Big Sur vs. Mendocino in late July
 

We have 3 - 4 days after a biz meeting in SF and are debating between Big Sur and Mendocino. Hotel options are Ventana and Heritage House (roughly same price for room - Heritage has great ocean view; Ventana does not, at that price). Desired activities are eating, drinking, relaxing, hiking, shopping/galleries.
Any suggestions? How about weather - where is it likely to be LESS foggy?
Finally, if we pick Mendocino, we might do 2 nights in Mendocino and 2 in Napa.
Sorry for the rambling but I'd appreciate any input you have.

Thanks

The Mendocino area would be my first choice, but I understand it can be quite foggy that time of the year.
I'm not that sure about the fog in Big Sur.

ooh tough choice!

I think I'd probably pick Big Sur/Ventana, but either will be a great trip. Let us know what you decide.

if it was just for hiking and scenery I'd choose Big Sur. But when you add in eating, drinking, shopping/galleries - I'd personally lean to Mendocino. Mendocino, Ft Bragg, Noyo etc would make a great 4 day stay.

Whether you split it w/ Napa really depends on 1) if you've been before, and 2) how hot you want it. Napa can be VERY hot in July (or not)

If you do want to add the wine country - I pick near Sonoma or Calistoga or Healdsburg over Napa every time.

I'd pick Mendocino too. You wont have much of the shopping, galleries, eating, drinking in Big Sur - although there IS food and drink to be had, civilization is pretty sparse there.

As for fog, who can say? Both areas are known for summer fog. I think Mendocino might be slightly foggier.

If you chose Mendocino, you'll find it easier to go to Healdsburg..since you drive right through it, than Napa. Big Sur is lovely and a totally different experience than Mendocino. If you want to see big tree's and redwoods... go to Armstrong Woods in Guerneville. You can google it and find out more about it.

Thanks much for the replies. kleroux - can you elaborate on what you mean by " Big Sur is ... a totally different experience than Mendocino." I'm trying to figure out the differences and your help would be much appreciated.

A real quandry! Both are excellent places and among the finest in California. I would stay the full 3 or 4 days at either because there is so much to do and see in each area.

Weather can be foggy but it will probably burn off around noon until sunset. Ventana is higher, so probably more sun there but you do have to drive a ways to get to the beach.

Ventana is more of a hedonistic place. Great massages, clothing optional Japanese baths and sunning decks. Great restaurant next door and another one across the street. It's my second favorite hotel. My first is it's neighbor, the Post Ranch Inn.

Heritage House is great too. Also with an excellent restaurant and many more near by. Shopping is probably better in Mendocino but there's some neat art galleries also in Big Sur.

It's a tough choice. Do one this year and the other next year.

I know Big Sur only from driving through it. Its lovely..with hiking and state parks, and very mountain rustic...along with some pretty posh places to stay. Its a limited area, however.
Mendocino and the wine country of Sonoma is a much larger area. There is the coast of Mendocino, reached via a very winding road.. and there is the entire Sonoma County of rolling hills, ocean, wine tasting, tourist destinations and great restaurants (Healdsburg)... so I guess it just depends on what sort of vacation you want. I agree with the previous poster, do one area this year, and one the next.

I think kleroux summed up the differences pretty well. If you were looking for more outdoor activities, I would choose Big Sur in a heartbeat. But since you also want some civilization, I think Mendocino is the better choice.