my family decided to go on a trip tomorrow to north cal... however we have not made any decision on where.. we prefer scenary places.. i need recommendations, fast.
Where in Northern CA? San Fransicko? Monterey?
If you want a nicer, but longer drive go 101, not I-5 (boring). If you go up 101, you can stop in San Luis Obispo for a nice meal at the Apple Farm (off 101 at California Street I believe).
Continue up 101 to Salinas then take the jaunt over to Monterey. In Monterey you have the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel, etc.
Then, go up highway 1 to highway 17 and you are now in Santa Cruz. You can go the the Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk and ride the roller coasters, enjoy some decent food, etc.
Take highway 17 over the hill to San Jose. In San Jose you have a lot of nice museums (e.g. The Tech) and the Winchester house (not worth the money but interesting if you are in to wacky architecture).
From San Jose go to Napa/Sonoma for wine tasting, beautiful scenery.
I avoid going to San Francisco. Can't stand the place.
Drive safe....If you take 101, watch your speed around the major towns like Salinas, Paso Robles, and ESPECIALLY King City - ticket capitol of the west.