hmmm, asking californian's opinions on north vs south is kind of like asking a bunch of HSU and SVS fans which sub you should buy. anyway, I live just north of SF so that has my vote. In addition to that wonderful city, as mentioned, you could go south through Monterey/Big Sur, or east to Sierras/Tahoe, or southeast to Yosemite, or north on HWY 1 through Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt - if you liked the Oregon/WA coast you'd like that. Lots of hiking and campgrounds in all of these areas. you can plan ahead online, but the camps do get pretty full during the summer.
