rey_Fis

> Day 2 day trip to Pinnacles returning to Monterrey for the night but I'm
> wondering if staying night 1 in Soledad might be a better bet.

> Day 3 wander down the PCH to San Simeon. It seems to be about a 2 and
> a half hour drive so we can do that in the morning, have lunch and then
> book a Hearst Castle visit for the PM. Spend the night in San Simeon
> or move on to San Luis Obispo?

There is a Best Western "Cavalier" across the street from San Simeon.
Excellent - on the water. Firepits out back to sit at night ( March will
be cool so cuddle). Excellent restaurant there - basic food - done very
well. AND... the apple pie is the BEST I have ever had (Trust me I know
my desserts... and I stop there every spring to get it) so save room for
dessert ( or get some to go). Reasonable prices. Can you tell so far - I
can tell you where to get a good meal ?!!!


>
> Day 4 I was then thinking of a night in Santa Barbara before finishing
> in Santa Monica on day 5 for a couple of nights before flying back to
> the UK.
>
http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/3pd/three/2002/santabarbara.html
Used to be a big Best Western on the water. Prices in that town can vary a
whole lot so check first.

> So, all pretty relaxed. We're not gourmets or inclined to stay in
> really upmarket places. Best Western is about our level.
>
> I plan to visit Travel Town and the miniture railway in Griffith Park in
> Los Angeles (even if Santa Monica isn't *the* most convnient location
> for that.
>
> We'll pick the car up the day we leave San Francisco - Muni will do
> while we are in the city.
>
> Total trip time including time in San Francisco and Los Angeles is 11
> nights.
>
> Questions:
>
> I'm tempted to stay around Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. When
> we've visited previously we've stayed with family in San Mateo/Foster
> City but we fancy the city this time. I've seen adverts for B and B on
> some of the boats moored in the wharf area - anyone ever used them? If
> we went for one of the chain hotels down there anyone got preferences?
> Any other suggestions?

Do eat at Scoma's - on the water - very good seafood.
I've stayed at several hotel chains - each at end of wharf- down near
Ghiradelli's. Not cheap - average rooms. Nothing memorable.

>
> Stopping places other than those I've outlined. We like
> gardens/landscapes, hiking, railways (tourist/steam and modern and I
> already know about the Roaring Camp and its' neighbour down to Santa
> Cruz), airplane museums (is the one just south of Foster City still
> open? and I've been to Moffett). I'm thinking maybe somewhere just to
> sit and contemplate the ocean, or a short hike to the ocean. If anyone
> knows the Fish Market on Norfolk in San Mateo are there any places like
> that en route?
>
Not familiar with Norfolk, but just south of Carmel . as Hwy 1 bends to
the left, there is a hotel up a sharp -turn driveway .. nice place to
watch the sunset. Then back to your hotel . NEXT day start the Big Sur
drive.

On the way to San Simeone, stop at Nepenthe on the right hand side of Hwy
one for lunch/drinks. As with Pebble Beach, if EARLY in day, views will be
foggy, so ask at hotel .. how long to get there ? ... you want to arrive
at 12 noon or a bit later and on a clear ( brisk) day, sit outside and
have a coffee/drink/lunch. Enjot the views. ( I think it use to be owned
by Orson Wells ).

In general,
http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/3pd/three/2006/sanfran/
http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/3pd/three/2002/santabarbara.html
pick your city from left column for "things to not miss". Notes are inthe
right column.
Also note - some of the articles ARE dated, so check before making
concrete plans.
I have a lot of area travel books that I bought at national bookstores ..
look there for more specific ideas.

Bobb
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

In article <1oadndFQsa7J4granZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d.RemoveThis@bt.com>,
Graham Harrison <edward.obvious.harrison1.RemoveThis@btinternet.obvious.com> wrote:
>"James Silverton" <not.jim.silverton.RemoveThis@verizon.not> wrote in message
>news:S8Llj.5002$hk4.573@trnddc03...
>> Graham wrote on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:30:34 -0000:
>> GH> My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterrey
>>
>> I've never done the drive so I have no serious suggestions to offer but
>> you intrigued me with your subject title. It's apparent from the text that
>> "PCH" is "Pacific Coast Highway" and "CA1", California Route 1 but I'd not
>> seen them described your way
>
>Marketing is everything!

Timing is everything.

You had bettter hope that the rains don't wash the Big Sur road away.

--
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

On Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:51:46 GMT, "James Silverton"
<not.jim.silverton RemoveThis @verizon.not> wrote:

> Graham wrote on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:30:34 -0000:
>
> GH> My first thoughts were Day 1 drive to Monterrey
>
>I've never done the drive so I have no serious suggestions to
>offer but you intrigued me with your subject title. It's
>apparent from the text that "PCH" is "Pacific Coast Highway" and
>"CA1", California Route 1 but I'd not seen them described your
>way

Not to mention that only a small portion of CA-1 is denoted
"Pacific Coast Highway". In fact, unless he travels on CA-1 down
through Malibu and Santa Monica, he'll never be on the PCH at
all.

