We're planning on sticking to the coast areas and scenic routes as much as possible I'm a big Kerouac fan so some stops at iconic locations in the area are somewhat a must. I have a few possible routes saved on the Roadtrippers site and will narrow it down later.
I think the CA coast north of SF has several epic routes that equal the Big Sur / Santa Cruz stretch. I've been driving SoCal - NorCal for >40 yrs, starting with motorcycle tours all up/down the coast in my 20s. Big part of any epic route for me nowadays is epicurean. You've already got good intel for the southern half of the state but here are a few recco's for north of the Bay:
Oysters & Seafood, more ocean views: go via Bodega Bay on Hwy 1 (Hog Island Oyster Co is mandatory.) Prefer vinyards & wine tasting? Skip Napa in favor of Mendocino for less tourists, less fru-fru & better values-- and more fun roads. Stay on 101, (maybe a stop in Healdsburg with side run up the Dry Creek Valley) to Cloverdale, where you head west on 128 out into the Anderson Valley. The first leg, about 30 miles, is a gorgeous twisty 2-lane with good visibility and glorious rural landscape.
My wife & I visit this area several times a year (going there next week!) In Boonville there's a spectrum of great eats & places to stay (The Madrones tops the lodging list; but the cafe there can be uneven.) Offspring cafe for extraordinary but casual dinner (or -- same chef does the Boonville Hotel restaurant across the road, prix-fixe dinners.) Multiple wine tasting options in Anderson Valley: Do not miss Pennyroyal Farm (amazing pinot noirs & remarkable cheese pairings.) Other favorites where we're wine-club members: Navarro, Husch.
Then continue on 128 out to the coast along the Navarro River.
Mendocino village is about as picturesque as NorCal coast gets.
Up through Fort Bragg, then inland back to the 101 at Leggett (can't drive the "Lost Coast" unfortunately.)
Plenty of redwood groves right on the 101 highway-- occasional sidetracks should include Avenue of the Giants and Founder's Grove, which are both right along the route. (Beware of abundant Poison Oak!)
On up through Eureka / Arcata and you're back on the coast. In Arcata there's a wetland nature reserve along the bay with fantastic bird (and otter) watching. Part of the tidal marshes also serve as the municipal waste-water treatement plant, using bio-remediation (there's only one small area that tips you off with the aromatics.) One of the best craft breweries on the west coast (IMHO) is right across the road from the marsh: Redwood Curtain Brewing. Decent food truck too.
Stop in Trinidad! There's a tiny fish shop called Katy's Smokehouse that has the best canned tuna & smoked salmon in the world, plus a small seasonal selection super-fresh fish & day-boat scallops.
The coast route up through Crescent City is also glorious; then if you want to book it to Portland you'll then head inland through more old-growth forest along Hwy 199 to jump on the I-5 at Grant's Pass.
Otherwise stick to the coast! It's been decades since my knee-dragging days up that way but Coos Bay and Honeyman State Park were highlights.
Enjoy!
