Expert: Ernest Tufft - 5/20/2008

Question
Hello  
We are planning a trip to California  in August.  We are flying into San Jose and flying out of Orange County.  

First night arriving late so will stay in San Fran.
1st day -touring San Fran and driving to Monterey for the night
2nd day-whale watching cruise in Monterey and sight seeing  driving through Big Sur to  overnight in San Simeon???
3rd day -touring Hearst Caslte  ???  overnight where  Santa Monica??
4th day-Roller blading along the Santa Monica boardwalk (2 boys 13 and 11 they want to do this??)
We have reservations in Newport for the last 3 nights  but will tour Lax and surrounding areas

let me know any advise you have.  The only reservations we have so far are the ones for the last 3 nights in
Newport beach

Thank you

Carolynl  

Answer
Hi Carolyn,

Apparently, you have found discount airfare that fly into and out of these secondary airports of San Jose and Orange County, but you will pay the price in time spent in traffic.  The drive from San Jose to San Francisco will take at least 30 minutes, and maybe much more than this.  The drive from Newport beach to OC will be relatively easy though.

I also see the first three days as being overly busy.  You won't see much of SF, as the drive to Monterey will be at least two hours.  Don't forget to drive through Pebble Beach and Carmel along the way south.  The drive from Monterey to San Simeon will also be at least 2 hours, but can take as long as 4 hours with stops along the way.  You'll want to stop at vista points to appreciate the coastline and the sea lions beaching (particularly at Piedras Blancas).  Hearst castle is surprisingly time consuming.

Because of the quiet natural beauty of the town, I recommend Morro Bay, rather than San Simeon, as the central coast town to stay at, but the drive back to Hearst Castle will be 30 minutes.  The drive from Morro Bay to Newport Beach is 4-1/4 hours according to mapquest.

Have fun...