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California’s North Coast is magical, with towering redwoods and rugged shorelines forming a picture-perfect backdrop. This idyllic setting makes for a memorable road trip where national parks, friendly towns, and superb restaurants abound. Our guide to the ultimate North Coast road trip will aid in creating a tailor-made adventure suitable for your crew and timeframe.
Whether you plan a one-day adventure or map out ten days, our guide will take the guesswork and stress work out of planning the ultimate road trip.
Know Before You Go
Most travelers define the North Coast as the coastal area between San Francisco and the Oregon border. While some vacationers tackle this adventure in a few days, you’ll feel far more relaxed if you can dedicate a whole week.
As with any multi-point road trip, preparation and itinerary planning are crucial. For the ultimate North Coast road trip, here are some things to know before you go:
- Arrive with offline maps. Cell phone service is often shoddy, so it’s essential to have offline maps available. If you plan on visiting Redwood National Park, any of the five visitor centers has maps available.
- Wear layers. The weather on the North Coast is unpredictable, so dress in layers. Keep rain gear handy, and if you plan hiking, ensure you have adequate footwear or boots.
- Summer is the popular season. The North Coast is most popular from mid-May to the end of September when it’s sunnier, and the coastal setting keeps temperatures mild. The downside of this is that it means more people. So, if you want a less-crowded trip, consider the off-season.
- Reserve campsites in advance. State and national park campsites fill quickly in peak season, so book your RV or campsite well before your trip. The same is true for the charming homes for rent in towns like Eureka and Trinidad.
Let’s dive deeper into our guide to the ultimate North Coast road trip to discover all there is to see and do!
Six Must-Visits on a North Coast Road Trip
Now that we have the basics established let’s explore the North Coast’s abundant attractions and landmarks. With so much to do and see, you could spend months exploring and still only scratch the surface!
Here are six essential attractions to visit on your ultimate California Coast road trip.
Point Reyes National Seashore
This iconic landmark is just an hour north of San Francisco, featuring a wonderland of cliffs and wildlife. The area is teeming with tule elk, elephant seals, and migrating whales. Additionally, the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, constructed in 1870, remains a compelling sight to this day.
Salt Point State Park
This 6,000-acre park is home to rugged shorelines, rocky cliffs, diverse wildlife, and stunning Pacific sunsets. The park’s name refers to the sea salt deposited on the cliffs by surf and spray. Dried by the sun, it creates a sparkling layer of white across the rocky face.
Salt Point State Park has two campgrounds, Gerstle Cove and Woodside along with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. When the weather permits, visitors may swim, fish, snorkel, and scuba dive.
The rocky shoreline is home to sea lions lounging in the sun while in the distance, you may spot a migrating whale spouting. Tide pools dot the area, offering a serene glimpse of marine life.
Sentinel Rock provides an especially memorable overlook, with a bird’s eye view of the Stump Beach Trail. In the spring, the adjacent Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve offers stunning flowers in bloom.
Whether you camp, have a picnic, hike, or scuba amongst kelp fields, Salt Point State Park will enhance your North Coast road trip.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
47 acres of beautifully manicured gardens form a pristine and diverse oasis at this lovely getaway. The rhododendrons and succulents are gorgeous, as is the ocean view.
After exploring the meandering four miles of trails at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, grab a bite to eat at Rhody’s Garden Cafe. It is open during the summer offering fresh meals featuring produce from the gardens and locally sourced ingredients.
The gardens are open year-round, with varying hours in the winter and summer. Docent-led tours are available, adding a personal touch to your discoveries. Events like Art in the Gardens and the Festival of Lights from November 28 to December 21 are also available.
On your road trip, the blooming flowers, intricate gardens, closed-cone pine forest, and Coastal Bluff and Marine Zone will intrigue young and old alike.
Glass Beach
The city of Fort Bragg (not to be confused with the army base in North Carolina) is where you’ll discover one of California’s most photographed shorelines: glass beach.
Once a dump site for residents, the sea has smoothed the years of broken glass and cans. The result is a sparkling gem-like beach with sea glass. As tempting as it will be to snatch a piece or two, it’s against the law to take any of the glass.
Tidal pools rich with marine life and trails meandering the area are available to explore. The latter are part of the California Coastal Trail and lead to other beaches and trail systems.
Parking is in the Noyo Headlands Park lot with the trailhead at the furthest western point.
While taking sea glass is prohibited, taking pictures of this breathtaking beach is a right of passage!
Avenue of the Giants
On your way to Humboldt Redwoods State Park (our next suggestion), check out this 31-mile scenic highway. Also known as the Redwood Highway, it is considered one of the most picturesque forest drives worldwide.
