San Francisco & Central Coast itinerary - Help, please!
Jun 15th, 2010, 07:01 PM
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San Francisco & Central Coast itinerary - Help, please!
My husband and I, both in our early 30s, are planning an 8-night trip to San Francisco and the Central California Coast in early September. I've just started planning the last few days and put together a rough itinerary based on reading through many of the posts on this board (I am grateful for all the helpful trip reports and suggestions I've collected!).
Below is what we're thinking so far... again, all the details aren't planned out yet. But please let me know if this itinerary is workable or if you have suggestions for where we might stay or what we might see. (Note that our first weekend in San Francisco is Labor Day weekend...) I'm hoping to book our hotels in these places soon and then figure out the day-by-day specifics.
Thanks so much for the help!!
Saturday (Sept. 4) - Arrive in SF in late morning/early afternoon. Check into hotel.
Sunday (Sept. 5) - Full day in SF
Monday (Sept. 6) - pick up rental car; drive to Monterey Bay area. Perhaps see aquarium. Stay in Monterey, Carmel or Pacific Grove (WHICH OF THESE THREE TOWNS IS BEST TO STAY IN?)
Tuesday (Sept. 7) -- Spend day in Monterey Bay area. Kayak trip, perhaps? Wineries? Stay overnight again.
Wednesday (Sept. 8) -- Drive to Point Lobos, hike, relax. Go back to hotel in Monterey Bay for night.
Thursday (Sept. 9) -- Drive south to Big Sur. See Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park/Big Sur and perhaps seals. Stay in Cambria for night.
Friday (Sept. 10) -- See San Simeon (Hearst Castle); return to SF in late afternoon. return rental car.
Saturday (Sept. 11) - Full day in SF.
Sunday (Sept. 12) - Fly home...
Below is what we're thinking so far... again, all the details aren't planned out yet. But please let me know if this itinerary is workable or if you have suggestions for where we might stay or what we might see. (Note that our first weekend in San Francisco is Labor Day weekend...) I'm hoping to book our hotels in these places soon and then figure out the day-by-day specifics.
Thanks so much for the help!!
Saturday (Sept. 4) - Arrive in SF in late morning/early afternoon. Check into hotel.
Sunday (Sept. 5) - Full day in SF
Monday (Sept. 6) - pick up rental car; drive to Monterey Bay area. Perhaps see aquarium. Stay in Monterey, Carmel or Pacific Grove (WHICH OF THESE THREE TOWNS IS BEST TO STAY IN?)
Tuesday (Sept. 7) -- Spend day in Monterey Bay area. Kayak trip, perhaps? Wineries? Stay overnight again.
Wednesday (Sept. 8) -- Drive to Point Lobos, hike, relax. Go back to hotel in Monterey Bay for night.
Thursday (Sept. 9) -- Drive south to Big Sur. See Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park/Big Sur and perhaps seals. Stay in Cambria for night.
Friday (Sept. 10) -- See San Simeon (Hearst Castle); return to SF in late afternoon. return rental car.
Saturday (Sept. 11) - Full day in SF.
Sunday (Sept. 12) - Fly home...
Jun 15th, 2010, 08:13 PM
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That's certainly a doable itinerary and you've certainly done quite a bit of reading.
I hope you don't mind if I ask you some questions.
Have you ever been to San Francisco before? If not, then I'd cut out a day or two from Monterey and spend it in San Francisco.
On lodging in Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel - what is your budget? You could spend a lot of money or not much at all, you could stay with a grand ocean view or inland among redwood trees, you could be in a large hotel or a quaint B&B. What are your preferences?
The entire length between Monterey/Carmel and Cambria is less than 100 miles, which you could easily do in a day, unless you wanted to hike all day at Point Lobos. Otherwise, you could spend 1/2 day at Point Lobos, drive to Pfeiffer Big Sur and hike a short trail into the redwoods, then stop off at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on your way to Cambria. In September, the waterfalls inland may be dry and McWay Falls at JFB may be at a minimum. Otherwise, September is an ideal time to come to this part of California.
I hope you don't mind if I ask you some questions.
Have you ever been to San Francisco before? If not, then I'd cut out a day or two from Monterey and spend it in San Francisco.
On lodging in Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel - what is your budget? You could spend a lot of money or not much at all, you could stay with a grand ocean view or inland among redwood trees, you could be in a large hotel or a quaint B&B. What are your preferences?
