Towns north of San francisco?
 

We will coming in from Oregon and want to stay our first night within a 1-3 hour drive north of San francisco.This way we can arrive early and get almost another full day in San Francisco.
We are looking for a town with things to see just not shopping or wineries.
Any suggesions would be appreciated.

Point Reyes might be what you are looking for. Be sure to see the lighthouse. http://www.ptreyes.com/

Sonoma has a nice central square with the last of the California missions built in 1821, and a fort. General Vallejo's home is nearby.

Rather than a fort (wrong mental image), a presidio with early 19th century buildings.

I like the Sonoma suggestion.

Also, Mendocino and Healdsburg are delightful towns to visit. They are a 3-hour and 1 1/2- hour drive from San Francisco, respectively.

HTTY

Healdsburg is lovely, but it is mostly shopping, wineries and dining :-)

Will you be driving along the coast, or inland?

Check that last question -- will you be driving 101 or 5?

the 101

These might help:

http://www.healdsburg.com/things_to_do
http://www.mendocino.com/

How about a town just north of San Francisco - e.g. Mill Valley or Sausalito. There's lots of nice things to do around there if you enjoy the outdoors - e.g. Marin Headlands, or go to Muir Beach or maybe Muir Woods - although it depends on when you'll be there as Muir Woods can get ridiculously crowded.

Sausalito is right north of the Golden Gate bridge and has stunning views of the Bay. You can just walk along the waterfront. Right at the foot of the bridge on the north side is Fort Baker, a former army post now converted to civilian use, and more great views. Or go over to the other side of the highway (101) and take a drive out to Fort Cronckheit (sp?). Beautiful short drive out to the coast to a gravelly beach.

If you like to hike, you won't go wrong with Point Reyes. There are miles of trails and lots of bed and breakfasts close by in the towns of Inverness and Point Reyes Station. Go to the Station House Cafe for a casual dinner or Osteria Stellina for an elegant foodie one.