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California - 2008 Road Trip R&R

A trip from September 20, 2008 to September 27, 2008, travelling to San Francisco, Sausalito, Mill Valley …
30 Year Anniversary R&R Treat
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Location:
Day:
09/20/2008 to 09/27/2008
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Planned Activities

Unscheduled - San Francisco

In 36852 trips

San Francisco

Average Rating (1354):
     
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City
San Francisco, CA, United States
Notes
Arrived in San Francisco 10:00 in the AM. Leave NJ @ 5:00 AM! US Air was affordable and on time.
Took the BART system from airport to downtown San Fran. Quick, easy and affordable, $ 5.25 pp for the train.

Great breakfast at Mel's Diner
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In 473 trips

Chelsea Motor Inn

Average Rating (19):
     
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Tudor style Motor Inn, slate mansard roof, bay windows, modern amenities; located in the Marina District.
Hotel
2095 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States
(415)563-5600
Notes
Motel was clean and located in Marina district of San Francisco.
Hotel offered free parking for vehicle. Left the car home!
City bus was one block away and was much easier and cheaper to get around town.
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In 320 trips

GoCar Rentals

Average Rating (13):
     
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Hop into a GoCar for a spin around San Francisco and see just how far you can go. Catch all the attractions and expe …
Thing to Do
GoCar Rentals
2175 Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109-1719
United States
+1 415 441 5695
Notes
THIS IS A MUST DO! Be sure to rent a Go Car. This was the best way to get a great tour of San Francisco. You can stop and go at your leisure. The GPS talks to you so you don't need to figure out where you are going. The GPS takes you to the best sites and and gives a little story along the way. The open tops enables you to take pictures easily. We rented this 3 wheeler motorcycle car for 4 hours. Time goes by fast! Enjoy the ride.
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In 13859 trips

Lombard Street

Average Rating (195):
     
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This picturesque stretch of Lombard Street has eight angles along a single block. They twist at very acute angles, m …
Thing to Do
Lombard Street
Lombard St & Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109
United States
+1 415 391 2000
Notes
Amazing views from this area of town! Fun to go down in your little Go Car!
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In 3753 trips

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival

Average Rating (28):
     
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Chocolate addicts flock to this outdoor festival held in Ghiradelli Square during either the first or second weekend …
Thing to Do
900 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
United States
+1 415 775 5500
Notes
Who doesn't love ice cream!
A little pricey but hey... you're on vacation..
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In 19129 trips

Fisherman's Wharf

Average Rating (220):
     
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Fisherman's Wharf remains one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations. The Wharf consists of a long, co …
Thing to Do
The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
United States
+1 415 391 2000
Notes
Very busy... Many restaurants to choose from. A little pricey for food that is just ok. Great area to just stroll along, eat, drink and be merry. It's the tourist thing to do... Take a bus to this area or walk! Leave the car behind.
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In 10612 trips

Cable Cars

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Once the most popular from of public transportation for early San Franciscans, the cable cars have become a major …
Thing to Do
Cable Cars
401 Van Ness
San Francisco, CA 94102-4522
United States
+1 415 673 6864
Notes
Yes... while in San Fran.. you need to hang off a cable car.
Take the $ 5.00 ride from Fisherman Wharf area and go to Union Square for a night out.
Shopping and restaurants galore.
Just a change of pace and a destination to see another part of San Francisco.
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Golden Gate Bridge

Average Rating (548):
     
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An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching ov …
Thing to Do
Golden Gate Bridge
Lincoln Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94129
United States
+1 415 921 5858
Notes
If you have the time! Rent a bike and ride over the bridge to the town on Sausalito and then ferry back. We would have loved to do this but our trip plan didn't allow us the time. If you chooose not to bike... a walk over the bridge is a must!
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In 17095 trips

Alcatraz Island

Average Rating (319):
     
