Budget minded advice on a fall CA vacation

[Tink3815]

I have already posted this question the CA and west board and the community board but I think I need some opinions of the budget-minded people on this board.

We are planning a mid-November 10 day trip to San Francisco, with a drive down to Carmel-Monterrey area. We do have the option of moving to mid-October but hotel costs will increase by about 90.00 a night. My research tells me Oct is warmer and less rain than Nov. Not sure if the extra cost of the hotels would be worth spending to take the chance of possible better weather. We do plan to do some driving on the mountain roads and the on the coast so rain will impact that part of our trip.

Would love to hear what you would do, especially from people who live in the area

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I live on the Monterey Peninsula. As far as the weather goes, October is the better choice if you don't want rain. We don't get much rain here but it usually does start (sometimes) in November. I think the worse rains are around February. Either month can be warm during the day, 60's and 70's, and cool at night. You will need a jacket. Before I moved here I was packing shorts and maxi dresses.....mistake! Too cool for that. Try a hotel off the beaten path. If you stay close to Cannery Row in Monterey or even off Alvarado Street in Monterey (by the wharf), it's more expensive. Further out, but still in Monterey are Travelodge and many others. There are also very cute B&B's in Carmel by the Sea. Highly recommend Carmel by the Sea.

 

[southlakejr]

I have spent most of my life in the Bay Area, though I am in the East Bay. Truthfully, I have never noticed much of a difference between October and November. When I think of rain, I think of February. I would most certainly save the money and go for the cheaper timeframe.

With that said, the weather will be cool here regardless of when you visit. Both Monterey and San Francisco are fairly cool all the time, and the weather can change quickly so bring a sweatshirt. My husband works in San Francisco right by the ocean and brings a jacket with him every single day, though he doesn't always need it. Most of the time, wind is more of a concern than rain.

Have fun on your trip! What all do you have planned for your time?

(And as a side note- if you find yourself with an extra few days in Northern CA, I would definitely make the time to visit Lake Tahoe!)

 

[Tink3815]

I have spent most of my life in the Bay Area, though I am in the East Bay. Truthfully, I have never noticed much of a difference between October and November. When I think of rain, I think of February. I would most certainly save the money and go for the cheaper timeframe.

With that said, the weather will be cool here regardless of when you visit. Both Monterey and San Francisco are fairly cool all the time, and the weather can change quickly so bring a sweatshirt. My husband works in San Francisco right by the ocean and brings a jacket with him every single day, though he doesn't always need it. Most of the time, wind is more of a concern than rain.

Have fun on your trip! What all do you have planned for your time?

(And as a side note- if you find yourself with an extra few days in Northern CA, I would definitely make the time to visit Lake Tahoe!)

Thanks for the advice-we are still undecided about the timing.Our plan is to fly into San Jose on Sat- visit the San Jose area and Winchester House. We want to drive down to Carmel- Monterey area and drive back along the ocean. Visit Big Basins Redwood state park and head back to San Francisco for the last 5 days to see the sights.