My husband and I are planning a trip to California in September, flying into San Diego and driving up the coast to San Francisco. We have 10 days for our journey and wonder what those of you who know California would suggest we make it a point to see. We're just beginning to think about our vacation and so far this is what appeals: San Diego zoo, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz, a Napa Valley wine tour, Sausalito, and San Francisco. What are other "must sees"? We would appreciate any suggestions you can give us. Thank you.

How about the Hearst Castle?

Wine tasting in Paso Robles and/or Santa Barbara.

Highway 1 to Carmel. Wine tasting in the Carmel Valley.

My personal opinion is that the Napa Valley is vastly overrated, very expensive and extremely crowded.

Take the ferry from SF to Sausalito. Very pretty trip.

Go to an SF Giants ball game. Beautiful ballpark.

Tons of other things to do and see in SF.

welcome to Fodors hwm. Rastaguy has given you some good ideas to get started. However, you'll want to re-post your questions over on the United States board. (See the 'Change Forum' pull down menu? )

This forum is more for general travel discussions -- luggage, equipment, things like that, not destination-specific threads. MANY more people will see your post on the US board.

When you re-post you can tag the thread for California.

Also - once you are on the US Forum you will find just scads of threads asking/answering almost your exact questions . . .

Great ideas. I'm interested in your comment about Napa Valley and we will seriously consider the other wine tours you mentioned. We will visit the Hearst Castle.
also thinking about a football game in Berkley. Thanks!

to repeat - re-post over on the USA board.

Wonderful idea, From my point of view if you are going to California and driving up the coast to San Francisco, you will also go to Panama City Beach Florida. There is a best vacation Package.