What else should we do?

Hi! My husband and I and our 2-yr old will be in San Francisco for 4 nights in late September and we%26#39;ve got that part of our trip planned(thanks to all of your great posts!). Now we need help with the rest of our trip. We will have another 3 nights before we fly out of S.F. We first thought perhaps we%26#39;d check out Napa or Sonoma, and drive down to the CarmelMonterey area, and also hit Yosemite (obviously not all in one day). But it looks like that would be a huge amount of time in the car. Basically, we%26#39;d like to drive along/near the ocean, see some great views, do some hiking, check out the giant redwoods and visit a winery. Any thoughts on which way from San Francisco we should head? We%26#39;ll leave S.F. on Tuesday morning, but need to be back to fly out at 6:30 a.m. on Friday morning. This is our first trip to the area, but we plan to be back. Thanks in advance!

Jen

What else should we do?

Here%26#39;s one plan:

Tuesday morning cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin county and visit Muir Woods. Double back over the Golden Gate Bridge (stay to the right) and take the 19 St offramp and head south for the 280 freeway. Turn onto the 280 southbound. When you see the highway signs for Pacifica , take it and head south for Monterey.

Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur has a lot to offer and worth your last 3 nights.

Don%26#39;t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They currently have a fresh water otter exhibit that your 2 year old will love! These cuties love to play and frolic with each other and put on quite a show. And did I mention how cute they are?

Denace the Menace park will also delight your 2 year old. You can rent paddle boats at El Estero park.Take the 17 Mile Drive and see the famous Lone Cypress tree., as well as the Pebble Beach golf course.

There%26#39;s a very nice recreational trail along the ocean In Pacific Grove (literally just around the corner from Monterey) with spectacular views of the bay and the victorian mansions (B%26amp;B%26#39;s) that dot the coastline.

For good family hikes, Point Lobos State Park is a few miles south of Carmel and has many lovely trails you can trek. Big Sur has many trails to offer. One of our favorites is in Pfieffer Park that meanders through redwood trees up to a waterfall.

The Monterey area has several wineries to choose from. Chateau Julian is popular, but there are others nearby, as well.

You will find plenty to keep yourselves and your 2 year old entertained in Monterey for three days.

What else should we do?

Thanks for the info, that sounds great!

boveybob wants to visit 芦CarmelMonterey area, and also hit Yosemite禄

Driving Directions with links to relevant maps and URLs of places passed through: San Francisco to Pacifica-Half Moon Bay-Santa Cruz-Monterey/Carmel geocities.com/iconoc/Articles/DriveDir.html

From there, continue down the Cabrillo Highway (1) to San Lu铆s Obispo going through Big Sur, the Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, and the Madonna Inn. Thence to Paso Robles and across on Highways 58, 229, and 41 right into Yosemite.

OR you could go to Yosemite directly from Monterey by taking Highways 156, to 152, 99 to Madera and 145 to 41, thus saving a day.

But my advice is to skip either Monterey or Yosemite this trip. You should have at least another day.