California
Apr 5th, 2007, 08:10 PM
#22
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UPDATE:
Hey all, after reading all your advice and FINALLY looking at a map I have decided NOT to use the Lake Tahoe gift certificate and make the trip less stressful. I also realized that the resort it applies to is pretty shitty so won't be missing much.
Please have a look at the revised itinerary and advice:
#Day 1 -: Wed, May 2
Arrive @ Sacramento airport at 12:30 p.m. Spend 1 night in SF.
#Day 2, 3 & 4 -: Thurs-Sat, May 3-5
Leave SF for Big Sur very early in the morning.
#Day 5 &6 - Leave very early for SF and spend 2 nights there
#Day 7 - Fly home on an early afternoon flight
I know, Big Sur is going to be crowded on a weekend but stopping in SF seems logical since Sacramento Airport is so far away. Is this advisable?
-Can anyone please let me know about the distance/time to travel between
Sacramento airport-SF
SF-Big Sur
Your feedback is truly appreciated thanks!
Hey all, after reading all your advice and FINALLY looking at a map I have decided NOT to use the Lake Tahoe gift certificate and make the trip less stressful. I also realized that the resort it applies to is pretty shitty so won't be missing much.
Please have a look at the revised itinerary and advice:
#Day 1 -: Wed, May 2
Arrive @ Sacramento airport at 12:30 p.m. Spend 1 night in SF.
#Day 2, 3 & 4 -: Thurs-Sat, May 3-5
Leave SF for Big Sur very early in the morning.
#Day 5 &6 - Leave very early for SF and spend 2 nights there
#Day 7 - Fly home on an early afternoon flight
I know, Big Sur is going to be crowded on a weekend but stopping in SF seems logical since Sacramento Airport is so far away. Is this advisable?
-Can anyone please let me know about the distance/time to travel between
Sacramento airport-SF
SF-Big Sur
Your feedback is truly appreciated thanks!
Apr 5th, 2007, 09:11 PM
#23
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I apologize if you have already given a reason, but
why are you flying into and out of Sacramento?
If your intent is to be in SF and Monterey/Carmel, you would be better off flying into and out of the Bay Area airports: San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose. Too much time wasted commuting to and from Sacramento Airport. Depending on the time of day you could hit peak traffic and it could take you three hours or more to get from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco.
why are you flying into and out of Sacramento?
If your intent is to be in SF and Monterey/Carmel, you would be better off flying into and out of the Bay Area airports: San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose. Too much time wasted commuting to and from Sacramento Airport. Depending on the time of day you could hit peak traffic and it could take you three hours or more to get from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco.
Apr 5th, 2007, 09:34 PM
#24
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I know!It's bad planning on my part. But, the tickets were considerably more expensive.Moreover, I was originally planning to stop at Lake Tahoe on the way back and Sac. was the closest airport.
Apr 5th, 2007, 10:45 PM
#25
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Hello Bengaligirl, well the good part is that Sacramento is a very user friendly airport. I would plan on 3 hours driving time from SF to Sacramento but due to traffic tieups on I-80 some days (accidents) I would plan on allowing a bit more time so that you do not miss your flight. What time is your flight and how soon before the flight does your airline tell you that you need to check in?
With your flight arriving in Sacramento at 12:30pm you will be able to drive to SF without dealing with the commute traffic..that is good!!
With your flight arriving in Sacramento at 12:30pm you will be able to drive to SF without dealing with the commute traffic..that is good!!
Apr 5th, 2007, 10:48 PM
#26
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If I was coming in at noon on a wednesday I would head for Carmel/Monterey. Will take abit over 3 hours depending on how you drive. Going into San Francisco at that time will take somewhere around 2+ hours depending on traffic. The bay bridge is the major issue unless you want to come in via the Golden Gate which generally takes more time but it depends on the traffic. I listen to 740 Am radio news and make my decision as to which way to go by the traffic reports before Vallejo. The coast is quieter on the weekdays and busy during the weekends. Sf is the opposite. Many hotels on the coast have a 2 night stay requirement on the weekends
Apr 6th, 2007, 06:34 AM
#27
I don't understand why you'd break up San Francisco?? Foing there for 1 night, leaving, then back for 2 nights. Seems kind of a hassle.
You've got a lot of time driving to and from the airport, then moving around, I'm not sure how to make a helpful suggestion, but I would still rework your proposed itinerary, to streamline it if possible.
You've got a lot of time driving to and from the airport, then moving around, I'm not sure how to make a helpful suggestion, but I would still rework your proposed itinerary, to streamline it if possible.
Apr 6th, 2007, 07:35 AM
#28
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I believe I speak for everyone: we're glad you're cutting out Tahoe this trip!
