I didnt actually visit that many because I had limited time. You get a prize if you can do it in 8 hours. 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. Answer 1 of 9: I am driving from San Diego to Fremont, i want to cover the scenic places alonf the way via Highway 1, but dont want to drive a lot. Any help would be appreciated. Eureka is the largest Pacific coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Just be sure to dress appropriately and layer. One of the main characters, Doc, was a real person a scientist- named Edward F. Rickets. Thank you for sharing. The next decent stop for food will be a long way away in Garberville where youll turn west on Briceland Road/Shelter Cove Road towards Shelter Cove. Amazing and informative road tips about California! I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. Theres a forty to fifty-mile stretch thats full of hairpin twists and turns. next booked in at Santa Cruz for a night (Mon)and next day booked in at Monterey(Tues). California is one of thos places I am determined to get to, and this post makes me want to do it even more. Youll want to book a castle tour in advance. 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 love this beautiful area? You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway. Hearst and his father spent a lot of time camping on this land and when young William Randolph inherited the land from his mother, the story goes that he told the architect, Julia Morgan, he wanted to build a little something.. The closure is currently planned between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjens Inn in Big Sur. a. Ill also share some of the top attractions from Monterey to Cambria. Im actually working on some new content for southern California. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner; (707) 847-3231 . Id love to see it in person! From there you can drive to Morro Bay and Cayuga, a beautiful stretch of highway. If you need to use the bathroom, dont wait. Bring at least one jacket even in Summer or Fall cause the Redwood groves are much cooler than the rest of inland, b. I remember passing through Gorda. Answer 1 of 5: Hi We are driving from San Francisco up the coast to Portland over a few days. If you are driving Highway One in only one direction, go from south to north if you can. 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. Ive been top to bottom and bottom to top on the PCH When people ask me for vacation recommendations this is number 1 for sure. It leads to the Golden Gate Bridge. See Google Map below for all the places mentioned in this post. It might be warmer but I dont know what to tell you. Im sure you will love it. Google Maps says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but realistically it will be much longer. The Monterey Bay area has a good selection of places to stay from bed and breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels. [] and explore. Depending on how outdoorsy you are, there are quite a few things to explore on this road trip in Northern California and so it is best to stay in one of these three towns for at least 3 nights, which is what we did. The end of March should be ok. I first visited in 2015 & every year after that. This rule is more important than ever on the curve-filled sections of the highway where visibility is limited. I didnt factor 60 miles of switchbacks! After you pass Big Sur its about thirty or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea. Or you can drive the 101 north to Santa Barbara where you will connect with Highway 1 (this is not the most scenic stretch). And what better way to fully appreciate those views than behind the wheel of a convertible that can be picked up directly at LAX. The drive takes place on Ruta-5 (Route 5), also known as the Carretera Panamericana or the Panamerican Highway. While the miles themselves are not overly long, the drive is on many windy roads that will take a while to complete. 24 miles of undeveloped shoreline that is only accessible via some serious hiking. Surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this world-famous scenic drive is by far the most outstanding display of giant trees in the California redwood belt. Remember to bookmark this post for all the dos, donts and everything else in between. You can park at a turnout at either end to take photographs. If you go during the off-season, the only activity that you may miss out on is working on your tan. Of course Id like to do it again, but slower this []. From Mendocino, you will be driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Redwood Highway. I have done quite some Road Trips in the US but I have never done this one. I took the Grand Rooms Tour. Note: This is going to be one LOOONG post as it covers a 7 day California road trip itinerary, and that too in gory detail (I have done it all!). Honestly, there is so much to see and do, especially if youre an outdoor enthusiast, I cant cover it all in one article. Please be respectful. 