California, Naturally
 

Hello All,

My husband and I are headed back to California this summer after experiencing 2 amazing trips out there last year. We're nature people and would rather visit a park than city/tourist trap things.

Last year we did Yosemite NP (amazing), Sequoia NP, Bodega Bay (kayaking was the coolest thing), Muir Woods, San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Ano Nuevo elephant seals, and a few stops in between.

This year we're heading back out and I would love to hit up some additional wonders California has to offer. We're flying into San Francisco again (for hubby's job) and I'd like to get peoples opinions on things to do. Some options I was thinking of would be Lake Tahoe area and maybe north to some waterfalls, or we could go south and go down to LA area and out to Catalina for some snorkeling. Would there be enough to do in LA if we didn't want to spend too much time doing city things/tours? Never having been there I'd like to do my fair share of tourist stuff, but limited.

We are not able to spend too much money (around $100/night) so any wonderful/affordable lodging recommendations would be great too. I'm not opposed to sticking around for a few days and renting a house.

We'll have about 3 days before his business trip and approximately 8 days after to do some traveling. And I'm always looking for day trip suggestions for me from San Francisco area while he's working. I'm a Marine Biologist so anything to that sort would be a dream.

Thanks in advanced, I hope I wrote down my thoughts clearly enough for you to understand!

I would pick the Channel Islands over Catalina. Boats to the islands depart from Ventura Harbor.

http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

You could combine the islands with some time in the Santa Ynez Valley (NW of Santa Barbara). It's a great area for bicycling if it's not too hot, or wine tasting if that's your thing.

I like Jean's suggestion - that would be really neat.

Another choice for the 8 day portion would be a loop heading north up the coast to the Mendocino or Humboldt area, then head east to to see Lassen National park, and then back to SF.

If you are interested in the CA gold country, you could spend several days travelling up Hwy 49 and then have a few days at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe and from there north to Mt. Shasta via Quincy and perhaps as far as Lava Beds National Monument. Once you leave the higher elevations, it will be hot.

Those are some fantastic options, thank you so much! I've been looking into the Channel Islands and it looks like it would be more economical to camp out but I'm not sure how much it would cost to rent gear since we're flying in... and where to buy from. Anyone have suggestions for that? But those islands look amazing! I wish New Jersey has these amazing spots like CA does!!!

I'm looking into the Lake Tahoe routes for before his business trip, thanks so much again for the suggestions.

There are many lakes just to the north of Lake Tahoe, and lots of good hiking trails to them. We stayed in a cabin at Grey Eagle Lodge, off of highway 89. The price is higher than your budget but includes breakfast and dinner. As I recall, they will pack a big picnic lunch for you for under $10. There are hiking trails in the immediate vicinity. I love those high Alpine lakes and the lovely views and silence there. If you flew into Reno, you could rent a car and get there quickly and stay for a couple of nights and then drive to SF (about 5 hours).

But if this interests you make a reservation now, as they fill up quickly. www.grayeaglelodge.com