Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/17/2008

Question
I am headed to L.A. with a large group of female family members ranging from 14 to 65 years.  I will be there with them for almost a week before they head back home, then a  girlfriend and I (I in my late 20s and she in her early 30s) are taking a 4 day roadtrip (Thurs.-Sun.) from L.A. heading north.  I am a frequent traveler that likes to see and do everything even if it means giving up sleep.  She on the other hand, likes a little slower pace, so we need to find some middle ground.  I would like to see the coast, these sealions I keep hearing about, San Fran, some small older towns (I believe there was a cute Danish town I read about) and off the beaten path places, and a little wine country, touring at least one vineyard.  We have to squeeze in one night of bar hopping somewhere, and probably will have to book 3 different hotels.  Then on the way home, I'd rather not just reverse the whole thing--is there another way home (I read about hwy 29, but I got the impression that is another part of the main hwy) that will offer at least a few good picture spots?  I would love an outline of an itinerary that you think would suit us or just tell me if I'm trying to do the impossible (a talent of mine!).  Thanks!  Additionally...  If you have any pointers on what such a diverse group in L.A. would like besides the obvious touristy spots, I'd love to hear it, but it looks as though your specialty is N.CA, which is why I put the emphasis on that.  -Bethany

Answer
Bethany,

If your friend likes a slower pace, then more than 4 days will be needed to do all that you would like on this trip.  Given your interests, I would skip Solvang (the Danish town), and take either Hwy 101 or I-5 direct to the Monterey Bay Area (Use Mapquest.com to refine the route from LA).  Sea Lions can be visited at the wharfs of both Monterey and Santa Cruz, and given your ages, I recommend the latter for the bar hopping and more youth oriented beach action.  Try a visit to Bonny Doon Vineyards tasting room (they have a website) in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  Naturally, a day or two in San Francisco is always useful, but if you have already visited this city, I would recommend exploring some of the neighborhoods off the usual beaten path for tourism.   A drive from SF to the Sonoma/Napa Valley wine regions can be done in one long day, but don't try to hit every winery.  Choose in advance where you want to go of the hundreds that are up there.  I have some recommended places described fully and with images at Virtualtourist.com, where I am also #1 for SF.  As for LA, you won't lose taking the group to the Getty Museum.  The collection of art and antiquities is only part of the pleasure of being here.  The museum has free outdoor live music, several restaurants (including one really great one for dinner), and many vistas overlooking the city.  I hope this helps...Try to plan in 7 days if possible for your friend and you....