SFO to Big Sur

[slingshot]

We are planning a leisurely drive from SFO to the hotel in Big Sur this weekend. Any recs for lunch spots or other stops along the way? I will not have my bike, unfortunately.

[foo_fighter]

Alice's? Top of Skyline at Hwy 84.

[maunahaole]

Take a walk around Point Lobos. Just past the pig crossing sign south of Carmel.

Peppers in Pacific Grove is a nice place to eat.

[spopepro]

I'm assuming you're going 1 the whole way from pacifica or HMB on, which is recommended.

Duarte's tavern in Pescadero or at least get a warm loaf of artichoke garlic bread at Arcangeli's.

Strawberries and treats at Swanton berry farm (just before Santa Cruz)

On the nicer end is Soif in Santa Cruz, still my favorite wine bar+food.

Sausages at Corralitos Market. (eat in the park across the street).

Turtle Bay is a cali-mex seafood place in Monterey and seaside that I really like.

[nrs5000]

Don't know a lot down that way for eats but I second the Turtle Bay rec.

[slingshot]

This is great. Much appreciated!

[zetroc]

Make sure you take turns driving so that you can also take turns gawking at the scenery from Highway 1.

[slingshot]

Make sure you take turns driving so that you can also take turns gawking at the scenery from Highway 1.

Clearly you've never driven with my wife...

[Chik]

Once you reach Big Sur, I recommend brunch and dinner at Deetjens.

[stackie]

I live in Monterey.

Peppers in pacific grove is terrible.

Turtle bay in Monterey is really only marginally better.

If you are near Santa Cruz at lunchtime, I would recommend Laili in the downtown area. Wonderful middle eastern food. Wonderful patio setting if you can get a table out there. Also Penny Ice Creamery is in downtown Santa Cruz which has amazing and interesting ice cream flavors.

If you've made it to the Monterey area by lunch time, I'd head into Carmel and eat at Cantinetta Luca, La Balena, or Il Grillo for lunch. The only place I like in Monterey is Cindy's Waterfront restaurant in the aquarium. It's run by Cindy Pawlcyn of Mustards grill fame. But you have to have an aquarium pass to get in there.

You could also detour a bit more and head out Carmel Valley road to Carmel Valley village and eat at Lokal for lunch. It's rustic and quaint but food is good.

Monterey has some great dinner places but none that are open at lunch, sadly.

Which day are you driving down?

Jon

[slingshot]

Jon - thank you for the recommendations. We were en route when you posted and didn't see this until we were already in Big Sur.

Thanks to all who responded. Had a great trip. Next time we visit the area I'm bringing a bike!