road trip north of san francisco

Road Trip: North from San Francisco on CA Highway One

North of San Francisco, California's Highway 1 clings to the state's western edge, winding north from Sausalito through Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties. North of Fort Bragg, it veers inland, ending where it connects with U.S. Highway 101 in the town of Leggett. This classic California road trip route follows the coastal contours, rising and falling, zig-zagging around coves and curving around hillsides slopes falling to the sea.

With over 200 miles between Sausalito and Leggett, the going can be slow and the passing lanes are few. Depending on how often you stop, it will take you at least six or seven hours to complete this trip, but you will enjoy it more if you spend the night somewhere along the way. Even if your time is limited, you don't want to speed past the Mendocino Coast, where the coastal mountains flatten out and make room for stunning woods and meadows. Driving along these coastal cliffs can be anxiety-inducing, but if you drive from south to north you'll be able to stay on the inside of the curves.

Time on this road because there are many wonderful places worth stopping for along the way. Consider breaking up the trip into three parts: from Sausalito to Bodega Bay; from Bodega Bay to Gualala; and from Gualala to Leggett. Take notes of the points of interest before you hit the road, but also be sure you know where to stop for gas when your tank starts running low. Gas stations and restrooms are few and far between, so make sure your tank is full and your bladder is empty before setting out.

If you have a lot of time to work with, you may even consider taking a few side trips along the way to places like Muir Woods , the Point Reyes National Seashore , or Dillon Beach .

Highway One through Marin County: Sausalito to Bodega Bay

Most of California Highway 1 in Marin County is inland, with a short stretch of ocean views near Stinson Beach, but that doesn't mean the road is straight and flat. Highway 1 in southern Marin County is said to be more twisty than along the famously winding Big Sur Coast , so expect to maintain an average 20 to 25 miles per hour. 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.

The points of interest on the first leg of the trip include popular beaches that attract day-trippers and a couple of towns where you can shop or get some seafood for lunch:

• Stinson Beach : Just 20 miles from San Francisco, this 3-mile beach is popular for its spaciousness and cleanliness and there are water sport rentals available.
• Bolinas Lagoon: At the tip of Stinson Beach, this lagoon is a tidal estuary that attracts over 60 species of water and shorebirds. It's also popular with local surfers .
• Point Reyes Station: Here you'll find the most shops and places to eat on the Marin Coast, plus the only gas station.
• Tomales Bay: Another estuary about a mile wide and 20 miles long, this bay north of Bolinas Lagoon is near the shoreline town of Marshall, which produces some of California's best oysters.

Highway One through Sonoma County: Bodega Bay to Gualala

In Sonoma County, CA Highway 1 sticks to the coastline. It's less curvy and hilly than in other areas and from Bodega Bay to Gualala, it's about 48 miles. During the summer, be prepared for damp, windy weather on this road, and in the winter you may encounter storms. Spring and fall bring the clearest days. Cellphone signals range from weak to nonexistent along most of the Sonoma Coast, except in the towns. You'll find gasoline stations and restaurants in Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Gualala, and restaurants at Timber Cove Resort and Sea Ranch Lodge.

Among the points of interest on this leg, you can find landmarks of filmmaking history and keep your eyes peeled for homes that were built to blend into the coastline:

• Bodega Bay: This was the shooting location Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds" and there are also plenty of restaurants and places to stay. Plus just north of the bay, you can check out the sea stacks on the coast. These dramatic monoliths formed when a rock resists erosion more than those surrounding it.
• Russian River: This river empties into the sea south of Jenner, running beside Goat Rock through Johnson's Beach, one of the Sonoma Coast's most photogenic beaches.
• Fort Ross : Originally built in 1812 as a hunting base, this fort a worthwhile stop if you like history.
• Sea Ranch : This planned community stretches along the highway for many miles, but is designed to blend in with the coastal landscape. It's a unique place for architecture buffs to explore.

California Coastal Highway One in Mendocino County: Gualala to Leggett

Once you get to Mendocino County, the mountains pull back from the ocean and contours are more rounded, making for the most beautiful views along CA Highway 1 north of San Francisco. Like the rest of the highway, this road twists and winds, but it's not as white-knuckle-inducing as the sheer drops you've already seen if you come from the south.

From Gualala to Leggett, you have about 102 more miles to go on Highway 1. You'll find gas stations, food, and lodging in Gualala, Point Arena, Mendocino, and Fort Bragg. Lots of cute little bed and breakfast inns and small hotels cluster along the highway, which means you'll have plenty of opportunities to rest for the night.

The northern leg of this route has a lot to see from gardens to historical lighthouses.

• Point Arena Lighthouse : This was the first steel-reinforced concrete lighthouse in the United States and is a good place to snap a few photos
• Mendocino : This is the county's most attractive tourist town and the best place to find lodging on your way north. The town has been the backdrop for several films over the years and it looks more like a seaside New England town than most places in California.
• Coast Botanical Garden : Situated between the Pacific coast and Highway One and home to rare plants that you may not find elsewhere, this garden is a nice place for stretching your legs.
• Point Cabrillo Lighthouse : You can tour this restored lighthouse, the Lightkeeper's Home and Museum, and the grounds.

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Ultimate Roadtrip! Best Stops On Highway 1 North of San Francisco

Despite many years living in California we’d never ventured far on Highway 1 North of San Francisco. Everybody has heard of the Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles (it’s a classic – you should do it!). But when you realise that Highway 1 doesn’t stop at San Francisco but keeps on going – don’t you want to know you can find along this stretch of Highway 1 North of SF? There are rumors of sandy beaches, redwood trees, and gorgeous coastline. And lots of wine. Hmmm, wine.

One weekend, I dragged Jack out of the bed against his protests, put him in the driver seat of a rental car, and told him to drive. “Where to?” he mumbled with a look of resignation.

“North. We’re going North.”

And off we go on one of my weekly exploration missions or as Jack likes to call it: a mission to spend countless hours in a car driving to some vague destination.

The following is our account, including favorite stops, from the 2 roadtrips we took from San Francisco to Mendocino along Highway 1.

San Francisco to Jenner on Highway 1

One of the most exciting things about heading towards Highway 1 north of San Francisco is crossing the Golden Gate bridge. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done it, when those orange arches pass by overhead I still think, “Wow, I can’t believe I live here.”

Marin Headlands on the other side of the bridge provides some of the best viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge (find a spot called Battery Spencer on Google Map). A stop here is mandatory when you’re on a roadtrip north of San Francisco.

Tip: It’s better to visit Marin Headlands for the view in the afternoon because of the light.

Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin headland viewpoint

Along the way we passed small beach towns that look like they haven’t changed much since 1960’s. We stopped by Stinson Beach and Dillon Beach . Both were packed with visitors and we didn’t stay long.

The town of Point Reyes, California

Dillon Beach, Highway 1 north of San Francisco

For breakfast on the road, we stopped at Shoreline Coffee Shop in Mill Valley , soon after we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a hipster-vibe kind of breakfast place serving egg dishes, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos diner style. All organic and locally sourced if it’s your kind of thing.

We passed Tomales Bay, famous for its oysters. Lines of cars outside every oyster bar are testaments to these oysters’ fame. If you find oysters delectable and not slimy molluscs that they are, Tomales Bay is where you need to go. The best oysters come from Tomales Bay Osyter Company in Marshall (it’s right on Highway 1 – you won’t miss it).

Bodega Bay is our preferred stop. It’s a little bit further north from Tomales Bay. I’d get a crab sandwich from Spud Point Crab Company ($13) – it’s filled with crab but not so filling that it ruins my appetite for lunch – perfect for that in-between meal (and what’s a roadtrip without in-between meals?)

Pro tip: Have the sandwich to go and eat it at Bodega Head Trailhead at the end of the road for a meal with a view. There are trails to meander on afterwards for bonus points.

View from Bodega Head

North of Point Reyes on Highway 1 is where the coastline gets crazy. 17 miles this rugged and desolate coastline broken by long, sweeping beaches is part of Sonoma Coast State Park . There are many coves and beaches where you can pull over and enjoy the view. It was achingly beautiful and I felt so grateful to be living in this crazy state we’ve called home on and off for the past 12 years. Jack grudgingly agreed that this part of California coastline was worth waking up early anyday.

Sonoma Coastline

I was aiming roughly for Mendocino. I’ve heard someone likened it to a ‘New England fishing village’ which sounds idyllic enough to make me want to go there. Mendocino is 169 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, a 5 hour one way drive. In retrospect, it’s a much more suitable as a weekend getaway trip destination from San Francisco.

First time around, we were only doing this as a daytrip from San Francisco so we turned inland on Jenner. We got on Highway 116 inland passing tiny communities nestled among groves of redwood trees. We curved southward in Russian River Valley passing many vineyards. Unfortunately, many were already closed for the day.

Tip: if we’re doing this again as a day trip from SF, we’d do a counterclockwise loop: head north inland and south down the coast.

Jenner to Mendocino on Highway 1

A few months later, we repeated the trip but this time as an overnight trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg. This gave us more time to make a few more stops along the coast on our way to Mendocino, focusing on the stretch north of Jenner where we turned back before. Some highlights on this stretch of Highway 1 from Jenner to Mendoncino include:

Fort Ross , this southernmost Russian settlement in North America in 1800 is now a State Park. It contains the oldest windmill in California as well as an original structure from 1800’s, Rotchev House.

Fort Ross on Highway 1 was a Russian settlement between 1812 to 1842

I never knew that there used to be a Russian settlement in California. Learning something new every day 🙂

View from Fort Ross, California

Stewarts Point Store This historic landmark building now houses a general store and the famous Twofish Bakery . Rumor has it they make one of the best sourdoughs in the State but we never got here early to get our hands on one. They run out by late morning. Nevertheless, the place makes great sandwiches and calzones. Tip: If you don’t like mayonnaise (any other anti-mayo people here besides me? Anybody?) try their tuna sandwich – they make it sans mayo.

Stewarts Point Store. This building has been around since 1860.

Inside the Stewarts Point Store

Point Arena Lighthouse is a short detour from Highway One

Mendocino itself is a cute little artisty town with lots of galleries and fine restaurants. It’s a popular weekend getaway from San Francisco but to be honest, the vibe is definitely more high class than we’re used to. There are plenty of cute cafes, fine dining options, galleries, and antique stores to make for an enjoyable stroll. Don’t miss Gallery Bookshop , our favorite stop. Then head out to Big River Beach at Mendocino Headland State Park for a nice post-dinner walk in the summer.

Fort Bragg , a 10 minute drive north from Mendocino on Highway 1 provides more budget-friendly accommodation and dining options. Try the fish and chips at Sea Pal Cove. They also have my favorite beer, Deschute’s Fresh Squeeze on tap – yumm!

Accommodation

Places to sleep in mendocino:.

Brewery Gulch Inn – a boutique hotels with just 11 rooms, this highly rated hotel has stunning views and serves great food at its restaurant. Rooms start at $450 (weekend rate).

Headlands Inn – a classic, well-run, romantic B&B. Great value for Mendocino. Rooms start at $200.

Places to Sleep in Fort Bragg:

Mendocino is perched on a cliff over a beach. Perfect for an evening stroll.

[google_maps id=”15492″]

— So the rumor is true.

You’ll find wineries, redwood, and miles ( and miles ) of wild coastline on Highway 1 north of San Francisco . On the way back to SF, I’d recommend taking Highway 128 through Anderson Valley for even more wineries and views of green rolling hills. A perfect end to the perfect San Francisco weekend getaway.

Many say that the coastal route of Highway 1 between LA and San Francisco to be one of America’s best road trips. I’d say that the stretch of Highway 1 north of San Francisco can safely compete.

One of these days, I’d drive the whole length of Pacific Coast Highway although it’ll definitely be more than a weekend getaway trip.

Looking for something different to do in San Francisco itself? You should go on a ghost tour ! With a city so rich in history and culture such as San Francisco, you’ll understand why some people moved here and simply refused to leave – if you know what I mean.

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28 comments.

[…] north on Highway 1 from San Francisco for wild coastline and small, quintessential California beach towns. Combine it with some wine […]

Correction: The photo of the Golden Gate Bridge is not from the Marin Headlands viewpoint (as stated in the caption), it’s the opposite side of the bridge. The photo was taken from the south end, just above Fort Point – that’s Fort Point in the foreground… the famous surf break just off to the right. The view is looking toward Marin. Battery Spencer is a lookout at the north foot of GGB, it does not lead to Marin Headlands – MH is across the freeway just opposite.

I realize I’m posting this comment a terribly long time since you made this entry, but I’m curious what is your reason for driving North Inland and then South along the coast? Is it just so you can get up there faster and have more time to work your way back? My hubby and I are doing a day and a half trip from SF to uh, somehwere North of Fort Bragg in a couple of weeks and I’m trying to plan the route, so hard knowing that there are some many things to see along this piece of coastline!!! PS: I did the lost coast scenic drive many years ago, I definately reccomend it, it was possibly the most memorable trip I’ve ever taken.

Hi Dottie, it’s because we wanted to hit the wineries (located inland) before they’re closed 🙂 and we’ll be driving along the coast in the late afternoon when the lighting is best.

I am looking at taking a drive from San Fransisco north through Oregon and into Seattle this June. I anticipate flying from Orlando to San Fran and renting a car. If I take PCH all the way to Oregon, how much time should I plan? San Fran to Seattle via highway is 14 hours. Should I triple the time?

Thanks for input, and your photos were beautiful.

Thanks Don. I usually at least double the drive time when taking the coastal road to account for slower speed limit and stops for pictures. So you’re probably looking at around 28 hrs? At minimum.

This is precisely why your Oakley ski goggles are the single most important bit of kit that you take with you canada goose väst

gorgeous photos- Highway 1 looks absolutely gorgeous! How far of a drive from San Francisco is it? Going there this summer and thinking (and hoping) I can fit this in!

A couple of hours. If you have the time, you should do it! There's so much good stuff up there in addition to the coastline: wineries, redwood trees, cute little towns, etc.

We drove up the coast and the Oregon coast several years ago. I wish we spent more time in each of those towns. The drive is much further and takes more time than you expect.

I can stay whole day here and watching the sun sets on the horizon and still wanting to take in all the beauty. This is amazing and SF just continue to be one of those great places I would love to see in the future.

Ahhh – the Pacific Coast Highway – I've ridden it often but never drove it… can't sight see as much if you're driving 🙂

This is a drive I have been wanting to do for a while now! Looks like a great one….

[…] There are roads criss crossing the mountain range that offer beautiful views. You know how much I love road trips. […]

Beautiful shots! We've driven the Pacific Coast highway from LA to Oregon and it was just one stunning view after another.

I was there at Dillon Beach just 6 months Ago. The water of the beach looks quite crystal clear but the sunny day made us to be relaxed in it till the evening. In evening , it's a Good place for the camp fire and roasted chicken.

Road trips are the best! You're so luck to live in a place where you don't need to go far to see beautiful sceneries from the road.

California has the best scenic coastline in the whole of America. Too bad the ocean is too cold to swim in.

NorCal has some amazing scenery! Looks like you had perfect weather too. Now you've got me itching for a trip up highway 1 🙂

It's a gorgeous drive at any time of day, but make sure you're in the passenger seat so you only have to concentrate on not thinking – just see it ALL. 🙂

The redwoods are next on my list to see in California. Although, I may get sidetracked by all that wonderful wine on my way there…

Oh how I love such idyllic excursion which also includes the Golden Gate Bridge!

I think San Francisco is most amazing place on the earth. I had visited San Francisco in last summer vacation with my family and had great experience. Thanks for reminding my beautiful memories once again.

Tony and I drove up Highway 1 this past November from San Fran to Seattle and it was unforgettable- such gorgeous scenery and cute beach-side towns. Glad you liked it as well!

I absolutely love the region north of San Fran right up to Portland. It is such beautiful country.

Right up to Portland is right! 🙂 We love suggesting that people head to California and make the drive all the way to Vancouver, B.C. Some of the best landscapes and communities on the planet 🙂

Gorgeous country up there. I can't wait to get back to the northern California coast. The landscape changes when you get into Mendocino county. Lots of evergreens and the views are simply awe-inspiring. Yet another reminder why I need to live on the Left Coast!

These views look very familiar because one of my favorite places to visit is the coast. We spent a couple of great vacations in Point Reyes and Bodega Bay. I haven't been to Mendocino yet, either. btw, I don't think I knew that you two lived in SF.

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A Northern California Road Trip Through the Redwoods: The Ultimate 7 day Itinerary

June 11, 2022 April 16, 2021 | Paroma

Last Updated on June 11, 2022 by Paroma

Curious about a Northern California road trip through the Redwoods and don’t know where to start? Let this extremely detailed guide on all the best stops along the Redwood Highway help you plan the most magical road trip in California. 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!

Table of Contents

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: DRIVING THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY

A Northern California road trip is something that you must experience at least once in your lifetime . It is magical, life changing, unbelievably breathtaking and unforgettable, in the most cliché way possible. And despite the charm of the famous drive along the Pacific Coast Highway that almost always steals the limelight, there are several other road trips in Northern California that are just as alluring and with totally different sights to entice your senses.

The most special of these is a Redwood road trip in Northern California’s Humboldt County , nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco.  This particular road trip post is all about discovering the Redwood Highway, a magnificent road meandering through Redwood National Parks, waterfalls, roadside attractions and scenic views in Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties in California. Here are all the details of this Redwoods road trip in Northern California covering a full 7 day itinerary!

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!). You may skip to the juicy parts that interest you by using the table of contents above or skim through it (and bookmark for later, please). Either way, enjoy the journey and the photos!

Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. Thank you for supporting free content on this site!

PLANNING A REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

How long is this road trip.

This particular road trip covers 247 miles along the Redwood Highway (also known as Highway 101) from Mendocino in the south to Crescent City in the north, spanning three counties (Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte) with the majority of the trip being focused on Humboldt county, the heart of the old growth Coastal Redwoods , the tallest trees in the world! 

For reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and Crescent City is 376 miles to the north of San Francisco. The fastest way to get to Mendocino from San Francisco is via the inland Highway 101N (2.5-3 hrs). The more scenic route (that takes invariably longer) is the Pacific Coast Highway (aka Route 1/Highway 1/Shoreline Highway) filled with amazing stops and detours detailed in this post.

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 to Crescent City, only 26 miles south of the Oregon border.

HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT TAKE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP?

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. 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!  

I highly recommend overnight stays in at least two different places (I planned for three) with a week in hand to explore the many beautiful sights and scenes as you drive up the Redwood Highway. Much like the Road to Hana in Maui, Santa Fe to Taos , San Francisco to Mendocino , San Francisco to Carmel , San Francisco to Lake Tahoe or the Big Sur road trip along the coast, the journey is what matters and not the final destination.

In this post, I am going to provide a detailed, step-by step 7 day road trip itinerary of the best things to while exploring the Redwoods in Humboldt county. This includes places to stay, towns to see,  secret beaches to explore, waterfalls to chase, kitschy roadside attractions, serene Redwood groves and outdoor adventures that will help you enjoy your Redwoods road trip to the max!

ROUTE CHOICES AND DETOURS ON THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY

Most road trip posts involving Northern California use San Francisco as the anchor city/starting (or, ending point). Although that is a very convenient (and familiar) starting point, I have chosen to use Mendocino (nearly 170 miles north of San Francisco) as the southernmost point for this road trip to keep the focus on Redwood Highway alone, because there are tons of things to do and see along this stretch on its own. 

If you’re starting out from San Francisco (or even further south) and this is your very first road trip from SF northbound ever, I highly recommend taking the scenic route (Highway 1) all the way to Mendocino . 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. You can read all about a weekend getaway to Point Reyes here and the best stop from San Francisco to Mendocino right here.

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. 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. Chances are you won’t be driving this far up north so frequently, so why not live a little?

TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS

If you’re flying into California to see the Redwoods, the best airports to do so will be San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). You can rent a car from either and start driving towards Mendocino and then upwards into Humboldt County.

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. Another option is to fly directly into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Phoenix! You can check out the flights directly into Humboldt county via Fly Humboldt . You will still need to rent a car to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO DRIVE THROUGH THE REDWOODS

I highly recommend embarking on a road trip through the Redwoods in Spring (March-May). Not only is everything lush and verdant, thanks to winter rains, you will also get to see waterfalls in their full force and spot migratory whales along the coast (January-April).

Although the Redwood Groves never get hot (these giant trees need colder, foggier weather to survive), it might not be too pleasant driving up the Redwood Highway in summer since it is not a coastal route. Plus, you will find larger crowds everywhere. Fall can be uncharacteristically hot and dry while Winter brings a lot of rain.

OTHER  (IMPORTANT) THINGS TO NOTE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REDWOODS ROAD TRIP

a. Dress in layers if visiting in Spring because it does get cold, chilly and foggy. Bring at least one jacket even in Summer or Fall cause the Redwood groves are much cooler than the rest of inland

b. Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes if you’re a hiking enthusiast and definitely carry waterproof boots if you’re planning to hike in Spring to see waterfalls

c. I personally did not have too many issues with signal and maps along the Redwood Highway (although it does get spotty in several places), but it’s always better to download an offline map or use Maps.me to store an offline version of your Google Map.

REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A DETAILED 7 DAY ITINERARY

Now that all the pesky logistics are out of the way, here are all the juicy details on pretty much everything you need to plan that airtight road trip through the Redwoods in Humboldt County. Remember to bookmark this post for all the do’s, don’ts and everything else in between.

This is a 100% tried and tested guide, so rest assured that all of this information is 100% authentic and true, with photos of my pudgy face scattered all over as proof:-)

Day 1: explore mendocino and fort bragg.

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. I recommend spending at least one full day in Mendocino/Fort Bragg. Here is how to enjoy a day at Mendocino (or you can read my entire Mendocino/Fort Bragg post here for more ideas),

• Start your day with breakfast at either Garden Bakery or Goodlife Cafe and Bakery
• Soak in the spectacular ocean views with a hike at Point Mendocino trail (this is also a great spot for whale watching in winter and spring)
• Stop by Mendocino Botanical garden if you have time-get on the scenic south trail with fantastic views of the ocean
• Get lunch at Trillium Cafe or Little River Inn. Post lunch, get some delicious Kulfi ice-cream at Frankie’s
• Get on the Skunk train from Fort Bragg to Willits and back for a fun ride through the Redwoods
• Spend some time on Glass beach or Noyo Beach
• Go wine tasting at Pacific Star Winery that is perched right on the coast. Makes for a fantastic whale watching spot!
• Return to Mendocino just in time for sunset at Van Damme State Park and Beach
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ravens at Stanford Inn by the Sea

Where to stay in Mendocino: Blue Door Inns , Little River Inn , Stanford Inn by the Sea

>> click here to compare all the hotel prices in mendocino<<.

DAY 2: FINISH UP IN MENDOCINO AND HEAD TO SHELTER COVE

Distance: 100 miles (2.5 hrs drive).

Your dreamy Redwood Highway road trip starts on day 2, but not without a detour which will take you right to a tiny beach town on the north coast known as Shelter Cove . Shelter Cove (in south Humboldt County) is perched at the southern end of what is known as the “Lost Coast”, i.e. 24 miles of undeveloped shoreline that is only accessible via some serious hiking. The famous Lost Coast trail attracts hikers/backpackers every year who start off at the stunning Black Sand Beach at Shelter Cove to hike north towards Mattole campground in Petrolia.

This Northern California road trip detour is all about an overnight stay at Shelter Cove to experience some fantastic black sand beaches, spectacular views of the rugged coastline with a craft beer in hand and basking in the natural beauty of California’s remote beach town.   Plus, you have a slice of Lost Coast history in the form of a lighthouse guarding the shores. Bottomline is this-include Shelter Cove in your road California trip through the Redwoods; you will thank me later!

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. The next decent stop for food will be a long way away in Garberville where you’ll turn west on Briceland Road/Shelter Cove Road towards Shelter Cove.

Second, there is no direct route to getting to Shelter Cove. From Mendocino, you will be driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Redwood Highway. Right near Garberville is where you’ll take exit 639B towards Shelter Cove and reach this beach town after driving 24 miles along a somewhat twisty road. Here is the day’s itinerary:

MORNING-NOON IN MENDOCINO/FORT BRAGG

• Grab some breakfast/coffee/baked goods at Garden Bakery or Goodlife Cafe Bakery
• Spend a few quiet minutes at Portuguese beach at the end of main street or Mendocino Headlands State Park
• Visit Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
• Check out of hotel and head to Fort Bragg
• Break for lunch at Sea Pal Cove (their fish and chips are fantastic)

RECOMMENDED STOPS BETWEEN MENDOCINO AND SHELTER COVE

a. Mackerricher State Park: fantastic spot for grey whale migration in Spring. Plus, unbeatable views of the coastline from the bluffs on hiking trails

b. Seaside creek beach (Inglenook)

c. Drive through tree/Chandelier Tree in Leggett : entry fee is $10 to drive through this 1800+ yr old Redwood hollowed out at the bottom. You will encounter a few more drive-thru tree attractions in Redwood country, but this one is hands down the best! Lots of whimsical wooden statues will greet you all around (of bears and forest creatures) as you drive up to the tree. There is also a gift shop and a rest area to explore the surroundings.

d. World Famous Tree House : This is an actual house inside a giant Redwood with the entrance accessible from the adjacent gift shop. More information can be found here .

e. Confusion Hill : Kitschy roadside attraction with a shoe house, a 40 ft Totem pole carved out of a standing Redwood and a “gravity house” built to induce optical illusion to visitors, much like the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz. Open Wed-Sunday, 10-5 PM

f. One Log House: This was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. It was a traveling house carved inside a Redwood log and has a bed, kitchenette and even a small dining space! Entrance fee is $2 at the giftshop to access the door code. Right across the street is the “ World Famous Grandfather Tree” (an 1800 years old Redwood) and a gift shop.

ARRIVING IN SHELTER COVE

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 . However, spending one night is enough to enjoy its vista points and black sand beaches. You can read my detailed Shelter Cove guide or find the highlights below:

• Stay: Oceanfront Inn overlooking the coast (and a black sand beach). Has ocean facing spacious rooms at a reasonable price and is pet friendly in select rooms
• Explore: Abalone point (picnic area), Cape Mendocino Lighthouse at Point Delgada (steps on the side of the lighthouse lead to Shelter Cove Black Sand Beach and Cove Beach), Little Black Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach (the overlook and Lost Coast trail are nearby)
• Eat: Gyppo Ale Mill (remotest brewery in California), Delgada pizza and bakery, Mi Mochima (Venezuelan cafe)

DAY 3: DRIVE THROUGH THE AVENUE OF GIANTS TOWARDS EUREKA/TRINIDAD

Distance: 120 miles (2.5 hrs drive with detour at ferndale).

Get an early start to your day with a quick breakfast at Cafe Dolce (on Shelter Cove Road) and bid goodbye to Shelter Cove to get back on to the Redwood Highway, because there will be ton of things to do on this leg of your Northern California road trip .

Back near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e. Eureka-the second largest city in California between San Francisco and Oregon border. This is where your journey through the heart of Redwoods begins and here is the best way to go about it:

DRIVING THROUGH AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. You can either continue along this same highway or take the more scenic route, aka Avenue of the Giants, a 32 mile stretch of road that parallels the Redwood Highway and passes through Humboldt Redwoods State park with the Eel River meandering alongside of it on the west.  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.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND driving up Avenue of the Giants because not only is it insanely scenic with the road snaking through the towering Redwoods, but also because there are many vantage points from here that make for great photos. In addition, it is flanked by several Redwood Groves (part of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park) for short hikes and also some cool roadside attractions. It is an otherworldly experience to be driving through the world’s tallest and oldest trees!

Fun facts about coastal Redwoods in California (Sequoia sempervirens)*

• They are the tallest and oldest trees in the world
• They are as tall as 320+ feet (the height of a 30 floor skyscraper), with the tallest being 380 feet (Redwood National and State Parks)
• The widest tree is 29.2 ft in girth (also in Redwood National and State Parks)
• These are literally sentinels of time: it is not uncommon to find trees older than 2000 years!
• 110,000 acres of old growth forests remain (Oregon-California central coast)
• Coast Redwoods are also the world’s fastest growing conifers!

