From San Francisco - you could go up to beautiful/deep blue Lake Tahoe -(4 hour drive if you avoid traffic) - and maybe take a chair ride to the top of Heavenly Valley or Squaw Valley ski areas and propose there. Or - maybe take the lake steamboat and propose on the deck? http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/

Or - drive down to Carmel/Monterrey (3 hours) - and pick a scenic spot there - or a bit further down the coast - along incredibly scenic Big Sur.

This view from Nepenthene gives you an idea. http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

Take her to Glacier Point in Yosemite at sunset. Yes, there will dozens of people there, but it's one of the most beautiful spots on this planet.
http://www.free-hdwallpapers.com/wallpapers/nature/564643.jpg

If she says 'no', then just throw her off the cliff (just joking!!).

Or - maybe try and arrange to take a little boat ride out to the island by Vikingsholm - (Fanette Island in Emerald Bay - the only island in Lake Tahoe) and propose in the "tower".

http://www.vikingsholm.org/

You could also propose on the Golden Gate Bridge.....or there is also a trail in the Marin Headlands to Point Bonita Lighthouse with a view of the GG Bridge www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm
You really can't go wrong with the California coastline for beautiful scenery!

Good luck on your CPA exam, congratulations on your upcoming engagement, and most of all, congratulations for not trying to fit too much into an itinerary!!!

If you can afford it, hire a photographer to take pictures when you propose!

Otherwise, same as tenthumbs - CONGRATULATIONS!

Stick to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe; the other area is to go down to the Monterey Peninsula.

If you decide on Monterey/Carmel area (which I recommend) stay at:

http://www.thesevengablesinn.com/

It is beautiful, with stunning views of the bay just beyond the property. It is one of our favorite inns and areas to visit.

Thanks all for the suggestions! We've discussed the itinerary all of last night, and I think we have a final decision (we don't have exact dates, as my GF's still needs HR approval and all that good stuff), but we will be doing 10 days total sometime between late July and late August, split as follows:

- Day 1 - Arrive to SFO in the morning, check-in, walk around and get a feel for the city
- Day 2 - More SF sightseeing, Alcatraz, etc.
- Day 3 - More SF sightseeing
- Day 4 - Check out in the morning, pick up rental car, leave for Yosemite at 9:30a
- Day 5 - Yosemite fun
- Day 6 - Yosemite fun
- Day 7 - Check out early and drive to Monterrey (that hotel looks amazing BTW DebitNM, will definitely be staying there!)
- Day 8 - Monterrey/Carmel
- Day 9 - Monterrey/Carmel
- Day 10 - Do some more sightseeing, drive to SFO for return flight to Miami

My only concern is that we will not have much time to sight-see in Yosemite, how long would you guys recommend we stay there so that we get a full feel for most of what the park has to offer?

Also, thanks for the Glacier Point suggestion PaulRabe! I think that would fit the bill just fine for my "ulterior motives"

Again, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

What time of year is this trip planned? Some parts of the year not all of Yosemite is accessible so 3 nights would be plenty and in most cases is enough to see the highlights.

Sorry I see it's in the summer - dang I read your whole post too.

On you arrival day you will have many hours to enjoy the sights in the valley as daylight is long in the summer. Then you have 2 days to see other parts of the park before you are off to Monterey. That seems like enough time.

You don't want Monterrey--that's in Mexico. The town in California is Monterey.

Do you have lodging reservations for Yosemite booked? If not, get on that immediately.

Yosemite is a must. It will blow your mind. You need to really be on top of getting lodging though. If you can squeeze in Big Sur..do it! Ventanna Inn is fantastic but not cheap.Even if you just have a meal or drinks there, it's worth it. http://www.ventanainn.com/

Please don't call it Cali...that's as offensive to real Californians as calling San Francisco "Frisco".

Here are some of my ideas of things to do around Frisco:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/san-francisco---stu-dudleys-recommendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

The entire itinerary will need to revolve around when/if you can get accommodations in Yosemite Valley.

How soon will you GF be able to lock down her vacation dates w/ HR? As soon as she does . . . immediately jump on booking at Yosemite Lodge. Then - depending on which dates you get there, plan the rest of your route.

LOL Stu.

And for Yosemite - you can always "rough it" in Curry Village ( http://www.yosemitepark.com/curry-village-cabins.aspx where we enjoy staying) - if you have to - and with the extra denaro - enjoy a grand dinner at the Ahwahnee.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/ahwahnee-dining-room.aspx

How long does it take to get the "feel" of Yosemite? Maybe about 3 months or so at least for starters, spaced of course across various times of the year. In summer as others have already said, Yosemite is jammed with people. Near Glacier Point (on the South Rim) is also a short easy trail to Sentinel Dome which overlooks most of the valley, Nevada and Vernal Falls, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Maybe you could find a quieter spot there to "pop the question". Or just down in the meadow, maybe looking up and watching the climbers on El Capitan (an amazing sight).
My other recommendation is to see the "Other" National Park. Don't tell anyone but Sequoia NP 60 miles south of Yosemite is just as beautiful (in a different way) and way, way less crowded.
Good luck!

jlub has it right on Sequoia NP. What you will see there will blow your mind. Not sure if at any point you will have the option to go to Whoa Nelly Deli, might not be on any part of your route, but just in case check it out: http://www.whoanelliedeli.com/

Again, thanks so much everyone for your great feedback!

