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How to spend 4 days in/near California?

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Photo of Jeremy S.

Elite '08

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03/10/2005 Jeremy "Big Papa" S. says:

I've been to Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey, and Wine Country a few times. I'm looking for something where I can relax in relative luxury, but still have access to the great outdoors (hiking, water, etc). I don't want to fly more than a few hours and I'd actually prefer to drive. Warmer is better. Ideas?
Photo of Tanger T.

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03/10/2005 Tanger T. says:

The Central Coast is definitely a must.  It's only about a 3.5 hour drive to San Luis Obispo (check out Pismo Beach) 4.5 hour drive to Santa Barbara where you can be pampered in Montecito (or if you dare the Bacara resort) and go to Red Rock, Ojai for hiking and check out the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The nightlife is lively in both places ...I'd recommend SB vs SLO since SLO is a younger college crowd.
Photo of Joe R.

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03/10/2005 Joe R. says:

I've a great time in Mendocino - it's a small artist colony up the coast a bit from SF.  Great bed & breakfast places, lots of nature, access to wineries, etc.
Photo of Benjamin L.

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03/10/2005 Benjamin L. says:

Tahoe in the summer is great. Longer drive, but going to the Grand Canyon is a fantastic trip. Or, you could always head up to Mt Tam and stay at a pretty nice place.
Photo of Elena Z.

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03/10/2005 Elena Z. says:

A friend of mine recommended these options:

Redwood National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/redw/

Wilbur Hot springs:
http://www.wilburhotsp...

Farm and Zen Center
http://www.sfzc.com/gg...
Photo of Oksana T.

Elite '08

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03/10/2005 Oksana "Trouble!" T. says:

Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur.
http://www.postranchin...
Photo of Philip M.

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03/10/2005 Philip M. says:

Have you been to Yosemite yet? Stay at the Ahwahnee and hike Half Dome?
Photo of Stellah D.

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03/10/2005 Stellah D. says:

Harbin hot springs is really lovely, it's a series of mineral spring fed pools of various temperatures. You'll love it,  as long as your down with lots of naked people sunning themselves on the redwood decks. there is an excellent hike on the way, just past Calistoga. The general store in Calistoga has excellent gourmet provisions for picnics and the self catering kitchen they have at Harbin, mind you, it's so close to the city, I usually just make it a day trip.
Photo of Stellah D.

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03/10/2005 Stellah D. says:

I also love mendocino, and know of an excellent big house up there that is perfect for weekends away with a medium sized crew..
the pictures on the site don't do the house justice BTW.
http://www.coastgetawa...
Photo of Jeremy S.

Elite '08

1717

752

03/10/2005 Jeremy "Big Papa" S. says:

So much great info on here, thanks everyone!!! I'll poke around tonight and figure out where to go. Central Coast, Mendocino, and Yosemite all sound like good options. Will Yosemite be cold in early April?
Photo of Philip M.

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03/11/2005 Philip M. says:

Yosemite in April is 35 to 66 degrees. The best time to go is May and June. Book early, Yosemite is a popular destination.
Photo of phil l.

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03/12/2005 phil l. says:

Half Dome @ Yosemite is indeed a good suggestion, but cables don't usually go up until late April, so you won't be able to summit until then.  Be sure to call first before embarking on the hike, only to be disappointed 100 yards from the top.
user photo

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03/12/2005 Michelle d. says:

Point Reyes all the way. If you're a big hiker and you love the beach. This is your place.
Photo of Amanda S.

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03/15/2005 Amanda S. says:

I love Santa Cruz and the surrounding mountains.  I often take the long way and cruise the windy roads through the mountains.  If you take the short route, it is just over an hour south of SF.  There are fabulous B&B's all over Santa Cruz and, of course, the Boardwalk.  If you like surfing, you can watch surfers ride huge waves at Steamer Lane, surf one of the other 10+ surfing spots in Santa Cruz, or head over to the Surfing Museum.  If you like to camp, Henry Cowell is an awesome camping.  I have been there several times and I have usually been able to find a camping spot that is completely secluded.  Plus you are under a hour away from Monterey and Carmel.
Photo of Nellie M.

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03/16/2005 Nellie M. says:

Mendocino is fantastic!  It's about 4 hours away, but the drive is beautiful!  Stay at the Albion River Inn and don't forget to bring the smores ingredients for the wood-burning fireplace :)
Photo of Crisa M.

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03/19/2005 Crisa M. says:

Carmel Carmel Carmel.
Make sure you go to Casanova's Restaurant for dinner (150,000 bottles of wine in their wine cellar). It will be a trip that will be in heart forever.
Photo of Jeremy S.

Elite '08

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03/29/2005 Jeremy "Big Papa" S. says:

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

I ended up in Goleta (near Santa Barbara) at Bacara. Most of my reviews are up if anyone is interested...

Yelp came through with a great hotel suggestion(that saved my trip - see my Oceana review for details) and an excellent insider restaurant pick.
Photo of Rose Q.

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09/27/2006 Rose Q. says:

Thought I'd revive a few old threads for the people asking...
Photo of k ..

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09/27/2006 k .. says:

Death Valley

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