Kathy1234

Hi, what is the driving time from SR to SC and roads to avoid. We left reno today heading for SR; sacramento area was nuts. Not sure if we should stay another day in SR an head back to reno or get down to SC. Hate to come all this way w/o getting to the beach. What do you think? Thank you

LoveItaly

Oh Kathy, I imagine you were in the terrible traffic due to the end of Memorial Day weekend. How awful. I can here the sirens on I-80 (I live in the southern end of the Sacramento Valley) and they are beginning to give me the creeps.

There are beaches nearer to Santa Rosa than Santa Cruz. BTW, I haven't driven to Santa Cruz in ages but hopefully someone else here can give you the driving time. I "think" it is about 3 hours.

But have you considered Bodega Bay area or Stinson Beach etc.? That would be closer for you. I assume you have to go back to Reno for a flight? If so, take the drive back after the commute hours, you will find the drive back will be much better than you experienced today. Best wishes.

razzledazzle

Did you know we have some spectacular beaches right here in Sonoma County ?
Take Hwy 116 out to Jenner. Turn left,
head for Goat Rock or any of the Salmon Creek beaches - Portuguese is one of my favorites. It will be cool, possibly foggy as it usually is this time of year. Then again you could get lucky !If you didn't like the traffic around Sacto you will hate the bottlenecks
to/from Santa Cruz around 280 and 17, especially during rush hour times.
R5

razzledazzle

Here's a good website with photos
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451
R5

Kathy1234

thanks so much for the responses. Fodor's never lets me down. We will also go see the state park by jenner. Any suggestions on places to stay in Napa, reasonable that is. We may stay another night here in SR.
This way we can also see some of the farms that are open to the public.