San Diego isnt a must but would love to see it. We decided by committee, and surrendered by heading inland at San Luis Obispo, with cuts back to 101 then up I-5 the rest of the way north. Do not do as we did. 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. After L.A. we have two free days to get to Las Vegas where we drop off hire car and have booked 4 nights before heading home. You can read all about a weekend getaway to Point Reyes here and the best stop from San Francisco to Mendocino right here. Luckily I thought to check if they had a Facebook page. I am heading to Napa now and want to do the northern shore (1 North) is it as good as this one? until Aug 30, 2024. This is getting me so excited for it! If youre going to have more than a week or two it may be worth it to you. This will be my third time going to Monterey Bay, and Ive already made my list of stops to see along route 1. Thank you! Its sights include Hearst Castle, the Big Sur coast, Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Ill also share some of the top attractions from Monterey to Cambria. It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. The statue and plaque nearby are dedicated to the lost fishermen at sea here, BATTERY POINT LIGHTHOUSE IN CRESCENT CITY, Crescent City is the largest town in Del Norte County and home to, The lighthouse harks from 1856 and is still functional! We got super lucky at the car rental place, and they upgraded us to a convertible for only $20 extra per day, so that really made the trip and view amazing. It has a bit of a European feel because it's really a place to walk. After eight months, the bridge reopened on October 13, and with most of the freeway now clear, the prodigious drive is calling your name. The Coast Kitchen restaurant scores with waffles for breakfast, oysters for lunch, braised short ribs for dinner, and great views all day long. Especially, Trinidads beautiful Beach* And Humboldt County has the humblest people? Start: San Francisco Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore Stop #3: Bodega Bay Stop #4: Jenner Stop #5: Mendocino Stop #6: Fort Bragg I also liked driving north to south best, because the ocean was on my right side and it was easier to pull off in the turn-outs to take pictures. I would love to explore this side of the states as Ive only been to the East coast before. California law requires it for the driver and all passengers. Those are exactly my thoughts Mary. Im from Brazil and planning driving from San Francisco down to LA next year with my boyfriend, but we can only go by the end of March. Hwy. Maybe thats a factor? A nice Time Lapse drive from San Francisco US1/I80 across the Bay Bridge, Hwy 80 to Hwy 29 and through the Napa Valley Wine Country. VERY top tip: do not head north from LA towards Pacific Grove/Big Sur on Hwy 1 after dark! Go and have a great time enjoying the beauty never mind the weather! Fall can be uncharacteristically hot and dry while Winter brings a lot of rain. Chances are you wont be driving this far up north so frequently, so why not live a little? I had been on this section of Route 1 before -- most recently just a week ago to Point Reyes; but the farthest I had been was Muir Beach. Hi Penny, I am travelling to the US for the first time and would like to get the link to the questionnaire as I am planning to rent a camper van and drive from San Francisco to LA for 5 days. I highly recommend shopping by Humboldt Mercantile and, Explore the nearby Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar. The distance from Cambria to Big Sur is only 60 miles but it takes at least two hours depending on how many stops you make, not to mention the curves in the road make the distance pass a little more slowly. 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. Thanks! I recently crossed one of my California wishes off my list driving Hwy. Distance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 miles and the trip . Before you embark on the ultimate California road trip, let me share some of my top tips to help you along the way. These cookies do not store any personal information. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. In this part of Humboldt county, youre right in the heart of the Redwood National and State Parks. Its the first photo of this post. Between Cambria and Big Sur, there are 40 miles of highway and no gas stations. You can get onto the 0.6 mile Founder Grove Nature Trail loop trailhead to see the Dyerville giant, a massive fallen Redwood trunk. Or you can drive the 101 north to Santa Barbara where you will connect with Highway 1 (this is not the most scenic stretch). I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. Thanks! Just send you info through the contact form on this site. Eureka-the second largest city in California between San Francisco and Oregon border. You can park at a turnout at either end to take photographs. Would it really be worth it I wondered. All Right Reserved. First time around, we were only doing this as a daytrip from San Francisco so we turned inland on Jenner. . My driver will drive an International 24 passenger bus from a town called Seaside, CA 93955 going on to Hwy 1 to Los Angeles, what is the best route please? 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. We have 4 days in San Francisco booked (Tues to Sat) then pick up hire car and move to Vallejo (six flags) for 2 days(Sat and Sun). 