Planning a vacation trip to California

[truckzter]

I, as well, think 2 weeks is a fair amount of time -- though you might get tired of the driving.

Napa/Sonoma should be fine that time of year. Not as pretty as in the Spring, but it will be fine.

Maybe start in SF and end in SD?

And as I live off the 101, I agree that the 101 is much more scenic; you also get a better idea of the state since you can drive through many of the larger cities (Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, San Luis Obispo, etc.).

You might want to get a Fodor's travel guide as it lists different side trips you can take around the state.

[Jaybee]

Two weeks should be sufficient. California is such a varied landscape-its kind of up to you what you want to see. If I were in your shoes; from FLA, I wouldn't be all that interested in the SoCal beach scene. Instead I'd want to see something different. I'd head north to SF, then up thru the Valley of the Moon (Sonoma County) and seek out the Mom & Pop small wineries. From there I'd proceed north on 101 up to Humboldt County and take in the Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods). I'm no environmental whacko, but I'll tell you walking among those trees is truly inspiring. Its something you'll not soon forget.

From there head east thru Trinity County and to Redding. See the sundial bridge, Shasta Dam, Mt. Shasta, perhaps Lassen Nat'l Park. Then head southeast toward Lake Tahoe. You won't be disappointed. From there drop over the hill down to Reno for a taste of the high desert. Then head west down I-80 or Highway 50 to Sacramento and then south on US 99 toward Yosemite. From there you may wan to head back to SF for a return flight home, or head southward to the bright lights of tinseltown and the beach scene. Good Luck.