Road Trip ideas from Bay area
 

Hi folks,

My husband and I plan to take a road trip in may end for 10 days. Please throw in your expert advices. We love nature and any major attraction.

We have already seen Yellowstone, New york, vegas, Reno, tahoe, LA...

We have 16 month old toddler too...

Newbie

With 10 days, you could explore the north coast. Maybe head north to Crescent City via the faster inland route and then make your way south along the coast. You could see redwood national park, Fort Bragg/Mendocino, Fort Ross, etc.

Thanks for the response. Forgot to add that we explore part of north coast too.. Mendocino, Fort bragg, San luis obispo..

For San Luis Obispo (central coast) does that mean you have been through Big Sur? If not, you could head south from the Bay Area - spend a couple days in the Monterey area, head down through Big Sur, stay in Cambria, etc. You could make a really nice 10 day trip out of that. Maybe go as far south as Santa Barbara.

With 10 days, you could go all the way south to San Diego - maybe make the long drive first and make your way back north.

Have you been to Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks? I wouldn't spend all 10 days there, but you might start there and then head up Hwy 49 through the Gold Country.

Yosemite is fabulous, of course, but lodging is hard to get at this late date (put it on the list for a future trip?)

Another choice would be to go north of the Sierra - Mt Lassen park and up that way.

Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras. Lots of snow on the mountains still and some of the higher areas will be inaccessible, but the Lake will be gorgeous with the snow- capped mountains.

Hi folks,

Been to Big sur, Lake Tahoe and other posible adjoining areas in Bay area within 4-5 hrs drive. Looking for some different venues.

How about Washington State...got your choice, Long Beach Peninsula, Mt. Ranier area, Olympic National Park, North Cascades Sam Juan Islands.
or
Oregon - again got some choices, beach, mountains
or
sort of a loop, as far north as Portland and Mt. Hood, then down to Crater Lake N.P. and thence to Lassen N.P, then Lake Tahoe or the Highway 40 Gold Rush country and then back to the Bay Area.

Yosemite (check for lodge cancellations)

Sequoia/King's Canyon

Point Reyes (are you brave enough to drive up Hwy 1? Will the baby get car sick?)

Santa Rosa - Google Safari West, Glen Ellen - Jack London Park, there is plenty to do in Sonoma/Napa area without wineries, oh, and don't miss Sonoma Train Town - your toddler will not want to leave the farm!

Russian River area

Are you a AAA member? Get their California tourbook, you'll get plenty of ideas

Sure. Those seem like good ideas. I will search more about Washintons state and Santa rosa options.. Thanks for response folks. Its very helpful.

My toddler seeems to have better tolerance for being Car sick.. I am the one throwing up most of the time while driving to Guala or Mendocino..

NewbieTraveller, I also can't make it to Mendocino without getting ill, UNLESS I am the one driving. Maybe that will work for you?

Newbie, unless you are on blood thinners, you can take Ginger capsules (get them at Walgreens in vitamins/herbs department) and take one in the evening before the trip, then twice daily - this should take care of your nausea without drowsiness or other side effects.

If you don't drive, you can take Bonine, they claim it's non-drowsy, but it depends, may still make you sleepy.

Thanks Monica and dayenu . I would sure try your suggestions.

I definitely recommend Yosemite National Park. Although, at this point, all lodging options may be booked. But it's definitley worth checking out. The Yosemite Lodge is a great place to stay! You can rent bikes...with an attached babyseat for the little one. This is one of my favorite places on earth!