To guard against unrealistic expectations, keep in mind that redwoods won’t line the entire length of the Avenue of the Giants. Since redwoods grow in groves, they are separated on the avenue by tree growths, campgrounds, and river access points. Nevertheless, the drive is mindboggling when the towering redwoods loom, and the scent of evergreens on the wind is reminiscent of Christmas.
The parkway also connects to other area attractions like Eel River and trailheads into Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Also available for a nominal fee is the Shrine Drive Thru Tree. This unique experience is on private property (thus the fee!) and lets you drive through a massive redwood.
While visitors report it takes 2.5 hours to drive Avenue of the Giants, others suggest taking a half day to explore and stop for pictures. Cell service is spotty, so be sure to have a map.
For a head-on-a-swivel, jaw-dropping nature experience, tour the Avenue of the Giants!
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
As California’s third-largest park with over 53,000 acres, Humboldt Redwoods State Park has the world’s largest old-growth population of redwoods.
As mentioned, it is home to the Avenue of the Giants but also has 250 campsites and 100 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, or biking.
Plenty of day-use areas abound, each with unique features and views. For instance, Williams Grove is on the Avenue of the Giants and offers sunny and shaded picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and river access. Additionally, it has a reserved area ideal for family gatherings, birthdays, and special events.
With so many campsites, there’s a facility for every type of camper. Equestrians will love Cuneo Creek Horse Camp with amenities like 12’x12′ metal corrals and water troughs. Albee Creek is the park’s most popular campground on an old homestead. For those seeking an off-the-grid experience, the Trail Camps offer backpacking trails into various sections of the forest.
For the ultimate outdoor experience, combine a visit to Humboldt with a stop at Redwood National Park. Located a little over an hour north of Humboldt, this park is a treasure trove of old-growth redwoods, trails, and campgrounds. Check out Our Guide to Redwood National Park for an insider’s guide to adventure.
Coffee, Wine, and Art
Nothing adds to the enjoyment of a North Coast road trip like stopping for a gourmet cup of java, wine tasting, and perusing art galleries. Here is our list of favorites you’ll find along the way.
Coffee Shops
Dotting Northern California’s landscape is quaint coffee cafes. You’ll discover these java joints in charming towns along the route, each with a unique personality.
Not only will you be satisfied with a jolt of caffeine, but you’ll also want to explore the local scene. With too many to mention, here are some worthwhile stops:
- Black Oak Coffee Roasters
- Mind’s Eye Manufactory
- Little Green Bean
- Cove Coffee
- WhiteCap Coffee And Tea
- Signature Organic Coffee
And if you discover a gem on your journey, add it to the comments below! We’ll do our best to include it in our guide to the ultimate North Coast road trip!
Wine Tasting
Napa may be iconic, but it’s not California’s only impressive wine destination. There are several hidden gems to discover during your California North Coast road trip.
The region’s best vineyards and wine bars encourage you to enjoy world-class wine without the crowds. Favorites include:
- Seebass Family Wines Tasting Room
- Navarro Vineyards and Winery
- Lula Cellars
- Occidental Wines
- Seprentrio Winery
- Old Growth Cellars
- Briceland Vineyards Winery
Be sure to add a stop at any of these stellar vineyards for a taste of Northern California’s premier wines.
Art Galleries
What makes a Northern California Coast road trip so appealing is the variety of things to do. While outdoor activities and wonders abound, the area is rich with boutiques showcasing regional artists.
As the saying goes, “It’s not about the destination, but the journey.” Adding art gallery stops to your itinerary offers a sojourn into another space and time. You’ll be whisked away by the artistry, see the world through a different set of eyes, and walk away refreshed. You may even leave with a souvenir or two!
Here are some of our favorites:
- Northcoast Artists Gallery
- Coast Highway Artists Collective
- Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino
- Glass Fire Gallery
- Ren Brown Collection
- Gallery Route One
Conclusion
With our guide to the Ultimate North Coast road trip, you’re ready to plan an enriching experience on your Redwood getaway. Whether trekking through redwood forests, sipping on wine, or exploring art galleries, Northern California will be an adventure you’ll forever cherish.
Where to Stay On Your North Coast Road Trip
Casago Redwood Coast is your go-to for vacation rentals on your North Coast road trip.
We offer a variety of vacation homes, coastal cottages, and beach cabins in Trinidad, Arcata, and Eureka. With so many offerings, there’s something for every budget and family or group size.
Should you need assistance planning your Redwood vacation, don’t hesitate to call us at (707)-602-5800 or contact us online. We’re eager to help you plan the ultimate Northern California getaway!
Updated 2025
