Any advice for first-timer trip up hwy 1 and 101

[Bacoes]

My wife and I are going to roll one of her business trips into a trip up the California coast in our smart. It'll be our first time to visit California and want to experience the coast in a "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" sort of way. Funkier the better. What should we see?

[artificial]

north.

[nscaler]

Big Sur, Monterey, San Simeon, 101/1 all the way!

[dstackle]

Near San Simeon there's a beach where the elephant seals come onshore. It's off Hwy1 if I recall. Amazing thing to see (and would make a cool pic if you can get the smart close enough).

[spdickey]

You didn't say what part of California you're visiting, Northern or Southern, but if you're in LA drive Pacific Coast Highway, CA-1 from Santa Monica (a great place for food, fun shopping and their pier, north to Malibu, another great pier that just re-opened, Paradise Cove with Gidget friendly beaches and seaside dining and on north to Camarillo and Highway 101 with outlet shopping. Then take 101 back south to LA and see how the smart does on a long uphill grade. My avatar is from PCH in Malibu with my smartie.

[Dean Smith]

You don't want to go up Hwy 101, you want to go DOWN Hwy 101. Headed TOWARD San Francisco you are on the wrong side of the road for the best viewing. Go to SF first, then head south on Hwy 101, there are more available turn-outs, and the over- all scenery is awesome.

[iconpyro]

Hmmm if you are going to roll by Pismo Beach look up the Splash cafe. BEST WHITE CLAM CHOWDER EVER!!! Google it on the internet. Its the one place I have to go to if I drive down/up the 1.

[rrrucke]

I did that trip from Seattle to LA and all I can say is be careful of the hair pin turns. You can get kind of queezy as you continually sway from side to side. Well that's what happened in my Pathfinder about 10 years ago. The scenary is beautiful so enjoy the ride!

[skyzdlimit59]

The most beautiful trip you'll ever take! Monterey, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Carmel; all points of interest and gorgeous scenery. If you stick to highway 1, take your time! Like rrucke says, it can be a bit hairy but if you take it slow it really is a peaceful area. Have a blast and take lots of pics with the smart!:

[iconpyro]

Oh yeah... stop by the worlds most photographed tree in Carmel. Stop by the mystery spot in Santa Clara. Check out their boardwalk too. Stay a nice weekend in Monterrey and relax if you have the $ and the time.