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The Best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (1 Week Route)

Post Summary: The Complete Northern California Road Trip With All The Best Stops

Giant Redwood trees, an insanely beautiful coastline, and several hidden waterfalls… Can you really see all of this in one single trip?

You can, and it’s all in Northern California . This part of the state is unlike the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. It’s wild, raw, and untamed, which is exactly the kind of Northern California Road trip we’re all about!

In this post, we’re sharing the best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary! We’re including everything from our favorite hikes, photo stops, camping tips, and so much more. Let’s get started!

The Best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

How To Get Around Northern California

The best way to take a Northern California road trip is, naturally, by car . More specifically though, with a campervan or a car that’s geared up to go car camping!

A lot of these Northern California road trip stops are hours away from one another, so it’s in your best interest to rent a car or campervan to get around this part of the state.

You can even go in style, and rent a cool vintage VW Westfalia van from Outdoorsy ! Outdoorsy is like Airbnb but for cars, so you can choose your desired recreational vehicle , fully insured, and ready to go have an adventure!

Read More: 15 Road Trip Tools and Planners To Help Start Your Epic Drive

Where To Stay On A Road Trip In Northern California

There are many kinds of places to stay on your North California road trip, and it all depends on your preferences! You can make this trip as bougie or as dirt-baggy as you want, and that’s the beauty of it!

Here are some Northern California accommodations we recommend along your route:

Camping In Northern California

For the majority of our latest road trip in Northern California, we went camping!

We decided on a mix of California State Parks and free campsites. To find free camping spots , we use an app called The Dyrt , which helps us find nearby BLM land to camp overnight on (but only the pro members are able to get this feature!) Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

For places that didn’t have a lot of BLM or national forest to use for camping, we reserved campsites in designated campgrounds. Here were some of our favorites:

• Sue-Meg State Park (Formerly Patrick’s Point State Park)
• Mcarthur-Burney Falls State Park
• Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park

Recommended Airbnbs

Airbnbs are great accommodations for your Northern California road trip if you crave some creature comforts! There are so many cute mountain cabins, desert dwellings, and simple places with close access to adventure. If it’s your first time booking with Airbnb, make sure to click here and get $40 off your first stay!

We booked a few Northern California Airbnbs throughout our road trip for shower breaks, a good night’s sleep, and easy access to wifi. One of our hosts also let us use their washer and dryer for laundry.

Northern California Lodges

Sometimes, a swanky lodge is a perfect way to treat yourself and unwind!

If you want to splurge on a one-of-a-kind stay, consider places like the Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Stanford Inn by the Sea, Timber Cove Resort, and the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

What To Pack For A Northern California Road Trip

Good Hiking Boots: Northern California hiking trails are rugged and fun! It’s important to bring shoes that are comfortable, broken-in, and ideally waterproof. We choose ones with ankle support, to keep us stable on uneven surfaces (like climbing over rocks and tree stumps).

A Good Offline Map: Most of the time on your Northern California road trip, expect to find little cell service. Make sure to download these road trip planning apps to help you navigate gracefully on AND offline.

Road Trip Essentials: Any good road trip needs these essential items on their road trip packing list. Don’t forget to build your own DIY roadside emergency tool kit as well!

Light Rain Jacket: Between the marine layer in the mornings to the unpredictable coastal weather, a rain jacket is a must-have. Choose a lightweight one that can easily be stuffed in your daypack!

Day Pack: A good day pack is comfortable for long-term wear, and ideally waterproof to withstand all types of weather! Look for ones with lots of outside pockets (to store snacks!) and hip straps for extra weight support.

First Stop On Your Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco

San Francisco (or Oakland) is a natural starting point for your Northern California road trip for their abundance of resources to begin your journey. This is where you can easily rent a car, stock up on groceries, and make any last-minute errands before you take off. This is the perfect place to begin your journey, as all good west coast road trips should have the chance to drive across this iconic bridge.

If you want to spend some time in the city, try to spend a quick day doing the touristy things like visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, hike Land’s End, and the Mission District for a quick overview of the city.

For your final exit heading out on your Northern California road trip, finish it off by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Muir Woods!

Read More: 10+ Adventures To Take Near San Francisco, California

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of the most instagrammable places on your Northern California road trip!

Some of the most iconic places to see in Mount Tamalpais State Park are the East Peak Hike for epic views of the city, Van Wyck Meadows , and Oberman’s Rock / Leaning Tower .

If you want to venture out a little further to see giant Sequoia trees, you can go explore the Muir Woods National Monument, located nearby in Mill Valley, CA.

For an iconic Northern California road trip experience, make sure to photograph the sunset from Bolinas Ridge – bonus if you catch a car winding down those roads!

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected area north of San Francisco for its elk population, shorebirds, and a huge variety of incredible marshland, rangeland, and ocean headlands!

Come visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse for an opportunity to spot whales offshore, and chat with a park ranger about recent sightings and best times to see them. One of the most popular stops in this area includes visiting the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse that sits on the westernmost tip of the park. You can walk down the 300+ stairs to witness this 1870 structure up close!

Other iconic Northern California road trip stops here include the Cypress Tree tunnel , the shipwrecks in Inverness, and the leaning tree by the coast.

Read More: 12 Epic Outdoor Things To Do In San Francisco

Shelter Cove

Northern California isn’t exactly known for its golden sandy beaches – that’s more reserved for sunny Orange County ! However, the lack of sandy beaches doesn’t mean the coast isn’t worth a spot on your North California road trip itinerary – just the opposite, in fact!

One of the most incredible Northern California beaches we’ve experienced was Black Sand Beach in Shelter Cove , an hour’s drive west from Highway 101. This section of the California coastline is under King Range National Conservation Area , which was designated as protected land in the 1970s.

Here the mountains seem to dramatically dive straight into the ocean. This was an unforgiving landscape for road construction, thus why this area is commonly referred to as California’s “Lost Coast” and the Highway 101 was diverted an hour east. Lucky for visitors like you though, this means you can visit this widely untouched, special part of the coast for a unique stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary.

For those who are brave enough to take the journey on the winding roads to the small community of Shelter Cove (it’s really a serious detour), you’ll likely be greeted with an empty beach all to yourself.

Read More: Black Sand Beach at Shelter Cove, California

Patrick’s Point and The Coastal Redwoods

The Coastal Redwoods are probably the wildest and most unpredictable stop on your Northern California road trip! From the giant redwood trees to the cliffside ocean views, there are many beautiful places to experience in this part of the northern California coast.

Spend the day exploring Patrick’s Point – a 640-acre park with a dense forest of hemlock, pine & fir, all neighboring the dramatic cliffside along the ocean’s edge. We visited Rocky Point for sunset and Wedding Rock and Mussels Beach for sunrise. Both were excellent options for short and beautiful coastal hiking trails.

Camp at Patrick’s Point State Park campground, which is a really great central location for all sorts of activities nearby. From there, you can take the short drive south to the California coastal towns of Eureka, Arcata, and Trinidad . There are several small beaches to explore around there, so pop into anyone that looks interesting to you!

Read More: 25 Epic Stops On A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Redwood National Park and State Parks

One of the most iconic stops on any Northern California itinerary is taking in all the views of the Redwood National Park, and State Parks!

Drive through some of the most scenic drives on the West Coast lined with Redwood giants of HUGE magnitude! The most famous route is through the Avenue of Giants (located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park), a 31-mile Redwood-lined drive with tons of history and interpretive signs along the way.

For a more rugged experience, try taking dirt road scenic drives through ancient North California forests – our favorites are through Cal-Barrel Road and Howland Hill Road near Crescent City. Note that RV’s and trailers are not allowed on these roads!

Another amazing Northern California road trip stop to check out is a magical swing that overlooks the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean! To find the iconic swing at Patrick’s Point , park at Trinidad State Beach and follow signs to College Cove to the cliffs.

Trip Tip: Personally, we think you should save your money when it comes to driving “through” those large Redwood trees. They are generally privately owned, over-priced, and a lot more underwhelming than you’d expect!

Read More: What To Expect When You Drive Through Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

To finish off your road trip on the Northern California coast (after this you’ll be heading inland!), spend the morning in a magical fern-covered corridor deep in the woods. That’s right, Fern Canyon looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! Wander down the canyon with 100+ foot tall fern-covered walls and experience the best solitude nature can provide.

Located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park , this is an essential Northern California itinerary stop for any photography lovers and hikers.

It takes a bit of work to get here, though. You’ll need to drive the unpaved, gravel Davison Road for 10 miles until you reach the trailhead. The road is quite narrow and windy, so RV’s and cars towing something behind are not recommended.

Don’t forget to wear water safe shoes! During periods of heavy rainfall or in the springtime, you’ll find yourself crossing many streams. In the summertime, they will place boards across streams to help visitors cross, but they aren’t always reliable. The trail is easy and suitable for all ages, just a simple 1.1 mile lollipop loop trail.

Not ready to leave the coast? Explore our Oregon Coast road trip route and continue north instead!

Lake Shasta

Mount Shasta, located in the Southern Cascade Range, is one of those unique locations where you feel so far away from civilization, yet it remains extremely accessible along the I-5 corridor.

Hike Yellow Butte for the most incredible but underrated views of Mount Shasta, take the Heart Lake trail for stunning alpine views, or explore the longer trek to the incredible Castle Crags Dome views. There are plenty of places to camp here on your Northern California itinerary so you don’t have to worry about rushing out of here.

Have a few extra days in your Northern California itinerary? Rent a houseboat and float around on Lake Shasta!

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park probably hosts one of the most beautiful stops on your Northern California road trip – Burney Falls!

This 129-foot tall waterfall feels MASSIVE in real life, with the powerful force of the water and mist totally engulfing you at the base. The falls are part of a really well-maintained area , hosting a campground, day-use area, and even a general store with great ice cream cones!

Access to the falls is $10 per day for parking a vehicle, so come prepared with cash or a California state park pass. Here, you can view the falls from the upper viewing area , or hike the short 0.3-mile paved walkway down to the base . We recommend stopping by both, because they each have their own magic to them!

Note: This is an extremely popular Northern California road trip stop, so expect crowds, or plan your visit early or later in the day!

Want to see more cool waterfalls on your Northern California road trip? Consider adding stops to McCloud Falls (there is an Upper Middle and Lower falls!), Mossbrae Falls, Whiskeytown Falls, and Lion Slide Falls.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located a 1.5-hour drive from Redding, California.

Only have one day in the park? Take a scenic drive through the main highway, stopping at pullouts that look interesting to you! Driving one-way (30 miles) will take you about an hour, so allot for at least 4 hours to drive and see some sights along the way.

If you only have time for one hike, make it to the Bumpas Hell trail , where you can see a complex hydrothermal system, where molten rock heats up with water above and creates beautiful steaming pools at the surface.

Other popular geothermal pools in the area include Sulphur Works (walkable, near the parking lot) or longer hikes to Devil’s Kitchen , Boiling Springs Lake , and Terminal Geyser .

For a picnic stop, grab lunch at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitors Center located at the south end of the park. Additionally, you can pack a lunch and eat it lakeside, where we recommend North Summit Lake or Manzanita Lake . This way, you can jump in and cool off after lunch on a hot day!

Bonus Northern California Road Trip Stops

Have a few more days to spare on your road trip to Northern California? Here are a few more stops to consider along your route!

For a few more days on your Northern California getaway, extend your trip out to Lake Tahoe – the nation’s largest alpine lake!

Make sure to stop at Sand Harbor and paddleboard to Bonsai Rock. It’s one of the most popular places to reach by boat in the park! Parking at Sand Harbor is $10 for the day, with access to bathrooms and other amenities. You can also park alongside the road (on a narrow pullout) and hike down for access to Bonsai Rock, but the trail is steep!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in California! It’s home to Yosemite Falls, Taft Point, the Half Dome Trail, and Glacier Peak, but that’s not all! You can also explore Yosemite’s backcountry on their backpacking trails and longer hikes, too.

Currently, the park is open for visitors on a reservation-only basis . Reservations are free, but require some extra steps for planning a trip. Click here to learn more about Yosemite’s reservation system. (Current as of Autumn 2020)

Mammoth Lakes

Are you interested in driving down Highway 395 toward Los Angeles and San Diego? Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful destination along the way, with natural hot springs, alpine lakes, and tons of mountain adventures!

Stop by Mono Lake to see the incredible tufas (calcium carbonate rock), and the nearby Bodie State Historic Park to explore a cool ghost town.

If you love hot springs, make sure to stop by Travertine Hot Springs and Wild Willy’s. These are two of the most popular hot springs around, but there are quite a few more if you are willing to search for them! Both have access to BLM land nearby for camping, so you can plan a beautiful sunrise soak!

Other beautiful stops in the Mammoth Lake area include Convict Lake, Rainbow Falls, Devil’s Postpile, and Hot Creek.

Southern Oregon Coast

Are you more interested in planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest ? You can venture north and explore Oregon, California’s neighboring state. Almost immediately, there are several amazing stops along the Oregon coast , enough to add a few extra days to your trip!

Some of the best stops on the Southern Oregon coast include Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor , Gold Beach, Face Rock in Bandon , and Coos Bay . Come with a camera in hand and water shoes at the ready, and prepare to witness some magical sunsets on the coast!

Do you have any more Northern California road trip ideas? Leave them in the comments below to inspire others too!

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Below, we’re sharing an example Northern California Road Trip itinerary – covering all the stops we’ve covered above!

• Day 1: Fly into San Francisco, Stay overnight
• Day 2: San Francisco to Mount Tamalpais
• Day 3: Mount Tamalpais to Point Reyes National Seashore
• Day 4: Point Reyes National Seashore to Shelter Cove
• Day 5: Shelter Cove to Redwoods State and National Park
• Day 6: Redwoods National Park to Shasta Lake (Day Trip To Fern Canyon)
• Day 7: Shasta Lake to Lassen Volcanic National Park (Day Trip To McArthur-Burney Falls)
• Day 8: Lassen Volcanic National Park back to San Francisco

Northern California Road Trip Map

Below, we’ve created a Northern California Road Trip Map to help you plan out all your stops. This is our suggested route, but feel free to modify it to fit your own personal preferences and stops.

Psst: Download this map of our California road trip to help guide your own itinerary and planning! Click on the image to save it on your own Google Maps app for easy referencing!

Have you ever planned your own Northern California road trip itinerary? Did we miss any of your favorite stops? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

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Beautiful photos and informative article as usual. I have been following your guys photos/website for long before we arrived in the PNW. I actually took a solo trip out in 2018 and drove the entire Oregon Coast and much of Washington also. Now I am living in Seattle with my wife – We lived in Portland for 6 months too. We are travel nurses. I’m also an avid photographer (landscape and couples). Thanks for sharing your tips and travels. I remember we drove from San Francisco to Portland but because our cars were so loaded up we missed out on a lot of scenery in Northern California which is so beautiful.

The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for the perfect Northern California road trip? This ultimate road trip itinerary takes you through the top destinations in Northern California!

As one of the biggest and most diverse states in the USA, California is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture.

One of the best ways to fully experience the wonders of the Golden State is on a road trip! This article will focus on an incredible Northern California road trip itinerary that will help you see the best of the area.

Northern California is incredibly special, and it varies slightly from the warm and sunny Southern California . From the bustling cities of San Francisco and Sacramento to the quaint beach towns along the rugged coast, Northern California has so much to offer travelers.

From touring world-renown wine countries to exploring the wide range of national and state parks, lovers of nature, cuisine, art, and culture will have a blast on this Northern California road trip.

See unique natural landmarks like Burney Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the iconic Redwoods National Park. Soak in hot springs, hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or go camping and backpacking in one of the many beautiful California state parks.

This Northern California road trip itinerary encompasses all the highlights of the area, and organizes them into a convenient driving route so you can explore the state with ease!

Read Next: Check out our post on all of the other top things to do in Northern California !

Table of Contents

How To Get Around Northern California

Where to stay on your northern california road trip, how long do you need for a northern california road trip, stop 1: san francisco, stop 2: napa valley, stop 3: sonoma wine country, stop 4: sacramento, stop 5: yosemite national park, stop 6: lake tahoe, stop 7: lassen volcanic national park, stop 8: macarthur burney falls memorial state park, stop 9: lava beds national monument, stop 10: shasta trinity national forest, stop 11: redwood national park, stop 12: trinidad state beach, stop 13: humboldt redwoods state park, stop 14: fort bragg, stop 15: point reyes national seashore, stop 16: muir woods national monument, return to san francisco.

The easiest way to complete this Northern California road trip itinerary is by renting a car. If you don’t already have a car, your best bet is renting one in San Francisco.

This road trip will start and end in San Francisco, so you can easily explore the city and then rent a car when you’re ready to hit the road.

This Northern California itinerary visits some remote places that don’t have direct public transport, so a car is definitely the best way to explore. You can easily return your rental car back to its original location in San Francisco when the road trip is finished!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Throughout your Northern California trip, there are lots of accommodation options. Even in the national and state parks, lodgings are plentiful.

Because this road trip itinerary is quite flexible, you can choose where you want to spend the night and for how long. Booking.com or Airbnb are great options for finding accommodation in each location.

You can also camp in many places, or try the road trip with a campervan so you can sleep in your vehicle. Be sure to check any national and state parks websites for a full list of campgrounds and regulations on this road trip!

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

We recommend about two weeks for this Northern California road trip. You could probably visit all the destinations listed in about one week if you wanted to, but it’s better to take your time and really soak it all in.

Some destinations require more time to explore, such as Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe , and San Francisco . You could easily spend 3-7 days in each of these locations and stretch your Northern California road trip into 3 weeks or more.

But the time frame of this Northern California road trip is flexible, so feel free to modify or change it however you want. To give you an idea of the time and distance of the road trip, here are some approximate stats about the route we’ve mapped out:

• Total Driving Distance: 1,520 miles or 2,460 kilometers
• Total Driving Time: 32 hours

These stats are just for driving from destination to destination. Each traveler’s actual Northern California road trip may differ depending on any side trips or modifications you make. But use this as a rough guide and feel free to create your own Northern California road trip itinerary that suits you!

Find more things to do in the Golden State with our complete list of the best things to do in California !

The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s dive into this ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary! Beginning in San Francisco, spend some time admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other highlights of this iconic city.

Then grab your rental car and continue on towards the area’s top wine countries, national parks, and lakes. You’ll head east towards the Nevada border, then loop up towards the Oregon border before returning to the West Coast and driving back down to San Francisco.

You’ll begin your Northern California road trip in the mighty city of San Francisco . This vibrant and iconic metropolis is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and technological innovation.

Before you set off on your road trip, be sure to spend at least a few days enjoying all that San Francisco has to offer. Make sure you see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Other attractions in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge include the former prison, Alcatraz Island , and the windy and scenic Lombard Street.

For art enthusiasts, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, while the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park offers a blend of American art and international exhibits.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods each have their own unique character and attractions. The vibrant Mission District is a hub of culinary delights, boasting an array of international cuisines, colorful murals, and trendy boutiques.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront area known for its fresh seafood, lively street performers, and iconic attractions like Pier 39 and the historic cable cars.

With its captivating blend of coastal charm, cultural richness, and technological innovation, San Francisco is the perfect place to begin any Northern California road trip.

Plan your stay with our 3 Days In San Francisco Itinerary !

• Driving time from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

After experiencing the best of San Francisco, head to what is arguably the top wine region in the USA: Napa Valley . Renowned for its picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and Mediterranean-like climate, Napa Valley is a true gem of Northern California.

With over 400 wineries and many miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the lush landscapes, you’ll have a blast soaking in the luxury and tranquility of Napa.

Wine tasting is, of course, the top activity to try here. Book a guided wine tour so you can learn about the local delicacies and boutique wineries from a local!

In addition to wine tasting, you can also enjoy food and culture while visiting Napa Valley. The region is home to renowned culinary institutions, attracting top chefs from around the world.

Visitors can treat their taste buds to exceptional farm-to-table cuisine, sample artisanal cheeses and olive oils, or attend culinary events and food festivals that showcase the region’s gastronomic delights.

Napa Valley also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. For those seeking relaxation, the valley’s natural hot springs and world-class spas provide the perfect retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.

• Driving time from Napa Valley: 50 minutes

Right next to Napa is another iconic wine country in Northern California, Sonoma Valley. These two locations are so close that you can choose to just visit one or the other. But if you’re a real wine lover, you may want to spend at least one full day in both places!

With its rolling vineyards, historic villages, and cultural landmarks, Sonoma Valley offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. The region is home to hundreds of wineries, ranging from boutique family-owned estates to renowned producers.

The valley’s natural beauty is also a major draw, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air balloon rides, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic splendor of the region.

Sonoma Valley’s rich history and cultural heritage further enhance its appeal. Sonoma County is dotted with charming towns and historic sites where visitors can explore adobe buildings, mission churches, and museums that showcase the region’s past.

Sonoma State Historic Park is the center of the area’s history, so this is a great place to learn about the culture, architecture, and traditions of Sonoma County.

• Driving time from Sonoma Valley: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Once you’ve had your fill of wine tasting, head to the dynamic city of Sacramento . As the capital city of California, Sacramento blends a rich history with modern amenities.

Sacramento’s historical significance is evident in its well-preserved Old Sacramento district, which showcases the city’s Gold Rush heritage through its charming wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and museums. Hop on a Gold Rush River Cruise to learn more about the history as you sightsee down the Sacramento River!

The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance venues that host a variety of events, including art exhibitions, live music, and theater productions.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sacramento offers ample opportunities for recreational activities. The American River Parkway provides miles of trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, while the rivers offer options for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Travelers can easily spend up to 3 days in Sacramento, but there is much more to explore on this Northern California road trip. One or two days in the city is sufficient because next you’re heading out to some of the most stunning national parks and lakes in Northern California!

Find more things to do in Sacramento here !

• Driving time from Sacramento: 3.5 hours

The next stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary is one of the country’s most beloved national parks.

Yosemite National Park , located in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is a natural wonderland that captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Spanning over 750,000 acres, Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, ancient sequoia groves, and abundant wildlife.

The park’s crown jewel is the iconic Yosemite Valley, a glacially-carved valley that boasts breathtaking vistas such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Hiking trails crisscross the park, offering opportunities for both casual strolls and challenging treks. From the misty meadows of Tuolumne Meadows to the serene beauty of Glacier Point, Yosemite’s diverse ecosystems and geological formations provide endless exploration.

Whether it’s rock climbing, camping, wildlife spotting, or simply basking in the tranquility of nature, Yosemite National Park offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

No Northern California road trip is complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park!

• Driving time from Yosemite National Park: 5 hours

After exploring Yosemite Valley, set aside a full day to travel from there to Lake Tahoe . It’s a 5-hour drive, but after all the hiking and adventuring you may need a bit of R&R.

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the western side of Northern California, then get ready to explore another natural wonder!

Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine lake that enchants visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery. Spanning over 190 square miles, Lake Tahoe is not only the largest alpine lake in North America but also one of the most beautiful.

The lake’s azure blue waters are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, lush forests, and sandy beaches, creating a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Whether it’s kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake’s calm waters, hiking through the scenic trails that line the shoreline, or simply lounging on the beach, Lake Tahoe offers an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights of Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay State Park, a natural gem with stunning emerald-green waters. Book a boat cruise of Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe to cover more ground while sightseeing in this beautiful place.

Tahoe City is the urban hub of the area. If you’re looking for places to stay, dine, or buy supplies, Tahoe City is a great place to base yourself for your explorations of Lake Tahoe.

In the winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its world-class ski resorts, such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar, where they can carve through fresh powder and take in panoramic views of the frozen lake.

• Driving time from Lake Tahoe: 3.5 hours

Next on your epic Northern California road trip itinerary is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This geologically diverse and visually striking national park showcases the remnants of volcanic activity in Northern California.

The park is home to Lassen Peak, an active volcano and the southernmost peak in the Cascade Range, which offers breathtaking views from its summit.

Visitors can explore a range of volcanic features, including steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and colorful hot springs, all within the park’s hydrothermal areas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park also boasts beautiful mountain lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and dense forests that provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

From the dramatic landscapes to the unique geological formations, Lassen Volcanic National Park is definitely worth a stop on any Northern California road trip itinerary!

Read Next: Have extra time on the West Coast? Take the ultimate road trip from San Francisco to Seattle !

• Driving time from Lassen Volcanic National Park: 1 hour

The natural wonders just keep coming on this Northern California road trip! From Lassen Volcanic National Park, head north to one of the state’s best state parks: MacArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park.

Surrounded by towering evergreen forests, MacArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Burney Falls is undoubtedly the highlight of this beautiful state park. The magnificent 129-foot waterfall never fails to amaze visitors with its cascading beauty and crystal-clear waters.

Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered cliffs, offering a serene and picturesque setting for nature lovers and photographers to enjoy.

Once you’ve admired Burney Falls and the surrounding nature of one of the top state parks in Northern California, hit the road again and continue your road trip!

• Driving time from Burney Falls: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Your Northern California itinerary continues as you head north toward the Oregon border. Stop for the day at Lava Beds National Monument , a fascinating destination that showcases more of the region’s volcanic history.

The monument is home to a vast network of lava tube caves formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, offering visitors an opportunity to explore these otherworldly underground formations.

As visitors navigate through the labyrinthine passages, they can marvel at the intricate lava formations, ice formations, and diverse geological features.

Additionally, Lava Beds National Monument boasts an abundance of cultural and historical significance, with numerous Native American rock art sites and the presence of the Modoc War battlefields, providing a rich tapestry of human history.

With its captivating geological wonders and cultural heritage, Lava Beds National Monument offers an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to delve into the region’s volcanic past and connect with nature and history here.

• Driving time from Lava Beds National Monument: 1 hour

It’s time to take your Northern California road trip back south toward the magical Shasta Trinity National Forest. Encompassing over 2.2 million acres of stunning natural beauty in Northern California, Shasta Trinity National Forest has mountains, valleys, trails, hot springs, and more.

Hikers and backpackers are spoiled for choice with an abundance of spectacular trails to explore. The Pacific Crest Trail winds through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

For a more challenging adventure, the Mount Shasta Summit Trail provides an opportunity to conquer the majestic peak.

Lake Shasta is a magnificent reservoir renowned for its beauty and recreational opportunities. With over 365 miles of scenic shoreline, Lake Shasta offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming.

There are some great lodges and hotels near Lake Shasta, or you can stay at one of the many popular campgrounds in the forest including McBride Springs Campground, Fowlers Campground, and Panther Meadows Campground.

• Driving time from Shasta Trinity National Forest: 3 hours

Continue your exploration of California’s majestic forests by heading toward the coastal redwoods. Located near the Northern California coast, Redwood National Park is a sanctuary of ancient giants and awe-inspiring beauty.

Renowned for its towering coastal redwood trees, the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National Park offers a majestic and serene atmosphere. It’s definitely a highlight of any Northern California road trip.

Hiking trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail and Tall Trees Grove Trail lead visitors through lush forests of towering redwoods, providing an up-close experience with these magnificent giants.

For breathtaking viewpoints, the overlooks along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and the Klamath River Overlook offer stunning vistas of the rugged coastline and the convergence of the forest and the sea.

With its enchanting trails and mesmerizing viewpoints, Redwoods National Park is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers exploring California.

• Driving time from Redwood National Park: 25 minutes

After hiking amongst the redwoods, get ready to soak in more of that salty Pacific Ocean air on the Northern California coast. The next stop on your road trip itinerary is Trinidad State Beach , known for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters.

Visitors can stroll along the shoreline and search for seashells, watch seabirds soar overhead, or simply bask in the tranquility of the coastal scenery.

This beach is a hidden gem that invites visitors to relax, connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the serene landscape of the Northern California coast.

You only need to spend a short time here as there isn’t much to do besides relax by the beach. But it makes a nice break from driving on your Northern California road trip!

• Driving time from Trinidad State Beach: 1 hour and 20 minutes

After enjoying the beach, you can explore even more magnificent redwood trees if you want! Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a bit further south than the famous Redwoods National Park, but it offers a similar experience.

If you’re short on time or you’re not that interested in redwoods, you can choose one of the two parks to explore. But if you do have time, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is absolutely worth it!

Spanning over 53,000 acres, the park is home to more of California’s iconic Redwoods, including the famous “Avenue of the Giants” where towering redwoods line the scenic drive.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, such as the Founders Grove Trail and the Rockefeller Loop, which wind through towering groves, fern-filled canyons, and meandering rivers.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer grandeur of the redwoods, take in the peacefulness of the forest, and witness the intricate interplay of light and shadows filtering through the dense canopy.

• Driving time from Humboldt Redwoods State Park: 2 hours

Continue south down California’s west coast as you make your way back toward San Francisco. Your next stop is Fort Bragg , a charming coastal city located in Mendocino County. With its dramatic coastal scenery, Fort Bragg offers a tranquil retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The city’s iconic Glass Beach, known for its shimmering sea glass scattered along the shore, is a popular attraction that showcases the beauty of nature’s transformation.

Visitors can also explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, wander along the scenic Noyo Headlands Park trail, or embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Fort Bragg is a coastal gem that invites visitors to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and it’s a convenient stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary.

• Driving time from Fort Bragg: 3 hours and 45 minutes

From Fort Bragg, you’ll continue south along the route of the Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Point Reyes National Seashore. This protected nature preserve is one of the final stops on your Northern California road trip itinerary!

Point Reyes National Seashore is known for its rugged cliffs, idyllic beaches, and expansive grasslands. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is an iconic landmark here, as is the scenic Cypress Tree Tunnel.

Visitors can explore the wide variety of hiking trails that wind through the park, such as the famous Tomales Point Trail, which offers lovely views of the ocean and the chance to spot tule elk.

The Chimney Rock Trail also offers lovely views of Drakes Bay and the Northern California coastline.

Hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, and birdwatching are all common ways to pass the time in the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore.

• Driving time from Point Reyes National Seashore: 1 hour and 15 minutes

After soaking in the views at the seashore, there is one more stop on your Northern California road trip before you return to San Francisco.

Located just north of the city, Muir Woods National Monument offers travelers the chance to connect with nature and witness the grandeur of more giant trees.

Named after renowned naturalist John Muir, the monument is home to a pristine coastal redwood forest, where towering trees reach heights of over 250 feet and create an enchanting atmosphere.

As visitors stroll along the well-maintained trails, they are surrounded by the quiet serenity of the towering redwoods, with rays of sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.

Once you’ve seen the best of the Muir Woods National Monument, it’s time to head back to San Francisco and return your rental car.

You’ve probably gathered that this Northern California road trip itinerary can be modified or completed in reverse. There is no right or wrong way to explore the beautiful Golden State, and this road trip itinerary certainly doesn’t cover all of the state’s wonders.

But we’ve tried to create a good starting point for exploring Northern California! There is so much beauty here, and there are plenty of amenities along this driving route that make any road trip convenient and fun.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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

last Updated: May 7, 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 , The Ritz Carlton 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

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 .

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! 
• Nicholson House : at the tippy top of my bucket list!

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 and Meritage Resort are both 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 retro hotel and get a mud bath at Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort — 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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How To Plan an Unforgettable Northern California Road Trip

We have been lucky to call Northern California home for over a decade at this point (update for 2024: we now live in Oregon, but still make the journey down to Northern California to visit family regularly!). At the time of writing, Alysha had spent her whole life here, minus four years in college, and Matt was a relative newcomer with just under 10 years.

There is such an incredible amount of things to do, see, and explore in Northern California that we’re STILL discovering new places despite having been all over the northern half of the state over the time we’ve lived here together.

Northern California is a very special place for us. We met in San Francisco in 2014, and lived there for almost a decade together, including three years living together and getting married. Over the course of that time, we took as many weekend trips as we could to explore the wealth of natural beauty that Northern California has to offer. 

Since we moved out of San Francisco, we’ve actually found ourselves doing more exploring on the Northern California coast, since we do an annual San Francisco to Seattle road trip to visit Matt’s family and often take the coastal route up through California. 

That stretch of coast between Point Reyes and the Oregon border is now at the top of the list of our favorite places in California because it has it all. Spectacular coastal beauty, wide sandy beaches, and towering coastal redwoods steps away from said beaches.

And we love it, which is why it’s featured so prominently in this Northern California itinerary. 

In this guide, we’re going to give you all of our local knowledge – and we do mean all of it, this is a long one! – in an effort to help you plan an amazing Northern California road trip.

We have opinions. Lots of them! And you’ll find them all below. From the best hikes, to which redwood groves to explore, and some cool places to stay, you’ll find it all in the guide below. 

Grab a coffee (and maybe some Bailey’s?) and let’s get planning!

P.S. We even have a longer road trip recommendation that takes you over to Lassen National Park and Lake Tahoe if you have some extra time on your hands – but we’d recommend having at least three weeks to do all of that.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need For This Road Trip?