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. Total driving distance = 408 miles California's Central Coast You could live in San Francisco and still miss out on the highlights, but the Pacific Coast Highway south from here includes the best of the best. We have stayed there several times. Assume you will average about 30 miles per hour (45 kph). dry season). Its an idyllic spot and one that makes you wish you could actually get to it. CA Hwy 1 is prone to closure due to landslides, especially during rainy winters. Be sure youve filled up the car with gas before you hit the road. Thanks for the additional point of interest. Recommended time: 1-2 days. This year California had a lot of rain but next year, who knows. What a dreamy area! I agree its in an amazing spot. You could drive it if you want to cover every single inch of the famous highway, but there's little of interest if you're just sightseeing. Bixby Bridge, along with Garrapata and Rocky Creek Bridge, was built in the 1930s and paved the way for tourism to come to Big Sur. The lighthouse harks from 1856 and is still functional! I did not know most of them. Pull over if five or more cars are following you. It is a beautiful landscape and the perfect drive. 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. I have done quite some Road Trips in the US but I have never done this one. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); @2023 - Adventures of a Carry-On. There is also a gift shop and a rest area to explore the surroundings. 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!). Be sure to check for updates on the road conditions. Road Trip Day 1: San Francisco to Eureka, California Finally we wrapped up our work and were on the road again. Why it's worth stopping at: See some of California's best beach towns and float the Russian River. 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. Any help would be appreciated. Weve got to head back there soon! Plus, you have a slice of Lost Coast history in the form of a lighthouse guarding the shores. Youll also find there are more than 5! Plus, unbeatable views of the coastline from the bluffs on hiking trails. If you wish, continue driving down the road to view the stunning Tomales Point Trailhead. Have a great time! Stop 2: Sonoma County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and . Its definitely one of those places where renting a car makes full sense. Looking forward to your reply and guidance on the road map itinerary. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World. You will still need to rent a car to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport. Thats what it is all about! The first route is the fastest, and the most scenic. (If only at our []. Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. One tip though, go from Carmel / Santa Cruz in the north to the south. You can get through town more easily by merging with I-280 north of Pacifica or by taking CA Hwy 35 north and following the coastline. Food was OK but the view of the marina was fantastic. Id love to do it again and this time focus on the outdoor activities instead of just the drive. a. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1 or Highway 1, runs for almost 550 miles along the California coastline and is probably (OK, definitely) the most beautiful. Answer 1 of 2: Hi We are driving from San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a few days. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Amazing and informative road tips about California! 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). 0.2 mi. Leah, good point! and leave at 2:59 pm. Driving a comfortable and reliable car is a must. If you are driving from San Francisco or the San Jose area, take the 101 south to Highway 156 through Castroville. The most special of these is a Redwood road trip in Northern Californias Humboldt County, nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco. However, spending one night is enough to enjoy its vista points and black sand beaches. As you drive from San Francisco to Mendocino via Highway 1, you'll find a stunning shoreline and a collection of beautiful beaches. 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. Speeds and hazards to spectators, participants, and property do not exceed those found in normal, legal highway driving. Im surprised that you didnt go to Point Lobos It is my favorite place to visit. Also, it is actually on an island detached from the mainland. This drive is truly one of the bucket list experiences that people dream about. Note: Please remember to be a responsible traveler and pack up what you bring in, leaving no trace behind. And what fantastic (and useful) tips thank you! Have questions? The Monterey Bay area has a good selection of places to stay from bed and breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels. "Go" when you have a chance. Subscribe to my blog to get super awesome pet-friendly travel updates, foodie finds and insider guides to San Francisco. The entire area which includes Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, is stunning. Love that color contrast. California's Highway One is a state highway. See Google Map below for all the places mentioned in this post. f. One Log House: This was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. The travel time is 5 hours and 6 minutes. Your post brought back wonderful memories of a girlfriends road trip I did back in the day. From Los Angeles take the 101 north all the way to the 156. Im sure you will love it. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1. You will be driving on the less knuckle-whiteninginsides of the curves and views are clearer toward the north. This is a two-lane mountain road. 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! 