We are visting San Franciso for a few days. We then are driving south from SF and want to visit redwoods and Big Basin was recommened. We also wanted to do the kayaking at Elkhorn Slough on the same day and then end up in Monterey for the night. The next day will be spent in Monterey.
My question is: Where is a nice hotel/city that would allow us to be near Big Basin and see the redwoods in the am and go kayaking in the pm? Is this even doable in one day?
Thanks so much!
Where to stay for Big Basin (redwoods), Elkhorn Slough, Monterey
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The most choices of hotel coming from the north would be in San Jose.
The nicest nearby town (although I don't know whether there are any hotels) is Saratoga.
I'd ask the usual questions: what's your price range and level of comfort (room size, amenities) or are you just looking for a place to crash? I'd recommend staying in Santa Cruz,waking early, breakfast in town (Zacharys or Cafe Brazil), driving up highway 9 to Big Basin, lunch in Moss Landing (Phil's Fish Market), drive next door to kayak rentals - you've got to keep track of the tides and speak with the kayak folks so that you work with instead of against the tides...several possibilities to stay in Monterey, but aside from lodging, I would recommend the aquarium and Pt. Lobos, perhaps Nepenthe/Julia Pfiffer(sp?)...to be continued
I/we have stayed at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse HI Hostel south of Pescadero. It has male and female dorm rooms, shower room and separate bathrooms. We like it for the kitchen since there are no restaurants for miles. Pigeon Point is about 50 miles south of SF and is quite close to Butano State park which also has some big Coast Redwoods. Between 101 and the ocean is Ano Nuevo State Park just south of the lighthouse.
Thanks - our price range is ~ 150-200 so hopefully something nice for 2 adults and 1 14 year old. Does anyone have the name of a good company for the kayaks?
Follow the rules at the Slough: http://www.elkhornslough.org/kayaking/index.htm
It's always nice to paddle up near an otter but don't harass them.
THE kayaking company at the slough is called The Kayak Connection and the lodging I would check out in Santa Cruz is called the Babbling Brook, a short walk from Zacharys for breakfast and Pergolesi Cafe for great coffee/chai - you would drive up Graham Hill Road to Highway 9 to 236 in Boulder Creek left to Big Basin...the drive from Big Basin to the Elkhorn Slough on Highway 1 would be roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic (which you be wise to avoid is you can get through Santa Cruz before 3pm)