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No longer a prison for some of America's most dangerous offenders, Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service and …
Thing to Do
Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States
+1 415 705 5555
Notes
Took the night tour. Order your tickets ahead of time online.
It was nice to get a view of the city. Ticket was $ 31.50 online.
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Unscheduled

Rental Car

Pick Up Rental Car - Sunday, 9/21 @ 8:00 AM Fishermans Wharf 495 Bay Street San Fancisco, CA 94133
Transportation
Notes
Cost: $ 341.76 for the week.
Pick up the car 8:00 in the AM

TIP: Car rental was 1/2 the price by picking up in the Fisherman Wharf as opposed to the airport. It's nice to get a break once in a while!
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Curry Village

Reserved a Heated Tent for Monday, 9/22/08. Check in between 4:00 - 5:00. Bring a flashlight! Expense: $ 49.00 + tax
Hotel
Notes
Yosemite was just breath taking and a must see for everyone in their life time! Very pleased with the tent accomodations in Curry Village! Cheap, clean and comfortable! AND YES... BEWARE OF BEARS.
The ride into the valley is just amazing. Be alert, and must do in daylight! It is an experience you won't ever forget.

We came face to face with a bear the morning of our departure.
Within 1 minute of taking our goodies out of the bear locker when leaving was all that it took.
Yes... our bear enjoyed the goodies and we went for cover in the tent. We listed to it eat our munchies and hoped it would move on and not come after our toiletries in the tent that were with us at that point. We had something to talk about on our way to Monterey.

Bathroom and shower facilities clean and private. So don't shy away.
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Unscheduled - Sausalito

In 802 trips

Sausalito

Average Rating (4):
     
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City
Sausalito, CA, United States
Notes
Sausalito is a nice little fishing village. We decided to head out to Tiburon instead of Sausalite since we had our car. A little less of a crowd. You can bike there as well and take a ferry back. We ate at SAM's.
A nice relaxing outside open air restaurant/bar on the pier. This little town is very quaint and pretty. I believe it sits on a seven mile pennisular. Great views of the Golden Gate. Lunch a little expensive... but a real nice treat if your weather is perfect.
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Unscheduled - Mill Valley

In 536 trips

Muir Woods

All reviews
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects areas throughout the San Francisco bay area that might be considered …
Thing to Do
NULL
Mill Valley, CA 94941
United States
415-388-2596
Notes
We headed out to Muir Woods on our 2nd day in San Francisco.
It is just amazing how you are only approx. 20 minutes from San Francisco and your whole world has changed. A very pretty walk in the park among so pretty big redwoods. We left the car at a shuttle stop and took the bus in.
Great move! Get dropped off in the park and not have to deal with trying to park the car so far from the park. Shuttle was only $ 3.00 bucks! DO IT!!!!
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Unscheduled - Yosemite National Park

In 8477 trips

Yosemite National Park

Average Rating (94):
     
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City
Yosemite National Park, CA, United States
Notes
If you are not big hikers...
(2) full days was the perfect amount of time for us.
We tackled (4) trails and loved every minute of it. However,
our knees were good for the two days! Three days would have been a chore! Be prepared to climb! Yes... we got our workout. The experience and views are just awesome. This was the highlight of our trip.

This place would be even more amazing in April/May timeframe when the rivers and waterfalls would be in full force.
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Tunnel View

Average Rating (20):
     
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This breathtaking and spectacular sight is located on Highway 41 just north of Wawona, and just south of the Valley …
Thing to Do
Tunnel View
Wawona Rd
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 1000
Notes
Every site is just breathtaking.
However, the entrance point of the
park from the East that brings you directly into the Valley was the best!
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In 1102 trips

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Average Rating (11):
     
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Here, you can see millions of gallons of water and a spectacular waterfall in a pristine setting. Do not let its bea …
Thing to Do
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hetch Hetchy Rd
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 0200
Notes
Ran out of enery... Didn't get this hike in.
But on the list for the return visit someday in the Spring Months as opposed to Fall.
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Unscheduled - Wawona

