An excellent approach to get some flavor during your northern to central california coast drive, would be to commence in San Francisco and end in Carmel. Make sure you reserve one of the numerous great Carmel Vacation Rentals before you start off on your journey. You need to begin the first day or two in San Francisco in case you prepare to take at least a week. Remain in San Francisco for a minimum of a long day to see all the major sights. These include Fisherman's wharf, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Undoubtedly, be sure to dine from you choice of several of the great restaurants within the city. Harry Denton's is locally famous for ambience and an amazing view of the entire city from above. After you leave the SF, travel down hwy 1 along the ocean passing Mission Beach and for that next hr you'll be awed by the gorgeous shoreline from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz. A couple of miles just before Santa Cruz is Waddell Creek plus a great spot to turn off and get a break. Waddell Creek is world famous in the kite boarding/wind surfing community. Across the street from this beach is also the entrance to Big Basin park which still has some giant old growth redwoods. You'll now be getting into Santa Cruz or Surf City as its commonly referred to as. In the event you want to slap on a wetsuit and give surfing a try, then head down to Cowell's Beach by the Boardwalk for the best beginner waves.

Here you are able to rent longboards, wetsuits and even a lesson if you'd like. During low tide, the waves at Cowell's is a perfect rolling mushy wave that is easy and forgiving to catch. This type of wave is called a party wave as a bunch of people can get up on it and ride. Its a load of fun. Following this you'll be able to cruise a lot more beautiful coastline down to Monterey. In Monterey you can spend some time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a drive on 17 mile drive. The aquarium has close up views of many of the creatures that live off the shores and 17 mile drive tours along the coast interweaving the beautiful coast, wildlife and world famous golf courses.  The next and last stop on this journey is Carmel. Carmel by the Sea is very laid back and strolling about town feels so right when you're there. The gorgeous white sand seashore with views of Peeble Seaside lies at the end of the downtown strip.  There are many Carmel Vacation Rentals to select from when staying here. It offers you much more space than a hotel and is a fantastic way to keep a large group together enjoying each others company.

There are also Carmel Cottages in the Carmel Highlands, Carmel condos downtown or expansive ocean estates seaside. There's sure to be a fantastic fit for any group. Following cruising the California coast, kicking back again in Carmel permits you to get all that you have taken in and smile.