For reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and Crescent City is 376 miles to the north of San Francisco. DOG FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM SAN FRANCISCO, HOW TO DRESS LIKE A LOCAL IN SAN FRANCISCO, THE BEST DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES IN CALIFORNIA. Hi Penny, I am travelling to the US for the first time and would like to get the link to the questionnaire as I am planning to rent a camper van and drive from San Francisco to LA for 5 days. Amazing tips for highway driving. Re: Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Eureka. Ok,its a stretch, but I will never forget the lighthouse. After L.A. we have two free days to get to Las Vegas where we drop off hire car and have booked 4 nights before heading home. US-101 and CA-1 (also known as Hwy-1, California 1, Shoreline Highway, Pacific Coast Highway, and PCH) are the best north-south routes, providing a phenomenal scenic drive along most of California's Pacific coastline. This is getting me so excited for it! Your journey through the Redwoods beings in Mendocino, a Northern California coastal town in Mendocino county that is known for its beaches, hiking trails, coastal views, whale watching spots and great food. Do not do as we did. 24 miles of undeveloped shoreline that is only accessible via some serious hiking. SR-162 East / West Pile Driving. This post brought back great memories. Heres a great article from USA Today about whale watching on the California coast. How many beaches, state parks, and national parks did you visit along your trip? LOL. From the bustling beaches of Southern California to the wild,. Its beautiful no matter when! Hearst and his father spent a lot of time camping on this land and when young William Randolph inherited the land from his mother, the story goes that he told the architect, Julia Morgan, he wanted to build a little something.. Its southern end is at I-5 near Dana Point and its northern end is at US-101 near Leggett. Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Eureka-the second largest city in California between San Francisco and Oregon border. The Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) in Sonoma County (right below Mendocino county) is a smaller one with fewer flight options, but this is the nearest big-ish airport to Humboldt county. Here are the places we stopped at on this day and let me know what we left off in the comments. Avoid dangerous situations and allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If that party is a licensed adult, try letting them drive which helps control nausea. Youre right though, very good tip, drive during the day! North of the airport to Santa Monica, it's Lincoln Blvd. Definitely added to my list, thanks for the great tip ! Right across the street is the World Famous Grandfather Tree (an 1800 years old Redwood) and a gift shop. There is one possible drawback to the winter season winter is the rainy season. Hi Dee, Sorry Im just getting around to approving article comments. Although the entire Redwood road trip can be covered in 6 hours or so, that is absolutely no fun because the Redwood Highway passes through some of the most beautiful towns, beaches, waterfalls, hikes and Redwood groves that you absolutely need to explore to make the most out of this road trip. I dont have an itinerary but you can make your own via the article. This massive Redwoods road trip 7 day itinerary is just what you need to see the world famous California coastal Redwoods and beyond; so buckle up for the ride! Years later, Im on a big coach/bus for a comfortably reclined 7-hour ride from Santiago, Chile to the small coastal resort town of La Serena. Cathy I envy you living there. Thanks for being a loyal fan and reader. Man! Once in Ferndale, I highly recommend the following: After a few hours of exploring Ferndale, youll drive off to your next destination for the evening-which are the three towns of Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad-all within 25-30 minutes of driving distance to each other. Today, Cannery Row is filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels, and is a tourist attraction in Monterey. San Francisco to Los Angeles. The drive takes place on Ruta-5 (Route 5), also known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway. I also liked driving north to south best, because the ocean was on my right side and it was easier to pull off in the turn-outs to take pictures. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); @2023 - Adventures of a Carry-On. This tree was named so to honor the founders of Save the Redwoods League in 1918 to prohibit incessant logging in this area leading to a rapid dwindling of the Redwoods. You can check it out if you have time. Great tips, too. (If only at our []. The entrance fee is pretty steep of $20/person but is worth it since you spend at least 1-2 hours here in the Redwoods grove with several trees featured on Ripleys Believe it or Not. We've compiled some of our favorite spots to help you plan your road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Ive done a little research and people say its the best time to visit I think we will stick to September! For additional details on the closure, timing, location, and duration, please visit and follow visit Caltrans District 5 for regular updates.. I love the stories of famous personalities, frequent guests at the castle, sneaking out to the pool after hours for a little romantic interlude in one of the many secluded corners. South America is appealing because no time zone change! Be sure to check for updates on the road conditions. 