CA Trip - include Mammoth Lakes OR Yosemite?
 

Debating whether to include one of the topic locations in my next trip to CA. We've never been to either however may be too ambitious based on our other needs. We're flying from Ohio the second half of September 2016 - planning on about 10 nights. Any suggestions on routing (where to fly in/out of) and whether to include subject locations would be helpful. We're not into hiking so much ... just viewing natural beauty.

Here's our want-to-do's:
1. stop briefly to see a friend in San Fran (w'e've already toured the area).
2. Monterey - Carmel - through Big Sur area - husband's never seen
3. Time with close friends LA area - they're up for meeting us & staying somewhere as husband and I have done greater LA multiple times
4. at least 4 nights in San Diego - attending a convention where we'll spend time with yet other friends

Thanks in advance for your (as always) helpful suggestions!

Honestly -- w/ SF, Monterey/Carmel, visiting w/ your friends (in LA or elsewhere) and 4 nights in SD, you really don't have time for either. But if you do squeeze one in, it should definitely be Yosemite.

Yes, the best choice by far is Yosemite.

If I understand correctly, you are flying into San Franciso and out of San Diego. If so, your routing would be San Francisco, Yosemite, Monterey, and then as you outline.

HTtY

Wiith 4 days in San Diego, that only leaves you 6 days, not a lot of time, you want two nights on Highway 1, 2-3 in SF leaving you with one night elsewhere. Any way you can add a few days so your trip is not so rushed?

My choice would be Yosemite.

As happytrailstoyou suggested SF-Yosemite-Hwy 1-SD. Meet your LA friends in Yosemite for a couple nights. Drive down Hwy I and then just bomb through LA (your timing will have to be near perfect) on your way to San Diego. Enjoy!