Expert: Jason Curodeau - 11/12/2009

Question
Hi Jason.  Nice to meet you.  We are planning a visit to California the last first two weeks of May 2010.  We need to fly in and out of LA as we have family we'd like to spend a day or two with on either end.  We will most likely have 8 days/nights to take a road trip.  We'd like to start from LA, get to see some of the Coast, SF and Yosemite.  Beyond that we are flexible.  If possible we would like to see some wine country, some missions, but beyond making it to SF and Yosemite we are open for suggestions, so....I look forward to yours.  We are two adults 55-60, good health, no restrictions.  We're anticipating renting a convertable (that's my requirement).  We don't mind modest accomodations for sleeping, we're fairly seasoned travelers and both of us have visited California before, just not together. In general, I'd say we're budget oriented travelers.  We like to travel a lot and we prefer to eat where locals do and just relax and enjoy our trips.  We don't mind splurging occasionally but in general we are ok with 3 star places.  I love California and wish I had discovered it 30 years ago, I'd still be there.  This will be my 4th trip back and I can't wait. We look forward to your advice.  Regards, Donna

Answer
Donna,
I apologize for the late reply, I have been down with pneumonia for over two weeks now. I think 8 days should be plenty of time to see all that you would like to see. My suggestion would be to head north on 101 all the way to San louis Obispo, there really isn't anything to miss south of there on highway 1. After S.L.O. highway 1 along the coast becomes breathtaking. I normally perfer to travel south bound on the coast becuse it offers a better view. You could go either way. From san Fransisco I would check a map to determine which route would be of the most interest to you. There are many ways to go from San Francico to Yosemite. I always get a map and get a general idea of the places I would like to see and then allow myself time to travel by state and county roads, I avoid the interstates as much as possible. There are usually plenty of affordable places to stay off the beaten path but realize that in certain places along the coast or in tourist areas the rooms can be up to 250 dollars a night. If you plan to take the coast on hwy 1 through San Simeon and Big Sur, make sure you have time to make it through before getting a room they are really pricey in Big Sir and usually booked solid. I hope this has been helpful.
Jason Curodeau