To my West Coast Pals

 Hi guys.  My sister and I are planning a trip to the West Coast in December.  We will be in Monterrey.  I've never been out there and was wondering if you all have any "can't miss" suggestions.  We'll only be there for a week.  He daughter is graduating from language school at a base in Monterrey.  San Fransisco looks likely.  I'd love to see Yosemite, but don't know if it's logical.  I don't want to spend my entire time driving. What say you?
Marie

I would spend some time in Carmel and Pacific Grove.  They are both beautiful towns right by Monterrey. 

Thanks Elina.  Any good hotel suggestions in the area?  On the ocean, of course.  :)

It really depends on your budget, but the B&B's in the area are terrific.  Let me know if you want some some recommendations at specific price points.  I know my mom stays in a few excellent places when she vacations there.  You can PM if you want more specifics.

Oh that is exciting!!!!
I no longer live in California, but when I did, I lived in the Napa Valley which is so beautiful, and not too far from the bay area, and certainly a place worth visiting. It depends upon your interests and the wine country may not be one of yours, and might be better suited for a longer trip.
I would hate to think that you missed Yosemite though. I have only been twice, but would love to go again. Such a majestic place and worth the drive.
I am happy for you, getting to travel to the west coast. It has been a few years since I was in SF, and even more years since I was in Monterrey. Have a wonderful time. I hope one day soon I will be asking for some travel tips from the current west coast OH pals.

If you are in Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must!

Nearby Santa Cruz has a beach board walk

Big Sur is beautiful

Thanks guys.  You're the best!

Monterrey is wonderful. would love to spend more time there. the acquarium is essential and its on a street with cute shops and such. and you can take the 17 mile drive which is a toll road with beautiful views and worth seeing but there are other coastal drives around Carmel and such that have not toll. We stayed at a best western which was fine but no ocean view so hold out for that. Yosimet might be too far to do on this trip so do Monterrey and SF right. Diane

Sounds wondeful.  I'm all about ocean drives!  I told my husband that we may want to move west once we've been out there!  Can't wait.

I was just in Monterrey last weekend. I also second going to Carmel and Santa Cruz. I like to go on the tourist boat rides personally, where they give you a boat ride to see sights and marine life and such.