David

Celine, From Steve's post it seems that he would like to see some places outside of SF, hece the suggestions I gave him. Also, he does not seem to mind spending time driving.

There is actually lots to do in Carmel and Monterey. The weather really has little bearing on being able to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, checking out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, strolling the quaint town of Carmel, or doing the 17 Mile Drive. Of course it is advisable to take a jacket. As far as Downtown San Jose, there is plenty there as well to see and do. Whether it be museums, restaurants, Opera, Ballet a Broadway play, a hockey game, etc.

It is best to make reservations for both Carmel and Lake Tahoe before arriving because of Spring Break.

Trent

Yosemite is great but you have to remember that at least half of the park will be closed/inaccessible dur to snow in April. I was in Napa in May a year and a half ago and decided to go back to Yosemite and only the Yosemite Valley was accessible. Snow remains on many roads until June. The valley is great but if you can't get to the rest, I would bypass it. I have been to Napa Valley three times and I love it. I am not a big wine drinker but Napa is a lot of fun. The wineries are beautiful and everyone is very friendly. You can try dozens of wines in a couple of days and learn a lot. I highly recommend it.

J Correa

Even if only Yosemite Valley is open in April, I think it would definitely be worth it to go. Steve's only going to have a couple days to spend there anyway - plenty to see in the valley for that short of time.

Utahtea

IMHO Yosemite Valley is the BEST part of Yosemite and spring is the best time because the waterfalls are at their best from the snow melt.

Utahtea

tom

I think Steve's plan is quite reasonable. I would start with Carmel first, it's a shorter drive from SFO. Late April tends to be quite nice weather. Spending a little time along some of the Gold Rush sites in the Sierra can be nice, as is heading down from Tahoe into Carson City and Virginia City this time of year.

steve

Any suggestions on must-sees at any of these three places? I was most worried about the time I would have to spend in Yosemite, but it sounds like from what a couple of you say, that a day and a half might be enough. What about Tahoe and Carmel at that time of year? As far as San Francisco goes, I have been there before, but am very anxious to go back and don't really want to shortchange there either.

David

Must sees in the Carmel and Monterey area would include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 Mile Drive, and Fisherman's Wharf. In Carmel I would spend time just strolling the quaint downtown area mostly located on either side of Ocean Avenue between San Carlos and Carmelo. In Lake Tahoe I would take a lake cruise with either the M.S. Dixie or the Tahoe Queen. I have taken both of them, and either one would be a great choice. South Shore Tahoe has more of the casino action, while North Shore tends to be more laid back. I would recommend a drive around the Lake as well. For a great view of Lake Tahoe, go to the buffet on the 18th floor of the Harrah's at South Shore. In Yosemite I would definitely take the Glacier Point tour.

tom

Carmel is a cute (some might say cloying) village of upscale shops and restaraunts. It's easy to kill a day there if you like that type of thing. Nearby is the top-notch Monterey Bay Acquarium. I would absolutely head south on route 1 (at least for an hour or two); the coastal scenery around Big Sur is stunning. You can drive down to San Simeon and Hearst Castle before going across towards Yosemite, but allow extra time; the road is slow.

If Glacier point road is open in Yosemite (likely but not certain), take the time to drive up.

If you would like to see the giant redwoods, it might be easiest to visit the coastal groves; Muir Woods north of SF or Big Basin south of San Jose.

ginny

I think a couple of nights in each place would be fine and also separate your driving time to where there will not be a lot of traveling time at any one time. As far as where to start, it would give you a bit more time in SF, since the drive from Carmel would be shorter than from Tahoe.

Celine

Just got back from Yosemite, what an awesome place!! You really can't miss this, it was really worth it. Of course, I'm going back during the summertime, because this time of year isn't optimal in my opinion, waterfalls are dry and the air is sooo cold! We went up Glacer Point, but I have a feeling that the road will be closed this week for the season, since I read the local 'newspaper', and the last events were this weekend.

Anyways, I recommend Yosemite, and would go there way before going to Lake Tahoe (unless you like skiing). If you prefer hiking, go to Yosemite, skiing then Lake Tahoe.

Celine

umm, ok...disregard my last comments, just noticed that your trip is in April!!! Yosemite all the way, you'll get the waterfalls, I can't wait to see them in full force.