Last 1.5 day recommendation - Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz??

Question

I am traveling to San Francisco with husband and two 20 year old daughters in a week. We are spending 3 nights in San Francisco and three nights in Yosemite. I have 1.5 days before our flight out of SFO at 10PM to schedule. I am considering Carmel, Monterey or Santa Cruz but not sure what is really manageable. We will be driving from Yosemite. I haven't booked a hotel room yet. I am looking for recommendations for that last day and a half or so...

Thanks very much.

Answer

With 1.5 days between Yosemite and your late flight out of SFO, focusing on the Monterey Peninsula (Carmel and Monterey) is the most manageable and enjoyable option. Santa Cruz is nice, but it’s farther north and could make your schedule tight, especially factoring in drive times and returning to SFO.

Suggested plan:

Day 1 (after leaving Yosemite):

Drive from Yosemite to Monterey/Carmel (roughly 4–5 hours depending on exact starting point and stops).
Check into a hotel in Carmel or Monterey for convenience.
Spend the afternoon/evening exploring Carmel’s charming town center: boutique shops, art galleries, and the scenic Carmel Beach.
Dinner in Carmel or Monterey’s Cannery Row area.

Day 2 (full day before flight):

Morning: Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row if staying in Monterey, or enjoy a leisurely morning walk along Carmel Beach.
Drive the 17-Mile Drive: This scenic coastal drive offers spectacular views of the Pacific, iconic golf courses, and wildlife (deer, sea lions).
Lunch in Carmel or Pacific Grove.
Optional afternoon stop in Pacific Grove or nearby scenic spots along the coast.
Begin heading north toward San Francisco mid-afternoon (approx. 2–2.5 hour drive) to allow time for traffic, car rental return, and security before your 10 PM flight.

Hotel recommendations:

Carmel: Quaint inns and boutique hotels close to town and beach.
Monterey: Hotels along Cannery Row or near the waterfront offer convenience for morning visits to the Aquarium.

Tips:

Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer months.
Keep flexibility in the morning of your departure day to enjoy a scenic breakfast or quick walk along the coast.
Traffic along Highway 1 can be slow; allow plenty of time to get back to SFO.

In summary, Carmel and Monterey are very manageable and allow you to experience the iconic California coast, with charming towns, scenic drives, and a bit of relaxation before your flight. Santa Cruz is a bit out of the way given your timeframe and would reduce sightseeing time along the scenic Monterey Peninsula.

Last 1.5 day recommendation - Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz??

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