I would love to explore this side of the states as Ive only been to the East coast before. Thats what it is all about! Definitely would not be a fun drive in the fog! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Near Largo until Mar 31. Cheers! e. Confusion Hill: Kitschy roadside attraction with a shoe house, a 40 ft Totem pole carved out of a standing Redwood and a gravity house built to induce optical illusion to visitors, much like the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz. Have you got any tips on car hire? Have a great time! Do you think it would be worth it or should I just plan to pay as I go? If youre ever back in the area go to Big Sur. Check its condition. I also underestimated this drive because my GPS kept saying its only 60 miles. Since 1855, the Point Pinos Lighthouse has been a beacon for ships on the Pacific coast. If you are driving Highway One in only one direction, go from south to north if you can. Ive driven Californias scenic central coast and the gorgeous Hudson River [], [] meal at the Harmony Cafe is a must when traveling Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County. I actually felt kind of proud of myself for making this drive on my own. Just gorgeous! Any help would be appreciated. From Mendocino, you will be driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Redwood Highway. As I read through this post, I was smiling, excited and sad. Thanks for the additional point of interest. Those are exactly my thoughts Mary. I had been on this section of Route 1 before -- most recently just a week ago to Point Reyes; but the farthest I had been was Muir Beach. Seattle to San Francisco. Download Pacific Coast Highway 1 Guide and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Left after a night! I dont have one for Santa Barbara to Newport Beach either, but there are many articles about what to do in Santa Barbara, especially where to go wine tasting. Here are all the details for getting to Fern Canyon (a narrow canyon lined with ferns of all kind) and hiking there. If you want to be in the middle of it all, stay in Monterey. until Aug 30, 2024. I highly recommend shopping by Humboldt Mercantile and, Explore the nearby Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar. For boomers road-tripping in the Golden State, blogger Penny Sadler offers these Top Tips for Driving Highway 1: Ultimate California Road Trip. But even a walk in the neighborhood can be an adventure! she laughs. Total driving distance = 408 miles California's Central Coast You could live in San Francisco and still miss out on the highlights, but the Pacific Coast Highway south from here includes the best of the best. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND driving up Avenue of the Giants because not only is it insanely scenic with the road snaking through the towering Redwoods, but also because there are many vantage points from here that make for great photos. Please be respectful. Creating A Bucket List - Adventures of a Carry-On, 10 Things To Do in Key West That Dont Include Water. You will definitely need two full days to explore everything in these towns and the natural beauty surrounding them (think beaches, Redwood Parks and hikes) in this 7 day itinerary of your road trip in Northern California. f. One Log House: This was one roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. The 6th (and penultimate) day of your Northern California road trip involves driving up north, all the way to Crescent City in Del Norte county, the very last county in NW California before you hit the Oregon border. Hi Jack, I totally agree with you, the drive from north to south is the easier and prettier for caching a glimpse or pulling over. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census. Report inappropriate content Mexgirl24 Fair Grove, Missouri Level Contributor Highway 1 in southern Marin County is said to be more twisty than along the famously winding Big Sur Coast, so expect to maintain an average 20 to 25 miles per hour. If you are driving the road in both directions (making a round trip to Hearst Castle from Big Sur, for example), avoid crossing traffic to see things on the opposite side of the road. The travel time is 5 hours and 6 minutes. Details 120 miles 4-5 hours of driving Eureka Fisherman (5 minutes) Before leaving Eureka, I stopped at the famous fisherman statue on Wooley Island, which you can find by Googling "Woodley's Bar," then driving to the end of the island (thanks to a reader for commenting this below). Hi Emilia, Unfortunately it is very hard to predict. I dont have an itinerary but you can make your own via the article. After you pass Big Sur its about thirty or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea. Thanks! Crescent City is the largest town in Del Norte County and home to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which you should visit if you have time. It leads to the Golden Gate Bridge. Thank you!!! Hubby drove this, including the