Hi - we are going to be traveling to N. California in mid- January, hoping to do some hiking, relaxing and possibly kayaking. Any recommendations on Mendocino vs Inverness areas? Mendocino looks far from San Fran - where we will be flying in/out.

Inverness is a day trip from San Francisco, Mendocino is not. I would think that having Tomales Bay for January kayaking is better than the open ocean; which again is in favor of Inverness.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57624512998387

Also, between Inverness and San Francisco is Mt. Tam, which is excellent hiking with spectacular views.

I would say if kayaking is the deal, stay in the bay. Great kayaking on the north side near Sausalito and Tiburon. Tomales bay is great too. A trip I like to do is kayak out to Angel Island State Park. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=468 If you wanted to do a multiday kayak trip you could leave from SF and head up to the delta. There are state and county parks you can camp at every 10-20 miles. It is a great trip and takes about a week. A nice little day paddle goes from Fisherman's wharf/Crissy Field to AT&T park. Jan will be cold. (At least for us) Expect it to get close to freezing at night and if we get a storm it can last a week or more blowing your whole trip. Good luck. If you need a paddle buddy hit me up.

Another vote for Inverness, if you want to kayak, hike and relax and still be close to SF.

Posted to quick. You will have all of Point Reyes and its trails to hike as well as Tam.

I would not count on kayaking or even much hiking in January. You might get lucky. But if there are winter storms, which is very possible since Jan/Feb are our wettest months, not only would it be wet and cold --flooding is very common.

we can get really amazing/clear days in Jan. but rain/wind is more typical.

Nobody goes to Mendocino anymore, it's too crowded - with kayakers (ocean and tributary - have you ever explored a sea cave?), hikers (too many state parks within just a few minutes to count), recreational gardeners (gawd, it's gorgeous, and the Coast Botanical Gardens is a jewel for picnicking and hiking). Recreational diners (you could stay a week and never tire of new fine dining opportunities.) Everything is old (did you know the entirety of the Mendocino Peninsula is on the National Historic Registry?) The journey to Mendocino is long, unfolding as it does with one breathtaking view after another (State highway 128 is a AAA scenic highway and of course the Shoreline highway is dreadfully awe inspiring.) Readers may wonder if with my droll tongue in cheek I have a stake in this discussion? You bet! How am I doing? Intrigued yet?

"Readers may wonder if with my droll tongue in cheek I have a stake in this discussion? You bet! "

Travel advice, tongue in cheek or not, is great. But just a hint . . . IF that other shoe you are about to drop is any sort of commercial promotion/ad -- totally against Fodors rules . . .

I agree with Janisj - just be prepared for a damper on your plans. Winter is our rainy season and it will be very cold with rough seas. But you are dealing with the weather, so you never know.

I likewise agree with Janisj. Now, I haven't been to Mendocino, but have friends who live there and HATE the winter months up there for that very reason (fortunately, they have a place in southern California that they escape to at that time of year). I have, though, been to Inverness in winter, since I have a friend who lives there as well. And although perhaps not the best of months to go, it was still a pleasant experience. Just have to bring the right clothes.

It can rain in January and it can also be clear and beautiful on the Northern California coast. The coast is usually a little warmer than inland areas at that time of year. Kayaking around Inverness is done in Tomales Bay so rough seas are not usually encountered. I would check with Blue Waters Kayaking to see what they offer at that time of year.

http://www.bwkayak.com/

Point Reyes National Seashore can get pretty busy on nice days in January especially on weekends. This is prime whale watching season from the lighthouse cliffs. It's also when the elephant seals return. Beach hiking is great too.

Mendocino can be nice too but is not worth the drive unless you can spend two or three nights. It's a more upscale area with a number of fine inns with ocean views and some fine restaurants. It's well worth a visit and the drive there is beautiful as well.

I spent a New Year's Eve in Mendocino in the late '80s. One of my favorite places on earth. "Alles Gut!"