bgoldie

I would love to get some feedback on my itenerary. Any comments on any part of the trip are much appreciated! I really want to know if ive given enough time for the things i have planned. I have only 7 days.

DAY1 arrive in sanfrancisco at 10am/entire
day to sightsee/staying at Golden
gate hotel.
Day2 Entire day in the city/do alcatraz
today/ we would like to see all the
tourisy things like chinatown, golden
gate park, museums, etc...
Day 3 Planning on a day trip to Napa or
Sonoma...Is this a good idea? or would
it be better to spend one more day in
the city? and which is better for a
day trip?
Day 4 leave sanfrancisco and head for Big
Sur(spend day visiting stops along the
way...and suggestions?)
Day 5 and 6 Two full days in Big Sur/Staying
at Big Sur Lodge/ any must-sees
here besides the parks?
Day 7 leave for home to Baltimore

Thanks so much!

MFNYC

On your way to Big Sur you should make a stop in Carmel/Monterey.

J_Correa

I think this is a good itinerery.

I would opt for another day in SF or add a night in Monterey between SF and Big Sur rather than spend a day in the wine country, but it's really a matter of choice. (I'm not big on wine)

On your way to Big Sur, there are plenty of things to see along the way.

You could head straight down Hwy 1, go through the coastal communities south of SF like Half Moon Bay, stop at the many beaches along the way, Butano SP is a short detour at Pescadero and very nice. You would pass through Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Monterey.

You could also head down Hwy 280 and then go over the Santa Cruz mountains via Hwy 17 or Hwy 9. Hwy 9 is more scenic, but it also takes longer. You could see Big Basin or Henry Cowell SP along the way. Then you pick up Hwy 1 in Santa Cruz and pass through Capitola and Monterey.

Another option, which would be the fastest and least scenic would be Hwy 101 to 156. With this route you would still pass through Monterey though.

Lovejoy

While in Big Sur try to take a docent led tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse.It takes about 3 hours and is highly informative of the local history.Remember Big Sur is as much a frame of mind,as it is a geographical location.
http://www.lighthouse-pointsur-ca.org/

daisyblue

Whatever you do, don't cancel Napa! If anything add a day. Napa and Sonomo were hands down the best part of our San Francisco Honeymoon. For a somewhat pricey dinner, eat at the Napa Valley Grille (it is much more than its name!)

Golden Gate park was lovely but very frustrating as nothing is clearly marked.

Alcatraz was a good four hours for us and interesting.

People were super friendly in San Fran. Enjoy!

J_Correa

I just thought I would put this out there - even though some people advise against Hwy 1 south of SF because it isn't as scenic as Big Sur, I think it is a beautiful area and one of my favorites to visit. I love exploring the beaches along the highway - there are several creeks which empty into the ocean, creating some really interesting scenery. I think the changes in vegetation and the crops growing right up to the bluffs are great. There is no doubt that Big Sur is incredible, but I don't think the areas north of Santa Cruz should be discounted.

Travelmore

I would suggest spending 1 day in Napa and 1 day in Sonoma. I don't think there are many areas in Maryland that's like the wine country region. Whereas Big Sur is beachy... and you have a coast around Baltimore.

I would try to spend an afternoon/evening at a Giants game at PacBell Park, see how it measures up to Camden Yard.

When you go to Big Sur, go through Palo Alto and San Jose. Have lunch in Palo Alto along University Ave. and be amused by all the remants of dot.com losers walking around talking on cell phones acting important. In San Jose, I wouldn't go to the Winchester mystery house, or the Egyptian musuem, as they are snoozers for me. I would drive by the campuses of Sun/Cisco/Netscape, etc and marvel at all that is Silicon Valley.

In Big Sur area, don't forget 17th Mile Drive, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

You'll have fun.

bgoldie

I want to thank everyone so much for all the help and suggestions! My boyfriend and I are college students from Maryland, who are lucky enough to have won free airfare anywhere in the U.S. We both decided we have always wanted to see California. Since we havent been able to travel much we want to make the most of our trip. I will definately use fodors again the next time we travel! Thanks guys!

p.s. my family keeps telling me they hear good things about PacBell park, being huge baseball fans, but unfornately we wont be going, since my boyfriend is not.

laurelt

The Big Sur Lodge is a great choice. Bring your bathing suit as they have a small pool that they keep warm. Ask for a room with a fireplace. If you are north of Big Sur for lunch, try Duarte's in Pescadero. They have great olalaberry pie and artichoke soup. Very much a coastside destination. You will have a great time!

ChrisCal

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ChrisCal

I wrote out 2 long posts yesterday and they did not make it. In San Francisco take a walk along the marina district which is where all the locals go, great views of GG Bridge. If you want to go to Alcatraz, which I do recommend, make reservations. The drive down Hwy 1 from SF is beautiful with lots of beaches to pull out and take a break (unlike the Big Sur Coast). I would try to add time in Monterey, Carmel as they are really beautiful, quaint and with cute shops. Also, just south of Carmel is Point Lobos, a preserve that is wonderful for a couple hours exploring the rocky coast. I would probably add a night here and do that rather than Napa which is a long drive, very expensive and really just for wine tasting. Maybe save that for another trip. In Big Sur, have lunch or a drink at Nepenthes. If you drive that far south, check out the Julia Pfeiffer park, gorgeous. I disagree with the other posters that suggest coming through San Jose. I live here and its really mostly suburbia. The couple museums they mention are interesting if you were here for a meeting or something but not worth wasting a day or two when you only have a week. I'm happy to give you any more details.

beeper

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but living in the S.F.Bay Area and having been to all the places you're planning, here's what I'd do:

Unless you are really into wine, I'd skip the wine country. It's just not all that interesting compared to all the things you can see and do in San Francisco, and it's so touristy. You will see plenty of California "countryside" on the way to and at Big Sur, so visiting Napa/Sonoma for that reason is a little redundant. Don't get me wrong, Napa is pretty, it's just a little overhyped. Do the city thing for two and a half days and then head down the coast. Stop in Santa Cruz or Capitola along the way--Rosa's at the Santa Cruz Marina is a great Mexican place for lunch--and the boardwalk is fun for a ride on the wooden roller coaster--you can buy a ticket just for that ride and then be on your way if you like. Also, don't underestimate the fog that can roll in along the coast, especially along the drive between Monterey and Big Sur--try not to do it after dark if you can avoid it. Number one the scenery is spectacular and number two the drive is safer. It's about a three to three and a half hour drive from SF to Big Sur, door to door without stops. Make sure you allot enough time.
What are your interests? Are you more outdoorsy or history buffs--e.g. if you're more the outdoorsy type, Angel Island is a better trip than Alcatraz--you can take a picnic and walk around the island for spectacular views. Alcatraz is the guided-tour type place, again more touristy than Angel Island. You get my drift. There's so much to see and do here that your interests really dictate what gets done and what doesn't. Have a great time and welcome!

bgoldie

Thanks so much! you all have been a great help. I will definately report back and let everyone know how the trip went!