San Francisco, Monterey and the Napa Valley

Travel Itinerary

Stop 1: San Francisco

Stop 2: Monterey

Stop 3: Carmel by the Sea

Stop 4: Yosemite National Park

Stop 5: Lee Vining

Stop 6: Lake Tahoe

Stop 7: Napa Valley

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Embarking on a San Fran adventure? Clam chowder, sourdough bread, and Ghirardelli chocolate await you in this city of hills, thrills, and spills (mostly from the pick pocketers, so watch your stuff!).

If you're a San Fran veteran, you're probably well-acquainted with the fact that the streets have more twists and turns than a mystery novel. Some are so zig-zaggy you might think you're in a life-sized game of Snakes and Ladders. And don't even get us started on those elusive clouds that play hide-and-seek with the Golden Gate Bridge!

My Tips: Walking Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39 are classics – clam chowder in hand, immerse yourself in the city's culture. And after that, hit the streets and get lost! Forget driving, because you'll miss the quirks of amazing places like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Japantown. Dive into the architecture, art, and culture of each neighborhood – San Fran is known for its diversity and embracing all cultures so fall in head first!

Must-See Checklist:

• The Painted Ladies

• Castro

• Hayes Valley

• Mission District

• Golden Gate Park

• Alcatraz

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Lombard Street

• Ferry Building

• Sausalito
  

Survival tips for San Fran:

1. Transport options are plenty – cable cars, walking, or riding. But beware, those hills mean business. Consider an e-bike if you're not in the mood for a thigh workout!

2. Ride the Golden Gate Bridge at your own pace; stop for that perfect Instagram shot. Pro tip: Ride to Sausalito and ferry back (after an ice cream of course - hey you worked hard for it!)

3. Keep your belongings closer than you keep your secrets. San Fran's got a few sneaky pick pocketers, and they're not after your heart.

4. Not a fan of riding? No worries, the ferry system is your friend – easy breezy! The ferry terminal is also very cool with cute gifts and stores to keep you busy whilst you wait for your ride.

5. Choose your Golden Gate Bridge day wisely – clouds can be real party poopers.

6. Planning an Alcatraz adventure? Prebook those tickets months in advance – the ghosts don't like surprises.

So, buckle up (or lace up those walking shoes), and get ready for a San Fran escapade filled with food, fun, and a few unexpected hills!

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Ah, Pebble Beach – where the golf greens are as pristine as a freshly ironed shirt, the Monterey aquarium is swimming with possibilities, and the seals have their own star-studded reality show! It's the quintessential coastal town, and guess what? You're about to dive into an aquatic adventure, both under the sea and on the fairway.

Now, if you're a family of avid golfers like ours, the Monterey Aquarium might just have to take a backseat. Sure, people rave about it being the best they've ever seen, but we were too busy perfecting our swings at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course (kidding we aren't goof enough to pay that price for a game of golf - but maybe one day). However we did spend hours spent driving, stopping, and admiring the golf course from every conceivable angle. And guess what? Admission is a mere $10, but here's a pro tip – channel your inner Meryl Streep, put on your thickest accent, and you might just swing your way in for free! Who knew your accent would be your secret pass? The drive is a visual feast for golf enthusiasts and accidental tourists alike.

Pebble Beach Golf Course

Dive into the salty tales of Cannery Row – where history, sardines, and a pound of oval goodness take center stage. Cannery Row, once the bustling sardine capital of the world, now preserved with the echoes of closed-down canning factories. Wander through this historic haven and soak in the fascinating stories of the one-pound oval sardine can – the unsung hero that fed the US army and its allies during not one, but two world wars. Move over, superheroes; we've got a fishy legend in town!

But wait, the fishy fiesta doesn't end there! Our next stop is the legendary Old Fisherman's Wharf, where you'll encounter more seals than you've ever seen in your life. The smell might be a tad on the nose, but who cares when you're surrounded by a parade of seals putting on a show like it's their Broadway debut?

Old Fisherman's Wharf

CARMEL BY THE SEA

Hold onto your ice cream cones and break out those sensible sandals, because we're headed to a town where Clint Eastwood traded in his cowboy hat for a mayor's sash in 1986! And guess what? Before his reign, ice cream was deemed contraband. Imagine a world where brain freeze was a crime.

But that's not the only law in this quirky paradise. Watch out, fashionistas, because wearing high heels over 2 inches is a serious offense unless you've got a permit to strut your stuff. Permit for killer heels? Now that's a paperwork party we can get behind! So, throw on your best matching outfit (sensible heels under 2 inches, of course), and meander through the streets of this beautiful place where Clint once called the shots!

