California - Napa and Beach
 

My husband and I (late 20s) will be going to California in May. We would like to split the time in Napa as well as by the beach. Any suggestions on where to stay in Napa as well as where to stay by a great beach (resort)? We will be in CA for about a week. Thanks in advance for your advice.

The closest beaches to Napa where the water is warm enough to even wade into in May are located around Santa Cruz. SC is about a 3 hour drive from Rutherford. Be advised that temps will in the low 50's. Temps anywhere north of Frisco will be in the 40s. <BR> <BR>SC is the classic California beach town and a world-renowned surf mecca. I'd reccomend learning how to surf if for no other reason than you get the benefit of experiencing the beauty of the Moneteray Bay and its chilly water with the protection of a wetsuit. <BR> <BR>As for where to stay in Napa, it really depends on your budget. There are great places for $100 per night or $800 per night.

Despite everyone's perception (fueled no doubt by the beach blanket bingo movies and the Beach Boys), the beaches in Northern California are not real hospitable in the cooler months. (If it's late May, you may be okay.) I've been on the beach near Carmel in early June and it was cool with a stiff breeze. Don't get me wrong -- they are gorgeous beaches, but not the Florida panhandle kind where you can sit, sun and bake all day (in the winter/spring months that is). I second Santa Cruz. It's a funky place, with some good shopping and restaurants. Also, a little bit south of Santa Cruz is a little funky town called Capitola. Or you could head north and go to Mendocino. This is a great, pretty little town with a wonderful setting.

In May the temperatures in and around San Francisco will NOT be in the 40s and low-50s! Most likely mid-60s to low-70s, and 70s (during the day) in Napa. May is often a very nice month i the area. However, if you're looking for a hang-out-by-the-beach-at-a-resort vacation, you need to head to southern California. The water will still be too cold for swimming, but at least you can have sun and some warmth, whereas beachside weather even in Santa Cruz will be foggy and cool. Also, Santa Cruz is not really a "resort" town; the focus is surfing and it's a bit funkier. <BR> <BR>If you're determined to go to the beach and also want to do some scenic winery touring, I suggest flying into Los Angeles and driving up to the Santa Barbara wine country--very pretty area--and then going to a southern California beach resort.

Caitlin, I think Jim was referring to water temperatures being in the 40s and 50s. Read between the lines, sweety. <BR> <BR>By the way, I live in Half Moon Bay and regularly surf in and around Santa Cruz. The water temperatures are indeed in the 50s during May.

Bobby, I ain't your "sweety." You wish.

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