We will be staying at Union Square, an have 2 extra days to see this beautiful city. We were there approx. 15 years ago. We have 1 1/2 days to sightsee. Do you think Napa Valley, along the route to see the redwoods would work for the whole day, and for the half day going down to Carmel/Montery.
Myself I have every day available. We are
approx. 50 years old and not in that bad of shape.(Mind you hills, are not my bag)
Thanks

Yes, Lee, that'll work, but they'll be VERY 'full' days with lots of driving. Can be done though. Other posters here will probably tell you it's not worth going if you can't spend two days, etc....but it really depends on your personality. I am a 'type A' traveller and enjoy packing lots of things into a few days. Not very relaxing, but that's not usually my goal. For others, trying to see so much in a short time ruins the 'flavor' of the experience. So I'd say if you need a slower, relaxed pace to enjoy Napa, etc, don't try both in 1.5 days. Otherwise, full speed ahead.

re: husband conference

Is it open to the public? I think I need to attend.

A husband conference should draw LOTS of attendees, Janice! Where do we sign?

I don't know how long your half day is, but keep in mind that even if you go by the inland route, it will still be two hours each way from SF to Carmel and back, and you cannot count on traffic being favorable. I would not recommend this in a half day; you would literally not have time to see the sights. Ditto for redwoods and Napa. Assuming you want to go to wineries in Napa (believe me, there's no point in going otherwise, as there's much better scenery closer to SF), you'll need a whole day to drive there and back and stop for some tours or tastings; the wineries are generally closed by 5 pm. You can go to Muir Woods in Marin County for some redwood exposure in half a day, but I'm afraid you'll have to choose between Napa and Monterey/Carmel for your full day. It's not just a question of seeing things fast, but that when you factor in driving time plus traffic, open times, etc., there just won't be time. If you really want to fit redwoods and wine country into one day, head up to Sonoma County wineries and combine that with Muir Woods (Napa is in an entirely different direction than the redwoods, but you can see them en route to Sonoma). Be prepared to start early.

Here are some Ideas. You indicated you were 50.

Remember that traffic in the Bay Area can be, well, hell at times. The flow is generally from the east/north to San Francisco and Silicon Valley in the morning and the reverse at night. Therefore, keep that in mind if you are staying in SF as a base.

For a great day, I'd suggest a drive down highway 1 all the way to Monterey. ALong the way...Moss Beach Distillery for lunch with a walk to the Fitzgerald Marine reserve. Stunning views, pretty good food. I've heard that Fitzgerald may be closed to allow it to fallow, or whatever you call allowing the sea creatures in the tidepools to rest and vacation.

Take the road south past ano nuevo state park. Depending on the time of year (I frankly can't remember what it is) the elephant seals are there and they are frankly a sight to behold.

Next is the town of Santa Cruz. A college town that I would frankly skip, but a funky downtown and a 1920's boardwalk with games and rides.

I would, however, stop in Capitola, about one town further. There is a refurbished area near the pier that has some great walking areas, lunch spots and art galleries.

Further down is the town of Moss Landing. They pride themselves on being antique and collectors spots, and a few artists settled there some years back.

Monterey...the aquarium is great, the golf is superb if you can get on the courses, and the shopping there and in Carmel is great. (Mr wife and I found a Csaba Marcus after looking at over 200 galleries)

The ride back to San Francisco the fast way is about 2 hours. (Hwy 1 to 152 to 101 north)

Shorter things to do in San Francisco: Take the ferry to Sausalito for lunch, drinks or dinner and return...with the fog under/over the GG Bridge, the ride is spectacular

Trip to Berkeley. If you are 50, you remember at least the pictures of Telegraph avenue, and it is still funky; 4th Street is more upscale shopping; home of the original "gourmet ghetto" so there are lots of great restaurants, (some may be gone) Metropole, Chez Panisse, Santa Fe Bar and Grill, Spengers Seafood, Skates on the Bay, many more; Jack London Square is fun (Oakland)

If it is baseball season, try for a Giants game at the new Pac Bell park. It is close to your hotel and is a hoot.

Day trip: North of the City. Muir Woods to Stinson Beach, or travel up to Sebastopol, travel out to Occidental for an old style italian meal, then drive out to bodega (where the famous school children scene from 'the birds' was filmed and then proceed to Bodega Bay.

I'm sure there are some other ideas, but I'll let others have a chance.

I had five days on my own in San Francisco in September when my husband was there on business. More things to do than time! Highlights of the trip included the Victorian Home Walk, Wok Wiz Tour of Chinatown, a trip to the top of Embarcadero Center (actually, I enjoyed the magnificent photo portraits of our musical contemporaries - James Taylor, Janis Joplin, etc. - in the hallways), the views from and murals within Coit Tower, then walking down all those stairs all the way to the bottom (awesome!), shopping then a pedicure (after all that walking) and manicure and lunch and more shopping in Cow Hollow (terrific lingerie shop there), and a walk around Fisherman's Pier and environs, along with Ghiradelli Square. I realize these are all "touristy" things, but I loved it all just the same.