Hi everyone - we fly in mid-June to San Francisco and have 7 full days to work with. I'm looking for ideas for what towns we need to make sure we don't miss. We'll have a car (for the days we won't be in San Fran)

1. I've been to Monterey/Carmel, but would like to go back to show my husband & daughter the beaches so I would like to include this in the itinerary if possible. Is there anything in between SF and this area that we should see?
2. I've never been north of San Francisco - would love to include Napa. Any other great places that we shouldn't miss?
3. Plan on spending 2 1/2 days in San Francisco - it is pretty pricey to stay in the central area. Can anyone provide tips on safe outerskirts areas where we could stay at a Hilton Garden Inn or similar to save a few bucks?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

1. The drive on CA 1 along the coast north of Santa Cruz. Stop by Año Nuevo for the elephant seals.

2. Napa or Sonoma can be done in a day. I prefer Sonoma for its combination of wineries and historical sights; the town of Sonoma and the Jack London Historic State Park in Glen Ellen.

3. You could stay along the beach, either by Lincoln Ave. or near the zoo. Both areas are at the end of a streetcar line.

North of SF is Mendocino. It's a beautiful drive along the coast and is a cute, little town.

With just 7days, you have to decide if you will go south to Monterey then back to Napa/Sonoma or head north and include Mendocino. Either would be great.

How old is your daughter? If under 21, any wine country would be pretty boring.

If under 21, any wine country would be pretty boring.

That's why Sonoma is a good alternative to Napa.

Great ideas everyone!

Thank you Michael for providing great ideas of things to do in Sonoma and the elephant seals in Año Nuevo - my daughter will love seeing them.

Yestravel - thanks for mentioning Mendocino as I had never heard of that town. I will definitely look into it.

MichelleY- great reminder that Napa would like be boring for a child. We still want to at least eat lunch in the area as it looks beautiful.

Any other ideas?

Napa Valley wine train!

http://winetrain.com/

If looking for a train ride, I consider the train that goes from Henry Cowell State Park to the Santa Cruz boardwalk more interesting than the Napa Valley wine train.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57624512998387

On June 23 you will have a once in a lifetime chance to ride a train from Sacramento (or Davis) to the Sonoma Nascar track.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article...cles/130429743
For $199/person you get the train ride and grandstand seats for the 350 mile race and I am guessing a ride back to Sacramento.

How old is your daughter? The train from Henry Cowell State Park (which is beautiful, has redwoods!) to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz may be a treat for her. The Boardwalk is right on the beach and would fulfill part of your showing off the beaches. Just north of Santa Cruz (and south of Ano Nuevo) is Natural Bridges State Park. It has fabulous tidepools.

What is your lodging budget for San Francisco?

Lee Ann

San Francisco has some charming little hotels, that sometimes are a good value. Try Hotel Rex and its sister properties, for example. Years ago, we used the Stanyan Court and the Beresford Inn for a family reunion. Don't know if they have been renovated, though.

'Motel row' is on Lombard Street:
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...rancisco%2C+CA

Search Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, . . .

It sounds like a very fun trip.

I was there recently with my son, and we spent a half-day tooling around the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, enjoying its varied and gorgeous views. Your daughter might like the mammal center there. Maybe have dinner or lunch in Sausalito.

http://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm

Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas! We went with renting an apartment for the 3 days we will be in SF and are now searching for hotels down in the Monterey area.

We plan on going with Michael's suggestion on taking the train to the Santa Cruz boardwalk which my daughter will just love and doing some of the other things you suggested on here. Thank you again for your help!

Would you mind sharing how /where you got the apt? Thanks

drw

Freebird: I would suggest that you start a new thread with your request on Monterey. Put in all your own specific requirements. You'll get a better response that way.

MONTEREY AREA: Check out the city of Pacific Grove when on the Monterey Peninsula. Most of the coast line is actually Pacific Grove. They have a great state owned hotel, ASILOMAR, that is historic and across from the ocean. Check it out.

Just look at this website www.pacificgrove.org for more hotel ideas. The town is about 10 minutes to Monterey or Carmel and very close to the SPANISH BAY RESORT on 17 Mile Drive.

I live in this area part time.