Last 1.5 day recommendation - Carmel, Monterey, Santa Cruz??

Question

I am traveling to San Francisco with husband and two 20 year old daughters in a week. We are spending 3 nights in San Francisco and three nights in Yosemite. I have 1.5 days before our flight out of SFO at 10PM to schedule. I am considering Carmel, Monterey or Santa Cruz but not sure what is really manageable. We will be driving from Yosemite. I haven't booked a hotel room yet. I am looking for recommendations for that last day and a half or so...

Thanks very much.

Answer

Hello,

With 1.5 days to spare after Yosemite before your flight out of SFO, you have some lovely options along the Central Coast. Since you’ll be driving from Yosemite, your itinerary will need to balance driving time with sightseeing. Here’s a detailed look at the options and suggestions:

Driving considerations:

Yosemite to Carmel/Monterey is approximately 4–5 hours without stops. You will want to leave early to make the most of your afternoon in the area.
Santa Cruz is slightly closer to San Francisco (around 2.5–3 hours from Yosemite), which can give you more flexibility on your last day.
Remember to account for traffic when returning to SFO, especially if you have a 10PM flight.

Option 1: Carmel and Monterey (recommended)

Stay in Carmel or Monterey for the night after Yosemite. Both towns are charming, with easy access to the 17-Mile Drive and coastal scenery.
Explore Carmel Village with its art galleries, shops, and beach. The Carmel Mission is also a nice short stop.
In Monterey, visit Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a stroll along the coast. A quick scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive is a must if you have time.
Drive to SFO the following day, leaving early to allow for traffic. The drive from Carmel to SFO is about 2–2.5 hours.

Option 2: Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a classic boardwalk experience and beaches. If your family enjoys a fun, casual vibe, this is a good choice.
Stay one night in Santa Cruz, explore the boardwalk, downtown shops, and beaches. You can also enjoy a scenic walk along West Cliff Drive.
The drive from Santa Cruz to SFO is around 1.5 hours, so it provides a more relaxed pace before your flight.

Recommendation:

For a combination of scenery, charm, and ease of getting back to SFO, Carmel/Monterey is often preferred. It allows you to experience iconic California coastal towns and drive along the scenic coastline. If you prioritize a shorter drive and a more casual beach experience, Santa Cruz works well.

Suggested itinerary for 1.5 days:

Day 1: Drive from Yosemite to Carmel/Monterey in the morning. Lunch in Carmel, explore the town, and perhaps take a short walk at Carmel Beach. Dinner in town.
Day 2: Early morning scenic 17-Mile Drive and Monterey Bay Aquarium if desired. Depart mid-morning to return to SFO, allowing buffer time for traffic, car rental return, and airport security before your 10PM flight.

This plan maximizes your last day and a half without feeling rushed while giving you a memorable end to your California trip.