We're planning our vacation and can go anytime in June, July or August. Any suggestions ? Also, have been reading many reports, but if it's a choice would you rather do San Diego area or Big sur, Carmel and Yosemite. Thanks for the help.

I prefer San Diego in August -- very warm, and great at the beaches.

San Diego vs. Big Sur/Carmel etc. -- I would say if you're travelling as a couple, you'd probably enjoy Big Sur/Carmel more, but if you are travelling as a family, San Diego all the way! Except, of course, for Yosemite, which is great for all.

The earlier you go in summer, the more likely you will experience "June Gloom". This is when a very persistent marine layer hovers over much of the city all day long. This can be a good thing, depending on your skin type, if you know what I mean.

Yosemite is perhaps the most beautiful place in the world, But he Carmel / Monterrey coast is 2nd, so you really can't go wrong. Do not expect it to be warm in the Carmel area. It might be okay, but it will likely be cool, and possibly foggy.

Sometimes June is the nicest time of all. You can rent an apartment or condo cheaper in June but to me anytime June, July or August is great. If you haven"t been to San Diego before, I would choose San Diego. If you want to go to Yosemite I would definetly to in June.

I would choose July or August for San Diego. As one previous poster pointed out, you will probably run into "June Gloom" if you come in June. The sunny weather is one of the biggest attractions, so I wouldn't choose June, the summer month with the highest likelihood of being overcast.

How much time do you have? Is renting a car and driving from San Diego to Big Sur and Carmel an option? If so, you might consider it. Otherwise, it's six on one hand and half a dozen on the other--just a matter of personal preference. If pressed, I would say for families, San Diego or Carmel. For a couple, Big Sur or Carmel. But that's a very general recommendation. All of the areas you are considering have a lot to offer.

If you want to go in the ocean, then choose San Diego in July or August. As mentioned, June can be too foggy, and the water is too cold for my taste.

By the 2nd week in August, all of the people from Arizona with school children have left. (Amazingly, school in Arizona now starts about Aug 10!)