San Francisco area itinerary help
Jun 9th, 2003, 10:15 AM
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San Francisco area itinerary help
We are two wine buffs going to California for the first time. We land on Saturday in oakland at 2 pm and leave the following Saturday at 11 am. We definately want to take in the San Fran sites and, of course, wine country. The one caveat is that we need to visit relatives in the Santa Cruz area. I was thinking we should stay in San Fran on the first night (saturday) and then rent a car on Sunday morning to drive down to Santa Cruz. Stay with relatives on Sunday night. Then visit the Monterey Sea Aquarium (the relative works there) on Monday before driving back to San Fran where we would stay overnight. On Tuesday head to Wine Country where we would stay until Friday morning and then spend Friday evening in San Fran before heading home on Saturday.
Is this doable? Can anyone tell me what the drive would be like to Santa Cruz from San Francisco? Should we take US 1 or 280? Should we just head to Wine Country from Monterey?
Thanks for your opinions!
Is this doable? Can anyone tell me what the drive would be like to Santa Cruz from San Francisco? Should we take US 1 or 280? Should we just head to Wine Country from Monterey?
Thanks for your opinions!
Jun 9th, 2003, 11:05 AM
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Your itinerary is VERY doable.
By spending those three nights in SF you will be able to see your SF sights.
Since you're going down to Santa Cruz, I'd highly recommend that you stop off at the Ridge winery outside of Santa Clara. They make fabulous zinfandels, a varietal that doesn't get much airplay outside of California.
Otherwise your itinerary is perfect.
By spending those three nights in SF you will be able to see your SF sights.
Since you're going down to Santa Cruz, I'd highly recommend that you stop off at the Ridge winery outside of Santa Clara. They make fabulous zinfandels, a varietal that doesn't get much airplay outside of California.
Otherwise your itinerary is perfect.
Jun 9th, 2003, 11:56 AM
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You can take a couple different routes from SF to Santa Cruz.
I like Hwy 1 if you have the time to stop along the way. It's a 2 lane road with passing lanes every few miles. There are some sections which are kind of narrow, but it's not bad. Half Moon Bay and Pescadero are nice towns to stop in and there are plenty of beaches and vista points along the way. At Santa Cruz, Hwy 1 goes straight through the west side of town.
The fastest route would be Hwy 280 to 17. 280 is a freeway, it's a nice drive though, lots of open space rather than industry and subdivisions. Hwy 17 is a 4 lane road over the Santa Cruz mountains. It's got a lot of twists and turns, but is not a bad road. If the weather is nice, and you are travelling over to Santa Cruz in the morning, you will most likely hit a lot of beach traffic on Hwy 17.
Another route, if you have some time and are interested in seeing the redwoods is to take Hwy 9 over the Santa Cruz mountains rather than hwy 17. Hwy 9 is a 2 lane road with lots of twists and turns, so it takes awhile, but I think it's worth the extra time if you have it.
I like Hwy 1 if you have the time to stop along the way. It's a 2 lane road with passing lanes every few miles. There are some sections which are kind of narrow, but it's not bad. Half Moon Bay and Pescadero are nice towns to stop in and there are plenty of beaches and vista points along the way. At Santa Cruz, Hwy 1 goes straight through the west side of town.
The fastest route would be Hwy 280 to 17. 280 is a freeway, it's a nice drive though, lots of open space rather than industry and subdivisions. Hwy 17 is a 4 lane road over the Santa Cruz mountains. It's got a lot of twists and turns, but is not a bad road. If the weather is nice, and you are travelling over to Santa Cruz in the morning, you will most likely hit a lot of beach traffic on Hwy 17.
Another route, if you have some time and are interested in seeing the redwoods is to take Hwy 9 over the Santa Cruz mountains rather than hwy 17. Hwy 9 is a 2 lane road with lots of twists and turns, so it takes awhile, but I think it's worth the extra time if you have it.
Jun 9th, 2003, 06:18 PM
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Thanks. BayArea, I feel much more comfortable now that you confirmed that I have a doable itinerary. I was a little nervous about the timeline. Can't wait to try the winery. I big bold red zin is something I can go for right about now! And J_Correa, thanks for the route suggestions. Can't wait for the beautiful drive and sun! I don't think I can take one more cloudy day.
Jun 9th, 2003, 08:15 PM
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You could also check out the David Bruce winery in the Santa Cruz mountains (there are more wineries there but his is the best I think.) www.davidbrucewinery.com
Jun 9th, 2003, 10:43 PM
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If you don't spend the entire day at the Aquarium (which you could well do), you could also check out some Carmel Valley wineries such as Bernardus or go to Talbotts tasting room in Carmel Valley Village. Have you checked out the Wine-os thread, good discussion of wineries.
Jun 10th, 2003, 08:43 AM
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Anthony - just so you know what to expect weatherwise, the coast has been kind of foggy as is typical this time of year.
We were in the Santa Cruz area over the weekend and the mornings were foggy, sun in the late morning and afternoon, and then foggy again in the evenning.
Be prepared for chilly weather in SF, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The coast may be sunny with temps into the 80s, it could be totally socked in with fog with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s, or something in between. You just never know this time of year.
The wine country will most likely be warm with temps in the 80s or higher. Generally the hotter it is inland, the more fog there is on the coast.
Pack layers so you will be ready whatever the weather is. Even if it is really foggy, you wont need more than a light jacket, a sweater, and long pants.
We were in the Santa Cruz area over the weekend and the mornings were foggy, sun in the late morning and afternoon, and then foggy again in the evenning.
