BK

I am going on a bicycle vacation in late September/early October. from Pacific Grove to Cambria. I will be spending some time in SF as well. Please advise on the best sights to see and do at Big Sur, SF, and anything else in this part of the world. (I am already sold on Alcatraz).

Also, what will the weather be like? Do I need a jacket early in the morning when riding? How is the rain this time of year?

Paul Rabe

I lived in the Bay Area for four years and can say the weather should be cool but probably dry. Good sites to visit in SF are Golden Gate Park (Natural History Museum and Japanese Garden), Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, riding the Cable Cars, Chinatown.

South of the City; the campuses of Santa Clara and Stanfurd are nice, but skip the Winchester Mystery House (not worth it). If this is your only chance to see redwoods, don't miss Henry Cowell or Big Basin SP.

Enjoy your visit! Happy biking!!

mellonurse

Always keep a light jacket with you in the Bay Area. But at that time of year, there is rarely rain. Could be downright hot in early October, or misty and cloudy(usually in the mornings). Another great e trees is Muir Woods--hike in a bit further, away from the crowds near the entrance. If you go, stop at Pelican Inn nearby for a drink and a bit of England in Marin. Another fun thing to do in SF is to join the audience for a taping of the radio show"West Coast Live" broadcst locally on KALW-FM. Call 415-664-9500 for info.

Dayle

If you are planning to end in Cambria, I assume you are going to see Hearst's Castle. It is not to be missed. Very unique and very interesting, beautiful views! Probably will still be very busy on weekends in Cambria in Sept and early Oct. That's usually very pleasant weather. Yes, you will need a jacket. Usually a stiff breeze there. Call ahead to make tour reservations for the Castle and take 2 tours - to see different parts of the Castle. Tour companies tend to take up a lot of the tickets on weekends. Have a great ride!

kam

Yes, you need a jacket for early mornings and evenings, and No, it probably won't be raining. If God is good, we won't have another El Nino year!! That means rain shouldn't start until late November. I assume you will see Hearst Castle when in Cambria---just remember to make a reservation--it's by tour only. There's a pretty point just north of Cambria called Raggedy Point--stop and take a look and then just south of there check to see if the elephant seals are still out on the beach with their pups. It's about that time of year, although you could be a little early. You must be a good biker to bike the coast of Big Sur--be careful and have fun.

ray seva

Dude...welcome to SF (I live here).
My suggestion is to quickly pass through Pier-39/Fishermans wharf. Believe me...it's WAAAAY too tacky. Please trust me on this.
You should try to get out and see this really unique city. Check out the MISSION DISTRICT (My favorite area: part-Latino neighborhood...more Central American than Mexican...and part bohemian/starving artist/hippie), HAIGHT-ASHBURY (the ol' hippie hangout. It's getting kinda corporate now...but the place still exudes hippie-ness)...PACIFIC HEIGHTS/PRESIDIO HEIGHTS (lotsa mulit-million dollar mansions)...CHINATOWN (skip Grant Street; full of tacky tourist shops. Head one-block north instead to Stockton St--full of open-air markets and CROWDED with local Chinese, the hustle-and-bustle of daily shopping,live fish-markets...really great!) Also, check-out TWIN PEAKS (the highest point in SF...KILLER 360-degree views of the city/bay/ocean. The CASTRO is kinda cool, too (the Gay Neighborhood) I'm totally straight, but it's one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city (fantastic architechture in the neighborhoods, and the people are really nice)
Those are my suggestions. Have fun!