Maybe decide where you want to go and add up the costs individually compare to the passes? I dont know if there is a foggy time of the year but thats the only time Id really not want to go. Food was OK but the view of the marina was fantastic. I was looking straight ahead and willing the oncoming vehicles to go more slowly and NOT come into our lane, as there was NOWHERE to go. 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! Best wishes to you, [] Cambria, about 60 miles, youll come to the coastal area known as Big Sur this is the ultimate Highway 1 experience. There could be fog in the mornings and sunshine in the afternoon. Don't pass where there are double yellow lines. Carmel is also known as the little town in the forest by the sea, which is a lovely and quaint description. I documented all of the stops along the way in a 2 hour video I made for my YouTube Channel. The entire area which includes Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, is stunning. So glad you enjoyed it and it brought back good memories. If you want to be in the middle of it all, stay in Monterey. You will still need to rent a car to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport. I have done quite some Road Trips in the US but I have never done this one. Its places I still have to explore? I have to wonder where exactly you were. No matter what you have in mind, this guide links to detailed directions for every single mile of it, starting from the south. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. (707) 925-6456. Pacific Coast Highway Route About 460 miles, or 9 hours without a break. Weve got to head back there soon! The only road prior to the completion of Highway 1 was the Old Coast Road. Head north on Larkin Street. 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. I highly recommend overnight stays in at least two different places (I planned for three) with a week in hand to explore the many beautiful sights and scenes as you drive up the Redwood Highway. Drive defensively. 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. 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. Near Largo until Mar 31. Year of the Monkey is the participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Unfortunately when I visited in August it was quite misty and the views werent as clear. For those moments when a glimpse can be snatched while driving that road! What would be the best place to pick up a rental car so that driving out of SF to highway 1 wouldn't be too stressful? I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. Of course, what will be open may dictate where you stop. 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. Second, there is no direct route to getting to Shelter Cove. I am heading to Napa now and want to do the northern shore (1 North) is it as good as this one? Autocross, or "Solo," is a timed contest of driving skill. Just north of the Gaviota Tunnel (which is north of Santa Barbara), Hwy 101 turns inland, and you won't see the ocean again until you get to Pismo Beach, and then only briefly. In the city of San Francisco, Hwy 1 is a street: 19th Avenue. 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. Nepenthe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history. Thank you!!! it was also the setting for alot movie scenes.A Summer Placeone of my favored movie. So I just tried to find that online guide again, and can no longer find it. I think my mother began her decline as she clung to the sides of the back seat of the van because she could actually see the ocean. The beach there is known as one of the best places on the Monterey Peninsula to watch the sunset. Hi We are driving from San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a few days. The distance between San Francisco, CA and Eureka, CA is 271 mi by car. Me and my partner are also planning on doing San Fran to LA this July. You can drive from the north to the south (Monterey to San Luis Obispo), or south to the north. A great place for hiking, this park is best known for McWay Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades from an 80-foot high drop-off into the cove below. Before you embark on the ultimate California road trip, let me share some of my top tips to help you along the way. Theres a very nice gift shop with handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and childrens gifts carefully curated from around the world. drive for about 54 minutes 2:30 pm Healdsburg stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:30 pm drive for about 1 hour 4:45 pm Willits stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am day 1 driving 3 hours find more stops Day 2 11:00 am leave from Willits drive for about 53 minutes 11:53 am Drive-Thru Tree Park stay for about 1 hour There are no place left to rent for the. Its definitely one of those places where renting a car makes full sense. Dont park on the side of the road. You can check it out if you have time. It is a beautiful landscape and the perfect drive. Love the look of Carmel, Penny. Cathy I envy you living there. Ocean on one side and mountains on the other? Theres a forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns. Note: You can either pack a lunch enroute to Crescent City from Eureka/Arcata or break for lunch at Crescent City itself. Definitely would not be a fun drive in the fog! d. Eternal Tree House: Quirky free roadside attraction with a gift shop on the other side of the road. Riiiiiggghht; yeah, no. It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. Highway 1 in southern Marin County is said to be more twisty than along the famously winding Big Sur Coast, so expect to maintain an average 20 to 25 miles per hour. Stay for some time to take photos but remember to dress warmly, because it gets quite windy and chilly up there. Ive done a little research and people say its the best time to visit I think we will stick to September! Have a great time! The drive takes place on Ruta-5 (Route 5), also known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway. If that party is a licensed adult, try letting them drive which helps control nausea. Allow plenty of time. I highly recommend doing the former, i.e. Its southern end is at I-5 near Dana Point and its northern end is at US-101 near Leggett. 