Hi guys. I have another SF question.

We're considering doing an day trip from SF to Santa Cruz, then to Monterey/Carmel and 17 mile drive and overnight in Monterey) on 6 July, then to Yosemite on 7-9 July, and drive to La/Oxnard on the 9th July via either the I-5 or CA-99 S. Unfortunately with our time constraints, a 2-3 day drive down the coast is not possible.

My question is - are we making a huge mistake in only travelling as far as Monterey / Carmel / 17 mile drive? IMHO, this option offers a compromise - some of the scenery, and we gain a full day in SF (Muir woods, Marin headlands).

One of the main reasons for traveling south from SF is to see Big Sur - and you would miss it if you only went as far as Carmel.

Santa Cruz is great and the kids would probably enjoy the boardwalk. But IMO Big Sur trumps the 17 mile drive by a very long shot.

I'd decide whether your family wants a seaside resort stop w/ rides and games on the boardwalk/beach or a drive through redwoods and amazing coastal scenery in Big Sur. Then EITHER do Santa Cruz/Monterey/Aquarium > Yosemite - or - Carmel/Big Sur/Cambria > Yosemite. W/ just one night you can't do more really.

BTW -- the Redwoods in Big Sur trump Muir Woods too (plus Muir Woods gets VERY crowded. They even have to close the parking areas. So I'd skip it and use that day farther south.

The Marin Headlands are gorgeous -- it is just that Big Sur is more so.

Thanks Janis. But is it feasible to drive as far south as Cambria, and then all the way back to Yosemite, in an overnight trip? (Especially considering we'll be driving on the 'opposite' side of the road so a bit nervous around those cliff edges!).
What sort of drive time including stops would I need to budget on (I'm a bit nervous to go on Google Maps times).
Would you then recommend overnighting in Cambria?

Driving Yosemite-Oxnard, would you suggest I-5 or Ca-99 or another route?

Thanks Janis. But is it feasible to drive as far south as Cambria, and then all the way back to Yosemite, in an overnight trip? (Especially considering we'll be driving on the 'opposite' side of the road so a bit nervous around those cliff edges!).
What sort of drive time including stops would I need to budget on (I'm a bit nervous to go on Google Maps times).
Would you then recommend overnighting in Cambria?

Driving Yosemite-Oxnard, would you suggest I-5 or Ca-99 or another route?

>> and then all the way back to Yosemite,<<

Actually there is no 'all the way back. The drive from Cambria to Yosemite takes almost exactly the same time as the drive from Monterey. Its 200 miles and about 3.5 hours from Cambria, and about 190 miles and 3.5 hours from Monterey.

as for YNP south,it is a slightly shorter drive but about an the same drive using 99. I'd probably take I-5 since it is easier to make up time.

oops -- that should say >>it is a slightly shorter drive but about an the same time using 99<<

Thank you Janis. So you'd suggest a day along the coast over an extra day in SF (we only have 2 full days in SF this stage)?
Would you suggest overnighting in Cambria?

I think we'll give Santa Cruz a miss, but from what I see its a pity we won't have time for Monterey as well.

I don't quite understand your suggestion re YNP south - you're saying I-5 is better than route 99 south?

I-5 is a faster road. In theory 99 is a bit shorter and should be a shorter drive time. But in 'real life' I-5 is more open w/ less local traffic.

I would highly suggest Washington DC. You will get plenty of tips on what to do in DC. I would also highly suggest to make a day trip (or two+ day) to Baltimore. You can get round trip train tickets for about $15 between DC and Baltimore. Baltimore is often forgotten between NY, Boston, Philly, and DC.

While in Baltimore, check out the Harbor. Lots of shops, places to eat, live entertainment, small park with sand volleyball courts, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (maybe a little trashy but still fun), National Aquarium (must do!), and Science Center. Check out a Baltimore Orioles baseball game; amazing stadium, friendly people, one of the best places to watch America's pastime. Head to Harbor East or Fells Point for a nicer dinner on the water. Fort McHenry is a great historic visit (where the American national anthem was written). While you're in Baltimore, Charm City Circulator will get you everywhere for free (including the free boat taxi). There is a really cool war ship and submarine in the harbor to tour as well. The duck tours are also fun (open air bus tour that also turns in to a boat and you drive straight in to the water). They give you duck whistles, kids love it!

There is so much to do and it will be your cheapest visit between the other cities you have mentioned. If you are in the DC area, I highly recommend visiting it.

Great info on Baltimore, UCDTravels. Makes me wanna go!