BetsyG

We have 5 nights, 2 in Sausalito, 2 in Bodega Bay, one in Sonoma. We are mainly interested in seeing the ocean.
1. On the way from Sausalito to Bodega Bay would stopping in Muir woods & going to the lighthouse at Point Reyes, then driving to Bodega Bay be too much for one day? From Bodega Bay we could drive to Armstrong Redwoods so would skipping Muir Woods be that much of a loss? Is there anywhere else we should stop along the way to Bodega Bay?
2. We are more interested in a good winery tour than tastings, not wine connoisseurs but do enjoy gardens & landscapes. So in Sonoma I have found 4 wineries that look like good tours but 4 are too much for us for 1 day. Any comments on the following, especially their tours - Benziger, Gundlach Bundschu, Chateau St Jean & Landmark. Looks like St Jean would be nice for lunch.
3. Any suggestions for restaurants in any of these places?
Thanks

MichelleY

Armstrong Redwoods would fit in nicely with your trip from Bodega Bay to Sonoma. You would not be missing out on Muir Woods. On the way, stop off at Korbel Champagne Cellars near Armstrong. Nice grounds. I have only been to Chateau St. Jean for a party and thought it was very nice .

Shanti

I prefer Armstrong Woods over Muir Woods. Muir Woods gets ridiculously crowded.

Possible places to stop between Sausalito and Bodega Bay (if you have time) include Marin Headlands, Samuel Taylor State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. There's turnoffs where you can enjoy gorgeous views in the Marin Headlands. And Muir Beach Overlook has gorgeous views and it's just off the road.

Sorry, can't help with the rest.

BetsyG

Great, thanks. Anyone else have opinion on the wineries?

mlgb

If you are going up as far as Jenner and then come back inland via Hwy 116 (thru Guerneville), you could do the Korbel tour, and then Lynmar Estate is about another 10 miles. They have a pretty veg garden adjacent to the upscale tasting room. If you have a Visa Signature card Lynmar is on their free tasting program.

sunbum1944

Did a wine tour there a couple of years ago-- I enjoyed Kunde winery, Martinelli, Merry Edwards- also tasted at Landmark, Ledson, and St Francis but I really can't remember much about those. The organizer of the trip did a lot of research though and I thought they were all good.
We did have lunch at St Jean which was very nice.

On the way to Bodega Bay, stop at the Wildflour Bakery in Freestone- its just a pit stop in the road but was packed with people-try the cinnamon rolls which are enough to feed a family.

BetsyG

Thanks all,. Looking forward to this.

Michael

1. is crowded.

According to Google map it takes 1.5 hour to get from Muir Woods to the Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center and 45 minutes to go back to Point Reyes Station (CA1 junction) from the lighthouse, without counting on going down and up the steps to the lighthouse. It is possible: morning in Muir Woods, lunch in Stinson Beach, drive and visit to the lighthouse in the afternoon, arrive in Bodega Bay in the evening. It recently took us 2.5 hours to go from SF to Bodega Bay via Lucas Valley Rd. with 30 minute stop in Point Reyes Station.

Centralparkgirl

Don't miss Muir Overlook (not to be confused with Muir beach). The lighthouse is beautiful with great views. And we love Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay.

MichelleY

Second Nick's Cove and Wildflour Bakery. Also love Dillon Beach.

Betsy

We often visit friends in Occidental. Wouldn't dream of going there without stopping at Wildflour. Check their days/hours on line. They're open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and may sell out of some items if you go later in the day.