San Francisco trip in August - please help with itinerary
 

Hello,

Need some help in fine tuning one leg of the trip. We'll be trekking a bit around Chicago and will be flying in from there. As with our Florida trip last year, I tend to make cancellable bookings in advance and then try and fine tune within that including a keen eye out for Hotwire to grab a sweet deal till the last minute.

We are a family of four with two teens (17 and 15)

Here's the plan/bookings so far:

August 17: arrive by 4 PM, check in to the Intercontinental Union Square (9 nights).
August 26: drive to Monterey (booked for 2 nights at the Intercontinental Clement (2 nights)
August 28: fly out of SFO at 5 PM

I've got the SF passport for 7 days, so nicely sorted for the week in SF. Plan to rent a car and drive to Monterey and relax/explore the area there towards the end of the trip.

Main question is: I want to reduce the SF stay from 9 to 7 nights and spend those 2 nights (August 24 and 25) elsewhere, before going to Monterey and am looking for suggestions.

I was originally thinking of Santa Cruz, but the more I read about it, the less sure I am of Santa Cruz as a destination - I'm sure the broadwalk and the redwood forest would be nice, if only I could find a decent hotel there. North of SF sounds nice, but not sure if the teens would enjoy that (we experienced that in Florida - they loved Miami the most, more happening I guess from their perspective). I even thought of going down to Santa Barbara and then heading back up to Monterey. Would ideally like a place close to the water, which is not a romantic getaway, but would like to explore your suggestions.

<i>SF passport for 7 days</i>

Do you mean A "Muni Visitor Pass" [which is transit only] or a "Citypass" which adds on a few extras admissions.

I recommend that you just buy the Muni Visitor Pass and then just paying for whatever else you decide to do on your own. I don't think the extra cost for the CityPass is worth it, especially if you don't do all that is included.

If you are not familiar with these free tours, check them out. There are a variety of tours that will appeal to a variety of likes. All they ask for is a donation and no reservations are needed.

http://www.sfcityguides.org/

Thanks - I got the Citypass - there is a great deal on it from Costco (here in Canada).

Wow - thanks for the walking tours link. It looks great - will definitely use it. I was also looking at on of the biking tours: http://www.sosfbiketours.com/ which looks interesting.

Consider bike rental from Blazing Saddles and going over the Golden Gate Bridge.

http://www.blazingsaddles.com/san-francisco.aspx

Thanks a million - this is so helpful! Will rent bikes from here and skip the tour. Might still go with the Segway tour - that definitely soun like fun

They often have deals on segways on groupon.Sign up for San Francisco deals and follow what's offered.

Are you planning to drive down the coast south of Monterey? The part of the coast between Monterey and San Simeon is the stuff of which legens are made! I'd add the days to the "going south" part of your trip and do Santa Cruz and the coast as part of that. You can stay in Monterey all 4 days.

When will you be here? If you do drive down south, check and see if the California MidState Fair will be on (in Paso Robles, a pleasant small town itself). We went last summer to see Maroon 5 and had a great time ((fair, rides, animals, concert - I have a picture of me walking past the cows to get to my seat for the concert).

Another possibility (and whether this is a good idea depends on where in Canada you're coming from) would be a few days in Lake Tahoe. We've been here every weekend since mid-June and the weather has been sensational. Lots of biking and hiking, beach, music, etc.

Thanks sf7307,

We were planning to drive south from Monterey, but only to Carmel beach and back up on the 17 mile drive.

From your post, I'm thinking maybe I could stay 8 nights in SF and for the 9th night go down to San Simeon or Camria, spend one night there and then up to Monterey for last 2 nights.

Any thoughts on these two locations or any place else around?

Why not drive out to Yosemite? We are doing a 6 night trip with our 3 teen boys consisting of 4 days in San Fran, 1 in Monterey and 1 in Yosemite. If you have 2 days you can spare, Yosemite would be an amazing place to take them. We will be driving from Monterey East to Yosemite-about a 4 hour drive, staying overnight, spend the next day in Yosemite then a 4 hour drive back to San Francisco. If you can extend your rental car and don't mind the drive you may want to consider.