We think you need a minimum of 7 days to do the entire stretch of coast from San Francisco to the redwoods near the Oregon border. 10 days would be even better. 

With 3-5 days, we’d recommend staying in and around San Francisco and exploring the city doing a couple of day trips from San Francisco to places like Point Reyes, the Marin Headlands, and Muir Woods. 

At the bottom of this guide, we have itinerary examples for 7 and 10 days to give you a starting point for planning your own trip. 

The Road Trip Route

Let’s talk about the route we’re recommending.

We’d strongly recommend that you stay relatively close to the coast , and we think the most unique part of Northern California is the stretch from San Francisco north to the Oregon border. 

You’ll experience towering coastal redwoods, never-ending sandy beaches, wine country, and more. It’s our favorite part of Northern California, and the best part is that it’s basically accessible year round. 

There are more than a few places in Northern California that are inland that are worth a visit, sure, but it’s a LONG way from the coast to areas like Lassen, Yosemite, or Lake Tahoe. 

With anything less than 14 days, we’d focus on the stretch between San Francisco and Redwood National and State Parks (basically the Oregon border) . It’s going to take you 4-6 hours to drive from the coast to Yosemite or Tahoe, and it’s not worth the time and effort unless you have three weeks or more. 

If you’re lucky enough to have three weeks, we’d add on a weeklong trip to Tahoe and Yosemite, but that’s almost a completely different Northern California trip than the one we’re talking about here. We have details on how to add those two spots at the very end of this guide.

We’d start by heading north up the coast along Highway 1, stopping along the way at places near San Francisco like the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, and Muir Woods. 

Continue north along Highway 1 allllll the way to the Oregon border, where you’ll find some of the best redwoods in the state, and then make your way back south to Mendocino. 

From there, end your trip with some well-earned wine country relaxation. Cut inland from Mendocino through the Anderson Valley – our favorite wine country in California, sorry Napa – and hop on 101 to Healdsburg, which is a super charming little town in Sonoma for even more wine. 

Drop off the car (if you’re renting one) and end with a day or two in San Francisco before heading home. 

Here’s what that route looks like in map form .

As you can see, that’s 16 hours of driving (and with stops, it’s going to be longer). 

For that reason, if you only have 5-10 days, we’d focus on the stretch from SF to Mendocino , and save the northern redwoods for later, which cuts out about 8-9 of those hours. There are plenty of redwoods to be explored in and around Mendocino, don’t worry!

Do You Need a Car for This Road Trip?

Yes. 100% yes. There is really no way to do this road trip without a car. Public transportation is basically nonexistent. 

However, we do have an important consideration for you to think about. 

Parking a car in San Francisco is a nightmare . We like to say that you’re going to be paying for parking one way or another, whether it’s through a garage or parking tickets for the various restrictions and street sweeping around the city. 

If you’re renting a car, we’d strongly, strongly recommend that you either pick it up after staying in San Francisco, or drop it off before your time in the city.

If you can’t do that, our next recommendation is to park it in a garage and leave it there. You won’t need it when you’re in the city, and it will often end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Use public transportation or rideshares like Lyft to get around within the city. 

Trust us – we lived there for nearly ten years and both of us decided to get rid of our cars because parking was such a nightmare. 

11 Amazing Stops for Your Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Now, let’s get into our top recommendations for stops to make on your trip. 

One thing we do want to make super duper clear is that there are absolutely stops in between the ones in this guide that you’re going to love. Think of this as our top picks, and be sure to leave time to discover a favorite or two that we don’t have listed here!

A great example is the stretch along Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Mendocino. Along the way, you’ll pass Jenner, Timber Cove, Gulala, and more. And they’re all amazing! But if we included literally ever stop, this guide would be five times as long. 

Some places – like the Marin Headlands – are best as stops on your way to your next overnight stay. For those, you’ll find a section with background on the place and our favorite things to do and see nearby. 

Some places – like Mendocino – are worth an overnight (or two), and for those you’ll find a deeper dive into things to do and see and a section on places to stay. 

You’ll find some information on San Francisco – like what to do and where to stay – as the last stop on this itinerary, mostly because we prefer the relaxing city time to be at the end of a road trip, rather than the beginning. 

Important Note: These stops are roughly in the order you’d encounter them on a 7-10 day road trip that loops from San Francisco to Trinidad and back again. You might need to rearrange them depending on what your particular trip will look like.

The Marin Headlands

Drive time from San Francisco International Airport: 40 minutes / 22 miles

The Marin Headlands are the area just across the Golden Gate Bridge, known for rolling hills and coastal bluffs which result in fantastic views of the bridge and the ocean.

It’s worth a half day or so spent exploring (though there’s plenty to do and see to occupy an entire day trip from San Francisco ) before heading north along the coast to kick off your road trip in earnest. 

Here are a few of our favorite stops. 

Battery Spencer and Battery Wagner : Possibly the two best views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the headlands (though the top of Hawk Hill is a close second), they’re close enough for you to walk between them. Be prepared for a parking nightmare though. 

Kirby Cove : From Battery Wagner, walk down the trail to Kirby Cove , which is another excellent view of the bridge, this time from the water-level. There’s also a great campground down here that is EXTREMELY competitive (like, books up six months in advance competitive – the kind you find at nearly every California campground these days), but is worth looking into. 

Point Bonita Lighthouse : The southwestern-most point in the headlands is Point Bonita, where you’ll find a cool lighthouse that you have to cross a narrow hanging suspension bridge to access. The hike from the parking lot to the lighthouse is about a mile round trip, and is mostly flat.  

The Coastal Trail / Miwok Loop : If you’re in the mood for a great, longer hike, head to Rodeo Beach (which is worth a stop in its own right) and do this hike up to the top of the bluffs overlooking the ocean, then down around the backside with a stop at an old radio (?) tower with great views. For a shorter version that just focuses on the coastal views, this shorter trail would be a good alternative. 

What about Muir Woods? As we were putting this guide together, we decided that we don’t think Muir Woods is worth a stop for a couple of reasons. One, the permitting system (you need an advance reservation these days) makes things more complicated and time consuming. Two, it’s the busiest redwood grove in California, so you’re not going to get the serenity and tranquility we associate with the redwoods. Last, you’re going to multiple MUCH COOLER redwood groves further north on the coast. So, with all that in mind, we’d skip it here. It’s a great, easily accessible option for people not going up further north on the coast, but if you’re following this road trip, that’s not you!

Mount Tamalpais

Drive time from the Marin Headlands: 30 minutes / 18 miles

Looking for a stop on the way to Point Reyes from San Francisco? We recommend a stop in Mt. Tamalpais State Park! Grab some coffee and take a quick hike to stretch your legs before continuing on your drive.

We love to stop at Equator Coffee for a quick coffee before a morning hike. There are actually a couple of locations near Mt. Tamalpais – one along Highway 1, and one in the heart of Mill Valley – we love the surf shack along Highway 1, and it’s a beautiful drive from there up to Mt. Tam. 

We wouldn’t stay overnight here, but it’s a good stop on your way out of the city up the coast, and there are two hikes here worth doing. 

• Hike to the East Peak : There are two ways to do this hike. The short version is a quick 0.6 mile hike from the parking lot that’s perfect for getting out of the car, getting some fresh air, and stretching your legs for a few minutes. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous city and bay views! The second way to do it is to park at the Mountain Home Inn along the Panoramic Highway and hike up to the East Peak from there, which is more like a four mile hike.
• Cataract Falls : The Cataract Falls Trail is a more moderate hike that is about 3.3 miles long. Because of the beautiful waterfall at the end, it can get a bit busy, so be ready for crowds during peak times or on weekends.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Drive time from Mt. Tamalpais to the Lighthouse: 1 hour 15 minutes / 39 miles

About 30 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is a gorgeous cape that brings together forested ridges and rolling hills. It’s a natural sanctuary with miles of gorgeous drives and hikes to be explored.

Things to Do at Point Reyes

Hikes in Point Reyes : Here are three hikes in Point Reyes to tackle while you’re in the area. If you’re looking for incredible coastal views, do the hike out to Tomales Point (it’s out and back, so you can just stop and turn around when you’re ready to head back). 

• Alamere Falls (13 miles): Deep in the Phillip Burton Wilderness, you’ll find a stunning 40-ft tall waterfall that spills right on the beach before flowing into the Pacific Ocean.
• Tomales Point (9.7 miles): For a chance to see Tule Elk and sweeping coastal views.
• Summit of Mt. Wittenberg (4.1 miles): Moderate hike with a decent elevation gain (1,299 ft.) and plenty of shade.

Cheese at Cowgirl Creamery : We’ve managed to go this far without mentioning cheese, but it’s time! If you’re a fan of artisan organic cheese do not miss Cowgirl Creamery . When you stop in, you’ll find more types of cheese than you knew existed, and each one is more delicious than the next. Try their Mt. Tam – it’s a fan favorite for a reason. Locals and tourists alike love it.

Try Some Mead at Heidrun Meadery : Don’t know much about mead? It’s wine made from honey instead of grapes. Delicious, right? Heidrun Meadery is a former dairy farm that has been turned into a bee forage oasis with beautiful pastures, gardens, and a greenhouse. Heidrun Meadery produces unique Champagne-style mead that is light, dry, delicate, and refreshing.

Bovine Bakery : Bovine Bakery is a perfect post-hike stop to, you know, refuel. Or something. Make a stop in here to try the pastries – like their bear claws. They are Alysha’s favorite and we think they’ll be yours too (NOT GLUTEN FREE!).

Shuck Your Own Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co : Looking for a unique experience? At Hog Island Oyster Co. , you can purchase oysters to shuck yourself! Even better, bring some wine (or mead!) and make a picnic of it.

Explore Limantour and Drakes Beaches : Point Reyes has multiple nice sandy beaches for you to explore – plan for fog by wearing some warm layers and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of this coastline. Limantour Beach is a narrow beach where you can view wildlife while walking along the sand. Harbor seals often hang out just offshore and shorebirds feed along the beaches in the fall. Drakes Beach is located up against white sandstone cliffs and has a Visitors Center and a bookstore on site.

Cypress Tree Tunnel : The Cypress Tree Tunnel features Monterey cypress trees that were planted in 1930 and now create a tunnel that you can drive through. It’s a quick stop to take a few pictures on the way to or from another activity.

Visit the Lighthouse : Built in 1870, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was used to warn mariners of the Point Reyes cape as they navigated the waters at night. It’s been retired since 1975 but is a scenic destination for visitors. It can get windy and chilly out by the lighthouse, so make sure you bring extra layers.

Learn More: What to Do in Point Reyes

Where to Stay in Point Reyes

Our top choice here is going to be the Olema Inn (though a nice vacation rental in the woods would be amazing too, like this rustic gem in the woods ). 

We have a whole guide to help you find a perfect place to stay in Point Reyes – which is just a half hour away from where Alysha grew up. 

Mendocino & Fort Bragg

Drive time from Point Reyes Station: 2 hours 50 minutes / 136 miles

Mendocino, on the Northern California coast, is peak California coastal beauty. Highway 1 passes right through the center of town, and on one side of the highway you’ll find the towering redwood groves of Russian Gulch State Park, and on the other, a series of coastal bluffs with impressive coastal vistas. 

In other words, it’s magical. 

The towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg themselves are also fun. 

Mendocino is at least 72% bed and breakfasts, but there are some nice places to eat and drink in town, a bunch of fun shops from plants to local art and home goods, and there’s a beautiful headlands trail that leaves right from the edge of town. 

Fort Bragg is significantly less charming, but don’t let that fact dampen your resolve to visit. It has plenty to offer in its own right, and is arguably more fun than Mendocino thanks to breweries and coffee shops and a much more down-to-earth vibe. 

What to Do In and Around Mendocino and Fort Bragg

There’s a diverse range of things to do and see in Mendocino, from wine tasting to coastal hiking, so you’ll need to carefully pick and choose from the list below depending on your interests. 

Russian Gulch State Park : There are essentially two halves of this state park – the coastal half, where you’ll find an excellent trail that takes you around the point out on the headlands, and the redwood section, which is on the other side of the highway. We like the short four mile hike to the waterfall, where you’ll find an impressive 36-foot waterfall. This hike descends steeply down into a canyon with many varieties of ferns surrounding the trail and towering redwoods overhead. There’s also a nice beach – Russian Gulch Beach – right under the bridge that is worth a stop. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Fern Canyon Trail takes you on a loop through the redwoods, to the aforementioned waterfall, and back along a different fern-laden trail. 

Point Cabrillo : You’ll have to walk about a half mile or so to get to the lighthouse with a red roof that watches over this stretch of coast, but it’s worth it. There’s a funny series of informational signs along the way that were pretty clearly made to keep kids busy and interested along the walk. The lighthouse itself was built in 1909, and today it’s automatic, which means that you can actually stay in the keepers quarters , which is a fun twist. There’s a gift shop on the ground floor of the lighthouse where you can find things like postcards and souvenirs. In the spring and fall, this is a great place to spot gray whales from the shore (in the summer, the coastal fog makes it a little bit tricky on most days). 

Ten Mile Beach : It’s not just another Northern California beach! Ten Mile Beach is a rugged wildlife preserve that is home to over 90 species of birds, seals, and river otters. It’s 10-15 minutes north of Fort Bragg, but it’s worth the journey. 

Walk the Mendocino Headlands : Mendocino Headlands State Park is a 7,400-acre wildlife corridor of unreal seaside bluffs, ocean views, and beaches. Big River Beach is a popular spot for picnicking and surfing, but there are also many trails to walk and explore. Here’s the main one , which we’ve done and enjoyed. 

North Coast Brewing Co : Beer lovers, we haven’t forgotten about you! North Coast Brewing Co serves barrel-aged beer, a menu of delicious food with huge portions, and even has live Jazz during peak times. 

Breakfast at the Good Life Cafe : Looking for a place to stop in for breakfast? Good Life Cafe serves fair-trade coffee, juice, and organic bites to eat with plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options. You can enjoy your breakfast on the outdoor patio or take it to go for a morning picnic on the beach.

Glass Beach : While you’re in Fort Bragg, make sure you check out Glass Beach , a beach covered in beautiful sea glass. Keep in mind it’s illegal to take any sea glass home with you, but it’s still worth a visit to this unique beach that was actually created due to years of dumping garbage near the coastline.

Where to Stay in Mendocino

The first thing to know here is that staying in Mendocino is expensive. Like, really expensive. 

Which leads me to the second thing you should know. Staying south of Mendocino along the coast near the town of Little River is both equally beautiful and usually cheaper. 

Here are some good options both in and around Mendocino and down near Little River. 

If you’re looking to stay right in the middle of Mendocino , we’d opt for the Blue Door Inns , a modern hotel (most of the B&Bs in Mendocino are going for the “lived-in, old timey” charm, and this place is decidedly more modern) with 19 rooms spread across three properties in Mendocino.

Included in your stay are breakfast delivered to your room and an afternoon wine and cheese picnic. Of the three properties, we’re most drawn to the JD House and the Packard House, which feel a little more casual and laid back. 

If you’re okay with staying just outside of town , we’ve got two great options for you. 

First is Mendocino Grove , which is glamping at its finest (and has been on our list for years, but we’re always passing through in the winter on our annual Seattle to San Francisco road trip , which means they’re closed for the season).

They have a bunch of platform tents (most sleep 2, some sleep 4-6) clustered in “neighborhoods” with outdoor common spaces to share between them.

Some tents are dog-friendly, and all come with their own fire pit for roasting marshmallows. In common areas, you’ll find things like bocce ball and hammocks for the down time when you’re not out exploring. 

There’s a bathhouse too for hot showers, in case you like the idea of camping, but not the part where you’re greasy. 

As two people who spent most of 2020 and 2021 on a never ending road trip around the Western US, we came to appreciate shower availability as a key amenity after several two week periods with no showers. 

Second is the Brewery Gulch Inn , which is just south of town perched atop a bluff with great coastal views.

It’s a little different than most places, with more communal spaces like a dining room and living room (with a sweet four-sided fireplace!) with ten rooms built around those areas. Rooms are spacious and comfy, with seating areas and fireplaces. It’s expensive (like, really expensive), but it’s a cool take on a coastal inn. 

If you’re on a budget, consider staying further south around the town of Little River . 

We’ve stayed in the area, and it’s a perfect blend of close to Mendocino, but dead silent at night (unless you count the roosters in the morning).

Our two picks here are the Seafoam Lodge , which was recently renovated and has both hotel-style rooms and standalone bungalows waiting for you, and the Andiron Seaside Inn and Cabins , which is a similar idea, but make it on a farm. 

Another good option in Little River would be a vacation rental , though some will have a two night minimum which could be problematic for shorter road trips. 

• For couples , we like this rustic forest suite with its lovely deck overlooking the forest, and this cool tower that has everything two people will need for a quick stay . 
• For families and groups , look at this two bedroom house with a fantastic view from the Adirondack chairs on the deck. 

Drive time from Mendocino: 3 hours / 145 miles

On your way up to Trinidad, which we think should be your next overnight stop, you will pass through the town of Eureka, which is peak Humboldt County in our minds. 

This is your last chance for most amenities – there’s a Costco (and a Costco Gas, which is the cheapest gas in town), a Safeway, and other things of that nature. 

Plus, when you’re in Eureka, there are a few places that you definitely shouldn’t miss. 

Humboldt Cider Company : Excellent – and we really, really mean that – hard cider. We’d argue it’s some of the best in California. We make sure to stop here every time we drive through the area. They have a taproom in downtown Eureka, which we stopped at on our last trip and has an incredible selection of their ciders on tap (along with some local beers that are hard to find elsewhere), and a cider garden up the hill outside of town, which is weekends only at the time of writing and has a great outdoor space. 

Lost Coast Brewing : For the beer lovers, this is a famous California brewery up on the northern coast. They do brewery tours (see their website for details, which are ever changing at this point in time). 

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate : A discovery on our latest foray into Eureka, this place is magical. It’s an oasis for chocolate lovers, with a great selection of different chocolates from around the world alongside their own chocolate, which you can watch being made through the window to the production facility right there in the tasting room. They also have hot chocolate and sipping chocolate at the bar, though the chocolate chai was the clear winner for us (the sipping chocolate was great too, but that chocolate chai…YUM). Plus, free samples! 

Incredible Murals : Eureka is known as a haven for artists, and when you walk around town that fact becomes pretty apparent. There’s a great collection of street art in Eureka, mostly on the sides of buildings, and if you’re up for a little walk to stretch your legs, we’d recommend this self-guided tour of Eureka’s murals . 

Drive time from Eureka: 25 minutes / 20 miles

Although Trinidad is a tiny little seaside town about 25 minutes from Eureka, there is plenty to do, including some of the best beaches on the Northern California coast.

We think it’s a better home base for the Northern California coast than Eureka, too, because it’s about 30 minutes closer to the parks that make up the complex that is Redwood National and State Parks.

Here are some of our recommendations:

Trinidad State Beach : A good stop to combine with the above trail, this is walkable from that same trailhead and is a nice sandy beach with Oregon Coast vibes thanks to the many towering sea stacks jutting out of the ocean just off the coast. Pewetole Island is the biggest and most impressive.

College Cove : This is a secluded stretch of beach just north of Trinidad State Beach with views of tree-covered Pewetole Island. You have to do a quick and easy little hike to get there, which dramatically cuts the crowds when compared with other nearby beaches. Dog friendly.

Sue-Meg State Park (Formerly Patrick’s Point State Park) : This is a very small park (1 square mile) with tidepools and plenty of beautiful plant life with a chance to see seals, sea lions, and whales. It’s definitely worth hiking the rim trail , which takes you around the exterior of the head where you’ll find several stunning views. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Wedding Rock , which was probably our favorite view in the park.

Moonstone Beach County Park : This is a popular spot for surfers and families because kids can safely play in the slow river current. 

Trinidad Head Trail : This is an easy 1.7 mile loop trail with breathtaking views of the coast from its many spurs that take you out to points where you’re overlooking the ocean and Trinidad State Beach. 

Where to Stay in Trinidad

We stayed at the View Crest Lodge in Trinidad, which is close to the redwoods and the beach and has cute cozy cabins for rent (we loved it, by the way).

Rooms are spacious, some have full kitchens, which we appreciate because we’re usually cooking for ourselves, and our room had a deck with an ocean view.

Plus, we could hear the barking sea lions from our bed!

We also looked at the Emerald Forest Cabins , which are just north of the city of Trinidad and were our second choice. 

Prefer a vacation rental , so you have more space?

• Couples should look at this gorgeous house on a bluff with spectacular ocean views from the living room.
• Families and Groups have a few great options – this beautiful cottage with ocean views looks amazing, as does this dog-friendly top floor flat . 

Click here to see all of your vacation rental options in Trinidad.

Redwood National & State Parks

Drive time from Trinidad to Crescent City (northernmost point): 1 hour 20 minutes / 60 miles

This part of the California coast is pretty special. On our last trip, where we were coming from a road trip on the Oregon Coast back to San Francisco, we were driving along a stretch of 101 just south of the Oregon border, winding our way through the towering trees.

We came around a bend at the bottom of a long hill and BOOM. There was the ocean. 

In this less-visited (mostly because it’s kind of hard to get to) part of Northern California, you’ll find towering redwoods that are several thousand years old that are tucked away just off the beautiful California coastline.

It’s incredibly unique, and is well worth an overnight stay.

So what exactly is covered under “Redwood National and State Parks? ”

It’s a complex that falls under the National Park Service, but includes a couple of different California State Parks, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, among others. 

These parks were brought under the NPS after activism by the Save the Redwoods League, who fought to preserve the best example of coastal redwoods in the state against the desire of logging companies. 

It’s worth remembering that these lands belonged to Native Americans in the past.

For thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers, several tribes in Northwest California called this area home, and the Yurok and Tolowa both have ancestral lands within the boundaries of the parks. 

The British explorer Jedidiah Smith, for whom one of the state parks is named, was the first European to explore the northern coast. A subsequent gold rush in the 1850’s brought conflict to the Native American tribes in the area, and led to the removal (and murder) of thousands of people so that the newcomers could peacefully search for gold. 

Not a great look, America. 

Remember that as you are exploring the incredible natural beauty here. 

With all that said, here are some worthwhile stops in Redwood National and State Parks.

Things to Do at Redwood National and State Parks

The truth is, you could probably spend a full two weeks exploring the Redwoods. But since we’re working through a full itinerary, we’ve compiled the best destinations below, at least according to our experience. 

We just spent a couple of days exploring the redwoods in this neck of the woods (see what we did there?) for basically the first time, and it was breathtaking despite the fact that it was pouring the entire time.

UPDATE 2022 : We just spent another few days up here, and we can confirm that it’s still spectacular!

Fern Canyon : One of the most unique, picturesque locations in the redwoods, Fern Canyon is exactly what it sounds like: a mini-canyon covered with ferns. Note: 4WD / high clearance vehicles are best here – there’s a few spots in the road that are going to be a bit of a stretch for a sedan. You can park at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and hike around, connecting to the Fern Canyon Trail via the Miner’s Ridge trail , which is roughly a 7 mile hike.

Big Lagoon : Great for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and camping. 

Trillium Falls : 2.6 mile long trail that circles through old-growth redwoods with a waterfall.

Howland Hill Road : 10 mile long dirt road where you can drive through the redwoods. Allow about one hour to take this scenic drive.

Stout Memorial Grove : A short but spectacular 0.9 mile loop along Howland Hill Road. Return of the Jedi and Jurassic Park: A Lost World had parts filmed nearby – look out for ewoks!

Where to Stay at Redwood National and State Parks

There are also some incredible campgrounds here – like Gold Bluffs Beach Campground , a small campground on the beach, and Elk Prairie Campground , which is adjacent to an open field that elk tend to congregate in. These spots take reservations, but you’ll need to book in advance because they fill up QUICK. 

If you’re not camping, you’ll want to stay in Trinidad as a home base for exploring this area, because it has the best selection of hotels and other amenities.

We loved the View Crest Lodge , where we stayed on our latest trip. A nice vacation rental in Trinidad is another good option. 

Avenue of the Giants

Drive time from Trinidad to the northern end of Avenue of the Giants: 1 hour / 55 miles

The Avenue of the Giants is a 31 mile scenic stretch of highway that will take you through Humboldt Redwoods State Park along old Highway 101. It is the most magnificent display of the massive redwood groves in Northern California.

After you’ve tackled Avenue of the Giants, it’s worth taking a little time to explore the rest of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 

In particular, we enjoyed the Bull Creek Westside Loop , which is a relatively easy three mile hike through fern-covered forest floor, passing under towering redwoods.

It’s a nice break from the drive, and gives you a chance to stretch your legs, see some gorgeous trees, and have a snack break (or lunch, which is what we did here). 

The Anderson Valley (Philo & Boonville)

Drive time from the southern end of the Avenue of the Giants: 2 hours 20 minutes / 124 miles

We’ve been to the Anderson Valley a few times now, and every single time we come away discussing between the two of us whether this is the best wine region in California.

It’s a valley between Highway 101 and the coast, and as soon as you leave 101 and hop on the winding road into the valley, you’ll start to see why. 

Giant oak trees smack dab in the middle of vineyards. Rolling green (for at least three weeks a year these days) hills in the background with wineries scattered across the valley floor. 

There are two “towns” – and I use that term loosely because they’re more just a collection of buildings along the road – Philo and Boonville . Boonville has more going on, and would be a nice place to stay, but the area around Philo is without a doubt in our minds the best part of the Anderson Valley .  

If you can swing it, we’d highly recommend a night in the valley. 

What to Do in the Anderson Valley

Here are some of our favorite things to do and see in this relatively hidden gem in Northern California. 

Wine Tasting in the Anderson Valley : If you’re up for some wine tasting, you know there’s plenty of vineyards around to do just that!

• One of our favorites is Navarro Vineyards near Philo, a family-run vineyard that has been making wines and grape juices since 1974. Their gewurztraminer and dry riesling are staples in our household, and we always bring back a bottle or six for Penny, a family friend who loves both of those wines.
• We also love Roederer Estate and Scharfenberger because bubbles are the best. Both are known for sparkling wines, and Scharffenberger is better for people on a budget (which is where we gravitate towards). Get a flight to try five different bubbly wines, and don’t miss the rose!

Hendy Woods State Park : There’s a lovely redwood grove right in the middle of the Anderson Valley, near the town of Philo. Big Hendy Grove is the real highlight here, and you can do a nice little hike (P.S. – I really love that website and have it bookmarked for all of my future redwood hikes) through the grove. There’s also Little Hendy Grove, which is accessible via a longer trail but is much less interesting than the bigger version. There’s a nice day use area right at the trailhead for Big Hendy, where we spent some time soaking up the warm sun. The campground here is particularly nice, shaded by redwoods, and would be a perfect place to stay if you’re up for camping. It’s a California State Park, so entry is $8 for the day. 

Boonville : At the eastern edge of the valley in and around Boonville, don’t miss three spots. Beer lovers should hit Anderson Valley Brewing , who have a nice taproom in town that is currently being transformed into a “beer park” complete with outdoor seating, an 18 hole disc golf course, and a small music venue. Pretty cool! Second is Pennyroyal Farm , which serves wine but is really a stop for the goat cheeses and farm tour . It’s a real life farm, which means there’s tons of outdoor space and farm animals. Last, but not least, is Disco Ranch , a hip wine bar in the heart of Boonville known for bringing in a wide array of local and international wines for you to enjoy. They’re served alongside snacks like canned fish and cheese plates, which is fun! We heard about this place from a friendly tasting room associate, and she highly, highly recommended stopping by if you love wine. 

Apples and Cider : We’re big cider fans – much more so than wine – and the Anderson Valley is home to one of the oldest apple operations in California, Gowan’s . They have a roadside stand that is chock full of all kinds of apples in the fall, and they also make their own apple-forward ciders that we really enjoy (“one of each!” is what my mother-in-law requested on our last visit). It’s $15 to try six different ciders, or you can get them by the glass. Their “tasting room” is nothing more than some adirondack chairs set in a field populated by apple trees that are more than a century old. Which is…perfect. The Apple Farm also has a little farm stand out on the way to Hendy Woods where you can find homemade jams and farm-fresh apple juice. 

The Bewildered Pig : There’s not much in terms of bars and restaurants around here, but the Bewildered Pig is our favorite – we went there for my birthday several years ago, and it was fantastic. It’s fancy with a tasting menu and all that jazz, but it’s really not that fancy (and the food doesn’t feel overly fancy, if you know what I mean). It’s 10-15 minutes west of Philo, towards the coast. 

Where to Stay in the Anderson Valley

Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of places to stay in the Anderson Valley. It’s pastoral, which means no big chain hotels (which to be honest, is not a bad thing at all). There are three places that stand out in our minds. 

The Apple Farm : Want to stay in the middle of an apple orchard? This is the place to do it! It’s a little expensive, but it’s going to be an unforgettable experience. They have a collection of cottages – some cozy, some a bit bigger – right in the middle of their apple orchard. Reserve well in advance, if you can. They also do a fun “stay & cook” experience, but it’s currently on hold. 

The Indian Creek Inn : Relatively new and in a fantastic location in the valley, this is a nice place to spend a night. They have 15 rooms, each with access to a shared kitchen (which we appreciate, because we often cook for ourselves on the road). It’s set back from the road, so you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet that comes with the valley. No TVs in the rooms, which we think is a good thing, but some might disagree. 

The Madrones : This place is like an estate straight out of Italy in terms of architecture and general vibe. The location is fantastic – walking distance to a couple of places (including Scharffenberger, if you’re up for a little bit of a walk along the road). It’s half hotel-style rooms, part standalone cabins (they call those “the Brambles”), and it would be a lovely home base (though they do require a two night stay, in some cases). 

Healdsburg & Sonoma Wine Country

Drive time from the Anderson Valley: 1 hour / 50 miles

Look, everyone who comes to San Francisco wants to go to Napa because “it’s the best wine around!” 

While technically that might be true – Napa is known for its big, bold reds and oak-tastic Chardonnay – it’s also the most expensive and complicated, with reservations required almost everywhere and tastings that cost $40 for three small tastes. And that’s before you even get to the $400 a night hotel room you’ll need to book!

We’ve done Napa several times, but we’d recommend Sonoma – specifically the Dry Creek Valley around Healdsburg – instead . 

Healdsburg itself is a charming little town with good food and tasting rooms around the main square. Just outside of Healdsburg, you’ll find a plethora of smaller wineries who are serving some of the less famous varietals – pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, for example – at a much more affordable price. 

The point is, Healdsburg is, by far, our favorite wine country stop in California.

Things to Do in Healdsburg

Wine Tasting : Let’s put it this way – while you’re in Healdsburg, you probably won’t run out of tasting rooms in town, or in the Dry Creek Valley nearby. There’s a nearly unlimited number of spots to choose from. Here are some of our favorites. Wine tastings are less than half the price of the ones just a few miles east in the most famous wine region in the United States, Napa Valley. Plan on paying $15-$20 to taste 5-6 wines, and don’t be afraid to split tastings between two people (that’s what we usually do). 

• Banshee is our favorite tasting room in town. We served their rose at our wedding!
• Bella Wine Cave is a unique, underground wine tasting experience. Their vineyard specializes in small-batch Zinfandel and Rhone. We met two women here who had just been to Tanzania, and they inspired us to take our moms on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tanzania to do a safari, which we still reminisce about to this day.
• Truett Hurst has an excellent Gewurztraminer and a lovely patio. We’ve been there multiple times, including once with my mom, and she still talks about it.

Here are some other stops to make in Healdsburg that are not tasting rooms for various wineries.

Grab Some Picnic Supplies : Can you tell we love a good picnic? Stop by Oakville Grocery or Dry Creek General Store to pick up some supplies and find a nice place to stop for a picnic in between wineries (or at one of the wineries you stop at – most allow it). 

Noble Folk for Ice Cream : Craving ice cream? You can’t go wrong at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar . It’s not just ice cream and pie (although that’s more than enough), but also cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, and French macarons. (Not GF).

Flying Goat for Coffee : Our favorite coffee shop in Healdsburg is Flying Goat for a great cup of coffee. 

Tilted Shed Ciderworks : Need a break from wine tasting? We absolutely love Tilted Shed Ciderworks . Their focus is on vintage ciders and use fresh-picked apples for their small-batch ciders. When we stop in we always grab a couple extra bottles to take with us.

Where to Stay in Healdsburg

In general, staying in wine country is expensive. Healdsburg is notably less expensive than Napa, which is partially why we have you stopping here instead. 

Here are three options for you that are right downtown and in the perfect spot for exploring town for an afternoon.

