California coast roadtrip help.?

Question

My husband and I would like to go down or up the coast the weekend of the 29th till the 1st. I don't really want to go too north or too south... Will it be cheaper to go camping or rent a motel. Where are good beaches? Sights? Salt water tafee? Walking? Parks? Etc...in the central coast? I used to go to dillion beach all the time when I was younger... But I don't want to travel more than north than that. Should we end or start the trip in sf? We've never been there before. Is there inexpensive or free things to do there? Sights to see? I am going to Make a list of places we should visit there and along th coast if I can with some directions. But we do want to not spend a whole lot.

Answer 1

Big Sur is a must. Also Hearst Castle ( although inland) is awesome

Answer 2

Salt water taffy is really good and also fat free. If you decided to go to San Francisco it is better to take the bus, the bart, or walk because parking in SF is really high and the closer to Market street you are the more expensive things are. You can even buy bus and bart passes that wont expire for a couple of days. I also think you should go see Japan town, China town, ride the trolley (at least once), and go to the pier. You can go to the Metreon building to look around and if you want some good Japanese food to try I would suggest going to Sanraku while you are there. These are some of the least expensive things to do while there. Also if you are walking down market street do not buy from the vendors because their stuff is usually fake and overpriced. Do stop by the farmers market to at least look around they have some pretty neat stuff if you want to buy from the I would just say be careful of clothing items. Before you buy please know the difference between real and fake designer clothing or just buy it from an actual store. I hope this helps at least a little on San Francisco since it is all I know about. Oh yeah hotels further from inner SF are cheaper the ones inside SF.  

Answer 3

Driving south from SF is best, you will be on the correct side of the road to see the best views of the ocean.  I suggest you start in SF, spend a few days there.  Then drive to the Monterrey / Carmel area, stay overnight somewhere around there, but make sure you spend some good time in Monterrey / Carmel (drive from SF is only like 3 hours.  Oh, don't forget Santa Cruz, it's always fun.

When you're in San Francisco, go to Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, maybe take the boat to Alcatraz.  Try to go to Muir Woods if you can, it's beautiful.  Bring a sweater or coat, it can get cold along the cost.  I'm jealous!  That's where I'm from!