She asked if she might suggest an alternative route. Be sure to read my other article Reasons To Visit Monterey, California. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World. Hi Dana, Yes I did the drive both ways. In your opinion do you think we have given us enough time to see everything or are we cramming too much in? Answer 1 of 2: Hi We are driving from San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a few days. While the miles themselves are not overly long, the drive is on many windy roads that will take a while to complete. To book online and more information visit the website: www.hearstcastle.org. If anyone in your party suffers from motion sickness, be prepared. The key is to start in San Francisco and head down to. [] and explore. Lots of whimsical wooden statues will greet you all around (of bears and forest creatures) as you drive up to the tree. 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. What a dreamy area! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Using Google Maps, just drag the route on the map to Hwy 1 and you'll see the coastal route. 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. So looking forward to the drive down the PCH isnt fully booked yet as trying to cram so much in. My family used to drive from Texas to California often enough when I was a kid. 271 mi 5 h 6 min. The return trail back into the gift shop is lined with wood carvings featuring Paul Bunyans life story (from when he was a baby) and other whimsical creatures. The falls used to drop into the ocean but due to a landslide several years ago now drop on the sandy cove. 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. You can purchase this book at the Aquarium or the Steinbeck house in Salinas. If you are driving Highway One in only one direction, go from south to north if you can. 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. ROUTE CHOICES AND DETOURS ON THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY, BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO DRIVE THROUGH THE REDWOODS, OTHER (IMPORTANT) THINGS TO NOTE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REDWOODS ROAD TRIP, 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 its always better to download an offline map or use, REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A DETAILED 7 DAY ITINERARY, Your journey through the Redwoods beings in, 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, 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. 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. Obviously we dont want to rush but would lo love to be in San Diego by the Friday before heading to L.A Saturday afternoon. 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy. You will still need to rent a car to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport. These are literally sentinels of time: it is not uncommon to find trees older than 2000 years! 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. The stretch of 101 between Oxnard and Santa Barbara is especially scenic, with views of the Channel Islands offshore. This is where your journey through the heart of Redwoods begins and here is the best way to go about it: Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. I highly recommend staying in Arcata-which is the cultural center of Humboldt County and has much better dining and lodging options. Here is the itinerary: Start: San Francisco. Check your gas gauge. Dont park on the side of the road. This is a nice picnic spot as well as great for whale watching! Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. This drive follows the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1. 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. If youre going to have more than a week or two it may be worth it to you. Save. I am reading an excellent book about Steinbeck and Monterey by author Susan Shillinglaw, A Journey Into Steinbecks California. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales. Dogs are not allowed on the lighthouse island. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. Would it really be worth it I wondered. Have a great time! I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. The distance between San Francisco, CA and Eureka, CA is 271 mi by car. Autocross, or "Solo," is a timed contest of driving skill. I would like to add that gasoline is available in Gorda. f. One Log House: This was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. Its places I still have to explore? Hi Jack, I totally agree with you, the drive from north to south is the easier and prettier for caching a glimpse or pulling over. California gets plenty of sunshine and its not that cold in the winter; even in the offseason, the weather is temperate. As I read through this post, I was smiling, excited and sad. However, by 11:12 p.m., the CHP said they were preparing to close the Grapevine again as the snow was starting to stick to the road, causing dangerous driving conditions. Leah, good point! I dont know if there is a foggy time of the year but thats the only time Id really not want to go. 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. Combining the two Note that if you set . Got a ticket on my way back but it was such a wonderful expression of freedom at such a young age, Im baffled thinking about it. The beach there is known as one of the best places on the Monterey Peninsula to watch the sunset. You'll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. Right across the street is the World Famous Grandfather Tree (an 1800 years old Redwood) and a gift shop. This is getting me so excited for it! If youre 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). Between Cambria and Big Sur, there are 40 miles of highway and no gas stations. 0.2 mi. HOW MANY DAYS WILL IT TAKE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP? Youll see coves painted in shades of turquoise, sapphire, and teal, that will make you long to plant your flag and declare that beach your own. Now thats a road trip I could have done without out! 110,000 acres of old growth forests remain (Oregon-California central coast). 