The glass is from whats left of old Fort Bragg, which was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. San Francisco to Redwood National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip that youll want to repeat again and again. They are doing a forever road repair south of Crescent City, so expect one-way traffic controls. If youre visiting in April, check out the trail to Chimney Rock, which is festooned in brightly colored wildflowers in spring. From the southern entrance at Orick to the northern entrance at Crescent City, the parks are: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Required fields are marked *. Just outside Garberville is Richardson State Park, which features a beautiful old-growth redwood grove, a river where you can dip your feet, and a visitor center. This is where Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds was filmed, and you can visit many of the buildings featured in the movie, including The Tides Wharf Restaurant. There are three routes you can take from San Francisco to Redwood National Park: Highway 1 to Highway 101, Highway 101 only, or Interstate 5 to Highway 299. Jump on at Market Street and ride the trolley up and down the hills all the way to the end, then walk a couple of blocks to Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39 to see the sea lions. Next up is Garberville, a good place to stop and grab a bite to eat. You also wont want to miss the Golden Gate Bridge, San Franciscos iconic landmark connecting the city to Marin. Debris was dumped in the Pacific ocean and some of it was returned, worn smooth by the waves, to the beach. What to do: Explore downtown Mendocino, hike the Mendocino Headlands, check out Russian Gulch State Park, visit Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, see the Pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park, and see Glass Beach.Where to eat: Mendocino Cafe, Luna Trattoria, and Flow.Where to stay: Benbow Historic Inn or the Brewery Gulch Inn. Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips. The next stretch of Highway 1 takes you through some of the coolest beach towns in Northern California: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Sea Ranch. Take a stroll on the uncrowded Goat Rock Beach or drive east on Highway 116 to spend the day on Johnsons Beach in Guerneville, a 20-minute drive away. You can cover a lot of ground in 4 nights / 5 days. The tiny village has a fascinating history of bootleggers and environmental activism, which you can learn about in the towns museum. Eureka: This is the biggest city before you hit Redwood National and State Parks, so its the perfect place to enjoy a waterfront meal in the historic Old Town. Theres a cute gift shop too. There are also a couple of good museums in Golden Gate Park: the DeYoung for art and the California Academy of Sciences for its rainforest, aquarium, and interactive science exhibitions. There are no chain stores or restaurants in this community, only small businesses operating out of Saltbox cottages. Mendocino Botanical Gardens is another relaxing stop. Gas stations are easiest to find on Highway 101 but there are many small communities on Highway 1 and Interstate 5 where you can pull in for gas. Joining a ranger-led nature walk through towering redwood groves. From there, you can pick up a rental car for the 30-minute drive to Redwood National and State Parks. From Fort Bragg, continue north on Highway 1. For the return road trip, take a faster route along Highway 101 to see a different side of California. Life is an adventure, join me around the world! In addition to RV sites, they have a glamping tent and a yurt. Although you certainly could spend all your time in the serene forests, dont miss some of the other local attractions on your road trip. Read our related articles below! Local bus services can then take you into the parks from Eureka. Healdsburg is a cosmopolitan town with a beautiful European-style plaza at the center. So, this guide will give you a detailed itinerary for driving from San Francisco to Redwood National Park (and back again). But dont let them talk you into an expensive toll device, because youll only need to use it once. My favorite thing to do is simply walk around the distinct neighborhoods, admiring the beautiful homes and stopping to eat at one of the many diverse restaurants. And when youre done, DURABOX products are recyclable for eco-friendly disposal. Youll find plenty of places to enjoy your lunch and stretch your legs here. Or check out the well-rated View Crest Lodge, which is near Sue-Meg (Patrick Point) State Park. Sign up to receive exclusive deals and announcements, Fantastic service, really appreciate it. Thisoceanfront cliff houseis only $168/night! Its very well made and much cheaper than the premium brands. Thats OK! You could also pack aplug-in cooler, which uses your cars 12 volt plug to keep lunch items and drinks cold. Read our guide to the best things to do in San Francisco at night, the best hikes in San Francisco, and the best Bay Area hikes. State Bird Provisions is a good bet for elevated comfort food, or if youre looking for coffee and a pastry, Tartine has lines out the door for its famous morning bun. And he wants you to buy chainsaw sculptures and kitschy gifts. Mendocino: The town of Mendocino is small, but offers plenty of good places to eat. Cowgirl Creamery is where you will find the sensational cheese I mentioned earlier. This colorful beach gets its name from the smooth glass pebbles that cover the sand. The only toll roads on any of these routes are at the bridges connecting San Francisco to the north and the East Bay. And yet others celebrate Bigfoot. Of the most popular redwood groves, heres whats free: Jedediah Smith State Park, The Avenue of the Giants scenic drive in Humboldt State Park, the Drury scenic drive in Prairie Redwoods State Park and the Lady Bird Johnson grove in the Redwood National and State Park. Next to Bolinas is Stinson Beach, a long stretch of sand with a fun seaside resort vibe. There