yogartlovers

Greetings- I have passed through both areas but next week I'd like to spend 4-5 nights either north or south. Weather is the main factor, as it will likely be drier and warmer down south (we have next week off). However, we just passed through in Thanksgiving, and my heart yearns to see the Redwoods. I live in the Bay Area, and will be having a baby in June- our first!- and would like something relaxing and beautiful. Thanks!
Specific drives, inn, restaurant suggestion

yogartlovers

oops, getting late. Meant to add: ..suggestions most welcome.

janisj

Actually - last I saw, another series of storms is due in next week. Maybe not as bad as the last 2 or 3 days but still winter storms. So it may be that the weather won't be good anywhere between Big Sur and Coos Bay.

I'd just pick a place on the water and hunker down to watch the waves/rain.

Ida101

We have very good memories of the "Avenue of the Giants" in N. Calfornia near Willits.
Beautiful tour between the Redwoods.
As it is "off-coast" - it is not that cold.
Not too far from S. Francisco

yogartlovers

thanks! topping

bon_voyage

Mendocino is lovely with several cozy B & Bs, nice stores, and good restaurants. It's an easy drive from the Bay area, and you will go through the redwoods on the 128 to get there. Other recommendations if you go further north: the Benbow Inn in Garberville (stayed there many years ago so check current opinions if you go--they served wonderful scones with their afternoon tea), Ferndale, a cute little Victorian town near Eureka, and Bandon with its dramatic sea stacks (my favorite of the Oregon beach towns).

tcapp

I also second Avenue of the Giants and Ferndale. I would also like to add the little town of Elk, just above Gualala.
The ocean scenery from here is spectacular and the town is so quaint.