kam

Duke, I do not lie when I tell you that I make it to or from Palo Alto to Carmel in 1 hour 15-20 minutes, non rush hour. I have a dear, dear friend from 25 years ago who lives in the center of Carmel and I go to visit her frequently. I leave PA around 10 am after the HOV signs are off and we have lunch, poke around and then I return about 6 from Carmel and the worst of rush hour is over in San Jose. I tend to be a pretty fast driver, but not dangerously so. The problem for tourists is once in Carmel or Monterey, there is so much to do that it becomes a very long day and certainly more so if you have to battle your way back to the city. I wouldn't recommend Monterey/Carmel as a daytrip from SF either.

Susan

I'll break from all others and suggest you spend the day in Sonoma. It is a closer drive than Napa or Monterey/Carmel. Downtown Sonoma is charming with many nice restaurants and shops. You will get a little taste of driving through the wine country and can even do some tasting on your way.

Otherwise, I really like Kam's idea of Big Basin and up the coast to Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero. Then a drive up the coast through Devil's Slide will make you think for a few turns that you're on the Big Sur coastline. It's a nice taste of California's redwoods and coast all in one day.

Babs

I would breakfast in Sausalito, walk along the waterfront. Then drive to Muir Woods or along the coast (if it's foggy perhaps coast wouldn't be the best choice, though the fog can be charming). Have lunch on the terrace of the Mountain Home Inn overlooking Sausalito or drive to Pt Reyes or Mill Valley for lunch there and then drive to Tiburon for dinner where you see The City lights from across The Bay. Guaymas is a good spot for dinner (upscale mexican). Make reservations.