Originally Posted by
lori
October in California, I can help with... October is a transitional month, when the snow hasn't yet begun in earnest in the mountains, but it's starting to spit flakes and hail. You'll want to think about any destination higher than 5,000 feet elevation and watch the weather, and have alternate plans in case it snows -
October is when my attention shifts to the west - the very best time to see coastal attractions is winter, when the fog goes away, and the summer crowds go with it. Point Reyes, Big Basin, all of the state and national parks/monuments along the coast, are my usual winter choices. My favorite area is the drive from Point Reyes south, across the Golden Gate, down highway 1 - there are hostels along this route that let you stay right on the ocean and long miles of beaches, with many places to pull off and walk on the sand. At Waddell beach you can park and hike up into Big Basin and see some falls and peak views. Once you get to Santa Cruz there's the beach boardwalk and the beaches themselves. Further south you arrive at the Monterey peninsula - the aquarium is awesome and there are lots of things to see and do along the wharf - and Carmel, and then more rugged coastline as you reach Big Sur and more redwood trees and ridgetop views of the ocean.
If I were you, I would choose an area and spend the time there rather than driving - you can drive for days on end and never see all of California, there is simply too much to do and see. Choose one park or attraction and explore. I'd choose Sequoia/Kings - awesome views of the canyon, some good short hikes to do with great payoffs, like Tokopah Falls or Mitchell Peak, Moro Rock, Little and Big Baldy, big tree hikes like the one in Redwood Canyon or Grant Grove, good campgrounds - Lodgepole is open year round.
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