Trip suggestions traveling from SF to Monterey

Question

My sister and I (seniors) have never been to CA. We are flying into SFO around noon and thinking about spending the night there, and then driving south towards Monterey. We would be there 3-4 days and then heading back up north to Pointe Reyes for a wedding on Saturday. We were going to go to Yosemite NP but last minute changed our mind! We would like to stay in the mid range price, and enjoy the wildlife, hiking, shopping, the beach, biking and want to see the redwoods. We are totally up for options, we do not have anything set in stone. Our biggest thing is we want a safe place to stay in what ever city/cities we stay in. We will be there the week before Memorial Day. This will most likely be the only time we are in CA, so we want to be sure we dont miss anything we should be doing in this area. Thanks in advance for any suggestions of hotels, restaurants, etc.!

Answer

For your trip from San Francisco to Monterey and back up to Point Reyes, you can plan a mix of scenic drives, nature exploration, wildlife watching, and charming towns. Since it’s your first visit to California, a combination of coastal beauty, redwoods, and safe mid-range accommodations will make for a memorable trip.

San Francisco (1 night upon arrival):

Consider staying in the Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf area for safety, convenience, and proximity to dining and shops. Hotels like Hotel Zephyr or Handlery Union Square offer mid-range options with good reviews.
Evening suggestion: Have dinner in North Beach (Italian) or the Ferry Building Marketplace for casual gourmet bites.
Walk along the Embarcadero or take a short ride to Twin Peaks for panoramic city views.

Drive to Monterey (3-4 days):

Take the scenic Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for incredible ocean views, stopping at Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz for a short stroll or beach view.
Accommodation in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea offers safe, walkable areas. Mid-range options include Monterey Bay Inn, Spindrift Inn, or Carmel’s Hofsas House Inn.
Wildlife: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and take a harbor or whale-watching tour from Monterey Bay. Expect sea otters, seals, and seasonal whales.
Redwoods: Drive 45-60 minutes north to Big Sur or the Santa Lucia Preserve area to see coastal redwoods. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has accessible trails for moderate hiking.
Hiking: Options include Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Garrapata State Park along the coast with short, easy trails and spectacular vistas.
Biking: Rent bikes in Monterey and ride the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which is mostly flat and safe for seniors.
Shopping and dining: Cannery Row and downtown Carmel have boutique shops and restaurants for relaxed afternoons. For seafood, try Schooners Coastal Kitchen in Monterey.

Return trip to Point Reyes:

Consider breaking up the drive with a stop in Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay for a casual lunch or a brief beach walk.
Point Reyes accommodations: If you prefer staying overnight before the wedding, options include Point Reyes Seashore Lodge or nearby B&Bs in Olema.
Scenic highlights: Muir Woods is an option for a last glimpse of old-growth redwoods if your timing allows. It’s closer to SF and on the way north.

Tips:

Book hotels in advance, especially the Monterey/Carmel area, as the week before Memorial Day can be busy.
For wildlife excursions (whale watching, sea otter tours), mornings are usually calmer for the best experience.
Keep a flexible itinerary to enjoy scenic spots along Highway 1 without rushing.
All suggested areas are considered safe, with walkable streets, good restaurants, and accommodations suitable for seniors.

This itinerary balances nature, beaches, wildlife, and charming towns while keeping travel times reasonable. It will allow you to experience the essence of California’s coast without missing must-see sights.

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