Stay the full 4 days in Monterey (Yosemite is wonderful but it isn't a day trip sort of place and accommodations will be difficult/impossible)

The Monterey base would allow you to see most things in the area w/o dashing around like crazy people. :) You 100% want to tour farther south than Carmel - at least through Big Sur.

On the drive to Monterey stop in Santa Cruz and Capitola

This is a report on a day trip we took down the coast a couple of years ago. The pictures were taken with my phone, so they aren't great, but will give you an idea:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-part-way.cfm

Sounds like good advice above.
On one of your sunny days in SF, go over the Golden Gate Bridge to see the big trees at Muir Woods.
You can easily visit Sonoma and or Napa from there if you want to see some vineyards.

Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions.

janisj: you have no idea how much I loved hearing from you: you helped make our UK trip so much more enjoyable (many moons ago), I'm eternally grateful to you. I will definitely be driving all the way to at least San Simeon (after I read up on this drive from the tip I got from here), regardless of where I'm staying.

I'm desperately trying to make it so that the first 7 nights are in SF and the last 4 in Monterey (so we can use that as a base as well as a destination). The problem is cost - the 2 nights we're trying to shift around are August 24 and 25 - it's probably the last or the 2nd last weekend before schools open, everything is prohibitively expensive. For example, I got the Intercontinental Clent in Monterey for close to $200 a night for the 4 of us for August 26 and 27 - the same hotel (as well as a vast number of lesser star ones) are going for prices that are mind boggling (to me at least). It just doesn't make sense to me to leave my nice Intercontinental in SF for those 2 nights and check in at a Days Inn for the same price ( actually a little more). I have nothing against basic motels and stay at them all the time, but am having difficulty with the price tag. I'm hawking Priceline and Hotwire, and as soon as I come across something sweet - I'd love to be able to spend the 4 nights in Monterey.

The only other alternative is to spend those 2 nights at the Chaminade in Scott's Valley - I'm getting that for about $200, but I'll wait that out a bit.

There is a reason Monterey is more expensive than San Francisco. Have you tried the Pacific Hotel, Monterey? I see they have rooms for about $235 per night for 4 persons. Nice hotel in a nice location.

Hi - went back and looked at your trip report. Even though it was ages ago I actually remember your trip/planning w/ the footie/Lakes/Scotland etc :). Glad I could help.

Check out Carmel and Carmel Valley for accommodations. You might find something nice for less than the Intercontinental. And some places will discount their rates a bit for a 4 night booking.

BarbAnn, why are Monterey hotels more expensive than San Francisco hotels?

Supply and demand during August. Monterey Auto Week with the Concours d'Elegance is in August. Wine events prior to busy harvest, kids moving back to CSUMB. Nice beach weather. Second half of August is packed on the Monterey Peninsula.

Chaminade for your information is in the hills above Santa Cruz. The rooms are large. There is a huge swimming pool, outdoor activities, hiking trails and more. There is a large conference center and good on site restaurant. The views of the city and distant view of the ocean from there is nice. However, I like San Francisco too so its a toss up as you say between staying in San Francisco or Chaminade.

If you did stay in Chaminade some activities you could do is
1) Drive highway 1 from San Francisco to Santa Cruz - checking out Half Moon bay, goat cheese tasting, kite surfing, Big Basin Redwood State Park, and Santa Cruz (good for the Boardwalk, wine tasting, and ocean side setting.). There is also Roaring camp - a railroad through the redwoods nearby. As such, it could be an enjoyable stay at Chaminade.

Agree with BarbAnn that prices are high during Concours d'Elegance. Even nearby Marina (which is usually the poor man's place to stay for Monterey area) is expensive during that week - go figure (as soon as Labor Day comes the prices drop substantially.).

You have received excellent advise already so just wanted to add this.
One other thing while in Monterey/Carmel definitely plan to go to Point Lobos - its a wonderful and unique place to see along the ocean.

have fun and best to you.

We are going to Concours d'Elegance. Even the dumpiest motels are over $400 a night that week and book out a year in advance. YIKES!