The best thing to do has already been suggested to you:
1) Go to Carmel first (200 miles, 3-4 hour drive). Since you will be arriving around noon, you should be able to avoid peak traffic hour.
2) 2 nights in Carmel - first day, go to Monterey Aquarium, and do other sights around town. Day 2, drive south to Big Sur, do some hiking and sight seeing and return to Carmel for the night.
3) Early in the morning of your third full day, drive up to San Francisco along Highway 1, get into San Francisco and spend three nights in San Francisco. Lots to do in San Francisco.
4) Drive up north to Napa Sonoma and wine taste, spend the night.
5) Last day, drive to Sacramento (60-70 miles, 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on whether you overnight in Sonoma or Napa).
This really does what you wanted: "minimize driving" and you will be only about an hour away from Sacramento Airport on your final day, so no stressing over a long trip to the airport.
Have fun and welcome to California!
The best thing to do has already been suggested to you:
1) Go to Carmel first (200 miles, 3-4 hour drive). Since you will be arriving around noon, you should be able to avoid peak traffic hour.
2) 2 nights in Carmel - first day, go to Monterey Aquarium, and do other sights around town. Day 2, drive south to Big Sur, do some hiking and sight seeing and return to Carmel for the night.
3) Early in the morning of your third full day, drive up to San Francisco along Highway 1, get into San Francisco and spend three nights in San Francisco. Lots to do in San Francisco.
4) Drive up north to Napa Sonoma and wine taste, spend the night.
5) Last day, drive to Sacramento (60-70 miles, 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on whether you overnight in Sonoma or Napa).
This really does what you wanted: "minimize driving" and you will be only about an hour away from Sacramento Airport on your final day, so no stressing over a long trip to the airport.
Have fun and welcome to California!
Apr 6th, 2007, 12:29 PM
#30
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Revised itinerary:
#Day 1 -: Wed, May 2
Arrive @ Sacramento airport at 12:30 p.m. Head straight to Big Sur
#Day 2, 3 -: Thurs-Fri, May 3-4
Spend exploring the beaches in Big Sur/Carmel & Big Sur.
***I'm considering Tree Bones Resort in Big Sur since in got a lot of good reviews in TA but would love to hear other's opinions on it.***
#Day 4,5 - Leave very early for SF and spend 2 nights there.
#Day 6- After spending half a day in SF and head towards Napa Valley. Stay the night there.
#Day 7 - Fly home on an early afternoon flight.
Some questions if you have time to answer:
What's the best place to stay in SF,Napa Valley & Carmel for a budget of $60-$80 I don't really care for fancy hotels but don't wanna stay in a dump either. Location is more important. I'm gonna try my luck on priceline.
#Day 1 -: Wed, May 2
Arrive @ Sacramento airport at 12:30 p.m. Head straight to Big Sur
#Day 2, 3 -: Thurs-Fri, May 3-4
Spend exploring the beaches in Big Sur/Carmel & Big Sur.
***I'm considering Tree Bones Resort in Big Sur since in got a lot of good reviews in TA but would love to hear other's opinions on it.***
#Day 4,5 - Leave very early for SF and spend 2 nights there.
#Day 6- After spending half a day in SF and head towards Napa Valley. Stay the night there.
#Day 7 - Fly home on an early afternoon flight.
Some questions if you have time to answer:
What's the best place to stay in SF,Napa Valley & Carmel for a budget of $60-$80 I don't really care for fancy hotels but don't wanna stay in a dump either. Location is more important. I'm gonna try my luck on priceline.
Apr 6th, 2007, 03:19 PM
#31
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Bengaligirl: Indeed! Napa is about an hour away from San Francisco - if there is no traffic.
Your revised itinerary sounds so much more doable - and therefore, so much more enjoyable a trip for you.
Lodging: Haven't been to Treebones, but have heard about it. Yurt living. Seems exciting. Why don't you write a report on it after you have stayed there and tell us of your impressions?
SF: if you are using priceline, you can get something at Union Square East (USE) for about $70; Fisherman's Wharf for about $55, airport for about $40 (airport is several miles south of SF and not reall convenient,but safe and inexpensive if you get the rate on priceline). Be aware that there is a parking charge of $20-$35 a night. These are the three areas I would recommend that you make a bid in. Don't bid Cathedral Hill.
With the parking charge at the fancier hotels (Hyatt, Hilton, etc) that you get on Priceline, some people have opted to stay on Lombard Street. One of the favorites mentioned often on Fodor's is the Columbus Motor Inn.
Check out the comments on this hotel on tripadvisor.com before you make reservations at a non-major chain hotel.
Lodging in Sonoma/Napa: Again on Priceline, you can get the Napa Marriott for about $60 and the Doubtree in Sonoma County for about $55. No parking charges added.
