View into the valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California
Destination of the Month – San Francisco, Yosemite and Big Sur
So, it’s January, it’s cold and it’s dark outside. Christmas is over with the usual unfortunate aftermath of an expanded waistline and a larger than desirable credit card bill. What you need is something to look forward to. This is a great time of year to start planning your summer holiday and basking in some virtual sunshine.
To help you along, how is this for a brilliant road trip in the California sunshine, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and Big Sur?
Sea otter taking in some sun at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Fly into San Francisco, enjoy the city for a few days and then head out to the gorgeous Yosemite National Park for a change of pace. From there either head on to King’s Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, or, if you are all parked out, head straight back to the coast. The dramatic Pacific Coast Highway between San Simeon and Carmel is a sight to behold and a wonderful drive. There is fabulous wildlife to spot; different species of seal and whale and what has to be one of the cutest animals alive, the sea otter. Hang out in the arty community of Carmel and visit the world beating Monterey Bay Aquarium before taking a slow drive back to San Francisco and your flight home.
Practicalities
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both have direct flights to San Francisco from London, and they both have seat sales on at the moment. Expedia has a range of options with other carriers. Sadly we can’t find direct flights from the UK outside of London, but British Airways in particular offers a good range of connecting flights from regional UK airports.
Our Top 3 San Francisco Hotels…
View of Alcatraz, San Francisco
There are a bewildering array of hotels in San Francisco. To save you wading through them all, we like the Omni San Francisco – it is well located with nice big, comfortable rooms.
If you prefer a more boutique hotel, the Inn At Union Square is a great choice, well located with nice airy rooms and the free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are a nice touch.
If you are travelling in a group or with a family, the Suites At Fishermans Wharf are well worth a look. These are one or two bedroom apartments with full kitchen and masses of space. They are in a great location, in need of a little updating, but clean and very functional.
For car hire, Opodo, Expedia and Holiday Autos are great places to shop for a deal. Make sure you read our information about insuring your hire car before you travel and, if necessary, reduce your excess and improve your liability cover with a policy such as that from Worldwide Insure or Insurance4carhire.com ,
You have lots of accommodation choices in Yosemite National Park. If there is still availability for your dates you can either camp or stay in a lodge, cabin or hotel within the Park. If these options are booked up or don’t appeal there are plenty of great options outside the Park too. If you go on to Kings Canyon / Sequoia, Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park is your best bet.
Our Top Hotel Picks, Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey…
Harbor seal sunning itself at Point Lobos State Park near Carmel
If you want an overnight stop before driving up Big Sur, Cambria is a good base. We like the FogCatcher Inn and the Pelican Inn & Suites for their comfortable rooms and good standard of amenity.
For places to stay in the Carmel / Monterey area, we love the Carmel Valley Ranch. It is a lovely hotel with two pools set on a golf course. The restaurant is excellent. It is a short drive away from the coast which is often a bonus as is avoids the foggy marine layer that is prevalent along this coastline. If this does not appeal, never fear, there are plenty of very good options around.
Our pick of the budget options is the Monterey Bay Lodge which has clean, functional rooms in a good location. Hotel Abrego, also in Monterey is a great option, in an excellent location with a pleasant pool area, as is the Monterey Bay Inn. In Carmel, the Wayside Inn is a good bet for cozy comfort, and the Carriage House Inn is lovely.
