Traveling to north cali for the first time!

Old Feb 19th, 2013, 07:54 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Traveling to north cali for the first time!

Hey Everyone!

This is my first post here, so let me thank you all in advance for any and all advice! My live-in girlfriend and I are planning to travel to the San Francisco area this summer, after a very convoluted and busy period in our lives (taking the CPA exam, for anyone who can relate ). Anyway, the plan is to fly in to San Francisco, see the sights for 3-4 days and then drive out from there for an additional 5-6 days, for a total of 9 days and 8 nights. We are coming from South Florida, and we are open as to where our return flight departs from. We are interested in the Redwoods, Yosemite, small B&Bs, small charming towns, but not so much interested in the wine country (we are not drinkers), other than for driving around and taking pictures, on our way to a different destination. We also don't want to try to fit in too much during our trip, preferring to really see 2-3 great destinations, with large chunks of rest periods in between (I do need to catch up on my sleep!), rather than skimming over all of North Cali.

Biggest thing is that I'm planning to propose during this trip. So I would really appreciate suggestions for a beautiful, secluded location where we can go for a short hike and picnic, and where I can pop the question. I really appreciate you reading this and for your advice, and please feel free to ask any pertinent questions
rubendf is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 08:28 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
Tomsd is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 08:35 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/wal...ure/564643.jpg

If she says 'no', then just throw her off the cliff (just joking!!).
PaulRabe is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 08:35 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
Tomsd is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 09:16 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!!!
tenthumbs is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 10:29 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
easytraveler is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2013, 11:17 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 08:38 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
rubendf is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 09:07 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Suzie is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 09:09 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Suzie is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 09:48 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You don't want Monterrey--that's in Mexico. The town in California is Monterey.
Underhill is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 11:20 AM
  #12  
SAB
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do you have lodging reservations for Yosemite booked? If not, get on that immediately.
SAB is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 02:54 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
ktspiv4 is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 03:48 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Please don't call it Cali...that's as offensive to real Californians as calling San Francisco "Frisco".
azzure is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 03:55 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here are some of my ideas of things to do around Frisco:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu Dudley
StuDudley is offline  
Old Feb 20th, 2013, 04:53 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
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.
janisj is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 01:39 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
Tomsd is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 02:19 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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 is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2013, 02:23 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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/
ktspiv4 is offline  
Old Feb 28th, 2013, 08:02 AM
  #20  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
rubendf is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -