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Weekend Road Trip: Monterey Bay Aquarium & Hearst Castle
One weekend, the Pacific Coast Highway and two California must-sees.
If you've got a full weekend and haven't knocked these two talked-about and beautiful California destinations, it's a great trip and cheap, too, if you're willing to camp instead of use hotels. In short, leave early Friday evening from Los Angeles and shoot up North fast (5 Freeway, to 46 Highway, to 101 Freeway to the 68 Highway). If you're willing to camp and get there before the gates close (ask when making a reservation), it's $25 a night at Laguna Seca Recreation Area (next to the race track) with $6 per vehicle. Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels en route to and in Monterey.
Saturday: Monterey Bay is quaint, cozy and extremely relaxing. The main attraction is the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which you can easily spend a whole day at (and as we did). Don't forget to pick up their card on what fish are safe to eat at sushi.
Sunday: After spending a second night in Monterey, head down the Pacific Coast Highway through Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. There are plenty of roadside spots to pull over and take in the views. Eventually, you'll hit San Simeon, home to the William Randolph Hearst's castle. There are a handful of tours to take and believe us, they are some of the most interesting historical guides we have ever done.
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And once you're done at the Castle, you can casually make your way back to Los Angeles via the 101 Freeway. Welcome home.
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