Expert: Ernest Tufft - 9/22/2009

Question
Hello, I'm planning my first trip out west in October (12 days). After hours of pouring over websites and maps I've come up with a plan to fly into Oakland and spend 3 nights in SF. Then drive south along the coast. As of now I have planned a one night stay somewhere between SF and San Simian. My goal is to take at least one of the tours at Hearst Castle and have lunch the next day at the Post Ranch Inn before heading west. From there I travel to Three Rivers for 2 nights. Then on to Yosemite for 2 nights. Finally, 2 nights in Lake Tahoe and then back to Oakland for one night before flying back to Chicago.
 My question is multi-faceted. Do you think this is a reasonable route to take given the time frame? What would you recommend as an overnight place along the coast in order to try and squeeze in both the Castle tour and the Inn for lunch? I realize that even though the distance is quoted as one thing and sounds reasonable, it's another to drive on those roads and the timing is much slower.
 Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Susan,

Your trip is basically well planned.  Here are a few comments only.

Oakland is a good airport, and you can leave the rental car for after time spent in SF.  Rather, take BART into the city.  San Francisco is not fun for rental car drivers.

Between SF and San Simeon, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel are all excellent stops along the way.  Take Hwy 9 south through the Santa Cruz Mountains to appreciate small towns in the coastal redwood forests.  I would take a night away from elsewhere to appreciate the Monterey Bay area more enroute to Hearst Castle.  I would take just Tour 2 and then stock up on books and videos for the rest.  Hearst Castle tours are exhausting with so many stairs in a 2 hour period...But, it is a great tour...

I can't comment on on Post Ranch or Three Rivers as I have never heard of these places.

Yosemite will be the highlight of this trip.  In October, fall colors will be apparent.  Evenings will be cool, but days should be pleasant enough.  The waterfalls won't be full enough though as it doesn't rain much in summer here.  But you will love the mountains.  There's nothing even remotely like Yosemite anywhere, particularly east of the Mississippi.

The drive between Yosemite and Tahoe could route you past Mono Lake--a geological wonder equal to Tahoe.  Hopefully, Tioga Pass is still open in October.  This drive will be tiring but worth it.

If you have time in Oakland prior to departure, consider a walk along Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley.  You can get there by BART.

I have hundreds tips and photos at virtualtourist.com for California under my membername atufft.

Have Fun...