SF - LV by car in two days

[dysfunctional]

I know this has nothing to do with nightlife etc so please forgive me. I thought I might get some useful information, hints on here anyways.

The situation: I'll be driving from SF to LV (with a mustang f*ck yes! ). I have two days (one night stop) for this trip.

Since I'm from Europe and would like to take in some of the beautiful Cali scenery I am looking for an alternative to the direct route on hwy 101 or interstate 5. Been driving hwy 1 down south a few years ago, taking a walk @ big sur and that was awesome! however, back then I had plenty of time to stop here and there.

Been googling and have read lots of reports, reviews, anyways I'm still pretty undecided on where to stay overnight.

I'm going mid-April. Driving down hwy1 vs. driving 395 and stopping at yosemite? I tend to hwy1.

Leaving SF around 10am, passing Santa Cruz, Monterey (is the oceanworld thing worth a stop?), all the way down. Would love to take a walk (or maybe a horse riding) at Big Sur. I was thinking about an overnight stop at either Cambria or Pismo Beach (or Santa Barbara?!). Next morning heading to Vegas...

This is to you guys, living in California/SF area. What route would you take and recommend? where would you stop? Is driving from SF to Cambria/Pismo Beach do-able in one day?

Any hotel recommendations? Looking for something peaceful, romantic, beautiful scenery y'know takin in the peace of nature before divin deep into sin city!

comments/recommendations are much appreciated!
peace
dysfunctional

[Countessa]

Driving to Pismo in one day is def doable. Hwy 101 has many great stops heading south from SF.
SLO is great as well as Santa Barbara. I don't think you will be dissapointed with anywhere along that route. Have a great time!

[dysfunctional]

Driving to Pismo in one day is def doable. Hwy 101 has many great stops heading south from SF.
SLO is great as well as Santa Barbara. I don't think you will be dissapointed with anywhere along that route. Have a great time!

thanks for that!

Actually I don't want to drive on the 101 but on hwy 1, that windy road along the coast. I guess it will take much longer to reach SLO or Santa Barbara. still doable in one day?

[WarreN]

If you take Hwy 1 you significantly detour yourself, but it definitely is beautiful. Time wise SF to Monterey is 2 hours or so and then you can even hit Carmel. After hanging out for a while you're looking at it being 5 or 6 and its getting dark here around 7 right now. You could potentially drive to pismo beach and stay the night, then check it out a bit and head to LV in the morning, but I wouldn't go farther south if you want to make decent time.

[IRockNvegas]

Great plan the pacific coast highway 1 is a must see. Swing throughsanta Barbara , Santa Maria, paso robles, check out the vineyards wine tasting, check out herst castle ...