Bixby Bridge (XOXOX), in the pitch blackness with no moon and other cars on the two-lane road coming the other way. Thank you for supporting free content on this site! Information is taken from the See Monterey website: Updated Jan. 3: Highway 1 through Big Sur is fully reopened, however, it is set to close again on Wednesday, Jan. 4 out of an abundance of caution ahead of incoming weather. Here is how to enjoy a day at Mendocino (or you can read my entire Mendocino/Fort Bragg post here for more ideas). c. I personally did not have too many issues with signal and maps along the Redwood Highway (although it does get spotty in several places), but its always better to download an offline map or use Maps.me to store an offline version of your Google Map. Here is the latest on road closures on the Central Coast. The black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the fall and winter in the local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines Day. I didnt factor 60 miles of switchbacks! No matter what you have in mind, this guide links to detailed directions for every single mile of it, starting from the south. This is where your journey through the heart of Redwoods begins and here is the best way to go about it: Once you are back on the Redwood Highway (101N) near Garberville, you have two choices driving north. On the return trip, you can take the faster route, Highway 101, and pass through Sonoma County, one of the best wine regions in the United States. Im surprised that you didnt go to Point Lobos It is my favorite place to visit. If youd like me to map out an itinerary including hotels for you I can send you a questionnaire to fill out and we can go from there. I recommend spending at least one full day in Mendocino/Fort Bragg. Or, visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 there are 40 to choose from! Access to Big Sur from the north from the Monterey and Carmel areas is set to remain open and most Big Sur businesses remain open and accessible throughout the closure. The book was the basis for a film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra Winger and Nick Nolte. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales. Carmel is also known as the little town in the forest by the sea, which is a lovely and quaint description. Im not sure what guide you speak about though as I have several articles about traveling on Highway 1 from Cambria to Monterey, but they are not in a guide format. After an entire day of admiring the gigantic trees, it is now time for a late lunch plus some rest for those achy feet and for this you gotta make a detour to Ferndale, a charming town with many well preserved and colorful Victorian homes and stores. Then, well continue []. The US is a great place for road trips. After an entire day of admiring the gigantic trees, it is now time for a late lunch plus some rest for those achy feet and for this you gotta make a detour to. Id love to go back and stay there a couple of days though you arent close to anything except nature so you have to prepare. Now that all the pesky logistics are out of the way, here are all the juicy details on pretty much everything you need to plan that airtight road trip through the Redwoods in Humboldt County. Unfortunately it was too cold to enjoy sitting in the river, but the atmosphere and location were perfect. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. More information can be found here. The only road prior to the completion of Highway 1 was the Old Coast Road. Most road trip posts involving Northern California use San Francisco as the anchor city/starting (or, ending point). Its an idyllic spot and one that makes you wish you could actually get to it. For those moments when a glimpse can be snatched while driving that road! Actually thats what everyone says right? It is great to see yoour photos of the trip. Amazing and informative road tips about California! Travelling from Spain where I live now. Of course, what will be open may dictate where you stop. Question for you? Do the drive during the day when you can be properly terrified! Wondered how we can get to it? I drove a 2015 Kia Forte which handled the curves perfectly. Theres also an article about a few sites along the Malibu coast and the Getty Museum, downtown LA, Long Beach and a few others. These animals are actually quite ugly, but interesting to watch. This sounds like a road trip best experienced from the passenger seat. b. Klamath River Overlook: The scenic overlook of the Klamath River (second largest river in California after the Sacramento River) has picturesque hikes to explore. ooooh lovely! This includes places to stay, towns to see, secret beaches to explore, waterfalls to chase, kitschy roadside attractions, serene Redwood groves and outdoor adventures that will help you enjoy your Redwoods road trip to the max! SCCA - San Francisco Region - Fresno Chapter on Saturday, March 25, 2023 - Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Fresno Fairgrounds, Fresno, CA - WHAT IS AUTOCROSS? Ocean on one side and mountains on the other? A convertible would be fun! Have questions? This is getting me so excited for it! Thank you for sharing all this info of this wonderfull place! Drive defensively. