AboutErnest Tufft Expertise I am knowlegeable about most all parts of California, but am most knowlegeable about San
Diego, San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas, Wine Country regions, North Coast, Yosemite,
Mother Lode, Tahoe, and Central California.
Experience I'm a fourth generation Californian and know the history, culture, and geography of the state very well. Born and raised in the Francisco Bay Area, I lived 8 years in San Diego, and now reside in Stockton, CA. I worked 6 years in the Napa/Sonoma wine industry. I have also traveled to 19 different countries, on all continents of the world except Australia and Antartica
Organizations I'm a gold star member at VirtualTourist.com.
Publications Virtualtourist.com
Education/Credentials I have a Master's degree in English, and have teacher's credentials for grades K through 12. I currently teach at the community college level.
Past/Present clients I have helped many visitors from all over the world appreciate the great state of California, and I have also helped Californians visit other parts of the world.
Expert: Ernest Tufft Date: 6/19/2008 Subject: Driving from San Fran to San Diego
Question Hello Ernest. I am from NYC and I am planning a trip to wonderful California starting Saturday August 16. Me an my girlfriend want to just take a relaxing vacation and enjoy the West Coast sun, vibes, and beaches. So the main thing we are looking for is beaches, and relaxation. I would like to do Atleast 2 days/nights in San Fran, and atleast 2-3 days/nights in San Diego. We plan on flying in to San Fran. Driving to San Diego. Then flying back to NYC from San Diego. I was wodnering if you can help me by telling me and places to stop in between San Fran and San Diego based on our tentative schedule. We plan on staying about a week. Also what would be the best route. I've heard the Pacific Coast Highway is the way to go. Thanks alot for your help and I hope to hear from you soon. Any suggestions orideas on how to tweak or enhance this trip would be highly appreciated. Thanks once again.
Answer Daniel,
Sorry for the belated reply. I've been away and unable to log on. Your week in California will be action filled, and considering the long drives ahead of you and your girlfriend, I question how either San Francisco or San Diego can be enjoyed. NYC is a great place, but trust me when I say that these two cities can rival the Big Apple in terms of things to do. So the driving becomes a problem--9 hours and LA exist between San Francisco and San Diego. Go to Virtualtourist.com and read about Monterey, Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, and other places along the coast. Depending upon your age, Santa Cruz beaches and the redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains, just south of San Francisco, are worth another couple of days. See my tips on Big Basin, Saratoga, Felton, Aptos, Carmel, and other places within the Monterey Bay area. In August, this is a great place to be. After a drive along Hwy 1 south, winding past many visit points along the coastal cliffs, consider a visit to the wine country of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and the fishing village of Morro Bay. I have also written at Virtualtourist.com about these places, and included many photos...good luck...
