Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

We are planning a three week trip. Questions what do we NOT want to miss? Where do you suggest we stay?

Thinking that we'd return to S.F. via highway 101. We are planning to go as far south as Santa Maria. Should we go farther south? Or not even that far.

Thanks

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Consider a visit to Turnbull Wine Cellars in Oakville. Great wines and owner has a great classic photograph collection, so you get good wines to taste and buy, and a museum quality photographic exhibit.

http://www.turnbullwines.com/2016/05/california-new-gallery-show-opens-may-6/ for example

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

I second that. The museum is a Must See!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Yes, Trumbull is one of the best kept secrets. And if you're into that sort of thing then there is of course Mumms, for more AA and other artist.
For me, the biggest draw in Napa is the winery architecture that you can photograph, otherwise I would skip Napa altogether!!
Photography in SF is pier 24(the best) and MOMA might be open by then after the remodel. The interior alone is probably worth a visit!
SS

larimarpugs Loc: california

be sure to get to Pt Lobos south of Carmel....like Yosemite on the coast....been there a zillion times and I always see something new. Be sure to get there early - like when the gate opens -- when the park is full they close the gate till someone leaves....you can park on the road and walk in anytime. Be sure also to see some of the California missions - there is one in Carmel - right off Hwy 1 ....If you are in CA I would make it a point to drive down to Yosemite.... Enjoy our beautiful state.....

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

An enthusiastic second for Pt. Lobos. It has been called the most beautiful meeting of land and sea in the world and was made famous by the great California landscape photographer Edward Weston. There is a beach there named for him.

Photocraig

Enjoy your trip. Any portion of your itinerary could take at least a wee to cover moderately WITHOUT a camera and photographic intent. I suggest driving California 1 south from San Francisco to Monterrey. There are epic Ocean and Surf photo possibilities all along. Santa Cruz has an iconic amusement park with a wooden roller coaster and plenty of great scenic spots. If ypu can extend, I suggest going further south to San Louis Obispo and also take in Hearst Castle.

Yosemite is 4-5 hours away from the coastal itinerary. It demands at least 2 days to even be able to spell it right. And with its incredible photo draw, a photo enthusiast visitor should expect to spend a bare minimum of 3-4 days for their first visit.

OP will have plenty to see and do, and eat on his coastal journey--which could fill a week or more just ending at Santa Cruz. Sharpie is right (as usual), don't forget the Mission in Carmel and the winery Architecture in Napa and Sonoma. The latest trend is boring into the hillsides to make caves. They intensify flavors and reduce evaporation and increase yields up to 15%. The photo tip is bring a fast normal to wide lens for interior shots.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

If returning via 101`Stop in Paso Robkes.

mcriray Loc: East Bay, CA

Don't miss Castelo di Amorosa
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

anotherview Loc: California

Consider visiting the Spanish Missions along the way. You will find yourself stepping back in history.

Mission Dolores, San Francisco

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

In the sense of location many of the wineries are good and interesting, but you may as well have some decent wine also. Duckhorn is nice (very good wines but not inexpensive even for a tasting) and Artesa is an interesting location on a hill top with fountains etc., also quite drinkable wines. Many other classic locations, no shortage of photo ops.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Another MUST see-- Muir woods. A fast wide or normal prime is a must here.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Yes, but plan for transport and parking. Best call first to ask about parking arrangements. Many recent changes...., pushing a park and ride approach and restricting vehicles.....

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

another for " dont miss pt lobos" easy to spend a day there. bring something to eat and water as there are no concessions there.
stunning place.

wonderful part of the world

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

As someone who grew up in California just north of SF, I echo everything offered so far, plus the following:

- Don't miss the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel
- The Route 1 trip is memorable; we did that from LA to SF on our Honeymoon 46 years ago; make sure you stop at Hearst's Castle at San Simeon, CA, just north of Morrow Bay; personally there is not much to see further south.
- Drive through Sausalito, just north of the GG Bridge; it's a quaint little town off the beaten track and worth the drive, if not stopping for a bayside meal.

Three weeks may seem like a long time, but California is a BIG state and there is LOTs to see.

Have a great trip.

BT