Planning a trip in September to drive north from LA up the PCH ending up in Sonoma. Would love any suggestions on places to visit, points of interest, fun things to do, good restaurants not to miss, etc. Thanks.

Bodega Bay is always a great day trip when we go to Santa Rosa. Stop by Gourmet Au Bay for wine/cheese and head to Bodega Point for an incredible view of the Pacific!

Well since no one else has posted since mine. Once you've made the recommended stop at Bodega Bay continue North on Hwy. 1 along the coast. A BEAUTIFUL drive! At Hwy. 116 (River Road) go East and you'll drive along the Russian River. Incredible countryside. Look for Armstrong Road (going on memory) in/near Guernville (sp?) that will take you to the Armstrong Reserve State Park where you'll find incredible huge Redwood Trees and not nearly as much traffic/visitors as in Muir Woods. Wineries all over the Russian River Valley.

Considering you are probably heading to Sonoma for wine, I would suggest when you get to Santa Cruz head inland towards Gilroy and the Morgan Hill area. There are several very good wineries in that area that are much more relaxed than the Sonoma area vineyards.

Have a great trip,
Todd

We found Sonoma to be VERY relaxed. In fact we were a bit concerned on our 1st visit to "wine country" in that we're not educated on wine even though we like it, maybe too much. We were concerned that we would feel out of place by not being able to describe what we were tasting, smelling, etc. Every winery we visited like Dry Creek, Coppola, Martin Ray, St. Francis, Kunde, et all told us that all that mattered was if we liked a wine. They would then tell us what me "might" be tasting as far as the "notes".

So very relaxed we've gone back four years in a row and stayed in Santa Rosa which we love. Santa Rosa also has several excellent restaurants in the historic district. So since the original question was for places of interest, fun things, good restaurants and not just wine, hopefully that gives you some options to consider.

For killer views, perched high on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, stop by Nepenthe in Big Sur. Since you're going in September, fog should not be a major risk to the view.

Food is pricey, as one would expect, but the scenery is worth it.

I just saw this. I can't believe Nepenthe is still there! Holy cow. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Big Sur is worth an overnight or more.

I was going to add Hearst Castle in San Simeon and Carmel a little farther north. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

nepenthe is great

Took a similar trip from Napa to San Diego in April. With all the pull offs on the ocean side, it just seemed easier to stop and look. I like the piers in Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. You can get real close to the sea lions at the Santa Cruz pier.
Yosemite was a little off the path but well worth it.
If you are going to Marin County, a tour of the Nike Site was really special. I think it is the only reconstructed Nike Site in the US.

How was your trip? I used to live close to Monterey which is right on Highway 1. Hope you stopped by and tried the clam chowder!