How long/far to Monterey Aquarium?

[wdwmickey]

As I recall it would take about 6-7 hours to drive to the Monterey/ Carmel area. Is that about right? Trying to decide if I want to surprise DD with a drive up the coast. Thanks for any info/advice

 

[sonnyjane]

From DL? Yes, about six hours, if you take the 5. It will be slower if you take Highway 1, but a much prettier drive.

 

[wdwmickey]

Thanks, that is what I was remembering from when I lived in Anaheim 25 years ago.

 

[skiingfast]

Since you say a drive up the coast. FYI the 5 is inland and the 101 is mostly inland. Highway 1 is more or less right on the coast, but the drive turns intoa slow 12 hours.

 

[sonnyjane]

Since you say a drive up the coast. FYI the 5 is inland and the 101 is mostly inland. Highway 1 is more or less right on the coast, but the drive turns intoa slow 12 hours.

Sorry, that's what I meant. The 101 merges with the 1 at some point going North, but Highway 1 is the scenic drive. I changed my original post

 

[Somegirl]

If you take highway 1 the whole way it would take 10 to 12 hours.
You could take 101 to Paso Robles, that should take about 4, 4 1/2 hours from DLR.
At Paso Robles you can take 46 to the coast and get on highway 1 north. Paso Robles to the Monterey Bay Aquarium should take 3 or 4 hours without any stops but you'll want to stop and admire the views.
At the 46 highway 1 interchange you'll pass through the cute town of Cambria and then San Simeon where Hearst Castle is. Just a bit north of San Simeon is Pt. Piedras Blancas, it's an elephant seal rookery and is a must see on the coast. After that you'll wind your way up the through the Big Sur Coast.

You can also take 101 all the way to 68 which will take you to Monterey. This route should only take 6 1/2 hours with no traffic. You'll still get some coastal views too, but nothing like Big Sur.

 

[wdwmickey]

I was hoping that I was remembering wrong. Although, I seem to remember spending over 10 hours on the first day of my honeymoon driving the 1 to Carmel. Oh well, we'll have to plan a trip next summer for northern California

 

[Leofoenget]

As I recall it would take about 6-7 hours to drive to the Monterey/ Carmel area. Is that about right? Trying to decide if I want to surprise DD with a drive up the coast. Thanks for any info/advice

Monterey is in Northern California. It's not a day trip it's a whole days drive but well worth it if you have the time.