First Time Visitor (San Francisco, Oxnard: home, motel, travel)

[Dan Goodman]

My wife and I want to come to San Francisco for my birthday from the East Coast, see the sights and then travel down to the Carmel area by car. We also want to meet my daughter - in - law and our grandkids who must travel up to the Carmel area by train. They would probalbly leave from either Oxnard or Camirillo. We would then like to get rooms in the Carmel area and spend a few days together. My questions are: Is there a train station near the Carmel area? I dont mind traveling 20 or 30 miles. Where should I stay? I know the immediate area around Carmel is expensive. My idea is to stay in a Homewood Suites type motel and travel by car. Any thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.