I am in the process of planning my first trip out west. I thought that I would fly into San Francisco and make a loop with Tahoe, Yosemite and Big Sur. Since I only have ten days, am I trying to plan too much? I would like to try and get to see as much as possible and don't think that I will mind the drive.

I think this is quite reasonable. Two days in each place gives a chance to at least see the highlights without being rushed. The drive between most of these areas is on the order of 4 hours. The crazy ones are those who try to do this plus LA plus Death Valley plus Las Vegas etc etc.

Depending on the time of year, you might take Tioga Pass through Yosemite on the way to Tahoe (summer only). Lodging in Yosemite valley is scarce, and the other options are around an hour away, so you might want to try to nail that part down first.

If you don't mind driving and spending your vacation in you car, do it. I would rather spend more time in fewer places.

I don't think you are planning on to much. It's a total of 800 miles from SF to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Big Sur and back to SF and if you have 10 days you won't be spending all your time in your car. Half of the driving will be beautiful anyways!

Tioga Pass through Yosemite won't open until late May or early June and usually closes in mid-October or early November. Keep that in mind. You can still get to Yosemite it will just be just a little longer drive.

On you way back from Big Sur to SF make sure you drive up the coast. It's a beautiful drive!

Utahtea

I think that trying to do your itinerary in 10 days is a bit much. When you factor in driving time, you will be rushed. You may want to focus your time on 2 of the four places you mentioned to really be able to get the most out of your trip.

If you could arrive early in the day--so you could get out of SF by 1-2 PM you could be in Tahoe by 6PM (could encounter some traffic in Sacramento area) therefore have two full days in Tahoe. Then go to Yosemite over Tioga Pass (sometimes not open until early June)Plus the drive over this pass is one of the highlights of Yosemite.
So now you are in to day 4 -(driving there and getting settled in lodging---spend day 5 & 6 in the
Park. Day 7 drive to Big Sur. Being there is not a "quick -direct" route to Big Sur, this could take up 1/2of the day--depending how much traffic
around Monterey. So then you would have day 8 & 9 to explore. However unless your flight out is late in day on day 10--You would have to use part of day 9 to get closer to airport. to fly out even mid-day on 10th day
Actually most of the scenery around Big Sur can be seen in one day.
If you like hiking and being less rushed I would limit trip to
Tahoe and Yosemite with last day in SF.
Hope this helps

If I were you i would skip SF (pretty much overrated and kind of grimy) and focus your time on the natural beauty of California. Yosemite is so spectacular that 2 days there is not even enough time to scratch the surface. I'd plan for 4 days in Yosemite, 3 days in Lake Tahoe, and 3 days in Big Sur. Also, while in Big Sur, do drive up the coast to Monterey and Carmel. If you can fly into and out of different airports, it will save you some driving time. You could fly into Reno/Tahoe International airport. Start your trip in Lake Tahoe, then Yosemite, and finally Big Sur and Monterey. The closest international airport to Monterey is San Jose, which is about 1.5 hours away.

4 days in Yosemite? YAWN!!!!
You may need 3 days just to get around Tahoe with all of the traffic.
If you spend more than 2 days in Big Sur they may put a toe tag on you. Just my opinion. I may be wrong.

Ansel, Have you ever been to Yosemite? Do you appreciate nature? You could easily spend a week there and still not get bored. Along the Central Coast, there is more than just Big Sur. How about Morro Bay and Hearst Castle, in addition to Monterey and Carmel?

Is there a law that I have to appreciate nature? Maybe I can just appreciate it faster than you? Or are you saying that your "likes" are better than my "likes"?

Ansel, No need to be defensive. However, in order to get a good overview of Yosemite, 4 days is ideal. To do it in less time than that would be very difficult.

I think your plan is good, Shannon. I live east of SF. If you want to get an overview of each area, and not spend all your time backpacking, you'll do fine. Bring a bit of cash to gamble in Tahoe and do your best to get to Hearst Castle and Cambria/Morro Bay on the coast. The drive along the coast is beautiful. One day is enough for Yosemite. This is heresy but with all the visitors in Yosemite Valley, I prefer the peace and beauty of the Feather River Canyon (Quincy area) and Lassen.

Lindey/Ansel;

Please, it is not humanly possible to see Yosemite in one day!! Now that's the joke of the century.

Shannon, Definitely take the time to enjoy the great outdoors in California. Setting aside 3 or 4 days for Yosemite and 3 days each for Tahoe and Big Sur/Carmel/Monterey should be about right. What makes California unique is the great beauty of our parks and coastline. Do take the time to enjoy it.

Ansel,

There are no right or wrong answers. There are only likes and dislikes.

If you think spending three days in Yosemite would be a YAWN then your likes are different than mine. In fact, you sound like my Dad. Once he been to a place he never saw any need to go back. Needless to say my Dad and I have opposite likes. Still no one is right or wrong.

If the orginal poster likes natural scenic beauty and enjoys spending time in the great out doors they will not find 3 or more days in Yosemite a YAWN.

Utahtea....I can easly spend a week or more in Yosemite each and every year....and I usually do!

Shannon,

If you are willing to drive south a bit ?)...my family just went to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium (on our way back to LA). Just a suggestion.

Everyone else, stop this nastiness...I'm seeing it all over the fodors bulletin boards. I really hope not to see someone slamming the Aquarium....it is just a suggestion.

Cheers, Susan

Susan, your aquarium suggestion was awful!!! Haha, just teasing, the aquarium is actually quite nice, but not sure that Shannon will have time to go.

What time of year are you coming to California?? If it's winter, and you want to ski, go to Lake Tahoe, if it's summer, I would go to Yosemite instead. I guess you could do both since they're in the same kind of area. I say definitely visit San Francisco, but maybe just one day. Drive down Hwy 1 and see Carmel/Monterey/maybe Big Sur if you can get that far.

You can see most places in California in one day and be satisfied, however it's the driving that will slow you down. If you're the type to wake up early and on the go, then you can do all this...but if you want to actually sit down and relax, I would visit less places.