Hi Dlnjab! If you are spending a decent length of time in Northern California, you should definitely include the coast! Check out the Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce website at www.redwoodcoastchamber.com. The site will give you lots of good information on the region from Fort Ross (Sonoma Co.) thru Irish Beach (Mendocino Co.) which includes the "banana belt" an area virtually fog-free most of the year, even in the summer! Plus there is a great links page to neighboring areas. There are lots of lodging and dining options, shops & galleries too...but not overcrowded like many coastal areas. Canoe & kayak rentals on the pristine Gualala River. Mountain bikes (and trails) can be rented just south of Mendocino village at Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too! Enjoy!