LiveSlow99

DH and I are planning a getaway the first week of November. We've already done a 1.5 week trip from Monterrey to San Clemente several years ago and last spring we spent 4 nights in San Francisco - never left the city as there was so much to do and see! This time we are looking to spend some time between Napa/Sonoma and and Mendocino. I am just in the beginning phase of planning and still have lots to learn about the area but I have some general questions to help make sure I'm on track.

Some background on us - we are 40/50s, love wine and food but we are not foodies or wine connoisseurs by any means. A $20 bottle of wine is a splurge for us! We love to travel, experience new places, enjoy good food and scenery. Our most memorable vacations have been Italy, Ireland, St. John & the BVIs.

Here is a very rough draft itinerary:

Day 1: fly into SF area late in the evening (Friday)
Day 2: Point Reyes then drive to Calistoga
Day 3-5: Base in Calistoga; explore the area
Day 6: Drive to Mendocino
Day 7-8: Mendocino
Day 9: Drive Hwy 1 back to SF area
Day 10: Fly home (Sunday)

Questions/Comments:

1) Is this too long in some of the areas? We were thinking of splitting up wineries with visits to state parks, etc. Are there other areas we could reasonably fit into the above schedule (Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, etc)

2) I'm looking at Calistoga as a base since Healdsburg is a bit out of our price range; is this an ok base for the Napa/Sonoma area?

3) What town would make a good base for the Mendocino area?

4) Any suggestions for things to do in the area outside the top destinations since we might have a little wiggle room.

Thanks for your feedback!

maitaitom

Looks like a good trip to me. I love that area. From Calistoga, you can visit Napa wineries, explore the beautiful Alexander Valley and head over to Healdsburg area and the Dry Creek Road wineries.

Something we did over Memorial day was visit Jack London State Historic Park (below in words and photos).

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/22755-2/

Nearby is the Buena Vista Winery, the oldest premium winery in California (also a nice place to picnic).

You could also head over to downtown Sonoma (about an hour from Calistoga).

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/sonoma-square-surroundings-sonoma/

Have a great time.

maitaitom

By the way, when I say "nearby" for Buena Vista Winery...it is nearby Jack London State Historic Park.

janisj

>>1) Is this too long in some of the areas? >3) What town would make a good base for the Mendocino area?

maitaitom

Agree with Janice...we love the Little River Inn!

NewbE

Oh gosh--I didn't love the Little River Inn. The last time we devoted a whole week to the Anderson Valley and Mendocino, and divided our time between Boonville and Mendo. Next time, we are basing ourselves in Booneville, at the Booneville Hotel, which is terrific.

I definitely don't think that a week is too long--the natural beauty, outdoor activities, wineries, restaurants and unique shops will keep you happily busy for at least that long!

AustinTraveler

We did a similar trip with our first stop being Muir Woods, then Point Reyes for two nights. Drove up the coast and spent the night at Whale Watch Inn. It needed a face lift at the time, which has now been done. Really enjoyed the location and the inn.

http://www.whalewatchinn.com/

Next day headed up to Mendocino and then over to Calistoga. Really glad we chose Calistoga...cute little town with really good restaurants. We ended up staying at the Comfort Inn and it was just fine and walking distance to downtown.

maitaitom

I hope you get a great day at Point Reyes...you'll get in lots of steps if you visit the Lighthouse.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/point-reyes-lighthouse-point-reyes-station/

indyhiker

I think your itinerary sounds great. I would recommend a hike in Van Damme State Park during your Mendocino stay.

This is where we based in Mendocino: https://www.vrbo.com/449643

We loved the property. It was a 10-minute drive into the village of Mendocino. The owners were fantastic and the property very peaceful.