The Only Way From L.A. to S.F.

Where to Stay

Hollywood Downtowner Inn-- 5601 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 464-7191, www.hollywooddowntowner.com. Doubles from $55. Inexpensive central Hollywood location, not for the squeamish.

Lisa Crovo

The Getty Museum and its zillion-dollar view.

Lisa Crovo

The Hollywood Downtowner has edge to spare.

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• Cambria
• Big Sur
• Wine
• Food and Cooking

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Madonna Inn 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, (800) 543-9666 or (805) 543-3000, www.madonnainn.com. Doubles from $147 .Outrageous kitschy theme rooms like the Caveman Suite with a waterfall, stone ceilings and floors.

Just Inn at Justin Winery -- 11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles, (805) 238-6932, www.justinwine.com. Suites $245-295. The ultimate romantic getaway; worth the splurge.

La Playa Hotel-- Camino Real & Eighth Avenue, Carmel by the Sea, (831) 624-6476 or (800) 582-8900, www.laplayahotel.com. Rooms from $160, suites and cottages from $295. Historic Mediterranean-style villa with dazzling gardens, one block from the beach.

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn -- 48865 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, (831) 667-2377, www.deetjens.com. Cabins from $150. Rustic cabins with bohemian charm; stay for breakfast.

Costanoa Coastal Lodge -- 2001 Rossi Rd. at Hwy. 1, Pescadero, (650) 879-1100, www.costanoa.com. Accommodations ranging from camp sites to luxury lodge suites, $30-240.

Where to Go

The Getty Museum -- 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, (310) 440-7300, www.getty.edu. Reservations required on weekdays. Free admission, parking $5.

Hearst Castle -- 750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon, (800) 444-4445 or (805) 927-2020, www.hearstcastle.org. Reservations for parking required. Adults $18-24 (varies by tour); youth (6-17) $9-12; free for children under 6.

Nit Wit Ridge -- 881 Hillcrest Dr., Cambria, (805) 927-2690.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park -- Hwy. 1 between Lucia and Big Sur, (831) 667-2315.

Esalen Institute-- Hwy. 1, Big Sur, (831) 667-3000,

www.esalen.org. Reservations required. Hot springs open to the public 1 a.m.-3 a.m. ($20).

Bonny Doon Vineyard-- 10 Pine Flat Rd., Davenport, (831) 425-4518, www.bonnydoonvineyard.com.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel-- 210 Pigeon Point Rd. at Hwy. 1, Pescadero, (650) 879-0633, www.parks.ca.gov.

Where to Eat/Drink

Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles -- Multiple locations, including 5006 W. Pico Blvd. (near La Brea), (323) 934-4405 or (323) 936-3730.

Nepenthe -- Hwy. 1, Big Sur (831) 667-2345, www.nepenthebigsur.com

The Cheese Shop -- Carmel Plaza, Carmel by the Sea, (831) 625-2272 or (800) 828-9463,

www.thecheeseshop.com

Deetjen's Big Sur Inn -- 48865 Hwy. 1, Big Sur, (831) 667-2377

Duarte's Tavern-- 202 Stage Rd., Pescadero, (650) 879-0464. Sparkling fresh seafood in a small-town setting.