* Source: Save the Redwoods League

Note: Please remember to be a responsible traveler and pack up what you bring in, leaving no trace behind. This will ensure that the mighty Redwoods are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations as well.

BEST STOPS ALONG THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS

Here are some of my recommendations to stop along the way for a small hike or to checkout a roadside attraction:

a. Stephens Grove loop trail : This serene Redwoods grove has a 0.6 mile hiking loop which is quick and easy

b. Rockefeller loop: This is a much quieter grove of old growth Redwoods off Avenue of the Giants near Mattole Road. You can check it out if you have time. 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). I highly suggest sticking close by to the Avenue of the Giants as you drive north because there is plenty to cover along this route.

c. Founders Tree and Dyerville Giant: This is a very short detour onto Dyerville loop road where you start off at the Founders Tree , the fifth tallest tree in this State Park. 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 get onto the 0.6 mile Founder Grove Nature Trail loop trailhead to see the Dyerville giant , a massive fallen Redwood trunk.

d. Eternal Tree House: Quirky free roadside attraction with a gift shop on the other side of the road. It is a “room” carved inside a 2500 year old Redwood Stump.

EXPLORING FERNDALE

Avenue of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular highway 101, aka Redwood Highway. After an entire day of admiring the gigantic trees, it is now time for a late lunch plus some rest for those achy feet and for this you gotta make a detour to Ferndale , a charming town with many well preserved and colorful Victorian homes and stores.

Once in Ferndale, I highly recommend the following:

• Stop by Tuyas for late lunch which has some really good Mexican food to offer (as well as an eye catching Frida Kahlo mural painted by a Scandinavian artist).
• Remember to stop by Sweetness and Light selling handmade chocolates on Main Street. Their specialty are Moo Bars-chocolate bars with an ooey gooey center filled with almonds, marshmallows and caramel.
• Check out the Ferndale Art Gallery showcasing local artists.
• Admire the Victorian architecture on Main street: Victorian Inn and the GingerBread Mansion Inn (B&B) are especially eye catching in their ornatery

STAYING AT EUREKA/ARCATA/TRINIDAD

After a few hours of exploring Ferndale, you’ll 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. Eureka is the largest town in California between San Francisco and Oregon border and is flanked by the Arcata Bay on the north and Humboldt bay in the south. Arcata, another bustling town lies next to its namesake bay while Trinidad is a beach town 24 miles north of Eureka.

In this part of Humboldt county, you’re right in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks. Depending on how outdoorsy you are, there are quite a few things to explore on this road trip in Northern California and so it is best to stay in one of these three towns for at least 3 nights, which is what we did. Our “base camp” was Trinidad and we called it a night with dinner from Lighthouse Grill on the tiny stretch of Main Street (truth be told, it is more of a congregation of stores rather than an actual street).

I opted for staying at the Trinidad Inn which was clean and secluded with easy access to the Redwood Highway. But the room felt quite small. Besides, Trinidad is a really tiny beach town, with few dining options and everything closing down pretty early in the evening. I highly recommend staying in Arcata-which is the cultural center of Humboldt County and has much better dining and lodging options. You could also stay in Eureka because it is the largest town in this area although I personally liked Arcata more.

Click here to browse through the best hotels in Trinidad, California

Click here to see the best hotels in arcata, california, click here to see the best hotels in eureka, california, days 4 and 5: explore eureka, arcata and trinidad.

Beaches, hikes, Redwood groves, amazing seafood, murals and some shopping-there is so much more to these Humboldt County towns of Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad than using them as mere pit stops for exploring the Redwoods or passing by them. 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.

These towns lie south of the vast network of Redwood National and State Parks . If you’re not interested in exploring them, you could very well spend your time exploring the Redwoods south of Orick (19 miles north of Trinidad) or go on an epic hike to Fern Canyon , where scenes from Jurassic Park were shot. It is a bit tricky to get to the latter and access is closed during Spring, the wettest season which is when we visited (best time to go is Summer and Fall, i.e. dry season). Here are all the details for getting to Fern Canyon (a narrow canyon lined with ferns of all kind) and hiking there. 

For those interested in finding out more about what Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad have to offer, here are my suggestions:

THINGS TO DO IN TRINIDAD

• Go to Trinidad State Beach for a beautiful sunset. The Trinidad Head trail starting from one end of the beach is a scenic hiking path to explore
• Visit the Trinidad Head Lighthouse overlooking the bay -open first Saturday of every month
• Spend some time at Trinidad Harbor (it has its own beach), Fisherman’s 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
• Get a bite to eat at Beachcomber Cafe
• Spend a few hours at Patrick’s Point State Park with scenic coastal hikes and ocean views as well as Yurok (Native American tribe who originally inhabited this part of California) plank house

THINGS TO DO IN ARCATA

• Don’t forget to get some breakfast at Cafe Phoenix -an organic cafe with their own veggie garden!
• Visit the bustling Arcata Plaza for good eats and shopping-sample decadent cupcakes from Mia Belle , pick up a souvenir or two from Arcata Artisans Collective , drop by Caravan dreams and definitely check out the artisan home decor and furniture store Plaza
•  Go for a leisurely stroll along Arcata Bay at Arcata Marsh -great for hikes as well as for birdwatching
• Spend some time amidst the Redwoods at Arcata community forest (dog friendly)
• Do not miss dining at SALT Fish House , a stylish (and, popular) seafood restaurant that has absolutely bomb oysters!

THINGS TO DO IN EUREKA

• Stop by the delicious Ramone’s 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. The two unmissable ones are Carson Mansion (now a private club but still photographable from outside) and Carson House (“Pink Lady”) right across the street from it
• Stroll by the Eureka harbor front/marina/boardwalk
• Find some amazing murals scattered around 4th street and Old Town. See mural map here and another article on street art here.
• Explore Old Town filled with restaurants, galleries and shops. I highly recommend shopping by Humboldt Mercantile and Humboldt Bay Provisions for locally made products, foods and drink
• Go for wine tasting at Old Growth Cellars 
• Explore the nearby Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodley’s bar. Food was OK but the view of the marina was fantastic. You can walk down the path near the cafe to see a lighthouse and a fascinating statue of an old fisherman with his net rising out of the water. The statue and plaque nearby are dedicated to the lost fishermen at sea here
• Spend a relaxing afternoon in Sequoia Park -a serene Redwood grove right in the heart of the city. This is one of the few Redwood groves that is dog friendly
• Don’t forget to visit the Dick Taylor chocolate store for some of the best artisan, bean to bar chocolates in Northern California made right in Eureka (their current location is not that great, but they will be moving to Old Town in September 2021). This was one of the highlights of my trip cause I am a sucker for their chocolates and have been gorging on them from specialty stores in San Francisco for ages
• End your day with dinner at Brick and Fire -definitely get the oysters caught fresh from Humboldt Bay!

Note: Humboldt county towns primarily depend on logging and tourism and have been hit hard by the pandemic. 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. 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. Bay Area and San Francisco are struggling with homelessness as well. 

DAY 6: DRIVE UP NORTH TO CRESCENT CITY

Distance: 62 miles (1.25 hrs drive).

The 6th (and penultimate) day of your Northern California road trip involves driving up north, all the way to Crescent City in Del Norte county, the very last county in NW California before you hit the Oregon border. Crescent City has been on my radar ever since I heard of Battery Point Lighthouse that is detached from the mainland and is accessible only during low tide. Plus, I am really fixated with lighthouses in California , their Fresnel lenses and history which sometimes is  as tumultuous as the coast they guard.

BEST STOPS ON THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY FROM TRINIDAD TO CRESCENT CITY

There are some really cool stops between Trinidad and Crescent City along the Redwood Highway that you should explore . Here are my tried and tested recommendations:

a. Trillium Falls : If you’re bummed out for giving Fern Canyon a miss, then let Trillium Falls make up for it! This gorgeous waterfall is an easy detour from the Redwood Highway at Orick and takes you through a relatively easy hike that starts from the parking lot (free parking BTW) into a lush green paradise of ferns and old growth Redwoods on a moderately easy trail.

The Falls is about a mile away and across from a bridge; you can even climb down from either sides of the bridge to get closer to the Falls. The trail continues on after that but I recommend turning back at this point for a long drive ahead.  This hike is best done in Spring and don’t forget to get your hiking boots or waterproof boots since it does get muddy.

b. Klamath River Overlook: The scenic overlook of the Klamath River (second largest river in California after the Sacramento River) has picturesque hikes to explore. 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. This is a nice picnic spot as well as great for whale watching!

c. Trees of Mystery: This is one super popular roadside attraction that is quirky, fun and not to be missed, starting right from the huge Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue in the parking lot (I went to grad school in Minneapolis, MN and so I have a natural obsession with this giant lumberjack whose first statue is in Bemidji, Minnesota). 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 Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

The other specialty of this place is the series of suspension bridges that form a trail (called Skywalk trail) that leads you to a gondola taking you right up in the mountains through the Redwood forest. Pets are welcome in this place but I highly recommend not bringing them on the suspension bridges cause it can be pretty unnerving. The return trail back into the gift shop is lined with wood carvings featuring Paul Bunyan’s life story (from when he was a baby) and other whimsical creatures.

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. We even saw some locals swimming there.

Note: You can either pack a lunch enroute to Crescent City from Eureka/Arcata or break for lunch at Crescent City itself. I highly recommend doing the former, i.e. packing lunch from Eureka/Arcata. You can stop by Klamath River overlook for a picnic and enjoy your food with a stunning view!

BATTERY POINT LIGHTHOUSE IN CRESCENT CITY

Crescent City is the largest town in Del Norte County and home to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park , which you should visit if you have time. We decided to only focus on the Battery Point Lighthouse which is the Battery point harbor area of the town at the end of Lighthouse way (just Google the lighthouse name for the location and you will get there).

The lighthouse harks from 1856 and is still functional! Also, it is actually on an island detached from the mainland. 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 lighthouse is home to a museum and both are currently closed due to the ongoing health crisis. Dogs are not allowed on the lighthouse island.

Once you reach the lighthouse island, you will be greeted with panoramic views of Crescent City in the distance and the rugged coastline bordering the rocky black sand beach  all around. Stay for some time to take photos but remember to dress warmly, because it gets quite windy and chilly up there.

DAY 7: DRIVING DOWN SOUTH TO MENDOCINO

Distance: 166 miles (3.5 hrs drive).

The final day of your road trip through the Redwoods in Northern California involves making your way down south to Mendocino. I recommend finishing breakfast at either Eureka or Arcata and packing lunch for the road. We got sandwiches from a hole in the wall spot known as “Great Sandwiches” which is very popular with locals and stopped at a pull out point on Highway 1 after Leggett to enjoy our food with a great view.

Your drive back from Eureka/Arcata/Trinidad to Mendocino should be pretty uneventful unless you want to stop by at a few attractions, such as the Big Tree Area on Mattole Road that you may have missed during your drive north. Although we stuck to the Redwood Highway during our return trip, you could get on Avenue of the Giants as well from the north entrance near Stafford.

We have finally reached the end of this megapost detailing our road trip through the Redwoods through Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. 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. See Google Map below for all the places mentioned in this post.

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6 thoughts on “A Northern California Road Trip Through the Redwoods: The Ultimate 7 day Itinerary”

I am going to do a trip from San Diego to Oregon, so this will definitely come in handy for the northern part of our trip! This is getting me so excited for it!

This looks like an amazing road trip to go on! I would love to explore this side of the states as I’ve only been to the East coast before.

Thank you for sharing. This trip from San Francisco to Crescent City is Amazing* I am from the East Coast & never imaged that I would ever travel anywhere out West. I was blessed by my best friend to be able to go to California, exploring San Bernardino, Ontario, LA, and up to Humbolt County. I love this beautiful area? I first visited in 2015 & every year after that. Lol* I have some of the same pictures. Every time I visit, I just get re-excited all over again. As I read through this post, I was smiling, excited and sad. It’s places I still have to explore? I could go on & on but I do think everyone should explore the 101, starting in San Francisco first. Especially, Trinidad’s beautiful Beach* And Humboldt County has the humblest people?

Thank you Jamie! I am glad you could relive your trip through this post.

Can you tell me where the wall art is located of the girl laying down with a book? It’s the first photo of this post. I’d love to see it in person!

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The Ultimate Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Creating itineraries has long been a passion of mine. So, I wanted to share my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary for exploring the coast.

When I think back to my fondest memories from travel these last years, it has certainly been exploring the Northern California coast.

Navigate Northern California Like a Local!

Unlock the best-kept secrets of Northern & Central California with my curated Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique experiences. Get the map here!

As a Northern California native, I’ve spent most of my life exploring these coastal towns, cities, and outdoor destinations. I feel like I know them better than anywhere else. But with that said, each time I visit, I find something new. Maybe I see it in a new way or the weather is different so the atmosphere feels entirely changed.

It’s these little things that make the coast of Northern California so dynamic and appealing to visit over and over again.

Having lived in San Francisco for almost a decade, the drive up the scenic Highway 1 is one I adore. You can go as far as you like or even just go for an hour or two and still have a wonderful experience. The Pacific Coast Highway goes as far south as San Diego and stretches right through the heart of the Northern California coast.

So I’m taking the best of these California road trips and compiling them into what would be my ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary.

As you read this post, the best part is you can pick and choose from any of these stops . You can spend as little or as much time as you want. It will help you create your ultimate bucket list road trip in Northern California.

Short on Time? Here’s How I Would Spend 1-2 Weeks Roadtripping the Northern California Coast

Stop 1: san francsico — 2-3 nights.

• San Francisco Proper , for the best overall hotel
• 1 Hotel , for the best waterfront stay
• Fairmont San Francisco , for the best luxury hotel
• Hotel Kabuki , for the best neighborhood hotel

Stop 2: Point Reyes Station — 1-2 nights

• Olema House , for the best overall hotel
• Nick’s Cove , for the best waterfront stay

Stop 3: Timber Cove & Jenner — 1-2 nights

• Timber Cove Resort , for the best overall hotel
• Jenner Inn , for the best Jenner hotel

Stop 4: Mendocino — 2 nights

• Heritage House Resort and Spa , for the best oceanfront hotel
• Brewery Gulch Inn , for the best Mendocino hotel
• SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm , for the best bed-and-breakfast stay
• Mendocino Grove , for the best glamping stay

Stop 5: Trinidad — 2-3 nights

• Whalesong House , for the best home rental stay

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

Where to Start or Fly Into

I’d recommend flying into San Francisco Airport or Oakland Airport in the Bay Area — Kayak has great flight deals . Both of these international airports have the best flight itineraries for several domestic destinations.

You’ll most likely want to start your trip in San Francisco as well if you haven’t been there before. Keep in mind that road trips will require a car (which isn’t need in San Francisco). I’d recommend Hertz as a reputable car rental company or searching Discover Cars for the best car rental rate s .

Amount of Time Needed

This is a tricky and frequently asked question. You could spend two weeks and not see it all. I always recommend a minimum of two full days for San Francisco and then a night or two for each major destination after that.

So anywhere from a week to ten days will give you a great experience.

Weather and Time of Year

Weather on the coast of Northern California is tricky — it’s often the opposite of what you’d expect. San Francisco runs the foggiest and coldest from June to August.

The rest of the coast is actually pretty mild year-round with definitive colder temperatures in the winter. I’d recommend reading this in-depth post on the best time to visit Northern California.

If I were to pick my ideal months, it would be April – May, and September – October.

How to Use this Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

You can pick and choose from this itinerary as you like! If there is a stop that may not be of interest, then skip it and spend more time elsewhere. And vice versa, if you’re limited on time, pick what will fit your itinerary.

I have my recommended stops here in a one-way order from San Francisco, heading north. It means that the way back will be longer than the way there so you could consider doing the reverse.

I personally don’t mind doing one long stretch back as often that’s a travel day anyways.

This map below has all of the stops saved with recommendations for restaurants and things to do in each destination.

Stop 1: San Francisco, California

Recommended Time

Things to do in san francisco.

I suppose I’m biased after living there, but San Francisco is truly a wonderful city. There is so much to do there — everything from a visit to the SF MOMA and the De Young Museum to walking Crissy Field Beach.

Two full days here would definitely give you the right amount of time to explore the city and its wonderful neighborhoods.

I love heading to the Mission to grab a coffee at Ritual and perusing the local boutiques on Valencia Street. Golden Gate Park and Sutro Baths are wonderful green escapes within the city limits if you’re looking for some greenery as well.

One other bucket list item to do is walking over the Golden Gate Bridge!

Don’t forget to watch the sunset from Twin Peaks (my old hood!) and head to the weekend farmer’s market at the Embarcadero.

Helpful San Francisco Guides to Plan Your Trip

• When it comes to food, here’s my secret list .
• For coffee, these are my personal selects.
• And for photography lovers, you’ll love these locations .

San Francisco Hotel Recommendations

With the latest Proper Hotel opening here, this would be my first choice for design and a centralized location. There are wonderful boutique hotels and incredible luxury hotels as well like the 1 Hotel near the Embarcadero, the Fairmont in Nob Hill, and Hotel Kabuki in Japan Town.

Stop 2: Point Reyes, California

Things to Do in Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a special place for me. I’ve grown up coming to this magical and very intriguing coastal destination for years. The foggy inlets surrounded by towering trees make it mysterious. I feel like it’s one of those “best-kept secrets” in Northern California.

I love coming here for two things: getting outdoors and eating locally.

The pastoral lands here are home to some of the best dairy farms in the state and the local produce and seafood are incredible. I love grabbing oysters at Nick’s Cove or at Hog Island. The farm tours at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co are also a major win for foodies. The town of Point Reyes Station itself is incredibly charming, great for a bite and stroll.

The nearby outdoor destinations are incredible. Point Reyes National Seashore is home to hiking, wild elk, and the beautiful Cypress Tree Tunnel.

You can rent kayaks for the day on the inlet and explore by water as well. Point Reyes has a truly lovely, slowed-down pace to it.

Helpful Point Reyes Guides to Plan Your Trip

Get my list of recommendations with the weekend guide to Point Reyes .

Point Reyes Hotel Recommendations

I’ve stayed at Nick’s Cove several times and it’s wonderful. These adorable cottages on the water are cozy. Breakfast is served in-room and what better way to start a day than a crackling fire and hot coffee. Read more about my most recent Nick’s Cove stay here .

There are only a few rooms, so if they sell out, many options are available on Airbnb.

Stop 3: Timber Cove + Jenner

Recommended time

Things to do in timber cove and jenner.

As you make your way up north, be sure to stop at Bodega Bay along the way — mostly to eat at Spud Point Crab Company for their crab sandwiches.

The coast along this way has the most accessible beaches so if you’re looking to sit out on a beach, this is when to do it. You’ll notice the cliffs getting steeper as you pass into Sonoma County.

Timber Cove is your next destination, a personal favorite for a wild coastline. Anywhere between Jenner and Timber Cove is a great home base as you have access to a few key points of interest nearby. You can hike in Salt Point State Park or take an afternoon to explore the eccentric town of Guerneville.

Kayaking with Watertreks Eco-Tours in Jenner will get you up close with the local wildlife and be sure to go wine tasting at Fort Ross Vineyards for one of the closest wineries to the Pacific Ocean.

There is plenty to do within 20 minutes in every direction from Timber Cove, so it’s my favorite last stop in Sonoma County on the coast before going much further north.

*A little further north is Sea Ranch with the scenic Pebble Beach and Gualala Point for hiking as well.

Timber Cove Hotel Recommendations

Arguably the best and most expensive hotel in Timber Cove is Timber Cove Resort . It’s splurge-worthy and has incredible views. The food here is also great, so you could also pop in for a bite. Since this one is often very expensive, I’d recommend the Jenner Inn as another option or consider staying in Guerneville which is about a 20-minute drive to the coast. There are great rentals there for homes.

Stop 4: Mendocino, California

Things to Do in Mendocino

One of the longer stretches of drives up the coast is from Timber Cove to Mendocino. There’s not a ton to do on the way, at least that I found, but you could stop in Sea Ranch if you hadn’t done so already. One other option is the town of Elk which I love for the hotel there , but there is an amazing local store in town that has sandwiches to go.

As you get into Mendocino, you’ll see that it’s the hub of life in this area. There is so much to do in this coastal town. I’ve come here at least a half dozen times and am always excited to return.

Some of my favorite things to do include: renting an outrigger at Catch-a-Canoe , hiking in Russian Gulch State Park , walking the headlands at Van Damme State Park , exploring Fort Bragg (home to Glass Beach ) further north, and more.

The food here is also amazing, so be sure to book a few reservations in advance at restaurants like Café Beaujolais .

Helpful Mendocino Guides to Plan Your Trip

For all of my recommendations, please read the weekend guide to Mendocino.

Mendocino Hotel Recommendations

There are several options for hotels here ranging in different prices. I love the experience of glamping at Mendocino Grove Glamping , the views from Little River Inn , the upscale experience at Brewery Gulch Inn , and the charming stay at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm .

For those looking for an even more upscale and unique stay, I’d recommend booking a night at the Harbor House Inn that is further south in Elk. Their restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star and it’s one of the most incredible stays I’ve had on the coast. You’ll have to drive a bit further to get to Mendocino to enjoy the town but still worth it.

Stop 5: Trinidad, California

Things to Do in Trinidad

The final stretch of the drive will be the longest in miles, but the rewards at the end are worth it.

You’ll cut back into Highway 101 as you work your way up to Trinidad, where along the way you can stop at the famed Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park . The park is home to some of the tallest redwoods in the world.

As you pass further north, you’ll go through the town of Eureka, home to Lost Coast Brewery (great lunch stop) and a historic town. Your final destination and the best place to rent a home for a few nights in Trinidad.

I fell in love with this part of Northern California last year and could have spent a week here. There is so much to do as you’re close to Redwoods National State Parks and the iconic Fern Canyon (a must-visit). Nearby, the scenic beaches of Moonstone Beach or College Cove Beach are great to hang out for a walk or afternoon hang. You can go kayaking with Kayak Trinidad if you want to get out on the ocean.

The local restaurants are good here (a little pricey) but serve fresh seafood — The Larrupin Cafe and Moonstone Grill were my favorite. Be sure to go to Beachcomber Cafe for breakfast as well. This area is a good spot to end a road trip and makes for a great finale to your time in Northern California.

Helpful Trinidad Guides to Plan Your Trip

• I did a north coast trip last year, this guide talks about the time in Trinidad.
• For those interested in the Avenue of the Giants, read this post.

Trinidad Hotel Recommendations

When I was there, I stayed in this home rental called the Whalesong House right in the heart of Trinidad. There are several options for home rentals and b&bs in the area.

Other Nearby Destinations to Consider

Yosemite national park.

A lot of trips in Northern California include a few nights in Yosemite. It’s certainly an iconic destination for California road trips but not necessarily in the route of this itinerary. You can go out there for a night from San Francisco if you got an early start. It takes around three hours from San Francisco one-way with no traffic. Read the Ultimate Weekend Guide to Yosemite National Park for all the details.

Sonoma and Napa Valley

If you’re looking for a day in Northern California that is not on the coast, the wine regions of Sonoma and Napa are a great choice. You can easily pop in from San Francisco and could consider going there first before continuing up the coast. Read the The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sonoma, California and A Mid-Week Getaway: Napa Valley Guide for more.

Looking to Explore More of Northern California?

• The Best Time to Visit Northern California
• Where to Visit Along the Northern California Coast
• The Best Hotel Restaurants in Northern California

What to Pack for a Northern California Trip

One thing I learned quickly in Northern California is how fast the weather can change. I really recommend having good layers for any outdoor adventures on the coast. You’ll definitely want to have a good windbreaker as well for any windy days.

Here are some of my favorite outdoor pieces:

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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THANK YOU!! My husband & I celebrate our 25th next July (2022) & we are totally doing your itinerary! you made this so super easy for us to plan…and then enjoy our 2nd trip exploring Cali. Our first (& only) trip was a year before we were married & we made it as far North as San Fran…cannot wait for the 2nd trip! Many thanks+++++

Love this. So many ideas. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your Google MyMaps. That’s very helpful. Is there a way for me to bookmark it to my Google Maps to recall at a later date?

I’m actually highly interested in the area north of Patrick’s Point to Crescent city, which seems beautiful and less populated. Do you have any insight on that section? It seems most Californians stop before that section, likely due to time constraints for their trip, which is why it’s probably less touristy.

Love the recommendations from someone with experience. However, you missed a great little restaurant in Fort Bragg. It’s at 326 N Main Street and called Eggheads. It is Wizard of Oz themed decor inside and the food is awesome. Don’t be surprised to see people lined up on the sidewalk waiting to get in.

There is also a wonderful ice cream shop called Cowlicks. The mushroom ice cream is definitely a reason to go back again and again. The address is 259B N Main St.

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Here Are the Best Places to Visit North of San Francisco

Gorgeous shorelines, breathtaking forests, delicious wines, and so much more fill the Northern California coast. When making the trip to Mendocino, California, we highly recommend taking a scenic road trip! Below, we take you on a journey to see some of the best places to visit north of San Francisco . But, before you arrive, make sure to plan out your vacation so that you don’t miss out on anything. To ensure you hit all the best attractions in Mendocino, we’ve created a free Itinerary with all of our favorite places to dine, hike, shop, or watch a sunset!

Make a Stop at the Best Places to Visit North of San Francisco

Driving highway 101 to highway 128.

There are two routes that most people typically take to get to Mendocino. Highway 101 to Highway 128 typically takes at least 3.5 hours. This route takes you along incredible wineries and apple orchards, perfect for all the wine lovers out there!

Napa Valley

Drive through or stop by Napa Valley , California, also known as wine country! This beautiful area is known for its wide variety of fantastic wineries. It’s a paradise for all wine lovers, and there are numerous vineyards and wineries to visit. Many of them are located right along the highway for easy access! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to taste the best wines in the country!

Navarro River Redwoods State Park

Our area is known for it’s stunning and towering redwood trees. Drive through Navarro River Redwoods State Park , or make a stop, and go for a hike on one of its gorgeous hiking trails. You’ll be in awe at the sight of these towering beauties. 

Driving Highway 1 North of San Francisco

Highway 1 is the longer route, but it’s worth it! This road takes you to see gorgeous scenery and fascinating landmarks. Here are some of the standouts:

Muir Woods National Monument

Just north of San Francisco, you can find Muir Woods . This stunning, fairytale-like forest is a fantastic place to stretch your legs before a long car ride. You can take a half-hour hike, a one-hour hike, or a 1.5-hour hike on several looped trails that lead into Mount Tamalpais State Park. 

These hikes take you through some of the tallest redwoods in the world! If you plan to add this stop to your road trip itinerary, do keep in mind that the park is not pet-friendly or bicycle-friendly.

Point Reyes Shipwreck

Another stop to add to your road trip bucket list is the Point Reyes Shipwreck in Inverness, just before you reach Sonoma County. This abandoned boat is washed up on the shore, and is an excellent spot to take some photos!

Previous landowners had plans to fix the vessel, or remove it, but the wreck was saved by a photographer who saw beauty in the run-down fishing boat!

If you stop at Point Reyes Shipwreck, look for it behind the Inverness Store, and park along Tomales Bay.

Arrive in Mendocino and Relax in a Cozy Cottage

Get ready for a vacation full of outdoor adventures and memories in Mendocino, but first, you need to stretch your legs and relax. You can rest and recharge in our cozy accommodations at Cottages at Little River Cove. We make sure you have a comfortable place to stay, not only for you and your human family but also for the furry members as well! All of our cottages are pet-friendly so that no one gets left behind this vacation.

Check our availability , and hit the road to Mendocino soon!

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Coast Drive: California 1 Shoreline Highway, north of San Francisco

A drive up California Highway 1 is not the easiest way to see northern California, but it sure is an adventure.  Up here, the Pacific Coast Highway gets a new name — the Shoreline Highway — but the idea is the same.  It’s miles and miles of sometimes curvy, sometimes narrow pavement, that hugs a rocky coastline and connects idyllic small towns.  Committing to a drive up this portion of Highway 1 requires a lot of time.  It also demands some tough choices: do I stop at this beach or the next one?  And if I stop at all of them, will I ever get there?

