Solvang...What to do the week before?

[dbrick]

Linda and I are going to try to get to Solvang this year,
Plan "A" Arrive the Saturday before and get to Solvang Friday and leave Sunday AM. The big question is what to do for 6 days in California. Probably flying into LAX, but could fly in to San Francisco and out of LAX. In 2010 we went to Sequoia and Yosemite, it was absolutely great, but a late winter made it a bit COLD. Considering Yosemite again, but open to suggestions. We planned to try and meet up with the Oakland/SF/Oregon Roadster groups for the drive south, if it works out.

Plan "B" Fly into LAX Friday, go to the bowling alley and to Solvang, leave for the vacation portion Sunday thru Saturday.

Any suggestions appreciated.

BTW, if anyone wants to stop at Sequoia/Three Rivers going to or from Solvang, we found an awesome B&B/cabin, a bit odd, but unique. CortCottage.com

[Alvin]

napa
tahoe
big sur
carmel
monterey
hearst castle

[bikermike]

Dave,

In addition to Alvin's suggestions, some thoughts:

Are you looking to do more driving and sightseeing, relaxing in one spot for a few days and moving on, or having a more active vacation: hiking, biking, kayaking, etc?

Depending on how much rain we get this winter there may be wildflowers blooming in Death Valley that time of year.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/naturescience/wildflowers.htm You'll need to do some research beforehand.

If you are into wine, there are lots of tasting opportunities near Solvang or a bit north in Paso Robles.
http://www.pasowine.com/

Moonstone Beach in Cambria is a neat spot to spend a night if doing the coastal route.

There may be some opportunities for whale watching and other wildlife viewing along the coast.

If you head up towards Tahoe, the Truckee and Tahoe City areas are less developed than South Lake Tahoe. For casinos and gambling, South Lake would be your spot. If we start getting some snow, there may still be skiing as well. Up that way, but a little off the beaten path is the Hwy 88 / Carson Pass area. Hope Valley is quiet and scenic and it is a pretty drive on Hwy 88. That time of year some of the passes on smaller roads may still be closed so plan your trip wisely in higher elevations. It has been known to snow in May and later. Check with Caltrans http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/mtnhwys.htm

You could also consider flying in or out of Reno or Sacramento if you can get a better deal on flights / cars.

Of course there are lots to do and see in the SF Bay Area and further north as well. Feel free to send me a PM with any questions or for specific recommendations.

[ted heaton]

Dave,
Come to the Pacific Northwest and DROPS will host you for 3-4 days before you head to Solvang.
We can visit the local roadsters, See Ross at Sports Imports in BC., See Tim Corcoran's 2 restored 64 1500's.
Visit the LaMay auto museum, Drive some fine local roads and meet Richard from the Netherlands.
Richard had so much fun last year, he is coming here and then on to Solvang again!.
Ted.

[dbrick]

Ted, Thanks, if I were traveling alone I'd jump all over that, but I think Linda has her mind set on Yosemite for a few days, and the logistics of flying to Washington and a one way rental can get expensive. Can defiantly meet you all around SF Bay on the way South, any travel schedule yet?

That being said, I need to get up that way for a trip one of these days, it's on my list.

[68DSU]

If you are going to Yosemite, check out the town/state park at Columbia. It is a little touristy but is as close to a gold mining town as you'll find.

[Dave_Car_Guy]

Two options, starting North, or South.
NORTHERN
1: Fly to SFO, spend a night or two in SF, catch a Giants game, shop, take a Bay tour. Stay at my favorite hotel, the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square
2. Drive east one day to the small town of Danville (my town), and hour from SF and see the world class Blackhawk Automotive Museum.
3. That afternoon, drive to Monterey, about 2 hours. Get there in the evening at stay at Asilomar Conference grounds in Pacific Grove or the Inn at Spanish Bay. The next day, See the Monterey Aquarium and then drive along Ocean View Blvd to Sunset Blvd (my favorite beach drive in the world), and then on to 17-mile drive. This will take you into the town of Carmel for shopping and eating. Try to catch the sunset from Carmel beach, watching it with Pebble Beach to your right and the town of Carmel behind you. You can also catch sunset from the back patio at the Inn at Spanish Bay, sitting in an Adirondack chair while the bagpiper plays and you sip your favorite beverage by the outdoor fire-pits. Roy's restaurant at the Inn is world class. Many more options to eat locally, including a great deli or two.
4. When you are ready to get to Solvang, drive the 4-hours south out of Carmel, along Hwy 1 through Big Sur, Cambria, Morro Bay, San luis Obsipo. Leave time to stop and enjoy lunch and dinner along the way.

FROM THE SOUTH
1. Fly into LAX.
Stay in Santa Monica, enjoy teh great restaurants along the strip and hang out on the beach one day.
2. Drive North to Malibu and into Santa Barbara. Stay in the town of Montecito if you can, and tour around the area. It's like the Mediterranean, but closer.
3. Use one day to take a boat tour of the Channel Islands National Park area. Whale watch.
4. Go to Paso Robles Wine country and find a nice B&B. Drink heavily.
5. Head to Solvang

I'm partial to the SF trip, but I'm biased. Have fun!