Newbie - California Coast question

[Buckeyewriting]

We may take a 21' Travel Trailer across the country. If we do - I definitely want to go up Route 1 from San Luis Obispo to Big Sur and camp at Big Sur.

We are not very experienced (new) so I want to do what is the safest and makes the most sense.

Would it be better to take Interstate or another road to the campground in Big Sur, then do a day trip on Route 1 so we can pull off and take it all in.

I am picturing being a nervous wreck just in a vehicle, let alone pulling a trailer! I've done this drive many years ago and I remember being nervous back then (before having kids and in my early 20's where I didn't know fear).

Would like to know what you all think would be best for inexperienced/newbies like us!

Thanks

[EsoxLucius]

OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
Elephant Seals in Cambria

In vicinity of Hearst Castle

Yes, seal beach was an unexpected treat.

[Buckeyewriting]

BizmarksMom wrote:
+1 on the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
South of Big Sur, just before you get to Cambria, Hearst Castle is definitely worth touring.
For the adults, there are several good wineries in Carmel Valley.
I have spent entire days wandering the beaches and trails at Point Lobos.
The town of Carmel is great for wandering and window shopping. (Very expensive and beautiful stuff! I usually buy a coffee and just enjoy looking.)

What sorts of things does your family enjoy?

I would say we enjoy outdoors, love - love - love the beach and the ocean, and truly enjoy quaint living. We like Local spots more than anything commercial (with exception that we are huge Disney fans!)

Thanks again!

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Elephant Seals in Cambria

In vicinity of Hearst Castle

[Jbrowland]

Matt_Colie wrote:
We are planning to drive the PCH in April 2017. I'm pretty sure it will still be April, but that is about the reach of my plan at this time. As far as what day? No chance. We will have to locate ONP all along for the week plus that I expect to be on the coast. We don't even know when we will get to San Diego, so making reservations is just not going to happen.

Matt

I hope I don't sound like a Debbie downer. You may get lucky (like lottery odds) and find multiple places available without reservations. Anything is possible and I hope that's what happens.

Unfortunately.......

If you plan on doing anything other than simply driving the PCH, for example you want to camp IN Big Sur and stop many places along the way, then you will require reservations. There is no way around it. There are other parks inland, but most of them are pretty far away. Too far for my taste on vacation. Keep in mind what Big Sur is. It's basically a road with a cliff that ends to your right and a cliff that starts and goes to the ocean on your left. The available land on this stretch of coast is minimal and tourists are everywhere.

All that said, it's still worth the drive even if you don't camp in Big Sur.

[Matt_Colie]

We are planning to drive the PCH in April 2017. I'm pretty sure it will still be April, but that is about the reach of my plan at this time. As far as what day? No chance. We will have to locate ONP all along for the week plus that I expect to be on the coast. We don't even know when we will get to San Diego, so making reservations is just not going to happen.

Matt

[CA_Traveler]

For those of you that want to travel the coast route w/o advanced reservations just do it. Yes any popular CG and/or with water views may be full but there are other CGs nearby. Allow a little extra time, call or just stop by and see if you can get in. People do cancel, be flexible, ask about overflow, etc.

[CA_Traveler]

Matt,

Maybe you can hire someone to bring in the mail? Our mailbox has a removal bottom and the enclosure holds several weeks of mail. We have someone check the house and empty the mail once a week. We do most everything online.

[Matt_Colie]

It is all fine and dandy that reservations are a good idea, but that would be a real problem as we intend to run the PCH in early April 2017 and that is the closest I can give to a date. This is why we need to find ONP that is reservation proof. Right now, I can not even tell you how long we will want to be in San Diego. The only thing I do know is that I am going to have a bad time with trying to hold the mail for more than a month.

Matt

[eDUBz]

Easy drive I wouldn't sweat it. I did it this summer from Morro bay all the way up to Montery in our 19' toy hauler. Seen bigger ones going up as well. I would book way in advance if you want to be here for summer, also go do some horse back riding at Molera State park. Have fun and safe travel.

[Jbrowland]

+2 on Pinnacles NP, Monterey Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and Kirk Creek. Also, +3 on booking those state parks in and around Big Sur 6 months in advance. +4 on parking and using your tow vehicle.

Plaskett is another state park to camp at with an AMAZING beach across the street to explore. The beach is called Sand Dollar. Julia Pfeiffer state park is another MUST do. There are a few hikes beyond the short hike to see the ocean and water falls. San Simeon state park is close to Hearst Castle and is nice for camping as well.

Have fun!

[BizmarksMom]

If you like hiking... Pinnacles National Park is a short detour from Salinas. (You head inland instead of toward the ocean.) I have never camped there, but there is a campground.

[BizmarksMom]

+1 on the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
South of Big Sur, just before you get to Cambria, Hearst Castle is definitely worth touring.
For the adults, there are several good wineries in Carmel Valley.
I have spent entire days wandering the beaches and trails at Point Lobos.
The town of Carmel is great for wandering and window shopping. (Very expensive and beautiful stuff! I usually buy a coffee and just enjoy looking.)

What sorts of things does your family enjoy?

[SCVJeff]

17 Mile Drive
Monterey Aquariun

There used to be a kinda hippie restaurant right outside of the CG that had Pizza and Poetry night....
Wow, if you ever wondered where old hippies go, they're all there. Lotsa fun tho

[Buckeyewriting]

Thanks for all the great comments! We really liked the Big Sur Campground but the occupancy limit will force us to get two spots.

If I can tag on another question, I would like to know if anyone has any tips/suggestions to touring the area. We have a party of 2 adults and kids ages 7-18. Would love any tips or suggestions!

Thanks!