A Travel Community for San Francisco Bay Area Families

Need Advice for final 24 hrs in CA...

Attending Tomales Bay writing conference and visiting family in late Oct, yet have 24+ hours after conference ends b/f flight back east. Want to stay out of SF metro area on this last leg of trip.
We'll be in leaving Tomales Bay around 2pm on a Sunday and have to be at SF Airport by 10pm on Monday.
Wondering, which way should we go? North? toward Calistoga & Santa Rosa (Shultz museum, Old Faithful geyser and spa and wine) or
South? Santa Cruz (hotel on beach, boardwalk, train ride into redwoods) or the Pigeon Point lighthouse area?
Some thoughts from locals would be appreciated!
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Julie on September 2, 2009 at 7:00pm

Hi Gwynne,

Given you are already north of SF, I'd recommend some of the great spots in that area. Here are a couple:

Point Reyes/Tomales Bay. You may get so see enough of this area while at the conference but it has a lot to offer. Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful park with elk and seals as well as a wealth of great hiking trails. I did a blog post a while back on Point Reyes that you can check out here. It includes activities, accomodations, and places to eat.

Healdsburg. Just north of Santa Rosa, you can take in the Shultz museum and then head on to Healdsburg. This town has a lovely town square lined with all kinds of great cafes, bookstores, and shops. The town has some of the best restaurants in the US (according to Michelin) and terrific lodging as well. You can rent bikes, canoes, hike or of course taste wine. Finally, if you are traveling with younger kids, there is a place called Safari West, also near Santa Rosa that you may want to take in on your way home. Its kind of a mini version of the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I've stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg which was lovely (and has a great pool) but there are many accomodations to choose from. I recommend staying in town.

Hope that helps!