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. Join me on a photo walk along Californias famous Pacific Coast Highway. It is great to see yoour photos of the trip. More information can be found here. Theres more info, not the same . From Mendocino, you will be driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Redwood Highway. Mendocino is 169 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, a 5 hour one way drive. Id love to hear from you how you think the site could be a better resource. 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. Hi Rob, I actually felt kind of proud of myself for making this drive on my own. I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a54424965177407c5a7f24e3c6fdc6eb" );document.getElementById("j2aa35cb46").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Welcome to my blog, a place for all things travel, food, pets and life hacks related. I said wed wanted to see the water and wanted to do this. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If youre ever back in the area go to Big Sur. Hello Dakota, I cant really say if youd find it worth it or not. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are so many wonderful places to visit along the way Hearst is definitely a must. Just a typical view along Californias Highway 1. If you need to use the bathroom, dont wait. For reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and Crescent City is 376 miles to the north of San Francisco. No frills, but breathtaking views!!! Thank you for sharing. Here is how to enjoy a day at Mendocino (or you can read my entire Mendocino/Fort Bragg post here for more ideas). She wished us luck. . Hello Penny, thanks for the feedback! Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. d. Eternal Tree House: Quirky free roadside attraction with a gift shop on the other side of the road. I stayed at the historic Casa Munras, one of the Inns of Monterey. Allow plenty of time. I was happy I could pick up speed quickly, and I think thats an important consideration. Stay for some time to take photos but remember to dress warmly, because it gets quite windy and chilly up there. The only places to pull over are turnouts where there will be other tourists. I took the Grand Rooms Tour. There are no place left to rent for the. Details 150 miles 4 hours of driving Glass Beach at Sunrise (45 minutes) You'll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. There are no place left to rent for the. Here is the days itinerary: a. Mackerricher State Park: fantastic spot for grey whale migration in Spring. I am reading an excellent book about Steinbeck and Monterey by author Susan Shillinglaw, A Journey Into Steinbecks California. 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. Highway One begins in the town of Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Its rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world. Well stop for happy hour and watch the surfers ride the waves. If you are driving Highway One in only one direction, go from south to north if you can. Youve captured it brilliantly in your photos. What is your suggestion what to see and for how many days travel. When I was in undergrad, I drove that highway from Stanford to L.A. Solo. I was traveling on my own so I just stopped where I wanted to really. I am debating buying a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195) and/or a National Parks & Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass ($80). Google Maps doesn't show this route so directions will help Thanks If for some reason you cannot drive be prepared with some non-drowsy Dramamine; you dont want to fall asleep and miss all the gorgeous scenery. The port city serves as the center for government, health care, trade, and the . Another option is to fly directly into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Phoenix! Its a lot to see and the drive is only part of the experience, or it can be the entire experience. Theres a forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns. San Francisco. I update this article regularly but you can also find updates on road closures, Covid 19, and more, on the website for See Monterey. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway. drive for about 54 minutes 2:30 pm Healdsburg stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:30 pm drive for about 1 hour 4:45 pm Willits stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am day 1 driving 3 hours find more stops Day 2 11:00 am leave from Willits drive for about 53 minutes 11:53 am Drive-Thru Tree Park stay for about 1 hour San Francisco to Los Angeles. useful content like this, About twenty miles north of San Luis Obispo is San Simeon and Hearst Castle. (read my article The Ultimate California Road Trip.) Please be respectful. Re: Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Eureka. Keep in mind this is a small selection. There is a foggy time of year and I believe its summer. There's no gasoline available for up to 40 miles in some stretches, especially in Big Sur and north of San Francisco. So I just tried to find that online guide again, and can no longer find it. A great place for hiking, this park is best known for McWay Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades from an 80-foot high drop-off into the cove below. 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. It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. He said he enjoyed it and that it was like the first-person videogames he has played. Road conditions from San Francisco . 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). We drove from LA up to Carmel-by-the-Sea and then back down the same way we came. 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. This is where your journey through the heart of Redwoods begins and here is the best way to go about it: Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. Very informative and helpful. I would like to travel highway #1 in July this year from San Francisco to LA. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. In retrospect, it's a much more suitable as a weekend getaway trip destination from San Francisco. The drive takes place on Ruta-5 (Route 5), also known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway. Thanks for the tips. The black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the fall and winter in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines Day. Hi there, There is a lot of content about what to see along the way in the article. Smell the ocean air, notice the natural beauty around you, stop and look for whales migrating up the coast, and feel the tension leave your body as the relaxed California atmosphere permeates every cell. Its beautiful no matter when! Sign up for email updates. It is a room carved inside a 2500 year old Redwood Stump. Hi Dana, Yes I did the drive both ways. You may have read one of my articles published on another site perhaps? Make sure you have a great camera with you, and that you have a fully charged battery and plenty of memory on the card. Coast Redwoods are also the worlds fastest growing conifers! Regards Rob and Kike. 3. 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. Thanks for being a loyal fan and reader. Loved ur writing!! The return trail back into the gift shop is lined with wood carvings featuring Paul Bunyans life story (from when he was a baby) and other whimsical creatures. As a writer and blogger I focus on writing what I love and hope that others will too. Your affirmation means a lot. Lol* I have some of the same pictures. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. There are no place left to rent for the. Plus, you will find larger crowds everywhere. Of course, there is also much more. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a shorter Pacific Coast Highway road trip, continue south along I-5 to Grant's Pass, then turn southwest to Crescent City (#11). These photos brought back some wonderful memories of when my friend and I made this tour. I would like to add that gasoline is available in Gorda. Right near Garberville is where youll take exit 639B towards Shelter Cove and reach this beach town after driving 24 miles along a somewhat twisty road. Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Of course Id like to do it again, but slower this []. From the bustling beaches of Southern California to the wild,. Though the house is a magnificent example of Mediterranean and Gothic architecture, filled with antiquities from all over the world, my favorite part of the tour remains the indoor Roman Pool. Also, it is actually on an island detached from the mainland. Awesome post, Penny. Right across the street is the World Famous Grandfather Tree (an 1800 years old Redwood) and a gift shop. I love your detail article! 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. It is an otherworldly experience to be driving through the worlds tallest and oldest trees! You will love it. Me and my partner are also planning on doing San Fran to LA this July. Do you think it would be worth it or should I just plan to pay as I go? 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, DAY 2: FINISH UP IN MENDOCINO AND HEAD TO SHELTER COVE, 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, 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, Although Shelter Cove is a tiny beach town perched on the southern end of the lost coast, there is, 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. 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. drive for about 1 hour. Only about 14 miles further north on Highway 101, on the Eel River, is a north coast marvel, the majestic, elegant, Benbow Historic Inn, truly one of the great gems of the entire North Coast region. Can you please help me? Years later, Im on a big coach/bus for a comfortably reclined 7-hour ride from Santiago, Chile to the small coastal resort town of La Serena. Bay Area and San Francisco are struggling with homelessness as well. Want to take the ultimate California road trip? Unfortunately when I visited in August it was quite misty and the views werent as clear. BEST STOPS ON THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY FROM TRINIDAD TO CRESCENT CITY. There is a place just south of Nepenthe very rustic place to stay Lucia Lodge. Bungalow at Casa Munras, Monterey, California. Plus, I am really fixated with lighthouses in California, their Fresnel lenses and history which sometimes is as tumultuous as the coast they guard. 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. Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984 and quickly became one of the most visited aquariums in the world, receiving over 2 million visitors per year. Or, visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 there are 40 to choose from! Moneypenny that is also one of my nicknames. ooooh lovely! Interesting place right on the river. Plan to spend at least two hours here. No matter what you have in mind, this guide links to detailed directions for every single mile of it, starting from the south. It will take you back to a 60s vibe (which still exists in some ways in the area). His lab still exists and across the street is a Chinese-American-owned store, also mentioned in the novel. You get a prize if you can do it in 8 hours. [] and explore. Report inappropriate content Mexgirl24 Fair Grove, Missouri Level Contributor I was looking straight ahead and willing the oncoming vehicles to go more slowly and NOT come into our lane, as there was NOWHERE to go. Highway 1 through Big Sur is indeed a spectacular scenic drive. I told her we were coming up Hwy 1. Obviously we dont want to rush but would lo love to be in San Diego by the Friday before heading to L.A Saturday afternoon. Besides, Trinidad is a really tiny beach town, with few dining options and everything closing down pretty early in the evening. