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 California trip, starting with a night in San Francisco is a smart choice. Since you’re flying in around noon, you’ll have time to settle in and perhaps enjoy a short walk or casual sightseeing in a safe, central area.

San Francisco suggestions:

Stay near Union Square or the Embarcadero – these areas are generally safe and convenient for first-time visitors. Mid-range options include Hotel Zetta, Hotel Nikko, or Hyatt Regency at the Embarcadero.
Evening walk along the Embarcadero or a cable car ride – both are classic SF experiences and accessible for seniors.
Restaurants: try Fog Harbor Fish House for seafood with views, or a casual spot like The Slanted Door for modern Vietnamese cuisine.

On your way to Monterey, taking Highway 1 along the coast is highly recommended for scenic views:

Stops along the way: Half Moon Bay (coastal beach walks), Santa Cruz Boardwalk (fun, accessible boardwalk and shops), Capitola Village (quaint seaside town).
Redwoods: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is accessible from Santa Cruz for moderate hikes among giant redwoods.

Monterey and surrounding area highlights:

Stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea for safety and convenience. Mid-range options: Monterey Bay Inn, Spindrift Inn (Monterey), or Carmel Bay View Inn (Carmel).
Activities: Cannery Row shops, Monterey Bay Aquarium, scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.
Outdoor: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (easy walking paths with stunning coastal views), kayaking in Monterey Bay, biking along the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail.
Dining: Try The Sardine Factory in Monterey for seafood, or Forge in Carmel for a casual dinner.

Heading north to Point Reyes for the wedding, you can plan a scenic coastal or inland route:

Stops: Bodega Bay (clam chowder and waterfront views), Marin Headlands (overlooks of Golden Gate), Muir Woods for redwoods if you want another iconic experience.
Accommodations along the way: consider Petaluma or Novato if you want to break up the drive before reaching Point Reyes.

Other tips:

Renting a car is essential for this itinerary, especially for coastal drives and accessing natural parks.
Pack layers, as coastal California can be cool and breezy even in late May.
Prioritize the scenic Highway 1 route and the redwood parks – these are highlights you won’t want to miss.

This plan balances city exploration, coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and moderate hikes, while keeping safety and comfort in mind for a first-time visit.

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