Northern California in late January?
 

Our daughter works in L.A. and would like us to visit her in late January, and travel to the Redwood Coast. [By way of intro we're from Sydney, Australia. Both my husband and our daughter have traveled extensively in USA, but this will be my first time.] I know from my research that we can expect rain in January and fairly cold temperatures. While she's working we plan to spend a few days in San Diego, but she wants to have about nine days away with us [which will stretch into February]. At first she said she was keen to see the redwoods north of S.F., and then she said the Grand Canyon, but I believe that wouldn't be so good in January either. Personally I would prefer the Redwood Coast, or perhaps some other desert location or NP. We like beautiful scenery and short hikes. Thank you in advance for any reassurance or alternative suggestions.

The northern coastal redwods are AMAZING. Unfortunately - Jan/Feb is usually not the best time to visit. It <i>might</i> be fine but it also could be REALLY stormy. And even if not serious winter storms - it will be damp.

Perhaps stick to the central coast from Marin Country down to Monterey County. You could see redwoods in Big Basin State Park near San Jose, pretty coast lines, Monetery/Carmel, several missions and (IF it isn't stormy) Big Sur.

At that time of year you don't need to book far ahead - so if it were me, I'd wait until you are in LA w/ your daughter and see what the weather forecast is for the north coast and for the mid coast and decide then.

If there are no winter storms staging out in the Pacific (they ofetn come in waves one after another) then you'll be fine heading north. In other words - let the weather decide your itinerary

Thanks janisj. That's just the sort of advice we need. Alternatively, should we consider a desert, or even Yosemite?

I was thinking the same thing as janis.

Redwoods are very interesting in the winter time, but if there are strong storms, getting there and back could be problematic. If you sprnd your time around Monterey and/or SF, then you can see some redwoods without going as far off the beaten path. Also, you could plan some indoor activities as well and do them on days the weather is bad.

Regarding Yosemite - I have friends who go every year in January and love it. There is generally snow, but as long as the snow isn't falling at the time you are there, the roads will be clear and plowed. You should still have chains for the car though - unless you take the YARTS transit into Yosemite. I am not sure where you would leave your car, but it might be an option if you don't want to risk snow driving.

Many thanks J Correa for this advice.
Perhaps we can do a loop from LA to SF up coast and back via Yosemite..or vice versa, depending on weather.

If the weather is decent, then the coast will be really gorgeous. Our winters are rainy, but they aren't rainy the entire time. We get a lot of really beautiful weather. If there is a heavy storm while you are here, then there is a section of the coast through Big Sur (between San Luis Obispo and Carmel) that is not advisable. In that case, you can take Hwy 101, which is inland a bit and still reasonably scenic. Then from Monterey/Carmel you can head south a little bit to Point Lobos state park to get a feel for the Big Sur coast without having to drive the whole thing. If the weather is good though, then take the drive along the coast - it will be well worth it.

For Yosemite, make sure to make your lodging reservations ahead of time, like very soon. Rooms are limited and in the winter esspecially you don't want to have to drive long distances in and out of the park each day.

the area above SF to the main redwoods is very pretty on the coast as well. A beautiful area to explore, less crowded than monterey/carmel.

I spent a month out there in MOnterey last year in February. Very special. Hanging out in bug sur without being in a rush is unforgettable.

As has been said, getting into and out of yosemite depends on the weather.

So, my 4 high points of a tour of N. Calif-the redwoods, the north coast, yosemite, and big sur.

You've gotten excellent advice so far.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, if you want to see redwoods and have a nice hike, try Muir Woods. It's just north of San Francisco and is a very popular redwoods-viewing destination. Most people stay on the main flat trail, but there are some great hikes, some quite strenuous, once you get away from the main trail. Ask the ranger at the front gate for a recommendation. You can even hike all the way to the ocean, but that's a very long hike, there and back.

Also north of San Francisco is Point Reyes. Just going down to the lighthouse is a long hike of some 300+ steps and back. Then there's that gorgeous stretch of beach which seems to stretch for miles. Inland, Point Reyes has a multitude of hiking trails. They are from easy to medium in difficulty.

Another great hike in the Bay Area is to take the ferry to Angel Island and hike to the top of Mt. Livermore. If the weather is good, you will get an unparalleled view of the entire Bay Area from an island in the middle of the Bay. Be sure to go on a good day, as the fog can get really thick and you won't even be able to see Alcatraz (the next nearest island) because of the fog.

Weather permitting, the best redwoods are up at Redwoods National Park.

Have a great trip and welcome to California! :)

Unfortunately, late January can have some of the worst weather of the year in Northern California. Sometimes we have severe flooding which would ruin a trip to the redwoods.

If it's clear, the redwoods can be awesome in winter but it's a gamble.

I'd stick to Central and Southern California, or Southern Arizona. A week in San Diego, Anza-Borrego, Palm Springs, the Mojave Preserve, Death Valley, and a couple of nights in Vegas would be my choice.

Thank you every one for so much good advice!