Tomsd

One more thing: I like to keep some flexibility (when possible) in my travel plans.

And applying it to your possible schedule - suggest you check ahead to see about the mid-week availability of aon Lombard St in SF - and if you don't need a firm reservation - you could see how it goes on the day you depart Sonoma - and decide if you want to visit Muir Woods that day - or just head on down to Carmel and think about coming back later.

On the Carmel end - after checking - you should also have an idea about accommodations there and also in Big Sur - and how much flexibility you could have in your dates there.

nspotz

@Tomsd, I agree with your philosphy on driving. If you are driving through beautiful scenery and have time to make lots of stops, then getting there is half the fun! My husband and I drove around Ireland last year and it was a blast. We had a few days of very long driving, but since we were there for two weeks it wasn't that bad. My only concern is since this trip is much shorter I do not want to feel like we spent the majority of the trip in the car getting from one place to another.

The reasons I am considering saving SF for last are: I do not want a car in the city, and I like the idea of being closer to the airport the night before our flight leaves.

So far, I am considering spending the first two nights in the Sonoma area (will have to research Healdsburg as StuDudley suggested). Then driving down to Monterey or Carmel and basing ourselves there for the next two nights, spending the second day exploring Big Sur. On Wednesday we would make our way back to SF, drop off the rental car and spend Wed and Thurs night in SF before flying out on Friday morning. My main concern with this is if one full day in Sonoma will be enough time to get a "taste" of the area. We would be getting there in the afternoon on Sat, so our only full day would be Sunday. Of course, we could take our time getting to Monterey on Monday if we wanted to stay in the area a little longer.

Tomsd

If you check ahead - on Sat - you might be able to get to a winery or two in the area you finally choose - assuming you arrive before say 4 PM.

We like Healdsburg - but know Sonoma better as my brother in law had a small ranch outside of Sonoma.

I think wineries such as Gundlach Bundschu - ( http://www.gunbun.com/index.cfm?meth...epage.showpage - call ahead to confirm their April hours, or what they might be able to do for you on a tour, etc) or one in the nearby Carneros region might be still open on Sat when you arrive - ( http://winequesters.com/California-w...s-wineries.php )and Gloria Ferrer bubbly might also be a good visit. http://www.gloriaferrer.com/

If you do stay in or near the town of Sonoma - think they might also have some wine tasting opportunities available at some of the wine shops - such as this one? http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonoma-wine-shop-sonoma - or in the plaza? http://tinyurl.com/3awt727

And you could also drive around Napa/Sonoma a bit on the day you leave (may have breakfast up in Calistoga - the mud bath haven) - but again - try to get through the City by say 2 PM to avoid the heavier traffic.

MichelleY

You are doing two nights in each place, which will be OK for getting a taste of these areas. You will have one full day of wine tasting in Sonoma/Napa. Unless you are a huge wine fan, that will be plenty. How much can you drink in a day? 3 wineries in a day is plenty for me. Plan on Sat night to have a great meal and relax. You can also do wine tasting in Monterey County and the Carmel Valley. Carmel Valley has small, boutique wineries and will be green and beautiful that time of year- if you want to taste more wine....

Stick with your plan. You will have a great time!

StuDudley

>>The reasons I am considering saving SF for last are: I do not want a car in the city<<<

You are going to be driving through the City anyway. What's the "big deal" about pulling into a motel on Lombard street (4 lane blvd, right off the GG bridge), parking the car in a motel garage, and then enjoying the Cow Hollow, Marina, and Crissy Fields areas. Even Polk St is within walking distance. The Marina/Cow Hollow area is very easy to drive in. Next morning back in the car, through the City on Gough (wide one-way for most of the trip) to Central Freeway, to 101 Fwy, to 280 fwy. How had you planned to get rid of the car if you visit SF last??? Return it at the airport, taxi to the city??? That will consume some valuable time.

We lived in SF for 7 years, and then near SFO (our house is 20 mins from Half Moon Bay - which we visit frequently - just 3 days ago) for the last 31 years.


>>> and I like the idea of being closer to the airport the night before our flight leaves.<<

Half Moon Bay is 28 minutes from SFO, according to Mapquest and my own experience. Union Square in SF is 20 mins from SFO - longer if you are staying at the Wharf (ugh). There is massive construction in & around Union Square, and also on the way to 101 from Union Square. That may cause delays also. It does for us when we visit the Union Sq area by car.

Stu Dudley

easytraveler

Have you considered taking the red-eye? Or has it been suggested? Instead of "wasting" a day in flight here and then another whole day in flight back, you can gain two days for your vacation. Or, depending on how well you sleep on planes, you can take the redeye back but take a daytime flight out here. Just a suggestion.

Tomsd

When you do get to Sonoma/Healdsberg/Napa - and somebody may have mentioned this - there are really two main roads up and down the Napa Valley, one being hiway 29 - and the other the Silverado trail.

Now if you are in Sonoma - you could easily find plenty to do there for a couple of days/nights - but if you really wanted to explore - you could drive up one of these - and then return down the other if you want to see/cruise most of the greater Napa Valley.

http://napavalley.com/visitorsinfo/N...Winery_Map.pdf and http://www.napavintners.com/maps/map...a_wineries.asp

And while I haven't tried it - my wife and sister liked the mud bath experience in Calistoga - at least once that is. It's at the far end of the Napa Valley - if you are coming from Sonoma.

Calistoga also has a cute town area - and one of our favorite wineries - Chateau Montelena. We knew the former owner (may he RIP) and enjoyed touring the winery. http://www.montelena.com/visit/tastingRoom

Tomsd

And I think it's at Buena Vista (which is in Sonoma but I always get it mixed up with Beaulieu - in Rutherford - perhaps because Beaulieu has BV on their labels - for Beaulieu Winery) - where they have a classic wine cave - assuming they are still taking tours through it. Years ago - before the build up in car traffic - we loved riding our bicycles around the area and this was always one of our favorite stops.

See http://www.buenavistawinery.com/ and it's great history: http://www.buenavistawinery.com/abou...e-entire-story

And here is Beaulieu - which also has a great history. http://www.bvwines.com/home

Tomsd

Sent an email to Buena Vista Winery - inquiring about their wine cellars and received this in return from Ms. Haynes;

Good Morning Tom:

Buena Vista Winery just recently opened it's Historical Champagne Cellar & Caves. We offer history tour and barrel tastings of the facility at 11:00am and 2:00pm everyday, $30.00 per person. On Saturday we offer a tour and tasting with The Count of Buena Vista at 10:00am and 1:00pm, $20.00 per person. If this is something that you might be interested in please give us a call to book your reservation. We look forward to your visit.

nspotz

Thanks Tom! I will look into that!

Taos6

You have to spend some time in Santa Barbara ... California's most beautiful town.

MrsIglesias7777

I agree with Taos6: You MUST stop in Santa Barbara. I went to UCSB and it's the most fabulous little chic beach town. Walk up and down State Street for great cafes and shopping. If you can, take the 10 minute drive down to Montecito (one or two freeway exits south). Oprah has a house in the estates as do many others (Kevin Costner, too). Again, great shops and cafes in downtown Montecito - a VERY upscale, yet quaint beach side town that is unforgettable.

sf7307

Santa Barbara is a lovely town with great weather - and more homeless people per linear foot on State Street than even in San Francisco. It was downright shocking.

nspotz

Thanks everyone! We actually had to shorten our trip and thus cut out alot of this road trip. Would love to visit Santa Barbara again but we will have to do it another time. I started a new thread!