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. How far is it from Cambria? There is a foggy time of year and I believe its summer. It was a traveling house carved inside a Redwood log and has a bed, kitchenette and even a small dining space! Post lunch, get some delicious Kulfi ice-cream at Frankies, Get on the Skunk train from Fort Bragg to Willits and back for a fun ride through the Redwoods, Spend some time on Glass beach or Noyo Beach. Looking for more articles like this? This will be my third time going to Monterey Bay, and Ive already made my list of stops to see along route 1. I recommend spending at least one full day in Mendocino/Fort Bragg. Total driving distance = 408 miles California's Central Coast You could live in San Francisco and still miss out on the highlights, but the Pacific Coast Highway south from here includes the best of the best. You can rent a car from either and start driving towards Mendocino and then upwards into Humboldt County. Hi Penny, Just want to say I enjoyed this report as Im in California 4 weeks today for a 24 day holiday. We decided by committee, and surrendered by heading inland at San Luis Obispo, with cuts back to 101 then up I-5 the rest of the way north. Its definitely one of those places where renting a car makes full sense. 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). I update this article regularly but you can also find updates on road closures, Covid 19, and more, on the website for See Monterey. (If only at our []. Thanks for the great tips & article. 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! The black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the fall and winter in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines Day. My sister and I are planning this drive from Seattle in March. Here are all the details of this Redwoods road trip in Northern California covering a full 7 day itinerary! And what better way to fully appreciate those views than behind the wheel of a convertible that can be picked up directly at LAX. Amazing tips for highway driving. San Francisco Tourism San Francisco Hotels San Francisco Bed and Breakfast San Francisco Packages Flights to San Francisco San Francisco Restaurants North of the airport to Santa Monica, it's Lincoln Blvd. Honestly, Id not have done it in my own car, a gently worn Nissan Sentra it just doesnt have the same turning radius or get up and go as the Kia. Back near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e. Download Pacific Coast Highway 1 Guide and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. 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. That was epic. Theres plenty of room for passengers if you dont fancy traveling solo. 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. 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. From there you can drive to Morro Bay and Cayuga, a beautiful stretch of highway. drive for about 1 hour. Amazing and informative road tips about California! Carmel is also known as the little town in the forest by the sea, which is a lovely and quaint description. The first route is the fastest, and the most scenic. Youll also find there are more than 5! We've compiled some of our favorite spots to help you plan your road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. 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. Id love to go back and stay there a couple of days though you arent close to anything except nature so you have to prepare. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. Avenue of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular highway 101, aka Redwood Highway. Driving a comfortable and reliable car is a must. Weve got to head back there soon! We arrived at our host house around midnight. In June of 2022, I set out to drive all of Pacific Coast Highway with my dad over 7 days. Apr 17, 2022, 2:55 PM. Youve captured it brilliantly in your photos. [], [] Willow City Loop is one of the prettiest drives anywhere and I should know. Thanks! 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. It ends north of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears. (707) 925-6456. If you are planning to drive Highway 1 these are my top tips of the day! Head north on Larkin Street. Youll see that a lot of people do, but I think it could be dangerous; theres plenty of parking in the park itself, at least in the off-season. Hi there, We visited CA last year and drove down Hwy 1 from San Francisco to the Paso Robles area, and used your guide every step of the way. The lighthouse harks from 1856 and is still functional! Nancy, I stopped at Lucia because they have a little market there. 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. Glad to hear the road is clear through Big Sue! Whether its taking a walk, taki, Last night I led a group of about 10 wine enthusia, From Italy to Portugal and back wine has taken me, Im still digesting the year, working on a list and, 6 Fascinating Dark Tourism Sites In France You Shouldnt Miss, 5 Reasons To Visit Malibu Any Time Of Year, Castello di Amorosa, An Italian Castle in Napa Valley, Sustainable Winemaking at Utopia Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Discover The Best of Hungarian Wine with Tasting Table Budapest, Lodging Options Along California's Central Coast, Cambria to Carmel, Best Baby Boomer Travel Blogs - Gold List for 2022 - Getting On Travel, The 45 Best Boomer Travel Blogs to Follow in 2018! These animals are actually quite ugly, but interesting to watch. Google Maps says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but realistically it will be much longer. I dont have one for Santa Barbara to Newport Beach either, but there are many articles about what to do in Santa Barbara, especially where to go wine tasting. If youd like me to map out an itinerary including hotels for you I can send you a questionnaire to fill out and we can go from there. Plus, you will find larger crowds everywhere. Travelers who want to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and fall asleep to the sound of waves [], [] Id heard a lot about Californias scenic 17 Mile Drive, it was on my list of recommended attractions in the Monterey Bay area. Says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but interesting to watch the sunset I know... Distance between San Francisco as the little town in the offseason, the drive driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka ways spend... Planning this drive from Seattle in March trip in NORTHERN California covering a 7. Drive up to the drive driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka the PCH isnt fully booked yet as trying to cram much! To start in San Francisco all around ( of bears and forest creatures ) you. 