This will be our first visit to San Fran area and we are trying to decide whether to spend a few days in Napa area or Monterey and down the coastline drive. Any recommendations?
2006-08-21 14:00:12 · 8 answers · asked by sf fan 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
Go to Monterey! It's beautiful like paradise on Earth!
2006-08-22 22:28:19 · answer #1 · answered by Little Witchy Girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
October is the peak of the harvest in Napa Valley. Its not to be missed.
Spend an hour at Domaine Carneros, and sit out on the terrace. This is a duplicate of the great Tattinger site in France.
Make your way out to Charles Mondavi, Cake bread cellars and stop for a picnic at V.Sattui. Wind your way down to Berringer and end the day with a tram ride up the hill to the beautiful Steling Vineyards.
Monterey is wonderful (I rent a house on the Ocean 2x a year0 but there is nothing that equals the beauty of Napa Valley, especially during the harvest.
If you are going to spend the night in the Valley, may I suggest the Viallgrio Inn and Spa. Its just across the highway from Domaine Chandon (great wine and a world Class restaurant)
If you want to eat the best in the US, try now for a table at the French Laundry or Culinary Institute at Greystone. Other great meals can be had at Bix, Mustards, Rutherford Grill and Don Giovanni
Travel safe and ENJOY !!!
2006-08-21 14:13:02 · answer #2 · answered by LJRobbie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what is more important to you. October can be chilly and damp. Monterey has wineries too, some within walking distance on Cannery Row, others in Carmel or Carmel Valley, all an easy afternoon drive, although somebody will have to be the designated driver. Monterey also has 17 mile drive and all the attendant golf courses, the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary(although they may not have arrived by October), Fisherman's Wharf with some decent restaurants as well as some very nice local heritage museums.
Pick a style of food, we have it in Monterey. There's also the Aquarium, although in all honesty, I have seen better. Cannery Row oozes with history, including signs everywhere marking important things..like the place where "Doc Rickett"s inspiration was killed by a car and other buildings made famous by Steinbeck. The Rec trail is a marvelous way to stroll along the coastline and see the harbor seals and huge flocks of pelicans. Hiking trails abound in Monetery. shopping boutiques in Monterey, Carmel and Salinas abound. Get a glimpse of Clint Eastwood at his favorite restaurant in Carmel.
But my biggest plug for Monterey has to be Taste of Monterey. One stop shopping and tasting of over 45 local wineries, some of whom do not have their own tasting rooms or only sell through Taste. One entire wall is glass, facing the Bay. come, enjoy some local wines, then buy a glass and a cheese platter and relax in front of one of the best views in Monetery County.
if you come on a Friday, I'll probably be there!
2006-08-22 07:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you prefer...Monterey is lovely--but a little overcast, especially during the Fall months , you may encounter some rain there. Napa is also beautiful--but a lot different than Monterey--those two places are night and day, you have ocean on one, and hills and fields in another...Napa may be more weather friendly though...I prefer Monterey--and I would also recommend going north of San Fran instead--there are so many beautiful places up there to see.
2006-08-21 14:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by vdubbchick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I just went to San Fran this summer. We then drove north and spent time in the Russian River Valley/Sonoma Valley area while staying in a hotel on the ocean. Very beautiful drive on Highway 1. I prefer Sonoma area to Napa. It is more rural and a shorter drive to the beach.
I have not been to Monterey yet, but our daughter loves it.
2006-08-21 14:27:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote for the Monterey Area...both are great but nothing is as beautiful as the Monterey Peninsula. 17 mile drive, Pebble Beach, Cannery Row, Aquarium, downtown Carmel (Coach Outlet there!). In Pacific Grove, if you like little hole in the wall grub (nothing fancy), try "Little Chicken House" for great bbq. For dinner, there are nice restaurants in downtown Carmel. If you can afford it, go to the Highlands Inn. Its expensive but so nice! Otherwise, there are great bed & breakfasts that are reasonable in Pacific Grove overlooking the ocean...try the Three Sister's Inn--I believe they have 2 locations over there.
2006-08-21 16:45:33 · answer #6 · answered by neenahz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure, why not? Me and my boyfriend always drives around the coastline. It's very relaxing and plus the views are awesome!
2006-08-21 14:05:32 · answer #7 · answered by dewdropinn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out this site
www.vrbo.com
check out both areas for great lodging and find a nice cottage
cheap
2006-08-22 04:03:43 · answer #8 · answered by amyb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