san francisco area.
 

Just found out we may be able to travel to SF.late April early May for approx. 2 weeks. Noted other comments on touring that area.Particulary interested in suggestions that 2 or 3 day side trips would be possible. Wondering what areas would be best suited for that sort of activities. Right now interested in redwoods sea side vistas and food !!

Tahoe/Gold Country?

These ideas are for North of SF.
Idea #1:
PCH1 from SF to Mill Valley stop at Muir Woods, continue on through Stinson Beach, stop for lunch and stroll on beach,on up PCH1 to Olema/Pt. Reyes/National Seashore. Spend night at Manka's, explore National Seashore @Pt. Reyes for next day or two-lighthouse, Chimney Rock,Limantour Beach, Palomarin trail,kayak, rent horses, eat at Manka's,Station House cafe, Bovine Bakery,Pine Cone dinner. Return via Sir France Drake Blvd through Marin to Hwy 101 south to SF.
Idea #2: 101 North to Petaluma (Washington Street exit)hang a left- follow through town -becomes Bodega Hwy follow to Bodega Bay-eat lunch at Lucas Wharf-consider overnight at Lodge at Bodega Bay-do spa-eat at Duck Club.
OR continue up PCH 1 to Gualala-spend night at Next day continue up PCH 1 through Pt. Arena-stop at lighthouse-then on to Elk for lunch at Annies.
You could indulge a night at the Greenwood Pier Inn in Elk-if not continue on to Hwy 128-turn right
and travel through Navarro Redwoods
State Park, Anderson Valley (many wineries)to Cloverdale and back onto Hwy 101 south to SF,
Idea #3: Same as above, yet turn left on Hwy 128 and continue up to Mendocino.
Get a map of Marin,Sonoma& Mendocino counties that show you the coastal areas
and plot your route(s)!
Any questions?
R5

I would definitely consider spending 2-3 days in Napa Valley. I do not consider myself a big wine drinker but I have been to Napa four times and look forward to my next trip. What is so great about Napa? Beautiful country, a very friendly atmosphere, an opportunity to learn a lot about wine and taste dozens of different wines in some fantastic wine tasting rooms. It is hard not to have a great time when you walk into a winery and the host says "Would you like to try some wine today?". Have a great trip!

thanks all for taking time to post these suggestions..am working my way thru maps and guidebooks ...sounds like good "stuff "

There are endless possibilites for sidetrips from the Peninsula. Some of the ones I'd recommend are Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, San Jose, Monterey, and Napa/Sonoma. For redwoods Big Basin just outside of San Jose is your best bet. You can also combine a sidetrip to San Jose with one to the Monterey Bay Area as well.