NOR CAL trip

(bradenb12) · (bradenb12) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 08-11-2008, 8:14 AM

My wife and I are planning a trip to NorCal (SFO region) in October. She lived there for a year so we know the area fairly well. I'm looking for cool places to stay in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa area that don't cost a fortune. And if you have any suggestions on places to check out let me know. We plan on visiting the wine country, russian river area, san fran for a day or two, monterey/carmel, and big sur. Thanks!

(greatdane) · (greatdane) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 08-11-2008, 8:50 AM

My favorite places...

1) Carmel -- walk the town, see galleries, go to the beach, have a great meal.
2) Tiburon - walk the town, take the ferry to Angel Island, have a great meal.
3) Sonoma - great wine and less stress than Napa.
4) SF - ride the cable cars, walk the GG bridge, see peer 39, have a drink at the top of the Marriot.

SF Marriot can have weekend deals if you get in early.

Carmel is expensive but worth it.

(morganmac) · (morganmac) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 08-11-2008, 9:53 AM

The Santa Cruz/Monterey area can be fun in October. You note Carmel, but as mentioned could be extremely expensive. The Monterey Bay Aquarium would be worth a visit, http://www.mbayaq.org/ The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is worth a visit coming from Kansas.

You are talking a pretty big distance from Napa to Carmel though. To cover all the area you note you will need a week.

I second the ferry comments. If you are staying in San Fran, take the ferry across to Tiburon and drink/eat at Guaymus. www.guaymasrestaurant.com

More if I think of anything.

No idea on the staying part of the question.

(bradenb12) · (bradenb12) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 08-11-2008, 11:25 AM

We are staying a week and we've been to Carmel before, never stayed there. We actually found a place to stay with reasonable rates in Carmel, www.loboslodge.com

Been to the aquarium before, pretty cool. We will be in San Fran for two days I think.