Have you used Priceline before? If not, start a separate thread and there are lots of Fodorites who can give you good tips. Before making any bid, check out biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com.
Again, have a great trip!
Your revised itinerary sounds so much more doable - and therefore, so much more enjoyable a trip for you.
Lodging: Haven't been to Treebones, but have heard about it. Yurt living. Seems exciting. Why don't you write a report on it after you have stayed there and tell us of your impressions?
SF: if you are using priceline, you can get something at Union Square East (USE) for about $70; Fisherman's Wharf for about $55, airport for about $40 (airport is several miles south of SF and not reall convenient,but safe and inexpensive if you get the rate on priceline). Be aware that there is a parking charge of $20-$35 a night. These are the three areas I would recommend that you make a bid in. Don't bid Cathedral Hill.
With the parking charge at the fancier hotels (Hyatt, Hilton, etc) that you get on Priceline, some people have opted to stay on Lombard Street. One of the favorites mentioned often on Fodor's is the Columbus Motor Inn.
Check out the comments on this hotel on tripadvisor.com before you make reservations at a non-major chain hotel.
Lodging in Sonoma/Napa: Again on Priceline, you can get the Napa Marriott for about $60 and the Doubtree in Sonoma County for about $55. No parking charges added.
Have you used Priceline before? If not, start a separate thread and there are lots of Fodorites who can give you good tips. Before making any bid, check out biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com.
Again, have a great trip!
Apr 7th, 2007, 02:45 PM
#33
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Your new itinerary sounds much better! If you stay in Napa, your easy drive to the Sacto airport will be about 1 hr 10 minutes (depends on time of day). Last Sunday I drove from Napa to Sacto Airport in less than an hour, leaving at 6:10 AM. When you get to I-80 heading toward Sac, take Hwy 113 toward Woodland. Take Gibson Rd exit before Woodland. Turn R on Gibson to Road 102. Left on Rd.102 to I-5. Take I-5 toward Sac and when you cross the river you will see the exit for Sac Airport.
Apr 10th, 2007, 12:42 PM
#34
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Oh thats awesome! Our flight isn't until 1p.m. so we'll prob. head out early and have lunch in somewhere in Sacramento. I appreciate you providing the directions too. Yes, I do feel better about cutting out Lake Tahoe.
Apr 10th, 2007, 12:48 PM
#35
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well, actually I've had second thoughts about treebones resort. i realized it'd be a 40 min drive to BIG Sur. Irealized it'd be more convenient to just stay in carmel and head towards Big Sur for the day.Pacific Grove looks like a nice option and I'd be closer to nice restaurants too. I guess I'm still being picky and considering my options.
Apr 10th, 2007, 01:13 PM
#36
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Pacific Grove is great and you can definitely make a day trip to Big Sur from there.
Big Sur is pretty much the whole stretch of coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. There is the village of Big Sur where there are some shops, restaurants, and lodging - I think this is what you are seeing as 40 minutes north of Treebones. There isn't much to this village, but it is the biggest concentration of civilization along that stretch of coastline. The coastline and the parks along the way are really what you want to see.
Big Sur is pretty much the whole stretch of coastline between San Simeon and Carmel. There is the village of Big Sur where there are some shops, restaurants, and lodging - I think this is what you are seeing as 40 minutes north of Treebones. There isn't much to this village, but it is the biggest concentration of civilization along that stretch of coastline. The coastline and the parks along the way are really what you want to see.
Apr 10th, 2007, 01:38 PM
#37
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Does anyone have any recommendations for Pacific Grove hotels or any hotel that's ON A BEACH and not just overlooking the Pacific Ocean? Hope this makes sense.
There's a Best Western that seems to be on a narrow strip of beach which likes a nice option but I hate of idea of $150 for a BW, but I guess it's all about the location. Need to do some more digging around in TA.
There's a Best Western that seems to be on a narrow strip of beach which likes a nice option but I hate of idea of $150 for a BW, but I guess it's all about the location. Need to do some more digging around in TA.
Apr 10th, 2007, 11:32 PM
#38
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When you leave Napa to go to the Sac Airport, I recommend you stop for lunch in Davis (a college town) or maybe Woodland; otherwise you will negate the shortcut to the airport. This route bypasses the city of Sacramento.
In Pacific Grove we have enjoyed staying at Asilomar conference grounds. They rent out their extra rooms and the rate includes full breakfast. The grounds are beautiful and have a boardwalk right to the beach.
Across the street from the entrance to Asilomar is the Rosedale Inn, very nice and comfortable. For a different atmosphere and a gorgeous view is the Martine Inn, a lovely B&B with some very private rooms. It is across the street from the water with a walking trail ; also walking distance to the Monterey Aquarium.
