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Northern California Travel Guide

Northern California is home to wild coastlines, pastoral landscapes, and incredible adventures. Whether you head out for a day or a week-long road trip, there’s something to be discovered for everyone.

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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. Alysha has spent her whole life here, minus four years in college, and Matt’s a relative newcomer with just under 10 years at the time of writing.

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.

When to Do This Northern California Road Trip

Part of the reason we opted to write a guide to this particular road trip is the fact that it’s largely accessible year round. For example, we just did a version of this in February, and while it was a little wet at points, it was largely enjoyable and accessible (and very, very quiet, which we liked). 

If your road trip includes stops further inland, like Lake Tahoe, Lassen National Park, and Yosemite, you’re going to run into places you can’t access outside of June through October (ish). 

This coastal road trip is accessible year round, with the notable exception of the early summer , when “June Gloom” sets in and the coast is shrouded in thick coastal fog most days. 

It’s counterintuitive for most people, but spring and fall are by far the best times to do this road trip . 

Spring brings wildflowers, slightly warmer temperatures, and blooming plants and trees of all kinds up and down the coast. 

Fall is the best weather-wise, and you’ll experience the magic of September and October in Northern California, which are warm and sunny almost without exception. 

Winter brings stormy weather, with crashing waves on the many beaches along this itinerary, which can be a plus, depending on what you’re into. It’s the perfect vibe for turning on the fireplace in your room and relaxing by the fire with a good book or catching up on a show, heading outside during the breaks in the weather to do some exploring. All in all, we’re spoiled, and the weather in the winter really isn’t that bad at all. 

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. 

That’s all folks!

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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Interstate 5 from Redding, California to the Douglas/Lane County line in Oregon - 4/6 

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WINTER DRIVING SEASON HAS ENDED. STUDDED TIRES ARE NOT LEGAL FOR USE, AND CHAINS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE CARRIED UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST.

NUMEROUS ROAD REPAIR PROJECTS ARE OCCURRING ON I 5 FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE LINE TO COTTAGE GROVE IN OREGON. THESE ARE ALL LOW IMPACT TO TRAVEL SITUATIONS. BE WATCHFUL FOR WORKERS AND EQUIPMENT WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER THESE REPAIR PROJECTS.  

Northern California I 5 webcams. These cameras update in real time .

Dunsmuir - http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d2/cctv/image/dunsmuir/dunsmuir.jpg?1575135426197

I 5 Hwy 89 junction - http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d2/cctv/image/i5sr89/i5sr89.jpg?1575135462245

Mt.Shasta City - http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d2/cctv/image/abramslakenb/abramslakenb.jpg?1575135523667

Central Weed - http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d2/cctv/image/i5us97/i5us97.jpg?1575135550051

Yreka -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/Yreka_pid617.jpg?rand=1480450925095

Anderson Grade north of Yreka - http://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/data/d2/cctv/image/andersongrade/andersongrade.jpg?1575135578745

Siskiyous at Hilt -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/NorthHilt_pid613.jpg?rand=1480450985779

Southern Oregon I 5 webcams.  These cameras update in real time .

Siskiyous at mile post 2 -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/Siskiyou%20I-5%20NB%20at%20MP.2_pid1688.JPG?rand=1480451226070

Siskiyou Summit -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5atExit6_pid625.jpg?rand=1480451265248

Ashland Chain up southbound -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/Siskiyou%20Chain%20Up%20Area%20N_pid2515.JPG?rand=1480451299940

Medford - https://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20Medford%20Viaduct_pid3621.JPG?rand=1575135711236

Central Point -  https://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20East%20Pine_pid2916.JPG?rand=1506185850263

Sexton Summit -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/SextonSummitN_pid2527.JPG?rand=1480451358077

Canyon Mountain -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20Canyon%20Mt%20NB_pid2816.JPG?rand=1480451386932

Roseburg -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20Roseburg%20-%20Garden%20Valley%20Exit%20S_pid2408.JPG?rand=1480451413054

Rice Hill north of Sutherlin -  https://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20Rice%20Hill%20NB_pid2820.JPG?rand=1575135802219

2 miles south of Cottage Grove/ Douglas County line -  https://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/I-5%20at%20Cottage%20Grove%202mi%20South_pid2388.JPG?rand=1575135847397

I-5 – California

View road and weather conditions from a variety of traffic cams up and down the I-5 Corridor.  Thanks to the Oregon Department of Transportation , The Timberline Lodge and Southern Oregon Network Support Services for hosting the traffic cams.

