Northern California Destination
 

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip from Providence, RI to San Francisco, May 25 - 30. We're planning to spend 2 nights in San Francisco and 3 nights somewhere on the North Coast to rent an AirBnB and would love suggestions! We are both in our late 20s and enjoy hiking, biking, breweries/wineries and great food.

Last year we did a similar trip and stayed in Carmel, visiting Big Sur and Monterey and it was amazing! We would like to replicate that trip by renting a car and going north this time. I'm torn between staying near the water (maybe Bodega Bay) or staying closer to wine country (maybe Headlesburg) so am wondering which is a better place to stay (restaurants, activities, scenery) and then we could just visit the other for a day trip. Also, if we stay near the coast, which town is best? Looking to go no further than 2 - 3 outside of San Francisco proper.

Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you!

>>so am wondering which is a better place to stay (restaurants, activities, scenery)<<

One has better restaurants - one has better scenery. Both are great places to stay. Depends whether you want more about the water/scenery or more about the vineyards/dining.

>>Looking to go no further than 2 - 3 outside of San Francisco proper.<<

Assuming you mean 2 to 3 <i>hours</i> - you could <i>just</i> fit Mendocino into that times frame -- it is about 3 hours from SF if you don't hit traffic in Marin County.

If you go to Mendocino, there is great wine tasting along the drive, along with a couple of breweries, in the Anderson Valley.

That's what I was thinking -- wineries outside of the Napa/Sonoma hassle - and a couple of great breweries plus amazing scenery. And cider too.

Mendocino does sound great, thanks for the advice! Would you recommend that we drive up 101 one way and 1 the other? Looks like if we did that, we could get both coast and valley views... and maybe even stop in Healdsburg for lunch. I know it would take longer to go route 1 but time isn't really of a concern.

Does that sound feasible?

For hiking fans I'd add Muir Woods/Mount Tamalpais to the list, and for quaint towns imo it's tough to beat Mill Valley and Sausalito.

Friends of ours recently stayed at what used to be part of the Presidio quarters and reviews have been glowing. We haven't seen it since its conversion from a military base but apparently the area still has that vibe to it. Not everyone's cup of tea but the location is stellar imo.

>>Would you recommend that we drive up 101 one way and 1 the other? <<

Absolutely -- the drive back south on Hwy 1 will take at least an hour longer (well worth it though). I'd stop for lunch on the way up just popping off 101 for lunch and a walk around, then on up to Ft Bragg/Mendocino.

Then take your time driving the coast back to SF.

Inverness is a cute area, at Point Reyes National Seashore:

http://www.pointreyes.org/inverness-marin-county.html

Cabins available on VRBO.

Lots of easy day trips from this sleepy little place.