Help with San Fran trip!
 

Going to San Francisco 8/31-9/7. Staying with relatives in San Francisco but looking for a place for me and my husband to go nearby (within 4 hours). We plan on staying with the relative for the week but want a destination to go to and spend the night at. It will be our 2 year wedding anniversary. Any suggestions would help as I have never been there before. Thanks in advance!!

Lily, one of the greatest things about the location of San Francisco is that you can get to so many wonderful places in less than four hours time. What's your pleasure? Here's a short list:<BR><BR>Lake Tahoe<BR>Napa valley<BR>Sonoma valley<BR>Carmel/Monterey<BR>Mendocino<BR><BR><BR>So, the mountains, beaches and wine country are all within your reach. It's hard to make a recommendation when we don't know your preferences.

Susan,<BR>Don't really know since I've never been to California before. Close to the water would be nice but is too cold to swim by then? Also, would you know which part of Lake Tahoe I should be looking into. Husband and I like to explore.

Lily, still need more info before a recommendation can be made. I should also add Yosemite to that list, and think if you've never been and it interests you, I do consider it a must-see.<BR><BR>What is your budget?<BR><BR>Yes, the ocean water is always a bit nippy, but will be warm enough to put your toes in for walks on the beach. <BR><BR>Are you looking for a b&b, a small town that offers good strolling, an ocean view, a spa, a great restaurant? In Lake Tahoe you can stay in the north shore or I'd also recommend the Plumpjack Inn at Squaw Valley. Again, would need to know your budget and any other requirements/specifics before I could make a recommendation.

My recommendations for Lake Tahoe. South shore has a lot going on - casinos, restaurants, night clubs, and so on. North shore is a lot quieter and west shore is even more so. <BR><BR>For south shore area, I like to stay at Zephyr Cove resort - log cabins, lodge with restaurant, good beach for swimming, dock with boat and jet ski rentals. It is close enough to the action of southshore, but far enough away to be relaxing. <BR><BR>For north shore, I like Brockway Springs resort in Kings Village - lake front or lakeview condos. No swmining beach though.

Not sure I really understand. Are you just looking for a place to overnight? How about a quick drive up to Pt. Reyes Seashore and over night in a romantic B&B like 10 Inverness Way? Lots of pretty walks and pretty beaches there, but probably water will be cold for actually swimming.

I think Tahoe is too far for just one night. Why not follow Kam's advice and stick closer to SF at Pt. Reyes or the Napa or Sonoma valley.

It all depends on whether you prefer the coast, mountains, or more of a city atmosphere. <BR><BR>Coastal spots that I would recommend are Monterey www.monterey.com and Carmel www.carmelbythesea.com Both are located on California's scenic Central Coast. In the Monterey area the key sights are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 Mile Drive, and Fisherman's Wharf. Carmel is a very quaint town with many cafes and shops. Further south on Highway 1 there is the spectacular Big Sur coastline as well as Hearst Castle www.hearst-castle.org in San Simeon. Do make reservations for Hearst Castle. <BR><BR>As far as the mountain areas the best place would be Lake Tahoe www.renolaketahoe.com The North Shore of the Lake is more relaxed with while the South Shore has more of the gaming activities. At the North Shore I think that the Cal Neva Resort is a great place to stay www.calnevaresort.com <BR><BR>For more of a city atmosphere, on the way to the Monterey and Carmel areas you can take the scenic 280 freeway down to San Jose www.sanjose.org and check out some of the unique sites in the Capital of Silicon Valley including the Tech Museum of Innovation www.thetech.org the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum www.rosicrucian.org and the Winchester Mystery House www.winchestermysteryhouse.com The San Jose Museum of Art is also worth a visit www.sjmusart.org There are many great restaurants in the downtown area especially in San Pedro Square www.sanpedrosquare.com and along South First Street. If you crave Japanese food head over to Japantown www.japantownsanjose.org<BR><BR>Have a great trip.

Looking into some of your suggestions. Sorry I can't be more specific. We'll probably do some wine tours but head back to San Fran at night. Was looking for a scenic area to spend the day at and 1 night. Any suggestions for someplace to stay for less than $100 per night?