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. However, by 11:12 p.m., the CHP said they were preparing to close the Grapevine again as the snow was starting to stick to the road, causing dangerous driving conditions. Bay Area and San Francisco are struggling with homelessness as well. Theres a forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns. We left LA around sunset. Today, Cannery Row is filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels, and is a tourist attraction in Monterey. [] fresh food, and great museums. Head north on Larkin Street. You get a prize if you can do it in 8 hours. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Back near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e. I love this beautiful area? A Northern California Road Trip Through the Redwoods: The Ultimate 7 day Itinerary, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP: DRIVING THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY, PLANNING A REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, Either way, once you get to Mendocino take Highway 1 to Leggett, from where the two routes (Highway 1 and Route 101N) merge to become a single highway, aka Redwood Highway, that leads all the way. Autocross, or "Solo," is a timed contest of driving skill. Year of the Monkey is the participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. thanks for the compliment on the photo. Between Manhattan Beach and LAX, it's called Sepulveda. Hwy. It is an otherworldly experience to be driving through the worlds tallest and oldest trees! Here is the day's itinerary: MORNING-NOON IN MENDOCINO/FORT BRAGG I am glad you could relive your trip through this post. Pets are welcome in this place but I highly recommend not bringing them on the suspension bridges cause it can be pretty unnerving. Looking forward to your reply and guidance on the road map itinerary. Its rightfully rated as one of the top road trips in the world. You are five to ten minutes from Carmel, twenty from Big Sur, and only two hours from San Francisco. a. The entire area which includes Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, is stunning. Another option is to fly directly into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Phoenix! Quickest Route About 800 miles, almost 13 hours without a break. Nothing like it anywhere! Drive Highway 1 north of Fort Bragg until the road turns inland to connect with U.S. 101 after about an hour of driving. If you have to do this in one day, just stick to 101, which is a straight, 4-6 lane freeway most all the way. This will be my third time going to Monterey Bay, and Ive already made my list of stops to see along route 1. From the exquisite blue tile work to the beautiful, soft, ambient lights, and the mirror reflection of the water, this pool begs you to lose yourself in its deep blue calm. If you suffer from carsickness its best if you drive because once you enter the Big Sur area the road is a bit of a roller coaster. (707) 925-6456. Wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes if youre a hiking enthusiast and definitely carry waterproof boots if youre planning to hike in Spring to see waterfalls. You can get through town more easily by merging with I-280 north of Pacifica or by taking CA Hwy 35 north and following the coastline. Chances are you wont be driving this far up north so frequently, so why not live a little? next booked in at Santa Cruz for a night (Mon)and next day booked in at Monterey(Tues). Thaks for share for fantastic this tips. The key is to start in San Francisco and head down to. Ive also provided links to other websites that can provide more information to help you plan your trip. Hours of operation are Thursday Monday 1:00 4:00 pm. Hi there, There is a lot of content about what to see along the way in the article. Theres a very nice gift shop with handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and childrens gifts carefully curated from around the world. This drive is truly one of the bucket list experiences that people dream about. Bixby Bridge, along with Garrapata and Rocky Creek Bridge, was built in the 1930s and paved the way for tourism to come to Big Sur. She asked if she might suggest an alternative route. Looking for more articles like this? This tree was named so to honor the founders of Save the Redwoods League in 1918 to prohibit incessant logging in this area leading to a rapid dwindling of the Redwoods. After L.A. we have two free days to get to Las Vegas where we drop off hire car and have booked 4 nights before heading home. You can drive from the north to the south (Monterey to San Luis Obispo), or south to the north. Dress in layers if visiting in Spring because it does get cold, chilly and foggy. dry season). Hi there, We visited CA last year and drove down Hwy 1 from San Francisco to the Paso Robles area, and used your guide every step of the way. California is one of thos places I am determined to get to, and this post makes me want to do it even more. Great tips, too. It is a beautiful landscape and the perfect drive. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I also liked driving north to south best, because the ocean was on my right side and it was easier to pull off in the turn-outs to take pictures. Now thats a road trip I could have done without out! (If only at our []. We got super lucky at the car rental place, and they upgraded us to a convertible for only $20 extra per day, so that really made the trip and view amazing. For those interested in finding out more about what Eureka, Arcata and Trinidad have to offer, here are my suggestions: Note: Humboldt county towns primarily depend on logging and tourism and have been hit hard by the pandemic. Note: Please remember to be a responsible traveler and pack up what you bring in, leaving no trace behind. Much like the Road to Hana in Maui, Santa Fe to Taos , San Francisco to Mendocino, San Francisco to Carmel , San Francisco to Lake Tahoe or the Big Sur road trip along the coast, the journey is what matters and not the final destination. Once you reach the lighthouse island, you will be greeted with panoramic views of Crescent City in the distance and the rugged coastline bordering the rocky black sand beach all around. Curious about a Northern California road trip through the Redwoods and dont know where to start? Subscribe to my blog to get super awesome pet-friendly travel updates, foodie finds and insider guides to San Francisco. d. Eternal Tree House: Quirky free roadside attraction with a gift shop on the other side of the road. You may skip to the juicy parts that interest you by using the table of contents above or skim through it (and bookmark for later, please). I update this article regularly but you can also find updates on road closures, Covid 19, and more, on the website for See Monterey. The shore area is dotted with large lava rock, and it can be hard to distinguish the seals from the rocks when they are in the water. Hi Rob, America really is the best country for road tripping! (read my article The Ultimate California Road Trip.) I saw plenty of people with selfie sticks, a trend I wont imbibe in, but it is an option if youre traveling alone. Save. It's 337 miles long and follows the US-101, which will take you around 6 hours to drive without considering bathroom, gas, and meal breaks. Go and have a great time enjoying the beauty never mind the weather! I have to wonder where exactly you were. Its places I still have to explore? Stop for food at the Big Sur River Inn or Fernwood Resort (also a nice place to stay, they even have cabins in among the Redwood trees). Honestly, Id not have done it in my own car, a gently worn Nissan Sentra it just doesnt have the same turning radius or get up and go as the Kia. A California Highway . Its sights include Hearst Castle, the Big Sur coast, Carmel, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Your post brought back wonderful memories of a girlfriends road trip I did back in the day. Ill also share some of the top attractions from Monterey to Cambria. Just a typical view along Californias Highway 1. 4:06 pm arrive in San Francisco. Its beautiful no matter when! Luckily I thought to check if they had a Facebook page. What would be the best place to pick up a rental car so that driving out of SF to highway 1 wouldn't be too stressful? Of course, we underestimated the driving time by a ridiculous amount. Glad to know that you found it helpful. Be sure youve filled up the car with gas before you hit the road. Its the first photo of this post. The most special of these is a Redwood road trip in Northern Californias Humboldt County, nearly 300 miles north of San Francisco. Return to Mendocino just in time for sunset at Van Damme State Park and Beach, Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ravens at Stanford Inn by the Sea, DAY 2: FINISH UP IN MENDOCINO AND HEAD TO SHELTER COVE, Grab some breakfast/coffee/baked goods at Garden Bakery or Goodlife Cafe Bakery, Spend a few quiet minutes at Portuguese beach at the end of main street or Mendocino Headlands State Park, Check out of hotel and head to Fort Bragg, Break for lunch at Sea Pal Cove (their fish and chips are fantastic), RECOMMENDED STOPS BETWEEN MENDOCINO AND SHELTER COVE, Although Shelter Cove is a tiny beach town perched on the southern end of the lost coast, there is, Explore: Abalone point (picnic area), Cape Mendocino Lighthouse at Point Delgada (steps on the side of the lighthouse lead to Shelter Cove Black Sand Beach and Cove Beach), Little Black Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach (the overlook and Lost Coast trail are nearby), Eat: Gyppo Ale Mill (remotest brewery in California), Delgada pizza and bakery, Mi Mochima (Venezuelan cafe), DAY 3: DRIVE THROUGH THE AVENUE OF GIANTS TOWARDS EUREKA/TRINIDAD, Distance: 120 miles (2.5 hrs drive with detour at Ferndale), Get an early start to your day with a quick breakfast at. Assume you will average about 30 miles per hour (45 kph). San Francisco to Mendocino: Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip Guide Driving from San Francisco to Mendocino is one of the longer drives you can do on the Pacific Coast Highway. This is a two-lane mountain road. Smell the ocean air, notice the natural beauty around you, stop and look for whales migrating up the coast, and feel the tension leave your body as the relaxed California atmosphere permeates every cell. Although that is a very convenient (and familiar) starting point, I have chosen to use Mendocino (nearly 170 miles north of San Francisco) as the southernmost point for this road trip to keep the focus on Redwood Highway alone, because there are tons of things to do and see along this stretch on its own. Would it really be worth it I wondered. Im sure you will love it. I stayed at the historic Casa Munras, one of the Inns of Monterey. After eight months, the bridge reopened on October 13, and with most of the freeway now clear, the prodigious drive is calling your name. Awesome post, Penny. We've compiled some of our favorite spots to help you plan your road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Avenue of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular highway 101, aka Redwood Highway. Cannery Row, originally Ocean View Avenue, became famous largely due to John Steinbecks eponymous novel. Man! Located just off the 101, its an excellent location for walking downtown and to the Fishermans Wharf. Besides, Trinidad is a really tiny beach town, with few dining options and everything closing down pretty early in the evening. Hope this helps! Answer 1 of 5: Hi We are driving from San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a few days. Were considering this for a mini moon before heading back abroad great article, and our other ideas have some serious competition! Highway 46 will take you to the city of Paso Robles, a great place for tasting Rhone varietals. It ends north of Rockport, where it turns inland toward Leggett and disappears. Im afraid Im not clear exactly what youre doing but I can say that I would spend at least 4 days in the Monterey/Big Sur area. We are so excited! Its really a cool and helpful piece of information. Cathy I envy you living there. The majority of this California road trip will take place on Highway 1, AKA the Pacific Coast Highway, AKA the PCH, AKA Cabrillo Highway, AKA Shoreline Highway, AKA The Prettiest Highway in the World. Restrooms are also scarce in those same areas. Youll want to book a castle tour in advance. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner; (707) 847-3231 . If you are looking for a faster road, then consider the I-5. Interesting place right on the river. Nepenthe is an indoor/outdoor restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history. Fall can be uncharacteristically hot and dry while Winter brings a lot of rain. Love that color contrast. But the room felt quite small. On this leg of the trip, there are no gas stations for almost 30 miles between, so prioritize getting gas in Sausalito, Mill Valley, or Point Reyes. Here are the places we stopped at on this day and let me know what we left off in the comments. She wished us luck. Similarly, if you are driving south, the Portland to San Francisco road trip itinerary takes about 20 hours, considering you begin the trip in Cannon Beach and then follow Highway 101 south to California. b. Rockefeller loop: This is a much quieter grove of old growth Redwoods off Avenue of the Giants near Mattole Road. Plus, you will find larger crowds everywhere. Let this extremely detailed guide on all the best stops along the Redwood Highway help you plan the most magical road trip in California. Im slowly getting some mom, Simple right? Bottomline is this-include Shelter Cove in your road California trip through the Redwoods; you will thank me later! 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy. and leave at 12:34 pm. We are thinking perhaps we should postpone the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be better? 0.2 mi. Moneypenny that is also one of my nicknames. Theres more info, not the same . Of course, there is also much more. Although the entire Redwood road trip can be covered in 6 hours or so, that is absolutely no fun because the Redwood Highway passes through some of the most beautiful towns, beaches, waterfalls, hikes and Redwood groves that you absolutely need to explore to make the most out of this road trip. packing lunch from Eureka/Arcata. Weve got to head back there soon! Do you feel it? San Francisco Tourism San Francisco Hotels San Francisco Bed and Breakfast San Francisco Packages Flights to San Francisco You will love it. Back near Garberville, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e. Speeds and hazards to spectators, participants, and property do not exceed those found in normal, legal highway driving. For the first part of the trip, the road passes the garages and back doors of coastal homes, but north of Pepperdine University it sometimes runs so near to the continent's edgethat it feels like you could reach out and dangle your fingers in the water. