Going to California in August

[firsttimer03]

Hey all!
I thought I would ask opinions/advice from all the experts here!
We are flying into San Francisco Aug. 3rd and staying a day or two there, then heading up the coast a bit to sight see then heading over to Yosemite for a night or two then heading to Napa Valley/Sonoma for a wedding.
I know we want to do Alcatraz for sure, Fisherman's Wharf, and maybe hit Disney Museum (free).
My question is what other places do we need to make sure we hit?
We are doing this on a budget so I am hoping to get our flights for $120 each way (3 of us traveling) and DH has a free flight from SW.
Already checked on car rental and am watching Hotwire for $300 a week for mid size car.
So, I am open to opinions and experience from you guys!
Thanks in advance!

 

[splash5]

One word of advice - If you plan to do Alcatraz, order your tickets on line at least a month ahead. We went in July and there were no tickets available for the time we were there. Yosemite is gorgeous, but very hot at that time of year - make sure to reserve a room there quite a bit ahead as well. We did a similar trip in July about 2 years ago.

Have fun!

 

[mnrose]

On a budget, there are several fabulous things to do that are free or low cost. Muir Woods (just over the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County) is very cheap, and gives you the chance to see some beautiful old growth redwood trees. The beaches in Marin are also great, and free...those at Point Reyes National Seashore and Stinson are both wonderful. Not like the Atlantic Coast beaches, and now swimmable really, but gorgeous. Huge waves. Beautiful drives to get there too.

The visitor center at Point Reyes National Seashore (near Olema) is also interesting. They have a 1/2 mile earthquake trail which is one of my favorites for learning about the 1906 quake.

Also, there are a host of museums in Golden Gate Park that I love. And, one of the best arboretums is located in the park. The museums have nominal entrance fees, and the arboretum is free.

Have fun!

 

[winjos]

I grew up in Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) and August in SF is quite cold. The fog comes in and it never really burns off. I remember many times going into the city and seeing tourists in shorts & t-shirts freezing. Make sure and bring sweaters and long pants.
Sonoma/Napa is a good hour north depending upon traffic. The area is quite beautiful especially the wineries. I love the town of Sonoma with its square. There are a bunch of wineries in the area. Bring a picnic and either eat in the square in Sonoma or take it to one of the wineries. The days will be nice, but the nights cool down.
Armstrong Redwood forest is very beautiful. It is in Duncan Mills, so the drive from the city would be about 2 hours. Another great place to picnic and hike.
Like the previous posts, the beaches are cold and windy. The water is cold (breeding grounds of Great White Sharks) and unless it was really really hot, I wouldn't venture into the water.
Try walking the Golden Gate Bridge (the toll to get into SF was about $7). We were there this past September and we stopped at the vista point just across the bridge on our way to Santa Rosa. It was very pretty. We had a clear, nice day.
Make sure and get a sundae at Ghiradelli Square. Yum Yum! Plus, it is a beautiful location in the city, especially at night with the lights.
Enjoy your time! SF is one of my favorite cities!