My brother and I are going to San Fran this Thursday, staying two nights on Union Square, and then heading out by car toward Napa and the northern coastline.

We have until Monday morning to do all this. I was pretty set on traveling north from San Fran, but I was wondering if anyone who knows California well thinks that south of the city would be more scenic and fun for two twenty-somethings? We've left our nights' lodging after those first two days up in the air so that we don't feel rushed to get somewhere by nightfall.

We have no desire to go to L.A. or any of the really up-scale, flashy towns, and we have to be back in S.F. by Monday morning to catch our flight.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated! Thanks!

North or south along the coast would be beautiful. BUT - this is AUGUST! Where did you expect to find weekend lodgings in Napa, Marin, Sonoma, Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz county at this short notice?

Some rooms will be available but few and far between and probably hard to find

To answer your question Janis, and I am now praying that this makes a difference, we're not planning on staying at nice hotels along the way. Certainly not dumps, but something along the lines of a Quality Inn. Surely there would be rooms available at places like this, even during this peak season? PLEASE say yes!

I fear Janice is correct. Spa resort, high class B&B, dumpy motel, campground. Most everything on the coast and in the wine country is booked up for weekends far ahead. Some places won't be full, but the problem will be finding them.

Most No Cal kids go back to school around Aug 26 so many people make their last dash to the coast at this time. It is very hot inland and the coast is about the only place they can get relief.

start phoning NOW & good luck.
either north or south is beautiful. i'd personally choose south cause i love the area around big sur.
either way you go it is a very expensive area so a lot of the lower priced hotels will be the ones that are full.

Amber,

Another vote for the south route. I would suggest getting highway 1 in the Monterey area. The stretch of highway 1 from SF to Monterey is not nearly as scenic as that from the Monterey Bay Area going south. From SF take the scenic 280 freeway south to San Jose and then take 17 south toward Santa Cruz and 1 south to Monterey www.monterey.com and www.carmelbythesea.com Key attractions include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 Mile Drive, and Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. If you have time, head down along highway 1 to Big Sur and San Simeon for a tour of HEarst Castle www.hearst-castle.org Make reservations for Hearst Castle.

Have a great trip.

Amber, am I reading this right -- you have two nights free to explore outside of SF? Saturday and Sunday nights? And a flight out of SFO on Monday AM? I don't think you'll have time to get to Hearst Castle. And you might encounter hotels that have two night minimums, restricting yourselves to staying in the same place both nights.

I'd suggest you start trying to book hotels and let the availability decide on whether you go to the wine country or Monterey.

One suggestion I'd make is to go to Calistoga and spend Saturday night at the Calistoga Inn (www.calistogainn.com). These are old time b&b rooms with the bathrooms down the hall. It is less expensive than other accomodations in town, doesn't require a two night minimum, and you can usually book last minute. Calistoga is an interesting town with some great wineries nearby, mudbaths, good restaurants, etc.

For Sunday night, you might want to get closer to SFO. Perhaps Half Moon Bay?

Good luck!

Amber, I agree with David's suggestions. Almost ALL hotels regardless of price require a two night stay on weekends in the winecountry (Napa and Sonoma).
The Monterey Peninsula is approx a two and a half hour drive from SF. Less expensive hotels can be found on "motel row" in Monterey on Del Monte.
Hearst Castle is wonderful, but a significant drive south of Monterey/Carmel, best left for a driving trip to LA. The Monterey Bay aquarium is worth a visit. Allow a couple of hours to window shop (with the weekend throngs of tourists) in Carmel. Head south to Big Sur. Stop for lunch or a glass of wine at Ventana Inn or Nepenthe. The scenery is spectacular, the road curvey and not built for speed. Stop and hike around Point Lobos (on the way from Carmel to Big Sur) if you're into nature. Carmel Mission is one of the prettier CA missions. There are also a number of wineries heading from Carmel out toward Carmel Valley.
When you're in SF try and get tickets for Beach Blanket Babylon. Use public transportation in SF, don't get a car 'till you're ready to leave the City as you'll end up paying $30+ a night to park at your hotel.
Bear in mind that whichever direction you plan to go fron SF will be crowded on weekends. Plan enough time to get where you're going so you can have fun.
Taking the ferry to Sausalito or Tiburon is a good day trip from SF also.
Have a good time!!

Just a quick thanks to everyone who gave suggestions, especially to Janis, who responded so quickly and put enough fear into me to make me call and book reservations at a b&b for the third night and a hotel in Sonoma on the fourth. I was very relieved when I did that! Thanks, everybody, you probably saved my trip!

Amber: I'm glad you found accomodations. This week is VERY hot (105F+) in the central valley so by the time you are there a lot of "refugees" from the heat will be looking for rooms.

You will love the area. If Napa gets too hot just drive west. The coast will be cool or cold.

Amber--I would head south to Santa Cruz to the beach boardwalk or maybe Capitola Beach--bars, restaurants, shops.
After a couple of days of winter August weather in the City, you'll welcome some heat.

Next time, I'd check for a good price on a camper/RV and enjoy the freedom of moving around without spending for the hotel/motels and worring about time limits. Driving at night is a big plus, avoiding gridlock and summer heat. Enjoying what you want to see, and sleep when everything is crowded and hot. Sounds like the trip is to see, not stay at a specific spot. We have napped in grocery parking lots during the day and never been questioned, but at night, that's different.