Be prepared for chilly weather in SF, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The coast may be sunny with temps into the 80s, it could be totally socked in with fog with temperatures in the 50s and low 60s, or something in between. You just never know this time of year.
The wine country will most likely be warm with temps in the 80s or higher. Generally the hotter it is inland, the more fog there is on the coast.
Pack layers so you will be ready whatever the weather is. Even if it is really foggy, you wont need more than a light jacket, a sweater, and long pants.
Jun 10th, 2003, 09:04 AM
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Anthonyc, Sorry, I mistakenly thought I was responding to another post.
In answer to your specific question, the best route to take form SF to Santa Cruz is 280 to 17. You should plan on about 2.5 hrs. depending on the traffic. Another idea to save you from the long drive would be to stay the first night in San Jose and leave from there the next morning. From SJ it should take about 35 minutes to Santa Cruz. The problem with leaving from SF is that by the time tou either get to highway 17 or 9, whichever route you choose, there will be a lot of traffic due to people going to the coast on a Sunday.
In answer to your specific question, the best route to take form SF to Santa Cruz is 280 to 17. You should plan on about 2.5 hrs. depending on the traffic. Another idea to save you from the long drive would be to stay the first night in San Jose and leave from there the next morning. From SJ it should take about 35 minutes to Santa Cruz. The problem with leaving from SF is that by the time tou either get to highway 17 or 9, whichever route you choose, there will be a lot of traffic due to people going to the coast on a Sunday.
Jun 10th, 2003, 10:40 AM
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FYI travel time to Santa Cruz--on Memorial day weekend, Saturday to be specific, leaving at 9 am, it took me 1 hour 10 minutes to drive from the heart of SF to Santa Cruz, taking 280 and 17 to 1. Now I admit I have a lead foot but it should take you less than 2 hours to drive to Santa Cruz.
Jun 10th, 2003, 04:38 PM
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Clayton, if you are driving 35-52 miles an hour, your assesment is likely correct.
My usual time from the very center of SF to Santa Cruz, on the preferred speedy 280/85/17 route.
I'm no hellion, my average time to Santa Cruz was 1 hour 45 minutes, mostly on the weekend.
My usual time from the very center of SF to Santa Cruz, on the preferred speedy 280/85/17 route.
I'm no hellion, my average time to Santa Cruz was 1 hour 45 minutes, mostly on the weekend.
Jun 11th, 2003, 10:09 AM
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Hi Anthony,
If you feel like stopping a lot and stretching your legs, try Hwy 1. But if you're coming from Santa Cruz you will have already seen a lot of great ocean views. This route will probably add an hour or more, depending on traffic.
SAB's 280 travel times are accurate in my experience.
I think your itinerary looks great. Have fun!
If you feel like stopping a lot and stretching your legs, try Hwy 1. But if you're coming from Santa Cruz you will have already seen a lot of great ocean views. This route will probably add an hour or more, depending on traffic.
SAB's 280 travel times are accurate in my experience.
I think your itinerary looks great. Have fun!
Jun 11th, 2003, 10:10 AM
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I personally really dig the drive down highway 1. The views are great, very reminiscent of Big Sur and there are a couple of great little beaches you could stop at if the weather was nice.
However, some people think that it's a really, scary intimidating drive. If you're a nervous nellie driver then it's likely not the drive for you. Despite the fact that the road is curvy, it's a straighter shot, so the time difference is probably only 30-45 minutes. Depending on whether you stop or not.
However, some people think that it's a really, scary intimidating drive. If you're a nervous nellie driver then it's likely not the drive for you. Despite the fact that the road is curvy, it's a straighter shot, so the time difference is probably only 30-45 minutes. Depending on whether you stop or not.
Jun 11th, 2003, 10:32 AM
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I think a lot of people get really freaked out about 1 south from Carmel toward Big Sur, but Santa Cruz north to SF on 1 isn't scary -- it's really beautiful. If you have the time, do it.
My point was that with all the slower drivers and lower speed limits I think it can be maddening, so usually choose 17/280.
My point was that with all the slower drivers and lower speed limits I think it can be maddening, so usually choose 17/280.
Jun 13th, 2003, 06:45 AM
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I tend to agree that the best route from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is 280/17/1. From my experience doing this very same route, Rouge's times are correct. The idea about overnighing in San Jose is also something to look into. The drive all the way from SF can be especially hectic on a weekend.
Jun 13th, 2003, 08:56 AM
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If you decide to stay in San Jose I just wanted to warn you that there isn't much there except a bunch of chain stores. I would look into palo alto instead which has a nice downtown and nice mall close by because of the college (stanford). SJ downtown is a bit scarry.
Jun 13th, 2003, 09:29 AM
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I've heard lots of complaints about San Jose, but I've never heard the downtown described as scary. I lived downtown for several years while I was in school and after graduation, and didn't find it scary at all. I even felt relatively comfortable walking home alone after dark if I had a late class or something. My husband and I would frequently walk to dinner, the movies, or to see a band play returning home very late and we never had a problem. We'd still live downtown if parking wasn't such an issue.
I personally don't see San Jose as a tourist destination - with all the incredible natural beauty in the state there are just so many places I would choose to visit other than San Jose - but I don't think people should avoid San Jose out of fear. IMO, the only thing scary about San Jose is the cost of real estate.
I personally don't see San Jose as a tourist destination - with all the incredible natural beauty in the state there are just so many places I would choose to visit other than San Jose - but I don't think people should avoid San Jose out of fear. IMO, the only thing scary about San Jose is the cost of real estate.
