If you want to take a quick getaway, try the back roads of Sonoma Central Coast in the springtime. Right now, the rolling coastal hills are a lovely shade of bright green sprinkled with California’s state flower, the poppy, and an assortment of wild flowers. Try and get off the main highways as much as possible. If you live in the greater Sacramento area, take Highway 80 up to Davis and then cut across to Highway 29 that will lead you toward Napa Valley via Lake Berryessa, which will twist and turn up to the lake and continue on around until you drop back down into the valley. Continue on 29 until you connect with Highway 12 that takes you through Sonoma and on toward the coast. Another option is to set your GPS for Bodega Bay or Lawsons Landing in Dillon Beach, and if it takes you fastest route, that means leading you through the back roads toward Petaluma without worry of getting lost, but still experiencing the beauty of the hills. You can also veer off once in Petaluma and twist and wind your ways toward Occidental or Jenner. Once you pass Petaluma, and if you go north, you will be in Redwoods country. Try and stay off main highways as the trees are at the tallest and most beautiful on the back roads. Many different creeks snake throughout the area, so feel free to bring a picnic and stop at one of the many day use parks. It’s still foggy and cold this time of year so be sure to dress in layers. As the sun comes out, it will warm up enough to shed your jacket. You can be daring and just stumble your way along and look for a quaint inn or bed and breakfast, as there are dozens to choose from on this route. It is always nice to see accommodations before you select a room. Now we don’t recommend this during a weekend or holiday where crowds may ascend upon the area and leave few vacancies available for the night.
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