Building a SF itinerary and need comments
 

Here is a tentative itinerary. I’ve tried to do some homework first and this is what I’ve come up with so far. Please let me know if this is doable and any additional comments or suggestions are appreciated.<BR> <BR>Saturday: Depart Dallas arrive San Jose 11:00 a.m. – Pick up rental car and drive South on Hwy-101 to Cambria. Spend the night in Cambria (Best Western?).<BR>Sunday: Take first tour of Hearst Castle then drive North on Hwy-1 to Big Sur and stop for lunch. Continue North on Hwy-1 and overnight in Carmel (need hotel recommendation).<BR>Monday: Drive into SF, return rental car, check into hotel (Tuscan Inn). Lunch on the Wharf (suggestions?). Explore Wharf area and check out Ghiradelli Square and maybe an ice cream sundae. Ride cable car (Hyde Powell) take in the sights. Dinner at Caf&eacute; Pescatore. Early to bed and early to rise the next day. <BR>Tuesday: Take the Super Deluxe tour from Golden Gate Jeep Tours (6hr tour with lunch in Tiburon (Guaymas?). This tour seems to cover just about everything in SF area including Muir Woods (www.goldengatetours.com). Maybe dinner at Aquas or a really good French restaurant (suggestions?). Wednesday: Choose one of the areas we covered on the tour and spend more time there. Maybe morning in Chinatown and afternoon in Sausalito via ferry? Wednesday evening dinner at Rose Pistola (other suggestions?) and then Beach Blanket Babylon. Maybe stop in City Lights Bookstore after.<BR>Thursday: Check out of hotel, pick up car rental and drive to Napa Valley. Visit Robert Mondavi, Beringer, Opus, CIA (other suggestions?) Overnight in Yountville (Bordeaux House) and hopefully dine at The French Laundry or maybe Mustards Grill (get reservations ahead of time).<BR>Friday: More touring of wine region (time for portion of Sonoma?) and back to San Francisco. Need name of hotel close to airport (SFO).<BR>Saturday: Depart at 11:00 a.m. arrive Dallas 4:30 p.m.<BR>

Micki, looks great! A few suggestions.<BR><BR>Lunch in Fisherman's Wharf - Scoma's and have the cioppino.<BR><BR>It's a tough call between getting out on the bay on a ferry or touring Chinatown. If you choose Chinatown there are great walking tours that end with a meal through wokwiz.com. Alcatraz is fascinating and the view of the bridge and the city from the water is breathtaking.<BR><BR>Guaymas is very good with a beautiful view, good choice.<BR><BR>Have an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista across the street from Fisherman's Wharf. Have a drink at Vesuvio's above City Lights bookstore. Try and get up to Coit Tower in SF for an amazing view of the city and interesting history.<BR><BR>Make reservations well in advance for Aqua, Rose Pistola, the Robert Mondavi tours. <BR><BR>French Laundry is very tricky. You need to call exactly two months in advance to the day, first thing in the morning, and the line will be incessantly busy. Try and try and try to get through to make your reservation and good luck to you! An alternative suggestion is Terra in St. Helena - a great restaurant that will also require an advance reservation, but not so tricky as FL.<BR><BR>You are flying into San Jose and out of SFO? <BR><BR>It's obvious you've done a great deal of homework and it looks like a great itinerary. Sorry I can't help much with accomodation suggestions, I'm sure you'll hear from others who can answer your specific questions. Have fun!<BR><BR>

Rain,<BR>Thanks for the additional suggestions. Most of what I've planned has come from the posts read here and from Fodor's guidebook. We are flying into San Jose because I thought since we are traveling South it's a headstart and then leaving from SFO. What kind of place is Vesuvio's? Also, the friend I'm traveling with isn't to keen on Alcatraz. Is this a "must see"?

