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May 26, 2019
3:22:09pm
Cheap Seats 3rd String
I'd go Hwy 1. It's really a drive everyone should do at least once.
It's also, out of the way so you have to really make a purposeful effort to make the trip. But it's so worth it.

Drive out on the sand in Pismo Beach.

Stop in San Simeon for the Hearst Castle and the elephant seals.

In Cayucos stop at Ruddell's smoke house and eat some awesome food on the beach.

There is plenty of cool stuff to see in Big Sur, the beaches and lookouts will likely be crowded, but check out the Big Sur River Gorge for a more off the beaten path Big Sur (non-sea cliff) experience.

In Carmel you'll find some awesome places to eat, and some beautiful beaches. Check out pebble beach's scenic 17 mile drive, the aquarium in Monterey and Cannery Row. Staying in Pacific Grove can be a bit more affordable.

San Francisco needs a couple of nights. Make reservations if you plan on doing Muir Woods. We drove all the way out there not knowing that the only parking in the area is by reservation only. It was a total let down. Check out Golden Gate park, eat clam chowder in sourdough bowls at Boudin Bakery, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, make reservations for Alcatraz, so much to do... Lodging is pricey though, we stayed across the bay at the Berkeley City club for an unusual lodging experience. It was designed by the same architect that did Hearst castle, so it was kind of "in theme" with our trip.

I would continue north on the 1 until Fort Bragg. Stop in Mendocino on the way, it's a quaint little town with some good eats. At Fort Bragg, check out glass beach, it's an unusual experience. The regular beaches in the area are gorgeous as well.

Head East to Tahoe or Yosemite. Yosemite will likely be crazy crowded, if that matters to you.

There's plenty to do for a couple of days out in Tahoe though.

After Tahoe I'd just high tail it across NV and head home. No reason to sacrifice time on the coast for anything between the California border and SLC.
Cheap Seats
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