2. I highly recommend doing the former, i.e. Food was OK but the view of the marina was fantastic. Youll be pulling over a lot to admire the sweeping vistas and of course snapping lots of photos. From the parking lot itself, you can hike up to the overlook (0.5 miles trail) and go further down to a secret, black sand beach that you can spot from afar. There is also a gift shop and a rest area to explore the surroundings. There are so many wonderful places to visit along the way Hearst is definitely a must. Its definitely one of those places where renting a car makes full sense. The Trinidad Head trail starting from one end of the beach is a scenic hiking path to explore, Spend some time at Trinidad Harbor (it has its own beach), Fishermans Wharf (a small pier) and see the small, red domed Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse (replica of the Trinidad head lighthouse), Indulge in some wine tasting at Moonstone Crossing Winery, Spend a few hours at Patricks Point State Park with scenic coastal hikes and ocean views as well as, Go for a leisurely stroll along Arcata Bay at, Stop by the delicious Ramones cafe (a local bakery chain) for some mouthwatering baked goods and coffee, Much like Ferndale, Eureka too has some serious Victorian architecture to boast off. This Redwood Highway road trip comes with a major detour towards an under-the-radar beach town in Humboldt County with some of the most wild, stunning black sand beaches known to humans. Just gorgeous! Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about Pacific Coast Highway 1 Guide. San Francisco to Mendocino: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip Guide Driving from San Francisco to Mendocino is one of the longer drives you can do on the Pacific Coast Highway. Again, theres no place to stop, even on the roadside. A convertible would be fun! Also, it is actually on an island detached from the mainland. I have done the Carmel to big sur route in the past and have to agree its truly amazing! There are no place left to rent for the. On this leg of the trip, there are no gas stations for almost 30 miles between, so prioritize getting gas in Sausalito, Mill Valley, or Point Reyes. I loved the jellyfish! The end of March should be ok. Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. In this part of Humboldt county, youre right in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks. If you truly want to be in the thick of it, or you just want a hotel with a more modern flair, stay at the Intercontinental on Cannery Row. I dont know if there is a foggy time of the year but thats the only time Id really not want to go. San Diego isnt a must but would love to see it. You will definitely need two full days to explore everything in these towns and the natural beauty surrounding them (think beaches, Redwood Parks and hikes) in this 7 day itinerary of your road trip in Northern California. If you are planning to drive Highway 1 these are my top tips of the day! In the city of San Francisco, Hwy 1 is a street: 19th Avenue. Stop 1: Marin County: Marin Headlands, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Marshall. Ive only been as far north as Rivers End at Jenner Beach. Or, visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 there are 40 to choose from! Near Largo until Mar 31. This is where your journey through the heart of Redwoods begins and here is the best way to go about it: Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. Hubby drove this, including the Bixby Bridge (XOXOX), in the pitch blackness with no moon and other cars on the two-lane road coming the other way. Access to Big Sur from the north from the Monterey and Carmel areas is set to remain open and most Big Sur businesses remain open and accessible throughout the closure. Only about 14 miles further north on Highway 101, on the Eel River, is a north coast marvel, the majestic, elegant, Benbow Historic Inn, truly one of the great gems of the entire North Coast region. Riiiiiggghht; yeah, no. Just look under destinations, Californai. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. Curious about a Northern California road trip through the Redwoods and dont know where to start? This scenic destination provides panoramic vistas of the rocky coastline, just 46 miles from San Francisco. [] fresh food, and great museums. Report inappropriate content Mexgirl24 Fair Grove, Missouri Level Contributor Further off west is the Big trees Area with some of the tallest trees in the world, but that is quite a detour (plus you can always cover it on your return trip south). All Right Reserved. . From Mendocino, you will be driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Redwood Highway. I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. I would like to travel highway #1 in July this year from San Francisco to LA. A Northern California Road Trip Through the Redwoods: The Ultimate 7 day Itinerary, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: DRIVING THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY, PLANNING A REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, Either way, once you get to Mendocino take Highway 1 to Leggett, from where the two routes (Highway 1 and Route 101N) merge to become a single highway, aka Redwood Highway, that leads all the way. Using Google Maps, just drag the route on the map to Hwy 1 and you'll see the coastal route. You will need at least 6-7 days to cover quite a bit of the outdoors and the many attractions along this route, including all the amazing things to do and see in Humboldt county! And what better way to fully appreciate those views than behind the wheel of a convertible that can be picked