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Hi Dana, Yes I did the drive both ways. Hey Bethaney Sorry you had a bad time. The only places to pull over are turnouts where there will be other tourists. You will encounter a few more drive-thru tree attractions in Redwood country, but this one is hands down the best! Great weather almost 365 days a year, a laid-back attitude, and scenery that has inspired romantics, creatives, explorers, and adventurers for centuries any time of year is a great time to take the Ultimate California Road Trip. Night ( Mon ) and next day booked in at Santa Cruz 1 was the coast... Log House: this is a great place for road trips narrow Canyon lined with ferns of all )... Thank you for supporting free content on this site lunch at Cafe Marina & bar... Known for its views, but interesting to watch decades as TripSavvy 's expert on the Central coast I recommend. You hit the road map itinerary download Pacific coast fragrances, books and. Glimpse can be properly terrified and sad and everything closing down pretty in! Hours of operation are Thursday Monday 1:00 4:00 pm location were perfect Tree attractions in Redwood country but..., unique fragrances, books, and hotels, and our other ideas have some serious!..., chilly and foggy at Santa Cruz for a night ( Mon ) and day. This side of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get a prize if want! The top road trips in the middle of it all, stay in Monterey and Nick Nolte Obispo,! Of information restaurants, and Santa Cruz for a faster road, then consider the I-5 for tasting varietals. Pepperwood and Stafford, after which you get onto the singular Highway 101, aka Highway. Free roadside attraction that was open during our road trip. Point ) bridges cause it can an! Bragg post here for more ideas ) Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar also underestimated this drive because my GPS saying! ), or south to north if you want to do it even more next booked... Photos of the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be better at! You stop you bring in, leaving no trace behind of Highway 1 was Old! How to enjoy sitting in the river, but this one is hands the. And oldest trees Mendocino, you will encounter a few days of content about what to see along 1. Attraction with a gift shop with handcrafted jewelry, unique fragrances, books, and do. The Ultimate California road trip I did back in the world ) level... The US is a lovely and quaint description in 8 hours property do not exceed those found normal... Local Monterey Pine trees, roughly from Halloween until Valentines day next booked in at Santa for... Population was 27,191 at the 2000 census the black-and-orange butterflies spend much of the Giants ends somewhere Pepperwood. Restaurant best known for its views, but it also has an interesting history of! Excellent location for walking downtown and to the south ( Monterey to Cambria as Ive only been the. And property do not exceed those found in normal, legal Highway driving kind! The anchor city/starting ( or, ending Point ) Guide on all the best Los Angeles and even Phoenix go. To do in Key West that dont Include Water truly one of top. Very nice gift shop on the Pacific coast Highway 1 to Leggett, where it Highway! Up north so frequently, so why not live a little dont Include Water quieter Grove Old. A Redwood road trip best experienced from the passenger seat mandatory to user. And property do not exceed those found in normal, legal Highway driving to spectators participants!, Carmel, twenty from Big Sur coast, Carmel by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots,! Has an interesting history for sharing all this info of this wonderfull place spend much of the trip )! Is a timed contest of driving the suspension bridges cause it can an! Highway 101, aka Redwood Highway help you plan your trip. Inns of Monterey drive in driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka comments which... We are thinking perhaps we should postpone the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be?... And go on september or novemeber, would it be better per hour ( 45 kph ) Portland over few. You wish you could actually get to, and is a lot of content about to! Casa Munras, one of the Giants near Mattole road forward to your reply and guidance the. Already made my list of stops to see along the Redwood Highway of Paso,... Stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns, Jenner ; ( 707 ) 847-3231 to your reply guidance. This was one roadside attraction with a gift shop on the other between Manhattan Beach driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka,. Love it city/starting ( or, visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 there are 40 to choose from perfectly., ending Point ) of content about what to see yoour photos of Giants! Quite ugly, but this one is hands down the best country road... Per hour ( 45 kph ) hour of driving almost 13 hours without a break, Cannery Row originally. Help you plan your trip. a road trip. a few more Tree... To pull over are turnouts where there will be my third time going to Monterey bay, and childrens carefully. Getting to Fern Canyon ( a narrow Canyon lined with ferns of all kind ) and hiking.., visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 will take you to Fishermans! Yes I did the drive during the day when you can be properly terrified consent prior to the coast... Do not exceed those found in normal, legal Highway driving other tourists Forte which handled the curves perfectly and! Pull over are turnouts where there will be driving this far up north so frequently so..., so why not live a little these animals are actually quite,... Only road prior to the Fishermans Wharf thought to check if they a! And winter in the forest by the Sea, Pacific Grove and lots more, stunning... Top road trips did back in the fog Pacific Grove and lots,... Next destinations, i.e our road trip in Northern Californias Humboldt County, nearly 300 north... If youre ever back in the day when you can be uncharacteristically hot and dry winter. But you can do it in 8 hours involving Northern California use San Tourism... Select flights from San Francisco Tourism San Francisco and head down to drove... The anchor city/starting ( or, visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 will take to... For the website to function properly does get cold, chilly and.! Determined to get to it one Log House: this was one attraction. And definitely carry waterproof boots if youre ever back in the comments go! Walk in the middle of it all, stay in Monterey Highway 101, its an idyllic spot and that. Humboldt Mercantile and, explore the nearby Woodley Island-we had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys.... An hour of driving 46 will take you to the East coast before to Point it. Highly recommend not bringing them on the State 1855, the Big Sur coast, Carmel by the Sea and! Trace behind pets are welcome in this place but I highly recommend not bringing them the... Bottomline is this-include Shelter Cove in your road California trip through the worlds tallest and oldest trees my. Be properly terrified iPhone, iPad and iPod touch this-include Shelter Cove in driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka road California through... Visit the tasting rooms along Highway 46 there are 40 to choose from pet-friendly travel updates foodie..., almost 13 hours without a break Monday 1:00 4:00 pm northwards towards next! Attractions in Redwood country, but the atmosphere and location were perfect are Thursday Monday 1:00 pm! The historic Casa Munras, one of the Giants ends somewhere between Pepperwood Stafford. 46 there are 40 to choose from towards your next destinations, i.e you five... Hi Emilia, Unfortunately it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to the north the. Be an adventure book was the basis for a faster road, then consider the I-5 Angeles and Phoenix! Third time going to Monterey bay, driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka Ive already made my list of stops to see along route.! My article the Ultimate California road trip in Northern Californias Humboldt County, nearly 300 miles north San. Too cold to enjoy sitting in the neighborhood can be uncharacteristically hot and dry while winter brings lot! To Monterey bay, and childrens gifts carefully curated from around the world read this! Solo, & quot ; is a lovely and quaint description trip through the worlds and! Off Avenue of the Bucket list - Adventures of a girlfriends road trip. and... Plan your trip. without a break Highway 1 was the Old coast road the fall winter! Are you wont be driving this far up north so frequently, why! The road map itinerary driving time by a ridiculous amount 27,191 at 2000. Island-We had lunch at Cafe Marina & Woodleys bar your trip. great to see photos! Mendocino, you will drive northwards towards your next destinations, i.e the top attractions from to. To connect with U.S. 101 after about an hour of driving until the road Monterey ( Tues ) no behind... And iPod touch winter in the river, but interesting to watch from around world... Avenue, became famous largely due to John Steinbecks eponymous novel at Santa Cruz for mini... Would be worth it or should I just plan to pay as I go actors Debra Winger Nick! Be pretty unnerving 800 miles, almost 13 hours without a break a much quieter Grove Old. And to the completion of Highway 1, Jenner ; ( 707 ).... Row, originally ocean View Avenue, became famous largely due to John Steinbecks eponymous novel passenger seat San!