Archive 2022 · Places to stay along big sur coast

bobby350z
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Places to stay along big sur coast

Planning to drive along the big sur coast. As places are a few and can get expensive, I was thinking stay in pacific grove for a day and then 1-2 days in san simeon and another day morro bay side. Any suggestions/recommendation? I have a total of 4 days.

Sep 22, 2022 at 11:47 AM

elkhornsun
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Places to stay along big sur coast

Actually you can save money by staying in Marina. With the traffic and stop lights it takes a lot of time to get around if based in the city of Pacific Grove. From Marina to the main wharf takes 10 minutes and 20 minutes to Carmel.

Cayucos is worth checking out for the San Simeon area in terms of places to stay. Shoreline Inn is right on the beach and the second floor rooms have great views of the ocean and complete privacy.

Sep 23, 2022 at 03:05 PM

lightseker
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Places to stay along big sur coast

I agree with elkhornsun. As far as the Monterey peninsula is concerned, Pacific Grove is a real gem, and I last stayed here - https://sunsetinncottages.com/ for the Indy Car races at Laguna Seca in 2019. This is a bit out of the way, but it is way more peaceful and quiet in this part of PG. If you like great Mexican food in a unique setting, try this gem out on Carmel Valley Rd. The food is outstanding! https://www.carmelcantina.com/. For breakfast, it's hard to go wrong with Katy's place in Carmel. https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/restaurants-katys_place_71.htm. And yes, Marina is convenient and has always been less expensive.

Around San Simeon, I have enjoyed San Simeon Pines Resort many times, but, the property has been sold and is now known as Oceanpoint Ranch. This is in a quiet and private location with easy access to all local points of interest and has easy access to a quiet almost private beach. https://hearstcastle.org/plan-your-trip/places-to-stay/san-simeon-pines-resort/.

At the South end of this drive, I used to stay at the Inn at Morro Bay. It's on the water, fairly reasonable pricing, a quiet, beautiful, and peaceful place to rest and re-charge in lovely natural surroundings. https://www.innatmorrobay.com/. Dorn's Breaker's Cafe in Morro Bay is an excellent choice for any meal. https://www.dornscafe.com/.

I hope this is helpful. I traveled from Orange County to San Luis Obispo on business via the 101 and or PCH for about 5 years. Also, I was a hard card credentialed photographer at Laguna Seca Raceway for 4 seasons as well as at pebble Beach for the Concours, so I got to know this part of California, including Hwy 1 pretty well, though this was in the 80's and 90's.

Sep 23, 2022 at 07:27 PM

bobby350z
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Places to stay along big sur coast

Much appreciated both of you. Thank you.

Sep 23, 2022 at 08:11 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Places to stay along big sur coast

I am more of a boondocking kind of guy so take the following with a grain of salt.

There is a private campground outside Carmel that is expensive for what it is but decent. It is within minutes of Pt Lobos, 15 minutes of Garrapatta, 30 mins of Big Sur proper, about 45 mins to Santa Cruz and its very photogenic beaches.

There is also a single patch of BLM land is the general area that is suitable for boondocking that can be located by inspection of relevant maps.

State campgrounds in Pfeiffer Beach may be available if you are out of peak season.

The Cuesta Ridge in San Luis Obispo gets crowded every night but the views on foggy days are great at both sunset and sunrise.

Sep 23, 2022 at 11:09 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Places to stay along big sur coast

We tend to stay in Morro Bay or Marina. It's south of Cambria but not as pricey (nor as artsy/fancy. Cambria has a Scarecrow Festival in October. Interesting themed scarecrows around town. San Simeon might be pricey as is Moonstone Beach on weekends with the castle open again Moonstone has a number of very nice places just across the road from the beach. Pricey.

Giovanni's has good walk up casual sea food. The Galley is a bit pricey but very good. Check the off menu special, usually from about 5:30 pm or so. Several other eating places in the general area. Taco Temple a little north as you head towards Cayucos is interesting. Kind of a mix of Californian, Mexican and sea food.

Sep 23, 2022 at 11:46 PM

amv8
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Places to stay along big sur coast

You've already gotten several good recommendations from folks. An additional thought would be to not split your stay between San Simeon and Morro Bay rather just pick one (or Cayucos or Cambria) and base yourself there so you don't have to pick up and move hotels. The Cambria Scarecrow festival is fun ,and if their website is up to date it starts on October 1st. I don't have any specific hotel recommendations as I live in the area so don't ever stay in a hotel. However, I'm happy to offer additional restaurant or other recommendations (I do like Taco Temple BTW, large portions too) if you need them.

Sep 24, 2022 at 10:27 PM

dalite
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Places to stay along big sur coast

I recommend Pacific Grove instead of Marina. It's a beautiful small city with nice restaurants and a promenade affording shots of beautiful coastline. And it is closer to Hwy 1 going south to Cambria or Morro bay, both nice places. If in Cambria check out the motels along Moonstone beach.

Oct 20, 2022 at 11:23 PM


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