We ended up booking 2 nights at Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove for our first 2 nights [at regular prices] and then move down to a VRBO in Carmel Higlands on a vineyard for the other 4 nights. We are auctioning a vintage motorcycle, so we hope it sells!

I originally didn't notice this was the Concours weekend. <B>HUGE</B> problem! (fabulous event - terrible for accommodations)

Can you rearrange your trip so you do the 4 day Monterey/Carmel bits first and finish up in SF?

You will probably find much cheaper rooms.

This is where we stayed when we went to visit family in the SB area in June. http://www.sandyland.com/
Definatly not fancy but it does have a pool.
I think it was about $60/night.

OP wasn't planning on being in Monterey area during the Concours d'Elegance, but just after it ended, per what is in first post. The concours was mention up thread as a reason why rooms are expensive in Monterey. I added my 2 cents, but it really wasn't relevant to the OP. Sorry.

OK (I am sooooo confused :) ) -- the Concours is NOT the problem after all and don't change your dates. If you did you'd be right in the middle of the Concours crowd.



I haven't been to the Pebble Beach Concours in about 7 years - used to have a FREE place to stay but no more :(

Problem resolved - and rather elegantly too.

Given the mind boggling prices in the area for those 2 nights, I thought I’d try the old fashioned thing before changing bookings to a lesser establishment that was going to charge me an arm and a leg and then promptly expect me to write glowing reviews on Tripadvisor (honestly – I’ve had people actually requesting that for the past few years!).

So, I called up the Intercontinental in Monterey – explained to them my failing of champagne tastes on a beer budget (also let it slip in that one of those nights is my birthday – and it is, didn’t make that up). Was put through to Nick, the supervisor who turned out to be one of those wonderful human beings who seem to make it their purpose in life to make other people happy. He offered me a 12% discount on the $420/night rate for those 2 nights – I said thanks but that’s still too much for me. So he goes, now in slightly lower decibels, that I seem to have a fair number of points, why not put them to some use? He suggested that I call their 1-800 reservation #, book with points, get the cheapest room for 2 – they will only guarantee a standard for 2 people. Then to call him back and he’ll arrange it so that we continue in the same room for 4 for all the 4 nights, because my membership status guarantees an upgrade anyway. Bingo. Had to work through the happy clappy 1-800 people, then called back Nick – who did his magic. Must bring a gift for Nick.

So we now have our 7 nights in at the Intercontinental in SF and 4 at the one in Monterey – I couldn’t be happier. The Monterey Intercon was the one I really wanted to stay in (we’ll be one of, or at least among, the beautiful people. Yippy!)

So – now, all you wonderful, helpful people can go right back to doing what you do best: help me make this a memorable trip for my wife and kids.

Our travelling style is to keep it easy paced, and not to convert a holiday into a military campaign where we are ticking things off a list. We will, naturally, have a list of places we want to go to, but preferably in an unhurried manner. I suppose San Francisco is very appropriate to that style of travel.

So far, the plan is to take one of those Segway tours of SF on day 1 – these seems to be for about 2-3 hours, and I expect will give us a nice idea of the lay of the land to some extent (and a whole lot of fun, but also enable us to decide where we want to go back to on foot/public transport – I’m only thinking of the city tour). Then there’s probably a couple of visits to Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Park (I’m thinking of renting bikes and going across the bridge). I’d like to take in Muir as well. A trip to Alcatraz as well. Mostly, we’re more likely to walk around the city for those 8 days. From what I’ve read so far, 8 days is barely scratching the surface and this is a bit ambitious (in terms of what we like to do), but that’s what we’ve got – plus there’s really nothing stopping us from coming back to SF too. My daughter and I really want to spend the better part of one day at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art – and we all want to catch a baseball game if possible.

For the south trip – it’s really about driving around the Pacific highway, 17-mile drive, Carmel beach (I’d love to squeeze in surfing lessons for the wife and kids in Santa Cruz – while I take pictures and read my book). And I really, really want to see big trees.

So – over to you wonderful, helpful people. Thank you so much for your suggestions. i earnestly look forward to more.