• Hotel Healdsburg : A charming hotel right in the heart of all the action in Healdsburg. Right outside your front door, you’ll find tasting rooms, restaurants, and more. It’s a great place to stay, especially on a short trip.
• Cottages at Healdsburg : Enjoy your own private cottage in Healdsburg, complete with a small terrace to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or afternoon glass of wine (why not both?).
• H2 Hotel : Modern hotel with all the amenities you could dream of. It’s just a block or two south of the main square. We’ve gotten drinks at the bar in the lobby, and dreamed about staying here next time we’re in Healdsburg. 

San Francisco, CA

Drive time from Healdsburg to Downtown San Francisco: 1 hour 30 minutes / 70 miles

The first stop to pencil in on any Northern California itinerary has got to be San Francisco, which is where you’re going to be flying in (and likely out of). With its dining, architecture, and general “San Francisco vibe,” everyone needs to visit this city at least once.

We have it at the end of the itinerary, because we’ve found that we like to have a day or two at the end of a road trip to relax in the city before heading home, but it’s easy enough to flip it around and have this as your first stop after landing. 

We lived in San Francisco for a decade, and have strong opinions on what to do and see in the city. And more importantly, what not to do and see. 

Here are some other San Francisco travel guides for you to use to go deeper on one of our favorite cities in the world, and plan an incredible trip to the city by the bay.

• Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Local’s Guide to the Best Areas
• A Complete San Francisco Itinerary: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Spend One Day In San Francisco: A Complete Guide
• Gluten Free San Francisco: A Travel Guide for Celiacs

What to Do in San Francisco

Explore the Ferry Building : The Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries and is an iconic San Francisco landmark. Inside the Ferry Building Marketplace, you’ll find a farmers market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), food, and small local shops to browse. Heath Ceramics is one of our favorite shops featuring simple, timeless ceramic pieces. If you’re craving something sweet, we love Dandelion Chocolate or Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream . Of course, we can’t forget the coffee! Stop by Blue Bottle Coffee to grab a cup of the OG specialty coffee to sip on as you wander.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge : You can’t visit San Francisco without checking out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! As great as it is to see it from a distance, it’s even better to walk it. It’s about 1.7 miles across each way, which should take you about an hour to make the round trip. Check the weather and bring plenty of layers, because it’s going to be foggy, cold, and windy roughly 50% of the time. 

Eat and Drink your way through the Mission District : The Mission District should be a destination when you’re ready to grab something to eat or drink. Want to grab a beer? Check out Zeitgeist , a well-known beer garden with a backyard patio to hang out at as you enjoy your beer, cider, or wine. Looking for something to eat? Head over to Burma Love to dip your toes in the world of Burmese cuisine (lots of gluten free options), or head to Little Star Pizza for some of the best pizza in San Francisco instead (not gluten free. Not even a little bit).  

Hike the Lands End Trail : This 3.4 mile hike features coastal terrain, beautiful views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, and gets you out of the city for a bit of fresh air. It can get a bit busy on weekends, though, just as a heads up. More info here . 

Explore Golden Gate Park : On the western end of San Francisco, you’ll find Golden Gate Park which spans over 1,000 acres and essentially runs all the way out to the coast. We recommend the California Academy of Sciences Museum , which is one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. The De Young Museum is perfect for art lovers and you can’t forget to visit the Buffalo Paddock which has been home to small herds of bison since 1899. 

Picnic at Dolores Park : Pack up a blanket, some food, and head to Dolores Park for a picnic. You’ll enjoy the San Francisco skyline while relaxing and enjoying some fresh air. Don’t miss Bi-Rite Ice Cream , which is right across the street!

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Since you’re only going to be in San Francisco for a night (maybe two), we’d recommend staying as centrally as you can. For most people, that means Nob Hill (more charming) or Union Square (more central and well connected, but much less charming). 

We’ve stayed at Petite Auberge in Nob Hill, which is a little French-themed B&B in a great location with a nice complimentary breakfast and happy hour (also look at their sister hotel the White Swan Inn a few doors down, which we’re itching to stay at soon!). 

We also have a love affair with the CitizenM Hotel in Union Square , which is a brand new hotel from our favorite hotel chain in the world (you can read about our stay in their Seattle hotel to understand why we say that). The rooms are about as comfortable as any hotel room we’ve stayed in, and are perfectly designed for a good night’s sleep. 

The rooms are small, but they’ve made a choice to have common areas in the hotel like the ground floor living room that are better places to hang out than alone in your room. 

One caveat : All rooms come with one king bed (no two-bed options), so this might not be the best option for families with small children who want to be in the same room.  

Whatever you do, don’t stay in Fisherman’s Wharf! It’s the least interesting part of the city, and it’s constantly packed with tourists. It has none of the charm that the rest of the city has, and we’d barely even recommend visiting, let alone staying there. 

Putting it Together: Sample Northern California Coast Itineraries

Now that we’ve covered our top stops, let’s talk about how to put it all together. We’re going to give you a 7 and 10 day version of an itinerary that you can use as a base for planning your own trip. 

A note on San Francisco : Our preference is having San Francisco as a place to end your trip just because we like having a relaxing city break at the end after a lot of driving. You might prefer to start your trip with a day or two in San Francisco, but it comes down to personal preference. 

7 Days in Northern California

With seven days in Northern California, we’d do the stretch of coast from San Francisco to Mendocino, and spend a couple of nights in wine country on the back end before ending with a day in San Francisco before you fly home. 

In this version, we’re essentially choosing wine tasting over Redwood National and State Parks.

• Day 1 : Leave San Francisco, Marin Headlands, and drive to Point Reyes
• Day 2 : Point Reyes and drive to Mendocino
• Day 3 : Mendocino 
• Day 4 : Drive through Anderson Valley to Healdsburg
• Day 5 : Wine Tasting in Healdsburg
• Day 6 : Healdsburg to San Francisco
• Day 7 : San Francisco and Fly Home

10 Days in Northern California

With 10 days, you can comfortably do both the redwoods AND wine country. In this version, you’ll have a long drive from Trinidad back down to Healdsburg, but we think the drive is worth it. 

• Day 3 : Mendocino & Fort Bragg
• Day 4 : Day Trip to the Anderson Valley from Mendocino
• Day 5 : Drive Mendocino to Trinidad (stop in Eureka)
• Day 6 : Trinidad & Redwood National and State Parks
• Day 7 : Drive to Healdsburg
• Day 8 : Wine Tasting in Healdsburg
• Day 9 : Healdsburg to San Francisco
• Day 10 : Explore San Francisco and Fly Home

Adding Lassen and Lake Tahoe (3 Weeks or More!)

If you’re lucky enough to have three weeks, we’d add on a weeklong trip to Lassen National Park and Lake Tahoe. 

It’s a long drive, but spending a couple days in Lassen and 3-4 days in Tahoe would be a lovely end to the trip with a completely different set of Northern California scenery.

The benefit of this version of the itinerary is that you don’t have to make your way back to San Francisco to fly home. We’d fly out of Reno if you’re ending your trip in Tahoe. That means you’ll have to spend a day or two in San Francisco (if you want to see it) on the front end of your trip. 

The other thing to know here is that this route is really only doable from late spring to fall. Otherwise, you’re going to run into road closures and snow and ice on mountain passes. 

Here’s what a 3 week itinerary with Lassen and Tahoe could look like. 

• Days 1-3: San Francisco & Day Trip to Marin Headlands
• Days 4-5: Point Reyes
• Days 6-7: Healdsburg and Sonoma Wine Country
• Days 8-10: Mendocino & Anderson Valley
• Days 11-13: Trinidad + Redwood National + State Parks
• Day 14-16: Lassen National Park (includes a driving day)
• Days 17-21: Lake Tahoe

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Drive time from Trinidad: 3 hours 45 minutes / 197 miles

If you ask us, Lassen National Park is highly underrated! But that might be because of the incredible National Parks in California, like Yosemite and Death Valley.

Don’t overlook Lassen with its steaming fumaroles (openings near a volcano where hot sulfurous gasses escape) and crystal clear lakes. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen, with foul-smelling pools of mud pots, boiling springs, and bright turquoise pools. It’s a short hike along a boardwalk that is suitable for all ages. 

Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Lassen.

Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park: There are plenty of trails to choose from in Lassen National Park, but our favorites are:

• Cinder Cone (4 miles): Challenging trail up Cinder Cone Volcano that rewards you with breathtaking views in all directions. Every step up through the ash is roughly half a step back, which makes this hike more difficult than it seems like it should be.
• Lassen Peak (5 miles): This trail takes you to the top of Lassen Peak and starts at the parking area around 8,500 ft in elevation and ending at about 10,500 ft with spectacular views at the top. 
• Kings Creek Falls Trail (2.7 miles): Moderate, mostly forested trail with a gorgeous waterfall at the end.

Take a Dip in One of Lassen’s Lakes: Find a place to cool off with a swim or set up a lunchtime picnic at one of the nearby lakes.

• Lake Helen : Sparkling blue glacial lake located at about 8,200 ft in elevation just south of Lassen Peak for a great view while you relax by the water. 
• Summit Lake : Smaller lake perfect for swimming with two campgrounds for those looking to camp.
• Manzanita Lake : Tons of activities available like swimming and kayaking. You can even camp or rent a cabin for those who want to stay.

Where to Stay in Lassen National Park

Camping is going to be your best bet for staying inside the park. Here’s a helpful resource for finding the perfect campsite. We stayed at Manzanita Lake, and it was a gorgeous campground set around a picturesque lake. 

If camping isn’t your thing (or you don’t have the equipment with you), then stay in Mill Creek, which is about half an hour south of the national park. Highlands Ranch Resort is your best bet, with their comfortable rooms and spacious family suites that can accommodate just about any group size. 

Drive time from Lassen: 3 hours 20 minutes / 185 miles

We MUCH prefer the lake’s western side (the California side) to the eastern side, the Nevada side. The stretch between Truckee and Emerald Bay State Park is our favorite and is where we got engaged! 

That’s where we recommend you spend your time.

Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe

There are plenty of hikes to choose from in Lake Tahoe, but we wanted to share a few of our favorites.

Echo Lakes (5.3 miles): Sunny trail in South Lake Tahoe with beautiful views as you hike up to Echo Lakes.

Eagle Lake (2.4 miles): Nice, relatively short hike rated as moderate, best hiked from May to September due to snow and ice. 

Rubicon Trail (9 miles): Longer, but it’s a relatively easy hike along the shore of Lake Tahoe with amazing views of the lake. The best way to do it is to hike from Emerald Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park and back to avoid the parking nightmare that is D.L. Bliss (though the parking situation at Emerald Bay isn’t that much better). 

Mount Tallac (10.9 miles): More challenging hike with a 3,300 ft elevation gain and a pretty consistent uphill climb. The views are spectacular!

Other Things to Do in Tahoe

Aside from hiking, Lake Tahoe is full of activities for adventure lovers. 

Emerald Bay State Park: With many hiking trails and vistas, Emerald Bay State Park is a must when you’re in Tahoe. Even if you head here just for the gorgeous sunrise views over the lake, it’s totally worth it.

Ziplining at Tahoe Treetops Adventure Park: Are you looking for a bit more adventure and an adrenaline rush? Head over to the Tahoe Treetops Adventure Park where there are a total of 10 courses for beginners through advanced. If you prefer not to work too hard, you can also just do a zip line tour and skip the obstacles.

Rent a kayak: Explore Lake Tahoe in a kayak! There are plenty of places to rent a kayak and even a few companies that will take you on a guided kayak tour. We recommend either Tahoe Adventure Company or Clearly Tahoe .

Explore Truckee: Truckee is a small, historic town just north of the California side of Tahoe. It’s a great place to stop on your way in or out of Tahoe. Here are our recommended stops if you want to spend an hour or two getting a coffee or a beer and exploring.

• Coffeebar : Described as a “radically inclusive Italian cafe experience,” how can you go wrong grabbing a coffee here?
• Alibi Ale Works : Craft brewery with a creative food menu and live music.
• Word After Word Bookstore : Great little local bookstore with a cool downstairs reading area worth stopping by.

Enjoy the Beaches: We can’t forget the beaches! Tahoe has some pretty epic beaches, below are our recommendations with most of them being on the north shore.

D.L. Bliss State Park : Located on the west (California) side of Tahoe this beach is gorgeous and often full by mid-morning in the busy summer months. It also features the Rubicon Point Light, the highest-elevation lighthouse in the US.

King’s Beach : Large sandy beach with picnic tables and pine trees. 

Secret Cove : Easy to miss from the road and a bit of a scramble to get to, but totally worth it with a small cove of bright emerald waters.

Sand Harbor : Nice beach with rock formations and an easy walking trail. 

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

If you didn’t already know, Lake Tahoe is gigantic, so choosing where to stay is going to be an important decision that will shape your trip. 

In general, there are three major areas. First is the West Shore , which is where we usually stay because it’s a convenient spot between South Lake and North Lake Tahoe. There are a ton of amazing cabins on Airbnb on the West Shore (like this one ). If you prefer a hotel, look at Basecamp Ta h oe City , which is modern, affordable, and a great home base for exploring Tahoe. 

Next is South Lake Tahoe , which is the most commercially developed area. It’s close to Heavenly Ski Resort and the casinos on the Nevada side. Find the perfect Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe here, or consider Basecamp Tahoe South , the sister hotel to the one in Tahoe City. 

The North side of Lake Tahoe includes both Incline Village and Truckee. We’d recommend staying near Incline Village and Kings Beach rather than Truckee, which is a little bit further from the lake. This is the closest part of the lake to Reno, which is where you’ll be flying out of. Airbnb is going to be your best bet in this area.

Where to Start and End Your Road Trip

The best place to start and end your road trip in Northern California is going to be San Francisco. If you have more time and decide to venture out to Lake Tahoe, you can fly out of Reno to save yourself several hours of driving. 

Flying Into Northern California

If you’re flying in to start your road trip, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the easiest place to fly in and out of for your road trip.

You’ll make one big loop up the coast and back down through wine country, starting and ending at SFO. 

You could also fly into Oakland International Airport (OAK), but there are fewer flight routes. Check both to compare options and prices – they’re roughly equidistant from San Francisco (slight edge goes to SFO).

We will say that Oakland is a much less stressful option, with less fog (meaning fewer delays) and fewer people. 

Make sure to book the earliest flight into SFO, and the latest flight out on the way home to give yourself as much time as possible on your road trip. 

Whatever you do, don’t fly into San Jose (SJC) , which is about two hours south of San Francisco, and will add a bunch of unnecessary driving time. 

If you only have a short amount of time, like 7-14 days, it doesn’t really make sense to go as far east as Tahoe. 

Instead, we’d recommend a Northern California Coast road trip, making a big loop up the coast, then returning back down through wine country. In that scenario, you’d want to fly out of the same airport you flew into (book a roundtrip flight). 

If you have more than two weeks and you’re including Lake Tahoe, the easiest place to fly out of is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) .

It’s about an hour away from both South Lake and the West Shore, slightly closer to Truckee and Incline Village on the north end of the lake. 

To do that, you’ll have to book a one-way rental car , which will be more expensive but totally worth it to avoid the 4-6 hour trip from Tahoe to SFO. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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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!

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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

I 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

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

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I 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 Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass 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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The Perfect 5 to 7-Day Northern California Coast Road Trip

Published on September 26, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Most visitors to California’s coastline head for the southern half of the state. Yet, if you set out for a northern California coast road trip, you’re met with rugged coastlines, historic lighthouses, and tasty food—as well as some stops that are a little more off the beaten path.

You could spend weeks exploring all the ins and outs of this pristine coastline, but 5 to 7 days in northern California is usually plenty for a first trip to the area. 

This article takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about driving the northern California coast. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern California?

The sweet spot is 5 to 7 days in northern California. With this amount of time, you can cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed or switching accommodations every night.

With 5 days in northern California, you’ll have plenty of time to drive from the Bay Area to Redwoods National and State Parks. You could opt to turn around sooner and spend more time at each stop. You’ll have time to spend a day or so exploring the towns, overlooks, and beaches you visit without feeling terribly rushed. 

Should you have 7 days in the northern part of California, you have two options for how to spend your trip. First, you can go beyond Redwoods National and State Parks to explore the coastline closest to the California-Oregon border.

Our itinerary below offers a few suggestions for places to stop for the extra two nights. Your second option is to simply spend more time at each stop between SF and the Redwoods. 

No matter how much time you spend in northern California, set aside time to check out the highlights as well as wander off the beaten path. Here is where you’ll find the hidden gems!

Getting To & Around Northern California

You’ll want a car for a northern California road trip—there’s really no way to make the trip without your own vehicle.

If you’re flying in from out of state, you can rent a car from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and return it to the same place when your trip concludes.

There are no places to rent cars along the drive outside of SF, nor are there any options for guided tours to get you between cities. Renting a car or having your own is absolutely needed. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices or alternatively have a look at Outdoorsy if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan.

For most of the drive, you’re heading along Highway 101 or Highway 1 – also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH. This highway is well-known for its stunning views and curvy roads though it most popular when driving between LA and San Francisco . It’s important that you drive slowly.

If you’re easily carsick, have some remedies on hand to help ease it. While the road is curvy and narrow in places, you get incredible views of the coastline as you drive, so you’ll want to take your time. Stop anywhere there’s a safe pullout or parking lot to pause and admire the view. 

5 to 7 Day Northern California Coast Itinerary

Our itinerary starts in San Francisco. If you’re flying into the state, you’ll most likely begin here. However, if you’re driving in, feel free to mix and match the itinerary stops in the way that makes the most sense for you. Plan for one long travel day at the end to return to San Francisco. 

Day 1 – San Francisco

Plan to spend a day exploring San Francisco upon arrival. If you’ve flown in from a different time zone, spend some time readjusting to Pacific time and resting before kicking off your northern California coastal road trip. 

If you’ve never visited the Bay Area before, now is a great time to check out the city. Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Golden Gate Park, visit Chinatown, or ride the famous cable cars. With enough time, you can even visit Alcatraz Island and wander Pier 39. 

You could easily spend several days getting to know San Francisco, but for this itinerary, budget one or two days, depending on how much total time you have. Tonight, you can either spend another night in the city or head out to the coast in the evening. The drive from SF to Point Reyes Station is just shy of two hours. 

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Orchard Hotel – Located in downtown San Francisco, this cute boutique hotel is a great base in the city. They have a great location within walking distance of all of San Francisco’s top attractions and there is also breakfast available in the mornings.  Click here to check availability

Axiom Hotel – Those after a luxury option to kick start their Northern California road trip will love this hip hotel right off Union Square. They have an array of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

Green Tortoise Hostel – Budget and solo travellers looking to save a bit of cash or meet some other people will love this centrally located hostel. They have a number of dorms and privates along with good common areas and free breakfast. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in San Francisco!

Day 2 – Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes is the jump-off point to visit Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park.

This charming small town is home to some lovely boutique hotels and rentals where you can decompress after enjoying a day on the coastline. Oysters are a must-try here, and there are several places where you can taste local seafood. 

In terms of how you spend your time in Point Reyes, the short answer is to head out to the seashore! Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike to Chimney Rock, and relax on Drakes Beach. One of the most picturesque spots is the Cypress Tree Tunnel. You can also seek out the elephant seals, visit local creameries, rent kayaks if the weather is on your side, and shop at local stores in town. 

Tonight you can stay again in Point Reyes or head to Timber Cove in the evening. The drive is about an hour and a half. 

Where to Stay Near Timber Cove

Jenner Inn – This quaint inn in the town of Jenner makes for an excellent base for this part of your Northern California road trip itinerary. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and plenty of good amenities for guests to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Timber Cove Resort – Located in a dramatic cliffside setting, this is a great choice for those after a luxury option while visiting Northern California. They have a range of gorgeous rooms on offer along with countless plush amenities on offer to guests. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – A private vacation rental is another great option on your road trip. There are countless properties – like this dramatic oceanfront house – available to choose from across a variety of booking platforms. Click here to browse more Timber Cove private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Timber Cove hotels!

Day 3 – Salt Point State Park & Timber Cove

Day three brings you to Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. Located in Sonoma County (the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma are located just inland!), the state park covers over six miles of rugged coastline.

There are over 20 miles of hiking trails, but the area is well known for its diving. However, if you’d rather stick to dry land, Salt Point Trail, North Trail Loop, and Pygmy Forest Trail are all great options for easy-to-moderate hikes. 

Tonight, head into Timber Cove. This quaint and secluded town is perfect for a quiet evening. There are several accommodations—all with incredible views of the rocky coastline. This area is known for its craggy sharp cliffs that drop down into pockets of sandy beaches.

Pay a visit to Goat Rock Beach, Fort Ross, and Gualala’s Sand Dunes. If you’re a wine lover, there are five coastal AVAs here for you to explore. Spend tonight in Timber Cover before heading to Mendocino early in the morning. 

Day 4 – Mendocino

The drive from Timber Cove to Mendocino is just under two hours. It’s one of the longer stretches of coastline you’ll drive on this northern California road trip.

The town of Mendocino is charming, so set aside some time to walk around. There are plenty of delicious seafood restaurants and local bakeries to explore. 

Mendocino is unique in that you have access to coastal landscapes and lush forested state parks. Russian Gulch State Park features the historic Russian Gulch Bridge and moderately difficult trails like the Falls Loop Trail that takes you to a 36-foot waterfall.

Along the coast, Big River Beach, Mendocino Bay, and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve are all worth a visit. At Jug Handle, hike the Ecological Staircase Trail takes you along the cliff, through a redwood forest, and to the pygmy forest filled with stunted and ancient trees. 

Where to Stay in Mendocino

Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast – This cosy bed and breakfast is a great, mid-range option in Mendocino. They have a number of cute and quaint rooms to choose from and makes for an excellent base for this part your your road trip in Northern California. Click here to check availability

Agate Cove Inn – Boasting incredible coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, this inn is a great base in Mendocino for those looking for a bit of an upscale stay. They have a number of bright and comfortable rooms to choose from, free parking and an excellent breakfast. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – There are also plenty of private vacation rentals – like this cute cottage in Mendocino village – to choose from in this area along the Pacific coast if that suits your travel style more. Click here to browse Mendocino private rentals!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Mendocino hotels!

Day 5 – Humboldt Redwoods State Park

No visit to northern California is complete without hiking amongst the impressive redwoods. There are pockets of protected national and state redwood parks throughout northern California.

If you only have a 5-day itinerary, make a stop at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Here, you can drive the Avenue of the Giants.

The 31-mile route should be at the top of your to-do list if your time in the park is limited. Founders Grove, Rockefeller Forest, and the Lost Coast Drive are all great ways to spend your time. 

Now, if day five is the last day of your trip, here is where you’ll turn around and head back down to San Francisco. In total, the drive back to the city is 5 to 6 hours. 

Day 6 – Trinidad

If you have 7 days to devote to exploring northern California’s coast, continue driving until you reach Trinidad.

This tiny coastal town features some of the best beaches along the route and several that are reminiscent of the Oregon coast.

Trinidad State Beach and College Cover are two iconic stops. Sue-Meg State Park with its rim trail and Wedding Rock climbs are well worth the visit.

For your overnight accommodation, there are several cabins or vacation rental homes that provide a comfortable stay. 

Where to Stay in Trinidad

View Crest Lodge – This lodge located close to Agate Beach is an excellent place to stay in Trinidad. They have a number of rustic rooms and cottages to choose from along with free parking and a good breakfast available each morning. Click here to check availability

Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel – This is another great option right on the coast in Trinidad. They have a number of quint rooms on offer to guests, an excellent breakfast and a perfect location directly on the beautiful beach. Click here to check availability

Private Rental – If you’re looking for your own space in the Trinidad area, there are plenty of properties to choose from – like this romantic cottage near the beach . There is something to suit everyone across a range of platforms. Click here to browse Trinidad private rentals

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Trinidad hotels!

Day 7 – Redwoods National & State Parks

First thing first—there are actually four redwood parks throughout the state of California. They include Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

All the parks are clustered in northern California, so you can visit all four parks if time allows. Within the parks, you’ll find some of the world’s most pristine old-growth redwood forests. 

During your visit to Redwood National Park , make a stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center to learn about the park and get the latest updates about its trails.

Ladybird Johnson Trail, Redwood Creek Overlook, and Tall Trees Grove Trail are the three most popular routes. Within the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, head over to the wildly famous fern canyon for a truly unique hike. 

Each park has its own unique trails, scenery, and hikes. If you’re pressed for time, pick just a couple to visit. The national park tends to see bigger crowds, so if you want to get away from other visitors, head for one of the lesser-trafficked state parks.

Have More Time?

If you have a little more time on your California north coast road trip, stop at Anderson Valley. It sits between Highway 101 and the coast. It’s a beautiful stretch of land filled with giant oak trees and sprawling vineyards.

There are two towns: Philo and Boonville. Anderson Valley is a wine lovers’ paradise. It’s one of the lesser-known wine regions in California, which makes it great if you want to enjoy the state’s iconic wine without fighting the crowds you’ll find in Napa or Sonoma . Hendy Woods State Park is full of great hiking trails. You could easily spend a day or two exploring this area. 

It’s also worth your time to linger in San Francisco at the start or end of your trip. There is so much to do in this city that you could spend an entire week here and never run out of ways to fill your time. Relax in Dolores Park, visit the Painted Ladies, take iconic photos at Lombard Street, or visit any of the city’s amazing art museums. 

Should you have more than two weeks in your itinerary, head inland to visit places like Lassen National Park, Yosemite National Lake, and Lake Tahoe . The area around Mount Shasta is also amazing for camping, hiking, and overlooks. 

Finally, if you have more than 7 days to dedicate to the northern California coast, we recommend spending even more time in each destination. Ideally, a minimum of two days allows ample time to admire the location and relax. The redwood forests in particular warrant an entire trip on their own. You’ll be able to catch the highlights on this road trip. 

Of course, you could continue north from your final destination in California and venture along the Oregon Coast and terminate in lively and eccentric Portland. Otherwise, you could even go for an entire San Francisco to Seattle road trip and see a good part of the coastal Pacific Northwest !

The northern California coastline is full of stunning landscapes and hidden gems. There’s so much to do and see that the trick is narrowing down exactly how to spend your time. No matter how long you visit or where you stop, your itinerary will be jam-packed with unforgettable sights. 

Are you visiting northern California? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Yosemite vs Sequoia: Which National Park to Visit?

Napa vs Sonoma: Which Wine Region to Visit?

How Much Will a California Trip Cost in 2024?

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

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Itineraries

The perfect northern california road trip.

We’ve been all over northern California and I can honestly say that a road trip is our favorite ways to explore it. You can really only go to one or two destinations in the north if you don’t do a road trip because things are so spread out. So trust me, a road trip is the best way to see as much as possible.

This trip covers 1,000 miles. I realize that’s a long way to go. But it can be split into separate legs to make it shorter or to fit your interests. If you can’t devote 2 weeks to this road trip, maybe just plan to do 3 different trips over time.

PRO TIP: You can purchase a California State Parks Pass in advance. Most parks charge $8-10 a day for parking. If you plan to visit many parks, it might be more economical to buy the pass for $125.

» Enjoy your road trip with these 46 Best California Road Trip Songs .

Table of Contents

Highlights of the Northern California Road Trip

• San Francisco is a great city to explore on its own. Take a day to see the sights before starting your journey.
• Learn all about volcanoes at Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Explore the most beautiful waterfall in California: Burney Falls
• Climb through the lava tubes at Lava Beds National Monument
• See Redwoods National and State parks where you can drive through a tree and stare up in awe at these giant trees.
• Stop in Sonoma wine country for some wine tasting
• Enjoy the coastline and beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore

Travel Info

The road trip starts and ends in either San Francisco or Sacramento, as these are major hubs for national and international flights. You can fly in, rent a car, and get started on the road trip immediately. Of course, you can also start anywhere along the way, if you want.

The itinerary begins in San Francisco (or Sacramento, if you wish) and will take you to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Lava Beds National Monument, and over to Redwoods National & State Parks.

It’s a total of 1,000 miles driven, which can be really overwhelming so be sure to leave yourself a lot of time to do it in. If you don’t want to drive that far, I would suggest trying to fly into Redding to start instead and skipping everything south of the Avenue of the Giants. This will result in a 500-mile itinerary.

Suggested Duration

This Northern California road trip is best done in two weeks. The driving distances between each stop are relatively long (California is a big place), so you will need time to explore the destination and drive on to the next stop, all without overwhelming yourself.

You can do this road trip in either direction, but I do recommend the counter-clockwise route, because then you get the longest drive out of the way at the beginning of the trip. The last part is all gravy.

The Northern California Route

Starting Point: San Francisco

San Francisco is one a vibrant and picturesque city, with a significant number of cultural attractions and world famous landmarks, surrounded by impressive natural beauty.

The sights in San Francisco are as diverse as its history. I would suggest spending 2 days in San Francisco at the beginning of your trip, to see all the top sights, which I’ve listed below.

• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39: Start your trip with a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. It is touristy, but it has spectacular views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t miss the famous sea lions lounging on the docks. For a truly local experience, try clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.
• Ride a Cable Car: You have to ride the historic cable cars. It’s a very unique way to see the city’s hilly streets without walking up them yourself. Head to the Powell Street station for a ride.
• Visit Alcatraz Island: Book a ferry to Alcatraz Island, once a notorious federal prison, now a fascinating national park. Be sure to get the audio tour of the cellhouse. Remember to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
• Golden Gate Park: This vast park is a green oasis with gardens, museums, and winding paths. My favorite parts are the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum. If you’re up for it, rent a bike to cover more ground.
• Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge: This is the best photo opp in the city. It’s a 1.7-mile span and is breathtaking.
• Chinatown: San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of North America’s oldest and most vibrant. Don’t miss the historic Dragon’s Gate at the entrance on Grant Avenue. We also always go shopping for unique fabrics and dresses, and eat Dim Sum.

» Try this tour: Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Twilight or Sunset Cruise

»» Where to Stay: We often stay at Hyatt Regency San Francisco on the waterfront.

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 235 miles = 3:45

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the national parks that no one ever talks about. Why is that? I think it’s one of the most unique treasures in California. It’s choke full of geologic wonders that you can’t see everywhere, including mud pots, steaming fumaroles and unique volcanic structures. There are also gorgeous lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks, everywhere you look.

The thing to do here is to drive along the scenic main highway, which is about a 30-mile drive. It takes about an hour to drive the length of it without stops. But there are numerous stops you’re going to want to make – some that require getting out for a bit of a hike – so plan for at least 3-5 hours.

If you only have one day, focus on a few key sights like Bumpass Hell and Manzanita Lake, with drives that offer stunning views of the park’s diverse landscape.

Must-See Sights

• Lassen Peak: This is a plug dome volcano and the main feature of the park. The hike to the summit is strenuous but rewarding, with great views. It’s about 5-miles round trip and takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness level.
• Bumpass Hell: This is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with hot springs and mud pots. A 3-mile round trip hike is the best way to see it. Plan about 2 hours for this hike.
• Manzanita Lake: The loop around the lake is about 1.5 miles and has some stunning views of Lassen Peak. You can also go for a flat hike or even go kayaking.
• Cinder Cone: The ascent to the top of this volcanic cone is where you can get spectacular views of the Painted Dunes and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The hike is strenuous, about 4 miles round trip and takes 3-4 hours.
• Sulphur Works: This area provides a quick view of some of the park’s hydrothermal activity and is easily accessible from the main road.

Note: There is a $30 7-day pass fee (high season).

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: Manzanita Lake Campground and Cabins and Highlands Ranch Resort

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 70 miles = 1:40

McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park

McArthur–Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest state park in the California State Parks system. As the name suggestions, the magnificent thing to see here is Burney Falls, a 129-ft high cascading falls.

The falls were once called the Eighth Wonder of the World by President Theodore Roosevelt. The water comes from underground springs above and at the falls, and provides an almost constant flow rate of 379 million liters per day. It’s gorgeous.

There are also some incredible hikes to do here. The best is Burney Creek Trail, a 1-mile easy trail that takes you to the falls. Another easy trail is the 2.5-mile Burney Creek Headwaters Trail, with slightly steeper grades, that also takes you to the falls. You can expect all of these trails to be quite busy.

Note: It costs $10 for parking.

»» Where to Stay: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground or there are a couple of motel-style places within about 8-15 miles like Shasta Pines Motel or Green Gables Motel

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 50 miles = 1:10

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Your next stop on the road trip is Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This National Forest encompasses an enormous 2.2 million acres with an almost infinite amount of wilderness walks available. The centerpiece of it all are the picturesque twin peaks of Mt Shasta and Mt Shastina. 

You might want to play in the water at Lake Shasta, go on a tour of the Lake Shasta Caverns to see incredible displays of stalagmites and stalactites, or head to Castle Lake for a hike. For a moderate challenge, the Heart Lake trail is a 3-mile round trip that leads to beautiful views of Mount Shasta and the iconic lava cone known as Black Butte in the distance.

