Hi,

I am going to spend the week of 28-Oct to 4-Nov near SF. Going there for the first time and a few places I would really like to see would be Yosemite and driving near the coast(Monterey/Big Sur etc). However I am not sure how to 'maximise' my time there? Would I have enough time to cover both Yosemite and any other place? Also, should I be worried about closed roads or driving conditions in Yosemite this time of the year? Any comments would help!

just

With a week, I think you can easily see 2 places - 3 would be pushing it. I am assuming you are planing to spend part of your time in SF, so if that is the case, then I would pick one other place to visit. Both Yosemite and Monterey area are good choices - just depends on what you want to do.

With Yosemite, you will spend more time travelling back and forth since it is about a 4 1/2 hour drive from SF. Weather shouldn't be too much of a consideration - maybe some rain, but snow is really unlikely. One challenge may be finding lodging at this late date. Check it out though, you might get lucky. If you can get lodging and don't mind the drive, Yosemite will not disappoint. Absolutely beautiful and you will probably see some fall colors.

The Monterey area is closer to SF, 2-2.5 hours, so you will spend less time driving and there are plenty of things to see along the way if you choose. Again, rain could be an issue, but the weather should be pretty nice. And of course, if it snows, you will be one of the lucky few to ever see it - LOL. Lodging shouldn't be an issue in the Monterey area because there are so many choices.

Agree with J. Correa but I would still go to see both Yosemite and Monterey. If I had a week only and wasn't sure when I go to this area again, I would spend 2.5 days for SF, 2.5 days for Yosemite (including two afternoons for driving) and 2 days for Monterey (I would even stop in Santa Cruz on my way). It's tense but duable.

SF - A lot of stuff to do there, just don't plan more than 2 activities per day to enjoy. And if you want to see redwoods/sequoias, then within your schedule I would not go to Muir Woods (just to save time for other SF attractions) but instead took a short stroll to Merced Grove in Yosemite (or if you would stay in southern part of the park - to Mariposa grove).

Yosemite - after spending morning in SF I would leave for Yosemite around 4pm and spend a night close to the park (or if you were lucky - in the park). If you are a moderate hiker, I would recommend to dedicate the next full day to the Glacier point road hiking to the Taft point, Sentinel Dome and spending sunset at the Glacier point. Vistas won't disappoint you. Or if you prefer a longer hike instead, I would take my favourite - to Vernal Falls continuing to the top of Nevada Falls (via mist trail up and John Muir trail down). But this route is the most spectacular in spring when waterfalls are at their high (though now you would be able to come very close to Vernal at its bottom). Next morning I would spend in the valley and on the way back, in afternoon, stop to see one of the sequoia groves.

Monterey - on my way there I would stop at Natural Bridges park in Santa Cruz to see monarch butterflies (they should be there by now - check it). You can also see them in Pacific Grove right near Monterey but I like Santa Cruz more because there is a nice beach with interesting tide pools nearby (you have to go right when you are facing the ocean). It would be nice to spend rest of the day in Monterey/Carmel. Then I would suggest visiting Point Lobos (try to be there @ 9am to avoid parking problems). I usually enjoy the whole day there, but if you prefer to go relatively fast (not really fast), you can easily see everything there in half a day. In this case you would have an afternoon for a short drive on highway 1 along the coast. Nice place to meet the sunset would be Julia Pfeiffer State park (the beautiful waterfall is across the highway).

Have a nice trip.

I don't have much to add. The other 2 posters gave you great suggestions.
Weather shouldn't be too much of a problem. If you go to Yosemite you will get better use of your time if you stay in the valley. I would try to time Yosemite mid-week so that you have a better chance of getting a room.

I agree with JCorrea. Two things. If you try to "do" Yosemite you will spend a lot of your time driving. Save it for next time, and enjoy San Francisco for another day or two.

On your way to Monterey, do stop in Santa Cruz to see the Monarch Butterflies. Yes, they are here now. You can find them at Natural Bridges State Park, at the northern end of West Cliff Drive.

In Monterey you might want to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, an absolutely world class aquarium.