California 1 crosses the Golden Gate Bridge as it leaves San Francisco, then splits from the 101 and stays closer to the coast.  On this page, I’ll show you just a little bit of what you’ll see between San Francisco and Fort Bragg — the best place to find a motel room after a full day of driving and sightseeing.

I mentioned the tough choices you’ll have to make, when driving the Shoreline Highway.  It’s no joke.  I wanted to stop in a million places, and take countless photos.  But, the demands of time required me to stay on at least some sort of schedule.  So, I’ll hit a few of the highlights here — and you should also check out my 2007 drive on the same road, in the opposite direction .

Just a few miles after splitting from US 101, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 1 rejoins the coast for a look at the Marin Headlands, and one last glance at San Francisco.  Choose a visit to Muir Beach (visible in the photo above, over on the left) or take a short hike at the Muir Beach Overlook.  The viewpoint allows you to see San Francisco’s iconic and ugly/beautiful Sutro Tower — although the Golden Gate Bridge itself is slightly out of view.  I’ll share more pictures of Muir Beach Overlook on a separate page.

North of Muir Beach, I felt compelled to stop a few times and take pictures of the trees that smothered the highway.  You don’t always have a coastal view on the Shoreline Highway, but even when you’re slightly inland, it remains interesting.

In this area, Point Reyes juts out into the Pacific.  You can drive out to a lighthouse along the waterfront.   I checked it out in 2007 , but skipped it this time.

Somewhere around Tomales, California, I snapped this photo of the undulating highway, then resumed driving.

Salmon Creek – Bodega Beach

My next stop was just after the town and the creek called Salmon Creek.  These cliffs are right at the edge of the highway, and Bodega Beach is below.  Plenty of people had stopped here, and most made their way down to the water.  I enjoyed the view, and got back on the road again.

Goat Rock – Sonoma Coast State Park

Before you cross the Russian River and arrive in Jenner, California, consider a detour off the main road out to Goat Rock.

This one-lane road leads out to a nice viewpoint…

… of Goat Rock.  If you drive all the way out to the end of the road, there’s a parking area in that gap between the rock and the mainland.

Back on Highway 1, after crossing the river and passing through Jenner, I stopped along the road for a shot looking back to the south.  That’s a fine looking road.

Just a mile or two further north…

… the road crosses Russian Gulch Creek, then climbs through some tight curves to an even better viewpoint.  Clearly, at this point, I’m being tempted by far too many photo stops.

I made it about 7 minutes further, before stopping again.  Here, the road is perched high above the coast.

Shortly after this spot, you’ll find Fort Ross State Historic Park.  It’s an especially scenic spot on the coast, where a Russian settlement from the early 1800’s is preserved.   I checked it out in 2007 , so I skipped it this time.

Yes, by this point in the drive, I realized I had no choice but to cover some miles.  Hey, no problem, the Drivelapse cameras on the roof of my car would cover the photography for a while (you can see those videos at the bottom of the page).  Plus, the sky was starting to grow cloudy, and I knew that I wasn’t going to get the photos I wanted (and a nice sunset was growing less likely as well).

Stewarts Point

I stopped to take a picture of this barn, around Stewarts Point, California.  I remembered it from my previous trip…

… when I took a much better picture of it.

The barn is just south of Point Arena, which has a nice lighthouse and great views of the coast .  This is another spot that I explored in 2007, but not this time.

On this day, I found just one more spot for a photo…

… near Mallo Pass Creek.  Fort Bragg was still an hour away, and not long after this stop, fog rolled in, and I accepted that it was time to find my motel.

One more place worth mentioning: Mendocino.  In fact, it’s worth much more than a mention.  You could easily spend a day or a whole weekend in this quaint town.  Romantic B&B’s are your best choice here.  I explored the coastline (and took this picture) during the 2007 trip .

Shoreline Highway – California 1: Fort Bragg and North

Shoreline highway – california 1: muir beach overlook, the bottom line.

When I checked into my motel in Fort Bragg for the night, I chatted with the clerk at the motel.  She seemed surprised that I had driven Highway 1 all the way up from San Francisco.   It was only then that I realized that this isn’t something most people do — because it is a long drive — almost too long to properly enjoy its beauty.  So, keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

Drivelapse Video

Here’s a look at the drive from San Francisco to Fort Bragg.  Yes, it’s a 59 minute video.  I told you it was a long trip.

You’ll find this long video broken down into shorter segments on my Youtube channel .

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Bucket-List Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

February 13, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   25 Comments

If you are on the hunt for the perfect Northern California road trip itinerary, I have you covered!

Road-tripping along Highway 101 and then down through the Cascades is the perfect way to see some of the best landscapes California has to offer.

Some of the best spots while driving through Northern California include:

• Mount Tamalpais
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Avenue Of The Giants
• Fern Canyon
• Mount Shasta
• McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park

I had an amazing time on my North California trip with my boyfriend and want to share all the cool places we visited plus some tips.

For this California road trip itinerary, I am not specifying an amount of time so you can make the drive as time allows for you. Also, feel free to modify it to focus on your top interests.

Don’t forget to check out my road trip packing list before heading out!

Let’s dive into the best places to visit in Northern California!

Table of Contents

Northern California Road Trip Map

If you want to see exactly what this Northern California road trip looks like on paper, check out the map of my itinerary below!

You may have to modify your road trip in California based on weather, road closures, and time!

Stop 1: Start Your Northern California Road Trip in San Francisco

Start your road trip in the quintessential Northern California city: San Francisco !

I suggest flying in here and then exploring either on foot or by utilizing the city’s public transportation. Rent your vehicle when you are ready to leave so you do not have to drive in the traffic-filled city.

Spend anywhere from an afternoon to a few days exploring San Francisco depending on what interests you. There are so many things to see in San Francisco !

Of course, you need to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and explore some of the many overlook points.

I love the view from Marin Headlands as you get a view of the bridge and the city. The waterfront near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center makes for wonderful views as well!

While you are in San Francisco, head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see hundreds of cute sea lions barking and sunbathing on the docks. This is truly a highlight of visiting San Francisco!

You can also eat at one of the many yummy restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf or take the boat to Alcatraz .

You must take time for a retro cable car ride up and down the steep streets of San Francisco. Make sure to buy a ticket and start at either end if you want to hang from the outside of the cable car.

Finally, make sure to pop over to Chinatown , one of the best in the world, to experience authentic Chinese cuisine and shopping.

Book Here: San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Book Here: San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Where to Stay in San Francisco :

As a major city, there are a ton of places to stay in San Francisco . Whether you are on a budget or want to enjoy a luxury hotel, there is something for you.

Mid-Range in a Great Location: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fisherman’s Wharf . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury With Many Amenities: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Hike Mount Tamalpais

On your way out of San Francisco, be sure to stop at Mount Tamalpais State Park . It is located on Highway 1 just north of the Bay Area.

You can drive almost to the top of Mount Tamalpais and we found easy driving directions her e .

Once you drive as far as you can, you will have a half-mile hike to the top which, all things considered, is pretty short to get to the top of a mountain!

At the top, you will be rewarded with epic vistas and, if you are lucky, a ton of fog below you!

Mount Tamalpais is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers because you are actually above the clouds that blanket the San Francisco Bay Area.

The view from above makes you feel like you are in another world and it is a magical place to capture a sunrise or sunset!

Where to Stay Near Mount Tamalpais:

Mount Tamalpais is remote and there are not many hotels close by. There are also some campgrounds in the area if you want to try camping.

Rustic Inn With Great Views: Mountain Home Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Point Reyes National Seashore

Located less than an hour and a half north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is an absolute must-see in Northern California!

You can make it a quick stop, but I highly recommend spending 1 to 2 days exploring the area. There are so many things to do in Point Reyes !

A great starting point is the S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck . It is easily visible from the road behind a shop in the small town of Inverness. You can also walk to the shipwreck to see it up close and personal.

Next, head to the spooky Cypress Tree Tunnel . This is a popular Instagram spot on a road leading to the historic Point Reyes Receiving Station.

No matter what time of day you visit, you will be amazed at the beauty of these trees. Park your car in the parking lot at the RCA building and walk to each end of the driveway.

From the tree tunnel, drive south to the end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Here you will find some of the best overlooks on this Northern California coast drive.

Enjoy epic views of wildlife, crashing waves, and stretches of sand from the Sea Lion Overlook and South Beach Overlook . You will also want to pause to snap a photo of the famous Leaning Tree .

At the end of the peninsula is the Point Reyes Lighthouse which offers a scenic coastal walk. There is also a visitor’s center open on the weekend.

There are also many hikes in Point Reyes which is why I recommend making it a multi-day stop when planning a trip to the northern California coast.

Exploring this slice of nature is one of the best things to do in the USA !

Where to Stay Near Point Reyes National Seashore :

There are plenty of hotels and vacation homes dotted along the outskirts of Point Reyes.

Beautiful Property With Two Restaurants: Olema House at Point Reyes . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Wineries in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa and the entirety of Sonoma County are famous for wineries and the production of wine. If you have never been to a vineyard, now is your time to make the stop!

The area surrounding Santa Rosa is stunning and the vineyards are picturesque. The wine drinking is a bonus too!

Some of the top wineries in Sonoma County are:

• Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
• St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
• Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
• Iron Horse Vineyards

Santa Rosa is the urban center of Sonoma County and offers many delicious places to eat featuring locally sourced ingredients and, of course, wine!

If you are a Charlie Brown or Snoopy fan, visit the  Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. It is the largest collection of original Peanuts comics in the world and pays homage to Charles M. Schulz.

When you road trip from San Francisco, Santa Rosa is a must before moving onto the wilderness that dominates the northern half of the state.

Book Here: San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa :

As one of the biggest cities on this North California trip, you have many options for places to stay in Santa Rosa.

Affordable Hotel With Pool and Restaurant: Best Western Garden Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury in the Heart of the City: Hotel E . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Drive Avenue Of The Giants

Officially called State Road 254, the Avenue Of The Giants is a 31-mile stretch of road running adjacent to Highway 101 in Northern California. The drive from San Francisco to the Redwoods is so pretty.

During your California road trip, you won’t miss the Avenue Of The Giants as many signs will point you in the direction of where to start the drive.

Although it is 31 miles long, you don’t have to do the whole thing if you are on a time restriction. There are plenty of options to just drive 5 miles or so and then get back on Highway 101.

I chose to drive the whole thing because the route is spectacular! The towering trees are a sight to behold!

The Avenue Of The Giants is located in and around Humboldt Redwoods State Park . It winds through the park and on both sides of Highway 101.

In addition to driving Avenue Of The Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a wonderful stop for hiking or camping.

There are so many trails to wander, backroads to drive, and even a tree you can drive through! This is one of the best stops on a Northern California road trip for nature lovers!

Stop 6: Fern Canyon and Redwoods National Park

Fern Canyon will easily be one of the best places to visit in Northern California. It is magical!

Located in Redwoods National and State Parks on the coast of California, the entire canyon is dripping with dreamy ferns. Interestingly, it was a Jurassic Park filming location!

Please note that the drive from Highway 101 to Fern Canyon is quite difficult and I do not recommend doing it with a large vehicle!

There are rivers to drive through, massive potholes, and very narrow and winding mountain roads.

After the crazy drive, the hike to Fern Canyon is just 0.1 miles long. You will be transported from a dusty parking lot to a fern-covered wonderland in just moments!

I highly recommend wearing waterproof shoes or boots to avoid getting your feet wet.

Part of the fun of visiting Fern Canyon is forging the shallow rivers about ankle deep and spending time among the ferns and fallen logs.

This might turn out to be your favorite stop on this itinerary!

Where to Stay Near Redwoods National and State Parks :

There are a handful of campgrounds, hotels, and vacation homes to the north and south of Redwoods National and State Parks.

Mid-Range With a Pool: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: Pacific Coast In Northern California

During your Nothern California road trip, make sure to drive up through Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and through Crescent City to visit the far North California coast .

The coast will be a good change from all the green forests and wineries you have been seeing. Plus, the sea stacks are beyond impressive.

Make sure to take some time to walk around the sea stacks and rocks, especially when the tide is low. This will allow you to find tidepools where a variety of marine animals live.

This is a serene activity, but make sure to never touch or step in tide pools to protect the wildlife.

This is also the perfect time in your California road trip itinerary to stop and take a breather and enjoy the ocean breezes and the stunning Pacific sunsets before continuing.

As you road trip the North California coast, you will love your time on the water since it is just a gorgeous area!

Where to Stay in Crescent City:

Crescent City is one of the bigger towns you’ll come to after leaving the Santa Rosa area. There are a good amount of hotels and vacation homes to pick from.

Simple Motel Right on the Beach: Crescent Beach Motel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Mount Shasta

For the next stop on your road trip in North California, head inland to Mount Shasta .

First drive up through Grant’s Pass, Oregon, and then down I5 to Mount Shasta. This volcano, surrounded by multiple mini volcanoes, is located in the southern Cascade Mountain range.

When I arrived at Mount Shasta, I was blown away by how massive and impressive it is! While seen from many miles away, it only gets more majestic as you get closer!

Take the hike up to Heart Lake for stunning alpine views! Drive your car to Castle Lake and then follow the Heart Lake Trail which loops clockwise around Castle Lake from the parking lot.

The hike is roughly 1 mile and uphill the whole time, so make sure to rest along the way. Take is slow and it is very doable.

The view from Heart Lake showcases the lake itself and also provides a view of Castle Lake below and Mount Shasta in the background.

The two towns to stay in to best explore Mount Shasta are either Weed or the town of Mount Shasta. There are also plenty of campgrounds in the area and camping is popular when exploring here.

Where to Stay in Mount Shasta :

Mount Shasta is a cute small town with lots of great hotel options for your road trip.

Mid-Range Modern Hotel: Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Burney Falls

McArthur-Burney Falls, or more commonly just Burney Falls, will be one of the most spectacular waterfalls you ever visit! I have seen epic waterfalls around the country, and I was still impressed!

Burney Falls is located about 1.5 hours east of Mount Shasta.

When visiting  McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park , you will feel like you are on an island in the South Pacific instead of a remote part of Northern California!

The water is so super clear and blue. The waterfall cascade is a style that isn’t normally found in North America with multiple streams on a mossy cliff.

Photos do not do Burney Falls justice! You have to visit to see how massive this waterfall is!

Burney Falls can be viewed from above, but I recommend taking the 0.3-mile paved walk down to the base of the falls. From here, you can appreciate the size and scale of the falls.

I did Burney Falls as a day trip and did not spend the night. However, I spent almost four hours hanging out around the waterfall so budget plenty of time here.

Whatever you do, don’t skip this waterfall on your driving itinerary for Northern California!

Where to Stay Near Burney Falls:

If you want to stay the night a McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, there is a massive campground. There are not many hotel options nearby.

Affordable Basic Motel: Shasta Pines Motel & Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 10: Lassen Volcanic National Park

The last stop along this Northern California road trip itinerary is  Lassen Volcanic National Park . It is just under an hour’s drive south of Burney Falls.

This is one of the lesser-known national parks in the United States but quite impressive to visit. If you want to see volcanoes, crystal clear pools, mud pots, and boiling water, then this national park is for you!

There are over 150 miles of trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Explore steam vents and pretty meadows.

The official national park drive is quite a good way to experience Lassen Volcanic National Park as well if you don’t want to hike. Exploring by car is one of my favorite ways to experience national parks.

Luckily, there are plenty of pullouts and easy hikes and walks to experience the beauty of this remote wilderness.

If you want to tick off all the U.S. national parks, this is one of the best things to do in Northern California!

Where to Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park :

You have the option to stay in a lodge, tent, or cabin if you want to stay on-site in the national park. The nearest hotels are south of the park in Mill Creek.

Basic Hotel With a Restaurant: Village at Childs Meadow . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 11: Fly Out Of San Francisco

From Lassen Volcanic National Park, it is a four-hour drive back to San Francisco, completing the loop of this California itinerary.

You can fly home right away or spend more time exploring the city.

With so many things to do in California, you can do a San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip next time!

How Long to Spend on This Northern California Coast Road Trip

I suggest a minimum of 7 to 10 days for Northern California road trips.

However, I am an advocate of slow travel so if you have the chance to add more time, you should. If you can schedule more than 10 days, you will not be rushed and have time to explore each location fully.

This is one of the top West Coast road trips so you do not want to miss anything!

If you prefer to stick to nature, you can also easily skip over San Francisco and hit the road right away to save a day as well.

Best Time to Visit Northern California

Personally, I suggest you road trip Northern California in either spring or fall. As the shoulder season, this time of the year has fewer crowds than summer as well as great weather for outdoor adventures.

Spring means wildflowers while fall is beautiful with fiery foliage. The temperature during both seasons reaches highs in the 80s F.

Summer is the busiest time with tourists flocking to the national parks and other popular spots. Expect more traffic and higher prices for car rentals and accommodations. Temps average in the 90s F.

Winter in Northern California is cold, rainy, and snowy sometimes leading to poor road conditions. It is not the best time for hiking or visiting vineyards, but winter sports are popular.

There are so many things to do and see during a Northern California road trip! I hope you have as much fun as we did!

If you love your coastal California road trip, you should check out my Oregon road trip itinerary next!

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Reader Interactions

May 18, 2018 at 9:39 pm

Your photos are always so enchanting! The Avenue of the Giants looks straight out of a fairytale – what an epic roadtrip! The S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck looked amazing, would love to photograph it one day – even more interesting that it was near a town called Inverness as there is an Inverness very near me in Scotland!

May 18, 2018 at 9:46 pm

This is a perfect trip idea! You guys seem to have had an amazing time. The cypress tunnel is so mysterious…I’ve seen it a couple of times on Instagram but didn’t know it was in California.

May 18, 2018 at 11:26 pm

I was born and raised in the Bay Area but haven’t seen half of this. Thanks for the AMAZINGLY thorough guide – can’t wait to use this guide to better enjoy my home state my next time back!!

http://sundayspritz.com

June 20, 2018 at 2:32 pm

So many great suggestions! I love that you focused on a part of California that isn’t as well known, but is definitely worth traveling to!

June 20, 2018 at 3:14 pm

Thank you for stopping by! It was real cool to visit lesser-known parts of California that were truly stunning

July 31, 2018 at 11:13 pm

Hi, this is a perfect trip we were planning to take in late August. However, there are several Forrest fires in northern California at the moment. I wonder if and or how much of this trip is affected by the current fires.

October 31, 2018 at 2:45 am

Do you think it’s appropriate to do the road trip in mid Feb. ? How’s temperature..weather wise. I’m planning to do 7-9 days trip (flying into from nyc)

Thanks, Andy

October 31, 2018 at 2:19 pm

Yes! You can totally do it! It may be a bit difficult to go to Mount Shasta if it is super buried in snow so just make sure to check the weather!!

February 17, 2019 at 5:48 pm

We will come from Mallorca (Spain) to visit this area! I think your route is great and it will help us plan the visit!

February 18, 2019 at 2:11 pm

Thank you so much! That should be so fun!

May 20, 2019 at 4:55 am

Thanks for the great trip itinerary and the amazing ideas. Do you advise doing this trip in July – August? How’s the temperature?

May 20, 2019 at 2:51 pm

Yes!! You totally can do it in July and August! The weather will vary depending on where you are. Sometimes hotter sometimes cooler such as at Mount Shasta! Have fun!

June 13, 2019 at 4:46 pm

This is super awesome! Could I get a link to your google map?

July 14, 2019 at 2:18 am

Just a note, It’s the BART train no DART.

September 14, 2019 at 9:20 pm

Hoping for good weather to do this Oct 12 for a week. Will we hit snow in Oct at Mt Shasta? From MN. Any suggestions on great places to stay without breaking the bank. I would take google map link. Thanks.

November 26, 2019 at 10:54 am

My boyfriend and I came across your blog in May this year when planning our Northern American leg of our round the world trip. To be honest it was all a bit last minute so we were grateful for such detailed advice. We left San Francisco in late June and hired a van for 11 days. We followed your itinerary word for word. I cannot explain to you how amazing our trip was. We will have memories of it for ever. Thank you so much. We especially loved exploring point Reyes, the view from Mount Tamelpeis and hiking around mount Shasta. I have been to Yosemite, and considered going there again but so glad we did your trip instead. Everywhere we visited was peaceful and quiet, we felt like we had the beautiful views to ourselves.

Amazing blog and thanks again! X

November 27, 2019 at 2:01 pm

Omg I Love this so much!!! Thank you so so much for your review and I am glad that you had a fantastic trip!!

December 1, 2019 at 5:36 pm

Hi Driving from Seattle to San Francisco 26 – 31 December Completed Highway 1 via big sur last year loved it loved the drive not the cities. Any must see suggestions

December 1, 2019 at 11:06 pm

Have such a fantastic time!!! 100% stop at Samuel H Boardman Corridor along the southern Oregon coast ! It is truly fab [we discuss it in our Oregon road trip itinerary] also make sure to stop at Fern Canyon and redwood national park on this itinerary for sure! Have fun!

February 27, 2021 at 2:06 am

Hi! We are doing this exact itinerary at the end of March and doing my research I just came across this post. Thank you!!! This will be incredibly helpful! We are a family of four (Dad+Mom+ 2 teenage daughters) traveling from Miami, fist time in California. Our idea is doing the trip in an RV (Covid ?). Could you share what campsites you used overnight? We would rather stay at secluded spaces, even though they are more rustic and don’t have hookups. Nature and views would be more important than amenities to us. Any recommendation you could share would be awesome. Thank you so much!

February 27, 2021 at 2:47 pm

I don’t even remember the campsites we did here! So sorry! I suggest the iOverlander app which I just used on an RV trip last month! It tells you where “wild camping” is allowed so you can be more secluded and you can sort by the type of campsite! It is a great and free app!!! Enjoy!

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The Best of the San Francisco Bay Area

Discover The San Francisco Peninsula! From fun family events to shopping and outdoor places to explore, you'll find it all here.

Best Stops on Highway 1: The San Francisco Peninsula

Driving down the California coast on Highway 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway, should be on everyone’s bucket list. Arguably the most scenic drive in the United States, there are coastal bluffs, stunning beaches , and fresh seafood restaurants all the way down the coast. The stretch on The San Francisco Peninsula from San Francisco down to Santa Cruz offers some of the best beaches and hidden gems in the Bay Area . We’ve rounded up the best spots to visit for your next road trip itinerary.

1. Pacifica

Start your road trip in Pacifica with a stop at family-owned  Mazzetti’s Bakery for a sweet treat like apple fritters, old-fashioned glazed donuts, or cheese danishes. After grabbing a bite, head down to Mori Point for an easy hike and sweeping views of the ocean.

For lunch, head south to Pacifica State Beach , also known as Linda Mar State Beach , and visit what’s arguably considered the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world. Recently upgraded as a Taco Bell Cantina (meaning it can serve alcoholic beverages!), this Taco Bell boasts an indoor fireplace and patio seating with gorgeous ocean views. It even has an order window exclusively for surfers!

After exploring the beach, plan to spend the night at Fairfield Inn & Suites San Francisco Pacifica , conveniently located right off Highway 1 with ocean-view rooms and direct access to Rockaway Beach . For dinner, visit Nick’s Seafood Restaurant for a fresh meal and live music and dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. 

When heading out the morning after, be sure to save time to explore Devil's Slide Trail for one of the most breathtaking lookout points in the area.

2. Montara & Moss Beach

Keep heading south on Highway 1 until you reach Montara , where you can stop at the popular Montara State Beach . Nearby, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a beautiful marine sanctuary of tide pools filled with anemones, sea urchins, sea stars, and much more. The best time to visit is during low tide when more of the rocky shore is exposed. Trails along the bluff are accessible for walking and running, and there are stairs that lead from the parking lot down to the tidepools. There is also the gorgeous Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel which is a great spot for photography.

3. Half Moon Bay

With year-round activities and special seasonal events , Half Moon Bay is always worth a visit. Here you’ll find Pillar Point Harbor , which is home to a commercial fishing industry and offers opportunities for kayaking , eating fresh seafood , and even purchasing your own fish fresh off the docks.

Try the Dungeness crab, seasonal oysters, or fish and chips at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company . Nearby, Jettywave Distillery has incredible cocktails and an outdoor garden lounge with live music .

We recommend spending at least a night (or more!) in Half Moon Bay to see all that this charming coastal city has to offer . For a high-end splurge, visit The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay , which has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and a fine-dining restaurant, Navio .

Other great options include Oceano Hotel & Spa  and Beach House Half Moon Bay , both offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Pillar Point Harbor.

4. Pescadero

For dramatic scenery, head to Pescadero , with its mile-long shoreline, rocky dunes, cliffs, and sandy coves. Just across the highway, see all kinds of wildlife at the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve .

Harley Farms  is a fun stop for families and animal lovers. Visitors can meet and feed goats before sampling cheese in the shop. Pick up a few cheese selections for the road or have a picnic out by the pond.

After a day of outdoor adventure , you’ll need a place to kick back and relax. Head to Costanoa Lodge+Camp+Resort to soak in the extraordinary beauty of the California coast. This eco-resort has Douglas Fir cabins and tent bungalows equipped with electricity for a perfect glamping experience. Onsite is Cascade Restaurant & Bar for locally sourced California cuisine. 

While you’re there, take a trip to Pigeon Point Lighthouse . The 115-foot lighthouse is perched atop a cliff and offers incredible views. Also nearby is Año Nuevo State Reserve , an incredible park that is the breeding ground for up to 10,000 elephant seals each year!

5. Loma Mar & Beyond

From Pescadero, you can head back to the bay through Pescadero Creek Road, stopping at Loma Mar Store & Kitchen  for lunch among the redwoods and exploring the vast amount of parks and open spaces along the way. Alternatively, you can keep heading down Highway 1 toward Santa Cruz and Monterey to continue your adventures.   

Explore the Itinerary

Looking for more hotel options along the way? Check out all of the great hotels on The San Francisco Peninsula.

The San Francisco Peninsula

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A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

An Epic Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (Guide + Tips From A Local)

last Updated: January 19, 2024 california Northern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning an epic Northern California road trip and looking for the best stops to make?! I’m here to show you all the highlights (think redwoods, deep blue lakes, and freshly shucked oysters)! You’ll be wondering why you didn’t take this road trip to Northern California sooner! 

What comes to mind when you picture NorCal? If you said towering redwoods , the granite peaks of Yosemite, and delicious wine regions, you wouldn’t be wrong! But we’ve also got a snow-capped dormant volcano (true story), that dramatic Pacific coastline, plenty of Victorian-era houses, and even the capital of California (no, it’s not LA or SF).

As I’m sure you could’ve guessed, Northern California is HUGE. And with that comes tons of diversity, in both its urban areas and stunning landscapes. You could spend months road tripping to Northern California and still not see it all. You will however feel that relaxed Californian attitude after just a few days in the state.

The area is so massive I even wrote a guide with over 300 things to do in NorCal ! While we won’t be knocking out all 300, we will be crossing off not one, not two, but THREE national parks in California on this Northern California road trip. I told you the itinerary I planned out is epic. 

→ Read Next: The BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)

I’ve lived in California for over 5 years now, and explore the Golden State every chance I get. Although I haven’t completed this entire NorCal road trip I’m suggesting in one go, I’ve been to all the stops — some, even multiple times! I’ve taken all my tips and included them in what I feel is the ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary → perfect for you all looking to explore the northern half of the state!

→ Psst: Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if you’re an experienced road tripper, promise!)

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Start : San Francisco
• Stop #1: Yosemite National Park
• Stop #2: Lake Tahoe
• Stop #3: Sacramento
• Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls
• Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta
• Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad
• Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks
• Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg
• Stop #9: Napa /Sonoma
• Stop #10: Point Reyes
• End : San Francisco

Why take a Northern California road trip?!

Well for starters, NorCal is absolutely breathtaking. As I mentioned before, there’s craggy coastlines, towering redwoods, and delicious oyster picnics!

In addition, the state is just too damn huge to road trip through all at once. I mean, maybe if you had a month plus that’d be slightly doable. While I’m beyond obsessed with the Pacific Coast Highway and southern California , a trip to Northern California is oh so different.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path and delve from the ordinary, a road trip to Northern California will be perfect for you. 

How Long Will this Road Trip in Northern California take?