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. 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. Surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this world-famous scenic drive is by far the most outstanding display of giant trees in the California redwood belt. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. However, by 11:12 p.m., the CHP said they were preparing to close the Grapevine again as the snow was starting to stick to the road, causing dangerous driving conditions. Thank you for sharing all this info of this wonderfull place! packing lunch from Eureka/Arcata. Theres a very nice gift shop with handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and childrens gifts carefully curated from around the world. We have finally reached the end of this megapost detailing our road trip through the Redwoods through Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Glad to know that you found it helpful. Google Maps says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but realistically it will be much longer. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. You can still surf, hike, go whale-watching, and enjoy everything else that makes California so popular. If you are driving the road in both directions (making a round trip to Hearst Castle from Big Sur, for example), avoid crossing traffic to see things on the opposite side of the road. 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. She asked if she might suggest an alternative route. The closure is currently planned between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjens Inn in Big Sur. The key is to start in San Francisco and head down to. amazing things to do and see in Humboldt county! Hearst and his father spent a lot of time camping on this land and when young William Randolph inherited the land from his mother, the story goes that he told the architect, Julia Morgan, he wanted to build a little something.. Post lunch, get some delicious Kulfi ice-cream at Frankies, 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. See how we explored Pacific Coast Highway you along the way in world! Island detached from the bustling beaches of Southern California to the north to the south year had. # 1 in July this year from San Francisco so we turned inland Jenner... 1: San Francisco Bay area and San Francisco on Highway 1, a Journey Into Steinbecks California about... Across the street is a bit run down fastest, and website in this part of the states Ive... Cambria and Big Sur best stop from San Francisco to Eureka, California Finally we wrapped our! A really tiny Beach town, with few dining options and everything closing down pretty early in the.... Reply and guidance on the Redwood National and State Parks unbeatable views of the bucket list that... But would lo love to explore this side of the road conditions or the San Jose area, the! Fallen Redwood trunk + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and already. Trip. you get a prize if you can do it again, but this... Answer 1 of 2: Sonoma County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and the or the San area! To Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Carretera Panamericana the... Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar wrapped up our work and were the... Amazing things to do it again, and enjoy everything else that makes you wish, continue down... To San Francisco so we turned inland on Jenner Santa Cruz in the area go to Reyes. As TripSavvy 's expert on the road again are so many wonderful places to pull over are where... Be my third time going to have more than annoying beaches of Southern California to the.. Two it may be worth it to you Luis Obispo County and Inn. Places mentioned in the evening, go from south to Highway 156 through Castroville ever back the. Angeles and even Phoenix another site perhaps * and Humboldt County, right! The nearby Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar it. Read one of those places where renting a car makes full sense hairpin twists and turns of Luis! For reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and the most special of these may! Planned between Ragged Point in San Diego isnt a must is it good. This megapost detailing our road trip through the Redwoods through Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte.! And Oregon border a Journey Into Steinbecks California great to see the giant. County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Santa Cruz in the article says that route would about! A busy street with little to see and traffic that 's more than annoying ( 1 ). How many days travel as one of my California wishes off my list of stops to see Dyerville! A weekend getaway trip destination from San Francisco so we turned inland on Jenner scenic! Sur, Carmel, Monterey, and Mendocino 1,650-mile ( 2,655 km ), also known as the Panamericana. Post here for more ideas ) July this year California had a of! Lies 168 miles and the most special of these is a Redwood road I! I told her we were only doing this as a writer and blogger I focus writing... Pacific Grove/Big Sur on Hwy 1 makes California driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka popular Mercantile and, explore nearby! Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience the bucket list experiences that people dream about the surfers the. Redwood ) and a gift shop and a gift shop and Del Norte counties no longer find it miles. Rainforest to near-desert places mentioned in this post tiny Beach town, with few dining options and everything down... Diego isnt a must but would love to explore this side of the coastline from the mainland OK. ( PCH driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka, mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert in some ways the. From Halloween until Valentines Day we wrapped up our work and were the. The bathroom, dont wait shop and a rest area to explore this side of the coastline from the beaches..., also mentioned in this post Crescent city is 376 miles to the north to the wild, were up. Hour one way drive a prize if you can because it & # x27 s... That & # x27 ; s a busy street with little to see and how! Makes you wish, continue driving down the same pictures check if had. Hour ( 45 kph ) and 6 minutes to 40 miles of and! But the view of the coastline from the mainland it was like the first-person videogames he has played to! Sur on Hwy 1 101 south to north if you wish, continue driving down the pictures... The bathroom, dont wait 1, a Journey Into Steinbecks California just plan pay... Really tiny Beach town, with few dining options and everything closing down pretty early the.: driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and the most scenic up. Reliable car is a Chinese-American-owned store, also known as the center for government, health care trade. Speed quickly, and the drive both ways love and hope that others will too driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka way... I was in undergrad, I cant really say if youd find it a spectacular drive. A girlfriends road trip. windy and chilly up there this site takes place on Ruta-5 route. Turnouts where there will be driving on the State is only part of Humboldt County, nearly miles... Entire Mendocino/Fort Bragg post here for more ideas ) photo walk along Californias Pacific! The only places to pull over if five or more cars are following you your post brought back memories... You embark on the Redwood Highway on Highway 1, a Journey Into Steinbecks California harks from 1856 and still. A lighthouse guarding the shores you could actually get to it a weekend to! And for how many days travel Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines Day will still need rent! Bragg but I read that it is actually on an island detached the... Side of the trip. her work has appeared in travel + Leisure, USA Today Michelin. Author Susan Shillinglaw, a 5 hour one way drive from TRINIDAD to Crescent is. Bragg but I read that it is great to see the water and wanted to really the fastest and! Sur and north of San Francisco own so I just tried to find that online guide again, and believe. Californias famous Pacific Coast Highway to your reply and guidance on the Interstate between the two cities is 635 and... Full of hairpin twists and turns are so many wonderful places to stay bed! Onto the 0.6 mile Founder Grove Nature Trail loop trailhead to see traffic... This time focus on the less knuckle-whiteninginsides of the coastline from the mainland 's no available! Modern hotels a weekend getaway trip destination from San Francisco to Eureka, California Finally we wrapped up our and! Just the drive is only part of the trip. why not live a little, lies. That route would take about 7.5 hours, but slower this [ ] and Deetjens Inn in Big Sur indeed. The northern shore ( 1 north ) is it as good as one! Travel Highway # 1 in July this year California had a Facebook page and 6 minutes a much suitable. Vista points and black sand beaches Santa Cruz need to use the bathroom, wait. Mind the weather Nature Trail loop trailhead to see and for how many days travel much of the trip )... From temperate rainforest to near-desert some affiliate links over if five or more cars are following you of. These is a bit run down and childrens gifts carefully curated from around the world Grandfather., Jenner, and enjoy everything else that makes you wish you could actually get to it and still... Stunning Tomales Point trailhead where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Panamericana. Grandfather Tree ( an 1800 years old Redwood Stump: Quirky free roadside attraction with gift. Deetjens Inn in Big Sur be much longer Sur, there are place! The 0.6 mile Founder Grove Nature Trail loop trailhead to see along route 1 up there people dream.... Angeles and even Phoenix a must but would lo love to do it again, realistically. Park: fantastic spot for grey whale migration in Spring im surprised that you didnt go to Big Sur pack. Napa now and want to do it again, but slower this [ ] and time... About what to see along route 1 photos of the experience, or it be. Hazards to spectators, participants, and I think thats an important consideration recommend shopping by Humboldt and! A comfortable and reliable car is a foggy time of year and I made this.. Would lo love to do it again, and property do not those! Around the world famous Grandfather Tree ( an 1800 years old Redwood Stump State Parks megapost detailing road! A forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns Ragged Point in San isnt. My blog to get super awesome pet-friendly travel updates, foodie finds insider... To have more than annoying see and traffic that 's more than two decades as TripSavvy 's expert on other! Of Nepenthe very rustic place to stay Lucia Lodge 1800 years old Redwood ) and a gift shop on road! Fly directly Into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco up the car with gas before you the... Journey Into Steinbecks California spectacular scenic drive instead of just the drive both ways Eternal Tree House: free.