In 2885 trips

Bridalveil Falls Day Hike

Average Rating (17):
     
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About half a mile round-trip, this trail can get crowded in summer, but it affords breathtaking views of the falls, …
Thing to Do
Bridalveil Falls Day Hike
Bridalveil Falls parking area
Wawona, CA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 0200
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In 2352 trips

Mariposa Grove

Average Rating (27):
     
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The trees in this grove are more than 3,000 years old, more than 50 feet around, and reach up over 300 feet seemingl …
Thing to Do
Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove
Wawona, CA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 0200
Notes
If you visited Muir Woods...
you don't need to go here.
Yes... larger trees but not as impressive as Muir Woods.
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Unscheduled - Tyrone

In 2167 trips

John Muir Vernal Falls Mist Trail Hike

Average Rating (22):
     
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This hike is also known as the Mist Trail because it passes right beside Vernal Falls, which in the spring blows a h …
Thing to Do
John Muir Vernal Falls Mist Trail Hike
Happy Isle Shuttle Stop #16
Tyrone, GA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 0200
Notes
This Trail is a must! A little challenging but well worth it.
We did the 3 hour hike and not the 7 hour hike. Need to bring water and be prepared to climb!
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In 881 trips

Top of Half Dome Hike

Average Rating (20):
     
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If you are in very good shape and willing to spend a long day hiking, the difficult trek to the top of Half Dome may …
Thing to Do
Top of Half Dome Hike
Happy Isles Shuttle Stop #16
Tyrone, GA 95389
United States
+1 209 372 0200
Notes
Only did the first (3) hours of this trail, Vernal Falls.
You need to be a hiker and in good shape and have a full day to tackle this trail to the top.
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Unscheduled - Monterey

In 7604 trips

Monterey

Average Rating (61):
     
All reviews

City
Monterey, CA, United States
Notes
The trip to Monterey from Yosmite took about 5 hours.
Great restaurants. We ate at
the Fish Hopper located on Cannery Row. Sat outside and took in the views for lunch.
Dinner we ate at Isabella's.
Great Spot at the Fisherman Wharf.
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In 109 trips

Best Western Monterey Inn

Average Rating (20):
     
All reviews
Beautiful and spacious rooms feature separate dressing area, refrigerators and coffee makers and all are non-smoking …
Hotel
Best Western Monterey Inn
825 Abrego St
Monterey, CA 93940
United States
831-373-5345
Notes
Great location and affordable.
A nice (3) Mile walk or bike ride
to Fisherman Wharf and the Cannery.

Hotel located right on the water.
Cost $ 147.50 for the night.
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Unscheduled - Pebble Beach

In 4380 trips

17-Mile Drive

Average Rating (42):
     
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One of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, this stretch of highway runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. …
Thing to Do
17 Mile Dr
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
United States
+1 831 373 3304
Notes
Pretty but a little disappointing.
The trip from Monetery to Los Angles along Highway 1 was much more enjoyable and incredible!
The 17 Mile Drive cost $ 9.25 and it was less dramatic than what I expected. But.. you still need to do it.
Just don't have bigger expectations. If you don't drive down to Big Sur and towns along Highway 1... then this is a must do.
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qtpie (View qtpie's trips)
The drive along Big Sur will take longer than you expect - you will want to take advantage of the scenic overlooks!
There is no mention on this itinerary of Point Lobos, which is a must see in my book - just South of Carmel - sometimes hard to get into due to popularity, but worth it. Great trails along the cliffs, fantastic for bird and wildlife watching. Skip 17 mile drive and go to Point Lobos! A day trip to Point Lobos was one of my favorite day trips when I lived in the Bay Area.
And about day 6 - this is a LOT to pack into one day - I recommend staying in one of the cabins in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or one of the nearby campgrounds - then continuing to Hearst Castle the next day - you'll want to get there early to get a tour of the estate before continuing the trip - Hearst Castle is a must see - the elephant seals are impressive, but only in Feb/March.
Posted 2 months ago.
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