This is a super tricky question, because you could honestly spend months exploring NorCal! I say, plan for as long as you’ve got! If you wanna see all the stops on this Northern California road trip itinerary I’ve planned, aim for at least 3 weeks. You can probably do it in 2, but it’ll be super crammed and you’ll do too much driving vs. exploring in my opinion.

If you’ve got less than 2 weeks, I’d pick out a few spots below which pique your interest the most. Look at the map below and try to keep the places you pick close-ish together.

Only have a week or so? Leave off Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. While they’re actually some of my favorite places in Northern California, these two spots are a bit further away from the others, so it doesn’t make sense to include them on a shorter trip. You can easily spend 3-4 days in each, so best to save them for another trip when you can really give them the time they deserve. 

Things to Know Before Driving Around Northern California

Getting to San Francisco

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco, you’ll of course need to get yourself there (stop #1). Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. You can start this NorCal road trip in Sacramento, but I have a feeling you’ll probably find cheaper airfare to San Francisco.

Renting a Car

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Northern California road trip itinerary! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price (and frequently save a fair bit of money!).

Filling up on Gas

While this Northern California road trip makes a bunch of stops in highly visited areas, it does take you through some more rural spots. Because of that, you’ll wanna make sure to fill up when you see a station if you’re getting to about ½ a tank. 

Some areas will be much more expensive than others, but if you’re not from California, you’ll find that gas prices are probably (much) higher than you’re used to regardless. Gas is the highest in the nation (on par with gas in Hawaii), so just take this account when planning your NorCal road trip budget.

I like to use the app GasBuddy to check out locations and prices of gas stations nearby. Google Maps has also started including gas prices for stations as well.

Traffic in Northern California

While you’ll definitely encounter traffic in certain areas (Bay Area, Sacramento, and likely, Lake Tahoe), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that most of Northern California isn’t super crowded. Yes, there’ll be other cars on the road, but 2352342 times less than in southern California. 

Do note you’ll encounter one-lane roads on certain state highways and other smaller areas. Be patient, let locals pass you, and always pull over at pullouts if you’re driving slower than others. Don’t be that driver with a long line of cars behind them (just please don’t — it aggravates everyone).

Toll Roads in Northern California

You’ll come across some toll roads (and bridges) on this road trip to Northern California. We use FastTrack to automatically pay tolls (kinda like EZ Pass on the East Coast). Some tolls will not take cash, including the drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not using a FastTrack, you’ll need to look out for bills in the mail, sent to the address linked to the license plate.

Renting a car? I highly recommend asking your car rental company about any toll collection policies ahead of time so there’s no surprises when you return the car. It may be wise to rent a FastTrack from them, but they can sometimes be pretty expensive (depending on the way the rental agency rents them out).

What to Pack for a Northern California Road Trip

Definitely pack a light, waterproof jacket (especially for the coast), and plan to wear layers for outdoor activities (the weather changes fast here). A reusable water bottle will be perfect — the tap water here in California is delicious and definitely drinkable! Keep a cooler in the car for picnic lunches when exploring more remote areas.

And if you plan on doing any hiking, you’ll wanna take along some hiking shoes with good traction. The trails can get slippery, especially during the misty morning.

When to Take this NorCal road trip 

Such a difficult question! But no matter the season, the weather changes quickly in Northern California. If you have ultimate flexibility, I’d choose September or October. Easily. The summer crowds are gone, the sun is out and about, and the leaves are just starting to change colors (in some spots). 

SF experiences an Indian Summer, meaning summer comes late in the city (August – October). Expect fog and chilly weather from May – July. Lassen National Park is best in late summer as well, as it’s usually still pretty snowy in June (meaning the popular trails may still be closed). 

Sacramento will be hotter than all the other destinations on this Northern California road trip, with Lake Tahoe seeing similar temps. The weather on the NorCal coast is finicky at best, but you’ll see lots of sun in early – late Fall (with the most rain December through February).

Where to Stay in Northern California

There’s an abundance of hotels everywhere in NorCal, but why not choose a few unique and exciting AirBnBs as well? Mix it up a bit! Psst: I’ll go into more detail below each stop on this road trip in Northern California, but here’s a few unique spots I’m dying to check out for myself:

• Cozy A-Frame Cabin In The Redwoods (Inverness): Imagine being surrounded by redwoods, yet only a few minutes drive from the coast and wineries. This bohemian A-Frame cabin is great for a small group of friends, small families, and couples who just wanna get away from it all.
• Floating Houseboat (Sausalito): Get the unique Sausalito houseboat experience here! With sweeping views of the bay, the surrounding rolling hills, and in the distance, the majestic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, I can’t think of a better night in Sausalito. What an experience!
• Japanese-Inspired Oceanfront Retreat (Stinson Beach): Serene and private, this Japanese inspired retreat is just a 3 minute walk to town, the beach and trails! Wear your yukata (kimono) to the inside/outside bathhouse to experience a Japanese soaking tub. Sleep to the sound of waves, wake to bird songs.

If you want to go camping on your road trip in Northern California, that’s totally doable too! You can camp in state parks, in national forests, and on BLM land — and of course there’s designated camping spots! Always double check camping is allowed, and be mindful that you may need to reserve campsites. I’m not an avid camper so don’t have much info for you, but there’s tons of resources online. 

Northern California Road Trip Map

Here’s a Northern California road trip map to get you started! I find seeing all the destinations plotted on a map always helps me visualize my overall journey.

By following this route, you’ll see it takes roughly 26 hours (yes, TWENTY SIX hours!) to make the trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes (with all the stops in between of course). Take that into account when planning your trip (you don’t wanna be driving all day!).

Other road trip posts you may enjoy:

• Complete Pacific Coast Highway Guide (all my favorite stops – yes, all 75 of them!)
• BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)
• Utah’s National Park Road Trip Guide (plus Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon)
• New York City to San Francisco (the ultimate cross-country road trip!)
• Mini Road Trips from San Francisco (perfect when you don’t have enough time to do this full road trip in Northern California) 

The Complete Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Start: san francisco (1-3 days).

If you’ve never been to the City by the Bay before (San Francisco!), you need to spend a few days here! I’m partially biased, but it’s one of the best cities in the world (I moved here for a reason)! 

The city is SO diverse and there’s culture around each and every corner. With so many neighborhoods to explore and tons of beautiful look out spots with views of the famed Golden Gate Bridge, I promise you’ll never get bored. 

I’m listing out a few of my favorites below AND sharing my complete 3-day San Francisco itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip. In all honesty, there’s just too much to do here (not a bad thing), so just pick and choose what sounds interesting to you. And don’t forget to save some time for foodie excursions — the city is FULL of delicious eats!

Top things to do in San Francisco:

• Walk around the Mission District to see the thought-provoking murals (at Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley), and then devour a HUGE Mission Burrito (at either El Farolito or La Taqueria)
• Get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge at either Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Golden Gate Overlook, and/or walk over the bridge itself (just remember, it’s 2 miles each way!). Wanna see my all-time favorite view of the bridge? Head over to Battery Spence r!
• Drive or walk down Lombard Street, famous for its steep section with EIGHT hairpin turn
• Get a workout on some of my favorite steps and stairs , including the Lyon Street Steps (the whole neighborhood is gorgeous), the Hidden Garden Steps, and the 16 Avenue Mosaic Staircase 

• Explore the ethnic neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown — stroll down Grant Avenue (don’t miss the Dragon Gate), sip Chinese mai tais at LiPo Cocktail Lounge, and indulge in egg tarts from Golden Gate Bakery (if they’re open), and grab a slice of Sicilian at Golden Boy Pizza and a cannoli at Stella Pastry 
• Spend the day in Golden Gate Park waving hello to the bison, snagging free views from the Hamon Observation Tower (within the de Young Museum), walking around Stow Lake, sipping tea at the Japanese Tea Garden, getting your science on at the Cal Academy, and cooling off with some froyo from Twirl & Dip 
• Sign up for a tour of Alcatraz — you’ll take the ferry over and then wander the grounds on an audio tour, seeing the old jail cells, and learning about the history of the famous prison. It’s educational, historical, creepy, and impressive all in one.
• Be a tourist at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to watch the sea lions play, get some mini donuts, have lunch at Boudins with some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and take some cheesy tourist pics. The famous Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes aren’t too far from here, either!

What/Where to Eat:

• A ginormous mission burrito at either El Farolito or La Taqueria (can’t go wrong with either)
• Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and green onion pancakes on Taraval Street — we love both Kingdom of Dumpling and Dumpling Kitchen. The pan fried dumplings are my all-time favorite.
• A few scoops at Bi-Rite and a cannoli at Stella’s (two of my all-time favorite sweet treats in San Francisco )

• Slurp up some ramen in Japantown (Marufuku, Ramen Yamadaya, and Hinodeya Ramen Bar are all fan favorites), then try a few Japanese desserts afterwards (mochi from Benkyodo, donuts from Mochill Mochidonut, a cute character crepe from Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, and taiyaki ice cream from Uji Time)
• Some authentic Italian at Original Joe’s — always get the ravioli as your side and save some room for butter cake for dessert!
• One of these super-fun restaurants in San Francisco (I have way too many suggestions to list them all here in this Northern California road trip guide)

Where to Stay:

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in San Francisco, BUT where you stay will GREATLY impact your few days in the city. I can’t stress this enough – all the neighborhoods are drastically different with entirely different vibes.

I recommend staying in the following neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Nob Hill. There’s tons of great restaurants over here, and these neighborhoods are pretty central to lots going on. Some popular faves:

• Hotel Vitale (a Joie de Vivre boutique hotel right on the waterfront)
• The Proper Hotel (retro and eclectic with inspired touches of the Old World)
• Hotel Kabuki (a chic, beautiful boutique hotel in Japantown with zen-like public spaces)
• Complete 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• 125 Things to do in SF (my ultimate Bay Area bucket list)
• Best Spots to See the Golden Gate Bridge
• My Favorite Dessert Spots in SF
• Day Trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Stop #1: Yosemite National Park (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from SF to Yosemite: ~4 Hours (~190 miles)

Nature lovers, rejoice. We’re off to the Sierra Nevada mountains — Yosemite National Park, to be exact! 

The park is famous for its granite formations, incredible cliffs, gushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient sequoia groves. It’s majestic, awe-inspiring, grand, and utterly magnificent. There’s simply not enough adjectives to truly capture the spirit of the park. It’s a true work of art! No wonder Ansel Adams (a famous environmentalist and photographer) based so many of his pieces on the place!

Yosemite is regarded as California’s most attractive National Park. I mean, there’s a reason over 4 million people visit each year. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be blown away by Yosemite’s sheer size and magnitude — I promise. 

Since Yosemite is downright huge (roughly 1,200 miles), you’ll want a plan of attack before you visit. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Yosemite Valley checking out the iconic viewpoints and landmarks — including Half Dome and El Capitan, but don’t miss other parts of the parks as well!

Top Things To Do in Yosemite:

• Go hiking, of course! The Mist Trail, Four Mile Trail, and Half Dome (lottery permit required) are all great half-day/full-day (moderate-strenuous) options.
• Check out the sweeping panoramic view at Tunnel View; by far Yosemite’s most iconic spot, and no hiking required! You’ll see landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and even Half Dome from here.

• Go for an easy stroll around Mirror Lake, a small, glacial lake known for its picturesque backdrop of granite domes (aka — don’t miss it)
• Take an epic drive on Glacier Point Road (weather and season permitting) for some of the best views in all of Yosemite, including the aptly named Glacier Point. This is also where you’ll find the 2-mile trailhead for Taft Point (beautiful for sunset).
• Get an up-close view of Yosemite Falls via the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, Lower Yosemite Falls trail, or even from Cook’s Meadow! It’s the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,424 feet!
• Walk along the giant sequoias at Tuolumne and/or Mariposa Groves — both worthy of some time. Look up; you’ll feel so tiny and humbled in their presence! Don’t miss the Grizzly Giant — the oldest and tallest tree in all of Yosemite.
• Experience Yosemite without the crowds at the Hetch Hetchy area, including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is probably the most beautiful dam you’ll ever damn see.

You don’t come to Yosemite for the food (spend longer in SF to check out all my favorite restaurants). But thankfully, the park has more food facilities than other national parks!

The lodges within the park have a bunch of dining options, including the Ahwahnee Dining Room (it’s gorgeous), the Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court (for quick, casual meals), Mountain Room and Bar (slightly upscale), and even a Starbucks.

I recommend planning a picnic instead though!

So, here’s the thing with Yosemite. If you’re trying to cut costs, you’ll need to stay roughly 45 minutes to an hour outside of the park (sometimes longer). And combined with the driving within Yosemite itself, it makes for some long driving days. 

If you can swing it, I’d stay within the park itself at one of the few lodges — or, go camping! Inside the park there’s The Ahwahnee Hotel (completely bucket-list worthy), Yosemite Valley Lodge (near Yosemite Falls!), and Curry Village (camping vibes but not actual camping). There’s also a whole slew of campsites within the park. 

We’ve stayed at Rush Creek Lodge (literally minutes outside the entrance to the park) and LOVED it! Psst: You’ll need to make reservations way in advance for any of those, including camping, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

• One Day in Yosemite (I highly recommend longer though!)
• Visiting Yosemite in Winter (it’s a winter wonderland for sure!)

Stop #2: Lake Tahoe (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe: ~ 4 hours, 45 minutes (~205 miles)

Lake Tahoe is a dream come true. There’s fresh mountain air, brisk turquoise water, scenic short hikes, and epic sunsets. It’s actually the largest alpine lake in all of North America. There’s nothing much better than a few days in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, in my opinion. Making Tahoe the perfect stop on any Northern California road trip.

How long you stay solely depends on what you wanna do and how much time relaxing you wanna have. There’s hiking, driving around the lake , stand-up paddling, kayaking, boating, biking, lakeside strolls, and more. We love to visit the State Parks (D.L. Bliss, Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay), walk the East Shoreline Trail, and stop at the various viewpoints.

Just FYI — the water is COLD, even when the sun is high in the sky and shining. Don’t plan on doing much swimming here unless you’re used to brisk, chilly waters!

Top Things To Do at Lake Tahoe:

• Go stand up paddling (SUP) or kayaking in the aqua colored waters of Sand Harbor (the water is so super clear and the rocks/smooth granite boulders are amazing!). This is my favorite spot in all of Lake Tahoe — don’t miss it; just get there early to beat the crowds!
• Visit Emerald Bay State Park and make the steep one mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle Historic Site, a castle with Scandinavian architecture that you can tour.
• Go on a hike! There’s no shortage of trails here at Lake Tahoe, ranging from super short ones like Eagle Rock Trail and Cave Rock, to longer, more strenuous hikes including the Rubicon Trail (popular and famous for a reason) and the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail.

• Go for a wander on the newly-completed East Shoreline Trail, taking you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor — but you don’t need to walk the entirety to see spectacular landscapes. This is a must for anyone looking for those epic views of Lake Tahoe.
• Gawk at all the huge yachts in the Tahoe City Marina — we love picking out our favorites and guessing prices (haha).
• Drive around Lake Tahoe , stopping at all the viewpoints and different beaches along the way (my favorites including Hidden Beach, Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, Zephyr Cove, and Secret Cove)
• Go skiing/snowboarding and/or snow-tubing at one of 6 ski resorts, popular ones being Heavenly Mountain and Squaw Valley (weather and snow permitting of course!) Psst – the donuts and hot cocoa in Heavenly Village are delicious!

You may be surprised, but there’s actually a ton of great food (and coffee) in the area! We love Base Camp Pizza, Himmel Haus, Ten Crows BBQ (we’ve eaten here so many times), and The Hangar! Other options include Inclined Burgers and Brews, Tahoe Pourhouse, Glazed and Confused (for donuts!), and Free Bird and I.V. Coffee Lab (for coffee).

Where to Stay: 

Thankfully, there’s lots of hotel and accommodation options in Lake Tahoe. The major towns (where you’ll find most of these places to stay) are in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Truckee. A few recommendations below:

• South Lake Tahoe : Hotel Azure , Basecamp Tahoe South , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino , Hotel Becket
• North Lake Tahoe (including Incline Village and Tahoe City): Hyatt Regency , Franciscan Lakeside Lodge , and Basecamp Tahoe City
• Truckee (a few minutes northwest of Tahoe): Northstar Lodge , Walk Resorts Lake Tahoe
• Driving around Scenic Lake Tahoe (all my favorite stops)

Stop #3: Sacramento (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento: ~2 hours (~110 miles)

Sacramento, the State Capital of California, kinda gets brushed off as just another city, but it’s recently become pretty cool! There’s now microbreweries, trendy boutiques, elegant Victorian-era homes, leafy parks, and farm-to-fork cuisine, all blending seamlessly into a chic urban vibe. It’s seriously underrated!

I mean, a few of my friends have even bought houses here, so I guess it’s not all bad! 

History lovers will fall in love with all things state capitol, as there’s the Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum, and Sacramento History Museum.

Local Tip → if you’re doing your Northern California road trip in the fall (the best time in my opinion), you’ll be passing through Placerville on your way from Tahoe to Sacramento. Do yourself a favor and stop in Apple Hill for some festive fall treats, like caramel apple pecan pie, apple cider milkshake, and apple cider donuts. Mmmm….

Top Things To Do in Sacramento:

• Walk alongside the Sacramento River at RiverWalk Park, then cross over the iconic yellow Tower Bridge into the Old Sacramento Waterfront District
• Visit California’s State Capitol building → you can even take a tour (available every day between 9am-4pm). Don’t miss the gorgeous grounds surrounding the building, and pay a visit to the museum as well

• Join the coffee culture (it’s a big thing here in Sac) — lots of coffee shop recs below!
• Admire some statement art pieces (and learn some history, too!) at the Crocker Art Museum, a staple of Sacramento Art and Culture
• Visit Old Sac(ramento) for some old timey, western vibes (and don’t miss the California Railroad Museum!). It’s full of Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and even horse-drawn carriages.
• Hunt for colorful murals around town; there’s constantly new pieces from the Wide Open Walls and Sacramento Mural Festival (my kinda festival!). Don’t miss the Lady Bird mural at 901 16th Street, Michelle Obama Mural at 1409 Del Paso Blvd, and the Here Comes the Sun mural at 1818 X Street

What/Where To Eat:

As mentioned above, Sac is now a haven for foodies! There’s a whole bunch of trendy brunch spots, hip coffee spots, and eclectic dining for dinner. I’m adding an extra section for coffee because there’s just so many great coffee shops! Here’s our favorites, and where we can’t wait to indulge in next: 

FOOD/DRINK: Yard House (modern and casual, yet upscale at the same time, with over 100 draft brews and craft cocktails), Punch Bowl Social Sacramento (for some bomb chicken and waffles), Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar (go for some wine and charcuterie), The Bank (upscale food court in a refurbished bank),  Beast + Bounty (hip Californian restaurant), Hook and Ladder (another Californian restaurant)

COFFEE: Temple Coffee Roasters (an absolute must!), Vampire Penguin on K, Goodside Coffee, Pachamama Coffee, Camellia Coffee Roasters, Naked Coffee Roasting & Cafe

Sac is larger than many think, with many different neighborhoods. You’ll wanna stay in Downtown Sacramento, the quintessential business district, located right in the city center! I’ve heard great things about the following hotels:

• Kimpton Sawyer Hotel : a stylish hotel with a pool and chic dining, plus in-room yoga mats
• The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection : sophisticated and elegant lodging with a stylish restaurant, bar, and fitness center 
• Hyatt Regency Sacramento : contemporary rooms, posh dining, and a cocktail bar (plus an outdoor pool and spa)
• The Inn & Spa at Parkside : stately mansion with elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts (!!!)

Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Sacramento to Lassen: ~3 hours (160 miles)

From steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, to piping fumaroles and remnants of volcanic activity. That, my friends, is Lassen Volcanic National Park in a nutshell .  I just couldn’t believe how bad certain parts of the park smelled (due to the sulphur, which smells juuuust like rotten eggs).

While Lassen is definitely a little less discovered than other parks, I highly recommend adding it to your Northern California road trip itinerary. It’s even called a mini Yellowstone, boasting similar natural phenomena to the (super crowded) park in Wyoming.

Promise me you won’t miss nearby Burney Falls — it’s my all-time favorite waterfall in California (well, maybe besides McWay Falls in Big Sur ). 

Top Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park:

• Make short stops at Lake Helen, Emerald Lake, and Manzanita Lake (for stunning reflections of the Lassen Volcano)
• Smell the sulphur at Sulphur Works – an active hydrothermal area. And when I say active, you have no idea how active! Walk over to the bubbling mud pot and steaming vents, and you’ll see what I mean!

• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a three mile round-trip hike leading to a boardwalk full of all kinds of crazy things. Here you can listen to bubbling mudpots, watch the steam escape from a fumarole (named Big Boiler), marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Note that the trail typically does’t open until mid-June/early July due to high snowfall in the winter months.
• Marvel at Burney Falls (it’s been called the eighth wonder of the world for a reason!). I even dubbed it as one of the most beautiful places in California . I recommend doing the short loop hike that takes you down past the falls.

Unfortunately, there’s a serious lack of food options in the national park (to be expected) and between the waterfalls. I encourage you to bring our own picnic lunches (we typically buy sandwiches at a grocery store near our hotel).

There’ll be plenty of food options in Redding if you decide to stay there (next stop on our list anyways, so might as well condense the number of times you unpack!).

While it’s not impossible to find hotel accommodation located directly in the park, your best bet is to stay in Redding/Anderson (45 miles west of the park) or Chester (30 miles south of the park). 

• Redding: TownePlace Suites Redding , Fairfield Inn and Suites , Hilton Garden Inn
• AirBnBs closer to Lassen Volcanic: Touch of Home , TeePee Tent (quite a unique stay!), Cozy Log Cabin

MORE INFO: 

• The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lassen to Redding: ~1 hour (~50 miles)

Longing for some sunshine? With over 300 sunny days, you’re bound to find some warm air in Redding (and fun fact: surprisingly, it’s actually the 2nd sunniest city in the US!). 

Redding icons include a giant sundial (morphed into a bridge), million-year-old caves, and spectacular views of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park. And plus, Downtown Redding has no shortage of public art spaces, music performances, and hot dining spots.

On the flip side, the rugged 14k-foot volcanic mountain of Mount Shasta is just begging to be explored; there’s backcountry skiing, climbing, and tons of panoramic views. And the skiing is almost half the price of similar conditions in Tahoe – win win.

Redding and Mount Shasta are about an hour away from each other, so definitely plan out your day/days in advance so you’re not zigzagging back and forth!

Top Things to Do in Redding and Mount Shasta:

• Walk across the Sundial Bridge and check out the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Trust me, this ain’t your average bridge — the glass block walkway and soaring white tower and suspension cables are pretty cool. (Redding)
• Sign up for a free, ranger-led kayak tour around Whiskeytown Lake — the Moonlight Tour would be an epic thing to add to your road trip to Northern California. (Redding)
• The Shasta Dam, across the Sacramento River, is not to be missed (and there’s a FREE tour)! The architecture is pretty grand, and the Shasta Dam is the second largest in the states after the Hoover Dam in Nevada. (Redding)

• Take a short catamaran ride on Shasta Lake en route to the limestone caves of Shasta Caverns, where stalactites, helictites, and rare formations await (between Redding and Shasta)
• Hike (or drive) around McCloud Falls, a series of three waterfalls each easily accessible from the parking lot. My favorite’s Middle Falls! (Shasta)
• Get your hike on at Castle Crags State Park, admiring the 6,000-feet tall crags. If you squint really hard, you may even see Mt. Shasta from the very top! (Shasta)
• Spend your whole day with stunning views of Mount Shasta from Castle Lake Road (Shasta)

The culinary scene is alive and well in Redding! Locals have a ton of old favorites, and there’s always new chefs popping up in town.

Here’s my top picks for food and desserts in Redding and around → Anthony’s Mediterranean Grill, The Parlor Ice Cream (for ice cream donut puffs), Dutch Brothers Coffee, Deja Vu (for breakfast/brunch), Taste & See Creamery (creative ice cream flavors), Cinders Wood Fired Pizza, and Jack’s Donuts (for more sweets). 

I’ve also heard Le Testimony Organic Bistro, Evergreen (for coffee), Theory Collaborative (for coffee), Mosaic (California-inspired), and Yak’s On The 5 (with a cult following!) are all really tasty!

It may be wise to stay at the same spot as you did for Lassen, if you’re like me and hate moving around every night or two.

• Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta Resort , McCloud Mercantile Hotel , Best Western Plus Tree House

Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Redding to Eureka: ~3 hours (~150 miles)

Imagine spending your time amongst the lush greenery of the towering redwoods, walking around old victorian architecture, and gazing at rugged and remote ocean landscapes. That’s Eureka in a nutshell ! 

The landscapes are stunning, there’s lots of talented local artists (hello colorful street art!), and the coast is craggy in this vibrant seaport city. It’s the quintessential California coastal town. 

And Trinidad is only a few miles north — I was OBSESSED with basically everything about it. Definitely don’t miss this spot. The rocky coastal landscapes are insane.

Top Things To Do in Eureka and Trinidad:

• Slather on the sunscreen and make the steep trek down to College Cove Beach — don’t miss the caves filled with starfish and sea anemone (or take the coastal trail above the beach to find the secret swing) (Trinidad)
• Soak up the rugged coastline on the Trinidad Fishing Pier over Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot with even more spectacular views (Trinidad)

• Wander around the handsomely restored Old Town district, and feel like you’re still in the Victorian era. Don’t miss the dozens of ornate 19th century Victorian homes, including the Carson Mansion and the Pink Lady! (Eureka) 
• Take a morning stroll along the Giant Sequoias at Sequoia Park, filled with tons of towering trees and even more cute pups (Eureka) 
• Go for the full flight of ciders (or go easy with an “ample sample”) at Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room (Eureka)
• Spend an afternoon wandering around the tiny town of Ferndale, a former dairy capital with Victorian-era ‘butterfat mansions

There’s a whole slew of dining options in Eureka and whole area, with my favorites below:

• Coffee:  Jitter Bean Coffee Co, Old Town Coffee & Chocolates, Gold Rush Coffee on Broadway, and Dutch Brother’s
• Breakfast: Renata’s Creperie (Arcata), Los Bagels (Eureka, Arcata), The Greene Lily (Eureka), Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe (multiple locations)
• Lunch/Dinner: Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery (Eureka), Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka), Humboldt Bay Social Club (Samoa), Samoa Cookhouse (Samoa), Campground (Arcata)

Being one of the major towns on the NorCal coast, there’s tons of accommodation options in Eureka and nearby.

• Eureka: Carter House Inns (upscale lodging with Queen Anne architectural charm), Inn at 2nd & C (a largely restored hotel from the 1880’s with an old-school vibe),  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka , Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn , and Eureka Inn Trademark by Wyndam .
• AirBnBs in Eureka: Chic Eureka Studio (a chic and modern 500sq ft upstairs studio), this Modern Studio Loft (Newly renovated space with sleeping loft and fully stocked kitchen)
• AirBnbs Nearby: The Ranch House at Humboldt Bay Social Club (the crown jewel of a 22-acre bayfront property), 1952 Airstream Dream (Stay in a piece of history – this 1952 Airstream offers modern comforts with a historic feel), or check out this Enchanting Dome House in the Redwoods (nestled in 5 acres of redwoods yet still so close to the beach!)

More Resources: 

• Weekend Getaway to Scenic Trinidad and Eureka 

Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Eureka to Redwood Parks: ~1 hour, 15 minutes (~50 miles)

Ancient and mysterious. Stately and powerful. Cool and dark and damp and pungent. I could go on and on with ways to describe these old-growth redwood trees. The redwoods are a true icon of NorCal — meaning, you won’t wanna miss them on your road trip to Northern California! I mean, the Northern California coast is the ONLY place in the WORLD you’ll find these coastal redwoods.

A lot of people get this confused, so I’ll clear this up right away — Redwood National and State Parks are actually a few parks in one, located on the coast in Northern California in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The parks include: 

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

An hour north outta the way (you’ll have to drive through Eureka to get back south to SF), but well worth the detour. I mean, this Northern California road trip has already brought you so close!

If you’re not feeling the extra driving, you could always hit up the Avenue of the Giants on your way to Mendocino or Muir Woods on your way back to San Francisco. You can also drive through a 315-foot redwood tree at Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park (don’t forget to take a photo!) on the way back from Mendocino.

Psst: For this NorCal road trip, I’d stick to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. The other two (Del Norte Coast and Jedediah Smith) are further north, adding extra driving time to your route.

Top Things to Do in Redwood National and State Parks:

• Apply for a permit to hike the never-crowded Tall Trees Grove Trail — only 50 cars are allowed in per day
• Find “Atlas”, one of the widest trees in the park at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or just stroll around the 75 miles of trails amid old-growth redwoods 

• Wander through the fairy tale forest of the short yet stunning Fern Canyon , an unusual vertical-walled river canyon covered in leafy ferns (Fun Fact: Part of the 3rd Jurassic Park movie was filmed here!)
• Hike through a lush rainforest to a suspension bridge overlooking Trillium Falls — it’s absolutely mesmerizing 

Again, like other national parks in California, there’s not many options for food within the parks themselves. You’ll wanna bring along a picnic and/or have a big breakfast in Eureka/Trinidad.

Where to Stay: I recommend staying at the same accommodation in either Trinidad or Eureka, and making a day trip (or two) — depending on how much hiking you wanna do. Or, you could go camping in the parks if that’s your style!

Read Next: 

• 15 Places to See Redwoods and Giant Sequoias in California 
• Hiking the Fern Canyon Trail (everything you need to know)

Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from the Redwoods to Mendocino: ~4 hours (~190 miles)

*If you’re staying in Eureka, it’ll be approximately 3 hours to get to Mendocino from here.

Get ready for misty mornings, dense redwood forests, and fern-covered canyons – Mendocino is any nature lover’s perfect weekend getaway! There’s stunning shorelines, mushroom ice cream (yup – I said mushroom), secluded beaches, sleepy sea lions, and magical sea caves. 

Since the drive from the redwoods to Mendocino will be one of the longest on this Northern California road trip, why not break it up? Go for one last breakfast in Eureka, and then you can stop at the Avenue of the Giants on the way (about half the way in Weott).

Drive slowly through the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 30 mile highway running through 50,000 acres of redwood groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Put on your boots and walk through the clover-lined mini trails in the park (don’t miss the Founder’s Tree and Dyerville Giant)!

Top Things To Do in Mendocino and Fort Bragg:

• Spot the rainbow of sea glass on Glass Beach within MacKerricher State Park (but don’t take any with you)
• Smell the rhododendrons, begonias, and other beauties at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then head to the water for great views of the rocky coastline 

• Sip wine with a view of the rocky Mendocino coast at Pacific Star Winery (one of the best places to stop on this Northern California road trip for wine and nature lovers!)
• Check out the numerous (and gorgeous!) state parks in the area, including Van Damme, Russian Gulch, Jug Handle, and Mendocino Headlands
• Climb aboard the world-famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg , and ride into the nearby lush redwood forests. There’s two-passenger railbikes if you’re looking for something a bit more active. 
• Cowlicks Ice Cream: Possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The line is long but the portions more than make up for it.
• Frankie’s: This small restaurant is known for both their pizza and ice cream (can’t go wrong with either — this is where we get mushroom ice cream!)
• MacCallum House: I heard people raving about the atmosphere and food → Definitely the spot to be for a cute brunch.  Kinda expensive, but kinda worth it.

• Patterson’s Pub: A local favorite in the area. Prices are good, beers are flowing, and you’re sure to find an interesting crowd at the bar.
• Wild Fish: Wanna surprise your partner with an amazing meal and ocean views? Make a reservation (the place is super tiny) at Wild Fish, a super romantic fine-dining restaurant. We love it here!
• Little River Inn: Another good place for a romantic dinner in a super charming spot

Where To Stay:

• Glendeven Inn & Lodge (my top pick). If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay, look no further than the Glendeven Inn. I can’t stop gushing about our stay there, I really can’t! Expect an in-room wood-burning fireplace, homemade breakfasts, and a location surrounded by the lush Van Damme State Park.
• Sea Rock Inn : We also passed by the cottages at Sea Rock Inn after walking around the Headlands, and I think we wanna check that place out next time we visit!
• Heritage House : A romantic seaside escape in a historic Gold Rush farmhouse?! Yes please! 

More resources: 

• The Weekend Guide to Mendocino and Fort Bragg 

Stop #9: Napa/Sonoma (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Mendocino to Napa: ~2 ½ hours (~115 miles)

Everyone’s heard of Napa. I mean, there’s wine – what’s not to love?! But haha, Napa is so much more than that – imagine lush rolling hills, miles and miles of vineyards, generous tasting pours, and some truly amazing restaurants (including the ridiculously-priced but highly sought-after French Laundry). It would be a shame not to include it on your road trip to Northern California!

While Napa is more glam-worthy, Sonoma is more spread out and expansive (at almost double the size of Napa!), with a much more chill vibe. Sonoma’s kinda like the gloriously laid-back sister of nearby Napa Valley, and we love it!

Sonoma even grows tons more varieties of grapes, meaning a larger selection of wines (although Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir are the most abundant)!

While we love both areas, I’d honestly pick either Napa Valley or Sonoma. It’s just just too spread out to do it all. My favorite towns in Sonoma are Petaluma and Healdsburg/Guerneville, while we enjoy winery hopping all over Napa Valley.

Top Things To Do in Napa

• Sip wine in a real-life castle at Castello di Amorosa (inspired by a castle in Tuscany), and then say hi to the baby goats on property!
• Stomp on grapes in a wine barrel at Sterling Vineyard (one of the messiest things to do in on this Northern California road trip), after taking the gondola up the hill for stunning vineyard views

• Gather supplies and feast on a gourmet picnic under the shady oak trees at V. Sattui with meats, cheeses, and even cheesy jalapenos! 
• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for spectacular vineyard views while feasting on a first-class meal
• Float away in a hot air balloon above the vineyards of Napa Valley – and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds!
• Cool off in a CAVE and learn about the winemaking process and see where barrels are stored on a winery cave tour 

Top Things To Do in Sonoma

• Walk along the Petaluma waterfront, and grab a slice of pie from Petaluma Pie Company and/or an ice/soft serve combo from Wicked Slush (one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco )
• Sip some wine and snack on gourmet foods in a modern castle at Ledson Winery & Vineyards (the grounds are spectacular!)

• Bring your blow-up floatie or inner tube and float down the Russian River (or just relax at Johnson’s Beach, one of the most popular things to do in Northern California, and more specifically, Guerneville !)
• Hike among the majestic sequoia trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – they’re over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall!
• Go wine tasting in Alexander Valley, one of the best cabernet sauvignon growing regions in the world
• Learn about California history by checking out the Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Toscano Kitchen, and other exhibits at the Sonoma State Historic Park (all in a span of 3 blocks)

The dining options are nearly endless here – from $500 multi-course michelin-star meals to a bustling marketplace full of trendy eateries! There’s tons of wine country casual hot spots to choose from.

In Napa we LOVE checking out the Oxbow Public Market, getting breakfast at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon (worth waiting in line for), having dinner on the outdoor patio at Bistro Don Giovanni, and having picnics at whatever vineyards allow it!

Sonoma is well-known for The Girl & The Fig (still on my must-eat list), Sunflower Caffe (one of my favorites!), my friends restaurant Sugo Trattoria (get the bruschetta – it’s so good), and KINSmoke (a southern bbq place).

Where to stay:

Accommodation in Napa Valley tends to be on the expensive side, especially during summer and fall. But don’t let that deter you — even if you can spend just one night I say go for it!

Napa: We’ve stayed at and love the Andaz Napa , and I’ve heard great things about River Terrace Inn , Hotel Yountville (the pool area looks divine!), and SENZA Hotel . And of course the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley is on my bucket list.

Sonoma: Check out the Ledson Hotel (upscale and elegant), Sonoma Hotel (historic!), El Dorado Hotel (chic with fine dining), and Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country .

There’s also quite a few unique stays in this area if that’s something you’re interested in:

• Sleep in a tent and go glamping at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping (Sonoma)
• Feed the giraffes and stay in an upscale tent on a 400-acre wildlife preserve at Safari West , also known as the “Sonoma Serengeti” (Sonoma)
• Stay in a modern Craftsman-style bungalow with a fireplace at The Bungalows at Calistoga — I want to stay here so bad! (Napa)

Stop #10: Point Reyes National Seashore (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Napa to Point Reyes: ~1 hour, 45 minutes (~75 miles)

By now you’re probably exhausted from all the running around on this Northern California road trip (told ya there’s lots to do here!). BUT, I promise a day (or two!) in Point Reyes is well worth your time, especially if you’re up for a (stunning) coastal hike and some grilled oysters!

The area is known for its charming small town (Point Reyes Station), some of the best oysters in all of California, award-winning cheese, and green coastal landscapes. It honestly kinda looks like something outta an Ireland fantasyland (from my speculations, since, ermmmm, I haven’t made it to Ireland just yet).

FYI — Point Reyes is one of the foggiest, rainiest, and windiest places in all of the Bay Area. You’ll wanna dress in layers and keep a waterproof jacket in the car no matter when you visit. Unfortunately, the weather’s wildly unpredictable over here!

Top Things To Do in Point Reyes

• Walk down the equivalent of a 30-story building to the Point Reyes Lighthouse (one of the most strenuous things to do on this Northern California road trip by far!) Work those glutes!
• Find the Inverness Shipwreck (psst – it’s behind a small grocery store in Inverness, or simply put “Point Reyes Shipwrecks” into Google Maps). Don’t attempt to climb it — it’s old and unsteady and unfortunately deteriorating! Just admire from afar.

• Have an oyster picnic! It’s exactly what it sounds like! Feast on freshly harvested oysters (and even shuck and grill them yourself!) at Hog Island Oyster Company and/or Tomales Bay Oyster Company.
• Walk the (mostly flat!) 9.6 miles of the Tomales Point Trail or the much shorter 1.9 mile Chimney Rock Trail. Both are absolutely beautiful, and kinda hidden gems of Northern California. You’ll be able to see elephant seals on the beach below the Chimney Rock Trail (in the winter season), and Tule Elk on the Tomales Point Trail!
• Up your instagram game with a photo under the Cypress Tree Tunnel (but be sure to get there early – it’s popular with photographers and tourists).
• If there’s only one thing you eat in Point Reyes, make it oysters — this part of the coast is known for them for a reason! Check out either Hog Island, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, and if all else fails, The Marshall Store.
• Bovine Bakery: A local jaunt with a sustainable focus, with artisan pastries, cookies, pizza, and fair-trade coffee. A great little spot for breakfast or lunch (PS: the morning buns and rare savory scones are heavenly).
• Sir and Star at the Olema: If you’re looking for locally focused California fare, you need to make a reservation here. Sit by the fireplace, sip some wine, and order the beignets along with your dinner.

Surprisingly, despite its location, Point Reyes has more accommodation options than you probably think. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, hotels, cottages, and some epic AirBnbs around here. A few worth noting:

• Olema House at Point Reyes : It’s intimate and tranquil, — and plus, it’s surrounded by national forests!
• Nick’s Cove and Cottages : Nostalgic and welcoming and located right on the water!
• AppleGarden Cottage: A private bed-and-breakfast (located on a working farm!) just outside of Tomales/Point Reyes
• Straus Home Ranch : A beautifully renovated 150 year old farmhouse nestled between eucalyptus and cypress trees

End: San Francisco

DRIVE TIME from Point Reyes to San Francisco: 1 ½ hours (~60 miles)

Woo — officially made it back from our Northern California road trip! If you’ve got another day or two, continue checking out SF ( there’s loads to do ), or take a day trip ( I’ve got lots of good options here )! Some of my favorites and where I love bringing visitors: Muir Woods , Sausalito , Battery Spencer , and Half Moon Bay / Pacifica . 

Hope this helps you plan your Northern California road trip! Have a few oysters and ice creams for me!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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June 2, 2023 at 5:11 pm

Definitely agree that Lake Tahoe is a dream come true! Those crystal clear waters and fresh air can’t be beat!

July 19, 2023 at 9:36 am

I’m from the east coast and planning a trip to northern California and this is extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

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• Scenic Drive: Your Highway 1 Road Trip
• Things To Do

Travel Where The Road Takes You

Drive our special stretch of Highway 1 between Ragged Point and Nipomo, and you can’t help but be awed by its natural beauty and scenic riches. These 81 miles are what make a Highway 1 road trip one of the top bucket-list excursions in the world. But finding all the secret treasures of this famous byway would take several days — and a local’s know-how. If you want the inside scoop on the best places to stop while driving the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll need inspiration from a knowledgeable guide.

Here, we’ve shared a thorough list of must-drive routes along Highway 1 that will open your eyes to its many charms. Stand beneath a waterfall and listen to its roar. Taste wines influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. Travel through patchwork farmland and past towering sand dunes. Be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of thousands of Monarch butterflies. Explore the grounds of a historic lighthouse. Hunt for sea glass, pick apples, and summit coastal mountains. All of this and so much more can be found just off Highway 1, if you know where to look.

Have a look at our list of the best places to stop along Highway 1, and use the links to Google maps to help you navigate each destination and attraction. If, however, you want to explore more in any given area, check out the destination-specific maps at the end of each section. And if you want a single map detailing all of the best things to see on your drive, look at our “Discovery Route” map .

Now turn the ignition, roll down the windows, and put it in gear — it’s time to take that iconic Highway 1 road trip.

Highway 1 Road Trip

Be in the moment with highway 1 coastal beauty.

Experiencing awe is one of the simplest, fastest ways to become fully present. If you seek to live in the moment, Highway 1 offers free and accessible wonder-making opportunities around every bend. Stand on the cliffs at Ragged Point and watch the ocean churn below. Look out into a dreamily secluded bay at Hearst Memorial State Beach. Pull off Highway 1 onto Moonstone Drive for a magical view of the Cambria shoreline. Catch views of farms and backcountry on the Old Creek Loop. Marvel at the sand, surf and sunshine on Cayucos State Beach. Explore the rock formations and turquoise waters of Spooner’s Cove inside Montana de Oro State Park. Or drive out onto a historic pier to glimpse vistas of scenic Avila Beach. Each of these awe-inspiring moments is yours, just off Highway 1.

Ocean-View Cliffs of Ragged Point 

Home of the “Million-Dollar View,” Ragged Point offers some of the best scenery from the road. Park at the Ragged Point Inn, where you can grab a glass of wine or beer and enjoy panoramic views from the patio. This is an especially bewitching sight during sunset, perched high over the ocean. And don’t miss the Ragged Point Inn Restaurant for fresh-caught seafood, or the coffee bar and gift shop, too.

Thrill-seekers will want to take the steep walk along the Cliffside Trail down to a secluded purple-sand beach. Here, the Black Swift waterfall tumbles down to the beach and rolls to the ocean — a great view that’s hidden from the road. (Just be sure to wear grippy shoes and save some stamina for the steep walk back up!)

No matter where you turn in Ragged Point, ocean views are never far. And as the gateway to Big Sur , it offers some of the first cliffside driving heading north (or some of the last heading south).

For motorcyclists, this section of Highway 1 is one of the most popular rides on the globe. If you love tight turns, narrow roads and expansive ocean views, this is the area for you.

Where’s the best place to stop for this adventure? Pull over here for easy access to Ragged Point scenic views . Or use our Ragged Point Activity Map for more points of interest nearby, including the famous Bixby Bridge on Highway 1. Other experiences might include dipping your toes in San Carpoforo Creek or snapping photos of the vintage Piedras Blancas Motel.

Vista Point at Hearst Memorial State Beach

Located just south of the entrance to San Simeon State Park , this vista point offers an ideal place for taking in effortless views. You can even park in the Hearst State Beach lot, off Highway 1, and see it all from the comfort of your vehicle. This is also a great place for whale watching, with its expansive ocean views. Bring binoculars to look for gray whales, minke whales, harbor seals, and sea otters, as well as dolphins and porpoises. These marine mammals are regular visitors to this stretch of shoreline. Do this from the bluffs above the beach, or with your toes wiggling in the warm sand below.

For the best place to stop on Highway 1, follow our map to the Vista Point at Hearst Memorial State Beach . Find plenty of other pullover activities on our San Simeon Road Trip Map. Sip award-winning wines at the Hearst Ranch tasting room then fish off the San Simeon Pier and take in the scenery. Or watch the kites of windsurfers and kiteboarders at Arroyo Laguna Beach, where winds can get up to 40 mph in the afternoons.

Moonstone Beach Drive

From Highway 1, it takes just a moment to pull onto this 2-mile oceanfront roadway that parallels the shoreline. Moonstone Beach lies below, a favorite hidden beach where locals come for excellent beachcombing that includes sea glass, colorful worn stones, and driftwood. Taking advantage of the classic coastal California views across Moonstone Beach Drive, several restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating here, overlooking the ocean.

Start at the north end of Moonstone Beach Drive; the best place to stop is at the Leffingwell Landing State Park parking lot . A trail leading toward Hearst State Beach stands here, for those wanting to take a stroll north. Otherwise, to walk toward Moonstone Beach Park, pick up the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk about 0.5 miles south of Leffingwell Landing . Walk the boardwalk, which spans the majority of the shoreline, for a romantic stroll or to watch seals from the viewing deck. If you’re driving rather than walking, the best place to stop for this spot is at the Santa Rosa Creek Parking Lot . The Moonstone Beach Park offers an ideal setting for a picnic or a sunset view. 

Many more attractions lie nearby in Cambria’s East and West Villages, including the Covell Clydesdale Ranch where horses roam over 2,000 acres. Or peak into the tiny Old Santa Rosa Chapel, Gardens & Cemetery, where Bing Crosby attended services when he stayed at Hearst Castle. For these and other Highway 1 road trip ideas in Cambria, see our Cambria Road Trip Map .

Old Creek Loop from Cambria to Cayucos

Looking for a scenic backcountry adventure while driving the Pacific coast? Follow this itinerary through the roads behind Cambria and Cayucos, forming  a loop with Highway 1. You can begin in Cambria at Santa Rosa Creek Road, or in Cayucos with Old Creek Road. Along the way, check out the views of Whale Rock Reservoir , a deep blue basin above Cayucos and the coastline. You can also buy slices of pie at the quaint Linn’s Fruit Bin Farmstand (temporarily closed), tucked into the hillsides surrounding Santa Rosa Creek Road. And don’t miss wine tasting at Stolo Family Vineyard & Winery ; you can even sit on their lush lawn to indulge in a picnic. For details on the itinerary, check out the Old Creek Loop route map .

Riders on a Pacific Coast Highway motorcycle trip will love this back-road loop, too. Here, motorcyclists can twist and wind through scenic farmland and over rolling hills. The intersection of Highway 46 offers opportunities to travel even deeper into the mountains west of Highway 1. Get lost on wine country backroads like Vineyard Drive, Peach Canyon and Chimney Rock Road. These can take you to Paso Robles winery tasting rooms, or out toward Lake Nacimiento, if you feel like making a day of it.

And if you’d like more things to do and see near Cambria, have a look at the Cambria Road Trip Map. You may consider tacking on a hike along the Fern Canyon Henry Kluck Memorial Trail or Strawberry Canyon.

Ocean View from Cayucos State Beach

On your road trip, pull over for a cruise down North Ocean Avenue in Cayucos , just a stone’s throw away from Highway 1. This is Cayucos’s main thoroughfare, running directly parallel to downtown, Cayucos State Beach, and the historic Cayucos Pier . North Ocean Avenue offers plenty of dining options, from clam chowder and fish and chips, tacos to farm-to-table fare. Pull over to grab a bite, then head to the Cayucos Pier, which is within walking distance of all downtown restaurants. Here you can walk the planks of Captain Cass’s pier, originally built in 1872, and watch surfers hang ten below. Kids will love the play structure, directly on the beach, and they may just spy dolphins or a whale spouting offshore.

Of course, the view from just about anywhere in Cayucos is picture-perfect, but some of the best spots are really tucked away. Make like a local and travel to the southern end of Cayucos State Beach. Here, you’ll nearly be “on” the beach, with a wide open view of the waves. Enjoy the ocean view from your car, or step out and take a stroll north to Cayucos Pier or south to Morro Rock . The best places to stop are in the parking lots for Morro Strand State Beach Day Use Area or Sand Dollars Beach .

Want to hang a bit longer in the Cayucos area? Try ideas from our Cayucos Road Trip Map , including wine tasting the Pacific Coast Wine Trail and hiking Harmony Headlands.

View of Spooner’s Cove and Montana de Oro

At 8,000 acres, with 7 miles of shoreline, Montana de Oro State Park makes for a lovely scenic drive. This special state park offers panoramas of Estero Bay as well as paths that wind beneath towering eucalyptus forests. The road that travels through it all is Pecho Valley Road, which extends directly from Los Osos to Montana de Oro State Park. 

One of the best places to stop is Spooner’s Cove , a secluded, magical beach cove with swimming, beachcombing and picnic facilities. Park in the parking lot, step out of your car, and you’re immediately right at the center of a locals’ favorite beach. Another best place to stop is further into the park, featuring grand ocean views you can take in from your car. To find this cliffside pull-over spot , drive slightly further past Spooner’s Cove to park between the Bluff Trail and the Spooner Ranch House .

Of course there’s a lot more to do nearby, like hiking the Black Hills Trail and bird-watching at the Elfin Forest. For more activities near Montana de Oro, check the Los Osos / Baywood Road Trip Map .

Scenic Views of the Avila Bay

Anyone who cruises Avila Beach Drive through Avila Beach can tell you what a stunning ocean-side drive it offers. But the hidden vistas and lesser-known views from historic Point San Luis Lighthouse are absolutely worth the hunt.

Pick up Lighthouse Drive near the end of Avila Beach Drive, before it terminates on the Harford / Port San Luis Pier. This will eventually lead you out to Point San Luis Lighthouse. The best place to stop is at the Point San Luis Lighthouse parking lot . Along the way, enjoy the remote coastal scenery, from both sides of the vehicle. At the parking lot, you’ll have access by stairs to a secluded beach cove, as well as the trailhead for the Pecho Coast Trail .

Pro tip: This Lighthouse Drive excursion is a much less-trafficked scenic drive than the more well-known cruise out to Pirate’s Cove off Cave Landing Road. Pirate’s Cove definitely delivers on amazing views, along with a bluff trail and a clothing-optional beach — but it can be very crowded. The best place to stop for this alternative adventure is in the parking lot at the end of Cave Landing Road .

For other activities nearby, like hayrides at the Avila Valley Barn or kayaking, paddleboarding and sport fishing, check our Avila Beach Road Trip Map .

Refresh the Soul with Uncrowded Beaches and Coastal Hiking

Think “California beaches” and you might picture busy spots where folks compete for space on the sand and in the surf. Not so here. The beaches on this stretch of Highway 1 are remarkably uncrowded and open, with sunshine and space aplenty in which to revel. Even better, these beaches are accessible right off the road, making it easy to turn any day into a spontaneous beach day. You’ll also find coastal hiking trails of various lengths and difficulty off Highway 1. Pull off and take a quick jaunt down to the beach or spend the day exploring the coastal plains, forests, and shoreline via winding paths. Breathe in the salty-fresh air and feel your workaday cares melt away. Reconnect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your planet. With something for everyone, Highway 1 beaches and trails offer a special way to restore your spirit and experience roadside coastline wonder.

Find Uncrowded Beaches and Wide-Open Spaces

We all long for space: space to breathe, space to explore, space to think. Thanks to our year-round comfortable climate and under-the-radar location, nearly every corner along our Highway 1 Road Trip is wide open and welcoming. Beaches offer miles and miles of unspoiled white sand and lush scenery that will take your breath away. Over a dozen state parks stand with gates open, begging to be explored. Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding fan out in every direction. Need your space? You will most definitely find it here.

Park for Coastal Hiking

The 100 miles of pristine coastline between Ragged Point and Nipomo comprise one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for hikers of any ability. Whether you want a casual boardwalk stroll, a moderate hike out to a waterfall, or a strenuous climb, your perfect hike is here. Pick a destination along Highway 1, find a spot to park, then locate the trailhead and start walking. It really is that easy — no need for 4-wheel drive, mosquito hats or topographical maps! Around here, coastal hiking is a regular part of everyday life, not just for special occasions. Do as the locals do and keep it simple and spontaneous, pulling over whenever you see a trailhead sign. Along Highway 1, they’re easy to find. No matter which hike you lace up for, you’ll always be within reach of secluded beaches, panoramic views, and curiosity-satisfying flora and fauna.

Park and Stroll the Estero Bluffs State Park

One of the best bang-for-your-buck walks off Highway 1, the Estero Bluffs trails can be explored a little or a lot. In other words, you don’t need hours to enjoy this dramatic state park. The trick is knowing where to find the 7 pull-outs that lead to the trails, midway between the towns of Harmony and Cayucos. These are nondescript dirt turnouts just off Highway 1 that can easily be missed without local know-how. If you find them, they’ll grant access to a magical coastal walk to view the state park and its namesake, the Estero Bluffs. Alternatively, you can just park and enjoy the ocean views from the comfort of your car.

For more activities to tackle en route to Cayucos, check out our Cayucos Discovery Loop Map . Here you’ll find ideas for your trip, like tasting cookies at Brown Butter Cookie Company and surfing and swimming at Cayucos State Beach.

Be Surprised and Amazed with Wildlife

People aren’t the only ones who value life along Highway 1 — animals do, too! Just like us, they enjoy the mild climate, towering mountains, lush forests, and coastal riches. Opportunities abound to witness wild creatures in their natural habitat here, as well as those just passing through. Highway 1 lies just beneath the Pacific Flyway, a superhighway in the sky for birds migrating between Canada and Mexico. Birders from all over come to our coastal communities to spot rare birds and log their findings. It’s also a hot spot for whale watching, with gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales and even orcas cruising offshore seasonally. (The Whale Trail organization has even named ten recommended whale watching spots here — the most of any area in California.) Each winter in Oceano, thousands of Monarch butterflies take up residence in a grove of eucalyptus trees, delighting visitors and locals alike. Also in late winter, huge populations of the Great Northern Elephant Seal show up to mate, pup and molt onshore in San Simeon. We even have zebras (yes, zebras!) that are descendents of those owned by billionaire William Randolph Hearst at Hearst Castle.

Elephant Seals & the Piedras Blancas Light Station

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s easy to see the Piedras Blancas Light Station from the road, but it’s not a close view. Some people park at the light station’s gated entrance to get a peek at it, but there’s actually a better way. 

As an alternative, park at the Elephant Seal Rookery viewing area, where thousands of Elephant Seals can be seen mere steps away. Enjoy viewing the wildlife, then walk the adjacent Boucher Trail , which travels to the Piedras Blancas Light Station , built in 1875. This easy 1.9-mile walk parallels the coastline and provides more chances for wildlife viewing. You can even schedule a tour of the Light Station on your way, making this one of the Central Coast’s best two-for-one itineraries. Access to the light station grounds is by guided tour only.

For this adventure, the best place to stop along Highway 1 is at the Elephant Seal Vista Point . In addition to elephant seals and lighthouses, San Simeon offers many more things to see on Highway 1. Travel back in time with a tour of opulent Hearst Castle, the home of historic newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. Or pull over to glimpse the famous zebras of Hearst Ranch, descendants of those in Hearst’s private zoo, still roaming beside Highway 1. These ideas and many more are available on our San Simeon Activity Map .

Zebras Along Highway 1

For decades, people have pulled over on Highway 1, shocked to see zebras grazing on the plains of San Simeon. Native to southern Africa, they are a sight to behold here, amongst the coastal cliffs, towering mountains and grandeur of Hearst Castle. It’s no accident that these zebras reside near Hearst’s magnificent estate: they were once members of his private zoo. He called his menagerie the “Hearst Garden of Comparative Zoology,” and it was the largest private zoo in the world in the 1930s. The zoo included lions, leopards, jaguars, tigers, grizzly bears, orangutans and an elephant, among other species. A lifelong animal-lover, Hearst hired a full-time veterinarian to his staff to care for the animals and ensure they were healthy and safe. When Hearst lost much of his fortune in 1937, he began dismantling the zoo — a process that lasted 15 years. Even then, the Hearst zoo never fully disappeared; zebras continue to cruise the property, as well as several other descendent species. Spying the zebras’ iconic black and white stripes along Highway 1 is one of the great pleasures of traveling this equally iconic roadway.

