Hwy 1, California

I almost would want to get married here, if it weren't for the perpetually chilly weather. The Sonoma Coast up here is beautiful, if you can handle the exciting, hilly, winding, twisting drive. Beach views abound over cliff tops hundreds of feet high, and when the tide is pumping, you just might see some surfers on the beach enjoying the clean breaks. The area is a surfer/kiteboarder/kayaker's paradise, and rock climbers can find plenty to do as well.

It is a little under two hours from San Francisco, depending on traffic and where you are coming from, but for many people, the views and seclusion are worth it. Be prepared for abysmal cell phone reception in most spots.

You will find yourself sharing the area with road bikers, Mendonoma hippies and even some retirees, but none of them seem to mind as there is plenty of space to go around.

Don't confuse Bodega with its western neighbor, Bodega Bay - the two are distinctly different towns, according to the locals (and probably no one else). Bodega is inland, and is more quintessential Sonoma County farm town and less coastal living. The 1 is really just a country road in this part of the county, passing through farmland and cow pastures, with a few turnoffs.

The road is fairly straight in this section, although if you stay on for long enough, you will be launched back into the winding cliffside roads, which are stunningly beautiful, and mind-blowingly nauseating if you are at all prone to carsickness.

But the stretch in Bodega is fairly mellow and straightforward. The most exciting attraction is Casino, a bar/pool hall that offers decent bottled beers, cheap games, and even serves food on some nights (yes, this is the most exciting attraction in the town). There is a bit of a townie feel, but locals are relatively friendly, perhaps because they are excited to see new faces in the area.