have approx 10 days and would like to do san fran, wine country and some beach time. Any suggestions?

Is it too cool in north central cali (say santa cruz) to hit the beach (going the 2nd week of september)? Or should we head further south.

Thanks very much!

Take a walk and/or ride down the "crooked street". Bring your walking shoes - SF is outstanding. If you are into tours like Alcatraz (great view of the city from the island), book online otherwise the day and time you want may be sold out. Also walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is really unbelievable. Mier Woods is also beautiful.

We planned on doing the beach thing as well. We visited Newport Beach, CA, which is pretty south, toward the end of August and the water was absolutely frigid. I'm from the northeast where ocean temps are just comfortable in August and when I say frigid, I mean it was painful. Now I suppose if you have a wet suit that might be an intirely different story.

September is the best time to visit San Francisco, because it's sunnier and warmer. Having said that, the ocean is COLD any time of year in Northern California (and still chilly in Southern California).

Most people don't swim without wetsuits. But you can definitely go to the beach, and might get some warm days when shorts/tank tops can be worn at the beach.

For activities, I'd do a search of this forum, you'll probably find a ton of suggestions. With 10 days, I'd probably consider going a few days in the wine country, and maybe even Lake Tahoe or Yosemite if you feel like it.

As others have said, September is a terrific time for visiting the California coast. It is our indian summer, which brings warm, dry (no fog) weather to the coast. The weather will probably be perfect for hanging out on the beach and doing a little wading in the ocean. Also, the tourist season officially ends Labor Day weekend so there wont be huge crowds at the beaches, but everything will still be open.

September can be the best month of the year at Point Reyes and all along the Northern/Central California coast. If you love wide open beaches, spend some time at Pt. Reyes. It's the least developed section of coast other than the Shelter Cove area which would also be an awesome place to visit. Sinkyone State Park has some great beaches and great camping if you are looking to get away from it all.

By the way, the best place for swimming on the coast in September is Tomales Bay at Pt. Reyes. The water will be much warmer than the ocean. Tomales Bay State Park has several excellent beaches and there are nice B&B's close by.