The entire length between Monterey/Carmel and Cambria is less than 100 miles, which you could easily do in a day, unless you wanted to hike all day at Point Lobos. Otherwise, you could spend 1/2 day at Point Lobos, drive to Pfeiffer Big Sur and hike a short trail into the redwoods, then stop off at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on your way to Cambria. In September, the waterfalls inland may be dry and McWay Falls at JFB may be at a minimum. Otherwise, September is an ideal time to come to this part of California.
Jun 15th, 2010, 08:32 PM
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Hi easytraveler,
I appreciate your questions - they'll help us plan a better trip!
1) I visited San Francisco 14 years ago (when I was 18) for a few days and saw the main tourist attractions (Alcatrez, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park). But my husband has never been. I figured 2 and a half days might be enough time to explore much of the city, and we do tend to enjoy more outdoorsy activities, such as hiking, biking and beachcombing, more than, say, visiting museums. But do you think 2.5 days simply isn't enough time for the city?
2)Our hotel budget for the Central Coast area will probably be around $180 /nt ... slightly higher in SF. I'd read some previous posters mention Carmel and Pacific Grove were better places to stay than Monterey, so hoping to get some more opinions on that.
3)We're definitely open to rejiggering our itinerary in the Central Coast part of the trip. Having never been, I don't know how long it takes to do the various things (hike JPB, for instance.) and drive between places. So I certainly welcome any alternative suggestions!
Would you suggest doing two nights in the Monterey Bay area and two in Cambria, or just planning to hike JPB on our drive down to Cambria?
Thanks much for the help!
I appreciate your questions - they'll help us plan a better trip!
1) I visited San Francisco 14 years ago (when I was 18) for a few days and saw the main tourist attractions (Alcatrez, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park). But my husband has never been. I figured 2 and a half days might be enough time to explore much of the city, and we do tend to enjoy more outdoorsy activities, such as hiking, biking and beachcombing, more than, say, visiting museums. But do you think 2.5 days simply isn't enough time for the city?
2)Our hotel budget for the Central Coast area will probably be around $180 /nt ... slightly higher in SF. I'd read some previous posters mention Carmel and Pacific Grove were better places to stay than Monterey, so hoping to get some more opinions on that.
3)We're definitely open to rejiggering our itinerary in the Central Coast part of the trip. Having never been, I don't know how long it takes to do the various things (hike JPB, for instance.) and drive between places. So I certainly welcome any alternative suggestions!
Would you suggest doing two nights in the Monterey Bay area and two in Cambria, or just planning to hike JPB on our drive down to Cambria?Thanks much for the help!
Jun 15th, 2010, 09:03 PM
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Hi Stu,
I certainly didn't mean to suggest you could get a complete tour of SF in 2.5 days... I've read many of your posts on here and know it would take weeks/months to really do the city full justice. (And I hope some day I get that much time to explore it!
I should have said that we want to see some highlights of the city, but we do want to spend a decent amount of time on the Central Coast... Can we do some highlights in 2.5 days? I packed quite a bit typical sightseeing into a three-day trip when I was 18 -- but, then again, I'm not 18 anymore...
Thanks much for your help.
I certainly didn't mean to suggest you could get a complete tour of SF in 2.5 days... I've read many of your posts on here and know it would take weeks/months to really do the city full justice. (And I hope some day I get that much time to explore it!
I should have said that we want to see some highlights of the city, but we do want to spend a decent amount of time on the Central Coast... Can we do some highlights in 2.5 days? I packed quite a bit typical sightseeing into a three-day trip when I was 18 -- but, then again, I'm not 18 anymore...
Thanks much for your help.
Jun 15th, 2010, 09:06 PM
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Hi dbdurand,
Thanks for sharing your insight on Cambria. I think we'll stick with one night there (mostly as a base for San Simeon) and then keep three nights in the Monterey Bay area (unless we decide to add a night to SF...)
Kelly
Thanks for sharing your insight on Cambria. I think we'll stick with one night there (mostly as a base for San Simeon) and then keep three nights in the Monterey Bay area (unless we decide to add a night to SF...)
Kelly
Jun 15th, 2010, 09:21 PM
#8
I like your plan. Sure, you could use more time in SF -- but you could use more time on the coast too. Since you say you like outdoorsy things more than city things -- I wouldn't change your itinerary much.
One night in Cambria focused on touring San Simeon is fine and all you would need.
