Planning a trip mid September up CA1 & Hwy 101 from San Francisco to Portland. Have recieved a lot of great ideas and info from other posts, but my main question is about lodging. Will be heading out of Frisco on a Monday morning and traveling to Portland by the following Saturday. Since there is so much to see and do along the way, not sure where we'll be each night. Is it possible to wing it as far as lodging goes, or should we try and estimate where we'll be and make reservations at various points along the way? Prefer B&B's and small Inn's. What are the chances of availability for walk-ins at B&B's? Any other ideas or must see and do's along the way would be greatly appreciated.

Please, please do not call it "Frisco"---Frisco is a town in Colorado. As you will be traveling in Sept when most kiddies (and teachers) are back in school, and that you'll be doing so during the week, I think you'll be fine without reservations. I would just be sure to have something lined up by late afternoon. If you use a "chain", such as Best Western, they will sometimes make a reservation at your next stop for you. Welcome to the left coast!

I'd never count on B&B availability - but there are plenty of other accomodations all along your route so not to worry.

While it is possible to wing it, be aware that many retired or childless people like to travel as soon as school is back in session. So don't count on getting into your favorite small boutique hotel without a phone call, perhaps the day before?

I agree with mlgb.

I live in the San Francisco (I thought Frisco was in Kansas??) area, and all locals know that the best weather along the coast is in mid Sept. That's when locals go up there, & most have a good knowledge of the "best" B&Bs & romantic/scenic small inns - so that's where they stay.

Stu Dudley

I often carry a AAA Tour Guide for the area we will be traveling in and call ahead when we know where we will be stopping. This way you don't have to decide ahead of time or scour a town for lodgings. If you like b&b's also carry your favorite b&b guide (for the area, of course). Those are much harder to "wing".

A "must stop" location would the Ashland Springs Hotel in downtown Ashland, OR. You could probably get a walk in, but would probably be cheaper to book in advance.

Check out sunset.com for ideas on where to stay, dine and what to do along the way. (Sunset is a magazine that focuses on "Western Living".