I am planning a trip for next spring (late April or early May) and am dying to go to the ocean, so I am thinking about going back to my favorite city, San Francisco. I have been there at least a half of a dozen times, so I would kind of like to plan a sidetrip to bring something different to the trip. I thought about Big Sur (I have driven through that area, but never stayed) but lodging in that area seems very expensive. I have been north of SF up to Mendocino and have traveled through the wine country. But I have never really gone inland, so I was kind of thinking of Lake Tahoe or Yosemite. Any suggestions about either of these places? Good time of the year to go? What about in March? Anyplace else around SF that would be a better sidetrip?

I vote for Yosemite which is truly one of the most spectacular places I have seen on this continent. Do a search here for lodging and other specific info.

I would plan to go to Yosemite in late April or May, not in March. Still risk of rain in March especially along the Mendocino coast and there will probably still be snow at Tahoe.

Big Sur is one of my favorite places, not to mention one of the most beautiful. It might be expensive, but it is worth it.

April and May are my favorite times to go to Yosemite. The waterfalls are at the best from the snow melts at this time of the year.

Yosemite is a National Park for a good reason, it's beautiful.

Utahtea

Big sur is spectacular. The most scenic coastline in California can be found in that area. I would also include Yosemite (www.yosemitepark.com) and Lake Tahoe on your itinerary (www.allabout-reno.com) In Tahoe, be sure to take a cruise on the Lake(www.tahoeguide.com) The M.S. Dixie and Tahoe Queen are both great cruises.

I definitely recommend Lake Tahoe. The Dixie Queen and Tahoe Queen are great cruises around the lake.

How about Drakes beach. Along the way is an elk reserve. It is just north of San Francisco, about 2 hours along hwy 1.