In Pacific Grove we have enjoyed staying at Asilomar conference grounds. They rent out their extra rooms and the rate includes full breakfast. The grounds are beautiful and have a boardwalk right to the beach.
Across the street from the entrance to Asilomar is the Rosedale Inn, very nice and comfortable. For a different atmosphere and a gorgeous view is the Martine Inn, a lovely B&B with some very private rooms. It is across the street from the water with a walking trail ; also walking distance to the Monterey Aquarium.
Apr 11th, 2007, 12:08 AM
#39
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Hello Bengaligirl, in that your flight out of Sacramento is at 1:00pm you will not really be able to stop for a regular time lunch as you will have to get to the airport in time to return your rental car and get checked in. So a late breakfast/brunch or early lunch would work for you.
As stated by elnap you will not be in Sacramento if you go to the airport via Woodland (which is what I do). I live in Vacaville. The shuttle busses also go from here to the Sacramento airport via Woodland also..it is much better route.
So, when you are on I-80 and reach Vacaville here is a thought. If you take the Davis St., offramp in Vacaville and when at the bottom of the ramp turn left onto Davis St., and continue on Davis St., (you will pass the center where the large Brenden Movie Theater is on your right) cross Mason St., and continue on Davis St., a couple of blocks (you will pass under the large sign that goes over Davis St., that reads somethings like "Downtown Vacaville") at the end of Davis, just a block from that sign you will see across the street on the left the Creekside Grill & Bar. Also across the street on the right is the park. The cross street that Creekside is on is Main St. Turn left on Main and park at the first street parking space you find (no meters). I think that Creekside would be a perfect place to have a late breakfast or a early lunch. The service is good, the restaurant is quite pleasant, clean and well decorated and believe me you will not go away hungry. My daughters favorite dish is their Eggs Benedict. People love their omelettes. I really like their Crab Louies and many people enjoy their sandwiches especially their French Dip. Lots of choices. A Fodorite asked about where to have breakfast in Vacaville a couple of weeks ago. I suggested Creekside. They liked it so much they drove back another day (an hours drive) to eat there again.
You could then get back on I-80 and zip up to the turnoff for Woodland and then onto I-5 to the airport.
Anyway just one thought which would be easy for you to reach and would give you a good meal before you fly home. Do have a wonderful time in California. And I am sure you will have wonderful weather. It has been gorgeous here for weeks.
As stated by elnap you will not be in Sacramento if you go to the airport via Woodland (which is what I do). I live in Vacaville. The shuttle busses also go from here to the Sacramento airport via Woodland also..it is much better route.
So, when you are on I-80 and reach Vacaville here is a thought. If you take the Davis St., offramp in Vacaville and when at the bottom of the ramp turn left onto Davis St., and continue on Davis St., (you will pass the center where the large Brenden Movie Theater is on your right) cross Mason St., and continue on Davis St., a couple of blocks (you will pass under the large sign that goes over Davis St., that reads somethings like "Downtown Vacaville") at the end of Davis, just a block from that sign you will see across the street on the left the Creekside Grill & Bar. Also across the street on the right is the park. The cross street that Creekside is on is Main St. Turn left on Main and park at the first street parking space you find (no meters). I think that Creekside would be a perfect place to have a late breakfast or a early lunch. The service is good, the restaurant is quite pleasant, clean and well decorated and believe me you will not go away hungry. My daughters favorite dish is their Eggs Benedict. People love their omelettes. I really like their Crab Louies and many people enjoy their sandwiches especially their French Dip. Lots of choices. A Fodorite asked about where to have breakfast in Vacaville a couple of weeks ago. I suggested Creekside. They liked it so much they drove back another day (an hours drive) to eat there again.
You could then get back on I-80 and zip up to the turnoff for Woodland and then onto I-5 to the airport.
Anyway just one thought which would be easy for you to reach and would give you a good meal before you fly home. Do have a wonderful time in California. And I am sure you will have wonderful weather. It has been gorgeous here for weeks.
Apr 11th, 2007, 12:15 AM
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I second the Asilomar recommendation in Pacific Grove. Nice grounds. Nice beach. No TV. The Fish Wife restaurant just across the street to the south is a good spot for seafood for dinner.
Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing is a good spot to stop for a bite if you want a meal on your way north from Monterey. Their menu is online.
And I'm going to try the Creekside in Vacaville the next time I'm driving up 80 around meal time! (thanks loveitaly)
Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing is a good spot to stop for a bite if you want a meal on your way north from Monterey. Their menu is online.
And I'm going to try the Creekside in Vacaville the next time I'm driving up 80 around meal time! (thanks loveitaly)
