Planning romantic getaway, arriving in LAX 6/27, departing SFO 7/7. Will have car but thinking of dumping it upon arrival in SF. One or 2 nights at Mama Shelter mandatory b/c we met at Mama in Bordeaux last summer.... want 2 nights in Napa before landing in SF for 4 nights on back end. Was tempted to spend 2 nights in Santa Monica for more time in LA but at swankier hotel, but could easily do 3 nights at Mama then add a stop in Santa Cruz or elsewhere on the beach en route to Napa. Mama is on the lower end of rates for my budget, and found Scarlet Huntington (by joining the chain, got 4th night free) so willing to splurge for the beach stop. ($400-450/nt). We are in our early 50's but VERY young at heart and want cool atmosphere. Thanks! ((FYI, I heavily relied on this forum to plan my 50th bday trip- 1st solo trip ever- to France last summer, and it resulted in my meeting the love of my life my 1st night there, so I am very eager to hear your suggestions!)

San Francisco recommendations

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...ations-356478/

Stu Dudley

If you don't have your heart set on Napa, you could do wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley just north and inland from Santa Barbara as well as other regions.

thanks to both of you. As it turns out, we shortened the trip to June 27- July 7 due to work demands. ideally, spending 4 nights in LA (2 at Mama Shelter and 2 in Santa Monica) then 2 in between LA and SF, and 4 nights in SF. Would love to cover Santa Cruz and Napa on this trip but not eager to spend only 1 night in a hotel, nor eager to spend 7-9 hours in car at once.... my BF is very eager to explore LA and SF (he's French- 1st time in those cities), so not inclined to shorten those portions but open to suggestions nonetheless.

>>As it turns out, we shortened the trip to June 27- July 7 due to work demands

oops. I had a really long day yesterday and was beyond exhausted -forgot I posted AFTER I shorted the trip. LOL. But we already are arriving in SF 7/3 and have a hotel for 4 nights. At this point, really just need a good 2 night stop for the 1st and 2nd (and will hope they don't have a minimum). Not familiar with the towns in between, other than having heard of San Luis Obispo (sp?)

How about Cambria? Near San Simeon, the vineyards of Paso Robles, elephant seals.