going it alone in Northern California
 

Hi.. am looking for some out of the way places to explore on my own North of San Francisco. I have done the Highway 1 North to Mendocino, the wine country, Big Sur, Monterrey, Carmel. What else would you suggest. I will have a car and would like to plan a two or three day overnight trip away from San Francisco. I am interested in hiking, and would even hook up with a tour if available at the destination.
I checked out Santa Cruz but not sure that's the place for me- is it worth going there?
thanks for your help.
Susan

If you're looking for north of San Francisco, Santa Cruz won't work - it's down by Monterey. It is a nice place, but maybe not better than Big Sur and Monterey for hiking, etc.

Since you've already gone north to Mendocino and south to Monterey, you might want to shoot east to the gold country. You could stay in Auburn and check out all the outdoor stuff - it's a good time to go, not hot but not wet. Check out the state parks website for some of the historical sites and hiking spots there are: http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex/re...d=3&submit1=go

If you want to go north of San Francisco, I like Sonoma Coast State Park - http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451

and also Armstrong Woods - http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450

or Point Reyes National Seashore - http://www.nps.gov/pore/

All three are beautiful & have good hiking.

And Muir Woods is on your way north....

I have friend who adore Santa Cruz, but it south, and more about the beach.

I am not sure if you have the time and/or willing to go as far North as Redding, BUT if you like to hike, this is a GREAT tourist town and jumping off point for such places as Mt. Shasta (14,000+ feet), Lasen Nat. Pk. (10,000+ feet) and the Trinity Alps. There are many other places of interest like Shasta Lake/Dam and Whiskeytown Pk.. If you stay in Redding, you are only a couple of hours from Oregon and Crater Lk. to the north and Scaramento to the south. Check out a basic map and you'll see so much more. Good Luck!

Another idea is the north end of Hwy 49 - Grass Valley, Nevada City, Downieville. Good hiking opportunities, neat little towns, gold rush history stuff, etc.