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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!

More california adventures.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary and Best Stops

Outdoor Activities In Orange Country, California

The Best California Coast Road Trip on The Sunny Highway 1

How To Spend a Fun Weekend In West Hollywood, California

The Ultimate Southern California Road Trip

How To Spend 1 Day In Death Valley National Park

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: January 19, 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
• 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
• AirBnBs closer to Lassen Volcanic: Touch of Home , TeePee Tent (quite a unique stay!), Cozy Log Cabin

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 .
• AirBnBs in Eureka: Chic Eureka Studio (a chic and modern 500sq ft upstairs studio), this Modern Studio Loft (Newly renovated space with sleeping loft and fully stocked kitchen)
• AirBnbs Nearby: The Ranch House at Humboldt Bay Social Club (the crown jewel of a 22-acre bayfront property), 1952 Airstream Dream (Stay in a piece of history – this 1952 Airstream offers modern comforts with a historic feel), or check out this Enchanting Dome House in the Redwoods (nestled in 5 acres of redwoods yet still so close to the beach!)

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! 

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 is 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 modern Craftsman-style bungalow with a fireplace at The Bungalows at Calistoga — 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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15 Northern California Road Trip Stops That Will Blow Your Mind

Northern California has got it all. The diverse landscape of NorCal is dotted with wild, rocky beaches, lush redwood forests, majestic mountains and breathtaking national parks. A road trip is the best way to enjoy the scenic sights along the California coast. We recommend going north to south with the ocean on your side for the best experience.

What are some Northern California road trip packing essentials?

Hiking Shoes -You’ll undoubtedly be doing your fair share of hiking and walking during your northern California road trip. And wading through mud and dirt and stepping over rough terrain. And so much more. A great pair of broken in, waterproof hiking boots are therefore a must pack for your trip.

Maps - You cannot bank on a steady internet connection when you are climbing along wild trails and horseback riding over off the beaten roads. But you will definitely need maps to find your way back to your parking or camping spot wherever you land. To make your northern California road trip more seamless, make sure to download a few offline maps.

Raincoat - You will definitely come across unpredictable weather and temperature changes on your northern California road trip. For cooler, wetter weather along the coast to hotter temps more inland, a raincoat or light jacket will be your best bet for keeping warm and dry.

First Aid Kit - You can make your first aid kit as elaborate or as simple as possible. A few basics that you should definitely have in your kit-bandages, headache medication, anti nausea and Emergen C tablets. You never known when you might need to quickly bandage a scrape or minor wound incurred during a hike. Or pop in an Emergen C tablet or two to boost your immunity

Car Chargers -Whether you are travelling alone or with friends and family, you need to be sure that your phones and devices are constantly charged. You never know when you might need to make an emergency call or use the phone for some urgent navigation. Get a car adaptor with USB ports that will make sure you never run out of critical phone juice on your northern California road trip.

Pillow - Yes, yes you may be a roughing it expert. But carry a comfortable pillow along on your northern California road trip anyway. You’ll thank us later when you need take a quick nap after a long day of driving and your head needs some support.

Blanket - You might decide to sleep in your car/van or camp under the stars. But whatever you decide to do, you will need a blanket to cozy up under and prevent night chills. Your northern California road trip will be incomplete without a blanket or two to cuddle under after a long day of exploring.

