Plan to fly into SFO & head north. We have been to SF and Carmel, so focused elsewhere this time. Mendocino or Ft Bragg first night. Looks like great coastal area. Thought Benbow Inn might be good to base for few days- historic hotel, might just day trip from there? Is it worth staying up in Eureka? Hadn’t heard of Trinidad before prior thread, sounds like worth seeing?

Any thoughts about interesting hotels for family of 5? Maybe we do Mendocino, then Benbow Inn, then Eureka and/or Redding (Shasta Lake worth a side day trip?), then stop in Napa/ Sonoma on last day. Kids are 12-18, so adult boutique hotels not a great option... Thanks in advance!

We loved Redwood National Park. We camped in the park - the goal was to be able to hike to the tallest trees in Tall Trees Grove. That's north of Eureka. I'm guessing there are tons of overnight options for you around there.

I posted yesterday but it doesn't seem to have gone through. The Benbow is terrific but is not really a good base for touring except for the Avenue of the Giants, Ferndale and maybe the Lost Coast. The NW coast is better as a linear route, not a spoke and wheel itinerary.

So Mendocino/Fort Bragg one stop, the Benbow next, and then somewhere farther north like Trinidad or Klamath (Klamath CA, not Klamath Falls OR). NOT Eureka.

Instead of Redding maybe somewhere like Mt Shasta or Dunsmuir and then visit the Sundial Bridge in Redding en route down to the wine country. Shasta Lake itself really isn't a place to 'visit' unless you are renting a houseboat and staying out on the lake. You'll cross part of the lake driving on I-5 on your way south. Now IF you have the time a short detour to McArthur Burney Falls state park IS worth visiting. It would add about an hours extra drive between Mt Shasta and Redding.

Thanks for the info JanisJ. I think we will fly into SFO Friday night. Saturday take them into San Francisco. Likely head for Mendocino that Saturday night. If we stay there for two nights, is there stuff to do during the day there? Looks like it is a beautiful coastal area, great for relaxation. I tend to want to fill up the days with things to see and do, and my wife wants to relax.

There is so much to see and do in the general Mendocino area. I live about 4 hours from Mendocino and go there at minimum every couple of years normally staying 2 or 3 nights. Mendocino itself is pretty much most of a day with the art galleries, restaurants, victorian architecture, widow's walks, etc. Then there is the wonderful Mendocino Coastal Botanical Gardens on the edge of Ft Bragg https://www.gardenbythesea.org/?gad_...MaAoVkEALw_wcB

Pacific Star Winery 15 or 20 miles north of Ft Bragg https://www.pacificstarwinery.com decent wines in a ethereal location

Glass Beach

Several State Parks with varying scenery.

And more.

I often stay here: https://www.littleriverinn.com about 3 miles south of Mendocino.

Jedediah Smith State Park is magnificent for redwoods.

Mendocino & Fort Bragg: Great choice for the first night. The coastal scenery is stunning.

I didn't see in the OP how many days you are planning. But I agree with janisj about Burney Falls; not a real well-known spot, but because of that it is an exceptional place. Also, janisj mentions Little River Inn...absolutely!! I, too, during my Sonoma County days stayed there a couple times/year. Jedediah Smith is a bit too far to get to unless you have a lot of available time. My recommendation for redwoods is Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville. Since you'll be in Sonoma area, it's not too much of a detour, and it's fabulous for families; easy, but very enjoyable hiking through the park. You can park outside the park, in their parking lot and walk in for free, or you can pay to enter, drive around the loop, and find plenty of places to pull off the road, park, and see some of the largest redwoods IN THE WORLD.