Butterfly Groves and the Oceano Dunes

Thousands of Monarch Butterflies migrate to the eucalyptus trees within the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove each year. Directly on Highway 1, this incredible sight is one of the easiest wildlife viewing opportunities available on the Central Coast. The best place to stop on your Highway 1 road trip is the Monarch Butterfly Grove parking lot , just south of Pismo Beach.

After marveling at the Monarchs, drive 2 miles south to discover California’s only drive-able beach! The best place to stop for this is at the entrance to the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve . The ideal time for most vehicles to drive the beach is during low tide. Stick to driving over the hard-packed sand closer to the water to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand further from the shoreline. (Find a tide table for this area at Central Coast Weather .) Parking is also available at the park’s entrance for those who can’t or don’t want to drive onto the beach. 

Pro tip: South of the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve lies Oso Flaco Lake, which drains into the ocean via Oso Flaco Creek. While this area is well worth a visit, crossing the creek without a four-wheel drive vehicle is not recommended.

Can you ride motorcycles on the beach? Yes, you can; in fact, it’s welcomed. Keep in mind that it’s recommended to stay on the hard pack sand unless you’re riding a full enduro or dirt bike. That said, if you have the right kind of bike, you can easily venture deep into the dunes — a bucket-list adventure, if ever there was one. Dirt bikes are available for rent, along with ATVs, dune buggies and just about any other kind of vehicle you can think of.

For more activities nearby, including stellar golfing and side-splitting comedy at the Great American Melodrama, download the Oceano / Nipomo Road Trip Map .

Pacific Coast Highway Motorcycle Trip

The jaw-dropping stretch of Highway 1 between Big Sur and Santa Barbara County is often considered one of the best roads for motorcycling in the nation. Here, the climate is mild most of the year, perfect for freewheeling under the sun. Each of the destinations and drives below work just as well on two wheels as they do on four or more. The diversity of terrain will excite even the most veteran rider, while giving novices and easy riders plenty of choice.

Before embarking on a Highway 1 motorcycle trip, be sure to plan your itinerary to travel both north and south on Highway 1. For instance, if you’re traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, be sure to take Highway 1 both directions. This will give you right-side views of the ocean driving southbound, and easier and safer access to turnouts, since turning lanes are rare on Highway 1.

Also, you can of course ride in on a motorcycle, but you can also drive in and rent a motorcycle while here. This is a good option for those who want the comfort of indoor travel over long distances, and the thrill of motorcycling to explore the Central Coast. That way, you can tour Highway 1 at your leisure.

Top 10 Reasons You Should Take a Highway 1 Road Trip

It’s the journey, not the destination! When it comes to taking a road trip on Highway 1, you’re bound to enjoy every mile along the

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Pacific Coast Highway: Where to Stop on Your Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway is easily one of the best drives in the entire world. With tons of beautiful coastal views, two of the most famous cities in the country, some of the best seafood you have ever had and plenty to see along the way, it is a drive you have to experience once in your life. I have driven the entirety of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California three times and many individual sections countless times. One of the questions I am most often asked is, “What is the best place to stop along Pacific Coast Highway?” This question is difficult to answer as PCH is different every time I drive it and depending on how much time you have, you can stop at 20 places or 200 along the way. This post was designed to help you plan and get excited for your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip. I have included a guide for taking a seven-day journey on PCH, a detailed history of the highway, and my recommendations for food and hotels below. Plus, I did the drive again in 2022 with my dad and made a 2 hour video on the entire route which you can watch as well. Hopefully, this helps when you plan your trip, and don’t forget to let me know what places I have missed in the comments.

Pacific Coast Highway 7 Day Road Trip Video

In June of 2022, I set out to drive all of Pacific Coast Highway with my dad over 7 days. I documented all of the stops along the way in a 2 hour video I made for my YouTube Channel. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway.

24 Best Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

Here are my twenty five favorite stops on PCH from south to north. Click on the image to learn more about the stop.

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach has the famous pirates tower of Laguna Beach, which is was built to allow the resident down from their home to beach below. It is no longer used but it is a awesome spot to see.

Venice Beach

One of my favorite spots for people watching, this boardwalk and beach is a crazy area to explore for a few hours.

One of the most beautiful places in all of Southern California, the small hike up to Point Dume is not something you will quickly forget.

Point Mugu State Park

This state park has a lot of nice hiking, especially for a Southern California. Check out the Sycamore Canyon trail for amazing views.

McConnell’s Ice Cream

While all of State St is fun, especially for shoppers, McConnell’s ice cream is a spot I stop at on pretty much every road trip through the area.

La Purisima Mission State Park

This is a fantastic example of California’s mission history. The mission here is wonderfully recreated and it gives you a great taste of early California life.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

When the butterflies are actually here (Nov – Jan) this spot can’t be beat. There are literally tens of thousands of butterflies in this small grove.

Pismo Beach / Splash Cafe

The boardwalk and beach here are beautiful. Add to that the surfer culture and the amazing clam chowder at Splash Cafe and you have an easy recommendation.

Madonna Inn

This eclectic hotel is my favorite spot to stay on PCH. Every room is different and the men’s bathroom has a fountain urinal.

Morro Rock is overpowering and beautiful when you head up PCH near Morro Bay. This is a great spot to watch the sunset or to kayak in the bay.

Hearst Castle

Most people know what Hearst Castle is but it truly is a unique spot to visit and one that is easy to recommend. It will take at least a half day but you will be blown away by it all.

McWay Waterfall

California’s waterfall that falls directly onto the beach has been seen in photos all over the world, so you should make a point to stop at it.

Pfeiffer State Beach

This may be my favorite beach in all of California. It has a massive rock with an arch, purple sand when it rains and a small parking lot that always makes it feel secluded.

Bixby Bridge

One of the most photogenic spots on PCH, Bixby Bridge will take your breath away. It is a quick stop but one you will remember.

Monterey Aquarium

Probably the best aquarium in the entire United States, Monterey Aquarium has so much to look at you will be overwhelmed, in a good way

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

Right on the Santa Cruz boardwalk, this fantastic old wooden roller coaster from 1924 is something that you really should ride while driving up PCH.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Santa Cruz has a lot of great spots and great food places, but Natural Bridges State Park is one of my favorites by far. This beach has a beautiful rock arch about 20 feet out in the water and is a great spot for sunset.

Palace of Fine Arts

European architecture in the heart of San Francisco, Palace of Fine Arts is one of my favorites spots for photography in the city.

Golden Gate Bridge

What do I really need to say about this bridge? Of course you have to visit it while on PCH as it is one of the most iconic spots in all of California.

Muir Beach Overlook

Another often skipped but yet beautiful quick stop, this overlook provides an awesome birds-eye view of the coastline.

Hog Island Oyster Company

If you like oysters then you don’t need any more information, if you don’t like them then you need to try them here, fresh out of the water and mind-blowing good.

Point Arena Lighthouse

This 60 foot tall lighthouse right out on the cliffs is a great spot for views and for learning more about the lighthouses that used to dot the California coastline.

Glass Beach

The beach where people threw trash and the ocean turned that trash into smooth pieces of glass. It is a crazy spot to see.

Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

Right where PCH ends is the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree in the town of Leggett. No trip down Highway 1 is complete without a photo of your car going through it.

Pacific Coast Highway FAQ

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Route 1, AKA Pacific Coast Highway, is 655 miles.

Where does it start and end?

The official start of Pacific Coast Highway is in Orange County in the city of Dana Point. The end is at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 101 in Leggett.

When is the best time to drive Pacific Coast Highway?

The best time to drive the Pacific Coast Highway is in the spring or fall. If you’re traveling during summer, prepare for high temperatures and heavy traffic on the road.

How long should I plan for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

Since the drive is about 650 miles long and it takes most people 4-5 days to do it depending on how much sightseeing they do along the way. It’s not recommended to attempt it all at once because there are so many beautiful spots along the way that deserve more than a passing glance and you cannot drive fast on many of the narrow roads, so it takes longer than you would think. I recommend 7 days if you have it, but 4-5 days will allow you to see a lot as well.

How is the drive?

Driving along the PCH in certain sections like Big Sur is like driving on a roller coaster — there are lots of curves, narrow lanes and steep drop-offs. While most of this highway is two lane roads with limited shoulders and relatively straight, there are also few sections where it becomes four lane divided highways such as between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, which allows drivers who want faster speeds access to passing lanes if needed.

Is it easy to follow?

Outside of the Los Angeles portion, which can be a little tough to navigate, the route is pretty straightforward and easy to follow.

What are the best sections of Pacific Coast Highway?

For me, here are the best sections from South to North

• Laguna Beach: The region is known for its breathtaking beaches and some of the best Southern Califronia beaches can be found here.
• Santa Barbara: An amazing California coastal town with great food, shopping and activities.
• Big Sur: This is the quintessential PCH experience with some of the most stunning coastal views you will ever see.
• Point Reyes / Tomales Bay: If you have the time to visit Point Reyes Seashore, do it. It has one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the drive and miles a hiking trails.
• Mendocino: This small town has some of the best coastal views in the Northern California section.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Road Trip Day Guides

If you are interested in driving the 600+ miles that makes up Pacific Coast Highway, then check out how I broke down each of my 7 days below. These day itineraries are designed to give you an example of how you can do the drive but you may want to do less or more spots each day than I did.

–  Dana Point to Malibu

–  Malibu to San Luis Obispo

–  San Luis Obispo to Monterey

–  Monterey to San Francisco

–  San Francisco to Mendocino

–  Mendocino / Fort Bragg to Eureka

Continue the Journey (Oregon and Washington)

Interested in continuing up to the Oregon state line or even all the way up to Seattle? Check out these other posts I wrote to help make the most of your journey along the coast of both Oregon and Washington.

Eureka to Oregon

–  Eureka to the Oregon State Line

Oregon & Washington Coast Stops

–  Oregon and Washington 4 Day Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway eBook

I created this ebook after my 2022 Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. In the ebook it has FAQ, some of my top spots, a suggested itinerary and a link to the map with all of my stops on it. If you are interested, you can purchase it below.

Map of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Stops

The above ebook has a link to the map I created with all of the stops that I did on my last trip. It is a great resources for planning your trip along PCH since the stops are already added to the map for you.

Food on Pacific Coast Highway

Here are a few of my favorite places for food on Pacific Coast Highway.

• The Crab Cooker in Newport –  Fresh shrimp cocktails and seafood.  Review here
• Schooner or Later in Long Beach-  A great stop for breakfast, get there early as the wait can be long. Order “The Mess”.  Review here
• Neptune’s Net in Malibu –  Seafood sampler and tacos with optional frozen yogurt after.  Review here
• Spencer Makenzie’s in Ventura  – You must have the Ahi Pockets, you simple must.
• Johnny’s Tacos in Ventura –  Awesome deep fried crispy tacos at this tiny Mexican place.
• Tupelo Junction in Santa Barbara  – Amazing stop for breakfast, I recommend the Crab Cakes or Pumpkin Waffle.  Review here
• Santa Barbara Seafood Company in Santa Barbara – The onion rings are to die for, as are the oyster shots and great Cioppino, right on the pier.  Review here
• McConnell’s Ice Cream in Santa Barbara –  A must stop in Santa Barbara, try the Churros Con Chocolate and the Salted Carmel.
• Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo – Simply my favorite place for clam chowder, it is amazing. They have locations in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.  Review here
• Black Cat Bistro in Cambria-  Very high-end dinner spot, but amazing food if you are a foodie like me. Order anything with scallops.  Review here
• Linns Bakery in Cambria –  You must go here for the Olallieberry pie, it is fantastic and not a fruit you see often.
• Old Fish Grotto in Monterey – Great restaurant on the pier with fantastic clam chowder. Review here
• LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle in Monterey – Pancakes bigger than your plate. It’s an amazing breakfast spot. Review here
• The Little Chihuahua in San Francisco –  Try the fried plantain burrito for something totally unique. Open late.  Review here
• Brenda’s Soul Food in San Francisco –  One of my favorite places in all of California, try the shrimp and grits and the crawfish beignets.  Review here
• Mama’s in San Francisco  – Another amazing breakfast spot, but you have to get there early it is small and gets so packed. Get the Eggs Benedict.  Review here .
• Hog Island Oyster Company  – Fresh Oyster right out of the water, pretty much the only way to eat them.  Review here .

Where to Stay on Pacific Coast Highway

This is not a definitive list of where to stay but here are some of the great state parks you can camp in (arranged from South to North) and hotels at the end.

• Leo Carrillo State Park – Camping information
• McGrath State Beach – Camping information
• Emma Wood State Beach – Camping information
• Carpinteria State Beach – Camping information
• El Capitan State Beach – Camping information
• Refugio State Beach – Camping information
• Gaviota State Park – Camping information
• Oceano Dunes Recreation Area – Camping information
• Morro Bay State Park – Camping information
• Hearst San Simeon State Park – Camping information
• Limekiln State Park – Camping information
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Camping information
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – Camping information
• Manresa State Beach – Camping information
• Half Moon Bay State Beach – Camping information
• Sonoma Coast State Park – Camping information
• Salt Point State Park – Camping information
• Manchester State Park – Camping information
• Van Damme State Park – Camping information
• Mackerricher State Park – Camping information
• Standish-Hickey State Reserve – Camping information
• Richardson Grove State Park – Camping information
• Benbow Lake State Reserve – Camping information
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Patrick’s Point State Park – Camping information
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Camping information
• Del Norte Redwoods State Park – Camping information

Here are my suggestions. I have either stayed at all of these myself or they have been recommended to me by people I trust. These links are affiliate links so if this post was helpful, consider booking a hotel through one of these links.

• It is hard to recommend a hotel here as the city is so big and there are so many great options.  Browse this list  and pick one that is in your budget and location.
• Canary  – Located super close to State St, it is a beautiful hotel with a great location. It can be more expensive though.
• Hotel Milo  – A cheaper option which is walking distance from the pier. Santa Barbara is just an expensive place to stay in general.
• SeaVenture Beach Hotel  – A fun little hotel right on the beach with a unique style and only a 10-minute walk from downtown Pismo Beach and the pier.
• Madonna Inn  – One of my favorite hotels on this entire drive, it’s super eclectic and fun.
• Sea Otter Inn  – Relaxing hotel with breakfast delivered in the morning and a great location next to the water.
• Big Sur River Inn  – Fun little hotel, and a cheaper option in Big Sur. Rooms are nothing to write home about but a super fun vibe and a great location.
• InterContinental  – Beautiful hotel that is right on Cannery Row and many rooms look out over the ocean.
• Cannery Row Inn  – Cheaper hotel with a good location at the end of Cannery Row.
• The Monterey Hotel – Historic Victorian hotel in the heart of Monterey
• Ocean Pacific Hotel  – A no-frills hotel with a fantastic location. Walking distance from the famous pier but you can rent bikes form them as well.
• The Ritz Carlton  – If you can afford it then this is the place to stay. It is one of the most famous hotels on the entire drive as it sits out on the bluffs looking over the bay, but of course, it is far out of my price range. If you are not staying here I would stay in Santa Cruz or push onto San Francisco.
• Like Los Angeles, there are so many hotels here and most are fantastic, I would just  browse this list  and see what is in your price range.
• Hill House Inn  – Beautiful old hotel that I stayed at and recommend. The hotel itself is historic and it is a 5 minute walk from the main downtown street.
• Carter House Inn  – If you are looking for a historic place to stay than the Victorian style of the Carter House Inn is a winner. However, it is a more expensive option.
• Eureka Town House  – This is another no-frills cheap hotel, but it has a fantastic location near the old town so it is a good spot to stay.

History of Pacific Coast Highway

Construction of the Pacific Coast Highway, California State Highway 1, started in the 1920’s as a planned 1,400-mile link between the Mexican and Canadian borders. The road now runs nearly continuously from San Juan Capistrano in Orange County in the south to United States Highway 101 near Leggett in Mendocino County in the north.

The highway might not exist today had a single determined Malibu landowner prevailed in her long struggle to enjoin Los Angeles County from starting it. Since at least the 1890s, a primitive carriage road had run the rocky coast north from Santa Monica only to end at a barrier at her property line. A formidable opponent, in 1906 she forced the Southern Pacific Railroad to run its tracks around rather than through Malibu to reach Santa Barbara.

In 1907 when the county proposed to extend the coastal road through Malibu, she challenged the county’s exercise of eminent domain and stalled it for years. The court in 1923 finally awarded title of the Malibu right of way to the government and $107,289 to the tenacious challenger as compensation.

Construction of California Highway 1 was piecemeal; the first part completed was the central segment that passes through Big Sur. This is probably the most famous for its scenery. Authorized in 1919 by a state bond measure and constructed over 18 years with some labor from San Quentin prison inmates (paid 35 cents per day), it opened in 1937. Although popular for its scenic beauty, the Big Sur segment can be hazardous. Landslides and erosion have caused several closures for repairs.

The rugged terrain of the 100-mile Big Sur segment of California Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon required construction of 32 bridges. The first, small timber structure over Salmon Creek about 19 miles north of San Simeon opened in 1928. The Bixby Bridge about 13 miles south of Carmel, completed in 1932, was the most difficult to build. Its deck, 356 feet long and 260 feet high, rests on two concrete abutments fastened to sheer cliff walls at a point 140 feet above the ground. The National Register of Historic Places lists seven concrete arch bridges between Point Sur and Carmel.

In 1925, construction began to extend Route 60 between San Juan Capistrano and Oxnard farther north to Ventura. At Point Mugu, the construction cut a path through the coastal mountains, creating Mugu Rock in the process. Then, in 1931, work on Route 56 progressed south from Cambria to San Luis Obispo.

A 1933 expansion of the state highway system extended Route 56 southward from Pismo Beach through Guadalupe and Lompoc to Las Cruces and northward along the coast from Carmel through Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Part of this segment between Pacifica and Daly City suffered major earthquake damage in March 1957 and unfortunately became unusable.

Several segments north of San Francisco completed the Pacific Coast Highway: one from the Golden Gate to Valley Ford in Sonoma County, a second from Jenner to Westport in Mendocino County, and a third from Westport northeast to Leggett, where California Highway 1 now joins United States Highway 101.

The Pacific Coast Highway and its segments have had numerous names and numbers. The Big Sur segment was initially the Carmel–San Simeon Highway or Route 56. The Highway 1 designation first appeared locally in 1939. After construction and joinder of all segments, the official designation of California Highway 1 followed in 1964.

Route 56 along Big Sur became California’s first state scenic highway in 1965. In 1966, Lady Bird Johnson led an official ceremony at Bixby Bridge as the federal government designated the California Highway 1 as an All-American Road.

Make sure to leave a comment with your favorite spot below .

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Best Stops on Highway 1: California Road Trip Itinerary

Post Topic: Best Stops on Highway 1

Our road trip down the coast on California’s Highway 1 was a bittersweet one. It was the start of a long road trip back to the Lone Star State. Randy and I had spent over five months away from home, working remotely, and exploring America’s vast beauty and diversity. We had mixed feelings about heading back to Dallas, but we were just trying to soak up every last minute of our epic trip.

After heading up to Redwoods National Park and making it within 5 miles of the Oregon border (still kicking ourselves for not crossing that border), we were a grand total of 2,100 miles away from home. We started our grand trek home with an unforgettable trip down the California Coast on the famous Highway 1.

Is your California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip a part of a longer trip? You may also like these articles:

10 Can’t Miss Stops on the Oregon Coast

Channel Islands National Park – Santa Cruz Island

• 10 Jaw-Dropping Things to do in Redwoods National and State Parks

How to Plan an Unforgettable U.S. Road Trip

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you buy something through those links my blog will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to create free resources like the one you just read. Thank you for the support!

Map of the Best Stops on Highway 1

You can experience the magic of Highway 1 from either direction. Although, I do highly recommend driving from north to south as you’ll have the ocean views and pull offs to the right.

Leggett to San Francisco: Best Stops on Highway 1

Did you know that Highway 1 doesn’t go all the way up California to the border of Oregon? It actually starts much further south in Leggett, California.

If yo u’re wanting to explore the coast of California north of the start of CA-1, check out my post on Redwoods National Park which has lots to see and do on the coast.

There’s actually not much to do in Leggett, but it’s where we’ll start this road trip. The first city you’ll come to on the California 1 is Fort Bragg where you can check out the Glass Beach in MacKerricher State Park .

A bit further south you’ll find Jug Handle Beach, which wasn’t originally on our road trip itinerary. As we were driving past, I got a glimpse of this small beach perfectly situated in a little alcove and I insisted that Randy pull the car over for a quick stroll on the beach. So glad we did!

Mendocino is a short drive south from Fort Bragg. Check out Mendocino Headlands State Park for insane views of the coastal bluffs. There are a couple of easy trails along the cliffs that provide epic sights of the ocean and rock formations below. Keep your eyes open for seals and other wildlife in the area.

After checking out the state park, spend some time strolling the streets of charming Mendocino. Some great local places to check out are Mendocino Country Store , which offers wine tastings on the weekends, and Mendocino Jams and Preserves.

Up for some exercise? Head to the Big River Estuary and rent a kayak from Catch a Canoe or check out one of the nearby hiking trails.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Our next big stop on the Pacific Coast Highway is Point Reyes National Seashore . Point Reyes was one of the places that I was most excited to visit on our road trip down the coast. Unfortunately, we visited on a day with super dense fog that impeded our view of a lot of the most popular landmarks in the park.

If you’re wanting to “better your chances” of seeing the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse and other sights, plan to visit in the afternoon after the sun has burned off most of the fog.

Here’s a few things to see while you’re at Point Reyes:

• Visit the abandoned Point Reyes Shipwreck in Inverness . This interesting landmark is a must-see!
• Take a short hike to the Chimney Rocks , one of the best views in Point Reyes National Seashore.
• Visit the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse . What’s a coastal drive without a few lighthouses?

Palace Market in Point Reyes Station is the perfect place to grab a deli lunch. Head to the back of the grocery store for a selection of pre-made and build-your-own sandwiches that are delicious and super fresh! Their buffalo milk soft-serve ice cream is also delicious and worth a try!

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is located only an hour north of San Francisco and is known for its long sandy beaches. It’s also the first town on this road trip that gives off a surf-town vibe.

If it’s a sunny day, park your car at the beach and then spend some time strolling the walkable tiny town.

Wanting more epic views of the coast? If it’s a clear day, head up to the Muir Beach Overlook .

San Francisco Area: Best Stops on Highway 1

Next up, the great city of San Francisco! If you can, stay here for a couple of days to take in all of the sights and sounds.

San Francisco has a special place in my heart as it was the first city I traveled to as an adult. Planning that trip did a lot to inspire me to start this blog. I actually wrote my first blog post ever on San Francisco, which I’ve since revamped. Go check it out here!

There’s lots to do here but make sure that you check out these epic stops on Highway 1!

But before you actually get to San Francisco, stop at Muir Woods National Monument which is in Mill Valley, just 30 minutes north of the city. Muir Woods, named after naturalist John Muir, is one of the best places in California to see the Coastal Redwoods. Parking at Muir Woods requires a reservation which you can obtain here .

You can easily spend a couple of hours or all day hiking the trails in Muir Woods. I recommend hiking the Main Trail and Hillside Trail for an easy loop trail that features the best views of Redwood Trees that Muir Woods has to offer.

San Francisco

No California Coast road trip would be complete without a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. For a different vantage point of the bridge, check out Fort Point, Marshall’s Beach , and Golden Gate Overlook . Riding a bike across the Golden Gate is also an unforgettable experience.

Continuing along highway 1, you’ll find lots of great beaches in SF like Ocean Beach . I once found over a dozen perfectly intact sand dollars from this beach.

Note: If you plan to fly home, sand dollars may trigger an additional search at airport security . I may or may not know this from experience.

Add Golden Gate Park to your San Francisco Highway 1 itinerary. Fun fact, Golden Gate Park is the 3rd most visited park in the United States. You’ll find lots of great museums, gardens, and even a Dutch windmill.

Is this your first visit to San Francisco? Check out my First Timer’s Guide to San Francisco.

San Francisco to Big Sur: Best Stops on Highway 1

We didn’t make too many stops on our way to Big Sur from San Francisco but there are a few places that we highly recommend stopping at. One of those places is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to explore the tide pools. This stop is a must if you’re traveling with kids! Spend some time hunting for crabs and other sea creatures – you may also be able to see sea lions down the beach.

Further down the coast, check out the Pigeon Point Light Station State Park , one of the most picturesque lighthouses on this coastal road trip. If you’re visiting this area near lunch or dinner time, make a stop at Highway 1 Brewing Company for some bites and brews.

No trip down the Pacific Coast would be complete without a stop in Monterrey . While we only made a quick stop in Monterrey, you could easily spend several days in this part of California.

If you’re looking to get out of the car and stretch your legs, walk the Monterrey Bay Coastal Trail. Or rent a bike and explore on two-wheels! Carmel Beach is a great spot to soak up some rays.

Monterrey (and Carmel-by-the-Sea) is located just north of Big Sur which makes it a great place to stop for food and essentials before continuing south where amenities and services become limited.

Big Sur: Best Stops on Highway 1

Big Sur is by far the most popular and well-known section of the Pacific Coast Highway and it’s not hard to figure out why. This 90-mile stretch of coast is absolutely breath-taking around every bend.

Although some disagree on where the Big Sur area begins and ends, most agree that the northern end starts at the Carmel River and the southern end, San Carpoforo Creek.

There are many state parks, state beaches, coastal hikes, redwood tree groves, and other amazing things to see in Big Sur. And like I just mentioned, this area is full of incredible nature parks but few food and gas services so make sure you plan accordingly.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is by far a favorite stop in Big Sur. The park is only a few minutes from the town of Carmel, California.

There is a $10 parking fee to enter the park, but there were many visitors who were parking along the road outside of the park and walking in for free. This was a popular method but also a necessity for some as parking in the park did fill up mid-morning.

The views at Point Lobos were some of the most picturesque we saw on the entire Pacific Coast Highway.

Other things to see in Big Sur

If you’ve seen pictures of Big Sur before, you’ll probably recognize the Bixby Creek Bridge . This iconic bridge is most known for its aesthetic design and is actually one of the most photographed bridges in the world!

Next on your road trip, make a stop at Pfeiffer beach . This was VERY high on my list of places to see, however, the parking situation was horrible. We weren’t even able to make it to the parking lot because at attendant turned us away saying to come back later than afternoon. And unfortunately, we had to stick to a schedule and keep making our way south. So next time, we’ll be making time for Pfeiffer Beach and arriving earlier in the day.

Nearly across the street from Pfeiffer Beach is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . A GREAT place for camping if you can manage to snag a hard-to-get reservation. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located on the banks of the Big Sur River and is home to many more of California’s incredible Redwood Trees. Even if you’re not camping, there are a few hiking trails along the river and Redwoods that are worth checking out.

Another one of the most beautiful stops on the Pacific Coast Highway is McWay Falls in Julia Burns Big Sur State Park. This water fall is absolutely stunning as it cascades off a cliff and onto the beach below.

Unfortunately, you are unable to hike down to the waterfall and the only way to see this incredible wonder is from a lookout above the falls. The parking fee at Julia Burns Big Sur is $10/vehicle. But if you are able to find parking along the road (and park LEGALLY), then you can walk into the park for free.

We found Julia Burns Big Sur State Park very crowded but the waterfall was simply breathtaking and so worth it. And I usually don’t say crowded spots are worth it.

Big Sur to Santa Barbara: Best Stops on Highway 1

After you leave Big Sur, make a stop at Elephant Seal Vista Point to see the funny-looking elephant seals. These awkward looking creatures are really a funny sight to watch. Between their goofy looking “elephant trunks” and their grumpy attitudes. The vista point is right off the highway and makes a perfect 10-15 minute stop.

Next up, make a stop in the city of Cayucos for delicious eats and fun shopping. The Brown Butter Cookie Company is a must for their shortbread cookies. If you’re ready for a real meal with a view, check out Schooners for some classic American Seafood. They’re located right by the pier, so after your meal, walk out on the pier and watch the local surfers riding the waves.

