I'm looking for some advice for a road trip next week. I'm leaving Chicago next saturday and (to make a long story short)heading to San Luis Obispo, then taking highway 1 up the coast and heading toward Redding to go back east. Any suggestions on reasonable lodging along the way around Pacifica or should I go North of San Francisco and look there. Also should I make this in 2 days or 3 as time is not a problem. Any suggestions would be a big help as this is my first ride to the coast. Thanks in advance.

 

We did HWY 1 in May from San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Stayed at the Best Western in Monterey had a below ground garage.
A lot to see along HWY 1, take your time. Monterey is a little touristy, Carmel By The Sea is a must as well as 17 Mile Drive. Not sure if 17 Mile Drive allows motorcycles, I heard they don't, may depend on the gate guards on duty.
If you are stopped on the 17 Mile Drive tour go to Point Lobos State Park great views.
Big Sur Park is worth a stop for the Redwoods, Bixby Bridge has a pull off.

 

If ya want "cheaper" look at seaside or watsonville. 3 days are better than 2.

 

Huh? 2 days or 3 days? I been here a week and don't feel like I have even touched it yet. Need to drive it South to North, then North to South, Mornings, Evenings, Clear weather, then broken fog, different seasons, check out all the light houses and Redwoods; I could entertain myself up and down this coast for 2 or 3 Years!

 

I ridden from San Diego to Seattle along the coast a couple of times, the least crowded roads are north of San Francisco, I prefer riding 97 north through mountains Crater lake, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helen, etc, over to Olympic National park then turning south along the coast that way the ocean is on my side of the rode riding south down the coast.