California dreamin' - Tips for a summer trip, plz

[The Larch]

So, things are shaping up so that I might spend a couple of weeks in California this summer for leisurely travelling around. Nothing yet set on stone but it'll most probably involve being hq'ed in Davis, between SanFran and Sacramento, and hitting as many spots as possible in the area. There'll be a preference for outdoors kind of stuff, rather than urbanite things, although I guess that visiting LA and SanFran are a given.

Tips are more than welcome.

[CountDeMoney]

Run down Route 1 for a day or two.   You've seen it in the movies a million times, might as well see it for yourself.

You can try to get to Hearst Castle, that's a really cool stop.

[Grinning_Colossus]

Muir Woods would make a good daytrip from Davis. SF is hard to get a feel for from just a few days, but SFMOMA, Dolores Park (and the Spanish mission nearby), Golden Gate Park, and the Embarcadero are worth it. Alcatraz is nice (you get pretty much free rein on the island), but skippable.

LA is even harder to get a handle on. The LA County Art Museum, Hammer Museum, and the Tar Pits are right next to each other, so go there. Also Venice Beach and Disneyland or something.

Parts of Yosemite and Death Valley are amazing -- try to check out the sailing stones in DV if it's not too remote.

[Caliga]

Next time I have to go out to Santa Barbara or Irvine I'm probably going to try to spend a day in Los Angeles (and fly into LAX instead of Santa Barbara or Orange County).

[CountDeMoney]

(and fly into LAX

Yuck.  Faster to fly into JFK and take a taxi.

[PDH]

As Seedy said, take a day and drive down 1 at least to Hearst Castle.  Do the vinyards and see how California viticulture saved French grapes.  See the City (San Francisco) and wonder how you can be so cold in summer when the fog rolls in.

[garbon]

Parts of Yosemite and Death Valley are amazing -- try to check out the sailing stones in DV if it's not too remote.

You're suggesting Death Valley in summer?

My advice, stay coastal.

[Capetan Mihali]

I've only been to California once, but from that trip I recommend going to Point Reyes National Seashore (in Marin County, North of SF).  It was a true "the West Coast is actually as amazing as they say it is" moment.

[MadImmortalMan]

Agree about the Pismo/SLO area idea. Also, you'll be right on top of Napa. It wouldn't make sense to skip it.

[CountDeMoney]

Agree about the Pismo/SLO area idea.

So absolutely gorgeous there.  My grandparents lived in Arroyo Grande for years, and my aunt and uncle still live in Morro Bay.

[The Larch]

Agree about the Pismo/SLO area idea. Also, you'll be right on top of Napa. It wouldn't make sense to skip it.

Pismo? SLO?

[PDH]

Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, a few hours south of San Francisco along the coast.  Beautiful area.

[Zanza]

A bit north of the Golden Gate Bridge is the Redwood National Park or whatever its name is. Maybe a one-hour drive from the city and definitely worth it to see those gigantic trees. Of course Sequoia NP is even more interesting in that regard.

I second those suggesting Highway #1 along the Pacific.

If you venture further inland, cross the Tioga Pass in Yosemite.

[The Larch]

Cool, thanks. 

Besides Yosemite, what about other National Parks? Redwoods & sequoias anyone?

Edit: Zanza'ed.

[garbon]

A bit north of the Golden Gate Bridge is the Redwood National Park or whatever its name is. Maybe a one-hour drive from the city and definitely worth it to see those gigantic trees. Of course Sequoia NP is even more interesting in that regard.

There's Muir Woods but that's not quite the same. Redwood National Park is quite a bit further up.