Expert: Ernest Tufft - 3/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I will be going on a road trip starting from LAX to Sanfranciso and back to LAX for 11 days in April. We were thinking of taking Highway 1 up to San Francisco (we fancy a leisurely drive up to enjoy the coast) and then stay in LA for three days at the end of the trip.

I was wondering if you could recommend an itinery for the trip - where would be unique and worth seeing (any favourite sights or hotels or restaurants?)? It's our second trip to California so anything off the beaten track would be great. Also, what is the weather in April like? Thanks so much!

ANSWER: Hi Jacinta,

In just the past month or so I have written several itineraries, so if you can find those, please make advantage of them as all I can really do is provide expert judgement, not thorough research.  I also have more details and images posted for most of these placenames under the membername of atufft at Virtualtourist.com, if you are handy at navigating this largest of the travel websites.  The climate in April is typically warm and sunny, but rain and cold winds left over from winter are not uncommon either.  In any case, from LAX, I would recommend a stay in Santa Barbara, Solvang, or San Luis Obispo on the first night.  The south central coast region has plenty to over tourists, particularly if you are into wine tasting.  I also think a stay at lovely Morro Bay is very nice, and also affordable.  During the trip up Hwy 1, consider stopping at Hearst Castle for a tour or two.  You should buy your tickets on-line at their website (google Hearst Castle), and though the prices are somewhat steep, I recommend paying for two tours, which will take about 3-4 hours total.  In this area also is Piedras Blancas State Beach, a popular place to observe sea lions.  I don't recommend staying the night in touristy and disappointed San Simeon though.  Rather, plan to make the day go from Morro Bay through to Pacific Grove.  From there north to Carmel on Hwy 1 will take about 4 hours, if you stop a lot along the way as we do.  Wildflowers should be in full bloom in April along the coast, and the fog, which is more problematic in May and June, is usually not a problem for visability along the coast in April.  I recommend staying a couple days in Pacific Grove.  Find a view motel or B&B.  Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach are all accessible during these two days.  I like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so consider adding a third day.  From there, drive to Santa Cruz for lunch, and then after wandering around a bit, take Hwy 9 along the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz mountains to Saratoga.  Santa Cruz is the center of "beach action", but in April, you won't want to spend much time doing this.  Also, look up Capitola for a walk along the esplanade. Drive scenic freeway 280 to get to San Francisco, and spend as much time as you can here.  For the return trip to LA, take either I-5 or US 101.  This trip can be done in one day if necessary.  Off US101, consider a drive through Jolon and Mission San Antonio de Padua.  In April, this uniquely set mission is surrounded by wildflowers.  Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much!

Also, I was thinking of spending a couple of nights in Calistoga. I was looking at sterling vineyards but it seems quite touristy. Is there any other winery you would reccomend? And are there are nice b&bs I could stay in that area without paying more than 200USD?

ANSWER: Of course, you will need to consider what time you have available in the itinerary, but Calistoga in April is absolutely beautiful.  The extinct volcano Mt. St. Helena will have wildflowers on it, and the vineyards will be beginning their annual cycle of growth.  Soaking in the warm mineral baths there will still be pleasant given the cooler weather, and you can get a massage if you like.  If you are a person who appreciates fine wine, then Sterling would indeed be the touristy choice because the large volumes of wine produced, while often quite palatable, may appear ordinary and overly predictable.  I have many notes and images for boutique wineries for Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville, and Napa at Virtualtourist.com because I had lived, worked, and played in this region during my young adult life.  There are some 600 wineries in the Napa Valley, so it is difficult to be specific to your needs without my writing all day.  My Virtualtourist.com tips include sojourns up Spring Mountain Road and Howell Mountain Road, among other places.  In Calistoga, I find Schramsberg, Frank Family Vineyards, and Chateau Montelena of particular interest to those wanting an off the beaten path winery.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much, you've been very helpful! The wineries you recommended look beautiful! As for wine tastes, I like dry, structured red wines. I particularly like chocolate-y/red-fruit/leather/cassis/gooseberry tastes, and dislike oak-y tastes. I was wondering if you might be able to recommend something along those lines? I'm so sorry for all the trouble! And thanks so much again!

Answer
Jacinta,

Right off hand I can't go so far as to match the winery with your tastes.  However, other wineries to check out in the Calistoga area would be Duckhorn, Cuvaison, and Robert Pecota.   In general, the California wine industry doesn't produce sweet table wines, although tasting rooms often feature for the palate of novice consumers a slightly sweet Riesling or a dessert wine.  Have fun!