Need the board experts advice on planned trip.

I have 8 days. Flying into SFO on a Wednesday. Already have 3 nts at Marines Memorial Club hotel. Planning on Alcatraz, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, & Muir Woods. On Sat AM we head south to Monterey. Staying @ Hilton Garden Inn. Planning on driving Hwy 1. Kayaking at Elkhorn Slough, visit Carmel, maybe drive south to Big Sur. Monday AM drive to Yosemite stopping at Mariposa Grove before heading into Yosemite from the south. Staying at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. Driving back to SFO on Thursday for a mid-afternoon flight home.

Any comments on things I am missing? Suggestions for any of the 3 locations? Must do's that I am missing? Suggested hikes in Yosemite?

We are an active, mid 50', couple. On a budget, so looking mid-range restaurant suggestions. (Real SF will be pricey regardless).

Thanks to all,
Javier

Don't think I noticed your dates, but Mariposa Grove might not be open:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm

Active, mid 50's - these are my suggested Yosemite hikes.

1. Panorama trail, from Glacier Point back down to the valley. It's a full day hike. You'd need to take a shuttle bus to Glacier point, or if you are even more adventurous, hike UP the 4mile trail to Glacier point and down the Panorama trail. Alternative to the Panorama trail is the Mist & John Muir trails , up to Vernal and Nevada Falls & back. You can do that from a valley shuttle bus stop without having to get up to Glacier point.

2. Hike to top of Yosemite falls. It's 1.5 to 2hrs up, half that back down.

3. Riding a bike around the valley floor is a great way to explore. See if your hotel has bikes to borrow or rent.

I also recommend you visit Glacier point on your way into the valley from the south. As noted above, Mariposa Grove will be closed for the next 2 years.

Mariposa Grove is closed -- So instead of entering the park by the south entrance via Fresno/Oakhurst/Fish Camp, use the west entrance through Merced/Mariposa/El Portal. It will save over an hour's drive.

There is something to be said about seeing Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View for the first time, even if you won't be able to stop at Mariposa Grove, but your decision, of course.

Thanks for the responses thus far. My trip is June 3rd to June 11th. According to NPS website Mariposa Grove will close on July 6th. Hopefully that is correct. I plan to call before we leave.

Now....keep those suggestions for SF and Monterey coming too. I value the Board's advice.

Visit Point Lobos on your way south to Big Sur or visit Point Lobos anyway even if you don't make it to Big Sur. What kind of food do you like?

Agree with Janis. Entering from the south is out of your way. Coming from Monterey, go thru Mariposa on Hwy. 140.

Agree with Patty, do not miss Point Lobos, just south of Carmel.

Patty,

Thank you for the suggestion on Point Lobos. I've heard great things about the views. We are planning on at least 1/2 day south of Monterey.

As for food...we are not "foodies"...so local pub grub, seafood, a place with "local character" for b'fast...want to try and avoid national chains that we could enjoy here in Chicagoland...

Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing.

Although there is a Big Sur Village with some hotels and restaurtants, Big Sur is actually the part of Highway 1 between Carmel/Monterey and Cambria. Limited lodging in Big Sur itself.

(Real SF will be pricey regardless).


Not so! There are any number of moderately priced very good SF restaurants. Or maybe my view is skewed as to what's "moderate" since I've lived here for 42 years LOL.

SF7307

Any suggestions as to moderately priced places to eat in Chinatown?

After Point Lobos if you want to continue south, there's Rocky Point restaurant on the ocean side of Hwy 1 before Palo Colorado Rd. Great view of Bixby Bridge.

Or if you decide to stop in Carmel, some very casual eateries I like are Carmel Belle (B/L/D), Monterey Bagel Company (B/L) and Barmel (L/D). These are either order at the counter type or bar food places. If you want to step it up a bit, La Balena (L/D), Basil (L/D) and La Bicyclette (B/L/D) have good food and are moderately priced.