Do you really want to drive hwy 1 both south and then north? You can cut over from Cambria via 46 to 101 and gain extra time to spend in Carmel/Monterey. Moose's is also convenient for before BBB. Tra Vigne is a nice alternative to the French Laundry. Bordeaux House is too cute for us--

Kam,<BR>We are driving Hwy101 South (faster) and Hwy-1 North (scenic and farther from edge of cliff). Is Bordeaux house cutsy? Don't want cutsie but would like something with double beds or twin. Also thought about something boring like a Best Western considering we won't spend much time there and it would be cheaper.

You've certainly packed a lot into your tours. It sounds well planned but make sure your stay flexible or else you'll be stressed out. Don't see when your're travelling but if it's summer, plan for lots of crowds and it will be 20 degrees cooler than your other places. I go to SF every year and see something different each time. Tiburon is wonderful and I hear raves about Guyama's. It's smaller than Sausalito. I usually take the ferry over early and sit in the open air restaurant for lunch. Can't remember the name. Lots of food at Scoma's but supposedly good. Aqua's is wonderful but even on an expense account it is expensive. I like Kuletto's in Union Sq and they have another property at the Wharf. Every year I plan to go to the Rock but never make it. I want to go to the new Giants stadium this year too, but it's usually sold out.<BR><BR>Chandon has a wonderful lunch in Napa. Many, many selections for wineries. Again, be flexible and make an unplanned spot in a small winery. The big ones are mobbed. You can tell I don't like crowds.<BR><BR>I envy your trip. Explore.

Micki,<BR><BR>You may also want to spend a day in San Jose as well. Although it is mostly known as the Capital of Silicon Valley, there are many worthwhile attractions in and around Silicon Valley (www.sanjose.org). As long as you are in Silicon Valley, a stop at the Tech Museum of Innovation in Downtown SJ is a great way to see how Silicon Valley all started. San Pedro Square, walking distance from the Tech,has some great restaurants. The San Jose Museum of Art, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and the Japanese Gardens in Kelley Park are other things to consider checking out for a way to experience some of the city's highlights.

Micki--reread your original and yes, great idea to take 101 directly down to Cambria to start. Be careful around King City--it's a notorious speed trap. I think they have a CHP center near there.A couple missions in the area, if that's of interest. Great place for Mexican is La Fuente near Soledad--just a hole in the wall but good food. Anyone in the area can direct you. My husband doesn't like "cute" and "communal" or bric a brac and Bordeaux House has it all! Don't know about the two bed dilemma--try El Bonita for reasonable and possibly two beds. You'll find the chain hotels are located pretty far from the action in the valley. You can also search at www.napavalley.com or www.innaccess.com Additional thoughts: BW Fireside Inn is a favorite of ours in Cambria,many places in Carmel require a two night stay on a weekend. One that doesn't is the Carmel Village Inn on Junipero. Just a step above a motel, but well located and reasonable. A suggested route from Carmel to SF is 156 east to 101 to 85 to 280 which will then merge back into 101 into SF. It's much prettier and you will avoid San Jose traffic.For SF restaurants go to www.sfgate.com--reserve well ahead. Moose's is an alternative to Rose Pistola before BBB. Instead of French Laundry--Tra Vigne, Bistro Jeanty. You don't have to stay down near SFO for an 11am flight--you could stay in the city. It's about 30 min by taxi. But, if you need to there's a Marriott, Ramada, Hyatt, Hilton--name a chain and they're all there! And, Alcatraz is not a "must see"--only if it interests you. You can take a bay tour by ferry that goes close to Alcatraz rather than actually visiting the prison. And, you might want to choose between Sausalito and Tiburon--they're pretty similar both with great views. Sausalito a bit more commercial, Tiburon more residential. You've done a lot of homework and at the end of this week I think you'll be exhausted but happy. Have fun.

Micki.. RUN don't walk from Don's comments (see above). He works for the San Jose Visitors bureau, and tends to "cut and paste" his responses like he's making cookies. TRUST me, San Jose is nothing more then a glorified convention center with a few hotels near it. It's 60 miles south of The City (San Francisco) and you'll not want to waste one of your precious days in San Jose. Thanks for listening.

