NorCal Excursions
Santa Cruz & Monterey
The most scenic route is to get on Interstate 280 - South towards San Jose. Take Highway 92 West to Half Moon Bay and the Highway 1 South Towards Santa Cruz. Suggest staying at Seascape Resort in Aptos, CA www.seascaperesort.com or any of the many accommodations further south in Carmel, CA www.carmelcalifornia.com. Attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 Mile Drive, The Town of Carmel and a drive along Big Sur are a must see.
Napa Valley
Just 1 hour North East of San Francisco. Take Interstate 80 across the Bay Bridge and continue on I-80 East towards Sacramento. Exit at Highway 37. Continue on 37 and make a right on Highway 29. Continue on Highway 29 North though Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. Proceed through the town of Calistoga and make a right on Silverado Trail. Continue South on Silverado Trail to Inola Ave. Make a left on Inola Ave. and proceed to Hwy 29 South and I-80 West to return to San Francisco.
America's finest wineries are located on or slightly off the Hwy 29 / Silverado Trail loop.
Lake Tahoe
Take Interstate 80 across the Bay Bridge and continue on I-80 East towards Sacramento. Stay in the right hand lane when approaching Sacramento and take I-80 towards Truckee / Reno. Continue on I-80 to Truckee. Exit on Highway 89 towards Tahoe City. Veer right when approaching Tahoe City and take Hwy 89 towards Homewood.
Restaurants: Sunnyside Inn in Sunnyside or the West Shore Cafe in Homewood are two of the best restaurants at Tahoe. Best breakfast is at the Firesign Cafe in Sunnyside or Rosie's Cafe in Tahoe City.
Scenic & Mild Hike: Suggest continuing on 89 South to Emerald Bay. There is a parking lot and trail head at the apex of Emerald Bay. The hike to Eagle Lake is spectacular.
Accommodations: Suggest the Cottage Inn or Sunnyside Inn in Sunnyside, CA
Yosemite
from San Fransisco Take Interstate 80 across the Bay Bridge and continue on I-880 South towards Fremont. Exit at Interstate 580. Continue East on 580 to Tracy and then turns into I-205. Exit on Highway 120 East to Yosemite. Once in Yosemite Park, follow signs for Yosemite Village.
accommodations: Book reservations well in advance through http://new.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations.aspx
Mist Trail Hike: Starts at Curry Village and follows a granite trail to the top of Vernal Falls. Absolutely spectacular in May and June. Wear a Pancho - the trail is called the Mist Trail for a reason.
