Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

San Francisco to Humboldt Redwoods State Park And Beyond

With well chosen stops, beautiful lodgings, unusual eating experiences, and unmatched natural beauty, this five-day route guarantees you will see the magnificent redwoods along the coast of California and Oregon. With this ultimate northern California road trip, savor your trip through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth.

You start off in San Francisco where you can take in the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge before heading north to the Muir Woods. From there it's a meandering travel up the coast of California before stopping on the southern coast of Oregon.

On the way, you will partake of the majesty of Redwood Forests, ferns, and the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean coast. It's a magical trip.

Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: San Francisco to Muir Woods National Monument

Morning:

• Departure from San Francisco: To make the most of your day and escape the morning traffic, start your journey early from San Francisco, preferably about 7 AM. Start your road trip off to a picture-perfect start as you depart the city and gaze at the renowned Golden Gate Bridge draped in morning mist.
• Muir Woods National Monument: Arrive at Muir Woods by 8 AM. Some of the world's oldest and tallest redwoods call this tranquil woodland home. Enjoy a close encounter with these prehistoric behemoths as you meander around the Main Trail, a mild circle. The Dipsea Trail is a moderately difficult climb that gives stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and the Pacific Ocean and is perfect for adventure seekers.

Lunch:

• The Pelican Inn: The Pelican Inn is a charming English-style watering hole close to Muir Beach; be there by 11 o'clock in the morning. A satisfying lunch of shepherd's pie and fish and chips is on the menu at this quaint restaurant. Set in a rustic English inn, the scene is set with a crackling fireplace and all the comforts of home.

Afternoon:

• Muir Beach Overlook: After lunch, take a short drive to Muir Beach Overlook. Around one in the afternoon, come here to take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky shoreline. You could be fortunate enough to see dolphins playing or whales making their migration.

Evening:

• Point Reyes Station: About an hour's drive from Muir Beach is the charming hamlet of Point Reyes Station. Make sure to arrive at the lovely Point Reyes Station Inn no later than 4 PM. With its serene garden setting and comfortable accommodations, this bed & breakfast is sure to charm. Sit down for dinner at Station House Café at about 6 o'clock in the evening. Famous farm-to-table delicacies, served in a rustic, inviting setting, include lamb shank and roasted local oysters.

Day 2: Point Reyes to Mendocino

Morning:

• Tomales Bay: Around 8 in the morning, set off from Point Reyes for a leisurely drive around picturesque Tomales Bay. Visit Hog Island Oyster Co. farm in Marshall at 9 in the morning for a taste of the best oysters in town. The Boat Oyster Bar offers a seasonal light menu featuring salads, cheese & charcuterie platters, fresh seafood specialties, and raw and BBQed oysters. A sustainable oyster farm tour is available for those who get up even earlier.

Lunch:

• Bodega Bay: You should reach Bodega Bay by midday if you keep heading north. If you're looking for some of the best crab sandwiches and clam chowder in town, go no farther than Spud Point Crab Company. As you dine, take in the view of the beautiful marina.

Afternoon:

• Mendocino Coast: Arrive in Mendocino around 3 PM. The artistic culture and Victorian architecture make this seaside town special. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town and peruse the one-of-a-kind stores and galleries. Mendocino Headlands State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park's easy paths provide breathtaking views of the coast and provide chances to see whales and sea lions.

Evening:

• Little River Inn: Check into the Little River Inn by 6 PM. Enjoy secluded patios and breathtaking ocean views in one of the charming rooms at this old inn. Dungeness crab cakes and abalone are just a few examples of the fresh, local seafood dishes served at the inn's restaurant. A night spent lounging in the comfortable dining room with an ocean view is just what the doctor ordered.

Day 3: Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Morning:

• Russian Gulch State Park: Start your day early with a visit to Russian Gulch State Park around 8 AM. The Fern Canyon Trail takes you to a lovely 36-foot waterfall at the end of a 2-mile circle through a verdant canyon dotted with ferns. This trail is great for a morning hike because it is not too difficult.

Lunch:

• Fort Bragg: Make a lunch stop at North Coast Brewing Company on the way to Fort Bragg around noon. When you have some free time, go on a tour of the brewery and sample some of their craft beers with their world-famous fish and chips. This brewery is a wonderful place to stop for lunch thanks to its laid-back vibe and delicious food.

Afternoon:

• Avenue of the Giants: Before the sun goes down, head to Avenue of the Giants within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The beautiful Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile route that passes by some of the world's largest trees. The Founders Grove Trail is a short, simple half-mile loop that passes the 346-foot-tall Founders Tree. The tranquil splendor of these redwoods is breathtaking.

