Re: Late April trip for two older adults

Question

Hello, my wife and I will be traveling to Thousand Oaks area for a family gathering in late April. We were thinking of adding a few days ( four to be exact) to our trip to explore some other parts of California that we haven’t already visited . Originally we thought we’d visit Disneyland…but upon reading reviews it just seems that the $$$ , long lines and ride breakdowns greatly diminish the chance of having a good experience. It’s too bad cause I’m really a kid at heart and would love to immerse myself in the Disney experience. Oh well! So…. We thought we’d drive up to Carmel by the sea. I did a google map directions and it looks like it close to a 5 hour drive…ugh. So we were thinking of breaking the trip up…drive a few hours and spend a night in Pismo beach perhaps and then make our way to Carmel for a two night stay. Does this sound reasonable? I’m not a huge fan of long drives and I figured breaking up the trip would help.

Answer

Your plan to break up the Thousand Oaks → Carmel-by-the-Sea drive is not only reasonable — it’s a very smart idea, especially if you’re not a fan of long stretches in the car. The drive straight through is indeed about 5 hours with no major stops, and that can feel long even for people who don’t mind driving. Spreading it over two days makes the trip more pleasant, gives you time to enjoy the coast, and turns the travel into part of the vacation rather than just the time spent getting from point A to point B.

Stopping in Pismo Beach (or somewhere nearby) is an excellent midpoint. It splits the route almost perfectly, gives you a relaxing overnight atmosphere, and offers easy access to Highway 101. Many travelers break this exact route the same way, so your idea is spot-on.

Here’s what the plan looks like when broken down thoughtfully:

Day 1: Leave Thousand Oaks and drive 2–2.5 hours to Pismo Beach. Enjoy the beach, the pier, casual seafood restaurants, and a relaxing coastal evening.
Day 2: Continue north toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. This stretch takes about 2.5 hours via Highway 101. If you want the scenic coastal experience, you can divert onto Highway 1 through Morro Bay and Cambria to see a bit of Big Sur from the south — but only if the road is open and you’re comfortable with winding scenic drives. Otherwise, the 101 route is smooth and stress-free.
Days 3 & 4: Spend two full nights in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This gives you at least one full day to enjoy the area without rushing.

For the Carmel portion, two nights is enough for a taste of what makes the area special. You won’t see everything, but you’ll have a relaxing, beautiful visit. Here’s how you might use your limited time:

Explore Carmel Village: charming shops, art galleries, and easy strolls through peaceful streets.
Walk Carmel Beach: wide-open sand with views of Pebble Beach; wonderful at sunset.
Drive 17-Mile Drive: highlights include the Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, and scenic overlooks. It's easy, beautiful, and low-effort.
Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: arguably one of the most beautiful coastal state parks in the country. Short, gentle trails with stunning views.
Meals in Carmel or nearby Pacific Grove: lots of cozy, excellent restaurants — perfect for a relaxing getaway.

If you'd like other options for breaking up the drive or alternatives to Pismo Beach, there are several towns along the route that make lovely overnight stops:

Santa Barbara: Only 1 hour north of Thousand Oaks, but a beautiful place to ease into the trip with great restaurants, waterfront paths, and a classy, relaxed vibe.
San Luis Obispo: Just inland from Pismo, with more restaurants and a lively downtown feel.
Cambria: A little farther north than Pismo and extremely peaceful — great if you want a more wooded, cozy atmosphere near the coast.

Your instinct about Disneyland is understandable — it can be a magical place, but it can also feel overwhelming and expensive, and late April can be moderately crowded. Since the goal of this side trip is enjoyment, not stress, heading up the coast is a great choice for two older adults who want something beautiful, relaxing, and easy.

Overall, your plan is solid: breaking the trip into two shorter drives, enjoying a night in Pismo Beach, and then spending two nights in Carmel for scenery, good food, and peaceful coastal walks. It strikes a great balance between sightseeing and relaxation without the long, exhausting drives.

Re: Late April trip for two older adults

More Carmel Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions