sumreknot

We will be arriving in SF on Oct 11, staying in the city for 3 days. We have booked a bus tour which includes Alcatraz. We then plan to rent a car and see/stay in Wine Country and then drive down the coast, probably to Carmel etc. Back to the city on the 20th and leave the 21. We have been assured by many that we can just "wing it" as there are many places to stay at this time of the year...and I really don't want to be too regimented on this trip. This is our first time in the area...we live in Michigan. Any suggestions/comments about weather/clothing/what to see/do/skip would be greatly appreciated!

J_Correa

For weather, it's been warm and sunny, but this is fall, so that could change. It wont be cold, so you don't need to bring anything heavy. Layers are your best bet, esspecially since it can be cool and foggy in SF and very warm just a little bit inland.

dovima

Dear sumreknot,
It's a pity you'll just miss Halloween in San Francisco!
As to weather, last week we were in the glory of our famous Indian Summer season - every day (I'm talking about S.F. proper) was just hot enough with clear skies and light breezes. This week it's been very grey and cool so far. So, the oft-repeated advice about layering is essential!
I'm sure you can "wing it", but I'd feel more comfortable with a list of several properties to stay in each destination. The night before you leave S.F. for the wine country, for instance, make a few phone calls and see what the availability is. That way you can plan your drive for the next day and not be disappointed.

KathyM

I think if you want to "wing it", that's great, but you'll pay dearly for that freedom. We were in California for 3 weeks in August and were able to get some trememndous "buys" on Priceline by booking ahead. I would "book" at least part of the trip before leaving home.

sumreknot

We don't need fancy...just a little motel, guest cottage or b&b would be fine...I was told that there are many who don't even advertise on the internet..they are just all over...we have reservations in the city for 3 nights at the beginning and one at the end....

gypsy

Even 'winging it', i'd have to do some research on internet to see what was in the area, amenities, etc., so that not a lot of my time was spent searching for and checking-out what was available and where it was.
i'm not sure this says clearly what i mean... but i wouldn't want to spend precious time looking at different properties to see which one best fitted our needs. we fell in love with that area last summer - you'll have a terrific time!
d

gypsy

yeah, dovima said it better...

parisinspring

We will be in San Francisco for Halloween. Is anything special going on? I heard there used to be a parade or something, but that they don't do it anymore. Also, would capris be out of place at the end of October?

J_Correa

If the weather is warm enough for capris, then they wont be out of place. We dress for the weather around here. If it's warm, we wear summer clothes. If it's chilly, we wear winter clothes. It doesn't matter if it is Feburary or July.

dovima

JCorrea, right on!
Cashmere and leather 12 months a year.
Short sleeves and no socks maybe 3 days out of any month of the year.
That's our town.

razzledazzle

Love that dress code J Correa!
Do we go anywhere without at least
a sweatshirt/sweater?
Now, about those things to do on Halloween in SF...Oct.31 is such an auspicious day...I moved to SF on 10/31/1988 and friends spirited me away
to the Castro...what fun!!!
My move to Sonoma has taken me away from such partying, yet doesn't
the party go on ??
R5

J_Correa

I never go anywhere without a sweater or a light jacket. I frequently have more than one in the trunk of my car, just in case

I live in San Jose now, so it's not much of an issue, but old habits die hard. Plus, I am always prepared when I go to Santa Cruz or SF.