Itineraries: The Northern Coast
Hit the highlights of Northern California in one itinerary: scenic coastal drives, quaint windswept towns, wine tasting, culinary delights, and majestic redwood forests. This route can be done as part of a longer trip north towards the Oregon border, or as part of a loop back down to San Francisco.
Day 1: Marin County and Point Reyes National Seashore
(Without stops, Pt. Reyes National Seashore is about 1½ hours by car from San Francisco on Hwy 1. Pt. Reyes Lighthouse is 45 minutes by car from the visitor center.)
As you head out of San Francisco on the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to pull over at the scenic lookout on the north side and take in the spectacular views looking back at the city skyline. If you haven’t yet checked out the picturesque harbor community of Sausalito just north of the bridge, now is your chance. It will be hard not to linger, but there is much to see today. Bidding San Francisco farewell, you will quickly find yourself in the natural beauty of Marin County. Exit the 101 onto Highway 1 at the chic suburb Mill Valley, and head towards Muir Woods National Monument. Walking among the coastal redwoods, it is hard to imagine San Francisco lies just a few miles away. However, the proximity to the city means that Muir Woods is often crowded and parking can be difficult if you don’t arrive early.
From Muir Woods, continue on Highway 1 past the laid-back beach towns of Stinson Beach and Bolinas before continuing on to Point Reyes National Seashore. Spend the remainder of the day at the park tidepooling, kayaking, hiking one of the many trails, or exploring the Point Reyes Lighthouse. In the winter, be on the lookout for migrating gray whales.
The tiny town of Point Reyes Station offers a selection of shops and dining options, including Tomales Bay Foods, a provisions stop favored by foodies. Spend a quiet evening in town and overnight at one of the small inns nearby.
Day 2: Healdsburg
(Pt. Reyes Station to Healdsburg, via Jenner, is 2 hours by car.)
Continue north on Highway 1 past Bodega Bay, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. At Jenner, known for its resident harbor seals, turn on Route 116 and follow the Russian River inland taking time to stop at a winery or two along the way.
Ditch the car in Healdsburg and enjoy strolling through the appealing town square with its excellent selection of tasting rooms and boutiques. The town is home to many acclaimed restaurants and luxurious hotels and is an excellent place to stop for the night. The town’s compact layout and quality offerings make Healdsburg a favorite among wine country destinations.
Days 3 and 4: Anderson Valley and Mendocino
(Mendocino is 2 hours by car from Healdsburg. Budget plenty of time for stops in Anderson Valley to ensure the end of this scenic drive is done in the daylight.)
Driving north on the 101 from Healdsburg, pick up Highway 128 at Cloverdale and head into the Anderson Valley. This wine region is famous for its excellent Pinot Noir and Gewürtztraminer, and the laid-back atmosphere of its tasting rooms can be a refreshing alternative to those in Napa Valley. Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate and Husch Vineyards are all recommended. The small towns of Boonville and Philo have several high-quality dining options, and the latter is home to the Philo Apple Farm’s beloved farm stand.
Continuing on to the coast, Highway 128 follows the Navarro River through several miles of dense and breathtaking redwood forest ending at the ocean. From here you meet up again with Highway 1 as it winds its way along a spectacularly scenic portion of the coast.
With their excellent dining and lodging options, the towns of Mendocino and Little River, just to the south, are great choices for your overnight stay. Spend the next day and a half exploring the area. Opportunities for stunning coastal walks abound, including MacKerricher and Van Damme State Parks. Hike through the unique Pygmy Forest in Van Damme and visit the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Be sure to save some time to explore the town of Mendocino itself with its quaint New England–style architecture and selection of art galleries and boutiques.
Day 5: Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants
(Mendocino to Eureka via the Avenue of the Giants is 3 hours by car.)
Driving north on Highway 1, the road eventually curves inland and meets up with U.S. 101 near Leggett. Head north on the 101 to Garberville, a good place to take a break before heading on to the Redwoods.
For all the hype, a drive through The Avenue of the Giants will still take your breath away. Pick up a copy of the self-guided tour as you enter the 32-mile stretch of road running alongside some of the tallest trees on the planet. The drive weaves through portions of the larger Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take time to get out of the car and take a short hike through Founders Grove or Rockefeller Forest.
Continue on to Ferndale, a picturesque town of colorful Victorian buildings that is now largely a tourist destination. You can overnight here, or carry on to the regional city of Eureka for a wider variety of dining and accommodation.
From here, you can continue your way up the coast through the Redwood National Forest and on to the Oregon border. Alternatively, you can head south on the 101 and either return to San Francisco, or easily combine this itinerary with a trip to Napa Valley and the rest of Sonoma.