Check out this place in Carmel www.sanantoniohouseinn.com/
The main B&B is Carmel Garden Court Inn ( www.carmelgardencourtinn.com/ if you want a more traditional B&B) and the San Antonio House is sort of like an annex --but not attached. Carmel Garden Inn is up the hill in central Carmel, while San Antonio House is down one block from the beach. There is no staff on site and they bring your breakfast to your suite. It is absolutely quiet on a strictly residential street -- and you can book two nights for the price of one. They might give you a further discount for a 3 night stay.
It is a bit quirky -- but really homey and each room/suite has a terrace or patio seating plus there is a lovely garden - and then it is just around the corner from Carmel Beach.
One night in Cambria focused on touring San Simeon is fine and all you would need.
Check out this place in Carmel www.sanantoniohouseinn.com/
The main B&B is Carmel Garden Court Inn ( www.carmelgardencourtinn.com/ if you want a more traditional B&B) and the San Antonio House is sort of like an annex --but not attached. Carmel Garden Inn is up the hill in central Carmel, while San Antonio House is down one block from the beach. There is no staff on site and they bring your breakfast to your suite. It is absolutely quiet on a strictly residential street -- and you can book two nights for the price of one. They might give you a further discount for a 3 night stay.
It is a bit quirky -- but really homey and each room/suite has a terrace or patio seating plus there is a lovely garden - and then it is just around the corner from Carmel Beach.
Jun 15th, 2010, 10:57 PM
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janis's suggestion to stay at Carmel is a good one.
If you are not adverse to changing hotels frequently, then I'd suggest staying one night at Big Sur Lodge or in one of their cottages:
http://www.bigsurlodge.com/
No phones, no TV, just tall redwoods and lots of nature around you.
Here's a suggestion for hiking:
Day 1, Go early and watch the dogs cavort on Carmel Beach. Then drive south and spend the entire rest of the day at Point Lobos. It has to be a clear day because Point Lobos is along the coast and, if there is fog, you will not be able to see much.
Here's the trails map:
http://www.pointlobos.org/Trails.html
Point Lobos is only about a couple of miles south of Carmel. Once you are inside the Reserve, drive to the first parking lot and try to park there if you can. You can trade your driver's license or car keys with the ranger for a pair of binoculars - highly recommend.
Ask the ranger for directions to the Allen Grove and make the circular hike around this trail. It's a easy-moderate trail (I presume you have good walking/hiking shoes. Please don't wear flip-flops or high heels as I see some of the people do!) It'll take you about an hour to do this trail or you could spend more time and do a more leisurely hike.
After you get back to the ranger station, head out towards the Sea Lion Point Trail. This is an easy, wheelchair friendly trail. You could go off trail among the rocks, down to the small coves, etc.
In a leisurely fashion, these two trails should take up your morning. After lunch, head south on the South Shore Trail where you could spend the rest of your day jumping from rock to rock, peering into tidepools, and just enjoying this gorgeous stretch of coast.
Drive back to Carmel or Carmel Valley for dinner. Overnight Carmel.
Day Two, start driving south on Highway 1 to Pfeiffer Big Sur. You could again hike all day at Pfeiffer Big Sur. This is a totally different terrain. Instead of coastal and beach trails, you'll be in the redwood forest. The ranger station is well worth a stop to chat with the rangers and see which trails you'd like to hike. Although the hike to Pfeiffer Falls is less than an hour from the ranger station, there may be no water there at this time of year. Just ask the rangers.
The hike to the Homestead Cabin is a moderate hike and can take hours. I don't know how experienced hikers you are, but some people may need a compass. Some of these trails can be pretty "rugged" and, although well marked, it is easy to go "off trail".
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25328
For dinner, drive about 5 miles south to Nepenthe for the sunset.
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Stay the night at Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge/cottages.
Next morning, start south again and drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The entrance to the park will be on your left. Drive a few hundred yards to the parking lot, park, then look across the road you just entered and you'll see a short set of stairs. Go down those stairs and turn RIGHT. That will lead you to McWay Falls. It's wheelchair accessible trail and an easy 1/2 hour hike.
If you've hiked Pfeiffer Big Sur, there is no reason to hike any more of JPB. There is another trail from the parking lot heading in the opposite direction, but it leads to a very small falls and it's really not worth it for you after Pfeiffer Big Sur. At the bottom of the stairs, if you turn left, you will be headed towards the camp grounds. JFB is a fairly small park.
Further south is Limekiln, which is currently closed. Limekiln has the best of the easily accessible falls and the hike is mostly over undeveloped terrain. You need to pick up a walking-stick branch to help you across the streams, as there are no bridges. Check and see if it's open by the time you get here.