The Castle Lake Trail is one of the longer hiking trails in the Mount Shasta area at about 11 miles round trip. It’s a more strenuous hike but has uninterrupted vistas of Mount Shasta and the Klamath Mountains.

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: While disbursed camping is free all around the vast National Forest, if you need hookups or showers/toilets, Fowlers campground is located along the hiking trail between the lower and middle McCloud waterfalls. See hotels in Redding | Mount Shasta

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 116 miles = 2:15 travel time

Lava Beds National Monument

Even if you’ve never heard of it before, Lava Beds National Monument is definitely worth a visit. The monument lies on the northeastern flank of Medicine Lake Volcano and has the largest total area covered by a volcano in the Cascade Range.

I think this park is one of the best kept secrets in the National Park System. When you arrive, you need to grab a cave permit (it’s free) from the visitor center. The rangers will give you all the info you need, as well as a flashlight which you’ll need to explore the caves. Then you can head off to explore on your own.

There are a vast range of easy to difficult caves all within a mile or two radius. In fact, there are up to 500 known lava tube caves within the boundaries of Lava Beds National Monument. You can go inside the easy caves for a look around, or if you’re fully prepared with the right gear, you can go exploring in the more difficult caves.

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: Indian Well Campground or Best Western Plus Olympic Inn in Klamath Falls (30 miles away)

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 239 miles = 4:45

Redwoods National & State Parks

This is the start of the California coast part of the road trip. You’ll be on the iconic Highway 101 at this point all the way back to San Francisco. It’s a unique road that hugs the ocean and has great views.

Redwood National Park is home to the world’s tallest trees and old-growth redwood forests. Many of the trees in the forest are over 300 feet tall and 2,000 years old. You will be astounded by the size of these trees!

Redwoods is actually a complex of one national park and three state parks:  Del Norte Coast ,  Jedediah Smith , and  Prairie Creek . It’s $30 to get into Redwoods National park. Online advanced permits are needed for most of the state parks and there’s a cost of $12 for a day-use pass. If you’re staying at the campground or have a pass, it’s free.

At Jedediah Smith, Stout Grove is one of the most majestic and photographed groves of redwoods. In Redwoods National Park is the famous Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Redwoods Creek Overlook is also nearby.

Fern Canyon is a 1-mile loop with an elevation gain of 150 feet, taking about 30 minutes. The trail takes you through a canyon with two-story walls of ferns. You will get your feet wet! Gold Bluffs Beach nearby is a remote beach where you can spend the day at the beach, have a picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty. There’s also a campground.

As you drive south away from the Redwoods National Park, you can’t miss the Avenue of the Giants – a 31.5-mile drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. There are tons of things to see along the way, so prepare for a lot of stops as the mood strikes you.

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, Elk Prairie Campground, or for a hotel try the Holiday Inn Express Arcata/Eureka

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 192 miles = 3:30

Sonoma County & Napa Valley

I never pass up an opportunity to sip delicious wine in the best wine regions in the world. You shouldn’t either. Sonoma County and Napa Valley both have has some seriously good wine tasting options , as well as lots of other things to do . I think this area deserves at least a day and an overnight, if not more.

You can do wine tasting in any of the many AVAs from Geyserville down to Santa Rosa or from Calistoga down to Napa. You don’t need a reservation at many of them, and since you’re only there for a day (or two, if you stretch it), you can just stop where ever you see signs for wine tasting.

My favorites are Kendall Jackson, Rodney Strong, J Vintners, and the many small tasting rooms in Healdsburg. We also love the Oakville Grocery for picnic supplies.

» Try this tour: Sonoma Wine Rides — Sonoma County Wine Tasting Tours

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: Vintner’s Resort or The Sandman Santa Rosa

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 35 miles = 1:00

Point Reyes National Seashore – California Coast

Point Reyes National Seashore is a vast expanse of protected coastline north of San Francisco. There are thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands, expansive sand beaches, open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges.

For beaches, there are 80 miles of shoreline, including dozens of miles of sandy beach, like Wildcat Beach, that you can explore and enjoy. There are seemingly endless hiking possibilities, including forest and coastal hikes of all different length and ability level. Out on the rocky point is the 1870 Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Two of our favorite hikes are the Tomales Point Trail, a moderate hike offering opportunities to see tule elk and the Bear Valley Trail, which leads to the spectacular Arch Rock. As a major bird migration route, the area is fantastic for bird watching, with over 490 bird species recorded.

»» ACCOMMODATIONS: Olema House at Point Reyes or Coast Campground and Sky Campground

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 24 miles = 0:45

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is  Mount Tamalpais State Park . The primary feature of the park is the 2,571 feet Mount Tamalpais. It’s a very picturesque place that is definitely worth of a stop to take some photos. We like to stop there for a picnic and a short hike.

The mountain is easy to access. You can drive nearly all the way to the top. Once you get there, a few short trails take you up and around the mountain.

The park has over 60 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Trails like the Matt Davis or Steep Ravine trails offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and the surrounding hills.

DISTANCE TO NEXT STOP: 15 miles = 0:35

Back to San Francisco

California road trip – more options.

• The Perfect Big Sur Road Trip
• Best Stops of a San Fran to Yosemite Road Trip
• 46 Best California Road Trip Songs

This Northern California road trip likely totally wore you out and you’re ready to head home. After 7-14 days driving around in this beautiful state, seeing all the beauty, I’m sure the experience will never leave you. You’ll need to come back for another road trip very soon.

Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again. FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!

Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.

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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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14 Best Road Trips in Northern California

A longtime magnet for free spirits, Northern California has a vast array of landscapes and vibes. Beyond the sprawling bounds of the high tech, multicultural San Francisco Bay Area you'll find remote coastal communities nestled in evergreen forests and rustic wineries set in golden hills. There are too many grand adventures to be had, so it can be helpful to narrow down the possibilities.

Included in our list of the 14 best road trips in Northern California are dizzying routes over the Sierras, laid-back coastal drives to redwood forests, excursions to far-flung volcanic fields, and romantic getaways to the wine country.

Read on below to learn the best routes and hidden gems throughout Northern California. There's no time like the present to start planning your next journey.

1. Sacramento to Point Reyes National Seashore

2 hours 20 minutes (110 miles)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why you should take this trip: Impressive sandstone bluffs are the first thing that strike you about Point Reyes National Seashore, but there are hidden beaches, graceful waterfalls, gorgeous trees, and even a historic lighthouse to explore here as well.

Main stops on this road trip: This route passes through Fairfield, Sears Point Wetlands, Napa, and Novato.

How to get there: Take Interstate 80 West to Fairfield, then hop on CA Route 12 West. If you like, you can stop by Napa or continue heading west towards Novato via CA Routes 121 and 37.

Take a right onto Novato Blvd then a left onto Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Road, which will take you to the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema, one of the entrances to Point Reyes National Seashore.

Our highlights: On your way, just north of Novato, you'll pass Olompali State Historic Park. Once a village built by the Bay Miwok Native Americans, this area preserves the gorgeous rolling hills and oak trees as well as recreations of wooden dwellings.

It is especially beautiful in the late winter and early spring when the hills briefly flush emerald green.

The 80 miles of coastline that makes up Point Reyes National Seashore also encompasses some beautiful inland territory and about 150 miles of maintained trails. There's no shortage of places to hike and discover; some people spend up to a week in the park.

The most popular trail is the 10-mile Bear Valley Trail which starts at the visitor center and takes you out to the coastal bluffs. For a trail that makes the most of the cliffs and coastal views, do the Laguna Trail Coast Trail Loop.

In case you have mobility issues or it's too rainy to hike, this is also a picturesque place to drive around with some areas resembling the Scottish Highlands. The drive along Sir Francis Drake Blvd to the old lighthouse is unforgettable, lined with cypress trees planted by people in the 1930s and sculpted by the wind ever since.

One of the most iconic trails in Point Reyes is the chimney Rock trail. Only 1.9 miles out and back, this trail stretches along a thin piece of land with incredible ocean views on each side. This is also one of the best places to see wildflowers in the park in the spring and summer.

Local gems: Also near Novato, but to the south, is the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, a wonderful ode to the many artists who have flocked to Marin County over the decades, finding inspiration in this tranquil corner of the San Francisco Bay Area.

More than a museum, this is also a working studio where you can see artists practicing their craft.

Our travel tips: Point Reyes is a popular backpacking destination. If you'd like to camp or backpack here, be sure to reserve a permit or campsite through the park service website.

Best time to visit: In the winter and early spring you can see migrating grey whales from the cliffs of Point Reyes, making it one of the most popular seasons for visitors.

This makes an exquisite fall trip for the mild weather and large presence of tule elk during this season.

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2. Sacramento to Lake Tahoe

Why you should take this trip: Get ready to behold the great sapphire of the Sierras – Lake Tahoe – on this adventurous, yet hardly strenuous, route from California's capital city.

Main stops on this road trip: If you head via the northern route, you'll pass historic Auburn and Truckee on your way to Tahoe City. Alternatively, on the southern route you'll pass Placerville, Eldorado National Forest, and Echo Lake.

How to get there: For this trip you have two options depending on whether you want to arrive at the north of the lake or the south. For the slightly longer northern route, drive east on Interstate 80 to Truckee, then drive south on CA Highway 89 to Tahoe City.

For the Southern Route, drive east on US Route 50 through the scenic Eldorado National Forest all the way to South Lake Tahoe.

You can also make the scenic drive along CA Route 89 between Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe; perhaps opting to come via one route and leave via the other.

Our highlights: A signature Tahoe experience is a ride on the Gondola at Heavenly Resort. From the observation deck, not quite at the top of the mountain, you'll get unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding granite peaks.

Regardless of when you make this trip, the views from here will fill you with wonder.

Being a massive alpine lake, beaches abound in Tahoe. There are idyllic spots for a walk, lounging with a good book, or even a dip in the warmer months.

Pope and Lakeside are popular beaches in the south and Commons is the main beach near Tahoe City. No matter which beach you visit, the gentle ripples of the lake will put you completely at ease.

Tahoe is a hiker's paradise from the spring until the fall. The Cascade Falls Trail, Eagle Rock Trail and Bayview Trail all involve some climbing, but they also reward you with enlivening lake views.

Another bonus spot near Tahoe for a hike or just a picnic lunch is Emerald Bay State Park, on the west side of the lake along Highway 89. This is where you'll find the Rubicon Trail as well as the historic Vikingsholm Castle, an abandoned mansion from the 1920s. Emerald Bay regularly makes it onto people's must-see lists for Tahoe and we can see why.

And then there are the winter sports. For many people, Tahoe is primarily a winter getaway; a place to hit the slopes and sip hot cocoa around a fire pit. Heavenly is the main ski resort in the south area of Lake Tahoe. Closer to Tahoe City, you'll find Northstar, Palisades, and Sugarbowl, some of America's best spots for fresh powder and challenging slopes.

Local gems: For more intrepid skiers and snowboarders, Tahoe's backcountry is your best bet to find pristine runs. Donner Summit and Mount Tallac are two places to explore, just be sure to take proper safety precautions.

If you'd rather kick back with a refreshing drink, the microbrew scene around the lake gets better every year. Sidellis is one of the best near Southlake Tahoe and Tahoe Tap Hause has a great patio just across the street from the lake in Tahoe City.

Our travel tips: While all the roads on this route are open year-round, Highway 89 from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay and Highway 50 near Echo Summit experience closures in case of severe weather. Check the dept. of transportations' website for the latest road conditions.

If you're making this a winter road trip, be sure to have tire chains handy and know how and where to put them on. Also have a few bottles of water, snacks, and a blanket in the car just in case you get stuck in a surprise blizzard.

Best time to visit: Lake Tahoe takes on a different charm in every season. There is no best or worst time to come here.

That said, if you want to skip the crowds and higher hotel prices, avoid visiting during the peak summer holiday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays in the winter. In addition to skyrocketing prices around these times, the roads are extremely congested.

You could time your visit to coincide with one of the many seasonal festivals in Tahoe. The biggest winter festival is SnowGlobe and in the summer there are weekly free concerts at Commons Beach.

Casinos like Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe regularly have big-name artists perform, so a concert night could be in the cards for your trip.

READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe

3. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur

3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Starting in the lively urban environs of San Francisco, this route takes you to some of the most beloved weekend coastal hangouts on the border between northern and Central California.

Main stops on this road trip: Just south of San Francisco you'll pass Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz on your way to Big Sur via Monterey and Carmel.

How to get there: Though some of the winding coastal roads can be challenging due to fog, this route is straightforward. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway/ CA Route 1 south from San Francisco, past Santa Cruz and Monterey, to Big Sur.

You could also extend this trip further along the Big Sur Coast to Slates Hot Springs.

Our highlights: Santa Cruz is the home of mainland surfing and conveniently located halfway along this route. Here you can visit the famed Steamer Lane Beach and learn more about the wave riders at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed inside a historic light house.

In addition to honeymooners and John Steinbeck enthusiasts, Monterey draws lovers of marine life from every generation to the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Learn more about the ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean, from kelp forests and deep sea trenches to those adorable sea otters.

While this entire trip is jam packed with coastal views, especially at Monterey State Beach , and innumerable curves to hug, the coast somehow becomes even more magnificent south of Carmel-by-the-Sea as you approach Big Sur.

This area where the mountains meet the sea has taken on a mythical quality in the imaginations of Californian road trippers.

You could swear you've found a lost island paradise at McWay Cove and the rock formations at Pfeiffer Beach are even more eye-catching when gilded by the setting sun.

Local gems: Just south of Half Moon Bay you'll find a series of breathtaking and relatively remote beaches, some of which have high sandstone cliffs perfect for dramatic beach photography.

If this trip is all about coastal charm, then leave plenty of time to explore San Gregorio, Pomponio, and Pescadero State Beaches as well as Pigeon Point Light Station just north of Santa Cruz.

Nestled between the abundant ocean and fertile Salinas Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey both have some fabulous dining options and a lunch stop in either town won't fail to disappoint.

If you really want to go all out for a fine-dining, farm-to-table experience, try La Bicyclette Restaurant in downtown Carmel.

Our travel tips: Given the population of the San Francisco Bay area, this route and the stops along it can get a bit crowded on the weekends and during summer holidays when the inland temperatures soar. If your schedule is flexible, try to make this a mid-week trip.

Best time to visit: Except in the most extreme storm surges, CA Highway 1 is open year-round, so you can do this trip whenever you find the time.

Contrary to what you might think, it is the summer months when San Francisco and the Monterey Peninsula experience the most fog. As long as you drive carefully, even the fog adds a certain mystique to this trip, so don't let it spoil any plans.

If you're hoping for clear ocean views, spring and fall are the best times to drive this route. Sometimes there's amazingly clear and warm weather in January as well, but it's hard to predict when.

Every September since 1958 jazz lovers flock to Monterey to hear musicians at the top of their game perform for a weekend at the Monterey Jazz Festival. If you like the genre, then this needs to be on your itinerary, if you're adverse to crowds and high prices, then consider another time to do this trip.

4. Monterey to Napa and Sonoma

3 hours 5 minutes (170 miles)

Why you should take this trip: The epicurean heart of Northern California is shared between Napa and Sonoma. Being the state's most prized wine producing regions, Michelin Star restaurants and world class spas seem to be around every corner in these parallel, picturesque valleys.

Main stops on this road trip: After passing through garlicy Gilroy and the core of Silicon Valley, San Jose, you'll go through Oakland and San Rafael on your way to wine country.

How to get there: From Monterey, head inland towards Salinas where you'll hop on US Route 101 North. Take this to San Jose, then change onto Interstate 880 North through Oakland, where you'll merge onto Interstate 580 North, and follow that across the San Rafael Bridge.

After the bridge, meet back up with US 101 North. In Novato, exit onto CA Route 37 East and take that to Sears Point. CA Route 121 North will take you to both Sonoma and Napa.

Our highlights: On your way to the wine country, you'll drive through a unique delta region in the northern waters of the San Francisco Bay called the San Pablo Bay.

In the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, you can see quirky sights like the “Lone Toilet” or hike meandering trails through the Sonoma Creek estuary. Keep an eye out for dozens of migratory bird species.

The first wine region you'll reach is Sonoma, which is home to California's oldest winery, Buena Vista. First established in 1857, the gorgeous stone tasting room of this winery gives it an established and refined ambiance. Another great winery with a more rustic feeling is St. Francis Winery, set in the rolling hills of Sonoma.

Sonoma still has many signs of its early Spanish Colonial history, like the Sonoma Plaza originally laid out and planted with trees in 1835.

Kitty corner to the plaza is Sonoma State Historic Park which includes the Mission San Francisco Solano where you can see a prime example of Mission style architecture that still influences building in the state.

On the other side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range you'll find Napa. Oozing sophistication and gourmet dining options, prepare for indulgence while you're here. In downtown Napa you'll find no shortage of tasting rooms and the surrounding hills are dotted with wineries.

Pine Ridge Vineyards has a lovely ambiance and pours a solid Cabernet. Domaine Carneros also takes advantage of the Tuscan-like environment of Napa and is housed in a mansion almost as grand as those built by the medieval families of Florence

Local gems: In case you'd like to walk off some of those glasses of Chardonnay or if you have an interest in one of California's most well-known authors, visit the Jack London State Historic Park, just north of Sonoma.

The old home and ranch once belonged to the “Call of the Wild” author who had a distinctive appreciation of nature. Here there are 20 miles of trails where you can hike, bike, and find your own inspiration.

Both Napa and Sonoma are known for exceptional produce. If you'd like to shop for fresh treats and gourmet preparations to pair with wine back home, then wander the aisles of the Oxbow Public Market in Napa.

Our travel tips: Bike rental places are quite popular in both valleys, in case you'd like to explore the vineyards on two wheels

Though the area can be occasionally drab in the winter, the off season has some unbeatable hotel prices. Unless you have a palate like a sommelier, the wine should taste the same in any season.

Best time to visit: The late spring and mid fall are two of the most beautiful times of the year in Napa and Sonoma. The surrounding hills hold on to a little bit of green from the winter rains in the spring and in the fall, the grape vines are alight with yellow and crimson hues.

During the summer in Napa there's an outdoor concert series hosted by Blue Note Napa called the Napa City Nights. Few things are finer in life than wine and music striving to out-do each other.

5. Pacific Coast Highway to Fort Bragg

4 hours 45 minutes (180 miles)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why you should take this trip: Get a taste of the rugged, misty Northern California coast, with its towering redwoods, secluded beaches, and historic towns.

Main stops on this road trip: Starting in San Francisco, this route takes you past Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, Bodega Bay, Gualala, and Mendocino on your way to Fort Bragg.

How to get there: From San Francisco, navigate to CA Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Take this across the Golden Gate Bridge and along the winding coast until you reach Fort Bragg.

Our highlights: Named for the turn of the century naturalist John Muir, the Muir Woods National Monument is a place overflowing with the wonder of nature that he spent his life advocating for.

It is one of the closest redwood groves to San Francisco, which can make the weekends crowded, but this is a must-see stop if you're making the trip during the week or during a less crowded season like winter.

Further north on the route you'll pass Point Arena. This seaside enclave is home to the Point Arena Lighthouse, a historic Landmark whose present form was built in 1908.

Dedicated volunteers maintain a small museum here where you can see some of the original pieces of the older lighthouse, like the Fresnel lens, which was used prior to the lighthouse's electrification.

Fort Bragg has a wonderfully walkable downtown area, that's slightly more built up and spread out than Mendocino. Yet the real treats of this area lie in the surrounding parks and beaches where miles of trails along pristine coastlines await you.

Just north of Fort Bragg, some of the best trails for wildlife viewing are in MacKerricher State Park. Here it's common to see dear, seals, and migrating whales in the winter. There's also a wooden boardwalk through a gorgeous cypress grove and thousands of tide pools filled with microcosms of ocean life.

Finally, do not leave Fort Bragg without visiting the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. There's much more than first meets the eye here. Behind the humble entrance there's a 47-acre property spread over coastal hills, with trails leading to spectacular ocean views.

They feature rhododendron, dahlia, and other colorful flowers which bloom in different seasons.

Local gems: On your way to Fort Bragg, you'll pass a tiny coastal community called Gualala. Set around a gulch, here you can find artist colonies and gorgeous coastal trails in equal measure. Take the opportunity to feel like a giant along the Pygmy Forest Trail Loop in Salt Point State Park.

Our travel tips: Reservations for the botanical garden in Fort Bragg can be made ahead of time.

Best time to visit: If you want to walk in warmer weather and carry minimal layers, then the summer months are a great time to visit Fort Bragg. It is never too crowded, so it would also work for a last-minute trip.

Another popular season is the winter and early spring, from November to April, which is when the migrating whales can be seen from the coast. You can also go out on chartered whale watching boats to get a closer look at these majestic creatures.

Click here for our ultimate guide on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

READ MORE - Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

6. San Francisco to Yosemite

3 hours 45 minutes (190 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Get out of the city to spend time in one of California's most cherished national parks and enjoy Gold Rush Era towns nestled in the Sierra foothills along the way.

Main stops on this road trip: On this route you'll pass Livermore, Tracy, Oakdale, Red Hills Recreational Management Area, and Groveland.

How to get there: Leave San Francisco via Interstate 80 over the Bay Bridge and immediately merge into Interstate 580 passing through Oakland and Livermore before changing on to Interstate 205 near Tracy.

This links up with CA Route 120 (CA-120) after a few miles in Manteca. Follow CA-120 all the way through Groveland, where it becomes Big Oak Flat Road and takes you into Yosemite Valley.

Our highlights: Touting itself as the Gateway to Yosemite, Groveland is a historic settlement in the Sierra Foothills that has various accommodation options in case you plan on staying outside the park.

At the very least, take time to visit the Gateway Museum to learn more about the goldmining and water management history of the area. Groveland also makes a good lunch spot.

The mega stars of the Yosemite Valley are of course the granite monoliths which have been meticulously carved by Glaciers to form the sheer cliffs that line the valley.

One of the best overlooks to take in the grander of Yosemite, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, is Glacier Point. You can reach this overlook via a steep hike with innumerable switchbacks from the valley, or drive from Big Oak Flat Road to Glacier Point Road via Wawona Road, so you can take in the views without breaking a sweat.

A wonderful and accessible hike in Yosemite is the Valley Loop Trail. As the name suggests, this takes you in a 21 mile loop around the bottom of Yosemite Valley and past some superb viewpoints of the famous monoliths and waterfalls.

If you want to get a bit more up and personal with Yosemite's glorious waterfalls, hike the 7-mile Mist Trail past Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall. When the falls are at their peak, gushing over the granite cliffs, droplets envelope some sections of the trail making for a magical and refreshing hike.

Local gems: If you have time to meander on your way to Yosemite, there are quite a few hidden gems in between the East Bay Area and Groveland. In Oakdale there's an adorable Cowboy Museum which details this town's love of steer and rodeos that persists to this day.

Old ranches, like Willms Ranch just outside of Knights Ferry, dot the landscape and speak to California's Old West history.

Our travel tips: Yosemite is open year-round, but some roads like Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed from November to May. Summer is the busiest season, due to school vacations.

Occasionally the park service imposes a reservation to drive into Yosemite via the Big Oak Flat and Wawona Road entrances, so check the website before you go or aim to visit during the week in the spring, winter, or fall.

There's a $35 seven-day pass for Yosemite as well as a $70 annual pass in case you are planning to make multiple trips in a year. These prices are calculated at the time of writing.

Best time to visit: One of the best times to visit Yosemite is in the late spring and early summer, before school lets out, because the waterfalls are at their peak flow.

In case you can make this trip in mid-to-late February, be sure to catch the firefall at Bridalveil Fall. During a few weeks each year the light of the setting sun sets this waterfall ablaze with amber light resembling molten gold.

READ MORE - Road Trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

7. San Jose to Mendocino

3 hours 50 minutes (200 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Discover the inland and coastal charms of Northern California from the verdant surroundings of Mill Valley to picturesque Mendocino, which might have you doing double takes to check which coast you're on.

Main stops on this road trip: Some of the diverse cities and towns you'll pass on this trip include San Francisco, Mill Valley, Santa Rosa, and tiny Boonville.

How to get there: Take Interstate 280 North from San Jose until it links up with US Route 101 North. Take this all the way along the San Francisco Peninsula and through the North Bay Area and Santa Rosa to Cloverdale. Find the CA Route 128 turn off and follow it all the way west to Mendocino.

Our highlights: The semi-urban hub and county seat of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is worth a stop if you have the time. In addition to a great array of lunch options and wine tasting rooms, it is also where acclaimed cartoonist and Peanuts creator Charles Schulz lived and worked from 1969 until his death in 2000.

His work and legacy are preserved at the surprisingly fascinating Charles M. Schulz Museum just off U.S. Highway 101.

If you like craft beer and have spent any time in California, then hopefully you know of Anderson Valley Brewing Company and their delicious Boont Amber Ale.

Lucky for you, this route passes by the brewery's 30-acre Beer Park and taproom in Boonville along CA-128.Complete with an 18-hole Disc Golf course and occasional concerts, this place is like an ode to the funky, laid back spirit of Northern California.

Arriving in Mendocino is like a fresh breath of air. Filled will beautifully preserved Victorian homes and tall wooden water towers perched on a bluff, there are very few places on the West Coast that resemble it.

Take a few minutes to walk around the charming downtown and grab a bite to eat at one of the many California-fresh restaurants.

For morning walks, romantic sunsets, and amateur birdwatching, look no further than Mendocino Headlands State Park. Weathered cliffs and natural arches are the main highlights of this coastal scenery. If you're not scared of stairs, then you can walk all the way down to a secluded beach in the cove.

Local gems: Mendocino was initially built by people who had emigrated from the East Coast and elements of New England architecture abound in the town. The likeness is so striking that the producers of “Murder, She Wrote” chose to film many portions of the TV show set in a fictional Maine town here.

The building which featured most prominently in the series was the Blair House, which served as the exterior for protagonist Jessica Fletcher's home. This 1888 building is still standing and is maintained as an inn.

Our travel tips: North of San Francisco the population drops dramatically, so aside from long weekends and holidays, this isn't an area of the state overrun by tourists. This is a great last-minute trip to do where booking a fabulous place won't be a headache.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company is closed to visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, so plan accordingly if you wanted to include this stop.

Best time to visit: Though it might get a bit drizzly in the winter, this is a trip you can do at any time of the year, with some of the clearest weather coming in the spring and fall.

The town and county of Mendocino host various festivals throughout the year. Winter is known for whale watching, in June there's the Mendocino Film Festival, and there's events highlighting the area's fantastic wine throughout the year.

8. Oakhurst to Nevada City

4 hours 20 minutes (200 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Originally built during the Gold Rush, the modern Green Rush has led to a sustained cultural and culinary revitalization of this charming Sierra town.

Main stops on this road trip: On this trip there's no shortage of rustic and historic towns along the way. Consider stopping by Mariposa, Coulterville, San Andreas, Granite Bay, Auburn, and Grass Valley along the way.

How to get there: CA Route 49 (CA-49) starts in Oakhurst, and you'll take most of the way on this route. Follow CA-49 until Moccasin, where you'll change onto CA Route 120, drive through Copperopolis until you re-join CA-49 in San Andreas.

A few miles north of there, take a left briefly onto CA Route 16, then a right onto Latrobe Road. Drive along small roads through Granite Bay until you hop onto CA-49 for a final time in Auburn, making your way through Grass Valley before you reach Nevada City.

Our highlights: On your way to Nevada City you'll pass by Granite Bay and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Whether you just need a place to stretch your legs, or you'd like to stay here a night under the stars, there's plenty to do here including swimming, hiking, and fishing.

Nevada City has a well-preserved downtown area with historic buildings and a varied local dining scene which prominently features healthy and fresh options.

Being nestled in the Sierras, there are tons of hiking trails in town and nearby. The Deer Creek Tribute Trail, which goes over a gorgeous suspension bridge nestled in the woods, is walking distance from downtown.

Just 20 miles outside town you can visit the South Yuba River State Park and lounge on huge granite boulders before plunging into crystal clear swimming holes.

During the height of the Gold Rush, towns like Nevada City served as important transport hubs. At the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum this colorful and interesting logistical history is on full display and proudly curated by dedicated volunteers.

They have several vintage locomotives on display and offer occasional rides, call ahead to secure your spot.

Local gems: A real treat at the edge of the tiny downtown in Nevada City is the Miners Foundry Cultural Center. Throughout the year this unique space with vaulted ceilings hosts concerts, craft fairs, and other community events. Check their website and try to plan your trip to coincide with a lively night out here.

Our travel tips: While Nevada City occasionally gets winter snow and smaller, country roads might face winter closures, the main route into town, CA-49, is open year-round.

Best time to visit: Nevada City really comes alive during the summer. Given the altitude, it isn't quite as hot as Sacramento and other cities in the lowlands, but it's hot enough to really enjoy a cold dip in the river.

This is a great place to experience summer magic in the Sierras without the crowds of Tahoe and Yosemite.

9. Sonora-North Yosemite Loop

6 hours (230 miles)

Difficulty level: Ambitious

Why you should take this trip: On this loop trip you'll get to see some spectacular High Sierra scenery including an entrance to Yosemite National Park that most Californian visitors miss out on.

Main stops on this road trip: This route begins and ends in Sonora, looping through Twain Harte, Cold Springs, Pinecrest Lake, Sonora Junction, Lake Mono, Lee Vining, Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite), and Groveland.

How to get there: You can get to Sonora from Sacramento via CA Routes 16 and 49; from Stockton via CA Routes 4 and 49; and from Modesto via CA Routes 120 and 108.

Once you're in Sonora, you can drive this route in either direction, but we'll describe it in a clockwise direction so that you'll enter Yosemite in the east, via Tioga Pass.

From Sonora, head northeast along CA Route 108 through Twain Harte, past Pinecrest Lake, all the way to Sonora Junction. Then take US Route 395 South through Bridgeport and the high-altitude badlands to Mono City and Mono Lake. This is the halfway point of the route.

In Lee Vining, at the edge of Mono Lake, start heading west on CA Route 120/Tioga Road over Tioga Pass and into Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite. Take this all the way to Groveland.

Here, you can take the smaller Wards Ferry Road over Wards Ferry Bridge all the way back to Sonora.

Our highlights: Just before you get to Sonora Junction, you'll drive over the impressive Sonora Pass. At 9,624 feet above sea level, it is the second highest pass in California (you'll be driving over the highest later on this route).

Here the Pacific Crest Trail also crosses the pass, in case you wanted to hike a few miles on this mountain path synonymous with adventure.

Of course, there are plenty of breathtaking views from up on high, but one of the best viewpoints is a little further down the road, the Leavitt Falls Vista Point in the Toyiabe National Forest.

Before this loop curves back west through Yosemite, take some time to admire ancient Mono Lake and its unique tufa formations. This saline lake is approximately 1 million years old.

Near Lee Vining you can find the Mono Basic Scenic Area Visitor Center to learn more about this area's extensive natural history and conservation efforts.

On a trip filled with as many spectacular mountain views as this one, it can be hard to stand out as “scenic” but the stretch of road from Lee Vining to Tioga Pass is simply incredible.

After passing through a canyon with sheer cliffs you'll clear California's highest mountain pass before dipping into the verdant boundaries of Yosemite.

Prepare for one of the most idyllic picnics of your life in Tuolumne Meadows. Even at the height of summer this lush, high altitude clearing and river are not nearly as crowded as Yosemite Valley to the south.

The Cathedral Lakes Trailhead and another section of the Pacific Crest Trail are nearby, so this is another wonderful place for a day hike.

Local gems: On either side of CA Route 108 you'll be passing through Stanislaus National Forest. There are too many great trails and spots to explore along this route, but two that stood out to us were Pinecrest Lake Trail, near Strawberry, and Trail of the Gargoyles, near Bumblebee. You'll swear that those naturally carved granite figures get into some mischief at night.

Between Bridgeport and Mono City, about 10 miles along tiny CA Route 270, there's an abandoned gold mining town that has been preserved as Bodie State Historic Park. Who doesn't love wandering around a ghost town and imagining all the lives lived there?

After so many miles of rugged mountain vistas and sun-soaked hikes, a great place to relax and enjoy a laid back afternoon is Indigeny Reserve, an apple orchard and cider maker about 5 miles from downtown. Their hard cider is hard to resist on a hot day.

Our travel tips: The beauty of this trip is the isolation. Not nearly as many people approach Yosemite from the east as they do from the west, so you're not likely to get stuck in traffic on this route.

Also given the isolation, be prepared just in case you do get stuck with a flat tire or surprise storm. Bring plenty of extra water, clothes, snacks, first aid kit, and a flashlight for emergencies.