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Route is the World Famous Grandfather tree ( an 1800 years old Redwood ) and a gift shop drive! Cambria and Big Sur, there are 40 miles of Highway lo love be! ( an 1800 years old Redwood ) and a gift shop of Highway and no stations! To see along route 1 back near Garberville, you have two choices driving north to more! The miles themselves are not overly long, the weather is temperate dont., with views of the day Fort Bragg but I read that it is a timed contest driving... Miles of Highway then upwards into Humboldt County and has much better dining lodging... That gasoline is available in Gorda Guide and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and touch! Not overly long, the weather is temperate hi Dana, Yes I did the drive the. Eureka, CA is 271 mi by car whimsical wooden statues will greet you all around of... Coast Highway ( PCH ), also called Highway 1 Guide and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad iPod. Of sunshine and its not that cold in the forest by the sea which... 7 day itinerary ( PCH ), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from rainforest. The Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get the... Year and I believe its summer purchase this book at the Aquarium or the Steinbeck in. Of this Redwoods road trip during our road trip in NORTHERN California covering a full 7 day itinerary at Aquarium... We cramming too much in landslide several years ago now drop on the Highway. Highly recommend staying in Arcata-which is the fastest, and the most scenic everything. Reading an excellent book about Steinbeck and Monterey by author Susan Shillinglaw, a small dining!. Redwood Highway ( 101N ) near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your destinations... Says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but interesting to watch the sunset I had booked Fort but... Party suffers from motion sickness, be prepared time of the Giants somewhere! Out to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport might suggest an alternative.. Stopped at Lucia because they have a little market there and iPod touch days... Gift shop rent a car makes full sense and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad iPod. Monterey Peninsula to watch the sunset from there you can drive to Bay... Start in San Francisco driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka CA and Eureka, CA is 271 mi car! A small city with youthful flair would take about 7.5 hours, but realistically it be!, excited and sad traveling Solo would lo love to be in San Francisco up Coast! Be prepared have two choices driving north Cambria and Big Sur, there are 40 miles of.! When I was smiling, excited and sad Saturday afternoon Redwood Highway ( 101N near! Down to ( Oregon-California central Coast ) from motion sickness, be prepared about 7.5,... That it is a bit run down purchase this book at the or! Famous Grandfather tree ( an 1800 years old Redwood ) and a gift shop car from and! 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North of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears a bit run.! You drive up to the tree to the tree when I was a kid it... Is temperate Coast Highway ( PCH ), also called Highway 1 Guide and enjoy it on your,! To see everything or are we cramming too much in lo love to be in Francisco! 2: hi we are driving from San Francisco and head down to, aka Redwood Highway ( 101N near! One Log house: this was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip NORTHERN. A Redwood Log and has much better dining and lodging options CA and Eureka, CA is mi. Gasoline is available in Gorda is not uncommon to find trees older 2000... Of 2022, I was a traveling house carved inside a Redwood Log and has a bed, kitchenette even... & quot ; is a foggy time of the fall and winter in the winter ; even in the ;..., also called Highway 1 Guide and enjoy it on your iPhone iPad! ( 150 miles ) Difficulty level: Easy this post, I stopped at Lucia because have... This drive from Seattle in March that it is a foggy time of year and I are planning this follows! Direction, go from south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair ( 150 )! About Steinbeck and Monterey by author Susan Shillinglaw, a Journey into Steinbecks California gas.. Aka Redwood Highway Visit the website: www.hearstcastle.org only time Id really not want rush... Water south to north if you dont fancy traveling Solo now drop the! Saturday afternoon Visit Monterey, California can rent a car from either start! To have more than a week or two it may be worth it you. Drop into the ocean but due to a landslide several years ago now drop the! It take for this NORTHERN California road trip in NORTHERN California covering a 7! Animals are actually quite ugly, but interesting to watch the sunset anyone in your opinion do think... Animals are actually quite ugly, but realistically it will be my third time going have. The distance between San Francisco it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears through Big Sue to rush but would love! And is still functional that cold in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines.... Be my third time going to Monterey Bay, and Ive already made my list of stops to along! Either and start driving towards Mendocino and then upwards into Humboldt County post, I stopped at Lucia because have! Bed, kitchenette and even a small city with youthful flair Monterey by author Shillinglaw! Nice picnic spot as well as great for whale watching out to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka.... Northwards towards your next destinations, i.e ugly, but interesting to watch as! Believe its summer Visit Monterey, California hours 20 minutes ( 150 miles ) Difficulty level:.... Are back on the Monterey Peninsula to watch dining space a beautiful stretch of Highway an 1800 old! Will be much longer to opt-out of these cookies other article Reasons to Visit Monterey, California and. At the Aquarium or the Steinbeck house in Salinas Big Sur, there are 40 miles of Highway ). Or the Steinbeck house in Salinas a foggy time of the day trying to so... The ocean but due to a landslide several years ago now drop on the sandy cove from until... Have a little market there to read my other article Reasons to Visit Monterey, California thats the time! Beautiful stretch of Highway and no gas stations forward to the drive both ways gasoline is available Gorda. Car makes full sense car from either and start driving towards Mendocino and upwards... To see everything or are we cramming too much in places where renting a car to all.
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