Then you're on your way to Cambria. As suggested stay only one night.
I've only mapped out your hiking portion. You could be spending two nights in Carmel and your first day there would be exploring Carmel itself and Monterey, the Aquarium, etc. before you start your hiking itinerary.
Hope this helps a bit.
If you are not adverse to changing hotels frequently, then I'd suggest staying one night at Big Sur Lodge or in one of their cottages:
http://www.bigsurlodge.com/
No phones, no TV, just tall redwoods and lots of nature around you.
Here's a suggestion for hiking:
Day 1, Go early and watch the dogs cavort on Carmel Beach. Then drive south and spend the entire rest of the day at Point Lobos. It has to be a clear day because Point Lobos is along the coast and, if there is fog, you will not be able to see much.
Here's the trails map:
http://www.pointlobos.org/Trails.html
Point Lobos is only about a couple of miles south of Carmel. Once you are inside the Reserve, drive to the first parking lot and try to park there if you can. You can trade your driver's license or car keys with the ranger for a pair of binoculars - highly recommend.
Ask the ranger for directions to the Allen Grove and make the circular hike around this trail. It's a easy-moderate trail (I presume you have good walking/hiking shoes. Please don't wear flip-flops or high heels as I see some of the people do!) It'll take you about an hour to do this trail or you could spend more time and do a more leisurely hike.
After you get back to the ranger station, head out towards the Sea Lion Point Trail. This is an easy, wheelchair friendly trail. You could go off trail among the rocks, down to the small coves, etc.
In a leisurely fashion, these two trails should take up your morning. After lunch, head south on the South Shore Trail where you could spend the rest of your day jumping from rock to rock, peering into tidepools, and just enjoying this gorgeous stretch of coast.
Drive back to Carmel or Carmel Valley for dinner. Overnight Carmel.
Day Two, start driving south on Highway 1 to Pfeiffer Big Sur. You could again hike all day at Pfeiffer Big Sur. This is a totally different terrain. Instead of coastal and beach trails, you'll be in the redwood forest. The ranger station is well worth a stop to chat with the rangers and see which trails you'd like to hike. Although the hike to Pfeiffer Falls is less than an hour from the ranger station, there may be no water there at this time of year. Just ask the rangers.
The hike to the Homestead Cabin is a moderate hike and can take hours. I don't know how experienced hikers you are, but some people may need a compass. Some of these trails can be pretty "rugged" and, although well marked, it is easy to go "off trail".
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25328
For dinner, drive about 5 miles south to Nepenthe for the sunset.
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Stay the night at Pfeiffer Big Sur Lodge/cottages.
Next morning, start south again and drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The entrance to the park will be on your left. Drive a few hundred yards to the parking lot, park, then look across the road you just entered and you'll see a short set of stairs. Go down those stairs and turn RIGHT. That will lead you to McWay Falls. It's wheelchair accessible trail and an easy 1/2 hour hike.
If you've hiked Pfeiffer Big Sur, there is no reason to hike any more of JPB. There is another trail from the parking lot heading in the opposite direction, but it leads to a very small falls and it's really not worth it for you after Pfeiffer Big Sur. At the bottom of the stairs, if you turn left, you will be headed towards the camp grounds. JFB is a fairly small park.
Further south is Limekiln, which is currently closed. Limekiln has the best of the easily accessible falls and the hike is mostly over undeveloped terrain. You need to pick up a walking-stick branch to help you across the streams, as there are no bridges. Check and see if it's open by the time you get here.
Then you're on your way to Cambria. As suggested stay only one night.
I've only mapped out your hiking portion. You could be spending two nights in Carmel and your first day there would be exploring Carmel itself and Monterey, the Aquarium, etc. before you start your hiking itinerary.
Hope this helps a bit.
Jun 16th, 2010, 06:03 AM
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easytraveler/janisj,
Wow, these recommendations are fabulous. Thank you so much. I'll let you know where we end up booking in Carmel. I think we will spend a night at Big Sur Lodge, assuming we can reserve it.
Easytraveler, I'm going to print out your suggested itinerary. Your ideas are right in line with what what we love to do. Any suggestions on the best place for a kayaking trip?
Thanks!
Wow, these recommendations are fabulous. Thank you so much. I'll let you know where we end up booking in Carmel. I think we will spend a night at Big Sur Lodge, assuming we can reserve it.
Easytraveler, I'm going to print out your suggested itinerary. Your ideas are right in line with what what we love to do. Any suggestions on the best place for a kayaking trip?
Thanks!
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