California in November

Hi all, we're returning to CA in November, having previously done several road trips which included this state. I realise that November wont be the best time of year weather wise so I'm not expecting to be sunbathing but we want to try an avoid it being too miserable and wet the whole time. I also want to get my fix of mall shopping and everyday chain restaurants rather then just sticking to the tourist trail and scenery. With that in mind, how does this loop sound. I'm figuring the inland stops will be a little warmer and less chance of rain than the coast, would that be right?

SF - Muir Woods - Santa Cruz - Monterey - SLO - Santa Barbara - Solvang - Bakersfield - Fresno - Oakland

We have 3 weeks so have time to extend the trip to include north of SF and head further inland but I was concerned that some of the higher elevations could be an issue in November. if you think that would not be the case, please feel free to suggest an additional northern loop we could add.

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

It's impossible to predict what the weather might be doing right at the time you travel but you are right in thinking the weather might be a problem at higher elevations, but not necessarily. Travelling at this time of year does have it's advantages, the main one being the crowds have disappeared and lodging is more readily available, giving you the opportunity to research all your options, but leave them open to change rather than having a set itinerary. Yosemite and Sequoia can be wonderful in November and during the early part of the month especially, you could see some reasonable conditions. With 3 weeks you have all sorts of possibilities, including heading North of SF to the Redwoods State and National parks. So if you would feel comfortable doing so, why not just wait and see what the weather is like once there.

Yep, you're right. I'm not planning on pre- booking any accommodation so itinerary will be open to change when we're there. Def want to do SF, SB and SLO though so I need some kind of rough sketch of route.

The only time in November to worry about pre-booking accommodations would be during the week of Thanksgiving if you are in a city area or very, very rural area with only one motel. A number of schools in California take a "fall break" during that week, and parents take off work to have Thanksgiving with relatives.


Donna