Expert: Ernest Tufft - 9/12/2009

Question
What are the best stops to make from Irvine to Napa for adults? Departing on a sunday the 11th of October flying out of San Fran the 17th. We do like wine and want to do wine tasting. We would like to make two overnight stops befor getting to Napa. Friday in San Fran. What do you think about Paso Robles? I appreciate your input, if you are ever interested in Israel, the holy land, it would be my pleasure to assist you.
Larry

Answer
Hi David,

Thanks for the offer about Israel.  I have already traveled throughout the MiddleEast--Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia--but have been remiss in not visiting the Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine.

With respect to travel between Irvine and San Francisco, it seems that you have plenty of time.  I would indeed stop in Paso Robles Wine Country, and also take a the Hearst Castle tour.  I'm rather fond of staying in Morro Bay because of the Rock and walks along the beach and lagoon there.

Take Highway 1 north along the coast.  Carmel is a great place to dine--check out the Flying Fish restaurant.  Carmel's old Mission is a good place to visit.  I also recommend a drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove enroute to Monterey.  Finally, younger adults can't miss visiting Santa Cruz at the top of the Monterey Bay, and it's a great place for even older adults who want to walk around.  Go to Bonny Doon Vineyards.

Drive Hwy 9 through the coast mountain redwoods to Saratoga and then drive onward to SF.  Fit in time for Napa Valley.

For more details, please visit my pages at Virtualtourist.com under the membername of atufft.  Have plenty of tips for San Francisco and all of these places mentioned, as well as, for the Middle East.

Thanks for the question...