are Michelin-star establishments, food trucks, and invitation-only supper clubs. Its walkable to downtown Crescent City and the actual lighthouse. There was an error submitting your subscription. After Mendocino, head up the coast for 15 minutes to Fort Bragg for Glass Beach. (This article contains affiliate links. Id recommend at least ten days for this complete Northern California road trip. Hiking to the tallest trees in the world. Visit Agate Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand with tidepools. At the north end of the parks is the beautiful coastal town of Crescent City, where you can enjoy a meal and a craft beer at Seaquake Brewing, or learn more about the parks at the visitor center. Theres also a beach thats ideal for surfing. Even though Ive been running my website since 2, 11 fake ring boxes later, @suneelj1 finally gave m, 2 years since our first date. About a 30-minute drive from the southern entrance to Redwood National & State Parks is Eureka, which has a charming waterfront old town to explore. Take your time and stop often to admire the beaches and vistas along this stunning stretch. You are going to fall in love with these trees! The KOA has RV and tent slots as well as cabins. These are listed south to north: What follows is a five day, four night itinerary that goes from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. Take your foot off the gas, make time for scenic pull-outs and for heavens sake, get out of the car and go forest bathing. Beyond that, we have tried to give you enough information about the others to help you decide what sounds cool to you. Ask your rental car carrier about the best way to handle paying for that fee. A guide to Californias Nine National Parks, Best Hotels Along the Pacific Coast Highway, Best Restaurants on the Pacific Coast Highway. The most popular trail is the short but steep walk down to Point Reyes Lighthouse, which still stands guard over the treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay. Or, you can take a hike to one of the best spots for that classic Golden Gate Bridge postcard shot. Distance: 1.5 hours (62 miles).Recommended time: 1 day.Why its worth stopping at: Stay one more night in beautiful Marin before heading back to the city.What to do: Mt Tam State Park, Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas.Where to eat: Eleven in Bolinas, Sand Dollar in Stinson Beach, and Parkside Cafe in Stinson Beach.Where to stay: Smileys Saloon. The drive time depends on which route you take, and how many stops you make along the way. Russian Gulch State Park has a 36-foot waterfall, graceful Art Deco bridge, and a spectacular collapsed sea cave known as the Devils Punchbowl. DURABOX products are designed and manufactured to stand the test of time. The same outfit runs the Crescent City KOA, which is a little further away. Even if you drove straight up 101, once it becomes the Redwoods Highway, the road slows and narrows. Or, the Sand Dollar across the road is a nice sit-down restaurant if youre after something more substantial. The weather is dry and fairly warm between June and August, but these are the busiest months. San Francisco: You can find food of just about every nationality in San Francisco. Weott: Bigfoot is real! The easiest way to pay is to go online after you have crossed and pay the toll with a credit card. A great way to experience Eureka is with a bicycle tour and a guide who can point out hidden art and local landmarks. Try Mendocino Cafe for lunch, Luna Trattoria for an authentic Italian dinner, or Flow for fine dining in the seaside community. Its a charming small town with great restaurants, a supermarket with buffalo milk ice cream, and Cowgirl Creamery Barn Shop. Nearby Van Damme State Park also has a surprise: a Pygmy forest full of tiny yet old trees, in stark contrast to the towering redwoods. Its a four-hour drive to Healdsburg, in the heart of Northern Californias wine country. Although, you can also do it in a shorter amount of time and just pick and choose which stops to include. The pants have zippered pockets and are made of some genius material that breathes but maintains a perfect body temperature. Weve indicated the must do parks and drives. Find colorful rhododendrons, a pine forest, and stunning native plants in these lush coastal gardens. Have the famous mashed potato cone at the, Alternatively, have a beach stroll or picnic at, But wait, heres another amazing drive down the. Prefer to spend more time in the woods? However, you can get from San Francisco to the redwoods by taking the Greyhound coach up Highway 1 to Eureka. If youre short on time, skip Bolinas and drive back to San Francisco, but there are many reasons to include this tiny town on your itinerary. According to official State and National Park dogma, dogs are allowed on roads (dirt or paved) and in campgrounds, but not trails. Go for a walk in nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park, which has 60 miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the area from the summit. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Get your picnic supplies at Oakville Market, or go all-out at the three Michelin-starred SingleThread. Youll have to drive over it to begin your road trip, but its also a lot of fun to take a bike tour over to Sausalito and grab a bite to eat. The nearest gas stations to the park are in Orick, Klamath, and Crescent City. The Redwood Meadows RV park is right near all of the top spots in the park. There are also plenty of great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal in Healdsburg, from a simple sandwich at Oakville Grocery to a three-Michelin star experience at SingleThread. It is refreshing to receive such great customer service and this is the 1st time we have dealt with you and Krosstech. Other parks may require a day use fee and most of the attractions are fee-based. The road to Mendocino is slow and twisting and the coastal section between Trinidad and Crescent City is also narrow. Whatever youre looking for, youll