Flashlight - Always keep a flashlight around and you will find a use for it during your northern California road trip. It could be as simple as needing to retrieve your lost keys from the floor of your car after a long night on the road. Or for finding your way to the camp bathroom in the dark.

Jumper Cables -We pray you will never have use for these. But keeping some packed on your northern California road trip will make sure never have to worry about being stranded in the wilderness.

Car Fluids -Car fluids like oil and antifreeze are absolute essentials, especially if you are taking a northern California road trip during the winter months.

Food and water - Always have a water bottle on hand for those long northern California road trips. For longer trips where you want to completely avoid having to stop for essentials, keep a sturdy 5 gallon water storage in your car or van. Also don’t forget to carry snacks. For some reason, hunger cues are all over the place when travelling. And a hangry driver is best avoided, especially when you don’t know when you’ll be able to get a chance to replenish store again.

What’s the best time for a Northern California road trip?

The weather in California is a little hard to track. Expect San Francisco to be pretty cold and foggy from June to August. The rest of the Nor Cal coast has mild weather year around. December to March is the peak winter season in Northern California, spring lasts from April to May, Summer, from June to September and Fall, October to November.

Each of the seasons has its unique advantage and depending on your itinerary you can travel along the coast really any time of the year. The snow capped landscape of Lake Tahoe makes for a truly picturesque sight worth visiting in the winter months. And you’ll also get the best price for a trip down to wine country in Sonoma during this less touristy season. Summer is a busy time in the area and you might feel like you are jostling crowds the whole time. The weather also gets pretty hot so the outdoors become much less appealing. April to May and September to October are our best recommendations for your northern California coast road trip.

What’s the ideal duration for your Northern California road trip?

This is such a common question that all first time road trippers or even seasoned travelers ask before setting off. And the truth is there is no clear answer. Northern California is such a vast, diverse area that even a month might seem like too short a period to see it all. If you want our suggestion, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend along the state’s roads without getting affected by cabinfever.Start off on your trip from San Francisco and spend a day or two exploring the Golden City. Once you’ve exhausted yourself on all there is to see in this vibrant metropolis-stock up on supplies, get your car rental in order. And get ready to officially begin your norcal road trip.

Check out our guide for the must-see spots along the scenic drives in northern California.

1.San Francisco

San Francisco is a great first spot on your northern California road trip. Aside from visiting the iconic Golden Gates bridge, use your time when in San Francisco to check out touristy but worth it spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and the Mission District. Make it a longer stay and really explore. For a family friendly spot, check out the California Academy of Sciences museum with your kids. For a taste of history, check out Alcatraz, the famous prison located on a rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Take a ride on a cute cable car and visit the Castro neighborhood, the hub of LGBT life in the city made famous by activist Harvey Milk.

2.Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park is located in Marin County, California and filled with redwood and oak forests. The gorgeous Mount Tamalpais State Park has some iconic hiking spots like the East Peak Hike and Leaning Tower making it a picture perfect stop on your northern California road trip. Some other spots worth visiting in the park include the Cushing Memorial theater- an open air amphitheater built in the 1930s. For a sighting of the majestic sequoia tree, you can visit Muir Woods National Monument located in Mill Valley. There are a variety of adventure opportunities available for travelers to the park. Aside from hiking, there are great areas for road cycling, horseback riding and even hand-gliding.

3.Point Reyes National Seashore

This protected area is a great spot on your northern California road trip for sighting a variety of sea birds like elk and ocean headlands. You can also check out the Point Reyes Lighthouse, an 1870 structure for some excellent whale spotting. Also worth visiting is the Cypress Tree tunnel. There are many scenic paths for beach walks in the Point Reyes National Sea Shore and you can spot ancient ship ruins in Inverness. Check out Tomales Point Trail for some great views of the ocean. When in Point Reyes, you can also visit Kule Loklo, a recreated Native American village

4.Shelter Cove

The lands around Shelter cove once housed the Native Americans also known as the Sinkyone people. The stunning Black Sand Beach in Shelter cove is just an hour’s drive away from Highway 101.The dramatic landscapes and untouched wild beauty is worth making a stop on your trip.This area is covered under the King Range National Conservation Area.

