Sonoma/Napa/SF and Carmel?
 

I'm coming over for a wedding in August in Sonoma for about 10 days.. was thinking of 2 days in SF, going down to Carmel before heading up to Napa and then over to Sonoma.. I'm more of a country person than lots of museaums etc.. and plan to do some hiking and wine tours.<BR><BR>Any suggestions greatly appreciated - does this seem like a good itinary or am I going to miss a must see place out?<BR><BR>Any thoughts really appreciated!

You didn't mention Yosemite! If you're an outdoors person, I would spend the bulk of my time there. I personally would skip Carmel with only 10 days, and do SF, Sonoma, and Yosemite.

Well, outdoors also includes beaches, coastline, etc. Assuming you will spend two nights in SF and two nights in Sonoma, that leaves you with six nights to spare. From SF to Yosemite is about 200 miles and will take about 4 hours of driving. However, getting from Yosemite to Carmel is a long drive, closer to six hours. I'd suggest either one of these two itineraries:<BR><BR>1. SF 2 nights, Carmel 1-2 nights, Big Sur 2 nights, Sonoma 4 nights (with day trips to Muir Woods, Napa, Point Reyes, possibly Mendicino coastline). Or,<BR><BR>2. SF 2 nights, Yosemite 4 nights, Sonoma 4 nights, with day trips.<BR><BR>I'd imagine you'd rather spend the majority of your days hiking and enjoying the great outdoors as opposed to long days in the car. If you try to fit in Carmel/Big Sur and Yosemite and Sonoma, that's what you'll be doing. Keep us posted on what you decide!

Mark,<BR><BR>If you are more of an outdoors type of person I would skip San Francisco. I find it to be overrated. I was there last month on business and it has become very dirty in the past few years (many agressive panhandlers etc.) I agree with Carmel (www.carmel-california.com) and Yosemite (www.yosemitepark.com), but I also would highly suggest at least 3 days in Lake Tahoe (www.tahoevacationguide.com)It is definitely one of the most scenic places I have been to.

Poor Mark, we're running him around all over California! He HAS to go to Sonoma, so I still think EITHER Big Sur or Yosemite or Lake Tahoe (yes, it is stunning), but not all three!

Thanks for the suggestions so far! You're right, I have to go to Sonoma for the wedding..<BR><BR>I'm going to have to come back at this rate.. too many places, too little time..<BR><BR>Well I like the suggestion of SF, Carmel/Big Sur and Sonoma wins so far... I don't want to be driving the whole time and can't quite afford a private jet or helicopter to whisk me around all these great places!<BR><BR>Suggestions on accomondation round SF and Carmel would also be appreciated.. thanks for all your help so far..

Consider booking your return flight home from San Jose Airport if you end your trip in Monterey/Carmel area. That will cut time and hassle from your return air flight.<BR><BR>Look at PacificGrove.org on the web. This town is on the Monterey peninsula and has more beach access than Monterey and Carmel combined. Many people drive the coast in Pacific Grove and think it is Monterey. Great Bed and Breakfast places like Seven Gables or Green Gables Inn plus many more listed on the web. Easy drive over to Carmel and you can walk to Monterey.

Mark<BR>While I love Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, I wouldn't recommend it to you for this kind of trip. Sounds like you want to relax and enjoy yourself. I assume you will be flying into San Francisco. You should stay in the city 2-3 days. You'll need to get over your jet lag and there is a lot to see. Take public transportation or a cab back out to the airport and rent a car (it will save you having to drive out of city you are not familiar with). Once you rent your car, its just a few hours drive to the Carmel/Monterey area (assuming you don't try to drive during the commute hours). Spend 2/3 days in that area. It is quite beautiful. By then you'll be used to driving on the "right" side of the road. Head north again to Napa. Spend a day or two there, tour some wineries, enjoy the great restaurants, and then head over to Sonoma for the wedding. I'm sure you will have a great trip. Welcome to the U.S.

I highly recommend Big Sur and SF. Surprisingly, SF has lots of areas for hiking because the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is located right in and around the city. <BR><BR>The Marin Headlands, which are immediately north of SF, where the GG Bridge touches down, has wonderful trails. Muir Woods is only about 25 minutes from the GG Bridge if you have a car. Also, if you're in SF, be sure to take an hour and walk along the waterfront along the newly restored Crissy Field, which is in the Presidio btween the Marina and the southern end of the GG Bridge. Beach, restored tidal lagoon, incredible views, and of course free. The Park Service website is down indefinitely, but check its non-profit partner's website and maybe there's info there: www.ggnpa.org.<BR><BR>Be sure to go to Alcatraz, either during the day or, even better, on the Alcatraz Night Tour. If you want to do this, buy your tickets AT LEAST A WEEK IN ADVANCE, and preferably longer ahead. In August, all tickets sell out 7-10 days in advance. The website is www.blueandgoldfleet.com.<BR><BR>As far as lodging in Pacific Grove, I stayed in a very nice, comfortable and modestly priced place called the Pacific Gardens Inn. It's just across the road from the ocean, basically, and much less expensive than many of the B&Bs in Carmel and Pacific Grove. They have a website.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>Kate

I forgot to add a recommendation for a hotel in SF. Family members of mine have stayed at the Tuscan Inn by Fisherman's Wharf. They said it's very nice and very convenient. I don't know how their prices compare to other hotels, but I believe they've been selected as "best hotel in Fisherman's Wharf" by Fodor's for a couple of years. Maybe there's even info about it on this site!<BR><BR>Kate

ttt

thanks for even more suggestions - can't wait to come over

Try Mission Ranch in Carmel, CA, owned by Clint Eastwood. It's great!