My wife and I are flying into San Francisco airport on Wednesday March 5th , early, and driving to Pebble Beach. We have three days of Golf planned for there, so my time is mostly accounted while in that area. One question for that area.....Is the 17 mile drive worth taking a few hours to see the views along the coast? or any other drives??

We drive back to SF on Saturday March 8th for a weeks stay. We are staying at a small Hotel (The Inn at the Opera), 330 Fulton Street.

I am looking for any assistance, local knowledge on any "must see" sights, restaurants, etc.
We are planning on Alcatraz and will be arranging tickets for that in advance.

We will have our rental car the full week while we are in SF, so anyone with any side trips, like wine country, please give your tips.
Shopping not a big concern.........
Restaurants, we are not picky, like good food and know a fine meal does cost.

Does anyone have any idea if it would be worthwile trying to set up another golf day at any recommended course in the SF area.
Thanks to all for any assistance.

I'm not a golfer, but here are a couple of beautiful golf courses for your consideration.


This is the golf course in the Presidio in San Francisco:
http://www.presidiogolf.com/

If you are going up to Napa, take a look at the Silverado golf course:
http://www.silveradoresort.com/

Inn at the Opera is a great location. You'll enjoy staying there.

easytraveler,

Thanks for the quick reply. Actually, my wife had her eye on that Presidio Course.

I apreciate your help.

There is a nice place for dinner close to your hotel, called Citizen Cake. Citizen Cake started out as a luxe bakery a while back (at a different location) and then expanded into a restaurant. Of course the desserts are sublime (and you can go up to the glass case in front to choose) but everything else I've had there is good too.

http://www.citizencake.com/

You will be within walking distance of the Hayes Valley area, which is a very happening neighborhood. Hopefully some other posters will respond with restaurant suggestions.

17-mile drive does have some fantastic views! But if you're playing the courses there, you'll get a lot of the same views from the golf courses.

Acually, there isn't much coast to see from Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey, so I would take the faster route, 101 to 156 West to Hwy 1, just before Monterey.

In addition, there is major highway work going on in Santa Cruz, a merge lane project with demolishing overpasses, etc. And while it only goes on for less than 2 miles, it is a pain. (Since you will be anxious to get to your golf. :=)

You might plan, however, on returning to San Francisco on Highway 1, coming through Santa Cruz and up the coast. You can either leave the coast at Half Moon Bay, taking Hwy 92 to Hey 280 and on into the city, or stay on Hwy 1 to Pacifica and entering the city that way.

Oops! I misread "17 mile drive" for "Highway 17"...

But my recommendation for driving back to San Francisco on Hwy 1 still stands.

Hi, RichinPA:

You're quite welcome! Friday is usually not the greatest day to be asking Californians for travel recommendations! You might find it a bit slow, but come Monday things will pick up again.

On your Pebble Beach portion: since you will be golfing at Pebble Beach, yes, do go on the 17 Mile Drive. The golf course runs close to the Drive in some places. It doesn't take that long to drive the entire 17 miles.

Another spectacular drive is south of that to Point Lobos State Reserve. Plan to spend some time hiking and walking Point Lobos and do it only on a sunny day.

As for places to dine, Pebble Beach Lodge has several dining facilities. My favorite there is the Stillwater. I also like the Tap Room which an Australian friend of mine told me feels very "British" (guess it's the kelly green color everywhere ).

At Spanish Bay, there's Roy's.

Then there are many wonderful dining places in Carmel itself. It'll be a nice evening after golf to just go and wander around Carmel and dine somewhere.

BTW, if you tell us a bit more about your likes and dislikes, your preferences, you can help other Fodorites to make better recommendations.

dovima, who just answered above, is one of the best resources we have for restaurants. I'm certain she and others can point you in the right direction if you gave us your preferences: French? Italian? Casual? Romantic?

Do a search on "Stu Dudley" in the USA forum & you'll find some of my suggestions for things to do & see in San Francisco

Stu Dudley

You should include a visit to Muir Woods to your itinerary. Redwood forest about 45 minutes from San Francisco. Beautiful setting with an easy walk.

That 17 Mile Drive is fantastic, especially for sunset at say, Pescadero Point. Cars pay a entry fee of about $9 (cyclists and walkers and invited guests free). Some say its best done south-north, in other words start in Carmel and drive up. Less sun in the eyes that way. Hilites also include its iconic Lone Cypress tree and other oceanside spots: Bird rock; Seal Rock, Fanshell beach, Cypress point. The latter two are closed seasonally to protect young wildlife. In all, a great foto op. The area is home to some of America's wealthiest families. One such owner said bad words to me after she discovered us having a weiner roast on her private beach.

Wow, Great info from everyone. This is our first trip to the area so we appreciate any help.

1 quick question, is the Aquaruim in Monteray worth the time and money? It sounds great, but loacl knowlwdge a key. We love all nature, so I am sure we would enjoy it.

Easytraveler and all..... a little about us. we are married couple, golfers, mid 50's, relatively good shape......OK, well she is for sure...but point is we can get around. Not into major hiking, but the scenic ones mentioned sound great.

Food preferences......we are not very picky at all. Not crazy about French cusine, love italian, Seafood, good steaks, Japanese. Been married 35 years, so romantic not a priorty. Comfortable enough to spend what it takes for a quality meal, but frugal enough to enjoy a great cheap meal also. Love pubs, jazz, good times, good friendly people.

Again, thanks to all.

We travel frequently to Kauai Hawaii, Hilton Head SC, have been to Scotland and London, so, if anyone has any questions on those areas, feel free to write.

just returned from a mental health trip to monterey. a few thoughts.

you didn't mention the drive to big sur. the 30-40 miles south of carmel are about as spectacular as you are going to ever see.

the restaurant at the highlands innn in carmel highlands is highly regarded, and has a great view--so i would go before sunset.

passion fish is a popular restaurant in pacific grove. ocean drive/sunset drive in pacific grove near asilomar beach along the ocean is very pretty and free.

oh--by the way--i think a week in san francisco is pretty long. you might break it up with a trip over the golden gate up to bodega bay, or you could go all the way up to mendocino.

For golf in San Francisco, you could try Harding Park. This is where the President's Cup will be held next year.

http://www.harding-park.com/

If you belong to a reciprocal club, you could play the Olympic Club. Or maybe you will meet someone at Pebble who could sponsor you. This is where the US open will be held in 2012.

A really nice course is Hidden Brook up in Vallejo. An Arnold Palmer design.

http://www.hiddenbrookegolf.com/layo...=176&page=3426

and the Sonoma Golf Course is very nice too and is the home to a Champion's Tour event.

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/Recreation/Golf/

There are many other nice courses in the area but after playing Pebble you will probably want the most challenging links.

Thanks again to all. Side trips to Muir Woods and possibly the wine country mayu also be in our plans.

Add the Marin Headlands to your side trip list. Could do this drive and Muir Woods together. The views from the Headlands are a must.

thereyet

To answer RichinPa question, yes the aquarium is well worth the visit. Check the website for schedules of the feedings.
If you can play Olympic golf course in San Francisco, its well worth it....fantastic course