California

[mahonia]

We're planning to spend three days on the coast after visiting San Francisco. Don't know whether to go north (towards Mendocino) or south (towards Monterey). Any views on the pros and cons of north versus south, please?

[kaktus]

I haven't been directly north of San Francisco, but the drive south is absolutely stunning, I suspect though that it would be stunning going north too ;0) We visited Monterey and Carmel, I can't remember much about Monterey other than we saw Sea Otters! (and dolphins, eagles, elephant seals and zebras?!? on the drive) Carmel is quite cute and if you like art galleries, this is the place as the town is filled with them.

Have a nice trip.

[metagirl]

how exciting! as a californian from monterey bay area I can say that kaktus is right, the drive from SF via Highway 1 is beautiful and varied. If you want a more "interactive" visit where you visit shops/galleries/the Monterey Bay Aquarium (as kaktus mentioned)/fancy restaurants that overlook the ocean - go south and hit Santa Cruz BUT don't forget the "little towns" surrounding Santa Cruz, like Capitola/Soquel/Ben Lomond (in the santa cruz mountains). Santa Cruz has a boardwalk open on the weekends, arcade and "surf bowl" - which is fun for children or the "child at heart". From SC south, drop in at Caramel, Pacific Grove and Monterey. The smaller agricultural towns like Watsonville, Castroville and Gilroy will give you a good idea as to how alot of real Californians live - instead of how they show it on the OC. Also, wherever you go, don't forget to try the mexican food! 

North of San Francisco is beautiful, but the towns get progressively rural the more north you head and you may find when you stop in some of the much smaller ones its difficult to find a restaurant open past 8pm. Saying that, Napa Valley is good for wine tasting, however. But that is not along the coast and you would be heading further inland/East.