Though the mileage isn't too high with this trip, the speed limit is sometimes as low as 25 miles per hour, so leave plenty of time to drive safely and stop and enjoy the ample overlooks.

Best time to visit: This is best suited for a summer trip. Given the number of high altitude mountain passes that this route involves, it is only possible to do this trip from the late spring through the early fall. Both Highways 108 and 120 are regularly closed from November to May each year.

After Tioga Pass on Tioga Road, you will come to Yosemite's Entrance and you'll have to pay to drive through the park. The most affordable pass for one car is a seven-day pass which costs $35 (calculated at the time of writing).

10. Modesto to Sierra Hot Springs

Via historic highway 49.

6 hours 15 minutes (260 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Also known as the Gold Chain Highway, CA Highway 49 winds through the pine-scented Sierras, connecting historic Gold Rush towns and modern attractions like wineries and hot springs along the way.

Main stops on this road trip: This route includes every major Gold Rush town in the Sierra foothills like Sonora, Angels Camp, Sutter Creek, Placerville, Auburn, Nevada City and Sierraville.

How to get there: From Modesto, follow CA Route 180 East to Sonora. Here you'll get on the Historic Highway 49 and head north through Sutter Creek, Placerville, Auburn, and Nevada City, eventually winding up in Sierraville.

Our highlights: One of the most interesting things about Gold Rush history is the 19th century technology which made the extraction and processing of gold possible. At Knight's Foundry in Sutter Creek, the power of water was harnessed to run a metal forge for all the miners' metallurgical needs.

Sutter's Creek is also a budding wine region in the Sierra Foothills, so after a tour of the foundry, relax at one of the tasting rooms in town or at the elegant Bella Grace Vineyards.

Further along the Gold Chain highway you'll come to Placerville. This town has a wonderfully preserved historic downtown which speaks to Placerville's place as the Hub of the Mother Lode.

One of the town's oldest buildings, Fountain & Tallman Soda Works, built in 1852, houses the Placerville Historical Museum. With its thick “rock rubble” style walls and deep cellars to keep their refreshments cool, there's a lot to learn here about the simple comforts of the hard life of a 19th Century miner.

In case you'd also like to see an actual gold mine on this trip, also check out the Gold Bug Park and Mine, about a mile from downtown Placerville.

Auburn is another quaint town brimming with history and situated in the beautiful environs of the Sierra foothills. The anchor of the downtown area is the Placer County Courthouse which has been serving the area since 1898. This working courthouse has a museum and offer guided tours of the premises.

Near Auburn there are also wonderful hikes in the hills along the North Fork American River, where you can also take a refreshing swim on a hot day or even go rafting.

Quite literally at the end of the road is Sierraville. This tiny mountain town has sweeping views as well as wide open spaces where ranchers still make a living grazing cattle. There are developed campsites and places to hike nearby.

Local gems: A unique treat in this corner of California is Sierra Hot Springs, a clothing optional resort and retreat center built around several natural hot springs, beautifully situated in an alpine valley. This is not your typical resort, and it will give you a chance to fully unwind and savor the magic of the Sierras.

Our travel tips: Unlike some of the other Sierra roads, CA Route 49/Gold Chain Highway stays open year-round. Still, it does go over 6,000 feet at some places and can get icy in the winter. If you do make this trip in the winter, try to bring a car with AWD and keep tire chains in the trunk, just in case.

This route also passes through Nevada City, so look at the highlights from trip #6 up above in case you also wanted to explore this gorgeous town as well on this trip.

Best time to visit: This trip is best for the late spring and early summer when the weather is warm and the snowmelt means any rivers and waterfalls along the way will actually have water in them.

Many of the cities along the Golden Chain Highway are also agricultural hubs and have lovely harvest festivals, so check the respective town websites if you plan on making this trip in the fall.

11. Bodega Bay to Redwood National and State Parks

6 hours 20 minutes (280 miles)

Why you should take this trip: This is the trip to take if you've had a taste of the Northern California environment and culture and crave more. Go beyond the craggy coast of Mendocino County to the magical, old-growth “Redwood Curtain” of Humboldt County.

Main stops on this road trip: After passing the town of Mendocino, you'll go inland to Leggett, then drive along the “Avenue of the Giants” to Eureka, Arcata, and the redwoods.

How to get there: From Bodega Bay head north on CA Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Leggett where it joins with US Route 101. Take US-101 North through the section of the highway managed by the state called the Avenue of Giants.

The road turns back into US-101 North and heads past the coastal towns of Eureka and Arcata, taking you to Orick and the entrance to Redwood National and State Parks.

Our highlights: Similar to the Pacific Coast Highway route, with this trip much of the journey is the destination. This is especially true for the Avenue of Giants, also known as CA Route 254, a 31-mile stretch of highway that will leave you awestruck.

Aside from the paltry two-lane highway, your entire visual field is filled with the towering, tawny, costal redwood trees and their evergreen leaves.

In addition to the abundant forests and trails of Humboldt County, there is also an abundance of eccentric communities that have grown alongside traditional logging communities.

In Eureka, the historic waterfront is peppered with ornate Victorian mansions built by prosperous lumber tycoons and in Arcata it's not unusual to find Samba dancers, jugglers, jewelry makers, or a farmer's market in full swing along the well-maintained plaza downtown.

Few beaches feel at the same time remote and accessible as Trinidad State Beach. Marvel at the stubborn outcrops which refuse to be subdued by the crashing waves and watch an unforgettable sunset on the protected beach.

At the northernmost point of this journey you'll find Redwood National and State Parks. Even before forest bathing was a fad, people here have been taking refuge amongst these tranquil giants for centuries.

A must-see feature of this park is Fern Canyon, near Orick, which has a feeling like it has been lost in time; as if a lumbering mammoth might come ambling towards you at any moment. Another top hiking spot in this area is Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a gorgeous 1.4 mile trail through the sequoias.

Local gems: We think most of Arcata is a hidden gem in itself but one place we dream of going back to is Café Mokka. This quirky café, styled as if inhabited by elves or other forest dwellers, also has hot tubs and saunas in their courtyard.

If you really want to unwind on the North Coast, then book a traditional Finnish sauna ahead of your visit.

Our travel tips: This is yet another trip you can really make any time of the year. Since it is a temperate rainforest, there's never snow, but a fair amount of mist and drizzle in the winter and early spring.

Even the light grey weather can accentuate the beauty of the redwood forests. To keep dry, dress in layers, pack a light rain jacket and waterproof boots if you have them.

Best time to visit: During a summer trip you'll have a chance to catch of festivals and outdoor events. In June Arcata hosts a Bay Oyster Festival and in August there's a concert series in the Plaza.

By far one of the most memorable events to catch here is the Kinetic Grand Championship, a moving sculpture race also known as “The Triathlon of the Art World” held here every Memorial Day Weekend in May.

12. Sacramento to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Pluto's Cave

6 hours (310 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Take a trip along remote mountain roads to the beginning of the Cascade Mountain Range in an area of Northern California shaped by volcanic activity that continues to this day.

Main stops on this road trip: On this trip you'll have a chance to stop and explore Yuba City, Chico, Red Bluff, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Burney Falls, Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta, and Pluto's Cave.

How to get there: Drive north from Sacramento along CA route 99 passing through Yuba City and Chico before you take a right onto CA Route 36 East in Red Bluff.

Take this road to Dales, and then take the meandering Long Road to Shingletown and CA Route 44 East, which goes into Lassen Volcanic National Park.

From there, continue north until you pass Old Station and hop on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway on Route 89 to get to Mount Shasta. Finally, take Interstate 5 North to US Route 97 which leads to Lake Shasta and Pluto's Cave in the back country.

Our highlights: If you're making this trip over a few days we think one of them should be spent in Chico. This often-overlooked town in Butte County is as adorable as its name suggests. In addition to the well-established Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

There are some great regional parks, including Bidwell Park, with trails leading back into the bluffs and along scenic rivers. At Bidwell Mansion, you can go back in time with knowledgeable docents and learn more about the area's history.

In some sense, Lassen Volcanic National Park is like California's answer to Yellowstone, and it attracts its fair share of “geotourists”.

While there aren't as many thermal features, some of them, like Sulphur Works, are accessible from the main road, and others, like the comically named Bumpass Hell, are a short hike into the mountainous area and worth the extra effort to get there.

On your way from Lassen to the trails surrounding majestic Mount Shasta, you'll pass Burney Falls. Keep your eyes out for this one because it is one of the most captivating and less-known waterfalls we have ever seen. After a mile hike into the woods, countless streams emerge from the thickly forested cliff, crashing down into the clear pool below.

Hidden near the northern face of towering Mount Shasta is a collapsed lava tube known as Pluto's Cave. You can hike about 1,000 feet into the cavern after a mile hike from the road through some striking badlands.

While you won't find any chained captives as there are in the famous allegory, there are plenty of bats and other wildlife living here.

Local gems: It's often touted that Northern California is home to more artists per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. Just of Route 97, not far from Pluto's Cave, you can see some work of local artists at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden.

Founded by veterans, these towering human figures in the wilderness remind us not to take peace for granted.

Our travel tips: Many of the trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park are only open in the summer and fall due to heavy snow, but Sulphur Works is accessible most of the year and is located near the park's southwestern entrance.

Keep in mind that Lassen Volcanic National Park is an active volcanic area. Follow signs and stay on trails to prevent getting burnt by hidden steam vents.

You'll need a flashlight for your hike into Pluto's cave.

Best time to visit: Due to cold winters with lots of snowfall, its best to do this trip in the summer or early fall, when there are flecks of color throughout the forest.

13. Eureka to Lava Beds National Monument

Via redding.

6 hours 5 minutes (320 miles)

Why you should take this trip: This trip begins behind the coastal Redwood Curtain in Humboldt County and takes you far off the beaten path to one of the most remote volcanic areas in the north-east corner of the state.

Main stops on this road trip: Some possible stops you could make on this trip include Arcata, Willow Creek, Redding, Bieber, and Modoc National Forest.

How to get there: From Eureka, hop briefly on US Route 101 North to Arcata, where you'll begin your eastward journey on CA Route 299. Take this winding, remote road past Redding to Bieber, where you'll take a left on Bieber Lookout Road and drive north to Modoc National Forest.

From here take CA Route 139 to Tionesta and the entrance to Lava Beds National Monument.

Our highlights: Redding is the most populous town in California north of Sacramento and serves as a regional hub. The rustic downtown has some tasty local restaurants and microbreweries.

Stop by one to rub elbows with the locals and get tips on the best places to hike, ride ATVs, and enjoy the area's beautiful surroundings.

If some places in Modoc National Forest make you feel like you're on another planet, you're not alone. NASA used to train astronauts for moon landing in the pumice highlands of the park.

The Medicine Lake Highlands are particularly striking; trails wander through sugar pines and signs of ancient volcanic activity can be seen in the abundant and shiny black obsidian strewn about the landscape. There are plenty of campgrounds here, making it a great alternative to more crowded parks.

Lava Beds National Monument is filled with twisting subterranean tubes carved by molten lava which flowed from the Medicine Lake shield volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago.

One of the best things about this park, in addition to the sheer variety of caves, is the freedom you have to explore them. It's best to get oriented at the visitor center, but this is a very “choose you own adventure” kind of park.

Local gems: At the eastern edge of Lava Beds National Monument, near Tule Lake, you have a chance to see some of the best preserved Native American rock carvings in all of California at Petroglyph Point.

Mostly composed of geometric patterns, rather than zoomorphic figures, it is estimated that these carvings made by the Modoc peoples could be up to 6,000 years old!

Our travel tips: You need to reserve a caving permit to explore the lava tubes of Lava Beds National Monument. This can be done ahead of time through their website free of cost.

Be sure to bring a flashlight, or preferably a headlamp, to explore the caves and lava tubes.

Best time to visit: This is another trip best suited for the late spring and summer months. When many places in the Sierras get crowded, you'll still find opportunities for mountain adventure without the crowds in Modoc County.

If you plan to make this trip in the fall, try to catch the Redding Roots Revival music festival in September. It's always a lively and welcoming event.

14. Santa Cruz to Shelter Cove

8 hours 35 minutes (340 miles)

Why you should take this trip: Starting at the northern edge of the central Californian coast, this is the most extensive coastal trip on this list. See how the landscape transforms as you make your way along the Pacific Coast Highway to Shelter Cove.

Main stops on this road trip: This trip could potentially incorporate all the stops on the Pacific Coast Highway trip, like Bodega By and Fort Bragg, and a few coastal towns south of San Francisco like Half Moon Bay. It also brings you to the King Range National Conservation Area and Lost Coast.

How to get there: Take CA Highway 1 North all the way from Santa Cruz, past Fort Bragg, to Leggett where it merges with US Route 101 North. Stay on this road for a few miles, then exit onto Redwood Drive in Garberville. Take this to Briceland Road which winds back towards the coast and Shelter Cove Road.

Our highlights: Shelter Cove is situated in one of the least developed parts of the Californian coast between Mendocino and Humboldt Counties known as the Lost Coast. Not even the Pacific Coast Highway reaches this nearly untouched landscape.

Shelter Cove is only accessible via Shelter Cove Road and a tiny regional airport.

Situated in the King Range Mountains, there are plenty of hiking opportunities around Shelter Cove. From here you could hike sections of the Lost Coast Trail but be sure to check the weather beforehand. You don't want to get caught in a torrential rainstorm out here!

A less intrepid adventure is the short hike to Black Sands Beach at the northern edge of Shelter Cove. The dark pebbles and sand of this beach add a layer of depth to the familiar coastal scenery. As you can imagine, sunsets are phenomenal here and you might even spot a few sea otters.

A historical curio in Shelter cove is the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse which was moved here after the lighthouse was decommissioned. It is lovingly cared for by local volunteers and there are signs along the trail that detail the little lighthouse's interesting history in one of the most isolated places in California.

Local gems: In Thorn Junction, where Briceland Road bends to the south, you can follow it for about 10 miles to reach Redwoods Monastery, a sanctuary and contemplative space maintained by Roman Catholic nuns.

Check their website to see if they are open to visitors, but if you get the chance to see this oasis within an oasis, don't miss it!

Our travel tips: Many of the highlights from the trips above to Mendocino and Fort Bragg also apply here. Think of including some of those stops as part of a longer trip spread out over several coastal towns.

Be prepared for some back country roads as you make your way from Highway 101 to Shelter Cove.

Pack lots of layers, the weather can change quickly here, and you never know when the fog might roll in.

Best time to visit: For clear weather, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Shelter Cove. Especially in the spring there are all kinds of wildflowers along the mountain trails.

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Classic Itinerary

Northern California Road Trip

A Northern California Road Trip’s Greatest Treasures

This 10 day Northern California road trip itinerary really covers just about everything you’d want in a west coast road trip. Experience the great city of San Francisco, stop for a drink in Napa Valley, spend time on the water in Lake Tahoe, and explore iconic Yosemite National Park. This route covers many highlights that the northern part of the state has to offer, making it one of the best California road trip itineraries out there.

STATES: California, Nevada START/END: San Francisco TOTAL MILES: 900 miles (1450 km) SUGGESTED DAYS: 10-12 SUGGESTED SEASON: Year-round (altered route for winter)

Northern California Road Trip Overview

This loop route begins and ends in San Francisco, where there are three major international airports within an hour drive. Since the loop takes road trippers’ into the mountains, there is an alternative winter route shown on the map to avoid road closures that often happen due to snow. Depending on the season, this 10 day Northern California road trip itinerary can be ideal for families looking for casual adventure and summertime activities, or for winter-obsessed folks needing their ski-fix and unique winter wonderland experience.

PREPARATION  

Travelers should expect a higher number of people during the summer and fall when the weather is best. They can also expect winter road closures to extend into the spring season. 

Whether you choose warm or cold-weather adventures, we recommend taking at least 10 days for this trip. 

SAN FRANCISCO

There are three international airports in the Bay Area: San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and San Jose (SJC). The Bay Area is pretty large and includes many cities. We suggest exploring San Francisco if you haven’t already. 

You obviously won’t want to miss big attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge or even Alcatraz Island, but don’t forget that San Francisco is known for its steep city streets, cable cars, and its unique architecture, so even just exploring the city by foot could be a fun way to spend a day. The colorful city is also known for its seafood like fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and chowder.

Best spot to photograph Golden Gate Bridge: Baker Beach Best hike: Tennessee Valley Trail Best experience for the whole family: Alcatraz Island Most unique dessert: Matcha Ice Cream

WINE COUNTRY Travel Time: 1 hour – 50 miles / 80 km (to Napa)

If you’re over the legal drinking age of 21, you can’t just drive past some of the world’s best vineyards without stopping! From Interstate-80, towns like Napa , Sonoma , and Santa Rosa are only a short detour north and are well known for their vineyards. This is a great way to relax if you’ve just traveled a far distance.

For the wine connoisseurs: Spend a day wine tasting For the kids: Ride in a hot air balloon For the beer-drinkers: Visit a brewery or distillery Great place to grab a bite in Rutherford: Auberge du Soleil

PLACERVILLE Travel Time: 1 hour 30 min. – 103 miles / 165 km

Just after passing through the capital of California, Sacramento , you’ll reach the charming town of Placerville . The town got its name during the California gold rush when placer gold deposits were found in its river beds and hills in the 1840s. Downtown Placerville’s architecture reflects that 19th century time period. Raft the river or learn to pan for gold, there’s so much to do here . 

Best place for dinner: Smith Flat House Best place to take the kids: Gold Bug Park & Mine Best short hike: Greenwood Creek Can’t miss: Wine Tasting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Travel Time: 1 hour – 60 miles / 97 km

Summer or winter, it doesn’t get much better than Lake Tahoe . Warm sunshine beaming over the clear, blue water or snow-covered peaks and fresh powder in the winter. We recommend spending at least two days in South Lake Tahoe, as you can’t really relax unless you’ve spent a full day on the beach and a full day out on the water, right?

If you do plan to take this trip in the winter, Tahoe might be the best stop along the route. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and world-class ski resorts, it’s a great place to get away during the winter months. Lake Tahoe is a top experience that makes this the best California road trip, but truly, every stop is amazing!

Best hike: Hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail from Van Sickle Bi-State Park Most luxurious stay: The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe Best experience for the whole family: Standup Paddle Board on the Lake Most unique adventure: Go fly-fishing

SUMMER: LEE VINING & YOSEMITE Travel Time: 2 hours – 110 miles / 177 km

Just two hours south of Lake Tahoe is the town of Lee Vining , a gateway to Yosemite National Park . The small town is located just beneath Mono Lake, and right at the intersection of US 395 and Tioga Pass, which is the east entrance of the park. Lee Vining is a great place to stay if you want to spend a few days in Yosemite. 

For the adventurers: Hike Half Dome Most unique dining experience: Mono Cone Best sight-seeing: Glacier Point Most unique spot for photographers: Mono Lake

WINTER: JACKSON & YOSEMITE Travel Time: 2 hours – 88 miles / 142 km

Tioga Pass is closed during most of the winter months due to snow, which is why we’ve included an alternative Northern California road trip route to Jackson and Yosemite National Park. The town of Jackson is a great place to stop on your way to the west entrance of Yosemite. Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark outside of Jackson offers tours of the underground caves. If you’ve never been to Yosemite in the winter, you’re missing out. 

What to do in the park: More Info on Yosemite in Winter Most unique lodging: The National Hotel Best spot for breakfast: Andrae’s Bakery & Cheese Shop Best winter photographic spot in Yosemite: Bridalveil Falls

OAKHURST/MARIPOSA Travel Time: 1 hour 30 min. – 50 miles / 80 km

From the Yosemite National Park Visitor’s Center, Oakhurst is just an hour and a half away. Mariposa is another 30 minutes. Both are charming historic towns that offer easy access into Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’re doing this route in the winter, consider staying here for a few nights as a basecamp into the mountains. 

Best hike: Lillian Lake Trail Best place to stay: Bed & Breakfast in Yosemite Where to get your produce: Oakhurst Farmers Market Most unique adventure: Fly-Fishing in Yosemite

MONTEREY AND CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA Travel Time: 3 hours – 154 miles / 248 km

It’s time to get back to the sea and take in the fresh smell of the salty ocean. Perhaps you’ve heard of Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea . They are both beautiful coastal cities known for their museums, libraries and of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium . Give surfing a shot at Marina State Beach, then walk along Carmel Beach at sunset and finish off the night with a cozy, beach fire. 

Best place for a romantic dinner: Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point Best place to take the kids: Monterey County Youth Museum Hike with the best views: Point Lobos Loop Trail Can’t miss: Visit the Carmel Mission

HALF MOON BAY Travel Time: 2 hours – 91 miles / 147 km

We always like to end our road trips somewhere special so that we have good final memories of our vacation. Half Moon Bay is a great place for that. From beautiful sea cliffs to hiking trails through rolling hills, Half Moon Bay is one of northern California’s most underrated small cities. 

Where to watch big-wave surfers: Mavericks Surf Spot Best day-hiking: Rancho Corral de Tierra Where to take the kids: Exploring the Tide Pools Best spot for a walk: Downtown Half Moon Bay

As you wrap up your Northern California road trip, be sure to make any last-minute stops in San Francisco that you may have missed before. On your next trip around Northern California, maybe consider going even further north to Upstate California. Until next time!

Yosemite to Yellowstone Road Trip

Upstate California Road Trip

Family Kid Friendly Road Trip

San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip

Phoenix to Seattle Road Trip

Rural Nevada Loop Road Trip

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The Best 7-day Northern California Road Trip Adventure Itinerary

The classic California road trip is one of the most iconic routes in America , and truly a road trip you must do once in your lifetime! California is the 3rd largest state in the US and there is SO much to see, and this year we decided to split California into 2 separate road trips. This road trip will focus on Northern California, from the rugged, beachy coastline of Big Sur to the incredible wild mountains in Yosemite National Park and the monstrous old growth trees in the Redwoods! This is one of the most popular US road trips for a reason!

We drove all the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada to do this iconic road trip exploring through California and we will never forget this trip of a lifetime. Our itinerary included 2 National Parks and the famous drive down Highway 1 Big Sur with hidden gems off the regular path and the best stops! We had the most epic 7-day road trip through Northern California and I’m stoked to share our full itinerary with you!

Table of Contents

What you need to know before your California Road Trip

Before you start your trip, plan ahead! California has some of the most incredibly beautiful National Parks in the country, and you’ll need to book your campsites and permits accordingly. Know that you will need to have an  America The Great Parks Pass before entering the parks or purchase at park gates. Also, make sure to map out your route and download offline maps! Some of the places we visited were remote and did not have cell service. If you’re travelling internationally, we recommend to download Airalo app and use our code Y&M3 for a discount on your first eSIM.

The best time of the year to visit California would be in early Summer. It gets very hot in California during the summer and most people plan their trips in the months of June, July and August for the best weather. We planned our visit for end of May and it was perfect! California has some incredible National Parks and hikes with day reservations or permit systems in place (Yosemite’s Half Dome) so try to plan permits and campgrounds ahead of time! Our best tip for Yosemite camping reservations is to search for last minute cancellations.

Where to Start your California Road Trip

We drove the entire way from Vancouver, BC to California so our travel route may look a bit different depending on where you’re traveling from. You can road trip from home and we recommend starting in Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park. If you’re driving from the North like us, stopping in Mount Shasta is a great start. If you’re flying in, consider San Francisco International Airport.

Our route took us on a 12 hour drive from Vancouver to Mount Shasta where we camped for the night. The next morning, we woke up and drove to Lake Tahoe, picked up groceries and supplies in Reno and continued to Yosemite. We travelled in a loop from here continuing to the California Coast to see Big Sur and the Redwoods before heading home. You can also do this route in reverse.

Our Actual 7-day California Road Trip Itinerary

I’m sharing our ACTUAL 7-day road trip from Vancouver to California! This itinerary can be modified to add additional days, hikes and different routes. Something special about our road trips are that we pack as many incredible views as possible into our itinerary and I make sure to add additional points of interest to add on your own.

We also travel with our dog. The National Parks in the USA are not necessarily dog-friendly and most trails prohibit dogs. We sometimes have to get creative when traveling with our pet and coordinate for her to stay in the hotels or stay in the car. Our itinerary includes hidden gems and stops that most people don’t visit. Get ready for our ultimate Northern California road trip adventure itinerary!

Day One: Drive to Mount Shasta or Arrive at Airport

Day one for us was easily a full day of driving 12 hours from Vancouver, BC to Mount Shasta, California . After a long drive, it was great to arrive in a beautiful mountain town. There are plenty of options for a cheap hotel for the night, and if you’re camping you’ll find iOverlander spots alongside the highway. Your drive in the morning is going to be 4.5 hours from here.

If you’re arriving via airport, you’ll be driving 3.5 hours to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco International Airport. Alternatively, you can visit Lake Tahoe afterwards and head straight to Yosemite which will take 4 hours from the airport. This first day is a great chance to prepare by picking up your vehicle and shopping for groceries and supplies.

Day Two: Lake Tahoe & Yosemite National Park

We woke up early to drive for 4.5 hours to the most beautiful, crystal blue lake! Lake Tahoe is located in both Nevada and California, and we drove to the Nevada side to access the best beaches. The two beaches we recommend are Sand Harbour Beach and Secret Cove nude beach. We chose Secret Cove because during the high season, dogs are not allowed at Sand Harbour Beach. The bright blue water was crystal clear and a perfect way to spend the morning!

From Reno, we drove 5.5 hours to Yosemite National Park. We only had 2 nights of camping reservations and we arrived late to an iOverlander dispersed camping spot just outside of the National Park. You are not permitted to disperse camp inside the National Park, but in any of the National Forests outside of the park you are allowed!

Day Three: Yosemite National Park

Waking up in Yosemite National Park is a dream come true! We started our day early by watching the sunrise at the famous Tunnel View lookout . This spot is iconic for a reason, it’s an easy accessible lookout with a large parking lot and one of the best views in the park. Tunnel View gives you a incredible look towards Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls.

After sunrise, we drove around the park and explored Yosemite Valley from our vehicle. This park is unique for its incredible views everywhere you look – you do not necessarily need to hike to see the beauty of this park. We made many stops through Yosemite Valley like Cooks Meadow, Swinging Bridge, Valley View and El Capitan Meadow – and so many more of unnamed spots to pull over!! We highly recommend renting bikes at Curry Village, Yosemite Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Our first night, we camped in Lower Pines campground. We unpacked our vehicle and stored all of our scented items in the bear boxes provided at camp before heading to another famous view in Yosemite. For sunset, we drove over an hour from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. This is one of the best spots for sunset where alpine glow on Half Dome is incredible as the sun goes down. This is a popular spot, but so worth it!

Day Four: Yosemite National Park

The next morning we decided to go back to Glacier Point again for sunrise. This was much less busy than the night before and we watched the sun come up from behind Half Dome from Glacier Point road. We continued to take photos from the Geology Hut and walk the trails around Glacier Point again. One of the best parts of this spot is that it’s dog-friendly! Sunrise hikes or day hikes we would recommend are Upper Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Mirror Lake.

After driving back down to Yosemite Valley, we had breakfast at camp and decided to go on another dog-friendly hike to Lower Yosemite Falls . Another beautiful, popular Yosemite view and the power of the waterfalls is just incredible! We spent the rest of the day checking into our 2nd campsite at North Pines campground and enjoying a swim in the river. For sunset, we watched the alpine glow from Sentinel Bridge on Half Dome . Sunset hikes and backpacking trails we would recommend are Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Clouds Rest, Eagle Tower .

Day Five: Highway 1 Big Sur, California Coast

We woke up in Yosemite for the last time, and enjoyed a slow morning at camp cooking breakfast and using the showers before continuing our road trip. Yosemite National Park is paradise on Earth, and we will absolutely be back here again. Today we have a 4 hour drive from Yosemite to Monterey, California and Carmel by the Sea where we’ll take the iconic drive down Highway 1 Big Sur!

The drive down Highway 1 Big Sur might be one of the most beautiful drives in the US. I’ll be writing an entire blog on the 10 best easy stops on the Big Sur Highway 1 road trip and make sure you give that a read for more details and extra spots! Our drive only took 1 hour from Carmel by the Sea to a road closure right after McWay Falls. Here are the stops we took in Big Sur:

• Garapata State Park
• Bixby Bridge
• Vista Point
• McWay Falls
• Shark Fin Cove

Day Six: San Francisco & Mount Tam

This is our final full day in California, and we’ve saved the city for last. We woke up early to drive into San Francisco and head to the Golden Gate Bridge for sunrise . We stopped at 3 different viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the first 2 were on Conzelman Road. First was called Golden Gate Viewpoint, and we continued to Battery Ridge. Then we drove over to another spot called Golden Gate Overlook.

We spent most of the day sightseeing from our car and driving around the impressive city! We both wish we had more time to explore the restaurant and food scene, museums and rented a bike to explore. San Francisco was incredibly beautiful and unique, and some notable things to do are:

• Visit the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39.
• Picnic in Golden Gate Park.
• Visit “The Rock” Alcatraz Museum.
• Take a ride on the cable cars.
• Muir Woods hike.

For one of the best sunset views in San Francisco, we drove over an hour to Mount Tamalpais. This state park is an incredible mountain peak with trails and overnight backpacking trips. We decided to drive up to Trojan Point and parked in the lot to watch the sun go down. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails but you can enjoy the view beside the road. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a cloud inversion!

Day Seven: Redwoods National Park & Drive Home

On our last day, we had a big drive back home to Vancouver and decided to stop at another National Park on the way. Redwoods National Park was the last part of our road trip itinerary and we drove to the Avenue of the Giants for a scenic drive. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails but we enjoyed the views of the massive old growth trees from our vehicle. We also drove through Jedidiah Smith State Park for another Redwoods scenic drive.

Best Places to Camp/Stay on your California Road Trip

One of the best parts of road-tripping in America is the ability to camp easily! We camped for all 6-nights of this trip and didn’t pay for a hotel room, but there are plenty of options in any of the major cities we drive through. We paid for Yosemite National Park campground reservations at Lower Pines campground and North Pines campground for $36 USD a night and this experience was so worth it.

Since we paid for 2 out of 6 nights, and another night was spent in dispersed camping outside of Yosemite in Stanislaus National Forest, Highway 120. Another 3 nights would be spent at iOverlander spots or rest stops alongside the highway on travel days. Make sure to camp and park legally. We use our Step Above 4×4 Rooftop Tent on our vehicle.

Final Thoughts on our 7-Day California Road Trip

Our 7-day road trip through Northern California was legendary and there’s still so much more for us to see in this beautiful state! This road trip introduced us to our favourite National Park of all time and we can’t wait to be back to Yosemite again someday for some epic hikes. This is definitely one of the best road trips we’ve ever done and we can see why it’s one of the best routes in the USA!

I hope we’ve inspired you to take this adventure yourself and explore Northern California! Make sure to watch our road trip story highlights on Instagram , TikTok and watch our YouTube video from this iconic California adventure!

Looking for more of our road trip inspiration? Read our blog on What you need to know Before Bringing your dog to Yosemite National Park . Check out our famous 8-day Utah Road Trip or our iconic 10-day Washington & Oregon Coast road trip !

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June 9, 2024 at 4:58 pm

Really informative. Thanks!

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

June 11, 2022 April 16, 2021 | 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!

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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Epic 9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated August 18, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Epic 9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

When planning the ultimate 9 day Northern California road trip itinerary, you’ll be overwhelmed with all the different ways you can do it but if you’re looking to blown away by a legendary national park, other-worldly landscapes, award-winning wines, crystal-clear lakes, giant sequoias, Gold Rush western vibes, a famous bridge, and more, this is the real California Dreamin’ trip.

Use this as planner, to-do list, and bucket list guide as you build out your dream trip, or if you’re looking to go care-free, learn how I booked this exact trip through Globus .

In This Article

What to know before choosing your itinerary, how to get around northern california, how to use this northern california road trip itinerary, map of this norcal road trip, day 3: sacramento, day 4: lake tahoe, day 5: mammoth lakes, day 6: yosemite national park, day 7: yosemite national park, what to pack for a northern california trip, one epic trip, read more about us travel, travel resources for your next trip, planning your northern california road trip.

Northern California is a traveller’s paradise and truly has it all. It’s the perfect road trip destination because it has such a diversity of things to see, do, eat and sip.

With NorCal you’ve got the Sierra Mountains, wine country, vibrant cities, and glorious lakes. With 9 days to work with or even 8 if you are crunched for time, you’ll be able to put together an itinerary that ticks off plenty of bucket list items, will be unbelievably photogenic, and will also want you coming back for more.

Northern California is HUGE. Even with 9 days you’ll be scratching the surface of the state and a bit of Nevada (just the tip!).

As you start planning out your road trip itinerary, you’ll be making concessions and be forced to cut things out because you’ll be balancing the time required to drive to get around and also what makes sense to fit in.