up directly at LAX. Quickest Route About 380 miles, or 6 hours of driving. This way, the passenger is overlooking the ocean without another lane in the way (and all those cars in high season) and the driver has a better view too. I actually felt kind of proud of myself for making this drive on my own. What a dreamy area! until Aug 30, 2024. For the first part of the trip, the road passes the garages and back doors of coastal homes, but north of Pepperdine University it sometimes runs so near to the continent's edgethat it feels like you could reach out and dangle your fingers in the water. f. One Log House: This was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. Carmel is also known as the little town in the forest by the sea, which is a lovely and quaint description. If youd like usage just shoot me an email. Given the many attractions along this route (Point Reyes and the crazy beautiful Sonoma Coast, a perfect romantic getaway in Bay Area), you will need to tack on at least 2-3 additional days to your itinerary. Of course, what will be open may dictate where you stop. 156 will connect to Highway 1 where you can continue your journey south, to Monterey. Thanks! Many years ago, we drove out from Malibu on the 1 in an attempt to arrive in the South Bay Area later that very same day. Definitely would not be a fun drive in the fog! Hi, love this article! drive for about 1 hour. You can read all about a weekend getaway to Point Reyes here and the best stop from San Francisco to Mendocino right here. Please be respectful. Thank you Jamie! Also known as California State Route 254, the southern entrance begins near Phillipsville (just follow signs to Avenue of Giants Entrance) as you drive up north. Allow plenty of time. (Now if only at our [], [] cost you a fortune, either. 0.2 mi. Although Shelter Cove is a tiny beach town perched on the southern end of the lost coast, there is quite a few things to do and see here. Dogs are not allowed on the lighthouse island. Recommended time: 1-2 days. Either way, enjoy the journey and the photos! Quickest Route About 800 miles, almost 13 hours without a break. There are two things to keep in mind before leaving for Shelter Cove: First, fuel up/get a bellyful of lunch or heavy breakfast at either Mendocino or Fort Bragg. Plus, you have a slice of Lost Coast history in the form of a lighthouse guarding the shores. It is an otherworldly experience to be driving through the worlds tallest and oldest trees! Im surprised that you didnt go to Point Lobos It is my favorite place to visit. Wondered how we can get to it? Ive been top to bottom and bottom to top on the PCH When people ask me for vacation recommendations this is number 1 for sure. I was blessed by my best friend to be able to go to California, exploring San Bernardino, Ontario, LA, and up to Humbolt County. thanks for the compliment on the photo. You'll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. So happy to hear you found the information useful. Bungalow at Casa Munras, Monterey, California. Thanks! The final day of your road trip through the Redwoods in Northern California involves making your way down south to Mendocino. It will take you back to a 60s vibe (which still exists in some ways in the area). To book online and more information visit the website: www.hearstcastle.org. Carmel is also known as "the little town in the forest by the sea," which is a lovely and quaint description. Its the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the west coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. I recommend spending at least one full day in Mendocino/Fort Bragg. a. More information can be found here. From the exquisite blue tile work to the beautiful, soft, ambient lights, and the mirror reflection of the water, this pool begs you to lose yourself in its deep blue calm. Most road trip posts involving Northern California use San Francisco as the anchor city/starting (or, ending point). 3. The only way to reach it is during low tide (see Crescent City tide chart here) when you can walk across from the parking lot all the way up to the lighthouse. The fastest way to get to Mendocino from San Francisco is via the inland Highway 101N (2.5-3 hrs). Hey Bethaney Sorry you had a bad time. America really is the best country for road tripping! The best parts of that route are from Laguna Beach to Naples (just south of Long Beach) and from Santa Monica through Malibu to Oxnard. Any suggestions? There could be fog in the mornings and sunshine in the afternoon. Like the images you see? Drive Californias Highway 1 along the Central Coast. Just a typical view along Californias Highway 1. LOL. But the room felt quite small. Thanks for share. HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT TAKE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP? Its sights include Hearst Castle, the Big Sur coast, Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Plus, I am really fixated with lighthouses in California, their Fresnel lenses and history which sometimes is as tumultuous as the coast they guard. Go in the offseason. Also, it is actually on an island detached from the mainland. If you suffer from carsickness its best if you drive because once you enter the Big Sur area the road is a bit of a roller coaster. Unfortunately it was too cold to enjoy sitting in the river, but the atmosphere and location were perfect. So were thinking as leaving Monterey (Tues), next night stop Cambria or San Luis Obispo(Weds) , then next stop Santa barbara or Ventura (thurs) and travel to San deigo on the Friday morning. Hi Brenda, First of all, thank so much for the message. VERY top tip: do not head