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: Road Trip from LA to San Fran
Question I am flying in to LA on the July 2nd and flying out of San Francisco on July 12th. I am staying with family in the LA area from the 2nd to the morning of the 5th. I would like help planning a road trip from LA leaving early morning Saturday. The main purpose of the trip is to spend time in Napa, but I would really like to explore San Francisco, I'm told I will like it there. Ideally I would like to go through the Red Wood Forest and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. This trip will be with my only my boyfriend and myself and we are looking to keep the budget pretty low.
Thank you!
Answer Hi Tara,
Sorry for the belated reply. I've been out of town myself for a couple of weeks. I hope this helps in time. From the 5th of July to the 12, you will drive along Hwy 1, taking advantage of the free and wonderful vistas along the wild California coastline. LA to San Francisco will take about 8 hours, along hwy 101, but will add another 2-4 hours along hwy 1 (which is between San Luis Obispo and Carmel). Yes! San Franciso is one of the most wonderful urban centers in the WORLD. San Francisco is more fun for adults than LA, overall. The best place to enjoy the redwoods though is within the Santa Cruz Mountains on the way to SF. See the California State Parks website for Big Basin, the oldest of the state parks and the largest grove of old growth redwoods south of San Francisco. This is just north of Santa Cruz, another place I recommend to couples on a road trip in this region. The Napa Valley, of course, is the nation's premier region for wine grape growing and winemaking. The valley is 1 hour plus north of San Francisco, and it's actually faster to take the east bay route. But, many people prefer the scenic route across the Golden Gate Bridge and through Marin and Sonoma Counties. There are some 600 wineries in Napa County. I recommend NOT going without a plan on what wineries to visit. Limit your number of wineries to just 4 or so, and spread them out within the micro-climate regions of the valley. For more details about this visit my pages for Napa, Saint Helena, Calistoga, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Big Basin, etc. at Virtualtourist.com Have Fun!
