bigjimcruising wrote:
Once you're done in the parks I'd head north to Lodi and cut across 12 (get gass)towards Fairfield. A little south and head up to Napa Valley for a day or two of wine tasting. Hotels are pricey but worth it. Drive up and down the valley wine tasting and seeing the sights.
try Napa Valley Expo or Skyline Park, in Napa. Or the Napa Fairgrounds in Calistoga.
From there I'd cut over towards Petaluma where you can pick up hwy 1 to head north along the coast. I think its even nicer than south of San Francisco and less traffic, if that's possible this time of year. lol
Acually, you access 101N in Petaluma, not Highway 1. you don't want to drive Highway 1 from SF north, unless you have a LOT of time.
Just know that every where in cali during the summer is crazy busy with most of the parks being "loved to death" so just relax and go with the flow, you'll get there eventually.
grew up in the Sonoma County area and lived in Napa Valley. Definitely consider reservations if staying popular California destinations. Coastal beach campgrounds are booked up at least 6 months in advance and even off-season.
