Iam planning to go to California sometimes in October. I have 16 days to explore the state. Iam at the very beginning of planning .I would like some opinions on areas and places to stay in San Diego Carmel etc. With the size of the state would it be best to concentrate in one region? I am 55 and my wife is 50 and would be very gratful for maybe some unique locations .Please tell us about something that may have been a wow experience while there. Thank you

Sixteen days is a good amount of time. If you want WOW, then plan on going to Yosemite National Park for a couple of days.

Utahtea

If you are not familiar with cliffs on the ocean, then Big Sur should be included in your itinerary--it's between San Diego and Carmel.

definitely big sur. it is beautiful. if you are willing to drive a little further south, stay in cambria (good food, cute comfortable hotels, though ask me first before you book so i can tell you if it's good or not, same with restaurants. there are some great restaurants and some that serve roadkill on a plate). while in cambria, go to san simeon and take a tour of hearst castle. it's pretty fun. you could also go north and see san francisco. i know those are two totally different pieces of advice. let me know if you have any questions. happy to help.
peri girl

sorry I was gone on business thanks for replies I will do some more work on my west coast trip thanks

For an exceptional view of the Big Sur coast when getting up in the morning, try staying in Lucia, which is just about in the middle of that part of the drive.