Morro Rock is located further south and is another incredible sight to see. Morro Rock Beach is one of the largest beaches I’ve seen. Stop here for a walk or a swim.

I highly recommending you plan your itinerary to be in Pismo Beach for breakfast. A stop at Old West Cinnamon Rolls is a must. You can thank me later.

Santa Barbara

The very last stop on this epic road trip is the city of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is actually the first spot on this road trip that you’ll get to experience what many people consider to be the stereo-typical California sights – think Spanish style architecture and streets lined with palm trees.

Spend your time exploring the sights of Santa Barbara, like the Old Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, or Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Or simply spend the day laying on a warm sunny beach like East Beach.

If you’re interested in indulging in a whale watching tour on your trip down the coast, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to do that. You’ll find many whale watching tours departing from here.

Bonus Stop: Channel Islands National Park

If you have an extra day in the Santa Barbara area, consider a day trip to Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers operates tour boats from Ventura, California (and sometimes Santa Barbara) to various islands in the national park.

We did a day trip to Santa Cruz Island from Ventura a couple of years ago, and it was an outstanding experience! I highly recommend taking the time to do this incredible excursion. Especially if you’re an avid hiker.

Pack These for a California Highway 1 Road Trip

1. good hiking shoes.

There are so many great hiking trails on the California Coast! Especially in the state parks in Big Sur.

It’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator , Teva Universal Trail (trail sandal) , and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof . My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them.

I love being able to switch between a solid hiking boot and a trail sandal with excellent traction on the easier or wet trails. I’m very prone to blisters and having different shoes to change into makes a world of difference.

2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack

It’s important to stay hydrated on hiking trails. Even if the conditions are wet & rainy and you may not think about drinking water.

To keep your drink extra cold, go with a  Hydroflask , which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene .

On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack .

3. Snacks & More Snacks

Every good road trip requires good snacks. Make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day. full of driving & hiking.

Some of our favorite road trip and trail snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars , and RX Bars .

4. Wool Clothes & Moisture Wicking Clothes

I HIGHLY recommend wool material clothes for both road trips and hiking. Wool is the best at keep your cool when the temperatures are warm and keeping you warm when it’s cold out. It’s natural fibers are great for pulling the moisture and sweat away from your body and don’t cause the build-up of bacteria. Meaning wool clothes won’t start to smell like your polyester shirt!

These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!

6. Lots of Layers (including a Rain Jacket)

You can expect the temperatures on the coast to be cooler than you expect. Literally. In the middle of July, I didn’t go many places without my puffer jacket (although I was still wearing shorts). Definitely pack and carry a jacket with you. Especially during an early morning or late evening hike.

A rain jacket is absolutely essential. Rain on the coast is very likely.

More California Adventures

• 10 Unforgettable Things to Do on Your First Trip to San Francisco
• A Perfect Weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

Pacific Coast Highway: The Road of the American Dream

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Also known as Route 1 or Highway 1 , the Pacific Coast Highway is the road of the American Dream, a U.S. route that offers beautiful views of the coast along the 620-mile road from Orange County (near Dana Point, south of Los Angeles ) to Mendocino County (just above San Francisco , in Leggett), that covers almost the entire California coast.

A Pacific Coast Highway road trip passes through desolate moors and viewpoints that allow you to enjoy the rare and amazing natural beauty of the coast. The possibilities are endless but a common route is to take the coastal scenic route from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa), and often people extend the journey and continue south to San Diego , a city with beautiful beaches and pleasant temperatures.

But a road trip on Highway 1 doesn’t only offer unforgettable scenic views. Even history buffs will find something of interest. Along the Pacific Coast you will find the many Franciscan missions that were built in California starting the eighteenth century, all included in the historical itinerary El Camino Real . We start our Pacific Coast Highway itinerary from the south, from the beaches of Orange County, and will head north towards San Francisco Bay and beyond.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Orange county, located south of los angeles, from los angeles to santa barbara, hearst castle and big sur, the monterey peninsula, san francisco bay area and marin county, north of san francisco: the last stretch of highway 1, how long is the pacific coast highway.

Usually, the last stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, which crosses Orange County, is traveled on the way from Los Angeles to San Diego . Best known for Disneyland , Orange County is a region that can boast many incredible attractions, including the beautiful beaches and charming hidden coves that characterize Laguna Beach , the area’s most popular beach destination, but also interesting historical places, such as San Juan Capistrano , 11 miles south of Laguna Beach, which, in addition to its historic district , has one of the most fascinating missions on the entire California coast.

If you love surfing, there are a few places where you can go in search of the perfect wave, starting with Huntington Beach . Many consider it the surf capital of the United States (not surprisingly it was renamed “Surf City USA”). There are also Newport Beach and The Wedge , on the southern end of the Balboa Peninsula .

This section of Highway 1 is not particularly impressive to drive along, but it can be very rewarding if you decide to stop in the various coves and inlets that the Laguna Beach area offers along the way (e.g. the cliffs of Treasure Island Park ). For a list of recommended stops, please refer to our guide of Laguna Beach.

Continuing north, pass through Long Beach and plan to stop next in Santa Monica , one of the most famous destinations in the Greater Los Angeles area , known throughout the world for its amusement park on the pier (Santa Monica Pier ) and for being the end of Route 66 . Next, head to Malibu , a stretch of the coast that was renamed “27 miles of great views”, and then on to Santa Barbara , at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, a green valley full of vineyards and farms that you can also cross via Highway 101 , an alternative and faster road that goes from Los Angeles to San Francisco .

Santa Barbara is a destination that really deserves an extended visit, especially because of the multiple pieces of history and the many Spanish Colonial buildings. Since you are here, take the opportunity to make a detour in a very unusual town, Solvang , a Danish town in the USA.

Further north, the Pacific Coast Highway begins to show its most majestic and impressive scenery, rising 1640 to 3280 ft above the roaring waves of the Pacific. Considered by many as America’s most fascinating scenic road , the rugged and wild 90-mile drive that stretches from Hearst Castle , just past the interesting towns of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo , is bound to win the hearts of road trip enthusiasts.

Big Sur , which is bordered by the rugged mountains of Saint Lucia to the east and the Pacific to the west, is certainly the most fascinating section of the coast, “A place of greatness and eloquent silence”, as described by Henry Miller, the author of the novel Tropic of Cancer .

It was practically inaccessible before the Pacific Coast Highway was built. Thanks to the work of prisoners and New Deal funds, Big Sur was completed in 1937 and began to attract tourists. Its beauty has inspired artists and writers like Miller, whose books and photographs can be found at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and alternative thinkers, some of whom helped found the Esalen Institute.

Proudly protected by its 1,500 inhabitants, Big Sur offers landscapes that seem to be taken from a Romantic painting. The land is splashed by the impetuous waves of the ocean and circumscribed by curved and narrow roads that wind along the edge of the sheer mountains. You will definitely want to take pictures at Bixby Bridge , the famous symbol of this road.

Hearst Castle, located near Pfeiffer State Beach , a beach with violet sand and picturesque sea stacks, is another unforgettable place, and if you are looking for somewhere to take a break and relax, stop by Nepenthe for a drink, a restaurant with an outdoor patio 2,625 ft above the sea.

For more details about things to do in the area, check out our guide on how to visit Big Sur .

The most spectacular section of Highway 1 is behind us, but this road still has a lot of surprises for us. The Monterey Peninsula is a treasure trove with many places to discover, starting with Carmel By the Sea , a charming town with a beautiful mission, then Monterey , famous for its large aquarium and many well-preserved historic buildings, the 17-mile Drive , a winding scenic road that runs along the ocean around Carmel Point, and Pebble Beach , an area frequented by wealthy people that has golf courses, luxurious villas, as well as charming views of the sea and trees with unusual shapes.

In addition, there is also Pacific Grove , which has a rugged coastline dotted with pink flowers and embellished with the striking lighthouse of Point Pinos , and Point Lobos , a beautiful protected area where you can go and view the perfect inlet.

For a complete recap of everything that awaits you on this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, please read our Monterey Peninsula guide.

You’ve arrived in San Francisco and most people decide to conclude the trip on America’s most scenic road here, yet this fascinating itinerary still has so much to offer. Highway 1 continues along one of the most famous bridges in the world, I’m not talking about the aforementioned Bixby Bridge but the famous red bridge that crosses San Francisco Bay (read our tips for driving across the Golden Gate Bridge ) and will take you to the giant redwood forest of Muir Woods , but before you get there, I recommend a small detour from the main road to visit Point Bonita Lighthouse , one of the most scenic lighthouses on the West Coast.

Continuing further north, the coast of Marin County has stunning views of cliffs and sea stacks; it is an area known as the Gulf of the Stacks and part of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary . Those who love lighthouses will enjoy visiting Point Reyes Lighthouse , one of California’s most scenic and well-known lighthouses.

After crossing Marin County, the lesser-known and less touristy part of the coast awaits us. Highway 1 continues along the ocean and still offers some breathtaking views of the cliffs overlooking the sea. The first interesting stop is Bodega Bay , which Hitchcock used as the set for the movie The Birds . If you go on Westshore Road, you can visit Bodega Head , where you can enjoy one of the best views of Highway 1 (the area is also recommended for whale watching).

Mendocino, famous for being used as a set for Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove , is certainly the most picturesque area of this stretch of the road because of the sea stacks and cliffs of Headlands State Park . Those who love lighthouses will still find points of interest, namely Point Arena Lighthouse and Point Cabrillo Lighthouse , both built after the devastating earthquake in San Francisco in 1906. The lighthouses can be visited by taking a short detour from Highway 1. Also worth mentioning is the very special Bowling Ball Beach : the name says it all!

The Pacific Coast Highway officially ends in Leggett, 53 miles north of Mendocino, where it connects to Highway 101 , which leads to the area with the world’s tallest redwoods ( Redwood National Park ) and then to more spectacular views on the coast of Oregon .

The travel time is not to be underestimated. If you are in a hurry, this is not the right road for you. There are several alternative roads further inland that allow you to travel more quickly (but alas what you will see will be less rewarding). To travel the main stretch of Highway 1, the one between Los Angeles and San Francisco, I suggest you plan 1 or 2 stops (for directions on how to break the journey, you can read my guide on where to stay between Los Angeles and San Francisco ). Here are some guides to the most important destinations you will find along the way:

• Santa Barbara
• San Luis Obispo
• Hearst Castle
• Point Lobos

If you want to continue to the end of the Pacific Coast Highway, keep in mind that from San Francisco Bay to Mendocino the drive is slow and depending on the length of the stops, you may need another stop to break up the journey, for example, in Gualala . Before Leggett, the best stop is Mendocino (about 90 minutes away). We also have an article in which you can read our advice on what to do and where to stay in Mendocino .

For more detailed information about finding accommodations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, read our in-depth articles:

• Where to stay in San Francisco: Recommended areas and neighborhoods
• Where to sleep in Los Angeles: Staying in the city and the surrounding area

The Pacific Coast Highway is the ideal route for those who dream of going on a road trip and gives you the chance to admire the natural wonders of California’s coast. It is one of the most popular routes traveled by those who love to take road trips around the USA and who love adventure.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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12+ Absolutely Best Road Trips from San Francisco

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Rudyard Kipling, once said, “San Francisco has only one drawback: ’tis hard to leave.” In order to enjoy a romantic weekend , sandy beaches, outdoorsy activities you don’t have to go far from the city’s Bay Area. Just embark on one of these road trips from San Francisco to fuel your wanderlust. 

These amazing weekend trips from San Francisco are located only an hour to a few hours away from the city. With a plethora of options from family resorts to luxury couples suites and affordable holidays plus nature-escapes, this list has you covered.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Best Road Trips from San Francisco

Half moon bay .

Distance: 30 miles | Duration: 45 minutes

Located very close to San Francisco is the beautiful coastal city of Half Moon Bay. It is known for its sandy beaches including the quaint Half Moon Bay State Beach and the Poplar Beach. 

The Poplar Beach brings visitors for picnics, day hikes and nature walks. The beach has a parking area, and it allows entry for horses and leashed dogs.

Other than picnic and sun-bathing at the beach, you can also embark on the Coastal Trail hike. This trail links the Poplar Beach to Half Moon Bay State Beach, offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Mavericks surfing location. Mavericks is a surfing destination and is quite popular in the winters. 

Another reason for visiting the Poplar beach as a day trip from San Francisco is that there is no entry fee to the beach. For parking there is a $2/hour fee. However, there are no washrooms on-site. 

The beach is only open until sunset and is meant for day use only. 

The city center of Half Moon Bay is very charming and beautiful. You can stroll the center, hang out and relish ice creams and pastries, or sip warm coffee in the evening. 

Read: Road trips to take on the West Coast

Distance: 20 miles | Duration: 45 minutes 

By Shobha from Just Go Places Blog

Muir Woods is only 16 miles from San Francisco but it feels a world away. A national monument, Muir Woods, is a forest that was saved from logging in the early 20th century. You can see coastal redwood trees some of which are hundreds of years old. It was named after John Muir, the father of conservatism in the United States .

The oldest redwood in the 560 acres of Muir Woods is over 1000 years old! We found the display showing the growth pattern of an old Redwood tree fascinating. 

Believe it or not, Redwoods can live to 2000+ years old. These redwoods are related to the Giant Sequoias you find in other parts of California, such as the Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

If you can’t get to that national park, definitely visit Muir Woods. The forest is simply breathtaking and makes you realise how amazing nature can be. 

There are several hikes you can undertake in Muir Woods from simple ones that you can undertake with children to more advanced trails. The main trails are on a boardwalk and flat so that you can bring a stroller for younger children. One of the more advanced trails can take 5+ hours depending on how fast you cruise along. 

If you visit Muir Woods with kids , think about taking a park ranger-guided stroll during which you will get much more information about the forest. That’s where we learned that Coastal Redwoods drink about 500 gallons of water per tree!

There are various ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco such as by taking a tour or by driving yourself. You could even bike if you are feeling particularly fit. 

We drove and it took only about 45 minutes. Along the way, you can stop by the pretty seaside town of Sausalito which is only on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is open every day of the year. 

Sonoma Valley

Distance: 45 miles | Duration: 1 hour

By Sierra from Free to Travel Mama

Sonoma Valley is a short and sweet one hour drive from San Francisco. If you would like to stop along the way, Muir Woods is a gorgeous redwood grove just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Baker Beach is also a photogenic spot to stop with views of the bridge.

Sonoma is best known for its wineries and they certainly don’t disappoint. Tasting rooms can be found by the hundreds and along almost every rural road. Popular spots in the valley are in the town of Kenwood, as well as in the Dry Creek Valley, just north in Healdsburg. 

If you’d like an educational tram ride through the lovely vineyards, Benziger Family Winery is your best bet. Stop by Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery for award winning Fumé Blanc and floral gardens or Truett Hurst Winery is a perfect spot if you wish to bring a picnic along.

Outdoor adventures are plenty and most are available year round. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve is a gorgeous spot for a hike and a picnic. 

Zip lining with Sonoma Canopy Tours will allow you to see the giant redwoods from a new perspective as you fly through the forest. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing are easy and fun for all ages down the gentle Russian River. 

Bodega is the closest coastal town and offers hiking trails along the bluffs, crashing waves, windy and beautiful picnic spots, and the best salt water taffy and clam chowder in the state.

READ: Cities, and beach towns in California’s coastline

Point Reyes National Seashore

Distance: 60 miles | Duration: 1.50 hours

By Matt from Wheatless Wanderlust

If you want to experience quintessential coastal California, there is no better way to do it than by driving from San Francisco up the coast to Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay. 

Located just an hour and a half north of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast, the drive up to Point Reyes is half the fun, especially if you take the longer coastal route.

For a perfect coastal California day trip from San Francisco , drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and hop onto Highway 1, stopping at Equator Coffees for some of the best locally-roasted coffee in the Bay Area.  

Then take picturesque Highway 1 and wind along the coast past Stinson Beach. If you’re in the mood for a longer hike, make sure to stop on the way up and do the hike to Alamere Falls, the best hike in Marin County, which ends with a gorgeous waterfall that empties onto a sandy beach. 

Explore Point Reyes National Seashore, where you can hike along the beach and take in the classic coastal views that make this part of California special.

Then, head into Point Reyes Station and head to Bovine Bakery, the best bakery in town with lines out the door every morning, and Cowgirl Creamery for some locally made cheese. 

Grab some supplies for a picnic and head out to Hog Island Oyster Company on Tomales Bay to enjoy some locally caught oysters alongside your cheese and baked goods before making the journey back into the city. 

Pinnacles National Park

Distance: 123 miles | Duration: 2 hours

By Zach and Julie from Ruhls of the Road 

Pinnacles National Park is located just over 2 hours outside San Francisco and is an incredible destination for a day or weekend trip out into the wilderness.

Here you’ll find a jaw-dropping trail along the peaks, a network of caves taking you deep into the mountainside, and the rare opportunity to spot the famous California Condor.

The High Peaks trail takes you across the peaks at the center of Pinnacles National Park, and is the location of the best views in the park. 

The California countryside spreads beneath you in a 360 degree panorama that will leave you in awe. The rock formations along the High Peaks Trail are wonderfully unique, not existing in the state’s other National Parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree.

After the High Peaks trail, head to Bear Gulch where you can explore the huge cave system inside the mountains of Pinnacles. Bring along a flashlight, and explore the high-ceiling caves at Bear Gulch. 

As you emerge from the caves, keep your eyes peeled, as you are in California Condor territory. These majestic and enormous birds are few in numbers, but are incredible to see. They soar through the skies with their enormous wingspans over 10 feet wide.

All in all, Pinnacles National Park is an incredible experience. At just over 2 hours outside San Francisco, this is the perfect place for a road trip for the day or for a weekend. Explore the wilderness in the park, spot some wildlife, and enjoy the scenery!

Distance: 146 miles | Duration: 2.50 hours

By Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond 

The US has many epic road trip routes but one of the easiest and yet most beautiful journeys is that from San Francisco to Big Sur in California.

The route between the two is just over 150 miles long, which could hypothetically be covered in around 4 hours but can be enjoyed in much greater depth if you take two-three days to do it.

The journey from San Francisco to Big Sur travels out of the city on Highway 1 and routes down the coastal road past Pacifica State Beach and Mavericks Beach at Half Moon Bay; around the edge of Butano and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks; past Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay; and onwards to Big Sur.

There are so many lovely destinations to stop off at along the way that it can be difficult to choose, so you’ll need to weigh up whether you want to visit beaches, national parks, lively beach towns, off-the-beaten-path destinations or a combination of all of the above.

Even if you only take two days to make the journey down to Big Sur, you can still enjoy a variety of sights including the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the giant redwoods, and the restaurants, bars and museums of Monterey.

The real highlight of this drive is the final stretch you see as you round the headland coming into Big Sur with the rocky cliff edges clashing with the luxurious turquoise waters and (hopefully) beautiful blue skies in the background!

Distance: 188 miles | Duration: 3 hours

By Aswani from A Charming Escape

Lake Tahoe, about 3 hours away from San Francisco is the most picturesque lake you will see in California. It is a great place to visit any time of the year and the drive is equally amazing. 

In summer, Lake Tahoe is perfect for water activities and in the winter, it is ideal for skiing and visiting the snow covered mountains. On your way to Lake Tahoe, the university town of Davis is a great place to grab a bite and visit the arboretum. Placerville is another quaint town with a history dating back to gold mining. 

South Lake Tahoe is the closest place to stay if you drive from San Francisco. Other areas to stay include Squaw Valley, Tahoe City and Zephyr Cove. 

Once you are in Lake Tahoe, drive around the lake with stops at South Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Tahoe City towards the north. If you plan to drive south, stop by Zephyr Cove, Cave Rock and end your drive with a perfect beach day at Sand Harbor beach. 

For water activities, rent a kayak or jet ski. There are several boat rentals available as well.

If you prefer hiking, check out Cave Rock state park at Sunset or Eagle Falls trail at Emerald Bay for breathtaking views. Lake Tahoe can get busy and the drive could take a long time, so plan accordingly and be prepared.

Pebble Beach

Distance: 123 miles | Duration: 3 to 4 hours

By Neha from Travel Melodies

A scenic drive along the Pacific coast with enchanting views of the ocean, white sand beaches, rocky cliffs, mountains, and lush green golf course. For sure, you will fall in love with the drive.

The 17-mile long drive is a scenic route inside the affluent Pebble beach community with four primary entrances. There is an entrance fee of USD 10.50 per car that needs to be paid at the entrance and a map of the route along with all points of interest is provided. 

 There are many attractions along the route that are a must stop. 

If you love wildlife then Fanshell Overlook is a place to spot thousands of seals basking on the beach and the rocks. 

Walk on the white sands at Spanish Bay beach , or splurge at the restaurants to watch the waves crashing. And right behind the beach is the iconic golf course. The splash of colors and the ethereal beauty will charm everyone.

And if you are driving through in the evening, then don’t miss the dramatic sunset at the Cypress Point Lookout . It also is the point to view the Lone Cypress , a 250 year old Cypress tree standing alone on the cliff, one of the most photographed trees and the most popular destination on this drive.

Bird rock ,as the name suggests, is a hangout rock of many sea birds along with harbor seals and sea lions.

The picturesque loop easily takes 3-4 hours to drive around with halts at the scenic points. Pebble Beach is around 2 hours drive from San Francisco and is one of the best road trips in the USA .

Yosemite National Park

Distance: 210 miles | Duration: 4 hours 

By Manpreet from Hello Manpreet

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park makes for an amazing road trip itinerary. For this trip, we hired a car from SF airport and had a reservation at a lodge within the park. The total distance was approximately 200 miles, and would last 4 hours without stops.

It’s a fairly relaxed drive, with some scenery on route, but it really takes it up a notch as you start to approach Yosemite. The sights become very beautiful and being surrounded by mountains has something magical about it.

We stopped for lunch on-route at Livermore outlets, which are about an hour into your way to Yosemite. We would highly recommend stopping here on route and giving yourself a couple of hours to indulge in some retail therapy. The prices were great and there was an array of eateries to suit any appetite.

From here, it’s about 3 hours to the heart of the park. Remember to be careful as you approach the hills as the roads are narrow and very bendy. It was after sunset when we started to move uphill and we had to keep our speed low to remain calm and safe.

The last couple of hours of the journey are truly picturesque and the scenery is stunning. You will be left speechless and in awe of the beauty, you see on your road trip from San Francisco.

Kings Canyon National Park

Distance: 238 miles | Duration: 4 hours 

By Nicole from American SW Obsessed 

Located outside of Fresno, California, Kings Canyon National Park was established in 1940 and also neighbors Sequoia National Park. The park consists of over 450,000 acres of wilderness, including that of large soaring Redwoods. 

This makes Kings Canyon National Park a great road trip from San Francisco. Visiting Kings Canyon is a great way to get out of the city and experience the  giant redwood trees . 

One of the top things to do in Kings Canyon is the Rim Walk.  This walk is a 4 mile loop to the top where you can have 360 degree views.  The walk takes 2-3 hours and the hardest part is the beginning where you are heading uphill.  

For an easier walk, consider King’s Creek.  At less than 2 miles this walk follows a trail between canyons and ends at a beautiful lookout point.

As always, ensure you have plenty of water with you and we recommend heading out early to beat the heat.  Make sure you apply sunscreen and of course enjoy the views.

Distance: 230+ miles | Duration: 4.50 hours

By Allison from She Dreams of Alpine

A road trip from San Francisco to the Lost Coast is perfect for any outdoor lover, as well as any wine lover since you’ll head straight through wine country on your way to this stunning beachside hiking adventure. 

It takes about 4.5 hours to drive the 230 miles from San Francisco to the southern trailhead of the Lost Coast Trail where you can then spend a few days backpacking along a gorgeous stretch of coastline.

On the way to the Lost Coast, you’ll pass through the notable wine country of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

In Santa Rosa, Paradise Ridge Winery features a sculpture garden to explore, as well as a lovely tasting room. A little farther north in Geyserville, you can visit the Francis Ford Coppola Winery to check out the wines and cool film memorabilia. And in Ukiah, Rivino Winery offers live music to accompany its wines.

After you’ve explored wine country, make your way to the Black Sands Beach trailhead to begin your Lost Coast Trail backpacking adventure. You’ll follow the trail along this unique, isolated beach north for 25 miles until you reach the northern trailhead at Mattole Beach. 

Savor the full experience of the Lost Coast wilderness by spreading out your hike over a few days. This way can spend a couple of nights beachside camping – and maybe even bring along one of the bottles of wine you picked up to toast the jaw-dropping sunsets over the ocean.

Redwood National & State Parks

Distance: 312 miles | Duration: 6 hours

By Joss from Little Green Globetrotter

Less than 6 hours north of San Francisco along the ‘Avenue of the Giants’ highway, the sprawling serenity of the Redwood National and State Parks are a hiker’s paradise. 

Trinidad (294 miles from San Francisco), a quaint beachside town, is an ideal base to access all the forest has to offer. En route, be sure to stop at one of three ‘drive through trees’ (located in Klamath, Myers Flat and Leggett). 

These are a little gimmicky but a fun and inexpensive stop-off, especially if you’re travelling with kids, and it really puts into perspective just how huge the Redwood giants are. You could opt to drive straight to your accommodation and head out to explore the forest from there, or you could stop at trails along the way. 

There’s something for all ages, abilities and time frames; your only challenge will be narrowing down which hikes you want to do (the James Irvine trail to Fern Canyon was a favourite for our family)!

Less frequented than many other National and State Parks, it’s easy to walk for miles without seeing another soul. 

The towering canopy, the hum of tumbling creeks, the echo of birdsong and the earthy smell of life in ancient forests all breathe wonder, awe, and amazement into the young and young-at-heart alike, and hiking with children is sure to be an adventure filled with stories of magical forest creatures hidden around every corner. 

It’s hard to come away from the Redwoods without a renewed commitment to protecting our incredible planet. This is worth saving. 

San Diego 

Distance: 501 miles | Duration: 8 to 10 hours with stops along the Pacific Coast Highway

By Jodie from Ala Jode

A road trip from San Francisco to San Diego is the perfect getaway for a long weekend. It takes a total of eight hours to drive directly between the two cities, but there’s a much more scenic option if you have the time: the Pacific Coast Highway. 

The Pacific Coast Highway, which runs right along the coast in California, will take you an extra 100 miles and add an extra two or three hours to your total journey time. Its incredible views, laid-back towns and sunny shores make it well worth it though. 

There are lots of unique places to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and San Diego. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is one of the most beautiful spots in California and home to a number of iconic bridges and waterfalls. 

If you can, spend a night near here so you can watch the sunset over this strip of the coast. Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are equally scenic spots to visit and spend the night. 

If you want to make the most of this road trip, allow yourself around seven days. You’ll be able to stop at four different spots along the coasts – two on the way south and two on the way back – as well as spending a couple of days in San Diego. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of awesome road trips from San Francisco. Do you have a favorite?

More USA travel resources:

• USA City Bucket list – Get the guide to the best cities in the USA
• Winter in the USA – Best destinations to visit in winter
• Las Vegas Trip – Perfect weekend itinerary for Las Vegas
• Couples list of things to do in Las Vegas – Must do activities in Vegas
• Vegas Hotels – Best places to stay in Vegas
• Grand Canyon Tours – List of top tours to take to Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon National Park – Which rim is better?
• East Coast – Weekend getaway ideas for East Coast

Pin: Road Trips from San Francisco California

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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9 Stunning Road Trips from San Francisco Worth Driving (within 4 hours!)

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This article’s recommendations may include affiliate links.

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore! It is so fun to experience new places with cute road stops along the way, and luckily California is perfect for that. If you are living in a city like me and want to take more scenic adventures, this list of awesome road trips from San Francisco is worth saving.

Disclosure: This guide to road trips from San Francisco was created in partnership with RVshare. All opinions are my own.

Whether you want a bit of nature, wine tasting, salty ocean air, or to explore the culinary scene of a new destination, there is a perfect San Francisco road trip for everyone. This guide will help you find the right one for you in the Bay Area and beyond.

What Is A San Francisco Road Trip?

Here’s how I define a San Francisco road trip.

As someone living in San Francisco, an SF road trip is perfect for a weekend or week-long getaway from the city. 

