Las Vegas to Monterey

Question

We're planning a 10-day trip (Sunday to the following Tuesday) from Las Vegas to Monterey in mid-September. We'll be flying from Connecticut to Las Vegas and staying with family in Monterey.

I've found previous posts on this topic very helpful—especially the suggestion to stop in San Luis Obispo and visit the Sycamore Mineral Springs, which sounds perfect for us.

My question: if we land in Las Vegas at 9:00 AM and drive to San Luis Obispo, is that realistic? We'd likely stay at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, and San Luis Obispo looks like a great town to explore.

Also, would you recommend staying two nights there or just one? Is there enough to do in the area to make two nights worthwhile? We’re not in a rush to get to Monterey, though we’d like to spend at least five days there and will need two days at the end of the trip to drive back to Las Vegas.

We did try to book our return flight out of San Jose, but there weren’t any reasonable options available.

Any other suggestions for our drive are welcome. We have driven the Pacific Coast Highway a couple of times (once on a motorcycle) and it’s drop-dead gorgeous.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer

Driving from Las Vegas to San Luis Obispo in a single day is technically feasible but will be a long day of driving. The direct drive is approximately 7.5 to 8 hours under normal traffic conditions, covering about 500 miles. If you land at 9:00 AM, factoring in time to get your rental car, grab some breakfast or coffee, and make short stops along the way, you could realistically reach San Luis Obispo by early evening. However, it will be a long and tiring drive, especially after a morning flight, so consider whether everyone in the car is comfortable with that much time on the road in one stretch.

Regarding your stay in San Luis Obispo:

Staying one night is enough if you primarily want to check into Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and have a short evening to relax and perhaps enjoy the resort amenities.
Staying two nights allows for a more relaxed pace, giving you time to explore downtown San Luis Obispo, visit nearby attractions such as Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, or the coastline at Avila Beach and Pismo Beach.
A two-night stay also provides a buffer in case you want to drive a section of the scenic Pacific Coast Highway without feeling rushed.

Some suggestions for your drive from Las Vegas to San Luis Obispo:

Consider stopping halfway for a meal or short break in a town like Baker or Barstow to stretch your legs.
If time allows and the group is up for it, a slight detour through Mojave National Preserve can add some interesting desert scenery before reaching the coast.
Driving through the Tehachapi Pass provides pleasant mountain views and can be a refreshing change from the desert stretch.

Once in San Luis Obispo, the resort itself is a great base for relaxation, and the town is charming for strolling, local dining, and boutique shopping. Whether one or two nights is best depends on whether you want to prioritize sightseeing and a leisurely pace or just use it as a stopping point en route to Monterey.

On your way from San Luis Obispo to Monterey, consider taking the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through Big Sur for breathtaking coastal views, stopping at key viewpoints and beaches along the way. This stretch can easily fill a full day if you enjoy photography and short hikes.

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