find it here. Or you can choose to leave the dividers out altogether. And finally, pack clothing layers. If you have kids, the antique carousel is also fun and the nearby playground is always a hit. Distance: Just over an hour of driving (43 miles).Recommended time: Two days in San Francisco, one in Point Reyes.Why its worth stopping at: Point Reyes National Seashore has miles of rugged, fog-shrouded landscape, plus some of the best cheese in the state.What to do: Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse, try oysters in Tomales Bay, stock up on cheese at Point Reyes Station, and take snaps of the Cypress Tree Tunnel.Where to eat: State Bird Provisions and Tartine in San Francisco, and Station House Cafe in Point Reyes Station.Where to stay: Handlery Union Square Hotel in San Francisco and Nicks Cove in the Point Reyes area. This itinerary is primarily focused on the northern most redwood parks. This is one of those times when an old school map will serve you well. Point Reyes was once a mighty dairy empire supplying all of San Franciscos butter needs until refrigerated train cars sent the industry into decline. DURABOX products are manufactured in Australia from more than 60% recycled materials. This alternative to Highway 101 through ancient redwood groves is one of the best scenic drives in the world. This romantic lighthouse offers daily tours and incredible views from the top balcony. Both are conveniently close to the road, so you can park, take a snap, and get on with your day. Sue-meg State Park also has a recreated Yurok village and native plant garden, showcasing the indigenous culture of the West Coast. Or, book a bicycle wine tour, which covers the best local wineries in one day. How to Get to Redwood National Park from San Francisco, San Francisco to Redwood National Park Route: What to Expect, San Francisco to Redwood National Park Road Trip Itinerary, Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Return on Highway 101: Redwood National and State Parks to Healdsburg, Where to Stay Overnight on Your San Francisco to Redwood National Park Drive, Where to Eat Along the Drive to Redwood National Park, Tips for Getting to Redwood National Park from San Francisco, Alternative Options for Getting to Redwood National Park from San Francisco, best things to do in San Francisco at night, things to do in Redwood National and State Parks, Mendocino Headlands State Park Campground, 78 Fun & Best Things to do in San Diego, California [From a Local], 11 Best Lightweight Kayaks Including Small, Short & Ultralight Kayaks, 17 Best Inflatable Kayaks that are Durable and Portable. The town of Willits, one hour south of Garberville, is the home of the famous Skunk Train (as is Fort Bragg). But thats what makes this redwoods road trip so fantastic. Highway 101 is the main north-south road through California and the quickest route to Redwood National Park from San Francisco. Routing: Highway 101 south to San FranciscoDistance & Drive Time: 356 miles, 6.5 hours. We recommend that you spend one day taking the slow road up the coast to Crescent City. This guide takes you through all the best beaches, towns, and state parks on the way to Redwood National Park along Highway 1. There are some pretty romantic stays in Mendocino, like theSweetwater Innwhich has rooftop views and a day spa. Trinidad is a pretty reasonably priced destination. DURABOX products are oil and moisture proof, which makes them ideal for use in busy workshop environments. Along Highway 1, there are several state parks offering camping sites. Distance: 1 hour drive time (70 miles).Recommended time: 1 day.Why its worth stopping at: Humboldt Redwoods State Park has one of the most famous scenic drives in the world, the Avenue of Giants.What to do: Avenue of the Giants, Detour: The Lost Coast (Mattole Beach), and Ferndale.Where to eat: Redwood Palace.Where to stay: Inn at 2nd & C in Eureka. Some of the highlights of the parks include: Its way too much to cover here, so check out this in-depth guide to Redwood National and State Parks. The ultimate Northern California road trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. Share this San Francisco to the Redwoods itinerary on Pinterest: Filed Under: Northern California, California Road Trip Ideas Tagged With: Blog, California State Parks, Hiking, National Parks, San Francisco, Things to Do Leave a Comment, Your email address will not be published. If youre not done with your road trip, head east to Yosemite National Park, a three-hour drive from San Francisco and make this an incredible National Park road trip. Take. Other camping options include the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park campground, Ramblin Redwoods campground, Ruby van Deventer County Park campground, Florence Keller County Park campground and disbursed camping along the Smith River national recreation area. I dont blame you. Check out Il Forno Bakery if youre after a grab-and-go sandwich or a coffee. Looking for more to do in San Francisco? Theres a quicker alternative to making this San Francisco to Redwood National Park drive. Im a big fan of the REI Gore-tex jacket. Where to stay: Highlands Resort in Guerneville and Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast in Mendocino. There used to be more glass on the beach but tourists often pocket the jewel-like sea glass and take them home (please dont do this!). Highway 1, also called the Pacific Coast Highway until it reaches Leggett, is a scenic road hugging the coastline between Los Angeles and Mendocino. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). Distance: 3.5 hours driving time (129 miles) on Highway 1.Recommended time: 1-2 days.Why its worth stopping at: See some of Californias best beach towns and float the Russian River.What to do: Bodega Bay, Jenner (detour: Johnsons Beach at Guerneville), and Point Arena Lighthouse.Where to eat: The Tides Wharf Restaurant at Bodega Bay, Cafe Aquatica in Jenner, and boon eat + drink in Guerneville.
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