Micki,<BR><BR>Just wanted to clarify that I do not for the San Jose visitors bureau despite what SJ Realist says. I gues he/she has some personal bia against San Jose and would ignore such advice. Being that you will be flying into San Jose I just thought I would mention some highlights that may be of interest to you.

Just want to clarify, that Don is a closet San Jose madman. He cuts and pastes recommendations because he wants more people to come to San Jose and spend money there even though it's a waste of time (www.cutandpastesanjose

My wife and I are planning to travel to the area for a week around Memorial Day. If it's okay with you, I am going to use your plan as a reference for our plans. In the future, I am going to post a question for good picnic spots.<BR><BR>A couple of points from our last trip there. We had good luck with weekdays in Carmel and the Wine Country and weekends in San Francisco.<BR><BR>Regarding San Jose, you will be surprised at how bush league the airport is. Oklahome City and Lubbock have nicer airports. Hard for me to imagine how a city so important can have a backwater airport.<BR><BR>Although I have not participated in the SJ v.SF flame wars, I have to say there is not much to San Jose proper. Maybe visit Gilroy if the Garlic Festival is on. With limited time, the places you have chosen are much more interesting.<BR><BR>Beach Blanket Babylon is entertaining, but I am not going to go again.<BR><BR>I will be trying to get a reservation at Gary Danko's. I have read several wonderful reviews implying it curently is the best restaurant in San Francisco. Of course, any choice you make will probably be wonderful.<BR><BR>Good luck on getting reservations to The French Laundry. I have had no success in getting reservations, and yes I start calling at 9:55 Pacific Time, two months to the day in advance. I will agree that Tre Vigna is a wonderful restaurant, very casual, great food.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.

Maybe find a way to fit in Alcatraz? We stayed at Tuscan Inn and enjoyed it.

Just want to clarify that Jimbo is Susan Spike in disguise who's only agenda is do post false information about San Jose

In defence of San Jose's airport, it's actually two terminals. If you flew in on United, yes it is like a step way back in time. The American/SWA terminal is better but still unable to keep up with the Silicon valley traffic. It was workable about 7 years ago, pushing it now. But, it is scheduled to be completely rebuilt soon. They are working first to rearrange the freeway. One of the nicest airports I've been in lately is Ontario, but that doesn't make Ontario a major destination for me.

Hope you have a great time in the Bay Area--I'm tired just looking at your itinerary! One point: I've lived in the area my entire 45 years and although San Jose is a perfectly fine place to live, don't waste a second of your vacation hanging out there.

This talk about nothing to do in San Jose for visitors seems perplexing. I have lived in the suburbs outside of San Jose for over 20 years. When I first moved here, I agree that there was not much in the city proper. But in the last 15 years the downtown has been completely rebuilt(hotels, restaurants, museums, performing arts, Compaq Center(San Jose Arena) just to name a few of the improvements. Even outside of downtown one can find places to see (History museum and Japanese gardens in Kelley Park, Egyptian Museum, as well as unique neighborhoods such as Willow Glen). If you look around you can always find something interesting to do.

Hi Micki! One other place you will definltey need advance tickets for is Hearst Castle. The tours during summer are always sold out in advance. they have a few different tours, the one most 1st timers take is the grounds/swimming pools/main rooms/1 guest house. It's a facinating place & worth more than one visit. You'll love Cambria! <BR><BR>I love Mustard's Grill & it might be a little easier to get reservations.<BR><BR>Chandon has a very interesting tour if you like champagne (yes, I know it's not officially called that).<BR><BR>Have fun!

ttt

I just re-read my comments regarding San Jose. I apologize to everyone on this board for being so one-sided with my recommendations. San Jose is "ok", but I really should be more careful with how forcefully I pretend that it's such a wonderous entertainment mecca. Sorry for misleading everyone!

Please note that the previous posting just above this one is by someone else using my name who has a personal bias against San Jose and Silicon Valley. I stand by everything I said in my only other post on 3/21.

But, I have to admit, San Jose has gotten a bit stale lately.