Book Alcatraz right now! It may already be too late.

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

The only Giants game while you are in the city is the Monday (Aug 23) before you head south so you'll want to book that right away.

The A's (across the Bay in Oakland) are at home while you are there. They have become a fun team - but their stadium is nothing like the amazing experience of a Giants game.

So I'd definitely try to book Giants tickets ASAP and only book the A's if you can't get in for the Giants.

Oh -meant to add . . . That is brilliant that you worked out the monterey hotel. The manager sounds like a gem . . .

"Golden Gate Park (I'm thinking of renting bikes and going across the bridge)

Just a note - Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge are not really near each other at all.

We just were in SF for a few days two weeks ago and took the City Guides Chinatown tour. Really great. We loved it, and I highly recommend it.

Thanks. Will check out baseball tickets and Alcatraz today.

One question: is it a good idea to rent a convertible for the Monterey trip? I really want to, but weather wise I thought I'd ask. I'm getting a decent deal at Hotwire, but haven't booked yet. Any suggestions would be great.

Sure, spring for the convertible. It may be foggy/cool especially in the mornings but there is bound to be some beautiful weather too.

On the car rental: my plan was to to take the BART into SFO on the 24th, pick up the car and drive down to Monterey and on the way back drop it off at the airport and catch my flight. I thought this might be easier since I'd avoid the city driving and I have to get to the airport anyway.

I know the airport locations are a bit more pricey - but this certainly seems convenient.

Is this a good plan or should I be considering alternatives?

Pick up a car from Dollar on O'Farrell St, (Union Sq) and drive out of the city. It is easy to do and they don't have one way drop off fee. They also "may" have city specials. BART for 4 will run you $'s that you can better use for gas!

Thank you all for your suggestions – I’ve got a bit more done (including Giants tickets [got some nice seats from stubhub] for the 23rd and Alcatraz for the 20th), now need some specific suggestions for the days marked for walking/biking in the city. Also, restaurants (casual dining for the most part) suggestions would be highly appreciated.

This is how it is looking so far:

August 17:
Arrive at SFO at 4:00 PM. BART into town, possibly take the night Segway tour at 7:30 (still debating this one – we may be a bit tired for this and might take it the next morning).

August 18:
Walk/bike/explore the city.

August 19:
Bike across the bridge, spend the afternoon in Sausalito – ferry back.

August 20:
Alcatraz tour

August 21:
Walk/bike/explore the city.

August 22:
Walk/bike/explore the city.

August 23:
Walk/bike/explore the city. Giants game in the evening

August 24:
BART to SFO, pick rental car and drive to Monterey – might stop en-route for some outlet mall damage by the girls for a few hours.
(Will cover the Monterey aquarium during one of these 3.5 days)

August 25:
Santa Cruz – strolling, possibly surfing lessons for the kids, trip to the redwood forest.

August 26:
Drive to San Simeon – evening back in Monterey. August 27:

August 27:
Carmel beach, 17 mile drive, Monterey

August 28:
Drive back to SFO, drop rental car and fly back.

Would be grateful for your suggestions of how this is looking and what else to include.

8/24 Are you paying more to rent the car from SFO compared to renting downtown?
Most of the downtown car rental places will let you drop at the airport without a drop off fee.
It is not hard to get out of town going south in a car.

Agree with Tom - rent the car in town and drive south. 4 BART fares to SFO = $32+

I explored that quite a bit. Issue was that I wanted to rent a convertible and the best rate I was getting was from Thrifty at SFO (scoured hotwire and had a couple of failed priceline bids too). If I pick a convertible (other cars are cheaper) from the city and dropped at SFO, it was about $410 (including taxes etc.) compared to $286 at SFO, so ended up doing that. Booking can be cancelled, so I will be keeping an eye out for a better deal out of the city, but doesn't look like it so far.

At least you've done your homework!

One location question: We'll be staying at the Intercontinental on Howard Street. While this hotel is overall very well reviewed, I did catch a few negative comments about the neighborhood at night – but no specifics as to why. Can someone please add color to this?