Evening:

• Benbow Historic Inn: Check into the Benbow Historic Inn around 6 PM. Situated in a picturesque courtyard, this inn in Garberville provides guests with excellent accommodations and a tranquil retreat. Indulge in dinner prepared using fresh, locally sourced foods in the inn's elegant dining area. An unforgettable evening may be had at the inn thanks to its historic charm and excellent cuisine.

Day 4: Humboldt Redwoods to Crescent City

Morning:

• Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park: Depart the Benbow Historic Inn at approximately 8 in the morning for a short trip to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. For a morning hike in this less popular area, be sure to arrive no later than 9 AM. Enjoy the redwoods without large crowds on one of the park's quiet paths, such the easy, short loop that follows the Van Duzen River.

Lunch:

• Eureka: Drive to Eureka by noon and have lunch at Lost Coast Brewery. The tasty pub food and unique craft brews make this place a local favorite. Pair one of their one-of-a-kind beers with the local classic, the shrimp po' boy sandwich, a favorite of the locals.

Afternoon:

• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: By 2 PM, you should have made it to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Indulge in a day of nature exploration at Fern Canyon, a one-of-a-kind stroll through a verdant canyon with fern-covered walls. Wear strong shoes as the trail may be slick. Films such as "Jurassic Park" have showcased the canyon's mesmerizing beauty.

Evening:

• Crescent Beach Motel: Arrive and check-in at approximately 6 o'clock in the evening. Indulge in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your room at this beachfront motel. Good Harvest Café is the place to be for supper at 7 o'clock. Relaxed dining with an emphasis on regional products is offered at this café, which is well-known for its organic fare and excellent fish.

Day 5: Crescent City to Gold Beach, Oregon

Morning:

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Go to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park as soon as it opens at 8 in the morning. To see a stunning double-trunked redwood, hike the Boy Scout Tree Trail, which is 5.5 miles in total length of moderate hiking. Taking your time through this tranquil woodland with its majestic trees is an experience you won't soon forget.

Lunch:

• Brookings: Cross into Oregon and arrive in Brookings by noon. For a picnic lunch, make a pit stop at Railroad St. Market & Deli, where you can get a free bag of ice with the purchase of 12 beverages or more. Before you go to Harris Beach State Park, make sure to grab some gourmet snacks and sandwiches. While you dine, take in the breathtaking views of the shoreline and the offshore rock formations.

Afternoon:

• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: Keep traveling by taking in the scenic sights along the Samuel H. Boardman State Corridor. This 12-mile stretch of rocky shore is perfect for an afternoon of exploration. Very wooded, the corridor has a few little sand beaches along a craggy and steep shoreline. See the famous rock formations at Natural Bridges Viewpoint, and then go on a short stroll to Secret Beach, a secret treasure with stunning views and a lonely shoreline.

Evening:

• Gold Beach: By 5 PM, you should have arrived at Gold Beach and checked into Tu Tu' Tun Lodge. With its peaceful views of the Rogue River and exquisitely furnished rooms, this bed & breakfast is perfect for a romantic getaway. Take it easy and take in the serene atmosphere before heading out to supper.
• Dinner at Tu Tu' Tun Lodge: At about 7 o'clock in the evening, dine on farm-to-table fare at the lodge's restaurant. Many of the dishes on the menu are prepared using ingredients grown right in the lodge's gardens. Savor grilled lamb or salmon on the deck while gazing out at the river, and then sweeten the deal with a dessert to die for. The tranquil and private atmosphere is ideal for a relaxing farewell.

Additional Side Trips:

• Unique Stops: See the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett and the Trees of Mystery in Klamath. The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree is a 6-foot-wide by 6-foot-9-inch-high opening carved through its base to let an automobile pass through. The diameter of its base at breast height is sixteen feet. Only small cars are allowed, but your group can walk through and take pictures. At the Trees of Mystery, you may take a SkyTrail gondola ride to enjoy a bird's-eye perspective of the forest. At the center of Redwood National and State Parks, Trees of Mystery is the region's top natural attraction.
• Overlooked Gems: Take a detour to see Trinidad's lovely harbor and the coastline paths at Sue-meg State Park (formerly Patrick's Point). For the Yurok people, of the Humboldt region, Sue-meg means "always there." Get away from the crowds at these lesser-known sites that offer breathtaking scenery.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking redwoods that line the coasts of California and Oregon on this 5-day ultimate northern California road trip itinerary. Enjoy hand-picked destinations, cozy accommodations, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. Have fun traveling through some of the world's most breathtaking scenery.

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