Went to Big Sur last Christmas. It was gorgeous- no fog, lots of sun. Tahoe sucked though - no snow.

Anonymous wrote:I don't want to be a downer, but this is the year of a massive El Niño. I lived in Northern CA in 1998, during the last big El Niño, and the rain was no joke. February was one solid downpour. December may be better than January-February, but who knows.

+1

This winter is predicted to be unusual. We always go to California for winter break to visit family. This year we are heading to a beach vacation instead. The last El Niño cut off big sur and hwy 1 was a mess. Be ready for rain and hope for clear weather! I would not drive hwy 1 if they are expecting a down pour that day- too many rockslides. The fog won't be a big issue. There is fog up and down the coast year round- it is actually the worst in the summer. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/general-news/20110814/bay-fog-factory-scientists-research-coastal-weather-for-clues-to-climate-change

I'd stay at Glen Oaks Big Sur in the cabins with the firepits and outdoor tubs. Amazing

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the feedback. We are definitely going to be driving north from San Diego all the way to San Francisco over Christmas. Didn't realize that about the fog in Big Sur. Bummer. I'd be very happy to hear suggestions for other great places to visit/stay. Is Cambria nice? Where's a good place to stay in Carmel? Thanks.

I'd stop in San Luis Obispo. It's a little in from the coast so not as foggy as the towns right on the water. Nice small college town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, local shops.

I don't want to be a downer, but this is the year of a massive El Niño. I lived in Northern CA in 1998, during the last big El Niño, and the rain was no joke. February was one solid downpour. December may be better than January-February, but who knows.

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. We are definitely going to be driving north from San Diego all the way to San Francisco over Christmas. Didn't realize that about the fog in Big Sur. Bummer. I'd be very happy to hear suggestions for other great places to visit/stay. Is Cambria nice? Where's a good place to stay in Carmel? Thanks.

If I had my heart set on big sur, I'd stay in Carmel and visit big sur. It's stunning and wonderful but not warm.

I've been there (and SF) around this time and honestly it was sort of bleak. As others have said, the weather sucks-- it's chilly and foggy and cloudy. Damp.

For old school, rustic Big Sur, Deetjens is open everyday of the year. For new-fangled, Sand Hill Road money, go to Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Inn. The dining rooms are always open because they always have guests in the hotel.

The only downside that time of year is how much fog there is. In winter, the view from the patio at Post Ranch Inn is exactly the same as looking out a plane window at 30,000 feet. Only on those rare clear days will you be able to see the ocean from the top of the cliffs.

Not much around there, and the weather will not be great. Can you look into other places in CA?

Has anyone ever gone to Big Sur on Christmas? All the restaurants I've looked at thus far are closed. Just wondering if anyone has BTDT and can advise as to what might be open. Thanks.