Thanks everyone for the great ideas!!!

I love Flagstaff, but won't be going there since DH and I go to Flagstaff and Sedona every year in Feb. (we go snowboarding in Flagstaff and then head to Sedona for mountain biking) since it's fairly close to home. Flagstaff is actually on our list of potential places to move to some day!

I love San Francisco! So I'm going to have to think about that.

I love the idea of the San Juans, that perfect mix of outdoor and urban. And I must admit I have never been to Washington! Would it even be necessary to rent a car to do that? or can I easily shuttle myself from the airport to the islands?

I've also never been to SLO or Santa Barbara. So many great options that all seem to have the mix of quiet nature and some relaxing cafe/shopping. So hard to choose.

Thanks for the weather info. to, that is very important, especially with wanting to walk more than drive.

Spinwebs, your sentence about journaling on the beach listening to the crashing waves sounds so wonderful!!!!

Thanks for all of your help!! Lots to ponder.