LAFroadtrip

We are going to San Francisco in October and have 4 days to get to San Diego by car. Instead of going the 'normal' coast route, my husband is insisting in us going through Lake Tahoe/Yosemite/Mammoth to Santa Barbara and then down to San Diego. I have tried to talk him out of it, but he really wants to do this, so we might as well, but wanted to gather some tips to make the best of it.
I am wondering if:
1. Its crazy to do this in such short period of time?
2. Given that we are going to be driving for so long, what are the MUST DO stops along the way?
3. Recommendations of any boutique like hotels and in which cities to stay in?
Thanks

Michael

Talk him out of it by figuring the mileage with the help of Google map or other mapping software.

LSky

Typically it takes about 8-9 hours to make this trip. Why not take the alternative?

Is it that you've done it so many times before that he wants something different? Is your "normal" route 101? It's a nice drive but I like to change up now and then also.

1JAR

Really & Honestly, I do not understand why anyone would be so stubborn to do this: He could easily spend 4 days in San Francisco or any of the places mentioned. AMybe you could entice him going down teh coast by looking at the lovely Four Sisdters Inns on the map of the Coast (scroll down).

However, sigh, if you must travel with this itinerary here is a list of small Inns or hotels I like, for consideration, without knowing your budget

South of San Francisco at Half Moon BAy
http://www.foursisters.com/inns.htm

LAke TAhoe
http://www.squawcreek.com/

Santa Barbara
http://www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com/

San Diego (Coronado)
http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/

http://www.squawcreek.com/

Jean

I don't think this is so crazy, although I wouldn't go as far north as Lake Tahoe. I'd head to Yosemite Valley. Leave the Park via the Tioga Road, see Mono Lake and take the June Lake Loop (beautiful fall colors in October) before heading to Mammoth. Drive to Santa Barbara and finally San Diego. I'd overnight in/near Yosemite, Mammoth and Santa Barbara, staying a second night in whatever stop interests you most and/or where you can get lodging.

If you can't get lodging in Yosemite Valley, look at the Blackberry Inn in Groveland.

In Mammoth, look at the Westin or The Lodge. Take the ski gondola to the top of Mammoth for great views of the Owens Valley. Another option would be to stay on the June Lake Loop at the Double Eagle Resort.

There are several interesting sights along 395 south of Bishop, more than you could hit on your drive to Santa Barbara. Laws Railroad Museum, Devil's Postpile, Convict Lake, Bristlecone Pine Forest, Manzanar Internment Camp (WWII), Lone Pine Film Museum and the Alabama Hills, Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery (WPA project), Fossil Falls.

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/l...95drive22apr22

Santa Barbara has a wide range of lodging. On our last trip there, we stayed at the Upham Hotel's Country House. It was perfect for us.