5.The Coastal Redwoods

Whether it is majestic redwood tress or ocean views, there is so much to awe over in the Coastal Redwood. Spend time exploring Patrick’s Point. Also visit the gorgeous Rocky Point and Mussels beach.

Big Sur is such a common must do on every best of California list that it would be crazy not to include it in this list too. Just a friendly tip- you’ll need more than a day or two to seriously cover the area. For a great hiking spot, check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Also Instagram worthy is the turquoise cove. Just outside of Big Sur,you can make a stop at the beaches of San Simeon.

7.Redwood National Park

The Redwood National Park and state parks have some excellent vistas worth visiting. These parks are comprised of a network of parks including the Redwood National Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The Avenue of Giant is one of the more well known known routes for spotting gorgeous redwood trees. You can also check out Cal Barrel Road and Howland Hill Road near crescent city through ancient Californian forests.The fairytale like Fern Canyon located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a great spot for sightings of 100 foot tall fern covered canyon walls. Photography lovers and hikers will have much to love about this area.

8.McArthur Burney Falls

The 129 foot tall Burney Fall inside Mc Arthur Memorial State Park is quite a sight for sore city eyes. With a campground and even a general store, you can make this a longer layover

9.Lassen Volcanic National Park

There are a bunch of different things you can do on your Lassen Volcanic National Park spot. Check out the Bumpas Hell trail for sightings of steaming thermal pools. Or check out Sulphur Works, Devil’s Kitchen which are other well known pools in the area. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located a short drive from the the town of Redding, California. Check out North Summit Lake for a great relaxing spot and take a dip in the crystal clear waters after.

10.Lake Tahoe

The country’s largest lake, Lake Tahoe is a must visit spot on your northern California road trip. Stop at Sand Harbor to pick up a paddleboard. There are many water sports options in this gorgeous area.

11.Yosemite National Park

The iconic Yosemite National Park should not be missed on any northern California road trip and there is so much to do within the park. Some must see within the park are the Yosemite Falls and Glacial Peak. The park is also great for backpacking and hikes.

12.Mammoth Lakes

Driving down Highway 395, you’ll come across the beautiful Mammoth lakes. This area has natural hot springs and beautiful mountain lakes.Check out Mono Lake for the incredible sight of calcium carbonate rocks called tufas.Another great spot in this area is the Bodie State Historic Park, a former gold mining town that is now recognized as a National Historic landmark

13.Half Moon Bay

This sleepy beach town along Route 1 is a cute little short pit spot with a nice beach for those Instagram snaps. Check out the Half Moon beach, a wide stretch of golden sands great for beach walks or picnics.Since the water here is freezing, it’s not quite ideal for swimming but the surf definitely makes up for it with its mesmerizing views.

14.Carmel & Monterey

This quaint Carmel by the Sea is a beautiful destination filled with cute cottages, art galleries and famous beaches. Check out the iconic Pebble Beach and the Montrey Bay Aquarium. Carmel and Monterey also has a stunning coastline for long walks and touristy sights. Some well known landmarks you must visit include the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. Also worth visiting is the Point Lobos a state preserve with hiking trails galore.A great family friendly area with wildflowers and tide pools this area will enchant both kids and adult. VisitWilliam Randolph Hearst’s Hearst castle, a quirky European inspired American castle just a short drive from Monterey. And take a guided tour to truly get a feel for the place.

15.Lake Shasta

Lake Shasta is so off the beaten path that you’ll feel you’ve arrived in a different world. Located in the Southern Cascade Range, Lake Shasta is an incredibly unique landscape worth stopping on your northern California road trip. You can hike Yellow Butte for expansive views of Mount Shasta or take a trek to the Castle crags dome.