The biggest recommendation we can make is to put some of that FOMO aside and just know that you won’t be able to see it all. That said, the plan we’ve put together here thanks to Globus’ own California Dreamin’ tour really does combine the best of the best and is especially good for first timers.

At the end of the day though, this itinerary is a good foundation to build on so totally feel free to tweak it and make it your own. I won’t be upset if you decide to do Napa vs. Sonoma or if you decide to cut Sacramento a bit shorter in order to increase your time in Yosemite.

The good news is that if you keep reading, you’ll find that we provide a nifty spreadsheet to help you which is part of our secret to the art of planning trips .

This is a road trip after all, so you’ll need something with wheels to get you around. While most people think about San Francisco when it comes to NorCal but once you look at everything above and around it in the Golden State, you realize that there are a lot of miles to cover.

Your best bet to getting around with this Northern California road trip itinerary is to rent your own car once you arrive at SFO. This is great for folks that want full independence and enjoy driving long distances and comfortable with winding mountain roads.

Car Rental Deals: For the best deal, make sure you know about car rental coupon codes that you can apply.

If you’d much rather have someone else do the driving (trust me, that back-and-forth driving you have to do in Yosemite is not as fun as you think), you should consider booking a tour like the Globus California Dreamin’: Northern California by Design where all the details are taken care of. More on that next.

Lastly, something else you could consider are to do smaller day trips in between the driving you’re doing from spot to spot. For instance, you can look for tours in San Francisco , Sacramento , Lake Tahoe , and Yosemite .

Book This Exact Tour With Globus

For a carefree travel experience, I actually got to see Northern California through Globus.

The tour you want to look at is Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design and this is one of their newest tours that incorporates what’s called Choice Touring.

Choice Touring is awesome because it allows you to decide what kind of excursions you do throughout the journey. For someone like me that loves outdoor adventure and photography, you can pick those activities.

While I’m normally not a tour bus person, I’ve certainly done it before with the likes of Flying Kiwi in New Zealand. Count this as another excellent experience where I loved that I didn’t need to do much of the planning, logistics, and planning and could just enjoy the moment and also meet a ton of like-minded travellers as well.

We dive into what it was like to travel with Globus so make sure to check out our in-depth review of the tour!

As with all of our detailed itineraries such as 2 days in Istanbul , 8 day Iceland itinerary , 3 days in Kauai , and more, we provide you with as much detail as we can about each sight and destination based on what we actually experienced on the ground and practical tips that only someone that’s been there would know.

At the same time, we understand that everyone’s travel style is different and every group has different interests. That’s why we’ve included alternatives whether it be bookable tours, restaurants, and places to stay.

You can easily do this itinerary in reverse if you’d like and you can also tear it apart to reconstruct in your own way. For instance, this doesn’t include much of the Pacific Coast Highway including favourites such as Point Reyes, Mendocino, and Trinidad, although arguably, that’s a very different NorCal road trip itinerary.

You’ll just have to come back for a separate trip!

9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

The below is a map of the entire itinerary including points of interest broken out by day and the driving route. Within each location, you can learn more about each spot by clicking on the links inside.

TIP: To save this onto your phone, expand the map and then make a copy of the map to your own account. This will give you access to the map on the Google Maps app.

Day 1: San Francisco

Your Northern California road trip adventures starts off with a bang. If you’ve never been to San Francisco, you’ll want to cram in as much as you can in the city. If you’ve been before, you’ll be able to spend a relaxed day settling in and picking a few of your favourite spots to revisit.

For everyone, you’ll want to account for time for your commute to San Francisco whether you’re taking the car, bus, train, or plane. If you’ve read our NorCal driving tips , you’ll know that we don’t recommend you to rent a car from the airport. This way, you don’t need to worry about driving and parking in the city and you can save some money on your rental.

Once you get settled into your hotel, it’s time to go out and explore on foot. Since you’ll be staying downtown, you’ll be able to get to many of the city’s highlights but keep in mind that the walk from the Marriott Marquis to Pier 39 is considerable which is why your best bet is to take the cable car .

After you stroll around the Union Square area and do a little shopping, head over to Power and Market where you can board a cable car, a quintessential San Francisco experience. Single trips are currently $8 USD where you can pay by cash at the kiosk but has to be exact change. We recommend that you take the Powell/Hyde route to get you as close to the pier as possible although Powell/.

Ride the cable car all the way down to the Beach Street turnaround. From here, you can explore Fishermans Wharf , Pier 39 , Fort Mason , all the way out to Fort Point if you’re ambitious and get right up to the base of Golden Gate Bridge , or just plan on grabbing lunch at the In-N-Out and have a leisurely afternoon.

Alternatively, you could walk from your downtown hotel after a ramen lunch at Ippudo and explore the historic China Town , stop by Golden Gate Bakery if it’s open, have bubble tea at Boba Guys , catch views from Coit Tower , and pick up some coffee at Blue Bottle at the Ferry Building before walking back.

If that’s too much walking, there’s always the Hop-on-Hop-off bus which can be combined with an Alcatraz and Bay Cruise tour . Let’s just say there are a lot of options!

For dinner, San Francisco is your oyster! Our recommendations is Tadich Grill to have the famed Cioppino that originated in this very city.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see:

This is a free day to either explore on your own with a mix and match of places of interest or to join a city tour.

• Union Square
• Fishermans Wharf
• Fort Point national Historic Site
• Lombard Street
• Alcatraz Island
• San Francisco Cable Cars

What you’ll do:

• Alcatraz and Bay Cruise Tour
• Alcatraz Cruise + City Tour Combo
• San Francisco Hop-on-Hop-off
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• GoCar Kart Tour
• Secret Food Tour

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Ippudo – Depending on how tight you are on time, you can eat ramen by the hotel or snack at Boba Guys , Golden Gate Bakery , Blue Bottle , and In-N-Out as you walk the city.
• Dinner – Tadich Grill – Highly recommended by friends where ordering the Cioppino (Italian fish stew) is a must.
• Drinks – The View Lounge – Trendy and hip spot with night views of the city. Great for drinks or even dinner.

Where you’ll stay:

• Marriott Marquis San Francisco – Fabulous hotel in the heart of San Francisco downtown. I stayed here.
• Staypineapple Union Square – A more affordable option.
• Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf – Perfect for those that want to be by the wharf area.

Get off the beaten trail beyond San Francisco

Find our top suggestions to further explore this area of Northern California

Day 2: Sausalito and Sonoma

After a fun day in San Francisco, it’s finally time to hit the road!

For those that decide to book with Globus , you’ll be getting on your bus here. If you’re renting a car, pick up your in the city.

Have your cameras ready as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge but if you miss it, you can stop at the convenient Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point .

Your first main stop for the day is the harbor town of Sausalito that has uninterrupted views of San Francisco (if the fog hasn’t taken over), a whole community of houseboats, a cute seaside-type village, and the backdrop of the hillside.

Early in the morning, you’ll be able to have a calming walk along the water with a cup of coffee in hand. Stop by a couple of shops and galleries along the way. There’s also nothing wrong with having the famed Lappert’s Ice Cream which hails from Hawaii.

From Sausalito, Sonoma is a 1.5 hour drive. You might be wondering why Sonoma over Napa. Having done both, you’ll find that Sonoma Valley is unapologetically laid-back and way more laid back than what can be a more pretentious Napa.

The winery that you’ll be visiting is Gloria Ferrer that’s nestled in the picturesque valley and fertile hills of Carneros. In fact, they were the first sparkling winery in the Carneros area of Sonoma. With breathtaking views of vineyard from their terrace, there are a number of tasting and dining experiences available that’ll give you a great opportunity to be delighted by their featured wines.

Another big difference from Napa is that Sonoma’s downtown plaza is highly walkable and approachable town square that’s also in the shape of a square.

Start the afternoon grabbing lunch at any one of the eateries in town. From there, you’re free to discover the hidden alleyways, art galleries, boutiques, and green space. There’s plenty of history that you’ll notice whether it’s the Old West culture in its facades, Mission San Francisco Solano , and well-preserved military barracks ( Presidio of Sonoma ) built to house Mexican army troops in the early 1800s.

Plan to leave Sonoma a little earlier because it’s a 2 hour drive to get to Sacramento.

After getting settled at the Embassy Suites , you’ll be able to enjoy an evening in the Old Sacramento where the whole area oozes the Gold Rush-era with historic old time boardwalks and the highest concentration of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places .

Evenings come to life with a lively atmosphere and numerous eateries including Fanny Ann’s Saloon which is such a fun place to have a delicious burger with its eclectic decor.

Day 2 Summary

Driving time: 2.5 hours (115 miles / 185 km)

• Town of Sausalito
• Sonoma State Historic Park
• Mission San Francisco Solano
• Sonoma Plaza
• Evening in Old Sacramento Waterfront
• Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards – Culinary Journey Experience (reservations required)
• Breakfast – Marriott Marquis San Francisco buffet
• Lunch – Basque Boulangerie Cafe – There are plenty of food options in Sonoma. If you want to eat at Sunflower Caffé , make sure to line up early as they don’t take reservations.
• Dinner – Fanny Ann’s Saloon – Their burgers are epic and you’ll love the energetic Western vibes here.
• Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade – Fantastic location and walking distance from Old Sacramento. I stayed here.
• Delta King Hotel – Stay on a boat!

Out of everywhere on your Northern California road trip, Sacramento is easily one of those places that you don’t expect to encounter. On your third day, get to know the state capital (that’s right, it’s not Los Angeles or San Francisco).

Start your day off by doing a mini-tour of Sacramento by driving through its neighbourhoods, passing by its galleries, museums, and historic landmarks such as the California State Capitol , Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park , and the Johnny Cash mural created by the same artist that did Obama’s “Hope” poster.

The nice thing about the Globus bus tour is that our guide was stellar at telling us about the stories, people, and history behind the many places we drove by, allowing us to learn quite a bit as the driver took us on a well-curated route.

This is also the first day of YourChoice excursions. There were several activities to choose from but I ultimately chose one called “Off the Rails” to learn about Sacramento’s important role in the California Gold Rush, the Pony Express, and it also being the terminus of America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Spend a few hours at the incredible California State Railroad Museum where you’ll be blown away by the number of classic locomotives they have on display. Unlike many train museums where they’re outdoors, this is fully indoors, allowing you to comfortably learn how the “iron horse” connected California to the rest of the country including a huge diorama of how tracks were laid through the Sierra Nevada, the important role of the Chinese, and a massive toy train collection.

Since the museum is right next to Old Sacramento , you’ll be able to easily find a restaurant to grab lunch in one of the many saloons.

Now that you’ve learned about trains, it’s only fitting that you get to ride a locomotive just outside of Sacramento. River Fox Train is a scenic train ride through Yolo County farmland while paired with drinks that’ll be nostalgic and a good old-fashioned fun time.

To round out your day in the city, you’ll head back to Old Sacramento and its riverfront one last time. A restaurant we recommend checking out is Rio City Cafe which has a spacious outdoor patio that has views of the Tower Bridge and the river.

Day 3 Summary

Driving time: 38 minutes (27.3 miles / 45 km)

• California State Capitol
• Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
• Johnny Cash Mural
• California State Railroad Museum
• River Fox Train

Tours you can book:

• Sacramento Historic River Cruise
• Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
• Breakfast – Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade buffet
• Lunch – La Terraza – Mexican restaurant that’s great for people watching on their second floor terrace.
• Dinner – Rio City Cafe – Historic restaurant along the waterfront with views of the river, serving farm-to-fork dishes.

Get pumped for day 4 of the road trip because you’ll making your way towards Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes and through what is considered to be one of America’s Most Beautiful Drive .

The first pitstop you’ll make is in Truckee where you’ll have to brush up on a bit of US history and learn the story of the Donner Party . It’s here where Donner Lake and Donner Pass got its name.

From here you’ll make start descending into the Lake Tahoe region. The lake is a shimmering freshwater lake that’s known for its emerald clear waters, beaches, and ski resorts.

The famous drive circumvents North America’s largest alpine lake but you’ll be doing the eastern side of the lake which is considered to be a National Scenic Byway. Since the state line between California and Nevada bisects the lake, you’ll actually be driving on the Nevada side.

You could easily spend a ton of time doing hikes, side routes, and water adventures here if you’re here in the summer but in the interest of time, you’ll be making stops at the Memorial Point Scenic Overlook in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and at Logan Shoals Vista Point .

Both stops are provide a unique vantage point of Lake Tahoe, giving you an appreciation for how large it is, the dominating mountains that surround it, the clarity of the water, and rounded boulders that dot its shores.

For lunch, you’ll cross back into California and the ski resort village of South Lake Tahoe . The town centers around the Heavenly Village resort. You’ll find plenty of shopping and food options here for lunch.

You won’t be able to linger too long though because you have a long drive ahead of you. It’s 2 hours and 45 minutes to make it into Mammoth Lakes and your hotel for the next 2 nights, Mammoth Mountain Inn .

Have a low-key night in the mountain village by grabbing yourself a pint and bahn mi or juicy burger at Mammoth Brewing Company . You deserve it!

Day 4 Summary

Driving time: 5 hours 46 minutes (288 miles / 463.5 km)

• Donner Pass Rest Stop
• Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
• Logan Shoals Vista Point
• The Shops at Heavenly Village
• Lakeside Beach
• Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour
• South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay
• Lunch – Azul-Latin Kitchen – Mexican fare that’s part of Heavenly Village.
• Dinner – Mammoth Brewing Company – Amazing restaurant with great beer, fusion cuisine, burgers, and other pub fare in the Mammoth Lakes village.
• Mammoth Mountain Inn – Mountain lodge right at the base of Mammoth Mountain with comfy loft-style rooms. I stayed here.
• Tamarack Lodge – Right next to Twin Lakes which means you have much better access to the hike trails to get out to say Crystal Lake and Lake George.
• The Westin Monache Resort – If you’re looking for something more upscale, this is a great option and nestled right in the main village.

I’d say after Sacramento, Mammoth Lakes was also quite the revelation on this Northern California road trip. Mostly known for being a haven for skiing, the majestic scale of the surrounding mountains here is on full display when you visit here in other parts of the year.

After a good night’s rest at the mountain lodge in their loft-style rooms, have an early morning breakfast there so you can catch the sunrise at Brees Lookout , adjacent to Hot Creek Geological Park .

Steaming geysers and the bubbling creek winds its way through the gorge and leads your eye to dominant Sierra Nevada mountains behind. As the sun rises, its beams catch the lifting fog and the rainbow of colours below. The scene is absolutely magical.

TIP: This is only accessible by car. It’s a gravel road but there is plenty of space for cars at Brees point. The view is right at parking so you don’t have to hike far. If you’re with Globus, you can arrange your own transportation to get there. You can book a cab for the morning. Although it can get expensive, it’s totally worth it!

As another part of the Globus Choice Touring, there were 3 options but I opted to “Strike Gold in a Ghost Town”.

Next, you’ll head to a gold mining ghost town called Bodie State Historic Park . Only part of it remains but what’s left is in what they call “arrested decay”. This means that nothing has been touched. Everything you see inside the buildings were left as they were found.

In its heyday, 10,000 residents and produced more than $35 million in gold and silver from 1877 to 1882. Today, 200 buildings are left. Through their free public tours or on your own, you’ll be able to peer into a place frozen in time.

Photographer’s will love shooting here as well. If you’re keen, the Bodie Foundation also offer photography workshops so make sure you take a look to see if you’re interested in booking any in advance.

For lunch, head to the the diner, Nicely’s Restaurant , which is known for their killer milkshake and pie.

In the afternoon, make your way to “The Dead Sea of California”. Mono Lake has a very high concentration of salt which not only makes you float, has a unique ecosystem of brine shrimp, attracting millions of migratory birds each year.

The main sight to see at Mono Lake State Nature Preserve are the tufa towers. These are calcium-carbonate spires that have formed through the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. They are a striking feature along the coastline and jut out from the water, creating an other-worldly landscape of jagged rock in the shimmering blue water.

With an awesome sunrise, why not wrap up the day with a sunset hike. The nice thing about staying at Mammoth Mountain Inn is that the hike trail to Minaret Vista is right at the parking lot. This trail is a gentle 1.5 mile climb through the pine forest and takes only 30-40 minutes.

From the viewpoint area, you’ll get iconic views of Mammoth Lakes with a sheer wall of jutting spires and the Ritter Range with the sun dropping right behind it.

Close off the day with dinner at Mountainside Bar & Grill inside the lodge. Think about ordering the bacon-wrapped elk chop!

Day 5 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 36 minutes (149 miles / 239.8 km)

• Brees Lookout at Hot Creek Geological Park
• Bodie State Historic Park
• Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
• Rock Climbing Mammoth Lakes Half Day
• Breakfast – Mammoth Mountain Inn buffet
• Lunch – Nicely’s Restaurant – Authentic roadside diner restaurant in Lee Vining.
• Dinner – Mountainside Bar & Grill – For a hotel restaurant, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how good their food is. The have an amazing elk dish that you should definitely consider.

Today’s the day! You’ll be making the long-awaited entry into the legendary Yosemite National Park . This is an outdoor lover’s paradise and with 3 days to work with, you’re going to be making most of your time here.

At Yosemite, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the most epic granite formations, ancient sequioa groves, thundering waterfalls, and jaw-dropping valleys. Photographs simply don’t do it justice. It’s the scale of everything that you see that will blow you away.

Leaving Mammoth Lakes, you’ll be entering the national park from the east entrance through Tioga Pass .

TIP: Before making that turn into the pass, stop by the Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli to stock up on souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and sandwiches for lunch because they’ll be harder and more expensive to get inside the park.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Website: Yosemite National Park

Reservations:  

• Reservations aren’t required to visit Yosemite National Park however there were periods in 2020 and 2021 when a reservation system was put in place to reduce overcrowding. Currently, there are no fixed plans for future years but it’s worth checking the reservations page.
• One of the nice things about Yosemite passes are that they don’t charge a per-person fee.
• You can pay upon arrival with credit card only or you can pay in advance (you should do this).
• $35 USD per vehicle (car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer people)
• $30 USD per motorcycle
• Yosemite Pass (annual pass to Yosemite for 12 months) – $70
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass (annual pass that covers all national parks) – $80
• There are free entrance days at all national parks
• If paying for your pass in advance, make sure you print your pass as connectivitiy is limited.
• There are a number of campgrounds available throughout the park but all of them have different times that they’re open, fees, and different processes for reservations (many are lottery).
• Campsites don’t have showers.
• Campfires are not allowed.

Official Yosemite accommodations:

• Housekeeping Camp – Three-sided concrete structures with canvas roofs and privacy curtains.
• Curry Village – Hotel rooms, cabins, and tent cabins.
• Wawona Hotel – Victorian-era hotel.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – Central location in Yosemite Valley and near Yosemite Falls.
• The Ahwahnee – Iconic national park lodge.
• White Wolf Lodge – Canvas tents and traditional cabins 30 miles from Yosemite Valley and close to Lukens and Harden Lakes.
• Glacier Point Ski Hut – A hut that’s part of the guided the cross-country ski trip.
• Toulumne Meadows Lodge – Canvas-tent cabins.
• High Sierra Camps – A rest camp for those backpacking. These are available in several spots in the park.
• Be on the lookout for wildlife – While driving in Yosemite, you never know what kind of wildlife you’ll encounter. Think bears, deer, and wolves!
• Winter road closures – Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road are often closed in the winter because of snow.
• Cellular service – You won’t have any service in the park for the most part until you’re in Yosemite Valley.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – There’s parking at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza but will require a 4 mile roundtrip hike to get to Mariposa Grove since the shuttle isn’t running.
• Tire chains – Tire chains are required from November 1 through April 1.
• Shuttles and tours – During the pandemic, these are currently not running.
• Permits required – Half Dome and overnight wilderness hiking requires permits .
• More driving than you think – If you look on the map, places look close but with the lower speed limit and winding single-lane roads, it takes longer to get around than you expect.

YOSEMITE REVIEWS

After entering the park, your first stop is Tenaya Lake . This is a gorgeous alpine lake with spectacular views of the surrounding granite mountains, beach along the western shore, and inviting blue waters.

Since you’re coming in from the east gate, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Olmstead Point . Normally you get to see Half Dome from the traditional angle but from here, you get vistas of the famed landmark from the northern side. When you’re here, make sure you take the path down to where the vistas open up. Wander the entire granite slope to see “erratic” boulders, and also Tenaya Lake and Tenaya Canyon to the east as well.

The winding Tioga Pass eventually connects with Big Oak Flat Road that takes you down into Yosemite Valley .

When you think about Yosemite National Park’s major highlights and the work of Ansel Adams, almost everything is concentrated in this glacial valley surrounded by massive granite summits and densely sprawling pines. It’s only 1% of the park area but as visitors, this is the base of most of your exploration.

The valley floor has so much to see that it’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. As you drive in you’ll see Bridalveil Fall on your right. Stop here and do the easy 0.5 mile round trip hike. The water peaks in the spring and early summer but will be quite dry in the fall.

Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project: Until fall 2022 , the entire trail is closed so you won’t be able to hike to the waterfall.

After you have your own picnic lunch or grab something to eat at Base Camp Eatery , you’ll be able to explore on foot, a good chunk of the valley including Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow Loop, Sentinel Bridge, Berg Bridge, and Yosemite Valley Chapel.

Don’t worry if you don’t get to do it all in an afternoon as you’ll be coming back.

Back in your car or bus, make stops at El Capitan Meadow . Grab your binoculars to see if you can spot climbers hanging precariously on the sheer cliff walls.

Another epic view you can’t miss is Yosemite Valley View . There’s pull off parking here and it’s here that you get another iconic shot of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River flowing in the foreground.

On your way out of the valley, you’ll arrive at the view that Ansel Adams made famous. Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint where in one panorama, you can see El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and a lush carpet of green below. It’s simply perfectly framed.

Finally, make the drive south towards your home for the next 3 nights, Tenaya Lodge . Located in Fish Camp and outside of park grounds, this is a luxury and rustic resort nestled in the mountains with an award-winning spa, a range of outdoor activities, restaurants, and tours.

Where else to stay in and around Yosemite?

Follow our guide for recommendations of where to stay in Yosemite National Park whether inside the park or just outside.

Where To Stay in Yosemite National Park

A challenge with any Northern California road trip is deciding where to stay in Yosemite because you have options like Tenaya Lodge which are at the highest level of quality but the tradeoff is that it’s far and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley. Alternatively, you could try to stay within the national park but prices are sky high and difficult to book.

The good news is that there are a number of options and for this itinerary, we’ve selected several accommodations that could work for you.

For dinner, since Tenaya Lodge is a bit isolated, you’ll be having most dinners at the property’s main restaurant, Jackalopes Bar & Grill which is surprisingly good.

Day 6 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 55 minutes (139.1 miles / 223.7 km)

• Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli
• Tenaya Lake
• Olmstead Point
• Bridalveil Fall
• Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
• Cook’s Meadow Loop
• Sentinel Bridge
• Berg Bridge
• Yosemite Valley Chapel
• El Capitan Meadow
• Yosemite Valley View
• Tunnel View
• Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour
• Yosemite Sunset & Champagne Tour
• Half Dome Guided Backpacking Hike
• Yosemite Valley Orientation Tour
• Yosemite Valley, Giant Sequioas, and Glacier Point
• Lunch – Base Camp Eatery – Basic cafeteria-style eatery in Yosemite Valley.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – There are limited choices if you’re staying at Tenaya Lodge but the good news is that this restaurant has a great menu, beautiful patio seating, and huge fire pits for s’mores (you can buy them at the gift shop).
• Tenaya Lodge – Aside from The Ahwahnee , this is the other premiere property just outside the park entrance at the southern gate in Fish Camp. I stayed here.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – If there’s availability here, I would jump on this as they’re in Yosemite Valley which makes exploring the park that much easier.
• Sierra Sky Ranch – This is a bit further out in Oakhurst, south of Tenaya Lodge but a very nice property that’s part of the Ascend Collection.
• White Chief Mountain Lodge – For something a little more basic and spartan, this is also located in Fish Camp, near Tenaya Lodge.
• Yosemite View Lodge – Located in El Portal which is on the western entrance to Yosemite, this is an excellent option just outside of the national park.
• Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite – Just outside the Highway 120 West entrance to Yosemite National Park, this is a fantastic lodge option that also has a spa.

As part of the Globus trip , there are a number of excursions options for this day. Whether you’re with the tour or on your own, I highly recommend booking one of the educational classes offered by The Ansel Adams Gallery .

Stewards of the famed photographer and advocate for Yosemite, the gallery and their photography instructors run various guided photography walks including one called “In The Footsteps of Ansel Adams”.

The Globus YourChoice excursion included with the itinerary I was on turned out to be an incredible custom tour that took us to several hidden locations and vantage points and at the same time, teaching us about natural framing, scale and perspective, and various stories of Ansel Adams’ life.

The highlight of the tour though was our guide setting up a traditional view camera , the same kind that Ansel Adams would have used back in the day, complete with expanding out the bellows and using the dark cloth over the head.

For those that are interested, the secret photography spots we went to were the Swinging Bridge and the unnamed hiking trail that leads to the bridge from Yosemite Valley Lodge.

After the tour, you can either grab lunch again at Base Camp Eatery or take advantage of the time to explore other parts of Yosemite Valley such as going to the actual Ansel Adams Gallery , taking a peek at The Ahwahnee , or one of the spots you missed the previous day.

On the bus ride back, stop at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center which is where the original horse-drawn stage coaches entrance to Yosemite was located. Here, you’ll find a fleet of original stage coaches, a wood-covered bridge, and original historic structures.

Back at Tenaya Lodge , you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the resort itself, enjoying time at the pool, a spa session, or take on the hike to the waterfalls that starts from the property.

Day 7 Summary

Driving time: 2 hours 11 minutes (69.5 miles / 111.8 km)

• Pioneer Yosemite History Center
• The Ansel Adams Gallery – Photography education classes
• Breakfast – Tenaya Lodge buffet – As an alternative, you can also exchange your breakfast ticket for $25 worth of goods at the Parkside Deli instead.
• Lunch – Parkside Deli – You can pick up a grab-and-go lunch at the Tenaya Lodge shop.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – You can also eat at Timberloft Pizzeria at the property if you’re looking for an alternative.

Day 8: Yosemite National Park

It’s been quite the NorCal road trip and you’ve got one full day to go so make it count!

With a full day to work with, the Globus itinerary has this as a free day at Tenaya Lodge but we suggest that you make alternative plans to see more of Yosemite National Park. To do this, look at booking with a reputable brand such as Discover Yosemite or one of the tours linked to below for a small group or private tour.

If you have your own car, you can put together your own plan as well but here’s a look at what our private full day tour included.

With Discover Yosemite , you’ll be picked up by a black Escalade for your private group. Their tours are fully catered to what you want to do. Given everything that you’ve seen so far in the park, there are still 2 major places that you’ve missed – Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point.

Having a guide to take you to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is critical because for one, large tour buses can’t get in and because shuttles aren’t running right now, you need an experienced guide to get you in as close as you can so you can focus on hiking within the actual grove.

Only someone with insider knowledge will know to take you through secret logging roads as a shortcut to bypass the hike from the lower parking lot to the Grove Arrival Area Trailhead. Instead, this route has you coming in through the Sierra National Forest and the Perimeter Trail.

Expect to spend 4-6 hours here, doing the full Mariposa Grove Trail visits both Lower and Upper Grove. Even if you don’t easily impress, you’ll be in amazement as you literally walk amongst giants and be in the shadow of the ancients that can be close to 3,000 years in age. You’ll pass through many famous named trees including Grizzly Giant, the Bachelor, and Three Graces. Just as impressive are the fallen trees as well with their roots hoisted from the earth.

TIP: Photographing sequoias is a challenge so a trick we learned from our guide is the use your smartphone’s panorama mode and do it vertically instead of horizontally.

For lunch, a packed picnic lunch is included with the tour which you’ll have in Wawona near the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

Continue your afternoon by driving up towards Glacier Point . Where you’ve so far seen most of Yosemite’s wonder from the valley floor and other viewpoints along your drive, the reason why this overlook is so impressive is because you’ll have a towering view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal Falls from this vantage. It’ll almost feel like you’re at a point that matches the peak of Half Dome.

Something you’ll notice is that the panorama views aren’t just limited to the official Glacier Point or where the Glacier Point Amphitheater is. I found that the views from the point where the Glacier Point Road curves and presents Half Dome in full view and the area around it to be even more photogenic especially with fewer crowds. That said, Glacier Point does have quite the aerial view of Yosemite Valley.

Another stop you can make along the way up is Washburn Point .

TIP: Remember to be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife along your drive!

For your final night, Globus has a special farewell dinner with the group followed by a stargazing event organized by the National Park Service.

Day 8 Summary

Driving time: 2 hours 38 minutes (77 miles / 123.9 km)

• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Glacier Point
• Discover Yosemite – Private Full Day Tour

These are a few alternative day tours you can look into.

• Yosemite Small Group Tour – Giant Sequoias & Glacier Point
• Yosemite Private Tour by Echo Adventure Cooperative
• Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour
• Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite
• Lunch – Packed picnic lunch included with Discover Yosemite tour.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – The Globus group will have a catered farewell dinner at Tenaya Lodge.

Day 9: Back to San Francisco

Your final day is a transit day back to San Francisco. For most, this means flying back home but for others, you might want to consider extending your stay so that you get to see more of the city. The choice is yours!

With Globus, you’ll be dropped off directly at the airport.

If you’ve rented a car in the city, you’ll need to drop that off first. From there use a private airport transfer service .

Day 9 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 36 minutes (207 miles / 333.1 km)

• Lunch – SFO Airport

8 Tips For Driving In Northern California

As you start planning your epic road trip, it’s worth noting a couple of things when it comes to driving around Northern California:

• Driving in San Francisco isn’t fun – If you’re going to spend time in San Francisco, you’re better off relying on a hop-on-hop-off , taking Muni (their subway), or using Uber/Lyft to get around (watch the Uber airport hack ). Traffic is bad and it’s very hilly (as if parallel parking wasn’t hard enough).
• Parking rules in San Francisco – If you do plan on driving in the city, it’s worth noting all the parking rules , and more importantly, not how NOT to get a ticket. Know your curbs !
• Rent a car from the city and not the airport – Since you’re starting in San Francisco, it’ll be a smart move to book a rental car in the city instead of picking it up at SFO in combination with car rental coupon codes .
• Gas is expensive – This part of the US has some of the most expensive gas prices (similar to Hawaii) so don’t be too surprised. If you’re hunting for cheap gas prices, you can hunt around using apps like GasBuddy or check Google Maps.
• Tolls – This one’s easy to forget but there is one toll you’ll encounter and that’s the Golden Gate Bridge and depending on how you come back to San Francisco, most likely the San Mateo/Hayward Bridge or Bay Bridge. Thing is, especially since COVID, cash isn’t accepted anymore and car rental companies love dinging renters with exuberant fees unless you rent their FasTrak Toll Tag . Online booking doesn’t often mention it so you’ll have to ask in-person.
• Freeway driving – You’ll notice that on the major freeways, some Californians drive quite fast on the fast lane. If you’re not comfortable, stick to the slower lanes.
• Yosemite speed limit – You’ll be tail-gated from drivers wanting to go fast. Instead of driving faster, it’s better to let them pass. On single-lane roads, there are periodic pull offs where you can let them through so use them. Follow the posted speed limits which ranges from 25 mph to 45 mph. Another good reason to follow this is that wildlife (including bears) can pop out of nowhere so its good to be safe.
• Don’t drink and drive – If you’re doing any wine tastings, make sure to do so safely and have a designed driver.

Best Time To Do This Road Trip

When it comes to weather and the most favourable conditions for a road trip, I’d pick the shoulder season so that’s April to May and September to October with autumn having a slight edge.

Hear me out. Summer is a great season but if you’ve never been to San Francisco, those are actually the coldest and foggiest months.

With spring, you get the warmer weathers, smaller crowds, and with the snow melt, raging waterfalls as well. The only challenge with spring is that Tioga Pass is closed and doesn’t typically open until mid to late May.

In the autumn season, you have comfortable warm weather with fewer crowds. The tradeoff is that water levels are low so many of the famous waterfalls at Yosemite National Park are down to a trickle or completely dried out.

You could do a variation of this in the winter but it would depend on what month. Winter would be great for Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes because all of the ski resorts would be fully operational. The downside is that much of Yosemite National Park would be inaccessible as there is a chance that roads there and other parts of the Sierra Nevada could be closed due to snow.

Planning for what to wear and gear to pack for a Northern California road trip isn’t as easy as you think and a lot of it has to do with how dynamic the weather is and the various altitude and climates you’ll be dealing with. Ultimately, the key is to be prepared.

Here are a few tips on what to pack.

