10 days starting in San Fran - itinerary help!

Question

My boyfriend and I have 10 days starting in SF mid June and we are not sure where we want to go to fill the time.

We have been told (and having researched) to definitely go to Monterey &. Carmel so want to include that, but its now trying to figure out where else would be good.

We will be hiring a car so can get around but ideally don’t want to spend a load of time driving constantly as my boyfriend wants to relax.

We considered Napa area but keen to (if we can have a relaxing few days by a lake or somewhere similar where it’ll be warm/hot! and we can swim/kayak etc). And we’re not fans of Chardonnay wine so feel like Napa / Somona might be wasted (we realise they do, have other wines but my bf doesn’t drink red wine either :-/ )

We have looked in Tahoe but are worried it’ll be a lot of driving to then get down to Monetery?

The other consideration was heading towards Yosemite from Monterey and staying at Pine Mountain Lake and doing a day trip into Yosemite but we’ve read it’s a private, gated community so worried there won’t be much to do/allow us access too.

We love going and having a few drinks and nice food where-ever we’ll be and not averse to some smaller hikes etc. budget wise we’re flexible, don’t really want to be spending more than $300 a night though on accomodation.

So far we have :

2 days at the start in SF

6/7 days free

2 (maybe could go to one) at the end for SF again before we fly out.

Any help would be amazing!! Thank you!

Answer

With 10 days starting in San Francisco, you have a great opportunity to combine coastal drives, relaxing lake or mountain stays, and a bit of light hiking or exploration. Here’s a detailed itinerary suggestion based on your preferences:

Days 1–2: San Francisco

Arrive and settle in. Explore iconic spots such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the neighborhoods (Mission, Haight, or Marina).
Enjoy nice dinners and drinks in the city. Consider a relaxed brunch or rooftop cocktails for scenic views.

Days 3–4: Monterey & Carmel

Drive down the coast (~2 hours). Stop along Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz if time allows.
Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive.
Stay in Carmel-By-The-Sea for charming streets, art galleries, and fine dining. Enjoy coastal walks or a beach afternoon.
Optionally, do a wine tasting in Carmel Valley (some non-red options available) or enjoy seafood at local restaurants.

Days 5–7: Lake or Mountain Relaxation

Lake Tahoe: Ideal for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. North Lake Tahoe (Incline Village or Kings Beach) is less crowded and offers good accommodation within your budget.
Light hikes, scenic viewpoints, or even a short boat rental are possible. The drive from Carmel to Tahoe is longer (~6–7 hours), but splitting the day with stops in Sacramento or along scenic highways can make it manageable.
Alternative: Pine Mountain Lake / Groveland near Yosemite: Pine Mountain Lake is a private community, but it allows day visitors if you book a rental cabin or lodge nearby. You can spend a day in Yosemite National Park (~1 hour drive) and return to the lake for relaxing evening activities.

Days 8–9: Back towards San Francisco

Drive back leisurely, perhaps stopping in Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay for a coastal break.
Optional overnight in a small coastal town like Capitola or Half Moon Bay to break up the drive and enjoy a quiet night by the water.

Day 10: San Francisco & Departure

Return rental car if needed. Spend final hours enjoying city sights, shopping, or a relaxed brunch before flying out.

Additional Tips:

If Tahoe seems like too much driving, consider staying closer to Carmel/Monterey and spending a day at Big Sur or Carmel Valley with light hikes and ocean views.
Focus on one lake or mountain area to minimize driving. Tahoe is better for swimming and water activities, whereas Pine Mountain Lake is more about a quiet base for Yosemite day trips.
Accommodations under $300 per night are realistic in Carmel (mid-range inns), Tahoe (especially in less touristy towns), and SF (book early to get good deals in June).
Even if you skip Napa/Sonoma, you can enjoy excellent dining and casual wine/beer tasting along the coast or in the mountain/lake areas.

Overall, a combination of SF → Monterey/Carmel → Lake Tahoe (or Pine Mountain Lake) → SF allows a mix of scenic drives, relaxing water or lake activities, light hiking, and good food without excessive driving every day.

10 days starting in San Fran - itinerary help!

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