[Dangerous Doug]

I'd say go to Carmel Valley. Most people go to Carmel-by-the-Sea, and it's cold and foggy at night. Carmel Valley is usually warmer, and there are some nice roads to drive back there. We've stayed at the Carmel Valley Lodge, which is decent.

Alternatively, what about San Luis Obispo? I went to Cal Poly and every time I go back to SLO I remember how much I loved it down there. Don't know of any places to stay, but dinner at the Madonna Inn is fabulous (the food, but the décor is quite, uh, pink...).

DD