• Binoculars – Even if you’re not birding, these come in handy especially when encounter wildlife when you least expect it.
• Layers – No matter how warm it may seem, you’ll want to have a good hoodie/sweater and light jacket especially for the cold breezes that you’ll encounter in San Francisco and higher up in altitude when in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park.
• Windbreaker jacket – On the topic of jackets, this Columbia rain jacket for men and this one for women are great options.
• Buff headwear – Along the lines of layers, something I swear by for all of our packing guides , are the same buffs that you see on Survivor which I use either as a headband, scarf, or wristband to wipe off sweat.
• Wifi hotspot – If you live outside of the US, you’ll need a hotspot for data. I recommend using something like Pokefi (use code GAP24300 to get $20 off) or Solis (rebranded from Skyroam).
• Sunscreen – It may not feel like it but when you’re at higher altitudes whether cloudy or sunny, the UV is really strong so make sure you put on a good 50 SPF Sun Bum .
• Headlamp – If you plan on doing any sunrises or sunsets, this is going to be mandatory equipment. Check out our review of the Fenix headlamp which is the best one we’ve ever owned.
• Hiking shoes – A quality waterproof hiking shoe is recommended especially on any of the hikes you’ll be doing or even if you’re getting on a boulder for a photo at Lake Tahoe. The Keen Targhee II for Men and Women is highly recommended.
• Water bottle – You shouldn’t be buying water bottles. Instead, bring your own refillable bottle like this one from Hydroflask where you’ll be able to fill up at the hotel. You can always refill your bottle at breakfast!

Through the Globus California Dreamin’ tour , I had an incredible time exploring Northern California so throughly on this road trip itinerary. This gave me a greater appreciation for the incredible natural beauty here from its lakes to the mountains.

While I had an idea of what to expect from its main sights, this trip was also very much about the unexpected.

I didn’t know there was that much to see and do in Sacramento. Not knowing about its history in the Westward expansion and the development of America’s trans-continental railroad, I had so much fun in Old Sacramento with its old-timey atmosphere.

Lake Tahoe certainly could’ve used a bit more time than what we had but I was expecting a much smaller lake but it turned out to be way larger with a ton more to see.

Mammoth Lakes was also a revelation with surprises such as Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, and the geothermal activity that can be found there.

Overall, Globus did a fantastic job putting this Northern California road trip together. In many ways, I’m glad I didn’t have to do the driving, bookings, and trip planning because it allowed me to have a truly stress-free vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on where you are but you won’t be able to fly the drone in any national parks, national forests, or natural reserves featured in this Northern California road trip itinerary. Outside of these and other restricted zones, you may fly the drone. Review California drone laws and rules in State Parks .

Forest fires are more and more prevalent in the summer and so you do need to be aware of where they are if you are travelling during fire season. In serious cases, roads can be closed and neighbourhoods evacuated because of forest fires which means you’ll need to find a detour. Smoke and visibility can also be a factor and this may just end up being a matter of luck depending on when you go.

A reservation system was in place during the summer season in 2021. No official announcements have been made about whether this will be put back in place in future years. As of now, there are no reservations required for Yosemite.

There are many approaches to a Northern California road trip but for those that love the outdoors, an itinerary that includes Sonoma, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park is the best.

Due to the vast distance and time it’ll take to drive a full loop in Northern California, a minimum of 8 days is recommended. However, 9 days or more is recommended.

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If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
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• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This article was brought to you as a result of the Globus trip, a project between Monograms and iambassador but all opinions on Going Awesome Places are our own.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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April 1, 2023 at 5:47 AM

Hello, nice itinerary you have here! just one question though, you mentioned Apr-May is a good time, but will will be able to follow this itinerary? Tioga pass does not seem open until June… any recommendations for alternative routes?

William Tang says

April 2, 2023 at 3:48 PM

Hey Jayne! You’re totally right and a mis-step on our part, Tioga Pass is closed during those months which makes it a challenge. Historical opening days are here . Sonora pass to the north is also closed. The only around would be a massive detour south or from Mammoth, you basically have to go back up to Highway 50 to take you back to Sacramento and then cut south to Stockton. It’s definitely not as smooth of a road trip because it isn’t a full loop.

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The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip in 3 Days

If you love road trips as much as I do then this perfect Northern California 3-day vacation is just what you need. This is the place to be for every nature lover. 

Table of Contents

California is more than just a wine country, wine tasting and cheese plates family-run vineyards. It also has gorgeous trees, panoramic bay areas and the next best road trip you will experience. Wondering where to start your Northern California road trip?

We’ve got you covered!

Redwood National and State Parks are both well-travelled and yet under-appreciated. While we all marvel at the height of the majestic redwood trees that have stood here for hundreds of years, you can’t truly appreciate them until you see them in person.

Their sheer size, even of the smaller ones, is something that is hard to grasp. For the nature lover, a road trip through this amazing series of parks in Northern California is a vacation that must go on your bucket list.

Ready for winding roads? It’s DRIVE TIME!

The Start of your Northern California Road Trip 

I made the trip as part of a grand Pacific Coast road trip, but wish I could have extended my time among the redwoods. Ideally, you’ll have plenty of time to make this three-day road trip and be amazed by the wonders you’ll encounter.

Unless you live in Oregon or Washington, you’ll be making this road trip heading north. If you aren’t coming from the south (San Francisco or Sacramento), then just reverse the trip described here and you’ll be all set.

Wherever you choose to start from you will be sure to have a great trip. If you don’t have a vehicle of your own don’t worry. You can easily rent a car from most major cities and airports. 

If you are looking for more road trip inspiration and destinations that are easily accessed then you may also like my journey on my Trail Ridge road trip .

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Day One: Avenue of the Giants

The starting point of this trip is the town of Leggett. It sits at the intersection of US 101 and the end of California 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway.

Both of these routes have magnificent displays in their own right and offer plenty of ways to extend your trip before reaching Leggett. From Leggett, you’ll be heading north along US 101.

This stretch of highway has some beautiful scenery, but for the most part, you’ll be cruising along at highway speeds towards your main destination for the day.

However, if you’re a fan of dirt roads and roadside attractions, take the time to stop in at Confusion Hill. Its a California State Point of Interest and is sure to fill your need for the weird.

Just over 30 miles north of Leggett, is the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants at exit 645.

This wonderfully scenic drive is the former route of US 101. When the modern highway was finished, the Avenue of the Giants was preserved as a scenic route that cuts through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

When you first exit the highway, take a quick left and backtrack along the road for a short way until you see a pull-out. Take the opportunity to hop out and walk down to the South Fork of the Eel River. It should be a nice and quiet spot for a cup of coffee before you enter the forest proper.

It’s the perfect vacation spot to start your Northern California road trip.

Franklin K. Lane Grove

Recommended Reading: Why You Need Adventure Travel Insurance and Our Top Recommendation .

The first hike of the day should be a stop at Franklin K. Lane Grove. This one is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for a pullout to the right shortly after coming through the tiny town of Phillipsville.

This grove features an easy loop hike that goes around the grove, but also an unmarked spur trail that runs through the centre of the grove. What is a vacation in Northern California without a little hiking to start it off?

While not as spectacular as some of the later stops on the road, it’s a great place to get your first taste of hiking among the old-growth redwoods. This is also a perfect stop for anyone who has mobility issues as the trail is fairly flat and hard-packed.

You could even let the kids run around a bit thanks to the openness of the trail, just make sure you don’t let them scurry off into the woods!

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Bolling Grove

Once you’ve spent a little time at Franklin Lane Grove, it’ll be time to head deeper into the Avenue of the Giants. Just a little ways past the town of Miranda and right before Elk Creek Road, you’ll see a pull-off for Bolling Grove.

This grove features some impressive redwood grove which you can walk right up to. In fact, this would be a perfect place for a little picnic or even a photo shoot with the trees!

You can take extra time to make your Northern California road trip and vacation more memorable with the perfect photos.

This grove also has a couple of small trails that lead away from it and down to Elk Creek. Take the chance to wander away for just a bit and enjoy some solace by the soothing sounds of the creek.

Most people will be wanting to stay with the trees, so it’s a chance to get away and grab some pictures that others might miss.

Related Reading: Visit Glacier National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Shrine Drive-Thru Tree

Now, it’s impossible to make a road trip through all these redwoods and not stop at at least ONE drive-thru tree. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Meyers Flat is the perfect stop thanks to it being right off the Avenue of the Giants and just a minute down the road from your last stop at Bolling Grove.

The tree was naturally hollowed out by fire over a century ago and spared from logging in the area. The original owners expanded the opening only slightly to allow for the first horse-drawn buggies to pass through!

Shrine is one of the oldest drive-thru trees and is a great way to experience the Avenue of the Giants in the same way as those first tourists did over a century ago!

This Northern California wonder is what makes the road trip and any vacation truly unique in my opinion.

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Founders Grove

Continue on down the Avenue of the Giants and if you’re thinking of stopping for some souvenirs, swing by the Humboldt Redwood Visitor Center.

Once you’ve taken some time here to learn about this wonderful forest and the historic town it’s in, you’ll be heading for the Founders Grove next. This grove is one of the first to be protected along the highway.

This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs on an actual hike. The Founders Grove trail winds its way through the forest for just under half a mile.

Towards the back part of the trail, you’ll come across the remains of the Dyerville Giant. This humongous tree was once the largest in the world but came crashing to the ground in 1991.

Getting a chance to view a downed redwood is a great way to understand just how large these magnificent trees actually are.

Related Reading: Hiking in Yosemite: The Best Reason to Visit this National Park

Rockefeller Forest

The final must-stop on your first day on this Northern California road trip has to be Rockefeller Forest. Just across the way from Founders Grove, this short loop hike will be the most peaceful you’ll find all day.

During the shoulder seasons, it’s entirely possible you may be alone as you stroll through Rockefeller Forest.

The hike and grove both sit at the confluence of the South Fork of the Eel River and Bull Creek. Further away from the highway, you’ll feel a truly calming wave wash over you as you wander among these trees and really appreciate their greatness.

As you come around the backside of the loop, take the opportunity to step just off the trail and down to Bull Creek.

The flat rocky sides of the creek make for the perfect place to sit and just enjoy nature. It really doesn’t get much better than the beauty of Rockefeller Forest. It is the perfect stop on every Northern California vacation.

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Leaving the Avenue of the Giants

While there are plenty more hikes along the Avenue of the Giants, you’ll be running out of daylight at this point. After you rejoin US 101, there are a number of accommodation options to stay on the first night of this trip.

If you’re looking to camp on this Northern California road trip, there are a number of RV parks and campgrounds just beyond the end of the Avenue.

Your best bet for a scenic campground is to head down California 36 to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and snag a riverside campsite. They might be tough to find, but you won’t be disappointed.

For those not in the mood for camping, there are a bunch of little towns just down the road with a selection of hotels for a nice break.

Fortuna is one of them and offers all the amenities you could want including hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and more. If you’re looking for something a bit more scenic, then check out the cute Victorian themed town of Ferndale.

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Where to Stay: Day 1 of Northern California Road Trip

Where to stay in fortuna .

Top Pick: The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel

The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel is located just off Highway 101. The hotel offers guests an indoor pool and spacious room with free wifi and cable TV.

The decor in this hotel is classic and suits the area. Each guest room also comes fitted with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Guests that stay at the hotel can enjoy free access to the nearby HealthSport Gym. 

Top Pick: Super 8 by Wyndham Fortuna

Located just off Highway 101 in Fortuna, the Super 8 offers a daily continental breakfast and free wifi in all guest rooms. All guest rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator and a coffee machine.

Guests can enjoy warm and classic decor in the spacious rooms which include a seating area. The hotel also offers a business centre as well as laundry facilities. This hotel is conveniently located just 20 minutes from The Avenue of Giants. 

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Where to Stay in Ferndale

Top Pick: Victorian Inn

The Victorian Inn is located in Ferndale at the base of the Kings Mountain Range. The property offers free wifi access in all guest rooms as well as a daily full breakfast. Guests can enjoy unique and wonderful decor with each room decorated differently. Fine dining and cocktails are available at the onsite restaurant. This is a wonderful way to experience the unique atmosphere in Ferndale. 

Top Pick: Gingerbread Mansion

The Gingerbread Mansion is a unique bed and breakfast which offers guests rooms with Victorian-inspired decor. Guests can enjoy free wifi and a daily gourmet breakfast.

Each room has a seating area and an en suite with a claw-foot bathtub. Guests can enjoy delicious gourmet foods as well as free hors d’oeuvres, pastries and tea in the afternoons. 

Day Two: Exploring the Coast

The next day of your Northern California road trip will take you away from the giant trees and back along the beautiful California coast.

The road winds its way past Humboldt Bay and through the lovely towns of Eureka, Arcata, and Trinidad. These towns will serve as a great place to restock supplies if this trip is just a larger part of your road trip along the coast.

Humboldt and Arcata Bays

Eureka sits along the edges of the Humboldt County and Arcata Bays. It is the largest town in this part of the state and is worth exploring in its own right.

However, if you are looking for the best ways to experience nature on this Northern California coast road trip, then you won’t find these sandy beaches in the city. The first place you’ll want to head to along the coast is Samoa Dunes Recreation Area.

The coastal town has been used over the centuries for a number of different purposes. Now it is a recreation site where you are sure to have a good time. Take the opportunity to explore the dunes that separate the bays from the Pacific Ocean.

These dunes span a large stretch of the coast here in multiple parks. If you’re up for a mile hike, you can head on up to Ma-le’l Dunes Park and hike the Dunes Trail to explore more of this ecosystem, its not a very challenging hike no worries.

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Trinidad Head

About 15 minutes north of Arcata is the small town of Trinidad. This town is home to the best coastal view on this road trip. The Trinidad Head is a promontory of land that juts into the Pacific Ocean.

The trail which you can hike to the top of the head is a loop of around 1.7 miles with only 300 feet of elevation gain. About half of the trail is paved, while the half closest to the ocean is hard-packed dirt.

The trail provides stunning views of the surrounding ocean and northern coast. Looking north along the coast you can even see the tops of redwoods which are present in the nearby Redwood State and National Parks.

There are also sea stacks that surround it and provide plenty of visuals for those who are photographically inclined. It’s also the perfect place to catch your Day Two sunset!

This is one of my favorite parts of this Northern California road trip itinerary and makes for the perfect vacation highlight.

Patrick’s Point State Park

Just down the road from Trinidad is the hidden gem of Patrick’s Point State Park. This park has a wonderful series of short trails that lead to overlooks of the Pacific Ocean from high above.

You’ll also be able to spot Sea Lions off the coast for a good portion of the spring and summer as they move north. Patrick’s Point features the breathtaking Agate Beach.

This long stretch of coast smoothed rocky beach is a great place to take a walk and spend time listening to the crashing waves.

From the park, you’ll access the beach via an extremely steep but short hike down the cliffside. While the elevation is quite a lot for the short distance, it is relatively easy to complete.

If you don’t want to hike, enjoy the views from the top, they are nearly as stunning. Patrick’s Point is also a great place to camp for the evening before you head north on the last day of the trip.

If you are looking for more comfortable accommodation then look no further than the town of Trinidad where you will find plenty of chain hotels.

Where to Stay: Day 2 of Northern California Road Trip 

Where to stay in trinidad.

Top Pick: View Crest Lodge

Less than a 5-minute drive from Agate Beach, the View Crest Lodge offers cottages with free wifi, a microwave and a compact fridge. The cottages offer an en suite bathroom and flat-screen TV’s. Some of the cottages offer a fully equipped kitchen. The property is perfectly located for hiking in the area. 

Top Pick: Trinidad Inn

Located in Trinidad, the Trinidad Inn offers a garden as well as rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the barbecue area as well as the free wifi and private parking at the property.  The Trinidad Inn has a great location for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Top Pick: Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel

The Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast Hotel offers free parking and comfortable accommodation in Trinidad. Guests can enjoy free wifi throughout the property as well as a 3-course breakfast. Select units feature a seating area for guests to relax like a coffee shop. Each of the guestrooms offers a coffee machine as well as private bathrooms as well as wonderful scenic views. 

Day Three: Searching for Titans

The final day of your trip will send you in winding roads in search of the biggest and tallest trees this trip has to offer. These trees will require getting away from your car for a bit and exploring the depths of the Redwood National and State Parks.

For this day you will need to get up and started early in order to explore all the trails on offer.

There is a wide array of parks along this stretch of the trip. Collectively, they comprise the Redwood National and State Parks. All of them are free to explore, though some of the more secluded hikes (like Tall Trees Grove) require a permit.

By no means is what is included below an extensive list of what you can explore in these parks. In fact, if you’ve got the time, you should consider spending two or three days along this stretch to really dive deep into stunning views mother nature has to offer.

What could be better than an extended vacation in San Francisco’s Northern California?

Lady Bird Johnson Trail

Your first stop for the day will be one of the more unusual massive Redwood groves you’ll visit. Unlike many others, the Lady Bird Johnson Trail winds through an upland grove of these large trees. Access to the trail is found off US 101 by taking Bald Hills Road.

Once you find the parking area, take the cool footbridge back over the road and into the forest. This trail was built for the dedication ceremony of the national park. As you continue along the loop, you’ll come to the place where the ceremony was held.

Beyond this point, the scenery improves quite a bit and you’ll see why it’s worth exploring the upland section of the park. Overall, the trail is a good way to stretch your legs to start the day before you dive deeper into the parks.

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Fern Canyon

Getting away from the thrills of redwood trees, your next stop will take you into a prehistoric world. So prehistoric in fact that it was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park: The Lost World!

To access this canyon, you’ll take a detour down Davidson Road from US 101.

Be aware that a portion is a gravel and dirt road, so take precautions as necessary if the weather has been poor. The canyon hike itself is relatively short, but the scenery is something entirely different than what you’ve seen on the rest of the trip.

You’ll be diving deep into a canyon with walls lined by lush green ferns, mosses and breathtaking views. The trail itself follows the creek bed closely and at the end loops up to the top of the canyon.

You can follow this route to join the far longer James Irvine Trail, but I suggest backtracking to get back to the road. Especially if you don’t have more than three days to explore.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

Once you head back to US 101, it won’t be long till you’re jumping back off to explore the wonderfully scenic drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This road cuts through the delightful Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

There is access to over 25 miles of trails along this stretch of the parkway.

The main attraction is the Prairie Creek Trail and Big Tree. Starting at the visitor centre, you can hike the gorgeous Prairie Creek Trail which winds its way through a number of impressive groves.

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll cross the road and continue on towards Big Tree. This mammoth tree is 21 feet in diameter and stands alone in a clearing. Its impressive girth is just a taste for what you’ll find later in the day. What a way to start the last day of your Northern California road trip vacation.

Grove of Titans

The final part of your day will conclude your search for titans. Once you leave Drury Scenic Parkway and rejoin US 101, it’ll be about 35 minutes north to Crescent City. When you arrive in Crescent City, head for Howland Hill Road and deep into Jedediah Smith State Park.

This road is narrow and unpaved for the majority, so be prepared for poor conditions after wet weather. About two miles after the road stops being paved, you’ll come across a small pull out to the right.

You’ll know it’s the right place because across from this pullout will be a small trail marker for Mill Creek Trail.

Start your journey by following this trail deep into the woods. The trail is clearly defined but doesn’t have any further markers so make sure you stay on the defined path. To find the grove, you’ll stay on the trail until you come to a small footbridge that crosses the creek.

Turn around here and head back a few yards looking to your right. Just a little ways off the trail you’ll find the majestic Grove of Titans.

While there are some social trails, I advise staying on the main trail and enjoying from a distance. It’ll protect the grove for all those coming after you. This Northern California vacation is all about appreciating nature and all her outdoor spaces after all.

NOTE: As of May 2020, the Mill Creek Trail is entirely closed. The NPS is working to build an elevated pathway through the Grove of Titans to protect it from off-trail hikers. It should reopen in May 2021.

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Journey’s End

After the beautiful Grove of Titans, you’ll be at the end of this journey. However, you’re far from the end of the adventure you can find in this part of California.

Take a break from wine tasting because this state is ripe for exploring if you’ve got the time and willingness to get out there and do it.

This three-day road trip for nature lovers is really only the beginning. Not only can you simply expand the amount of time you spend on the trip to a week or more, but it’s easy to extend it far and wide.

Continue up US 101 to explore the Oregon Coast or even all the way to Olympic National Park in Washington. The sceneries are just breathtaking, so make sure to plan ahead and be prepared.

Alternatively, leave Crescent City using US 199 as a pathway to the interior of Oregon and Crater Lake National Park. No matter what you choose, this road trip through the redwoods will only make you want to adventure even farther.

This road trip itinerary can be the start of an epic Northern California vacation.

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What’s Next?

Northern to Southern California, this place just has so much to offer for those with wanderlust. From Lake Tahoe, Glass Beach, Yosemite Valley to more state parks like Emerald Bay State Park, Golden Gate Park, Yosemite National Park Castle Crags State Park and so much more to explore.

From the redwoods of northern part of California, you can also visit the ancient Mono Lake, South lake in Kern County,  Burney falls within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Shasta County, Trillium falls, McCloud Falls, Yosemite Falls, Bodega Bay in Sonoma County or spend a couple of night in the bay area.

Wherever you choose, google maps is her for you. I would love to read all about your adventures too!

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A Northern California road trip is only complete if you get the perfect amount of nature in. There is so much to explore that three days will feel like nothing and could easily lead to an extended vacation.

Written by Zack. Zack is the adventurer behind Florida Man on the Run. After spending much of his life living in Florida and not travelling much, Zack was inspired to start exploring more.

This led to the birth of the blog which aims to give readers an honest account of his travel experiences. Follow Zack on his journey and learn more about the places that he visits at the Florida Man on the Run .

This post has been updated and republished.

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One Week In Northern California: Road Trip Itinerary

This post was last updated on 2020 April 30

If ever there was a place that was made for road tripping, it would be western USA.

I always thought I’d have plenty of time to explore this part of my country when I eventually “settled” in California – I just never considered the possibility that I’d end up permanently residing overseas instead.

No regrets or anything, but now any opportunity to adventure around America feels even sweeter knowing that it’s a rarity in my life as an Australian resident.

Since I had to fly to the US anyway for a wedding this past June, I knew I definitely wanted to spend time out west and make up for my lack of travels there. So I partnered with  Cruise America RV Rentals  and completed an 8 day road trip in Northern California with my sister Jamie. I’ve done loads of road trips and camping trips before, but this was my first time experiencing RV travel.

Much more to come on what it’s like road tripping in an RV (spoiler alert: flippin’ AWESOME), but for now I thought I’d share our One Week Northern California road trip itinerary .

There’s enough to see in the top half of California that you could design many different itineraries for a road trip in Northern California, so this by no means is the only way to do it. Our route spanned east and south of San Francisco and included just Yosemite, Mammoth, and Big Sur because we prefer slow travel over fast-paced checklist travel.

Yosemite National Park

If you were wondering whether Yosemite is one of those insanely overhyped destinations, I can confirm that it is absolutely WORTH THE HYPE.

I’m sure this place is worth visiting year-round, but I adored Yosemite during summer – yes, despite it being super-duper-peak season and massively crowded. The kind of crowded that has you driving laps around the park praying for a parking space to pop up, and waiting ages for a shuttle bus to stop that actually has room to let you on.

Yosemite’s the kind of place you can devote an entire trip to, especially if you want to log some serious hiking time. For the purposes of this one week Northern California road trip itinerary, we’ll give it 3 days.

READ MORE: Things To Know Before Visiting Yosemite

Day 1: Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park, and where many of its best sights, hiking trails, and accommodation can be found.

The drive into the valley is nothing short of magical. You’re driving alongside a crystal-clear river with periodic glimpses of little beaches, bridges, and people tubing; then the trees clear and suddenly you’re passing a meadow with towering mountains as a backdrop, with the odd majestic waterfall spurting out of the rock face.

Yosemite is the kind of place where you continually have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real. I mean honestly, how does this exist?!

Exploring the valley on day 1 is a great way to get acquainted with the park. Here’s my pick of the best things to do in Yosemite Valley:

Lower Yosemite Fall

It’s a short hike to Lower Yosemite Fall, which will likely be swarming with tourists when you visit. This waterfall feels so powerful when you get up close – which, if you do, prepared to get absolutely soaked.

Bridal Veil Fall

This tall fall is a quick walk from the parking lot and insanely pretty. Definitely climb up through the rocks just beyond the viewing area to get a closer look at this beaut.

Relaxing at the River

If it’s a hot summer day, I say spend some time cooling off by the river. There are plenty of entry points and sandy spots all along it for sunbathing and going in for a swim. We loved ending our days with a quick dip (quick only because the water is COLD). You can also rent tubes in the park and use those to float down the river.

There are a bunch of hikes that start in Yosemite Valley. The Valley Loop is by far the easiest, most leisurely one – but having done part of it myself, I think your time can be better spent elsewhere if you’re only got 3 days in Yosemite.

If steep, exhausting hikes don’t faze you, you can hike to Upper Yosemite Fall, or do the Four Mile Trail up to Glacier Point. The Mist Trail and Muir Trail also start from the valley, but these merit an entire day so we’ll hold off on them for the time being.

Meadow Frolicking

I derived much joy from the little photoshoots we had amongst the wildflower-dotted meadows and I think you’ll love it too, especially if you’re on a mission for some quality Instagram fodder. We even spotted some deer in one of the meadows.

Tunnel View

The above photo as well as the banner image for this blog post were taken at Tunnel View, quite possibly the best viewpoint in Yosemite – hell, even the best view on our Northern California roadtrip. Don’t miss it!

Day 2: Glacier Point Road

For sublime alpine views and slightly less busy hiking trails, head up Glacier Point Road all the way up to Glacier Point (it’s about an hour drive from the valley).

The views from the end of this road are absolutely insane. There are a few established viewpoints, but you can pretty easily escape the crowds here and have a ledge to yourself. From up here, you can spot Half Dome, El Capitan, and several waterfalls.

There are several hikes you can do along Glacier Point Road. Here are a few of the better short hikes you can do that lead back to your car, rather than down to the valley:

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2mi easy hike with views for days, and the famous Jeffrey pine tree
• Taft Point & the Fissures – 2.2mi easy hike; like Glacier Point, but with no barriers. The fissures (vertical gaps in the rock) are also pretty cool to see.
• Illilouette Falls – 4mi to the falls; 5mi to Panorama Point (which you’ll see if you do the hike recommended for day 3). This trail has great views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the Illilouette Creek cascades, but not so much of Illilouette Falls itself.

Day 3: Mist & Muir Trail

I feel very strongly that at least one of these days should be dedicated to a Yosemite day hike, so here we go!

If you haven’t secured a permit for Half Dome (a super long, grueling, absolutely legendary day hike that you need to book in advance), the next best option is to take on the Mist Trail and Muir Trail (which are actually a part of the hike to Half Dome, so you don’t have to miss out – see this map  for reference ). The hike takes you to the top of two huge waterfalls.

YOU GUYS. This hike is one of the best I’ve ever done, and easily a highlight of this Northern California roadtrip. Don’t miss it!

Vernal Fall

The trail to this first waterfall is easy and horrendously overrun with other hikers. Our first instinct was to clamber onto the rocks and get closer to the waterfall, but it was quite slippery and muddy and we got absolutely soaked from the mist. Instead, I’d say just hike up the trail a bit and enjoy the view from just before the very steep set of stairs to the top of the falls begins.

If you get lucky you might get some double rainbow action like we did!

Nevada Fall

Both the bottom and top of Nevada Fall host some picturesque rock pools and creeks fit for swimming. They do discourage it though, especially from the bottom where strong currents can easily pull you downstream and over Vernal Falls (yikes!). If you’re going to swim, I’d recommend doing it from the top of Nevada Fall where the water is calmer.

The hike up to the top of Nevada Fall is very steep, but the trail is well formed and easy to follow. Just stop to catch your breath whenever you need to and you’ll be fine.

And definitely stop at the top to rest and soak up the views. It felt amazing to cool off in the water up there and then sprawl out on the rock to dry off in the sun.

Panorama Point

Continuing on from the top of Nevada Fall, you’ll take the Muir Trail around and back down to the Vernal Fall footbridge. The Muir Trail is slightly longer and less scenic than the Mist Trail, but it’s much less steep and easier on the knees so I advise taking this route rather than hiking back down the way you came.

More importantly, the absolute best view can be had from the Muir Trail at Panorama Point as you’re walking away from the waterfall, before the trail goes back into the forest. The view of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and Nevada Fall is absolutely unreal.

Mammoth Lakes

During warmer months (June through October or so), Tioga Road from Yosemite to Mammoth is open for driving and makes it a cinch to include both on a summer road trip in Northern California. Outside of summer, you’ll have to go well out of the way and around the park if you want to get to Mammoth. The former takes about 2 hours, while the latter requires about 8 hours of driving one way… so yeah, this is definitely a summer road trip situation.

Mammoth is especially popular during ski season, but there’s still plenty to do in summer as well.

Day 4: Hot Springs in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a little mountain town with so many cute cafes and shops worth perusing. Definitely allot some time to wander around town amidst your Mammoth adventures!

The best coffee in Mammoth can be found at Black Velvet Coffee , a third wave coffee joint popular amongst laptop workers. A close runner-up is Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe , which in addition to great coffee also offers delicious veggie wraps and smoothies.

Hot Creek Geological Site

Hot Creek wouldn’t look out of place at Yellowstone or Rotorua with its geothermal hot pools and bright colored landscapes. The best view is from above in the parking lot, but you can also walk down and along the creek for a closer look.

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

There are multiple hot springs in Mammoth Lakes, but we enjoyed the hell out of Wild Willy’s so much that we stopped there twice and even camped there for a night.

Wild Willy’s is by no means a secret spot these days, so expect to share the three hot pools with other bathers. The hottest one (supposedly 104F) is the first pool on the right side of the boardwalk that you walk down, just before the biggest pool.

‘Magical’ was the first word that came to mind while I was lounging in the hot pools here. Is there anything better than kicking back in a natural hot tub, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada ranges, watching the sun go down?

Actually, there just might be: how about bathing here around midnight, gazing up at one of the most star-studded skies you’ve ever laid eyes on?

Day 5: Devils Postpile National Monument

Allow at least a half day on your Northern California roadtrip to visit Devils Postpile , a really cool and not-oft-touristed national monument near Mammoth Mountain.

To reach it, park by the Mammoth Mountain Lodge and gondola and hop on the mandatory shuttle bus that stops in several spots in the park. Get off at the Devils Postpile stop and from there it’s less than a half mile walk to the national monument.

Devils Postpile is comprised of hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns reaching 60 feet high. Seeing these columns all lined up from below is undoubtedly cool, but standing atop the monument where you can observe the hexagonal tops to the columns fitting together like puzzle pieces is pretty mind blowing. How amazing is nature?

From the top of Devils Postpile, it’s another 2 miles or so to Rainbow Falls. And yes, we did see its namesake while we were there.

As of June 2018 you weren’t able to hike down to the bottom of the waterfall, but there are a couple of viewpoints from above that are well worth checking out.

Big Sur & California Coast

The California Coast merits its own dedicated road trip, but it also fits nicely into a Northern California road trip from San Francisco.

Depending on what your interests are, you could either spend 2 days around Big Sur (driving down the coast, hiking in the state forests, visiting beach towns Carmel and Monterey)… or 1 day in Big Sur, and 1 day exploring the rest of the coast. We went with the latter option and skipped the towns and forests.

Day 6: Big Sur

Big Sur is the famous 90-mile stretch of coast from Carmel to San Simeon. Think rugged, wildflower-spotted cliffs partially shrouded by mist. I’d been dreaming of seeing this place for myself for as long as I can remember, so including it on this road trip in Northern California was a no-brainer.

One thing to know about Big Sur : it’s often quite overcast along this slice of the Pacific Coast Highway, so be prepared for grey skies and potentially some rain. We lucked out with a dry day when we visited in early July, but it was super cloudy and a little windy. Just go with your expectations in check and you’ll enjoy your time there.

The two most popular photo ops in Big Sur are the Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls. You should definitely make lots of other stops along the way, though, because the whole coastline is stunning and just as photogenic.

If you’re camping in Big Sur in an RV or campervan, be aware that sleeping in your vehicle overnight outside of designated campgrounds is a big no-no. We may or may not have been slapped with a $100 ticket for parking at a particularly scenic overlook overnight…

Day 7: Big Sur OR Northern California Coast

For the last day of your Northern California road trip, I offer up two options, as previously mentioned:

Option 1: Big Sur State Parks & Carmel

Once you’ve checked the Big Sur coastal drive off your list, head slightly inland to do some hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, or Limekiln State Park. These parks offer redwood forests, canyons, and access to some of the more “hidden” beaches in Big Sur.

