California coast trip
 

My husband and I are looking for a romantic trip in March. We would like a place that we don't have to rent a car, but can still go and do things. Last time we were in San Fran we took a bus tour to the wineries. It was a great trip, but this time we are looking for something outside the city. We would love to visit the wineries again, love to hike, and just spend some quiet time with good food and beautiful scenery. The only thing that is set is that we have to go in the middle of March. We appreciate any advice on where to stay (thinking about a resort so that we can unwind) and which tour companies could accommodate our needs. It is our 10th wedding anniversary and are looking forward to celebrating!

Santa Barbara looks like the place for you. http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/
We were in Santa Barbara earlier this year but I can't afford this place.

I second Santa Barbara. I was born and raised there and it is one of the most beautiful cities on the California coast. It isn't called the American Riviera for nothing! March is perfect for whale watching trips and a visit to Channel Islands National Park. Santa Ynez valley is 40 minutes away and home to wineries that rival Napa and Sonoma and the irresistably cute danish town of Solvang. I would spend some time in both places if I were you. Both have an abundance of romantic places to stay and fantastic food. http://www.santabarbaraca.com/experi...rbara/romance/
http://www.visitthesantaynezvalley.com/
A car would allow for relaxed touring of the wineries and the valley. SB is not a big place and driving there is not difficult. Driving up 101 on the coast to Buellton and going to Solvang from there is a lovely drive. Alternately, go over the mountains on 256 for spectacular views of the coastline and SB. Stop off at the historic Cold Springs Tavern for lunch. It's an old stage coach stop down in a canyon and very rustic. Happy anniversary!

Santa Barbara is nice - but IMO - not as incredible as Carmel/Monterrey. You could probably find some kind of public transportation from SF to the Carmel/Monterrey area - and I think you would love the history (what - John Steinbeck's Cannery Row) and the Aquarium as well as the beautiful Pebble Beach golf course/view of the blue pacific - if nothing else but just for lunch. Maybe you could also rent bikes and ride along the beautiful 17 mile drive.

And hopefully - you could also find transportation to go at least partway down to Big Sur and have coffee overlooking the ocean at one of our favorite places - Nepenthene.

http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/

The southbound Amtrak Coast Starlight leaves Emeryville at 8:45AM every day. It arrives in Santa Barbara before 7PM.
The fare is $50 per person. If you wanted to go to Monterey/Big Sur a rental car would be advisable.
There is a nice airport in Santa Barbara with bus service to downtown.
I think the weather in March is likely to be better in Santa Barbara. In June DW and I went to see the mission and the zoo. Both were enjoyable.

I would love to hear the specifics of how someone could visit Monterey/Carmel from San Francisco without a car.

Oh...and Big Sur too. Without a car.

Try this website for info on how to get public transportation in and around/to Carmel/Monterrey - but would agree - it's not really on a main line. http://www.carmelcalifornia.org/Transportation

Once you get there however, you could rent bicycles to get around - whatever. If you stay close to or in Monterrey - you can probably walk to most places.

Getting down to Big Sur without a car would take more "research) - but you might consider renting a car for a day or so once you are in Monterrey. :)

Here is another webpage with some more info on getting from the Bay Area to Carmel/Monterrey:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...alifornia.html