Go South.

Some good things to do along the way, and great photo ops.

Try eating at the Rio Grill near Carmel.
See the Mission Carmel. See the Monterey Aquaium and wharf.
Hang around the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

See Hearst Castle near San Simeon.

If you like wine there are wineries near Paso Robles on Hiway 101. It's out of the way, but a great road to get there, and you have 3 days.

Only a small part of what to do and see, but that's at least three day's worth.

 

So I've been getting lots of great feedback. This is what I'm thinking. Heading north to Fort Bragg the first day. Then going up to Fortuna and taking Hwy 36 east to the Red Bluff on day 2. After that not sure how much time I'll have left on day two but if there is enough maybe doubling back and trying to get a little bit of the Redwood Hwy in (101). I'm used to long days on the bike (actually rather enjoy it). I don't want to be on much past dusk. Proabably riding back on the slab to get back to San Fran on day three to return my rental before 5pm. What do you guys think?

 

I live in the eastbay and plan on doing both north and south often. I'd say head to Santa Barbara.