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Planning a Road Trip from California to Oregon

Southern Oregon and Northern California is a sparsely populated part of the country with some of the best scenery and natural attractions in the United States . Across California there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit , and that includes in the north of the state, where fewer travelers venture. Those road tripping the area can visit seven sites operated by the National Park Service in the area, all easily visited on a single trip. Three of the seven sites have full national park status and are some of the best parks in the U.S.

When you’re planning to road trip from Oregon to California and back again, the right road trip route can easily hit all of the highlights. Here is your complete guide to driving through Southern Oregon and Northern California to enjoy the best the region offers.

Table of Contents

The trip to visit all seven parks is a circular route. If you’re driving yourself, you can obviously start at any point on the route. For the purposes of this road trip guide, let’s assume you’re flying into the region and renting a car , just to give the route a defined starting and ending point. Medford is a good spot to start, as it sits on Interstate-5, which connects Sacramento and Portland.

For the entire trip, you can get by using Google Maps to navigate the route and find directions to the next park. The only thing you need to be aware of is that some roads and park entrances might be closed due to snow. Road closures due to snow can be in place as late as July!

Medford, Oregon

The starting point for this road trip will be Medford, Oregon which is the largest city in Southern Oregon and situated at the top of the circular route that covers all seven parks. Medford has an airport with connecting flights to Seattle, Portland, and other major airports. This is the logical starting point if you’re flying to the region

If you’re driving in from Portland or Seattle in the north, you will probably want to visit Crater Lake before you get to Medford.

Medford’s airport has a car rental counter where you can rent a car for your road trip—although you’ll find the best deals using a site like RentalCars.com to book one beforehand. Remember that in the state of Oregon, all gas stations are full service. You can’t pump your own gas. This will be very awkward for people from outside of Oregon or New Jersey, but that’s the way they do it, so you have been warned!

Hotels in Medford

Book a place to stay in Medford for the start and end of our road trip.

• Rodeway Inn Medford : This is the best all around value for budget to mid-range travelers.
• Best Western Horizon Inn : A bit more of a splurge and a good base to start your road trip.

Crater Lake National Park

Start your Southern Oregon road trip at Crater Lake, which is unlike any other lake in the world. Hydrologically, it’s isolated and is not fed by rivers or streams. It is the caldera of an extinct volcano that has since filled with water. It’s also the deepest lake in the United States , with an average depth of 1,949 feet / 594 meters (because the lake is not fed or drained by streams, the level of the lake can rise or fall due to changes in precipitation).

In the summer, you can drive a road around the lake for the best views. Given the elevation of the lake, however, there can be massive snow accumulations which can result in the road being closed into June or even July.

The park is home to one of America’s most iconic national park lodges: Crater Lake Lodge . As with most national park lodges, you have to reserve a room well in advance, and it’s only open during certain seasons.

It’s also possible to visit the park on a day trip from Medford or Klamath Falls, where you will find the nearest selection of hotels .

Hotels Near Crater Lake National Park

• Crater Lake Lodge : This is your most memorable option and is a spectacular way to enjoy the beauty of the region.
• Sleep Inn & Suites : The best option for budget conscious travelers who want a clean and comfortable night’s sleep.
• Crater Lake Resort : Affordably price and in a gorgeous location, you can’t go wrong with this option in Klamath Falls.

Oregon Caves National Monument

Oregon Caves National Monument is one of the oldest sites in the National Park System, having been established in 1909 by President William Howard Taft.

The cave consists of over 15,000 feet (4.2 km) of passages formed in marble metamorphosed from limestone. The cave is one of the largest in the Western United States and a worthy stop on any Southern Oregon road trip.

Cave tours are offered from late March to early November and cost $10 for adults and $7 for children. The National Parks Pass will gain you entry to the park, but the cave tours are an additional fee. You can book same day tours at the visitor center, but reservations are suggested, especially in busy summer months.

The monument is also home to the Oregon Caves Chateau , which is a classic National Park lodge. The chateau is closed for renovation through 2020.

