mdaley97

My husband and I have always wanted to take a trip up/down the California Coast. We are finally making it happen this summer - 10 days in late June 2017. We are thinking San Francisco to San Diego, but we're not sure if we have enought time.

What are some must-do's based on this scenario? Some info...
* We are coming from Philadelphia, so we have to consider the travel days
* Just the two of us will be traveling (50 years old) so no need for kids stuff
* We are not wine drinkers or interested in that aspect of the area
* Definitely want to do...baseball game in San Francisco, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Monterey, Big Sur, Hearst Castle

Can we do San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego PLUS all highlights in between in 10 days?

Michael

You will have to pick and choose. If intending to spend a couple of days in each of the cities named, that leaves only 4 days for the coast itself. It might be best to drop the LA San Diego part and end the trip in LA.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...512998387/show

sf7307

Are days 1 and 10 travel days, leaving you 8 days to sightsee? If so, it will be pretty hard to fit in everything you mentioned. With 10 days, you could spend 2 in San Francisco, 1 in Monterey, 3 on the coast, 2 in LA and 2 in San Diego. With only 8 days, you'd have to drop something.

If the baseball game is really important to you (it would be to me), I'd start with the Giants home schedule when planning.

jamie99

I wouldn't do that in 8-10 days, drop either LA or San Diego.
SF needs 3 days ideally, baseball game takes about 3.5-4 hours if the teams don't go into overtime.
Hearst Castle tour takes one hour plus you have to drive to the visitor center at least 15 minutes before your tour. You can wander the outside grounds after your tour.
Monterey Aquarium takes 3 hours.

suze

I think you can do everything you list, as a 'drive by' but you're going to be moving at a pretty fast pace and certainly not able to see "ALL the highlights".

mdaley97

I appreciate the feedback. We decided that we don't want to drive by the coast, we definitely want more of a road trip with time to stop when we are inspired to do so. We will likely cut San Diego from the itinerary.

What are the highlights along the coast that we should prioritize?

Michael

Henry Cowell State Park (the lower part) for its redwoods

Monterey Aquarium

Carmel Mission

Point Lobos: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

Hearst Castle

Santa Barbara Mission

La Purisima Conception: http://www.lapurisimamission.org/

MichelleY

You could loop down as far as Santa Barbara and fly in/ out of SF. Spending a little more time in each place, at least 2 nights, and enjoying yourselves.

StuDudley

Some ideas:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

MichelleY

Put SF/ Giants game at the beginning or end of your trip, depending on their schedule.

MmePerdu

I think you'd do well to buy yourself a guidebook or 2 specific to CA Hwy 1. Amazon has a several:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...rnia+highway+1