Unless I’m planning a more extensive California road trip (like my PCH road trip itinerary ), I’d rather it be within three hours from San Francisco – four hours max if it is an extra special place.

There are two reasons why I recommend San Francisco road trips within a 2-4 hour distance: 

• Bay area traffic can get really congested so the drive might be even longer. As a result, your road trip itinerary can get delayed, affecting your planned activities. 
• If you don’t have a car, you may need to rent one. Because of this, there is a cost factor to consider, in addition to fuel, lodging, and other expenses.

Where To Rent An RV In The Bay Area

Use these tips to rent an RV near San Francisco

If you don’t already have a car for your San Francisco road trip, don’t worry – there are plenty of options. You may already know about standard car rentals (whether that is through an electric car-sharing program or a third-party provider), but remember accommodation costs pile on top of this expense.

Car rentals aren’t your only option, however. You can also try out life on the road with an RV or campervan instead. Renting a travel trailer or van for your road trip is so easy these days; you can do it online! 

RVshare For RV Rentals

The best way to plan an adventurous road trip and bypass hotel expenses is by  renting a campervan or RV . On average, RV rentals may cost less than the cost of a hotel night in the expensive Bay Area ($250 or less per night). And the farther inland you go to pick one up, the rates get even lower.

RVing is a convenient and affordable option since all of your travel accommodations are in one place. Plus RV campsites are so much cheaper compared to hotels.

• Where to pick up an RV in the Bay Area?  The Bay Area is big so there are a few places you can pick up your RV or campervan before your trip. I recommend using a website like  RVshare  to help find your RV rental, as they have one of the largest listings. RVs in the Bay are available in  greater San Francisco , in the  San Jose area , and even in  Sacramento .
• Pro tip:  For those who are new to RV travel and don’t want to physically drive the vehicle, opt for delivery. Many vehicles on RVshare offer delivery and will bring your rental to your destination of choice and set it up for you.

Best Road Trips From San Francisco

Exciting road trips to save for your next adventure!

Now that we have vehicle logistics out of the way, let’s explore my favorite road trip destinations. Not only do I live in San Francisco, but I have also road-tripped throughout California countless times before ever moving here. Needless to say, I am confident with this list of destinations to road trip to from SF.

1. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a fun, laid-back coastal town in Central California and such a great place for a road trip from San Francisco. I recommend 2-4 days to enjoy this road trip.

It is a surfer’s paradise, offers access to lots of nature, and more. While some people enjoy a long day trip to Santa Cruz , it is even better as a road trip because there’s plenty to see along the way!

The best part about a road trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco is that you can make an awesome stop at Pedro Point and Half Moon Bay along the way. Just a two-hour drive, this detoured route is slightly longer than going straight to Santa Cruz, but it is worth it! 

Along the drive, stop by the famous Taco Bell on the beach at Pedro Point (trust me, it’s a vibe), try your hand at golf at the Half Moon Bay links or hike a coastal trail. I also love Pedro Point at sunset because everyone comes out to see surfers catch the last waves of the day. 

In Santa Cruz, stop by the wharf (pier) and have fun on the boardwalk, explore downtown Santa Cruz, experience the redwoods on a steam train , and ride a funicular to California’s most romantic restaurant . 

Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours to Santa Cruz

Top Hotels in Santa Cruz:  

• Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz ($$)
• Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection ($$)
• Dream Inn Santa Cruz ($$$)
• Inn at Depot Hill in Capitola ($$$)

RV and Tent Campgrounds in Santa Cruz:

• KOA Santa Cruz North ($$)
• KOA Santa Cruz/Monterey ($$)
• New Brighton State Beach ($) 
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park ($) (no water fill or dump station)

2. Bodega Bay And Point Reyes

Take a coastal getaway up north to soak up beach dunes and serenity in Bodega Bay. It is a little over 2 hours from San Francisco and the road trip alone is stunning. 

If you haven’t had a chance to explore some of SF’s most beautiful sights, this is the perfect time to map it out on your road trip there. I spent four days on my last SF road trip to Bodega Bay.

Along the way explore the Golden Gate National Recreation area with a low-impact trail hike. Then stop in the quaint town of Sausalito, known for its charming houseboats and adorable pedestrian streets. 

After Sausalito , make a slight detour to Muir Woods to marvel at towering groves of Redwood trees. Be sure to reserve parking in advance since walk-ins are no longer allowed. The boardwalk trails here are very accessible too.

Depending on your timeline, I’d highly recommend you also visit Point Reyes. This national seashore is at Drakes Bay and its trails lead you to spectacular views. Bundle up here because the fog and wind can get strong (even if it was hot just 15 minutes before!)

While in Bodega Bay, enjoy horseback riding through the dunes and along the beach (I use Horse N Around Trail Rides), go wine tasting at the Sonoma Coast Vineyards tasting room, and grub on some fresh seafood at Fishetarian Fish Market after a fun dune hike near Bodega Harbour.

Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2.5 hours to Bodega Bay (3+ hours with a Point Reyes detour)

Top Accommodations in Bodega Bay:

• The Lodge at Bodega Bay ($$$)
• Sonoma Coast Villa ($$)
• Oceanview home rental at Bodega Harbour ($$$)

RV and Tent Campgrounds near Bodega Bay:

• Dorian Regional Park ($) (no electrical hookups)
• Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park ($$)
• Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park ($)

3. Pinnacles National Park

Head to Pinnacles for beautiful rock formations and approx. 30 miles of trail access. Pinnacles National Park is one of the newer parks, designated by President Obama. While it is a smaller park, the unique thing about this natural wonder is that you need to drive its perimeter to get on either side so visiting is a road trip in itself! 

With significantly fewer crowds than other National Parks, it is the perfect road trip for the outdoor adventurer who wants a bit of serenity.

Coming from San Francisco, the best route to take is through San Jose however I recommend you make time for a detour and visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park too! California RV and van-lifers, as well as tent campers, would love this road trip.

Driving Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Pinnacles

Top Accommodations near Pinnacles National Park:

• San Benito RV and Camping Resort $$ (cabins available)
• The Inn at Saratoga $$ (if you’re making a night stop at Big Basin Redwoods)

RV and Tent Campgrounds near Pinnacles:

• San Benito RV and Camping Resort $$
• Camping at Pinnacles $

4. Napa Valley And Sonoma County

There are several wine countries in California but Napa and Sonoma are by far the most popular. Whenever people ask me to choose the better half of these neighboring wine destinations, I simply cannot answer. They are both great, with unique offerings for every personality.

I find Sonoma to be more laid back and welcoming, and considerably less expensive than Napa for tastings. Napa has more of a “who’s who” vibe, boasting star chefs and extravagant wine-tasting experiences. Regardless of which one you choose, I recommend at least two days in the area so you can embrace the relaxed pace the region calls for.

There are two ways I recommend road tripping to wine country from San Francisco:

• Head straight to Calistoga: Napa’s northern destination is known for beautiful hotels and hot springs, and medieval Castello di Amarosa (tourist castle but super beautiful). Take in downtown Napa’s shops and tasting rooms along the way, or join the famous Napa Wine Train from downtown Napa. 
• Or pair this road trip with the Point Reyes/Bodega Bay itinerary I mentioned and head to Sonoma first (this essentially creates a loop from SF -> Golden Gate -> Sausalito -> Muir Woods -> Point Reyes -> Bodega Bay -> Sonoma -> Napa -> SF). With this route, you could enjoy a week’s road trip at a relaxed pace.

Driving distance from SF: 2-6 hours around Wine Country depending on the route

Top Accommodations in Napa and Sonoma:

• Archer Hotel Napa $$
• The Lodge at Sonoma Resort $$$
• Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa $$$
• Kenwood Inn & Spa $$

RV and Tent Campgrounds near Wine Country:

• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park $
• Ritchey Creek Campground at Bothe Napa State Park $ 
• Skyline Wilderness Park $
• Petaluma KOA $$

Ever been to the Garlic Capital of the world? Well, if you love garlic as a staple ingredient for good food then you’ll love Gilroy! 

Gilroy is in Central California (a little more inland) and has endless options for good, garlicky food. I’ve even tried Garlic ice cream there! (Which I hated, but I guess we all have our limits.) 

While Gilroy is about 2 hours from San Francisco, I think it is the perfect road trip to pair with the extended Santa Cruz route I recommended earlier, or with the aforementioned Pinnacles National Park road trip. It’ll make the driving distance about 3 hours, and you can make a wonderful multi-day trip out of it.

Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2-3 hours to Gilroy (depending on add-on route)

Top Accommodations in Gilroy:

• Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy $$
• Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy $$

RV and Tent Campgrounds in Gilroy:

• Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park $

Big Sur is one of California’s most iconic destinations and a dream road trip for any adventurers traversing the state. Its midway positioning between San Francisco and Los Angeles makes it the perfect driving distance from either direction too!

What I love the most about Big Sur is it’s right on the beautiful coastal Highway 1, so the views are endless. 

A road trip to Big Sur from San Francisco is packed with great things to see. Not only can you pair this route with my recommended Santa Cruz road trip, you can also add on Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

The charming towns are small but mighty, with delicious dining options, romantic boutique hotels, and quaint streets. I spent one of my wedding anniversaries there, so great for couples! 

In Big Sur, hike the Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a quick view of McWay Falls and safely stop at a roadside overlook to view the striking Bixby Bridge (Big Sur’s most photographed landmark). The most famous place to eat here is the colorful Nepenthe, so it will be crowded given its no-reservation policy, but it is a fun dining experience nonetheless. 

• Note: For safety, always check the weather and warnings in Big Sur before going (mudslides can happen here). And there are little to no gas stations once you pass Monterey to Big Sur so fill up beforehand.

Driving Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Big Sur

Top Accommodations in Big Sur:

• Big Sur Lodge $$$
• Big Sur Campground and Cabins $$
• Carmel Mission Inn $$
• Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa $$$

RV and Tent Camping in Big Sur:

• Big Sur Campground and Cabins $
• Saddle Mountain Ranch $$
• **More Big Sur camping tips at the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce

7. San Luis Obispo 

Famed for a charming wine country of its own as well as a variety of wildlife, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a road trip must! You can drive straight through San Jose, stopping in Gilroy along the way and even the west side entrance of Pinnacles. 

Alternatively, if you are open to extending the road trip beyond the 4-hour length, you could do the Santa Cruz / Big Sur route instead. This would likely take 6 hours so only do it if you have time to break up across multiple days (I don’t have the stamina to drive that long and explore in a short period of time).

In SLO, check out elephant seals and monarch butterflies, or take a whale-watching tour. Artisanal markets, crafts, and galleries dot this adorable destination. With 40 grape varieties and over 250 wineries across Paso Robles and SLO regions, there are also lots of wine touring opportunities. 

Driving distance from San Francisco: 4 hours to San Luis Obispo

Top Accommodations in San Luis Obispo:

• Hotel Cerro $$
• Granada Hotel & Bistro $$$
• Hotel San Luis Obispo $$$

RV and Tent Campgrounds in San Luis Obispo:

• El Chorro County Park $
• Avila/Pismo Beach KOA $$
• Morro Bay State Park Campground $

8. Mendocino

Mendocino is a local California hidden gem, in my opinion. Making it great for a road trip to uncover many of this coastal town’s best offerings. 

Along this road trip, it’d be fun to pair some of the Bodega Bay route, as it’ll switch you from the inland Sonoma County roads to a coastal Highway 1 . 

While there, take a trail or two to explore the rugged cliffs and beaches along the Pacific, soak in the quaint B&B environment and laid-back energy, and keep an eye out for whale spotting! 

And if you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure, you must visit Mendocino Headlands State Park for some good hikes. For a unique experience try mushroom hunting in Jackson State Demonstration Forest too.

Driving distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Mendocino

Top Accommodations in Mendocino:

• Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast $$
• Inns of Mendocino $$
• Stanford Inn by the Sea Eco-Resort $$$

RV and Tent Campgrounds in Mendocino:

• Mendocino Grove $$ (glamping tents)
• Van Damme State Park $
• Caspar Beach RV Park $

9. Yosemite

Yosemite is every park-lover’s National Park dream. And for good reason! This park is breathtaking in every way and suited for people of all abilities. You’ll want to bring your good camera for this one!

Whether you want to camp, luxuriate in an onsite hotel lodge, or meet halfway in a tent cabin – you have plenty of options for lodging after your drive from San Francisco.

This is one of the country’s most famous parks, however, so before committing to this four-hour journey you’ll want to check availability first. 

Driving distance from San Francisco: 4 hours to Yosemite

Top Accommodations in Yosemite:

• Various Yosemite hotels and tent cabins $-$$$

RV and Tent Campgrounds in Yosemite:

• Various Yosemite campgrounds $

More Tips For Road Tripping In The Bay Area And Beyond

I am always shocked at how something as simple as road-tripping differs across states. While road trips from San Francisco are fairly easy, there are a few things you should know:

• HOV lanes: HOV lanes stand for high-occupancy vehicles, which means a carpool. In the Bay Area, most carpool lanes require two or more people to be in the vehicle to enter this faster lane without penalty. In other US cities, HOV lanes often require 3 people or more, so you’re in luck!
• Express lanes: One thing I was surprised to see in the Bay Area was express lanes by toll. Different criteria qualify you to get into an express lane, but often you’ll see a “FasTrak” sign above it, indicating a toll to access this even faster route. If you are an HOV-3 vehicle, you may be able to access this lane toll-free or for a discounted rate.
• FasTrak: for my east coasters, FasTrak is just the equivalent of EZ Pass. With most places reducing toll booths, a FasTrak pass can adhere to your window, bill the toll to your account, and get you on your way without needing to stop.

** Note: if you are driving a larger vehicle like an RV / travel trailer, you cannot use HOV lanes

Another thing to consider when planning your road trip from San Francisco is your total trip expenses. 

• Whenever giving outdoor trip planning tips I often praise the site, Toll Guru because it helps map out the total fuel and toll costs expected for your road trip. This helps avoid unexpected California road trip fees.
• If you are driving an electric vehicle, you’ll save on California’s shocking gas prices. But be sure to bring the adapter so you can plug it in anywhere (and make stops at stores like Costco and McDonalds for a free charge!)

Which Road Trips From San Francisco Should You Try First?

These are all amazing road trips in the Bay Area and beyond, and there are so many ways to experience them – even if not coming directly from San Francisco proper. 

If I had to decide which to try first I would save the northern and inland road trips for Spring and Summer. Then, I’d head south during Autumn and Winter. Remember though, the morning fog and coastal breeze in the Bay Area can catch you by surprise so bring layers.

Enjoy these road trips from San Francisco!

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Here are 5 fun stops between Sacramento and San Francisco to hit on your next road trip

I f you have some time to spare on your drive from Sacramento to San Francisco, consider taking a stop and exploring more of Northern California.

Cities around the region have their own culture, history, food and fun. Here are several detours you can take, depending on your route:

Downtown Napa

If you’re taking Interstate 80 West, you’ll hit the Napa area, known for its wineries, hilltop views and restaurants.

There’s a downtown area, where you can find everything from quick bites to international cuisines and dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. Dining options include fusion Japanese food at Hal Yamashita, a bistro at Grace’s Table — which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand — or Italian at Pasta Prego.

You can also shop at local stores offering jewelry, clothes and other knick-knacks. If you need to unwind after your long drive, there are fine art galleries, spas and salons, too.

And for those not in the driver’s seat, you can enjoy Napa’s pride and joy — wine. There’s wine tasting rooms in downtown, as well as breweries and bars.

Total travel time: According to Google Maps, adding a stop at downtown Napa from downtown Sacramento to San Francisco will result in a total travel time of about 2 hours and 8 minutes. The route is 111 miles. Please note that travel times may change due to traffic and road delays.

Sonoma, about 67 miles on Interstate 80 from Sacramento, is also known for its wine — locals will tell you it’s more relaxed and less touristy than its neighboring Napa Valley.

Depending on how far into Sonoma County you’re willing to go, you can choose from a handful activities , including vineyard walking tours, garden tours, hot air balloons and biking.

Sonoma has a rich history which is commemorated by landmarks throughout the Sonoma Plaza . There, you can see Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma Barracks which was formerly a military post for U.S. soldiers and The Blue Wing Inn.

If you’re looking for a snack for your road trip, Sonoma offers picturesque dining, farm-to-table options and experiences, such as food tours.

Total travel time: Adding a stop at Sonoma Plaza from downtown Sacramento to San Francisco will make the entire trip about 2 hours and 19 minutes, and 112 miles.

If you’re taking Interstate 5 South, then you can make a stop at Lodi, the Central Valley’s wine country.

You can explore its handful of wineries , or take in the fresh air at one of Lodi’s parks and nature preserves , such as the Cosumnes River Preserve, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve or Grizzly Island Wildlife Area.

There are also museums, shops and full-service spas.

Total travel time: Adding a stop in Lodi from downtown Sacramento to San Francisco results in a drive about 2 hours and 16 minutes and a total of 120 miles.

If you’re hankering to learn some history, you can make a stop in the small town of Locke from Interstate 5, almost 30 miles from Sacramento.

The Locke Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, housing the largest remaining rural Chinatown in America. Built in 1915 by Chinese immigrants, Locke was home to 600 people . It had four restaurants, stores, a post office and two slaughterhouses, according to the Locke Foundation, among other buildings.

If you visit today , you can see some of the buildings as they were years ago. You can check out the town’s Chinese school and the Dai Loy Museum, or grab drinks at Al the Wop’s Saloon and at the Chinese Cultural Shop.

Total travel time: Adding a stop at Locke from downtown Sacramento to San Francisco results in a drive of about 1 hour and 56 minutes, and 104 miles.

Downtown Martinez

Located by the Delta and the southern shore of the Carquinez Strait is Martinez, one of the oldest towns in California. About 63 miles from Sacramento and 35 miles from San Francisco, you can take this detour off Interstate 80.

You can explore its charm and growth as a city in its downtown. In the area, you’ll find restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, shops and museums, including the The Cobra Experience, which houses classic cars.

Total travel time: Adding a stop at downtown Martinez from downtown Sacramento to San Francisco results in a 1 hour and 47 minute drive. It’s about 97 miles.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email [email protected] .

©2023 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

April 22, 2024

Making history: brightline west breaks ground on america’s first high-speed rail project connecting las vegas to southern california  , officials hammer the first spike commemorating the groundbreaking for brightline west.

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2024)  – Today, Brightline West officially broke ground on the nation's first true high-speed rail system which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California. The 218-mile system will be constructed in the middle of the I-15 and is based on Brightline’s vision to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive. Hailed as the greenest form of transportation in the world, Brightline West will run zero emission, fully electric trains capable of speeds of 200 miles per hour. Brightline West is a watershed project for high-speed rail in America and will establish the foundation for the creation of a new industry and supply chain. The project was recently awarded $3 billion in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The rest of the project will be privately funded and has received a total allocation of $3.5 billion in private activity bonds from USDOT.

The groundbreaking included remarks from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Brightline Founder Wes Edens, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Senior Advisor to President Biden Steve Benjamin and Vince Saavedra of the Southern Nevada Building Trades. In addition, Nevada Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steve Horsford and California Reps. Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres made remarks and joined the celebration. More than 600 people, including union representatives, project supporters and other state and local officials from California and Nevada, attended the event.

“People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in America for decades – and now, with billions of dollars of support made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure law, it’s finally happening,” said Secretary Buttigieg. “Partnering with state leaders and Brightline West, we’re writing a new chapter in our country’s transportation story that includes thousands of union jobs, new connections to better economic opportunity, less congestion on the roads, and less pollution in the air.”

“This is a historic project and a proud moment where we break ground on America’s first high-speed rail system and lay the foundation for a new industry,” said Wes Edens, Brightline founder. “Today is long overdue, but the blueprint we’ve created with Brightline will allow us to repeat this model in other city pairs around the country.”

CONSTRUCTION OF BRIGHTLINE WEST

Brightline West's rail system will span 218 miles and reach speeds of 200 mph. The route, which has full environmental clearance, will run within the median of the I-15 highway with zero grade crossings. The system will have stops in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as Victor Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

The privately led infrastructure project is one of the largest in the nation and will be constructed and operated by union labor. It will use 700,000 concrete rail ties, 2.2 million tons of ballast, and 63,000 tons of 100% American steel rail during construction. Upon completion, it will include 322 miles of overhead lines to power the trains and will include 3.4 million square feet of retaining walls. The project covers more than 160 structures including viaducts and bridges. Brightline West will be fully Buy America Compliant.

STATIONS AND FACILITIES

Brightline West will connect Southern California and Las Vegas in two hours or almost half the time as driving. The Las Vegas Station will be located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip, on a 110-acre property north of Blue Diamond Road between I-15 and Las Vegas Boulevard. The site provides convenient access to the Harry Reid International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. The station is approximately 80,000 square feet plus parking.

The Victor Valley Station in Apple Valley will be located on a 300-acre parcel southeast of Dale Evans Parkway and the I-15 interchange. The station is intended to offer a future connection to the High Desert Corridor and California High Speed Rail. The Victor Valley Station is approximately 20,000 square feet plus parking.

The Rancho Cucamonga Station will be located on a 5-acre property at the northwest corner of Milliken Avenue and Azusa Court near Ontario International Airport. The station will be co-located with existing multi-modal transportation options including California Metrolink, for seamless connectivity to Downtown Los Angeles and other locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The Rancho Cucamonga Station is approximately 80,000 square feet plus parking.

The Hesperia Station will be located within the I-15 median at the I-15/Joshua Street interchange and will function primarily as a local rail service for residents in the High Desert on select southbound morning and northbound evening weekday trains.

The Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) is a 200,000-square-foot building located on 238 acres in Sloan, Nev., and will be the base for daily maintenance and staging of trains. This site will also serve as one of two hubs for the maintenance of way operations and the operations control center. More than 100 permanent employees will report on a daily basis once operations begin and will serve as train crews, corridor maintenance crews, or operations control center teammates. A second maintenance of way facility will be located adjacent to the Apple Valley station.

The Las Vegas and Southern California travel market is one of the nation’s most attractive corridors with over 50 million trips between the region each year. Additionally, Las Vegas continues to attract visitors from around the world, with 4.7 million international travelers flying into the destination. The city dubs itself on being the world’s No. 1 meeting destination, welcoming nearly 6 million people to the Las Vegas Convention Center last year.

In California, approximately 17 million Southern California residents are within 25 miles of the Brightline West station sites. Studies show that one out of every three visits to Las Vegas come from Southern California.

ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Brightline West's $12 billion infrastructure investment will create over $10 billion in economic impact for Nevada and California and will generate more than 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 direct union construction roles and 1,000 permanent operations and maintenance positions. The investment also includes over $800 million in improvements to the I-15 corridor and involves agreements with several unions for skilled labor. The project supports Nevada and California's climate goals by offering a no-emission mobility option that reduces greenhouse gasses by over 400,000 tons of CO2 annually – reducing vehicle miles traveled by more than 700 million each year and the equivalent of 16,000 short-haul flights. The company will also construct three wildlife overpasses, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Caltrans for the safe passage of native species, primarily the bighorn sheep.

BRIGHTLINE FLORIDA

Brightline’s first rail system in Florida connecting Miami to Orlando began initial service between its South Florida stations in 2018. In September 2023, Brightline’s Orlando station opened at Orlando International Airport, connecting South Florida to Central Florida. The company has plans to expand its system with future stops in Tampa, Florida’s Space Coast in Cocoa and the Treasure Coast in Stuart.

BRIGHTLINE WEST

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE WEST

Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America – offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too short to fly and too long to drive. Brightline West will connect Las Vegas and Southern California with the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation. The 218-mile, all-electric rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga. At speeds up to 200 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in about two hours, twice as fast as the normal drive time.

Brightline is currently operating its first passenger rail system connecting Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, with future stations coming to Stuart and Cocoa. For more information, visit  www.brightlinewest.com  and follow on  LinkedIn ,  X ,  Instagram  and  Facebook .

QUOTE SHEET

“Through this visionary partnership, we are going to create thousands of jobs, bring critical transportation infrastructure to the West, and create an innovative, fast, and sustainable transportation solution. Nevada looks forward to partnering with Brightline on this historic project.”  - Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada

“Today, not only are we breaking ground on a historic high-speed rail project here in Nevada, we are breaking ground on thousands of good paying American jobs, union jobs.”  - Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

“For decades, Nevadans heard about the promise of high-speed rail in our state, and I’m proud to have led the charge to secure the funding to make it a reality. Today’s groundbreaking is the beginning of a new era for southern Nevada -- creating thousands of good-paying union jobs, bringing in billions of dollars of economic development, enhancing tourism to the state, reducing traffic, and creating a more efficient and cleaner way to travel. This is a monumental step, and I’m glad to have worked across the aisle to make this project come true.”  - Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

“Having high-speed rail in Las Vegas will electrify our economy in Southern Nevada, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone today. This project is on track to create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs while cutting down traffic on I-15, and I’ll keep working with the Biden Administration to get this done as quickly as possible and continue delivering easier and cleaner transportation options for everyone in Nevada.”  - Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic step in modernizing rail service in the United States. Californians driving between the Los Angeles region and Las Vegas often face heavy traffic, causing emissions that pollute the air in surrounding communities. The Brightline West Project will provide travelers with more options—helping Californians and visitors alike get to their final destination without facing gridlock on the road.”  - Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

"High-speed rail in the Southwest has been a dream as far back as the nineties when Governor Bob Miller appointed me to the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission. As a senior Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am honored to have helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and secure $3 billion to turn that dream into a reality which will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, reduce carbon emissions by easing traffic on Interstate 15, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs. I am proud to stand with advocates and transportation leaders as we break ground on the Brightline West project and look forward to welcoming high-speed passenger rail to Southern Nevada."  - Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1)

“For decades, high-speed rail was just a dream in southern Nevada – but now, I’m beyond proud that we finally made it a reality. I worked across the aisle to help negotiate, craft, and ultimately pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would kickstart transformative projects like Brightline West that will stand the test of time. Together, we’re cutting down on traffic, boosting our tourism economy, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs.”  - Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3)

“I am proud to join Brightline West for the groundbreaking of this monumental project for Southern Nevada and the southwestern United States. By connecting Las Vegas to Southern California via high-speed rail, we will boost tourism, reduce congestion on the I-15 corridor, and create jobs. The impact on our local economy and the people of the Silver State will be tremendous. In my conversations with Secretary Buttigieg, Brightline West, and our Nevada labor leaders, I know that local workers and our Nevada small businesses will benefit from this transformational investment. This will be the nation's first true high-speed rail system, blazing a new path forward for our nation’s rail infrastructure, and we hope it will serve as a blueprint for fostering greater regional connections for many other cities across the country.  - Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4)

“Brightline West’s groundbreaking today marks the construction of a dynamic high-speed rail system that will link Las Vegas, Hesperia, and Apple Valley to Rancho Cucamonga’s Metrolink Station, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth in California’s 23rd Congressional District. This convenient alternative to driving will reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing emissions and reducing congestion in our High Desert communities. This is an exciting step and I look forward to the completion of this project.”  - Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23)

"Today's groundbreaking on the Brightline West high-speed rail project marks an incredible milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to fulfilling the promise of high-speed rail and emissions-free transportation across the country. As a longtime supporter of this project, I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested over $3 billion to support the completion of this project. By increasing transportation options, spurring job creation and new economic opportunities, and improving our environment through cutting over 400,000 tons of carbon pollution each year, this project will be transformative to my district and all of Southern California for generations—particularly in and around the last stop in Rancho Cucamonga. With the goal of being operational in time for Los Angeles to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028, I look forward to Brightline West facilitating travel for the millions visiting our region and elevating our 21st-century connectivity on the global stage."  - Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)

"As the Member of Congress that represents the City of Rancho Cucamonga and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, it is my honor to participate in breaking ground on one of the most highly anticipated high-speed rail projects in the country. We gathered today thanks to the Biden Administration's leadership, which enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to fund vital projects like this and transform our economy. The Brightline project is a stellar illustration of the power of successful public-private partnerships. Thanks to all the labor unions, Tribes, and wildlife advocates for their hard work, which brought this project to life. The bright line is fully electric and has zero emissions, which is excellent for our environment. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of this project in my district and look forward to seeing everyone there."  - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35)

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