Driving from Tahoe to Santa Cruz/Monterey

[Homebrewer]

I like to stop at Sea Mist or one of the other Artichoke farms and either pick up a box or ship one home (or to friends who love them like I do)..THE best artichokes in the world imo.

[Tank]

if you go through gilroy, hit up one of the roadside stands for some garlic ice cream. if you havne't had it, it's worth trying at least once in your lifetime.

also, not too far from gilroy is casa de fruita. they've got all kinds of fruit and veggies, tons of nuts in all kinds of flavors, jelly beans, chocolate, and hot sauces/relishes. it's one of my favorite places to stop.

[Adam]

Once he gets to Stockton, he ain't leaving

[nate]

6 hours ago, Adam said:

Once he gets to Stockton, he ain't leaving

...alive

[Angel Dog and Beer]

This isn't related to your drive, but just a few ideas for you to think about doing while in Carmel...

Maybe this has already been suggested but if want to see some incredible scenery, head into Point Lobos state reserve, about 10 mins south of Carmel. You can pay to enter, or hike in for free from the main road. It's really amazing, the headland juts right out into the ocean and there's just crazy beautiful coves with crystal clear water, marine life and big cypress trees. Gets busy, so get there early. 

Sunsets on Carmel's main beach are spectacular as well. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine. Let the kids play, and enjoy. Limited parking, best if you can walk from town.

There's a really nice bike path along the bluff from the Aquarium west to Lover's Point (and maybe beyond?).  Rent some bikes, or walk it, its an easy path for the kids to navigate. 

You'll really have a lot of fun, the natural beauty of that area is incredible.

[NJHalo]

Had a great trip. Thanks for all the advice.

NorCal is beautiful.

We made it from South Lake Tahoe to Fisherman's Wharf in San Fran in exactly 3 hours, so no need to stop.

Started in Reno, spent one night, then drove to Virginia City for the day. Very interesting stuff there. Finished the day by driving to South Lake Tahoe, where we stayed at the Marriott Grand Residence, next to the Heavenly Gondola. Great hotel, highly recommended. Fie days in Tahoe, doing some pool, beaches, hiking, zip line, Mountain coaster, etc... Love Tahoe in the summer as much as I do winter. Great place.

As mentioned, drove straight thru to SF and had lunch down by Fishermans Wharf. Did not leave until @ 3:30, so I got stuck in a ton of traffic driving to Santa Cruz. Hotel was halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz in Aptos. The F'n fog stuck to that town like glue, 3 of the 4 days were fog, from dawn to dusk. As soon as you drove a few miles in either direction, it would go away.

Santa Cruz is a bit funky. Lots of different neighborhoods. Things change dramatically from one block to the next. Spent a day on the beach there, and kids liked the boardwalk.

We hiked the Henry Cowell Redwoods state park, and then took the Roaring Camp/Big Trees train thru the Redwoods. Very beautiful, and much more interesting than I expected.

Did a whale watch cruise out of Moss Landing. The wife and oldest daughter got seasick, and after sailing around for 90 minutes, they finally found some whales. Pretty cool to just float around at watch these giants pop up all around you.

Loved driving the US1 thru Big Sur, and stopping constantly to take pics, and hike down to the beautiful beaches. Almost backed off a cliff trying to make a U-turn by Bixby bridge! love it there. I need to go back and spend more time in that area, and go farther south.

Monterey was as beautiful as everyone said. The family liked shopping in the Cannery Row area. We also went to Carmel, stopped at the Mission, and went to Pebble Beach. My father in Laws dream was to play there one day. He died suddenly last year, with a change jar next to his recliner with the words "Pebble Beach fund" written on it. Never got to go. Had to go sneak on to the 7th hole and take a family pic in his honor.

We had a great trip. I have had a couple of friends already ask me for advice helping them plan something similar for next summer.

I hope you guys appreciate the beautiful state you have.

 

[Blarg]

Well,  it's no Jersey Shore but we like it. 

[NJHalo]

52 minutes ago, Blarg said:

Well,  it's no Jersey Shore but we like it. 

I know it's easy to knock the Jersey shore thanks to MTV, but NJ has some of the best beaches in the US.

[Amazing Larry]

Sounds like an awesome trip. Glad you and the fam had a good time!

[Homebrewer]

Thanks for the report..

My family used to vacation in Ocean City N.J. when I was little. It was the late 50's early 60's so I'm sure it is nothing like it was back then.

I go over to Virginia City for a few days every year, around September. It's usually my one big drinking weekend of the year. Once the sun goes down and the day crowd leaves, it's one hell of a fun town.  

Last I checked, a round at Pebble was around $500.00. That's a big jar of change.

Edit: Meant Ocean City, not Ocean Beach.

[Angel Dog and Beer]

I was in Tahoe too, although it was last weekend.  I haven't been there in the summer in a few years, and I had forgotten just how beautiful it is. Truly is a special place. So much to do from all the water sports, mountain activities, chilling on a beach, to the casinos. Sounds like you had a hella good time.

[Tank]

52 minutes ago, Angel Dog and Beer said:

I was in Tahoe too, although it was last weekend.  I haven't been there in the summer in a few years, and I had forgotten just how beautiful it is. Truly is a special place. So much to do from all the water sports, mountain activities, chilling on a beach, to the casinos. Sounds like you had a hella good time.

hey chuck, can we ban someone over the age of 14 for using the word "hella"?

[nate]

@NJHalo glad you enjoyed it.  The wife and I are hoping to go back to Monterey next year, Cannery Row is one of my favorite places.  Amazing food, great hotels and cool shops.

[NJHalo]

10 minutes ago, nate said:

@NJHalo glad you enjoyed it.  The wife and I are hoping to go back to Monterey next year, Cannery Row is one of my favorite places.  Amazing food, great hotels and cool shops.