palmtreehugger

Hi everyone,

I have been reading the forum for N. California. Hubby and I are planning a trip for the third week in August, staying 7 nights- Saturday-Saturday. I have tickets purchased all ready in and out of SF, but I sure wish I had read the posts here first!

All we know for sure is we want to take in the nature and beauty of the area. We don't plan to spend much time in SF other our first and last night. We can take small hikes but my husband is disabled and can't walk for long distances nor can he sit for long times without breaks during the drives.

Thinking of driving to Yosemite on Sunday, staying till Wednesday, then I am less certain- heading North towards the redwoods, avenue of the giants, maybe staying somewhere around Ft. Bragg, coming back through wine country (stop for lunch?) We want to drive the coast somewhere along the trip but after reading several posts, it may not be the best way. Would we be better to drive south? Any thoughts on the skunk train?

We know we can't see it all in a week and would rather see less and enjoy more. Suggestons, please

Tomsd

In Yosemite - you can take the valley floor buses most places, and also - an easy walk by Upper and Lower Yo falls.

From there - it's up to you. You could drive down to Carmel/Monterrey and see Cannery Row and the great Aquarium, and the beauty of Big Sur - or head up to say Gualala ( http://www.gualala.com/ fun, friendly - sort of funky town) -and have fun three and around Mendicino.

NoCaliGal

Some of your decisions may be influenced by the availability of hotels/B&Bs in SF, Yosemite, and even Ft Bragg during this high season. The Yosemite Valley is probably all booked up by now, even for tent camping. There may be a few rooms outside the park near Merced.
Ft Bragg is a small place, so not too big an inventory of rooms there, and again, high season. You should also be aware that this is the foggy season (July/August) on the coast, so I hope you like cooler weather.
If you do go north, you can take a loop by going UP on the small highway 101, take a left through the Anderson Valley on 128 (vinyards and hops) out through the redwoods to Ft Bragg on the coast . Head south on the windy Hwy 1 as far as you want (you're on the beach side of the road now for easy stopping) and when youve had enough, go inland into Sonoma County (more wine, oysters in Tomales Bay) and south down 101 through Marin County, over the Golden Gate Bridge to SF. Lots of places to stop and enjoy views, eating, wine.

janisj

"Thinking of driving to Yosemite on Sunday, staying till Wednesday"

Unless you already have accommodations booked that may be a BIG problem. You'd want to stay in Yosemite Valley, and booking at this late date will be difficult. Carmel is lovely --but not at all easy w/ mobility problems - mainly a lot of uphill and downhill walking to get anywhere.

For up the coast you can try this place near Mendocino/Ft Bragg http://www.littleriverinn.com/

janisj

was posting the same time as NoCaliGal. I agree, accommodations will be tough in most places you want to go - but especially in Yosemite.

I'd probably first try to find places to stay and then plan your itinerary around room availability.

What is your budget?

palmtreehugger

Thanks so much for the quick replies and suggestions.

I got on line today and booked 1st and last night in SF, Sun, Mon, Tues at Evergreen Lodge. I called there and was told the drive into Yosemite Valley is about 45 minutes.

Wednesday looks like a long day if we head to the n. coast. Little River Inn looks perfect Janisj! My only concern is the distance. Googlemaps has the drive at over 6 hours without any stops. If we can take breaks along the way, we may want to stay there for the two remaining nights, driving up to see the redwoods on Thursday, then taking a drive back down the coast, cutting in to the valley for a stop for lunch/dinner on the way. My only concern is the long time in the car for my

Does this seem like a reasonable plan? Are there places of interest to see on the trip from Yosemite to Little River?

Thanks again for all your help. We really would like to enjoy the trip and not spend all our time in the car, so less is more

Tomsd

Suggest you keep checking on the accommodations at Yosemite as there are always cancellations and it's just a matter of timing. I much prefer staying in the Village area if possible - so you can enjoy the evening slide shows/etc - at Curry Village - get up and around early before the crowds start stirring, take advantage of Ranger Walks/talks (some are very short and you husband may be able to do them) etc.

http://www.nationalparkreservations....FUkaQgod0lO0YA

Tomsd

Also - if you do drive back to SF along the Coastline/Hiway 1 from Little River Inn - start early - as it's very beautiful - but will take a while. You might even consider staying in one of my favorite former residence areas - Sausalito - so you don't have to cross the Golden Gate into SF.

Sausalito is a charming little village (yes, with tourists) - and has a great view looking back at SF and is easy to walk around as it is flat. http://www.sausalito.org/visitor/lodging

And from there - you can get to the SF airport in an hour or so - if you are not going during rush hour.