California Road Trip: All planned? What have we missed?

Question

Hello TA community!

We will arrive in SF the third week of July and take a ten-day road trip to Santa Barbara. We are active 60-year-olds who enjoy nature, history, culture, good food, and wine. We will spend three nights in SF, two nights in Carmel by the Sea, two nights in Morro Bay, and two nights in Santa Barbara.

Here's our plan. What have I missed?

Day 1: Arrive in SF early afternoon from the East Coast. Walk around Chinatown and the Mission area. Settle in. Have a casual dinner in the Mission.

Day 2: Full-day small group tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito for lunch, Alcatraz, and an early dinner at Sotto Mare.

Day 3: Possibly take a SF City Guides tour of the Golden Gate Bridge or Japanese Tea Garden, or rent bikes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge; dinner at Kokkari.

Day 4: Pick up the rental car and drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stop in Monterey and drive the 17-Mile Drive along the way. Take a 1:30 p.m. tour of Carmel with a local. Have an early dinner at Mission Ranch.

Day 5: Wake early for a hike at Point Lobos Natural Park. Dinner is at La Bicyclette. There are no other plans.

Day 6: Depart Carmel by the Sea and continue the trip toward Morro Bay, visiting Hearst Castle and other attractions along the way and having a seafood dinner.

Day 7: We're heading to Paso Robles for wine and lunch at Jusine Vineyards. We might also visit another winery or two. Tin City?

Day 8: Travel to Santa Barbara, stay for two days. Bike rides, visit the Mission, the Courthouse, the Beach, the Funk Zone, and more. One night, enjoy a casual dinner, and on the final night, dine at Toma.

Day 10: Departure.

Answer

Your California road trip itinerary looks well-planned and packed with highlights! You’ve covered major attractions, scenic drives, cultural experiences, and great dining. Here are some detailed thoughts and suggestions for things you might consider adding or adjusting to enhance your experience:

San Francisco: Your first three days cover a lot of ground. You’ve got Chinatown, the Mission, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. A few optional additions or alternatives:

Consider a visit to Ferry Building Marketplace for artisanal foods and local products, especially if you enjoy food culture.
If time allows, Lands End Trail offers spectacular coastal views and a quieter alternative to crowded tourist spots.
For wine lovers, a Napa or Sonoma day trip is possible but would require an early start. If you prefer staying in the city, the Presidio and Crissy Field offer beautiful views and walks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: Your plan for Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel tour, and Point Lobos is excellent. Additional considerations:

Explore the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum if you enjoy history and architecture.
Consider a short stop at Bixby Creek Bridge along Highway 1 for iconic coastal photos.
If time allows, a kayak or paddleboarding session in Monterey Bay can be a fun, active way to see wildlife.

Morro Bay / Paso Robles: Hearst Castle is a highlight; consider booking your tickets in advance. In Paso Robles:

Jusine Vineyards is a great choice, and Tin City is fun for tasting rooms and artisanal shops.
You could also visit Tablas Creek or DAOU Vineyards for more boutique wine experiences.
If you enjoy history, San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery is just north of Morro Bay and can be a quick stop for wildlife viewing.

Santa Barbara: Your plan for biking, beaches, Funk Zone, Mission, and dining is solid. Additional ideas:

Consider a visit to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for native plants and scenic views.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum or MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation are fun if you enjoy culture or interactive exhibits.
For wine, you might do a short tasting trip to the Santa Ynez Valley if you want more vineyard experiences.

Other general tips:

Book major attractions in advance where possible, especially Hearst Castle and any wine tastings that require reservations.
Consider starting early for scenic drives like 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1 to avoid traffic and crowds.
Bring layers; coastal areas can be cool even in July, while inland wine regions can be warm.

Overall, your itinerary strikes a great balance of activity, sightseeing, and culinary experiences. The trip already includes major “must-see” stops. The suggestions above are optional enhancements depending on your interests and energy levels.

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