north from LA towards Pacific Grove/Big Sur on Hwy 1 after dark! Left after a night! I could go on & on but I do think everyone should explore the 101, starting in San Francisco first. From there, to Santa Monica and through Malibu, it's a city street. But even a walk in the neighborhood can be an adventure, she says with a laugh. Although this means veering way off the Redwood Highway, I highly recommend going off the beaten path to experience the beauty and solitude of this pint sized town with an overnight stay. California is one of thos places I am determined to get to, and this post makes me want to do it even more. Ive driven Californias scenic central coast and the gorgeous Hudson River [], [] meal at the Harmony Cafe is a must when traveling Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County. See Google Map below for all the places mentioned in this post. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. Don't pass where there are double yellow lines. It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. A California Highway . What to do: Bodega Bay, Jenner (detour: Johnson's Beach at Guerneville), and Point Arena Lighthouse. Thank you!!! Bixby Bridge is a single-span concrete arch more than 260 feet high and 700 feet long. Theres a forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales. A trip to Hearst Castle and Big Sur from. You may see quite a few homeless people huddled in the Plaza at Arcata (only in that area) and spot homeless as well as drunk people passed out on the streets in Eureka, which definitely feels a bit rough around the edges. d. Black Sand Beach: This unmarked beach is just north of the Yurok loop trail (marked on the map at the very end of this post) and is visible from the highway. You can get onto the 0.6 mile Founder Grove Nature Trail loop trailhead to see the Dyerville giant, a massive fallen Redwood trunk. It looks like a stunning trip with lots of attractions along the way. b. Rockefeller loop: This is a much quieter grove of old growth Redwoods off Avenue of the Giants near Mattole Road. Note: This is going to be one LOOONG post as it covers a 7 day California road trip itinerary, and that too in gory detail (I have done it all!). I did not know most of them. Great weather almost 365 days a year, a laid-back attitude, and scenery that has inspired romantics, creatives, explorers, and adventurers for centuries any time of year is a great time to take the Ultimate California Road Trip. We drove from LA up to Carmel-by-the-Sea and then back down the same way we came. The Monterey Bay area has a good selection of places to stay from bed and breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels. I love this beautiful area? Details 120 miles 4-5 hours of driving Eureka Fisherman (5 minutes) Before leaving Eureka, I stopped at the famous fisherman statue on Wooley Island, which you can find by Googling "Woodley's Bar," then driving to the end of the island (thanks to a reader for commenting this below). Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. Plan to spend at least two hours here. Pull over if five or more cars are following you. Be sure youve filled up the car with gas before you hit the road. I was there the first week of the year and it was chilly in the mornings but sunny, and warmed as the day went by. The only road prior to the completion of Highway 1 was the Old Coast Road. next booked in at Santa Cruz for a night (Mon)and next day booked in at Monterey(Tues). 4:06 pm arrive in San Francisco. These are literally sentinels of time: it is not uncommon to find trees older than 2000 years! In case sights of homelessness (which sometimes can be unsavory) make you uncomfortable, old town Eureka and the other spots mentioned above are your best bets to visit. My road trip was sponsored by Kia and See Monterey. I hope you enjoyed reading this detailed guide on planning a Northern California road trip to remember and are inspired to see the majestic Redwoods. As I read through this post, I was smiling, excited and sad. Lol* I have some of the same pictures. A Northern California road trip is something that you must experience at least once in your lifetime. One of the most scenic sections of Hwy 1 goes through beautiful Malibu. Id love to do it again and this time focus on the outdoor activities instead of just the drive. Be sure to read my other article Reasons To Visit Monterey, California. Here is the days itinerary: a. Mackerricher State Park: fantastic spot for grey whale migration in Spring. I would like to add that gasoline is available in Gorda. amazing things to do and see in Humboldt county! Stop for food at the Big Sur River Inn or Fernwood Resort (also a nice place to stay, they even have cabins in among the Redwood trees). San Francisco. Nepenthe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history. Also, if you have this itinerary still, I would be really grateful to have a copy? San Francisco Tourism San Francisco Hotels San Francisco Bed and Breakfast San Francisco Packages Flights to San Francisco San Francisco Restaurants Stop 2: Sonoma County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and . Arcata, another bustling town lies next to its namesake bay while Trinidad is a beach town 24 miles north of Eureka. The route sometimes follows the coastline, but far more often it passes neighborhoods and mundane strip malls. Very nice article! We really enjoyed all of your suggestions. Id love to see it in person! The closure is currently planned between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjens Inn in Big Sur. I love your detail article! 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