I drove thru there when I was in college and 'home' on a break. My parents had moved out to Half Moon Bay which is just south of SF on the coast, I had nothing to do each day, so I drove all over norcal to see what was to be seen.
Looking up quick info now, I am shocked at how hot it gets in the summer! Avg over 90deg for a couple months and its that far north?! Wild how coastal weather and mountains/valleys affect so much of the upper half of the state.
Sounds like an outdoor paradise.