--
************* DAVE HATUNEN (hatunen@cox.net) *************
* Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow *
* My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

In article <13pf5oersqtcob7.DeleteThis@corp.supernews.com>,
Calif Bill <bmckeespam.DeleteThis@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>I would look at Salinas for lodging. Is about 25 miles and better
>choice than Soledad. Soledad is really a state prison town. So
>the motels there will be catering to familys of the Graybar Hotel.

Soledad certainly isn't a fabulous vacation destination, but let's
not get carried away. I've stayed there, at the Best Western. It
was perfectly acceptable. Dining and entertainment are more limited
than in a larger place, such as Salinas, but Salinas isn't exactly
Monterey either.
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

Graham Harrison wrote:
>...
> Day 3 wander down the PCH to San Simeon.

You might enjoy staying at the Best Western Fireside Inn on Moonstone
Beach when visiting San Simeon area or Hearst castle? We enjoyed our
stay there.




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 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

"Todd Michel McComb" <mccomb RemoveThis @medieval.org> wrote in message
news:fn86h3$224s$1@agricola.medieval.org...
> In article <13pf5oersqtcob7 RemoveThis @corp.supernews.com>,
> Calif Bill <bmckeespam RemoveThis @ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>>I would look at Salinas for lodging. Is about 25 miles and better
>>choice than Soledad. Soledad is really a state prison town. So
>>the motels there will be catering to familys of the Graybar Hotel.
>
> Soledad certainly isn't a fabulous vacation destination, but let's
> not get carried away. I've stayed there, at the Best Western. It
> was perfectly acceptable. Dining and entertainment are more limited
> than in a larger place, such as Salinas, but Salinas isn't exactly
> Monterey either.
>

I was refering to the Pinnacles part of the trip. Lots of nice places in
Monterey. All levels of price. You can even get a room at the Best Western
in Carmel for a little over a $100 night.
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

On Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:30:34 -0000, "Graham Harrison"
<edward.obvious.harrison1 DeleteThis @btinternet.obvious.com> wrote:

>I was thinking of being pretty lazy and
>just going 101 all the way to Soledad.

Instead of taking 101 all the way, I suggest you take 280 from San
Francisco to 85 and then connect back to 101 south of San Jose. This
is a prettier and more relaxing route. (Though no freeways in
California are truly relaxing.)
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

> If anyone knows the Fish Market on
>Norfolk in San Mateo are there any places like that en route?

The first place that comes to mind is Phil's Fish Market in Moss
Landing (www.philsfishmarket.com), but you'll pass it by if you drive
straight to Soledad.

When I'm in Cornell, I like to eat fish at Flaherty's -
www.carmelsbest.com/flahertys

The Sea Chest in Cambriais (just south of San Simeon) is very good
www.cambria-online.com/seachestrestaurantandoysterbaris

Another great place is Giovanni's in Morro Bay. You can have a nice
dinner inside or casually eat fish and chips outside.
www.giovannisfishmarket.com

If you like shellfish, my wife loves the Cracked Crab in Pismo Beach
(just south of San Luis Obispo). http://crackedcrab.com/
(Unfortunately, I'm allergic to shellfish.)
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

>Stopping places other than those I've outlined. We like
>gardens/landscapes, hiking....
>I'm thinking maybe somewhere just to sit and contemplate the
>ocean, or a short hike to the ocean.

The Carmel Mission www.carmelmission.org is a nice place to visit.

Point Lobo is a beautiful place to look at the ocean.
http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/

You can learn about all the beaches along the Big Sur Coast at
www.bigsurcalifornia.org/beaches.html (When was in college in the LA
area, I used to take every opportunity I could to visit this area. now
I live near San Luis Obispo and get to enjoy more often.)

There is a small chance that you can see some elephant seals at
Piedras Blancas near San Simeon. About 15,000 of them come here
through out the year to mate and give birth. www.elephantseal.org

If you like plants, there are a number of orchid growers in the Santa
Barbara area. The easiest to visit, because they are right off the
freeway, is Gallup & Stribling. They have more than 1.5 million
square feet of greenhouse space! www.gallup-stribling.com
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March 

The trip I take, and recommend to others, is described on the page of
DRIVING DIRECTIONS at the TouringSFO site at http://geocities.com/touringsfo/
and further detailed in the report "A Trip to Anaheim..." inked to it.

As Hatunen pointed out, you won't be near the PCH until you get to
Oxnard, about 330 miles from San Francisco's City Hall, beyond Santa
Barbara.
 >> Stay informed about: PCH (CA1) in March