Yup, go north. I lived in Mendocino for 15 years, there's some great riding up there and it is not as developed as the south route. Watch for deer!

Seeing as you are from Florida, I might push a little; turn right at Fort Bragg on Rte. 20. Head across the Central Valley to Nevada City, hook up on I80 to Lake Tahoe and then back 395 to 108 to the Bay Area. you'll see a little traffic towards the end but you will also see the best of California's mountains and coast.

 

gotta say go north to bragg up to cressent city take 36 over and back see shasta then back thru the redwoods . south has more traffic and a lot more cops..

 

Flip a coin, you can't lose.