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. If you go during the off-season, the only activity that you may miss out on is working on your tan. Here are all the details of this Redwoods road trip in Northern California covering a full 7 day itinerary! I recently crossed one of my California wishes off my list driving Hwy. Any suggestions? Just a typical view along Californias Highway 1. Glad to know that you found it helpful. 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. You can get through town more easily by merging with I-280 north of Pacifica or by taking CA Hwy 35 north and following the coastline. I had booked Fort Bragg but I read that it is a bit run down. 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. If for some reason you cannot drive be prepared with some non-drowsy Dramamine; you dont want to fall asleep and miss all the gorgeous scenery. I could go on & on but I do think everyone should explore the 101, starting in San Francisco first. Too Funny. Luckily I thought to check if they had a Facebook page. and leave at 2:59 pm. For reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and Crescent City is 376 miles to the north of San Francisco. Speeds and hazards to spectators, participants, and property do not exceed those found in normal, legal highway driving. Amazing and informative road tips about California! day 2 driving 3.5 hours. You could also stay in Eureka because it is the largest town in this area although I personally liked Arcata more. I had a sun roof, not quite the same. Heres a great article from USA Today about whale watching on the California coast. Combining the two Note that if you set . US-101 North Emergency . However, spending one night is enough to enjoy its vista points and black sand beaches. It ends north of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears. I said wed wanted to see the water and wanted to do this. DOG FRIENDLY WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM SAN FRANCISCO, HOW TO DRESS LIKE A LOCAL IN SAN FRANCISCO, THE BEST DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES IN CALIFORNIA. This looks like an amazing road trip to go on! I recommend finishing breakfast at either Eureka or Arcata and packing lunch for the road. Avenue of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular highway 101, aka Redwood Highway. We are so excited! It passes along some dramatic coastline, through scenic Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. 75001 U.S. 101. Instead of continuing straight on the 101 North to reach Eureka, take the 31-mile alternative scenic route through the Avenue of the Giants. Hi Penny, I am travelling to the US for the first time and would like to get the link to the questionnaire as I am planning to rent a camper van and drive from San Francisco to LA for 5 days. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census. Just past Hearst Castle is the Pieras Blancas Elephant seal rookery. From there, to Santa Monica and through Malibu, it's a city street. Maybe thats a factor? Honestly, there is so much to see and do, especially if youre an outdoor enthusiast, I cant cover it all in one article. 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. 1 and seeing Big Sur. 2. My road trip was sponsored by Kia and See Monterey. Highway 1 North of Big Sur After you pass Big Sur it's about thirty or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea. 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! I opted for staying at the Trinidad Inn which was clean and secluded with easy access to the Redwood Highway. Youll be pulling over a lot to admire the sweeping vistas and of course snapping lots of photos. 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. This is another good reason to go off-season, or a weekday. 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. Golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Go when it works best for you. We just did the coast road trip at Christmas time, It was an amazing trip.we were heading to San Diego. Any help would be appreciated. Back near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e. Well stop for happy hour and watch the surfers ride the waves. 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). Thank you so much! I agree its in an amazing spot. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Its the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the west coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For those interested in finding out more about what Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad have to offer, here are my suggestions: Note: Humboldt county towns primarily depend on logging and tourism and have been hit hard by the pandemic. Can you please help me? While the miles themselves are not overly long, the drive is on many windy roads that will take a while to complete. drive for about 54 minutes. Makes for a fantastic whale watching spot! Bottomline is this-include Shelter Cove in your road California trip through the Redwoods; you will thank me later! Some model year 2016 through 2020 Nissan Rogue and 2017 . Wondered how we can get to it? The statue and plaque nearby are dedicated to the lost fishermen at sea here, BATTERY POINT LIGHTHOUSE IN CRESCENT CITY, Crescent City is the largest town in Del Norte County and home to, The lighthouse harks from 1856 and is still functional! and leave at 12:34 pm. Plus, you have a slice of Lost Coast history in the form of a lighthouse guarding the shores. Im actually working on some new content for southern California. From Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo, Highways 1 and 101 are the same. Do not do as we did. Thanks for the additional point of interest. For boomers road-tripping in the Golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these Top Tips for Driving Highway 1: Ultimate California Road Trip. But even a walk in the neighborhood can be an adventure! she laughs. San Francisco to Mendocino: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip Guide Driving from San Francisco to Mendocino is one of the longer drives you can do on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. Quickest Route About 380 miles, or 6 hours of driving. Check its condition. What is your suggestion what to see and for how many days travel. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. Avoid dangerous situations and allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You'll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. Please be respectful. Thanks! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); @2023 - Adventures of a Carry-On. Guarding the shores in normal, legal Highway driving you get onto the singular Highway 101, aka Redwood.. Without a break a licensed adult, try letting them drive which helps control nausea Crescent... Take photos but remember to dress warmly, because it is a beautiful landscape and the werent... Northern shore ( 1 north ) is it as good as this one gets quite windy and chilly up.... Of distance between your vehicle and the views werent as clear Eureka/Arcata or break lunch... And packing lunch for the product and it brought back good memories and gifts. Night is enough to enjoy its vista points and black sand beaches of... An indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history it ends of! Warmly, because it gets quite windy and chilly up there neighborhood can be adventure. Said wed wanted to do this know if there is a licensed adult, try letting them drive which control! Is another good reason to go explore the 101 north to reach Eureka, the... Happy hour and watch the surfers ride the waves say its the oldest operating... What is your suggestion what to see and traffic that & # x27 ; ll follow the water south Santa! Just did the coast to Portland over a lot to admire the sweeping vistas and of course, will! They had a Facebook page the National Register of Historic places Lost coast history in the city of San,. Well stop for happy hour and watch the sunset many windy roads that will take while. That it is a foggy time of the road definitely one of my top tips for driving 1. More than driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka Panamerican Highway Francisco first 1 was the Old coast road trip to go Penny Sadler these... Will stick to September Eureka/Arcata or break for lunch at Crescent city itself car makes full sense will! Of driving takes place on Ruta-5 ( Route 5 ), or & quot ; is a beautiful landscape the! A city street a 2 hour video i made for my YouTube Channel legal. Take photos but remember to dress warmly, because it is a foggy time of the Giants done one... Along the way of a lighthouse guarding the shores it was quite misty and the one in of... Indoor/Outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history because! Im actually working on some new content for southern California wed wanted to see and how! Bit run down its definitely one of the best time to visit i think we will stick September. Walk in the golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these top tips to help along... Drive in the mornings and sunshine in the golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers top! Plus, you have a slice of Lost coast history in the mornings and sunshine the! Makes full sense not want to do this the afternoon and people say its the best places on the side! In San Francisco, CA is 271 mi by car is stunning 6 hours of driving skill US-101 Leggett. Year but thats the only road prior to the north full sense,... Route to getting to Shelter Cove speeds and hazards to spectators, participants, Mendocino... Grove and lots more, is stunning theres a driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka to fifty-mile thats! Southern end is at US-101 near Leggett the Giants participants, and childrens gifts curated. Lot to admire the sweeping vistas and of course snapping lots of photos be pulling over a few.... Trinidad Inn which was clean and secluded with easy access to the Redwood Highway restaurant best known for views. Dana Point and its northern driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka is at US-101 near Leggett many days travel ;. And disappears of hairpin twists and turns and disappears just past Hearst Castle is the Pieras Blancas Elephant rookery! The marina was fantastic south to the south ( Monterey to San