My tip: Take a scenic drive to Carmel by the Sea for lunch, where the only permit you need is an appetite. Slow down, savor the coastal vibes, and make sure your heels are within the legal limit – we wouldn't want you breaking any fashion laws on your way to a delicious lunch date by the sea! Clint may have been the mayor, but you're the style sheriff in this fashion-forward town. Let the quirky adventures begin!

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Yosemite must-do list is here:

1. Drive the Valley: Behold El Capitan, Half Dome, and the mesmerizing Bridalveil Falls.

2. Venture to Glacier Point: Brace yourself for an hour of winding roads and jaw-dropping views.

3. Stroll through Mariposa Grove: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Giant Sequoias (buses are required to take you to the hikes during busy seasons).

4. Conquer Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Dome: (Psst...you need a permit for the last one.)

5. Explore Yosemite Village and Camp Curry: Because who can resist the charm of these park hotspots?

Read about more of our Yosemite Glamping adventures here.

Click Me

LEE VINING, CALIFORNIA

Drive the beautiful Tioga Pass - a winding 9,943 feet above sea level. This drive is gorgeous but have many seasonal closures depending on the snow so make sure you check this out before planning to drive.

Tioga Pass

Prepare for a dose of cute and quirky as we roll into Lee Vining, a town that's small but packs a punch of cool and crazy experiences! We didn't know what to expect, but let's just say Lee Vining left us with memories that are as kind of cool as they are kind of crazy.

First up on the checklist is the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve – a place where "tufa towers" rise like calcium-carbonate sculptures straight out of a surreal dream. Take a stroll around the lake and witness the magic where freshwater springs do a tango with alkaline lake water, forming spires and knobs that'll have you questioning if you've stumbled into Mother Nature's art gallery. And guess what? It's not just a playground for geological wonders; it's also a VIP lounge for 1 – 2 million birds who drop by each year for some rest and relaxation.

Next stop, Bodie – a time capsule from the late 1800s that went from a bustling mining community to an eerie ghost town. Let me take you back in time: nearly 10,000 residents, a gold rush, a fire, and then poof – everyone vanishes into the dry desert winds. Now, Bodie stands frozen in time, and wandering through its deserted streets is like stepping into a western ghost story. But here's the catch – bring your own snacks and hydration because, after a 45-minute dusty road drive, Bodie doesn't have a Starbucks on the corner.

So, pack your sense of wonder, your hiking boots, and maybe a snack or two, because Lee Vining is serving up a combo of geological wonders, ghostly tales, and a pinch of the unexpected. Get ready to be pleasantly puzzled in this little town that's big on surprises!

Bodie, California

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

Embarking on my Lake Tahoe escapade, I must admit, the review is as mixed as a bag of trail mix. What was once a pristine and breathtaking haven has transformed into a privatized, casino-dominated realm, leaving me with conflicting emotions.

The undeniable beauty of Lake Tahoe still shines through, but the downside hits hard as accessing the water now comes with a hefty toll – an exorbitant price tag for parking. Forget about the simple joy of a lakeside stroll without feeling like you need to take out a second mortgage.

On a brighter note, the hiking scene is a silver lining in this tale. The trails around Lake Tahoe offer a breathtaking communion with nature, providing solace amidst the commercial hustle. So, if you're a nature enthusiast seeking the serenity of mountain trails, fear not – Tahoe has your back. For those with a penchant for nightlife and the jingle of slot machines, Lake Tahoe's transformation into a casino town might be just the ticket. The glittering lights, the clinking of chips, and the thrill of a gamble could be your cup of mountain-grown coffee.

Lake Tahoe, California

NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Napa Valley, where the unofficial motto might as well be "paper, scissors, rock" for the designated driver, because this picturesque haven is a symphony of wine, wine, and more wine!

As the vine-covered hills unfold before you like a lush carpet of green, Napa Valley invites you to embark on a sensory journey that revolves around one thing – the nectar of the gods.

The wineries here aren't just places to sample Cabernets and Chardonnays; they're like enchanted realms where the art of winemaking takes center stage. Each pour is a story, an eloquent expression of the terroir, the weather, and the passion of those who coax the grapes to perfection.

Now, let's talk about the intricate dance of flavors that awaits you at every tasting room. From the bold reds that command your attention to the delicate whites that whisper sweet nothings to your palate, Napa Valley is a playground for your taste buds. And let's not forget the sparkling wines – because, in Napa, every moment is a celebration. Beware though, these wine tastings come at a hefty price.

My tips:

• Choose a few wineries that you want to go to

• Stay outside of Napa to save on costs

• There are other beautiful wine regions outside of Napa that are worth exploring like Sonoma!

Napa Valley, California