nycmary

We are going to be San Francisco for business trip in late May and will be taking a few days off before. We land on a Thursday night, plan to sleep near the airport, and then drive either to Muir Woods and then Point Reyes or Armstrong and then Point Reyes - or the reverse. We want to spend 2 nights in this region and then 2 nights in maybe Healdsburg or some other part of Wine country. We have to be back in San Fran on Tues late afternoon.

What would be the best use of our time. We want to hike, see the beautiful countryside/ocean scenery, and explore wine country a bit. Is Armstrong a better place to go as I know that Muir gets very crowded, especially on the weekends. Is it as beautiful? Any places to recommend we stay near Point Reyes? And in wine country?

Also, do we need reservations for wine tours? If so, which ones do you recommend highly? And restaurants - I know there are really great ones there.

Thanks for your help!

MichelleY

I cannot give you any recs for PT. Reyes. Armstrong Redwoods are right down the road from Korbel Champagne Cellars. I believe they have a cafe. It is in a beautiful setting. From there, you could head up the Westside Road, along the Russian River up to the Dry Creek Valley and Healdsburg.

https://www.wineroad.com

Lots of great maps.

nycmary

Thanks MichelleY. The maps are a great resource. Does it make sense to stay in Guerneville to hike at Armstrong and then go to Healdsburg?

MichelleY

I would pick one to base. Healdsburg has more going on, more options.

nycmary

Thanks MichelleY. Appreciate the help.

kleroux

Armstrong woods is so much nicer than Muir woods. It's quiet and just beautiful with fewer tourists. Lots of hikes available depending on your energy level. I'd stay in Healdsburg, about 30 minutes away. Try a Vacation Rental for a feeling of real privacy. Just be aware that any vacation rental within the city of Hbg. is illegal. But there are plenty to choose from in the surrounding countryside. I'd drive right up to Hbg. It's about 2 hrs. north of SFO. Base there. Then head South along the coast to Pt. Reyes. BTW, I think the café at Korbel is only so-so. Grab a picnic lunch from somewhere in Hbg.

nycmary

Thanks kleroux. Based on your suggestion, if we stay in Healdsburg I was thinking of spending one day biking around (hope to rent bikes there) and seeing the region that way. One day visiting some wineries, and a couple of days hiking in Armstrong. Then driving back leisurely along the coast and visiting Pt Reyes. Does that sound reasonable. I thought staying in Guerneville would save us 30 minutes each way for the days we want to spend in the park. Also, getting reservations on the weekend in/near Healdsburg seemed either difficult or really expensive. Will check out Vacation Rental, might be the way to go. Thanks again!