Suggestions for California 40th anniversary trip

Question

Arriving May 30 SFO pick up rental car and drive to Yosemite staying 3 nights then head to Sequioa for one night. I have reservations for those 4 nights. After that we have till June 9 we have no reservations. Would like to spend the weekend of June 6 in San Francisco. That leaves 3 nights June 3-6. Looking for suggestions. Our Anniversary is June 8 so also looking for suggestions for special dinner in San Francisco. We love the outdoors, national park lovers and the ocean.

Answer

For your 40th anniversary trip to California, you have a fantastic mix of national parks and urban experiences planned. Here’s a detailed suggestion for the open period between June 3-6, keeping in mind your love of the outdoors, national parks, and the ocean.

June 3-6 Suggestions:

Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur: After Sequoia, drive west toward the coast. This route gives you access to the stunning Pacific coastline via the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). You can spend the night in Monterey or Carmel, which have charming downtowns, art galleries, and ocean views. A scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive or stops at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve will satisfy your love of nature and coastal scenery.
Santa Cruz & Capitola: If you prefer a beach town vibe, you could stop in Santa Cruz for the boardwalk and casual coastal walking, or nearby Capitola for a colorful, picturesque village experience. These towns offer charming restaurants and boutique shops.
Pinnacles National Park: For a bit of hiking and outdoor adventure without straying too far from the route back to San Francisco, Pinnacles is a hidden gem. It has unique rock formations, caves, and excellent bird watching. A half-day hike could be perfect.
Option for Half Moon Bay or Pacifica: If you prefer staying closer to San Francisco to ease into the city weekend, the coast north of Monterey near Half Moon Bay offers quiet beaches and short hikes with coastal views, while still leaving time to reach San Francisco comfortably.

San Francisco Weekend (June 6-9):

Check into a centrally located hotel in Union Square, Nob Hill, or the Marina/Marina District to have easy access to sightseeing and restaurants.
Explore classic San Francisco sites like Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier 39. Consider a harbor cruise to enjoy sunset views of the city.
For your anniversary dinner on June 8, consider one of these options known for atmosphere and quality:

Gary Danko – Fine dining with renowned seafood and elegant service.
Quince – Modern Californian cuisine with Michelin-starred service, great for a special occasion.
Waterbar – Stunning views of the Bay Bridge with seafood-focused menu, especially romantic at sunset.
Foreign Cinema – Iconic spot with an artistic vibe, film projections, and Californian-Mediterranean menu.

Use a hop-on-hop-off bus or ride the iconic cable cars to see multiple neighborhoods efficiently if time is limited.

Other tips:

Book hotels as early as possible for June in coastal towns like Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco, as this is peak season.
Allow for flexibility in the coastal drive; Big Sur especially may have limited hotel options and some scenic spots require early arrival to secure parking.
If you enjoy wine, consider a stop in Napa or Sonoma briefly on your way to San Francisco for a winery experience before the weekend.

In summary, a route from Sequoia to Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur, optionally Santa Cruz, and then into San Francisco for your anniversary makes a balance of scenic drives, outdoors, and a memorable city experience with a special dinner.

Suggestions for California 40th anniversary trip

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