California - need help and very long..

Can you guys fill me in on what you know about the following? We have a wedding in Carmel, CA this summer and are planning on doing a 10 day trip. I am trying to create an Itinerary and need some opinions from anyone who has traveled there. We were thinking about the following:

Staying in San Francisco. After doing some research, we were thinking about staying at the Hyatt Regency...any other opinions? While we are there, we wanted to hit Napa Valley, Sonoma, Fisherman's Pier..anything else?? What Wineries did you love? In Sonoma, we were thinking Viansa. I need some recommendations for Napa Valley..

We also were thinking about staying two nights in Monterey at the Portola Plaza Hotel. It got all positive reviews on Trip advisor. But, was wondering if anyone has stayed there? What attractions are there in Monterey that you would recommend?

We were also going to drive through Sacramento. The only interesting attraction that I researched was Old Sacramento. Anything else?

Next stop is Lake Tahoe. We are probably going to stay at Harris and hit the Casino's. Any other attractions that are recommended is greatly appreciated.

Ok..that's it!! Sorry this is so long...

Thanks so much for your help!

Message edited 3/12/2007 11:37:25 AM.

Re: California - need help and very long..

I would definitely try to fit in a drive up to Muir Woods. Breathtaking.

I can't remember the wineries we hit in Sonoma and Napa - there were so many we enjoyed. We just drove around and stopped where we felt like...we had a picnic at one place too - picked up some food at a local deli and sat out at the winery.

Sounds like a great trip - have fun!

Re: California - need help and very long..

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Embarcardero in San Fran. Loved it! It's not in the heart of the tourist district, but it's right across from the Ferry Building, and you can take the trolleys anywhere.

My favorite vineyard was Mondavi, they had the best tour, IMO. I suggest you check out Copia, the food and wine museum in Napa, it's a lot of fun, they have free cooking demos and wine tastings throughout the day.

In San Francisco, visit Alcatraz, it's really interesting.

Message edited 3/13/2007 12:31:50 PM.

Re: California - need help and very long..

I have stayed at the Hyatt Regency and The Nikko Hotel. I think I liked the Nikko better, but both were nice.

My favorite vinyard was Vi Satui in Nappa, I think it is the only one in Nappa that has food too. I also like Viansa in Sonoma.

I have also stayed at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma, it was amazing!!

Message edited 3/13/2007 9:25:53 PM.

Re: California - need help and very long..

I don't have any recommendations....
I just wanted to say "I'm so jealous of your trip"!
One of these years we will take a trip out to CA and drive the coast.

HAVE FUN!

Re: California - need help and very long..

Sounds like a fun trip and a great plan!

Carmel is so beautiful! I do love it there. The town is so wonderful. Lots of nice shopping and eating.

Vineyards - i liked Frog's Leap in St. Helena (a boutique winery), very fun, the people are so sweet.

I thought the Robert Mondavi Winery had the best tours, beautiful barrels and rooms, very knowledgable there.

But i think you can't go wrong at any of the wineries. You can go with your personal taste!

In Monterey, I liked Cafe Fina on Fisherman's Wharf (seafood/Italian) because of the atmosphere on the water. I hear the aquarium is a wonder!

I didn't love Sacramento. Just buildings. But I went there on business. So I'm not sure. Maybe Old Sacramento is nice.

Oh, also recommend a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway! But you're probably already going to be on that!

Re: California - need help and very long..

If you like garlic I recommend going to The Stinking Rose in San Fran. It is delish!

Re: California - need help and very long..

Tahoe is amazing, I love it there. You must do the tubing on the lake - so much fun!! The casinos are a bit of the ways away (about a 25 min drive).

San Fran - I actually was there with DH in November, his first time, my like 7th . We went all out tourist and stayed in the Marriott at Fisherman's Wharf. I highly recommend driving over the bridge to Stinson Beach - it's so gorgeous there. Muir Woods, as another poster said, is pretty amazing as well. Sausalito, IMO, is completely overrated but at the same time, you sort of 'have' to go.

We did a bus tour for Napa / Sonoma. 50/50 on if I'd recommend it. It was easier so neither of us were driving (for the drinking) but at the same time 1) we didn't get the number of wineries we were supposed to and 2) you're on someone else's schedule. One of my fav wineries up there is Mondavi (went there another time, not with the bus tour). Such a beautiful place.

Have a great time!

Re: California - need help and very long..

I second Muir Woods and Alcatraz - awesome tour but get your tickets early or you will miss out.

In Napa I loved the Cakebread Cellars - but maybe that's because I love their wine?

We stayed at a boutique hotel (Archbishop's Mansion) and they upgraded us to a suite free of charge. It was awesome.

Enjoy!

Re: California - need help and very long..

Thank you everyone for all of your feedback. I really appreciate it!!!

Planning this trip has become very stressful!

Re: California - need help and very long..

I loved Moet Chandon up in Napa... Also if you are up there- and really want to splurge, you should have dinner at French Laundry. It will probably be the best (and most expensive) meal of your life-- but, totally worth it.

For San Fran-- their MOMA is pretty cool, also you have to go to Haight-Ashbury.

If you are driving down to Carmel-- you should do the 17 mile drive- which is all the beautiful homes in the area--

Big Sur is also supposed to be amazing.

Re: California - need help and very long..

I second French Laundry if you visit Napa. I liked all the wineries so I have no real favorite (sorry!). I heard Cakebread tour is good because they give you cheese.

As for San Fran., definitely visit Muir Woods. On your way back, stop in Tiberon for dinner at Servino Ristorante (eat outside). It's a beautiful view of San Francisco and Angel Island (if it's not too foggy that day).

Aslo, have breakfast at Cliffhouse - it's delicious and a great view.

If you like sushi, you'll love Blowfish and Grove Sushi. Have fun!