What we learned

— Traveling in the winter meant fewer crowds, however, it can be on the cold side (for California) and in the north, it’s their wet season.

— We should have tried to spend at least two days in each town. Traveling every day felt rushed and each place had something unique to offer.

— The Ragged Point Inn was a disappointment. While the food was first-rate, the facility is badly in need of a facelift and, in retrospect, we’d have preferred to stay further north in the park.