We are driving from San Francisco to Mendocino. We plan to leave San Francisco by 9 am and have to check in to Mendo by 5 pm. Would like to take the scenic route (rte 1). Do we have enough time to do a short hike in Pt Reyes? It seems like there are a couple nice 1-2 miles hikes that aren't too far into the park. Any recommendations? Alternatively, are there any other parks with nice short hikes on the drive up? How long a drive can I expect from Pt Reyes to Mendo?
Thanks a lot

From Pt Reyes to Mendocino, if you drive Highway 1, it is about 140 miles and 3 1/2 hours without any stops.

HTTY

It's a long haul up to Mendocino from SF on a mostly slow and winding highway (but with spectacular views). I'd skip the detour to Pt Reyes. I'd also avoid the first part of Highway 1 and instead drive up to Petaluma on 101 and head west to Bodega Bay to catch up with Hwy 1.

If you want a short spectacular hike, try the Kortum Trail at Shell Beach on the Sonoma Coast north of Bodega Bay. You don't need to hike the entire trail. Just walk along the bluffs as far as you care too and return. The views on a clear day are spectacular.

OBD is right--it isn't an easy drive. It's a harder drive than Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria. However, it is beautiful and well worth a leisurely day without loads of other plans.

HTTY

Otis' recommendation is probably your best bet - and would still be a pretty full day's drive if you stop anywhere.

I'd also try to stop at Ft Ross, Salt Point and Pt Arena.

Thanks! We have a another full day going from Healdsburg back to SFO, so if we still have the coastal-hiking urge, we'll go then...