So the plans have moved forward quite a bit. GF got approval for 08/05-08/16. Thanks to all of your advice, we immediately called Yosemite for lodging, and managed to find two nights at the Ahwahnee, 08/08-08/10. This is perfect, as my GF's birthday is 08/09, so this is when the proposing will take place, BUT we only have the 2 nights in Yosemite (original plan was for 3 nights) so we modified the plan in the following way:

- 08/05 - Arrive to SFO in the morning, check-in, walk around and get a feel for the city
- 08/06 - More SF sightseeing, Alcatraz, etc.
- 08/07 - More SF sightseeing
- 08/08 - Check out early in the morning, pick up rental car, leave for Yosemite at 8:00a. Arrive at Yosemite around noon, have lunch and explore the valley
- 08/09 - Yosemite fun
- 08/10 - Yosemite fun, leave the park at sundown, drive to San Simeon
- 08/11 - Tour Hearst Castle, drive to Monterey at sundown
- 08/12 - Monterey/Carmel
- 08/13 - Monterey/Carmel
- 08/14 - Do some more sightseeing, drive to SFO for return flight to Miami

After discussing Monterey with the GF, she'd prefer if we stayed at a place that's not a small inn like the Seven Gables (lady is particular about where she sleeps...), so we'll be staying at the Hyatt by the golf course (her choice). On the plus side, it's much cheaper, on the negative it's not as nice or close to the water. So since the hotel won't be one of the attractions, I'm starting to think 3 days in Monterey is overkill (we're catching a red-eye back to Miami, so we'll have the entire last day to do things). Is there enough to do in the area (like within 1-1 & 1/2 hour driving distance)? What do you all think about Hearst Castle, is it worth it (looks amazing in pictures)? As always, any and all advice and suggestions is appreciated - Thanks!!

Ruben F.

I think kayaking in Monterey Bay is fun- we went on a guided tour, they provide all the gear- loved it.
Drive over to the little town of Capitola - cute shops and restaurants along the water.

Two comments:

1) It may not be the best time to leave SF at 8am in the morning. The traffic along I-80 could be horrendous, but I don't drive that road for work every day, so maybe someone else could give you a better idea.

2) If you want to be on the water, look into Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. If you can get the room right at the very end of the pier, then you will be right out over the water with a panoramic view of the ocean.

http://www.montereyplazahotel.com/

There's another hotel in that area sort of on the beach, the Spindrift Inn, but I haven't stayed there, so don't know how it stacks up.

Further south in Carmel/Big Sur, there are a couple of luxury hotels, such as the Ventana Inn, with views of the ocean but not really ON the water.

http://www.ventanainn.com/

A few things:

1. You could do no better than have Yosemite as a backdrop to your proposal!!

2. Hearst Castle is great (make a reservation for a tour), and the drive between San Simeon and Monterey is fabulous. (Big Sur is in between). Stop at Nepenthe for lunch and the view.

3. If you really want to see Alcatraz, reserve in advance - it does sell out. There's only one way to get there, and that's the "official" boat:

http://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm

I agree with sf7307 on Hearst Castle, but you should try to modify your plan to drive from San Simeon to Monterey "at sundown". Best done during the day to appreciate the many scenic views. It's a designated California Scenic Byway. See:

http://byways.org/explore/byways/2301

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, please post a photo of your proposal from Yosemite. I can't imagine a more beautiful spot to begin a lifetime of togetherness.

Oh, I missed that part. Yes, tour Hearst Castle in the morning, and leave right after the tour to start your drive. You'll want to have time to enjoy the sights along the way - including Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach.

WONDERFUL that you got the Ahwahnee!

re the drive over to Yosemite - If it was me I'd either leave earlier (6AM or even earlier, or wait til around 9:30 to start out. There would still be traffic - but not TRAFFIC

"I'm starting to think 3 days in Monterey is overkill "

Not at all. The entire area - Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Pt Lobos, San Simeon (a drive but worth it), fine dining, Monetery could easily fill a week. I spend a few days in Carmel almost every year and could go more often. IMO 3 days is a good first visit.

Don't forget that you will need to get reservations for Alcatraz, if you haven't already.

Congrats on scoring the Ahwahnee. As for hiking/exploring Yosemite, bear in mind that the Valley will be VERY crowded (and likely hot) in August (and the falls will have dwindled). I'd suggest getting up to the high country and doing some hiking in the Tuolumne area.

Hey Rubendf, If you only have 2 days in Yosemite, remember that it is very crowded. If you can, arrive very early to bypass the crowds at the gate. Once you are in the gates, crowds are big but everything is manageable (except when I saw someone throw a cigarette butt into the river). I agree, it would be way cool to see a picture of the proposal. Hey, OK I'm a romantic too, what can I say. Have a great trip.

Since you've gotten so much help with your trip, Ruben, I think the least you can do to say "thanks" is to post a picture of the proposal.........

I will definitely be posting pictures of the proposal! Someone suggested I contact the concierge at the Ahwahnee for assistance with the proposal, and I'll be doing just that. Hopefully, we can get him/her or someone at the park to clandestinely take pictures or video as it happens. Fingers crossed!

Thanks again for all your help!

My husband proposed to me 20 years ago at Inspiration Point (first exit past the past the 2nd tunnel) My husband followed the proposal with a surprise dinner at the Ahwahnee scoring a table at the far end of the restaurant by the window. The most secluded & romantic part or the restaurant.
Your future bride will never forget this, I haven't.
Ask for their best table & don't forget they have a dress code for dinner.
Congratulations!!