Mid-April Accommodation near SC/Monterey, and route from SJC

Question

Arriving 8:30 pm April 10 at SJC for four night trip. We have not planned activities yet but interested in choosing among whale watching and kayaking (Moss Landing area?), coastal sites like Point Lobos and hikes in redwood area, and Big Sur. Possibly some in town walks.

We are doing it a little backwards as I need to nail down lodging then plan activities, but first inclination is to stay on the Monterey Peninsula, we have an option in Del Monte Forest, or one about 10 miles N. However for first night I’m thinking to stay in a hotel en route, could be in Santa Cruz (then do redwood hike Friday?) or Moss Landing (whale watching Friday?) or Gilroy (a stop on the way) vs driving all the way and needing to get set up late in an air bnb for the remainder.

Thoughts? Considerations? Traffic?

Also is the Hwy 17 really to be avoided as I believe I read in one post? If so then staying in Santa Cruz would not make sense.

I’m continuing to search forums but starting with this.

Thanks in Advance!

Answer

For a mid-April trip to the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas, planning your lodging and routing carefully can make a big difference in maximizing your time and minimizing stress, especially given your late arrival at SJC on April 10.

Regarding your first night, since you arrive at 8:30 pm, it can be challenging to drive all the way to Monterey, Del Monte Forest, or areas north, especially if you factor in settling into an Airbnb late at night. A stop en route is reasonable.

Santa Cruz: Staying here would allow for a morning redwood hike (for example, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park) and shorter drives to coastal sites. However, Hwy 17 from San Jose to Santa Cruz can be steep, winding, and busy during peak hours or weekends. While it’s manageable, some drivers prefer to avoid it if they are tired or unfamiliar with mountain roads.
Moss Landing: Convenient if you plan to do whale watching on Friday morning, as it reduces early-morning driving. There are fewer hotel options directly in Moss Landing, but it could be convenient for your planned activities.
Gilroy: A practical option if you just want to minimize driving after your flight and get a head start in the morning. From Gilroy, it’s roughly 1.5–2 hours to Monterey or the Peninsula, which is easier than driving all the way from SJC late at night.

For the remainder of your trip, staying on the Monterey Peninsula, particularly Del Monte Forest or nearby Carmel or Pacific Grove, is ideal for exploring Point Lobos, coastal hikes, town walks, and kayaking or whale watching in Moss Landing. It provides a central base with reasonable access to Big Sur for day trips.

Activities and routing suggestions:

Day 1 / April 11: Depending on your first-night stop, you could start with either a redwood hike (Henry Cowell if in Santa Cruz) or whale watching/kayaking (Moss Landing if staying there).
Day 2: Explore coastal sites like Point Lobos and Carmel, with in-town walks in Monterey or Pacific Grove in the afternoon/evening.
Day 3: Day trip along Big Sur coastline (Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls). Starting early is key for scenic stops and avoiding traffic.
Day 4: Optional additional hikes, kayaking, or relaxing along the peninsula, visiting any missed coastal spots or local dining experiences.

Traffic considerations:

Hwy 1 along Big Sur can be slow due to narrow lanes, scenic stops, or construction, so plan extra time for day trips.
Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz is winding; avoid it if you are fatigued or prefer more straightforward drives.
Midweek travel in April is generally lighter than weekends, but expect delays in popular areas like Carmel or Point Lobos parking lots.

Overall recommendation:

For a low-stress first night, Gilroy is the easiest choice for a short drive after your flight.
For activities, a central stay on the Monterey Peninsula (Del Monte Forest, Carmel, or Pacific Grove) provides convenient access to both coastal attractions and Big Sur day trips.
Adjust first-day activities depending on your first-night stop to optimize travel times.

This approach balances driving fatigue, early arrival, and efficient exploration of redwoods, coastal sites, and Big Sur while minimizing stress and maximizing your four-day trip.

Mid-April Accommodation near SC/Monterey, and route from SJC

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