My wife and I are planning a trip to the SF area around Memorial Day weekend, arriving late Tuesday, May 22, and returning Monday, May 27. My wife wants/needs a relaxing vacation. For us relaxing is pretty causal like roaming around, seeing interesting sights, and picnics. Some vacations involve fine dining, but probably not this one. I think this trip will be more about unwind time and not wearing dress clothes. I have asked, and my wife does not want to stay at a spa or go to cooking classes.

We know holidays are very crowded in Wine Country and the Monterey Coast, so our thought is to spend the weekend in San Francisco. The question is where to spend the weekday component of the trip. We are split between Sonoma, Big Sur/Carmel/Monterrey, or doing the drive from LA to SF.

There are so many posts on each topic that I know we can get good guidance once we select a general theme. Feedback from people who have done any or all of these is appreciated. If you have a suggestion for some place I have not considered (other than San Jose) let me know. We are still pretty flexible about how to structure our trip.

Thanks.

The two alternatives that come to mind are the north coast and the gold country. Highway 1 north from SF - toward Mendocino - is specatcular and offers plenty of opportunities for exploring the beautiful coastal and back country. The Sonoma Co. hills (between SR1 and US101) are lovely, with a number of interesting and pleasant towns that won't have many visitors during the week. Have a family style Italian dinner in Occidental, for example. You can kill a couple of lazy days easily in this area.

Ditto the goldrush country; east through Sacramento and cut up to Nevada City, then south on SR49 and various side roads - up valleys etc., through this beautiful and historic country. There are plenty of interesting towns, small B&Bs or country hotels, good food, historic sites...

Happy planning!

How about a drive up to Lake Tahoe? For a relaxing type of vacation you might want to consider the Hyatt Regency Resort or Cal Neva on the North Shore. South Shore has most of the gaming and nightlife, so it depends on your preference. A boat tour on the Lake is very relaxing. I have taken the M.S. Dixie and Dixie Queen boat tours. Both were great.

Lindsey, it is a good question. All the areas you mentioned, including David's suggestion of Lake Tahoe, have merit. From your description of what you are looking for though, I'd scratch Monterey and Carmel off the list. Monterey is a bit touristy, though the aquarium and whale watching cruises are nice. Carmel is a quaint small town, but doesn't have much to offer for more than a day or so.

Big Sur is spectacular, and to stay in one of the high end hotels there would be very relaxing, but pricey. If it fits your budget have a look at the Post Ranch Inn, postranchinn.com. That would be truly getting away from it all, and you wouldn't have to ever leave the gorgeous view from your suite, if you like.

The wine country is great and very relaxing, but best if you are into wine tasting and so she can take advantage of the many spas.

Another possibility would be the Mendocino coastline. Very casual, lots of great hiking and scenery.

I keep suggesting places that offer beach and ocean views because that is the ultimate escape for me, but you might enjoy Lake Tahoe or the wine country just as much. Tough choice, good luck!

For an excellent source of information on things to see and do in Northern California, go to
"bayareabackroads.com" and click on the "Search" button, choose the "Topic" selector (versus "Date" selector) and type in "BAB Northern California" It is a great place to find ideas for what's here! Bay Area Backroads is a local television production with great facts and information on suggestions/ideas of local travel off the beaten path.

TTT

I've been ignoring this posting because I thought some nut was attempting to go on a low-calorie vacation.

Thanks for all of the great ideas. Have narrowed things down a little bit. Going to do the coast drive from LA to SF (3 days), spend some time in Wine Country (2 days), then close the trip in San Francisco (3 days) from May 19 to May 27.

Suggestions or answers on the following would be appreciated:

Suggested itinerary for three day drive from LA to Central Coast? Places to see, and where to stop?

How long and itinerary from Monterey/Carmel to Sonoma? Need to be in Wine Country by mid-afternoon, Wednesday, May 23. Wife got reservations at The French Laundry.

Suggestions for places to stay in Sonoma Valley area.

Remarks on the Marin French Cheese factory? My wife's new hobby is cheesemaking. Any place else she would want to try?

Obviously, we will not be dieting along the way.

I know it is a lot of questions. I appreciate you letting me pepper you with these.

Lindsey,

On your drive from Los Angeles to the Central Coast I would stop to see Hearst Castle (www.hearst-castle.org) in San Simeon. If you wish to stay overnight, there are several places in nearby Cambria. North of San Simeon is the scenery of Big Sur along Highway 1. In Monterey (www.monterey.com)there is the spectacular Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. 17 Mile Drive and nearby Carmel are also great to see.