Heading back north, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beach city famed for its “fairytale cottages”. It’s pretty ideal for wiling away a day wine tasting and wandering in and out of shops and restaurants.

Option 2: Drive up the PCH

We couldn’t resist the temptation to see more of the glorious California coastline, so instead of lingering in Big Sur we opted to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to see what other beaches lay ahead.

Your best bet is to drive from Santa Cruz up the coast and just stop at whatever beach strikes your fancy. The drive itself is absolutely beautiful, particularly when bathed in that golden hour glow later in the day. Lots of local produce stands along the way, too.

Most of the beaches charge for parking ($10/day is pretty standard), but you might be able to get away with free street parking depending on where you are.

We spent our 4th of July afternoon at Half Moon Bay, one of the more popular and picturesque beaches near San Francisco . This is a big beach with cliffs on one end and dunes on the other end. There’s even a campground overlooking the sand – can you say best sunset view from a campsite ever?

Thank you to Cruise America for offering us a media rate on our RV rental. Note that all opinions expressed here and elsewhere on this blog are my unbiased own, and are uninfluenced by any gifts or incentives I may receive.

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11 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Northern California Before You Die

Northern California offers 11 unique and scenic road trips, each with its own attractions and experiences.

Written by  

Do you enjoy road trips? Fortunately, Northern California is one of the best places in the country for road trips. With our scenic byways and variety of attractions, there’s always something new to discover in this region. If you find yourself typing into Google, "day trips near me in Northern California," then this is the list for you!

Below you’ll find 11 road trips through Northern California that we’ve designed to show you the best of the state. From haunted locations to delicious restaurants, here are 11 unforgettable road trips to take in Northern California before you die. To view the interactive Google Map of each trip in a separate tab or window, simply click on the link beneath each map photo.

1. The State Park Road Trip

Luckily for us, where we live we don’t have to travel far to witness some pretty amazing destinations. A lot of these incredible places are state parks, so we decided to compile a list of destinations in this road trip, which is a one of a kind tour of Northern California. Grab all the necessary outdoor equipment, fill up the tank of gas, and hit the road! Be sure to stop in and stretch your legs at each of these parks. Hike, camp, skip rocks or beachcomb. Just get out and explore. Learn more here.

2. The Hidden Beaches Road Trip

From Crescent City to the Mendocino Coast, the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of stunning. While there are plenty of well-known beaches scattered throughout the Golden State, nothing beats a lesser-known area when you just want to get away from it all— so we’ve compiled a road trip itinerary with 11 incredible hidden beaches that might just become your new favorite summer hangouts. This is one road trip you’ll never forget. Learn more here.

3. The Waterfall Road Trip

Northern California is a spectacular place for a lot of things, but when it comes to road trips and waterfalls, there’s no other place that can top it. In just about 4 hours of driving time, you can explore 9 different falls. Add in a few hours here and there for walking to the falls, stopping for breakfast and lunch, and you’ll have a grand old time on this trip! Learn more here.

4. The Taco Trail

If you're wondering, "what are some day trips near me in Northern California?" and you happen to be hungry, we've got the perfect adventure in mind. There’s not much that’s better than a delicious taco! Hearty meat, fresh ingredients, and just the right amount of spice: is your mouth watering yet? Here in Northern California, we’ve got plenty of awesome taco restaurants, each with its own unique take on this culinary classic. While it would be impossible to list each and every great taco spot in the Northern California region, we’ve created a "mini road trip" that highlights a handful of the best taco eateries around. Learn more here.

5. The Lighthouse Road Trip

Did you know that Northern California is home to some of the most spectacular lighthouses in the country? With our rocky shorelines and dramatic coastal features, it was definitely necessary for these beacons to guide ships safely through the storms. A drive up or down gives you plenty of amazing views of these lighthouses. Some of them are open to the public for tours, others are seen only from a distance. No matter how close you get, seeing the Northern California lighthouses along the coastline is a trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Learn more here.

6. The Small Towns Road Trip

If you are looking for some fun towns to visit, the options are really endless and you can definitely find some really amazing towns in any of Northern California’s four corners. This road trip will take you through several historic towns in Northern California. You will see evidence of the logging and mining history that put this area on the map in the first place. Learn More Here.

If you are looking for some fun towns to visit, the options are really endless and you can definitely find some really amazing towns in any of Northern California’s four corners. This road trip will take you through several historic towns in Northern California. You will see evidence of the logging and mining history that put this area on the map in the first place. Learn more here.

7. The Redwood Natural Wonders Road Trip

The North Coast of Humboldt County is one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring places in the country, let alone Northern California. Even if you live in this scenic location. you have to agree that a drive up Highway 101 is an absolute must see for anyone living in this state. This fun and scenic drive will be best in late spring when the crazy winter weather we are having calms down a bit. The ferns will be lush and vibrant, however, and the beaches remote and peaceful. Learn more here.

8. The Ice Cream Trail

Northern Californians love our ice cream, and almost every city or town has a great dessert parlor to call their own. We compiled a list of some top ice cream joints and organized them into a convenient little road trip for you! Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, there’s nothing that hits the spot like one of these delicious ice cream parlors. Your mouths will be watering just reading about them!

Learn more here.

9. The Mountain Town Road Trip

Buckle up and have fun on the drive. Remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. There are so many places to stop at in between these towns. Be sure to take your time! Learn More Here.

You don’t have to fly out to the Rocky Mountains or drive up to the Olympics, if you love being in the mountains, Northern California has plenty! There’s nothing quite like taking a break from it all and cruising along with the windows down and the cool mountain air blowing through your hair. This road trip through Northern California’s scenic alpine areas will have you loving this great state. Learn more here.

10. The Covered Bridges Road Trip

There’s not much that can top a covered bridge when it comes to the juxtaposition of man made creations and nature. Luckily for us Northern Californians, we have several idyllic covered bridges in our own region to go explore and take photos of. Learn more here.

11. The Haunted Places Road Trip

Northern California has a heritage and history that’s as rich as its gold laden riverbanks. That means we have a few ghosts hiding in the attic, so to speak. There are haunted places all over Northern California, but to go on a fun and spooky road trip to some of the scariest, all you need to do is follow this itinerary. This coastal and spooky road trip is a fun way to see this part of Northern California. Learn more here.

We hope we've helped inspire some answers for the often-asked question, "what are some day trips near me in Northern California?" What did you think of these road trip ideas? Be sure to let us know if you embark on any of these fun adventures!

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The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Southern California’s Most Charming Small Towns

Grab the keys and hit the road to explore small towns in Southern California full of history, culture, and more.

It may surprise some to know that you do not have to wander far from the beaten path in the Golden State to find tiny towns full of history, culture, and the small-town charm we often crave. In fact, several of my favorite small towns in Southern California are located within a few miles of each other and close to major highways. But, make no mistake about it, each of these places will envelope you in a little world of its own.

The route to visit these five charming towns is only 85 miles in total and is beautiful to drive. It requires less than two hours of actual driving time (give or take), leaving plenty of time for exploration. Click on the map above for detailed directions and to customize your trip - there are plenty of fun stops you could add along the way!

We start things off in the Old West town of Los Alamos . The tiny downtown is packed with character, from its historic buildings to its popular antique mall to some pretty great restaurants. And of course, being in the Santa Ynez Valley - known for its wine country - Los Alamos has several wonderful wineries you can visit. 

You’ll definitely want to consider having breakfast or brunch at the French-inspired bistro, Bell’s Restaurant . You would probably not expect a Michelin-star restaurant in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town like Los Alamos, but here it is. If you’d like to get an early start on your small-town road trip, you could come and stay the night before in one of the town’s cool historic hotels such as the 1880 Union Hotel or book one of the fantastical themed rooms at Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast .

From Los Alamos, it’s less than 12 miles to our next stop, another tiny Santa Ynez town called Los Olivos. Anyone who knows this town that began its history along a stagecoach route in 1861 knows it is an excellent place for winetasting. There are over 25 stunning wineries and tasting rooms in and around the town. Zaca Mesa Winery, just north of town, is one of my personal favorites. 

What many don’t realize, although the town’s name is a huge hint, is that Los Olivos is the olive capital of the state , known for its many olive trees and olive oil production. In fact, you can enjoy gourmet olive oil tastings and balsamic vinegar pairings at Olive Hill Farm . You may just discover something new.

Nearby Solvang is widely known and a very popular tourist town, but it also happens to be one of the most charming European towns in the state and it would be a shame to pass through the area without exploring. There are so many things to do in Solvang , from shopping to wine tasting to sampling yummy Danish treats and pastries. I highly recommend visiting Vinhus for wine, cheeses, chocolates, and much more.

You could rush through this road trip and try to catch a glimpse of each town in one long day, but you should really consider taking at least a weekend to explore and enjoy these visit-worthy towns. To that end, might I suggest a stay at The Landsby - an elegant yet affordable European-style hotel that also happens to house one of the best restaurants in town?

From Solvang, we take one of my favorite scenic drives down through the San Marcos Pass to Santa Barbara. Just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a relaxed beach town populated with palm trees and cool local businesses. I always stop at the Lucky Llama Coffee House for a Mayan Mocha, and right next door is the cutest shop, Heritage Goods and Supply, that I can never keep myself from popping into while I’m here. 

There are tons of great little shops and places to eat on the two main cross streets, Carpinteria and Linden Avenues. You’ll find breakfast, burgers, tacos, pizza, and nearly anything else you’re craving, as well as the awesome Island View Brewing Company, in this laid-back, walkable beach town. Of course, the beach itself is also a major reason to visit Carpinteria. I highly recommend a walk through the peaceful Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve to enjoy gorgeous ocean views, a walk on the sand below the bluffs, a seal sanctuary, and natural tar pits.

Another pretty drive through the mountains and around Lake Casitas leads to our last stop in Ojai . Tucked between the scenic mountains in Ojai Valley, this friendly town is full of art, history, culture, and gorgeous architecture. Explore, shop, grab a snack or some coffee, and wander through the shelves of the wonderful outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books. Then drive up about a mile to the hidden Ojai Valley Scenic Overlook for stunning views of the entire valley. 

End your trip with a fantastic comfort-food dinner at Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta . You cannot go wrong with any of the mouthwatering Italian dishes (the lasagna is huge and amazing) and you will fall in love with the classic red and white checkered decor. It might be a challenge, but if you can manage it, save room for the spectacular Strawberry Shortcake - it’s big enough to share.

How many of these sweet little Southern California towns have you explored? Which are your favorite? We would love to hear from you in the comments. If your favorite way to explore this state is by driving through it, be sure to check out another of our favorite Southern California road trip ideas !

The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of Northern California All Over Again

A scenic road trip through Northern California highlights some of the best natural and urban sites in the area.

If you’ve lived in Northern California for a long time, it’s probably been a while since you’ve headed to some of the places you absolutely had to see when you moved there. But if you’re looking to revitalize your love of one of the most beautiful areas in California , you’ll have a great time on this scenic road trip through some of the best sites in nature and the city. With only two and a half hour hours of driving, you'll get to spend most of your day truly taking in all the sights and sounds. This Northern California road trip is an amazing way to kill some time.

Check out this California scenic drives map for a detailed look at the road trip. After your day of exploration, you’ll be more amazed than ever by the beauty of Northern California!

Buckle up, buckaroos — it's time for a California coast road trip!

1. Point Reyes National Seashore

Go for a gorgeous hike with ocean views to die for at Point Reyes National Seashore. With the sea right next to you, you’ll fall in love with the scenic location and want to come back again and again. There are also plenty of different choices depending on what you are looking to do, whether that is a quick walk or a longer hike along the shore and through the open spaces running alongside it. Point Reyes National Monument is unlike anything you'll have ever experienced, hands down.

Check out this delightful video tour of Point Reyes and all the must-see spots while you're here:

2. Muir Woods National Monument

Take a break from city life and absorb the enchanted feeling of being in the old-growth redwood forest. There is something magical about these trees, and you will know it when you walk through the quiet forest. You won’t be able to believe it’s only 12 miles away from bustling San Francisco. There are 554 acres of protected land at this national monument, and you will be so thankful that it is preserved when you see how beautiful it is. The Muir Woods National Monument is not an experience you'll soon forget.

3. Coit Tower

This monument is an amazing overlook of San Francisco , especially if you are a fan of the city’s one-of-a-kind architecture. It’s also a good place to go if you’re a history buff, as you’ll get to see interesting murals dating back to 1934. This is also a fabulous place to see a stunning sunrise or sunset, as you’ll see so much of the sky turning pastel colors.

Check out this relaxing view of San Francisco from Coit Tower:

4. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is a conveniently located lookout point that is well worth the 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco. With panoramic views of the city up here at this high point, you will be so glad you made the trip. If you and your group are fans of city views, this is the spot for you!

5. Pacifica State Beach

Conclude your day at the stunning Pacifica State Beach for some relaxation and whale watching. The misty beach is a tranquil place to remind yourself of the amazing natural environment that surrounds you in Northern California. If you’re patient, you’ll have the chance to observe whales playing in the gentle waves past the break. This experience is a truly unique one, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Fall in love with Pacifica State Beach in this mesmerizing 4k video:

Enjoy your newfound appreciation of the great place you call home. Have you taken this Northern California road trip yet? What are your picks for the most scenic places in Northern California? Let us know what you think!

Before heading out on this NorCal road trip, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List for all the things you need for a long car ride.

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A Guide to Northern California Road Trips

W elcome to the enchanting realm of Northern California road trips, where breathtaking landscapes, diverse attractions, and unforgettable adventures await. From the rugged coastlines of Big Sur to the towering Redwood forests, this region is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural gems. Embarking on a road trip through Northern California allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pacific coastline, discover charming towns, and indulge in culinary delights along the way. In this guide, we will take you on a virtual journey through the best road trips Northern California has to offer, ensuring that every mile is filled with awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences. So buckle up and get ready to explore the magic of Northern California road trips!

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1. The Pacific Coast Highway: A Scenic Wonder

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is the crown jewel of Northern California road trips. Stretching along the stunning coastline, this iconic route offers awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and takes you through charming coastal towns and remarkable natural wonders.

From San Francisco to Mendocino, you’ll be treated to breathtaking cliffside drives, picturesque beaches, and majestic sea stacks. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur or take a detour to the enchanting Point Reyes National Seashore.

2. The Redwood Empire: Majestic Giants and Tranquil Beauty

Immerse yourself in the ancient grandeur of the Redwood Empire as you embark on a road trip through the magnificent Redwood forests. Begin your journey in the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic byway that meanders through towering trees and offers opportunities for peaceful hikes and tranquil picnics.

Continue your adventure to Redwood National and State Parks, where you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of trees reaching heights of over 350 feet. Explore the trails, marvel at the majestic groves, and connect with nature on a profound level.

3. Napa Valley: Wine Country Delights

Indulge your senses in the world-renowned Napa Valley, a haven for wine enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. Embark on a road trip through this picturesque region, dotted with rolling vineyards, charming wineries, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Take leisurely drives along the Silverado Trail or the Stags Leap Wine Trail, savoring the breathtaking views of vine-covered hills and sampling exquisite wines along the way. Don’t forget to stop by the quaint towns of Yountville, St. Helena, or Calistoga for a taste of local charm.

4. Yosemite National Park: A Natural Wonderland

No Northern California road trip is complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park, an iconic destination that embodies the region’s natural beauty. Drive through the park’s scenic Tioga Road, winding your way through towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine meadows.

Marvel at the sight of El Capitan and Half Dome, hike the renowned Mist Trail to witness the power of Yosemite Falls and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tuolumne Meadows. Yosemite will leave you awe-struck at every turn and provide memories that will last a lifetime.

5. The Lost Coast: Wild and Untamed Beauty

For adventurous souls seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences, a road trip along the Lost Coast is an absolute must. This rugged and untamed stretch of coastline, located in Humboldt County, offers a glimpse into a world untouched by modern development. As you navigate the winding roads, prepare to be mesmerized by dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and pristine wilderness.

Explore the picturesque seaside towns of Shelter Cove or Ferndale, hike along the King Range National Conservation Area, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the region. The Lost Coast road trip is an adventure that will awaken your sense of exploration and leave you yearning for more.

6. Lake Tahoe: Alpine Majesty and Outdoor Thrills

Prepare to be enchanted by the crystal-clear waters and majestic mountains of South Lake Tahoe , a destination that perfectly combines natural beauty with outdoor recreation. A road trip around Lake Tahoe allows you to experience the best of both worlds as you drive along the scenic shoreline, stopping to bask in the sun on sandy beaches or indulge in thrilling water sports.

Explore the hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake, go skiing or snowboarding in the winter months, or try your luck at the lively casinos on the Nevada side. Lake Tahoe is a year-round playground that promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best time of year to embark on a Northern California road trip?

The beauty of Northern California is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, the summer months (June to August) are generally the most popular due to the pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them great options for a more tranquil experience. Winter can be ideal for those seeking a snowy getaway, especially in regions like Lake Tahoe or Yosemite.

Q2: Do I need a specific type of vehicle for a road trip in Northern California?

While many roads in Northern California are well-maintained and accessible with any standard vehicle, certain destinations like the Lost Coast or remote mountain areas may require a more rugged vehicle or 4×4. It’s always a good idea to check road conditions and plan accordingly.

Q3: How long should I plan for a Northern California road trip?

The duration of your road trip will depend on the specific itinerary and destinations you wish to cover. For a comprehensive experience, we recommend allowing at least 1-2 weeks to explore the major highlights. However, if you have limited time, it’s still possible to embark on shorter trips focusing on specific regions or attractions.

Q4: Are there camping or accommodation options along the road trip routes?

Yes, Northern California offers a wide range of accommodation options, including campgrounds, RV parks, hotels, and vacation rentals. It’s advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Q5: Are there any tolls or entry fees for the national parks or scenic routes?

Yes, some national parks and scenic routes may require entrance fees or tolls. Be sure to check the respective websites or visitor centers for up-to-date information on fees and passes.

Q6: What should I pack for a Northern California road trip?

It’s essential to pack clothing suitable for a range of weather conditions, as temperatures can vary. Layers are key, as mornings and evenings can be chilly even during the summer. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for hiking , sunscreen , bug spray , and a reusable water bottle .

Sample Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary that covers some of the top destinations along the coast:

Day 1: San Francisco

Start your trip in San Francisco, a city known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and delicious food. Spend some time exploring the Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies, and the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also visit Alcatraz Island or take a cable car ride for a unique perspective of the city.

Day 2: Point Reyes National Seashore

Drive up the coast to Point Reyes National Seashore, a scenic area that offers stunning ocean views, beaches, and hiking trails. Don’t miss the Point Reyes Lighthouse, the Tule Elk Reserve, and the Chimney Rock Trail. You can also sample local oysters at the nearby town of Point Reyes Station.

Day 3: Mendocino

Continue north to Mendocino, a charming coastal town that’s known for its Victorian architecture, art galleries, and wineries. Take a walk along the Mendocino Headlands State Park, visit the Point Cabrillo Light Station, and enjoy the local seafood. If you have time, you can also explore the nearby Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens or the Russian Gulch State Park.

Day 4: Avenue of the Giants

Head inland to the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic drive that takes you through the world-famous redwood forests. You can stop at various points to take a hike or a picnic, and marvel at the majestic trees. The Avenue of the Giants is part of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which also offers camping, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Day 5: Trinidad and Redwood National Park

Drive further north to the quaint town of Trinidad, which boasts stunning ocean views, a picturesque harbor, and a beach. From there, you can explore the Redwood National Park, which is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet. You can take a guided tour, go on a hike, or enjoy a scenic drive through the park.

Day 6: Crescent City and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Head to Crescent City, a small coastal town that’s famous for its lighthouse, beaches, and harbor. From there, you can visit the nearby Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, which offers breathtaking ocean views, secluded beaches, and hiking trails. Don’t miss the Damnation Creek Trail, which takes you through old-growth redwoods to a stunning waterfall.

Day 7: Fort Bragg

End your trip in Fort Bragg, a charming coastal town that’s known for its glass beaches, art galleries, and historic sites. You can take a walk along the Skunk Train, explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, or relax on the beach. If you’re a seafood lover, make sure to try some of the local Dungeness crab or fish and chips.

The post A Guide to Northern California Road Trips appeared first on This Bliss Life .

14 Underrated Destinations In Northern California

Northern California is known for its iconic destinations like San Francisco and Yosemite . Still, the region is also home to some lesser-known destinations that offer serene escapes from the crowds. Whether visitors seek outdoor adventure, charming small towns, or peaceful retreats, these underrated spots blend natural beauty, relaxation, and tranquility perfectly. Explore the historic Gold Rush town of Weaverville in the Trinity Alps, enjoy the laid-back wine scene in the Russian River Valley, or find solace near the cascading waters of Burney Falls. From the quiet shores of South Lake Tahoe to the majestic sequoias in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, head to Northern California as the 2024 summer slowly welcomes fall for an unforgettable experience.

Visitors looking for a quieter, more laid-back casino and resort experience than those in Las Vegas should look at The Feather Falls Casino + Lodge + Brewery in Oroville, California . This modern lodge has comfortable accommodations with luxury amenities like an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, spa services, and easy access to the casino, restaurants, and regular live entertainment. Steps away from the casino and lodge is the Feather Falls Brewing Company - Oroville’s only microbrewery - where visitors can enjoy one of their award-winning craft beers, like a pint of Soaring Eagle or Dancing Trees, after a fun day playing one of the 300 onsite slot machines.

Head outside into the fresh air with a visit to California’s second-largest reservoir, Lake Oroville , then head over to see the Oroville Dam —once called the ninth wonder of the world. Today, at 770 feet, the dam is the tallest in the United States, beating the Hoover Dam by 40 feet.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

The McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, located in Northern California's Shasta County, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and offers a variety of outdoorsy pursuits. The jewel in this park is Burney Falls , a stunning 129-foot waterfall called one of the most beautiful in the world. The falls flow year-round, fed by underground springs. Visitors can view the falls from the overlook or hike on any of the scenic trails, including the 1.3-mile Burney Falls Loop Trail, which provides different perspectives of the falls and passes through lush forest. Part of the Pacific Crest Trail is also in the park, so if visitors have the legs for it, pick up the trail at one of the trailheads for a more challenging hike.

Stay overnight in the Burney Falls Cabins, 24 insulated cabins in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which offer a peaceful night’s sleep near the falls. The cabins have bunks, a covered porch, a front door that locks, and room outside for a tent and campfire. Cabins have propane heat. Bathrooms and showers are nearby.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

In the Sierra Nevada mountains, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is home to giant sequoias, offering a less crowded alternative to Yosemite. To see the majestic trees up close, the 1.5-mile North Grove Trail is a popular loop with markers identifying the most spectacular trees, such as the Three Graces of Greek mythology, The Pioneer Cabin Tree, The Abraham Lincoln tree, The Father of the Forest, and the Granite State Tree. In contrast, the South Grove Trail features fewer crowds, but visitors can see the largest redwoods in the park on this 3.5- to 5-mile trail, depending on the route, including the biggest tree in the park, the Agassiz Tree.

Visitors who don’t want to miss an opportunity to sleep under the sequoias can reserve a campsite in one of two campgrounds in the park. The campsites have a picnic table, fire ring, and bear lockers, as the park has a thriving population of wildlife living in the park, including black bears.

The small town of Chester is the perfect destination for adventure travelers who want to spend time in nature, unplug, and recharge. A quaint town near Lassen Volcanic National Park , Chester sits on the northern shore of Lake Almanor and is the perfect base for exploring the area's natural beauty. Lake Almanor has 53 miles of shoreline and is ideal for water sports like boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking, with spectacular views of Lassen Peak . Stop at the Mount Lassen Club, a historic dive bar built in 1911, before spending the night at the Lake Almanor Lodge, a dog-friendly, rustic lodge with full kitchens, or its sister hotel, the Timber House.

After a day at the lake, spend the next day exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park, known for its geothermal features, including boiling springs, mud pots, and hissing steam vents. Make time for the easy hike to Bumpass Hell to see Big Boiler, the largest “fumarole” (a fumarole is a vent or opening in the Earth's surface) in the park, with a temperature of 322 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the hottest in the world.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a popular year-round destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering stunning lake views, outdoor activities, and a lively entertainment scene. To take a break from the crowds, consider a getaway in a quieter area like Camp Richardson Resort, which provides a more relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains year-round. Choose from a room in the historic hotel, built in 1926, a cozy cabin, or the beachside inn, or pitch a tent and sleep under the stars.

Enjoy all the resort offers, from kayak, stand-up paddleboard, bike rentals to a marina, access to several beaches, and The Grove Restaurant—casual indoor and outdoor dining with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe . Pick up supplies at Richardson’s General Store and stop in for ice cream at the Camp Richardson Ice Cream Parlor.

Russian River Valley

Fifty-five miles north of San Francisco lies the Russian River Valley, renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir. A more laid-back wine region than Napa , the Russian River Valley is celebrated for its wineries and vineyards and is perfect for wine tasting and river tours. Visitors to the area have numerous notable wineries to choose from, such as Rodney Strong Vineyards, Dutton Goldfield Winery, and Iron Horse Vineyards—home of the famous “Wedding Cuvée” bubbly. At the Rodney Strong Vineyard, enjoy intimate dinners with winemakers, educational workshops, and a summer concert series on Concert Green. Stop by to sample excellent wines and enjoy beautiful vineyard views.

After a day in Wine Country, spend a night or two at the Stavrand, a luxury retreat nestled in the Russian River Valley. A bed & breakfast boutique hotel and resort just 2.5 miles north of the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, guests can hike amongst 1,400 year-old-trees or book a self-guided SUP river trip on the slow-moving Russian River before heading back to the resort for a soak in the hot tub.

Weaverville

A historic Gold Rush town in the heart of the stunning Trinity Alps with charming inns close to scenic trails, rivers, and mountain landscapes, Weaverville has a rich history and plenty of small-town charm. Stroll through the historic downtown, which is centered on four blocks on Main Street and is on the National Register of Historic Places. With over 35 marked old buildings to explore, visitors will find well-preserved 19th-century buildings, antique shops, art galleries, and local cafés.

Visit the Weaverville Joss House, a Taoist temple built in 1874, which is now a state park - the Weaverville Joss House Historic Park - and is California's oldest continuously used Chinese temple. The park offers guided tours and exhibits about the Chinese immigrants who settled in the area during the Gold Rush. To learn more about the history of Trinity County, visit the nearby Jake Jackson Museum. Within walking distance of the park and museum is the historic 1861 Weaverville Hotel, where guests can enjoy old-world charm with modern comfort.

Shasta Lake

Less crowded than Lake Tahoe, Shasta Lake is a 30,000-acre crystal-blue reservoir, the largest in California. It is the ideal destination for boating, fishing, and houseboat rentals, where visitors can rent their own floating hotel on water and spend a few days indulging in water sports, like water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, tubing, or simply floating away on an air mattress. Fish for crappie, catfish, or bass, watch for bald eagles and osprey overhead, all against the backdrop of Mt. Shasta’s snow-capped 14,180-foot peak.

Sites around the lake include the Shasta Dam , where free daily tours are offered of the 602-foot concrete dam—one of the largest dams in the United States . Lake Shasta Caverns is one of three known limestone caverns in the county, and it originated over 250 million years ago. Two-hour guided tours are available, and they include a catamaran ride across Lake Shasta, followed by a scenic bus trip up the mountains to the caverns. Notable features of the tour include the Cathedral Room, one of the largest chambers, the Crystal Room, whose walls sparkle with mineral deposits, and the Spiral Staircase, which provides a deeper descent into the caverns.

Plumas National Forest

Plumas National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. A large national forest with 1,146,000 acres of mountain lands with high-elevation lakes, deep river canyons, and miles of rural backroads and scenic trails for hiking and cycling. It’s the perfect spot for getting away from it all and enjoying time with family and friends. So consider going off the grid and glamp overnight at Wild Plumas—a 50-acre private glamping campground at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Campsites include safari-style canvas tents, cozy beds, hot outdoor showers, propane firepits, and activities for the kids, like zip lines, treehouses, kayaks, and free loaner bikes. Swim in one of the onsite swimming holes in Wolf Creek, or spend a day with a book lounging on Sandbar Beach. Located within a half-hour drive of Wild Plumas is the Genesee Store, a farm-to-table eaterie with a used bookstore on the premises, the Quintopia Brewing Company, and the Drunk Brush Wine Bar, an upscale wine bar with live music.

If travelers are looking for a quiet coastal escape with stunning views, seafood, and outdoor activities, then head for the small picturesque fishing village of Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay is famous for its fresh seafood, so start the weekend off right with a visit to popular local restaurants like Spud Point Crab, where the crab comes straight from the boat to the table, or the Tides Wharf & Restaurant—made famous in the 1960s as the backdrop for scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, “The Birds.”

After lunch, drive to the top of Bodega Head bluffs for spectacular views, then enjoy an easy hike on the Bodega Head Trail, watching for gray and humpback whales and sometimes orcas at the Horseshoe Cove Overlook. Get out on the water by renting a kayak at Bodega Bay Kayak or a surfboard at Bodega Bay Surf Shack. Stay overnight at the Bodega Harbor Inn, a dog- and budget-friendly inn near the harbor.

McCloud Falls

McCloud Falls is near Mount Shasta , with cozy lodges and easy access to the stunning McCloud Falls , hiking trails, and the Sacramento River . McCloud Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls popular for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying three picturesque waterfalls, each offering unique views and photo opportunities. The lower falls feature a wide, cascading drop, while the middle falls create a scenic plunge pool. The upper falls are known for their dramatic drop and surrounding rock formations.

The 4-mile round trip McCloud River Trail passes by the waterfalls as it makes its way through a canyon of basalt lava rock. The trails that lead to each of the falls are well-maintained, with scenic viewpoints and opportunities for photography and nature observation along the path. Stay at the cozy McCloud River Bed & Breakfast, where guests wake up to freshly brewed coffee and a 2-3 course homemade breakfast, making it an ideal spot for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

Trinity Alps Wilderness

The Trinity Alps Wilderness is a remote and beautiful destination known for its rugged mountains, ideal for hiking and backpacking in a remote and stunning mountain range. The area contains 550 miles of maintained trails. Numerous loop hikes are available, requiring three to five days to complete. While many mapped trails are available online, the Canyon Creek Lakes Trail is a good 18.5-mile round-trip with a 3,051-foot elevation gain. The hike is an excellent 2 to 3-day adventure, depending on how much time visitors want to spend exploring the Trinity Alps.

Start at the Canyon Creek Trailhead and follow the well-marked trail, which is a gradual uphill hike. There are numerous backcountry camping options along the which makes it easy for hikers to pace themselves. The trail follows the creek for most of the way up, so many hikers opt to camp at the creek and day hike up to the lakes. Regardless of which trail visitors choose, the panoramic views of the Trinity Alps and the surrounding wilderness make this underrated destination a memorable trip.

Gold Country

California's Gold Country, also known as the Mother Lode, is a historic region rich in Gold Rush history and natural beauty. Explore small towns like Grass Valley, home of the Empire Mine State Historic Park—the site of one of the state's deepest, oldest, and richest gold mines. For more than 100 years, the Empire Mine extracted 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956. Visit the park to see the mine’s buildings and the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts.

Stay at the dog-friendly art hotel Grass Valley Courtyard Suites, one block from historic downtown Grass Valley. Explore downtown Grass Valley’s tasting room, representing local wineries and breweries, including Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery, New West Wine Co., Cork 49, and the Grass Valley Brewing Company.

Murphys is a small town in the Sierra foothills, surrounded by wineries, caverns, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Stay at The Murphys Historic Hotel, which has been in operation since 1856 and is the perfect spot for exploring historic downtown Murphys, Yosemite National Park, and Moaning and Mercer Caverns, where skeletal remains of the Mi-Wuk tribe of Native Americans who lived in the area 2000 years previous were discovered. Moaning Caverns, first found in the 1840s and 1850s, is now the Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, where visitors can enjoy 45-minute cave tours like the Spiral Tour, a descent into the largest single cave chamber in California via a ten-story spiral staircase.

Nearby wineries include the unique and quirky Twisted Oak Winery, whose tasting room is family-friendly, dog-friendly, dragon-friendly, and wine-lover-friendly. Nearby Ironstone Vineyards and Ironstone Amphitheatre is a winery and top music venue in Calaveras County.

From historic Gold Rush towns like Weaverville to the tranquil shores of Lake Almanor near Chester, these underrated spots provide a blend of natural beauty and relaxation. Explore the serene trails and majestic waterfalls of Burney Falls, enjoy the laid-back wine scene in the Russian River Valley, or find peace among the towering sequoias in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Whether visitors seek outdoor adventures, charming small towns, or peaceful retreats, Northern California's lesser-known destinations offer unforgettable experiences away from the crowds.

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