10 Days Driving the Pacific Northwest Coast: Wine, Beaches and Hiking

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport and check into your hotel. The Bay is beautiful, and a great way to see it is by boat. Take a ride to Oakland for a snack and a glass of wine on the water at Rosenblum Cellars. Take the ferry back to San Francisco, and sample some local seafood at Tadich Grill or stylish Chinese food at Empress by Boon. For late-night cocktails, check out the classic Tiki bar, Tonga Room.

From San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Marin county. Stop in Sausalito for breakfast and provisions, then head to the Steep Ravine Trail. This two-hour hike will take you high above the bay and offer views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. Stop in Stinson Beach for lunch before heading to Napa County. Calistoga is a beautiful town, lovely for strolling around and checking out tasting rooms. The Indian Springs resort is a great place to rest, and dinner at Sam's Social Club is a delight.

Hire a private driver to take you around the wineries for the day. If you are a first-timer, be sure to do a Cave Tour. Clos Pegase is a delightful experience, and a must-visit for art lovers. For a small, family-run vineyard, try Crocker & Starr.

On your way back to the coastal highway, stop for a stroll and some lunch in the Sonoma town of Sebastapol. For one last beautiful wine visit, check out Reichwage Winery, just outside town. Along the coast, check out the Jenner Sea Lion Restplace, before heading up to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. This historic park boasts incredible coastal landscape, as you traverse the former Coast Guard station. Afterwards, head into Mendocino for dinner and lodging. Don't miss the sunset over the Mendocino Arch.

One of the most beautiful parts of this trip is when the highway detours inward, along the Avenue of Giants. Stop by the Peg House for oysters and burgers, before getting out into the woods. The Rockefeller Loop is a notable stop, just a bit off the main highway. Spend the day exploring the enormous trees along the trails, before heading to the Benbow Historic Inn. The property harkens back to the early days of Redwood Forest tourism, and dinner in their cozy wood-paneled dining room, will transport you to another era.

After a breakfast on the lovely patio, head out for a day of hiking on one of the many coastal trails between the hotel and the Oregon border. Crescent City is a good place to stop for lunch, and any shopping you may need. Continue north, and stay at Beachfront Inn in Brookings, Oregon, a small town on the coast with several dinner options.

Hit the road and take in the stunning coastline, with its giant rocks jutting out from the ocean. Look for Kissing Rock from the car, before stopping in Coos Bay for lunch. 7 Devils Waterfront Ale House has excellent views and great food. From there, head to the Oregon Dunes. A hike through these massive sand formations will make you feel like you are on another planet. Stop by the Newport Historic Bayfront, before checking in to the Inn at Otter Crest. The waterfront restaurant on the property has excellent food and cocktails.

Head north to discover some of the delicious food this region has to offer. Stop by Mr. Bill's Village Smokehouse to stock up on smoked fish and oysters, or eat at freshly shucked oyster right there at the counter. Head north and stop for lunch and a stroll on the beach at Cape Kiwanda. Pelican Brewing is a terrific option, right on the beach. Heading north, do not miss Jacobsen Salt Company, or a stop at Tunnel Beach. Check into the Old Wheeler Inn, then head to Wheeler's Marina and rent a boat for an evening cruise on the Nehalem River, before a delicious dinner at The Salmonberry.

Head into the Willamette Valley and check into The Dundee Hotel. This central location will give you access to some of the best wineries and restaurants in the area. Meet your driver and head to Torii Mor Winery for outstanding wine, views and artwork in their gorgeous garden. Beacon Hill and Sokol Blosser are also great options. For dinner, head to Tina's for a delicious dinner in the coziest dining room in the valley.

Go out with a bang with lunch at Antica Terra, an excellent vintner just outside of town that serves up a multi-course masterpiece of a meal, incorporating locally sourced ingredients. This is a great way to end the trip, before dropping off your car at PDX and flying home.