Hotels Near Oregon Caves National Monument

• Buona Sera Inn : One of those perfect road trip hotels—clean, affordable, and not far from your route.
• Redwood Hyperion Suites : A nice motel that is well appointed for a mid-range road trip budget.

Redwood National Park

You’re heading into Northern California now and with a spectacular first stop on your National Parks road trip. Redwood National Park is the federal section of the Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California. While only part of the area is technically a national park, the whole area is part of the same ecosystem and it’s all operated in coordination with the National Park Service and California State Parks.

Redwood National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the United States. Redwoods, the largest tree in the world, can be found nowhere else on Earth and have become a symbol of both the State of California and of the U.S.

When visiting Redwood, be prepared for wet weather. The microclimate in the area will often result in rain or heavy fog, even if it is clear just a few miles inland.

Hotels Near Redwood National Park

• Lighthouse Inn : Most roadtrippers will find this is best accommodation near Redwood National Park as it’s affordable and clean.
• Westward Inn : Another great option if you have a tad more budget and want to stay near the redwoods.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a small site located approximately 10 miles west of Redding, California. As it is a recreation site, there are more activities allowed here than would be allowed at most national parks—boating and fishing on Whiskeytown Lake are both great options to get out of the car and stretch your legs for the day.

In 2018, a massive wildfire damaged most of the site. The damage to the trees is very visible the moment you enter the area. Many of the campgrounds are closed until further notice. Parts of the park are closed, but the visitor center is still open.

Hotels Near Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

• Motel Motel 6 Redding South : Your only true budget option, this is clean enough and a good choice for an overnight (or two if you decide to spend a day at Lassen as well!).
• Americana Modern Hotel : Head here on a mid-range budget for a well-appointed and yet nicely quirky place to stay.

Lassen National Park

Next on your road trip through Northern California is Lassen National Park, the location of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the continental United States: The 1915 Lassen Peak Eruption. Prior to the eruption, the site was two separate national monuments: Cinder Cone National Monument and Lassen Peak National Monument.

The park is located approximately 50 miles east of Redding, California and 150 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada .

The high altitude of the park means that snow can remain on the ground well into summer and it’s not uncommon for snow to block roads in the park well into June or even July. Make sure to check the park website for up to date information on which park entrances and roads are open.

Hotels Near Lassen National Park

Your road trip itinerary can take a welcome two-day rest here, as Lassen National Park is near to Redding, CA and you should simply stay in the same place two nights in a row while visiting Whiskeytown and Lassen National Park.

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument is located just outside of Tule Lake, CA, near the California/Oregon border. The site is a fantastic collection of over 25 accessible lava tubes and other volcanic remnants from past explosions.

The lava tubes are the main attraction and most of them can be explored by anyone who can walk up and down stairs or on a paved path. Some of the tubes, however, do not have lighting and do not have paved surfaces.

The park has two entrances, and you will probably be entering one and leaving through the other on any sort of comprehensive park road trip.

In addition to the volcanic features of the park, another separate area closer to Tule Lake features ancient petroglyphs. This part of the park does not require an entrance fee and is one that most visitors overlook.

Hotels Near Lava Beds National Monument

There will be some options in Tule Lake, CA, but as a good road-tripper you can actually revisit your choice in Klamath Falls.

Tule Lake National Monument

Tule Lake National Monument is one of the newest sites in the national park system and visiting it is a bit trickier than some other spots on your road trip—it will take some advance planning. The site was the location of a Japanese Internment camp during WWII. The site was formerly part of the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument, but was given its own stand-alone status by an act of Congress in 2019.

The site is still very undeveloped. The visitor center is part of the county fairgrounds, and it isn’t open all the time. The day I visited there was a sign on the door indicating they were closed, and there was no prior notice given about the closure on the website.

Several key parts to the site are all located within driving distance around the community of Tule Lake. Almost all of them require a park ranger to provide access as the entrance is locked.

As the site is quite new, check on the official park website before your visit to see what is open. Tule Lake is very close to Lava Beds National Monument and it is easy to pair a visit to these two sites on the same day.