Planning our first trip to the area. Is it reasonable to fly in to San Francisco, stay 2 nights, drive to wine country for 2 nights, drive to Monterey for 2 nights and then finish back in San Francisco for 1 night? I look forward to your opinions.

I'd also like to hear about the best sites to visit, including wineries, restaurants and hotels. We'd prefer to stay and eat at upscale places.

The trip will be a little rushed, but not bad. One change that I would make - unless you have a morning flight out of SFO, I would spend the final night in Monterey and drive to SFO straight from there. Or you could cut a bit off the drive and fly out of San Jose instead. That way you move around a little less and can spend 3 nights in one destination and then 2 nights each in the other 2.

To further confuse the issue, Henry-
consider flying into Santa Rosa (STS) on Alaska/Horizon from LAX-you can rent a car at the airport. Do 2 nights in Heladsburg (perhaps at Hotel Les Mars), Then 2 nights in SF, then 2 in Monterey area and fly home via San Jose.

Next, do a search here. Put my name in the searchbox of LLindaC and you'll have a very good start on Wine COuntry
information.

R5

Really enjoyed a stay at the Inn Above Tides in Sausalito. The decks are wonderful with great views of San Francisco.

We also enjoyed staying at the Inn at Occidental, in Occidental when touring wine country, and dinner in Occidental at a nice little restaurant called Bistro des Copains.

Check out the maps on wineroad.com. I found the site very helpful in planning our trip through Sonoma Co.

Have a fabulous time!

Drive from SF to Wine is ok.
Drive from Monterey to SF is ok.
Drive from Wine to Monterey is long.

If knowing this upfront than it will be a good trip. About every 2/3 visitor to CA wants the same trip. Why not asking on YoSemite too? Did you searching here with the Search button above for same questions already ask 100x and good answers.

Somebody want best and somebody say that's not the best. Tell us what the best means for you and your answer is better.

So, somebody say French Laundry is best restaurant. OK. But not best price. Not best for reservations easy. Maybe I walking away broke and hungry from best restaurant? Not for my books. Upscale travels needing the pay for Agent or a Michelin and Zagat guides.

In SF, we likeing the Carnelian room for upscale view and always great dinner.

Do seek truth in all your travels and you will never be overbooked, overpriced, or overlooked.

-AR