Hi All! We are looking to take a 2-3 day road trip the first weekend in February. It will be my husband, 14 month old daughter and me. Ideally we would stay within a 2-3 hour drive of San Francisco to minimize car time for my daughter. Our ideal trip includes: staying in and walking around a cute small town, outdoor experiences (hiking, parks or beaches) and an interesting eating/drinking experience (could be brewery, winery, oyster shack etc). And of course this has to be somewhat family friendly since our daughter will be with us. Any suggestions of where to go?

Gold Country, along hwy 49, specifically Grass Valley & Nevada City. And this is a biased suggestion. It has everything you mention & more. I liked it so much I moved 1000 miles to live here. But weekenders are allowed, too.

If you want something coastal try Santa Cruz. http://santacruzlife.com/santa-cruz-brewery-breakdown/
On the way there is Pigeon Point Lighthouse which is also a HI Hostel. South of Pigeon Point is Ano Nuevo State Park which has some good trails on the dunes.
On the ruturn trip you can see some big Coast Redwoods at Butano.

Hi Julie,
You don't mention where you're from, if you're familiar with this region, so I presume you are not.

With 2-3 hours travel time, that easily puts you into the Monterey / Carmel region. For me, a 2-3 day road trip there is perfect. Hike at Point Lobos State Reserve, stop in at the Carmel Bakery, (if your waist line can afford it). Drive along the coast south from Monterey down to Pacific Grove and take in the 17 mile drive if you wish. If weather and tides permit take one of the turnouts before Pacific Grove and tide pool with your daughter. Your 14 month old is too young to fully enjoy the Monterey Aquarium so maybe save that for another trip. Check out Fish Wives in Pacific Grove for a meal. Depending on your budget stay in a B&B in Carmel with a fireplace or if not, check out lower cost options in Pacific Grove or elsewhere. I believe February is still optimal viewing time for the Monarchs in the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary.

Travel from the Bay Area to Monterey can be horrendous during peak times. If you can avoid peak travel, it's an easy drive. Usually, you will take 156 across to the coast from 101.

>>156 across to the coast from 101.<<

But from SF, take 280 to 85 to 101. If it's a work day, just take Hwy 1 all the way. Hwy 1 really isn't that much l slower (it may be faster) when there is commute traffic on 280, 85 or 101.

Stu Dudley

Monterey/Carmel would be a great choice for what you want to do.

All those targets to the south are fine - Santa Cruz with its amusing mix of academia, hippiedom, and beach bummery.

And the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. You might like that for a night or two. I'm not sure about the heating etc. in winter, though. I stayed there in summer and, one night, didn't sleep a wink because of a monstrous snorer. Be sure to take a family room to yourselves and bring silicon earplugs, the walls are thin. But it's way cool, and has good nature walks nearby.

Monterey and Carmel - all good.

But much closer to San Fran let's not forget the area just to the north of the bridge - Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and up along the 1. Peaceful - in February you have the whole place to yourselves.