I'll be driving from Los Angeles to Monterey and back in a couple of
weeks.  We have 3 and a half days.  What is the most scenic route,
what are the "must see" sites, and can you recommend a few nice places
to sleep?  We are a couple in our 40s and are travelling in a
convertible without kids.

Thank you.

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Clarification of Question by uncleben21-ga on 10 Jul 2006 21:25 PDT

Regarding lodging; we are looking for quiet, simple, romantic places,
preferably under $140 a night, but willing to go around $160

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Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 11 Jul 2006 13:57 PDT

Hello uncleben21-ga,

Where is your starting point in LA? What is your budget? What are the
dates of your travel? Will it include the weekend? (Some attractions
require advance reservations.) What type of activities do you like?
Are you more interested in scenery and outdoor activities, indoor
explorations, i.e., museums and historical sites or shopping, dining
and entertainment? The more you can tell us about your preferences and
approach to this kind of trip, the better we can help you. The trip
you're planning offers a lot of possibilities.

http://www.bitrot.de/bike_sfla.html

I look forward to your clarification.

~ czh ~

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Clarification of Question by uncleben21-ga on 11 Jul 2006 18:57 PDT

We'll be leaving LAX on the afternoon July 29th, spending as little
time in LA as possible.  We return to LAX on august 2nd, early in the
morning.  Having only 3 days, we want to enjoy the scenetry, walks,
beaches, as little indoor stuff as possible.  We'd like at least one
very nice dinner, but again, eating outdoors as often as we can.  As
far as budget goes, well, let's just say It would be nice to keep the
whole 3 days under $1000 ...

Thank you.

I just went 2 weeks ago. 

http://www.byways.org/plan/itinerary/63350/?from_byway_id=2301

Use this Itinerary, it's very scenic. Fater falls are gorgeous. I
stayed in Carmel. Great little town. Nice Restaurants

I live in Laguna and moved here from Monterey some time ago. If you
post your dates and where you are staying I will give you some info.
Frankie4321 is correct in Carmel is the place to go. Monterey has some
nice sites and things to do but Carmel will steal your heart.

Re-reading your post you have no place to stay. What type of
experience are you looking for and per night budget?

You need to quickly work the travel sites and get a nice clean hotel
room with no frills at that pricing. A basic room at hyatt is 210.00
or more. Keep in downtown Monterey and closely surrounding and you
will be fine. I don't think there are any bad rooms in the area only
different levels of amenities and convience. You are trying to go at
high season!!

priceline.com had some midweek availability..weekends nothing to fit
your budget. Check it out.

State Highway 1 is the scenic route, but be aware that there's not
much civilization between San Luis Obispo and Carmel.  For a place to
stay, consider the town of Cambria.

How was your trip?