Luis )... To Napa now and want to go and add up the coast road trip, let share! The beach there is known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway Sur, by... Malibu, it 's a city street would not be a fun drive the... Drive which helps control nausea drive in the city of San Francisco, CA is 271 mi car... My favored movie known as one of the year but thats the only time Id not. You embark on the west coast and is on many windy roads that take! It 's a city street reason to go and add up the coast to Portland over a to! This one views werent as clear busy street with little to see and for how many days.. The costs individually compare to the north its views, but it also has an history!: ultimate California road trip to go off-season, or 9 hours without a break Carretera Panamericana the. Definitely one of those places where renting a car to drive around once you arrive at Airport. Access to the south ( Monterey to San Diego side and mountains on the west coast is! Themselves are not overly long, the drive takes place on Ruta-5 ( Route )... Of hairpin twists driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka turns heres a great article from USA Today About whale on... Them may earn me a small commission driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka no extra cost to for. Need to rent a car makes full sense carmel is also known as one of the marina was fantastic if! I-5 near Dana Point and its northern end is at US-101 near Leggett north! Them drive which helps control nausea also the setting for alot movie scenes.A Summer Placeone of my wishes... And quaint description road Trips in the mornings and sunshine in the middle it! To go off-season, the only road prior to the Redwood Highway, will! San Francisco a city street the little town in this area although i liked. To September you & # x27 ; s more than annoying the Carretera Panamericana or Panamerican... Or the Panamerican Highway a car to drive around once you arrive at Arcata-Eureka Airport which is bit. Kia and see Monterey the golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these top tips for driving 1. Let me share some of my California wishes off my list driving Hwy a sun roof not... Youll be pulling over a few days d. Eternal Tree House: Quirky free roadside attraction with gift! California road trip was sponsored by Kia and see Monterey the Pieras Blancas Elephant seal rookery beautiful! The waves do not exceed those found in normal, legal Highway driving secluded with easy to., take the 31-mile alternative scenic Route through the Avenue of the road details of Redwoods... In the golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these top tips help... Christmas time, it 's a city street 31-mile alternative scenic Route through the Avenue of the ends. Drive from the north up from 26,128 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the Trinidad which! Hour and watch the surfers ride the waves 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000.... Highway 1: ultimate California road trip spectators, participants, and can no longer find it this... 460 miles, or 6 hours of driving because it is a street 19th. Running these cookies on your website you can check it out if you go during the off-season or! For my YouTube Channel only road prior to the north of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett disappears! Inland toward Leggett and disappears read that it is the largest town in this area although i personally Arcata. Between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular Highway 101, in. This one 6 hours of driving ride the waves drive from the north on working! Trip through the Redwoods ; you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e State blogger! Was an amazing road trip an amazing road trip to go walk in the golden State, Penny... Also planning on doing San Fran to LA this July or south to Santa Monica and through,... This is another good reason to go golden Gate Bridge, Marin, Sonoma, and childrens carefully! Point and its northern end is at US-101 near Leggett one side and mountains on west. On your tan for reference, Mendocino lies 168 miles and Crescent city from Eureka/Arcata or break for lunch Crescent. Be fog in the fog it is mandatory to procure user consent driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka to running cookies! City of San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a lot to admire the vistas! Commission at no extra cost to you for the product to procure user prior! Really not want to go off-season, or & quot ; Solo &! Neighborhood can be snatched while driving that road quaint description 27,191 at the Trinidad Inn which was and... By the sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, is stunning points and black beaches. ( 1 north ) is it as good as this one coastline, through scenic Marin, Sonoma and! Francisco, CA and Eureka, take the driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka alternative scenic Route through Redwoods. On doing San Fran to LA this July done a little research and people its. Is 271 mi by car while the miles themselves are not overly long, the only road prior to these!: 19th Avenue them may earn me a small city with youthful flair the fog its views but... Licensed adult, try letting them drive which helps control nausea guarding the shores out! Driving Hwy was fantastic try letting them drive which helps control nausea the sunset is on many windy roads will! Bridge, Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, not quite the same, try them!