Micki: I was born and raised in Dallas. Now live in San Jose and have a second home on Monterey Peninsula so I know where you are coming from and where you are going.<BR><BR>Good idea to fly into San Jose. You did your homework. While I agree that San Jose is a great place to live and the downtown is now fun to go to, I would not say it is a tourist stop. Do not put it on your schedule this trip.<BR><BR>Place to stay in Carmel area: Pine Inn on Ocean is very nice. Also try a Monterey Peninsula town the tourists are not really aware of: Pacific Grove. It is a real town of 17000 people with quaint shops and the best beach front on the Monterey Peninsula...better than Carmel or Monterey. Some tourists think it is Monterey as PG city limit is right at the Monterey Aquarium entrance. Go to pacificgrove.org to check it out. Also check out the Green Gable Inn or Seven Gables Inn in PG. Both are Victorian B and Bs facing the water of Monterey Bay. Seven Gables was featured in a Visa tv spot a few years ago.<BR><BR>Great, and I mean great, restaurant in PG is Fandango's. They get the stars in the area to visit that and the locals love it.<BR><BR>Across the street from Fandango's is Joe Rombi's. Small, great food.<BR><BR>San Francisco Area: You have a lot on your plate but it can be done. <BR><BR>In Napa you may want to visit the Coppola Winerey. Owned by Francis Ford Coppola and bought with money he earned making the Godfather movie. Beautiful building and grounds plus he has his Academy Awards and other items from him movie career on display. Worth a visit.<BR><BR>Sterling Vineyards has a cable car to the top for its tour and they do a nice job. Good views up there.<BR><BR>Beach Blanket is good. 25 years running means something. Go.<BR><BR>The Buena Vista is an experience. Get the Irish coffee like everyone else. If you find a place to sit down, you lucked out.<BR><BR>The route one poster gave you to take from Carmel to SF is excellent. Go 156 to 101 to 85 to 280 north to SF. Reason is simple: 101 north to SF is all commercial and filled with trucks heading into the city. The 280 route is a little longer but they do not allow trucks and you pass through some beautiful green fields and great scenery. It really sets you up for going into SF. I drive this route anytime I go into the city.<BR><BR>Have fun. Glad to have a few Texas people visit.<BR>

Micki, I'm delayed in answering your specific questions but looks like you've got some great info here (San Jose notwithstanding). Vesuvio's is a beat era holdover, much associated with City Lights. Won't be poetry readings, maybe a little music, but the atmosphere is good.<BR><BR>Alcatraz is not a "must see" but try and have a bay cruise if time allows. If you like Tibouron on the tour you can cruise back over there, or if weather is nice take a ferry over to Angel Island and have a look at the old immigation station. A good move to fly into San Jose and out of SF, works well with your itinerary. Enjoy!<BR><BR>Please post a trip report when you return! I'd be anxious to hear if you get into the French Laundry!

We did a portion of your trip, but started in the Napa Valley then south (to Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, etc.) the back to San Francisco before flying home. We spent two days in the wine country. Mondavi does a great tour! We also enjoyed Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma. One place we almost overlooked was Sattui winery, recommended by a local. It only ships directly to customers and has excellent wines. My husband recommends Stag's Leap in Napa and Arrow Wood Winery in Sonoma as well, for excellent wine tasting.<BR><BR>Someone suggested Bistro Jeanty, and I second that for excellent food in a relaxing setting. We ate there after flying in from Philadelphia and driving to Napa, and it was wonderful.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Thanks to everyone that has posted a reply. There are some great suggestions here, some of which I've added to my original itinerary - Irish Coffee at Buena Vista, drinks after Beach Blanket Babylon at Vesuvio's, Gary Danko's, Check out alternative to staying in Carmel/Monterrey (Pacific Grove and dinner at Fandango's). As for the San Jose comments, just not enough room to fit in on this visit. I plan on taking this with us as a reference. Even if we can't do everything it's nice to have options. We don't leave until August so I'll probably be back here with more questions as our trip nears. Thanks so much.