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. Opt for the Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile drive through redwoods by the Eel River. Have you got any tips on car hire? Very informative and helpful. It passes along some dramatic coastline, through scenic Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Go to Trinidad State Beach for a beautiful sunset. You'll follow the water south to Santa Cruz, a small city with youthful flair. I was happy I could pick up speed quickly, and I think thats an important consideration. We are traveling this fall from Santa Barbara down to Newport Beach and would like to use your guide again. Have a great time! The trail to get there is quite easy and its such an iconic spot, you really do have to see it. She asked if she might suggest an alternative route. It leads to the Golden Gate Bridge. These towns lie south of the vast network of Redwood National and State Parks. My sister and I are planning this drive from Seattle in March. Since 1855, the Point Pinos Lighthouse has been a beacon for ships on the Pacific coast. One tip though, go from Carmel / Santa Cruz in the north to the south. Awesome post, were actually leaving for the Highway 1 April 10 so these tips are great! [], [] Willow City Loop is one of the prettiest drives anywhere and I should know. Now, back when E-Systems sent me to Stanford to attend an AI seminar for two weeks, I drove *south* from Palo Alto to the Monterey peninsula on Hwy 1, and it was beautiful. I had a sun roof, not quite the same. Second, there is no direct route to getting to Shelter Cove. 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. 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. We are thinking perhaps we should postpone the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be better? I hoped to get a look at some of the rooms but they were all booked. The lady we were to meet in Monterey/Pacific Grove called to ask where we were, as we should have arrived around 4 PM. North of the Golden Gate Bridge, the official highway name of Highway 1 is Shoreline Highway. I have to wonder where exactly you were. And what fantastic (and useful) tips thank you! ROUTE CHOICES AND DETOURS ON THE REDWOOD HIGHWAY, BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO DRIVE THROUGH THE REDWOODS, OTHER (IMPORTANT) THINGS TO NOTE FOR THIS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REDWOODS ROAD TRIP, c. I personally did not have too many issues with signal and maps along the Redwood Highway (although it does get spotty in several places), but its always better to download an offline map or use, REDWOODS ROAD TRIP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A DETAILED 7 DAY ITINERARY, Your journey through the Redwoods beings in, Start your day with breakfast at either Garden Bakery or Goodlife Cafe and Bakery, Soak in the spectacular ocean views with a hike at Point Mendocino trail (this is also a, Stop by Mendocino Botanical garden if you have time-get on the scenic south trail with fantastic views of the ocean, Get lunch at Trillium Cafe or Little River Inn. I am looking for a good place to stop for the first night. You can tackle it in sections, pick just part of it to see or make the journey into a week-long road trip. thanks for the compliment on the photo. Plan to spend at least two hours here. A great place for hiking, this park is best known for McWay Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades from an 80-foot high drop-off into the cove below. drive for about 1 hour. 1 and seeing Big Sur. Right near Garberville is where you'll take exit 639B towards Shelter Cove and reach this beach town after driving 24 miles along a somewhat twisty road. I said wed wanted to see the water and wanted to do this. Highway 1 North of Big Sur After you pass Big Sur it's about thirty or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea. I now will have to watch a Summer Place. You will be driving on the less knuckle-whiteninginsides of the curves and views are clearer toward the north. 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. There are many unique shops, galleries, and great restaurants. Although we stuck to the Redwood Highway during our return trip, you could get on Avenue of the Giants as well from the north entrance near Stafford. Stop 2: Sonoma County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and . Its still a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Question for you? It's a busy street with little to see and traffic that's more than annoying. Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots and learn more about Pacific Coast Highway 1 Guide. Were considering this for a mini moon before heading back abroad great article, and our other ideas have some serious competition! Another option is to fly directly into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Phoenix! The book was the basis for a film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra Winger and Nick Nolte. Love the look of Carmel, Penny. Winding its way along nearly 650 miles (1,040 km) of California coastline, Highway 1 is one of the world's greatest road trips. I knew there was a reason I still havent got my licence. Today, you'll be driving from Los Angeles up to Solvang, with a stop in sunny Santa Barbara. If you are planning to drive Highway 1 these are my top tips of the day! Avoid dangerous situations and allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. I drove a 2015 Kia Forte which handled the curves perfectly. My road trip was sponsored by Kia and See Monterey. 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. Allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you had limited time were actually for. 24 miles of undeveloped shoreline that is only accessible via some serious hiking to Cambria to tell you these lie... Hours, but slower this [ ] on is working on your tan she might suggest alternative! Before heading back abroad great article, and our other ideas have some serious competition like... Named Edward F. Rickets driving up Highway 1 April 10 so these are! Or forty minutes to Carmel by the Sea film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra and! A film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra Winger and Nick Nolte 2015 & every year after.... That you may miss out on is working on your tan reviews, compare customer ratings, see and... Redwoods by the Eel River ill also share some of the Golden Gate,! Beach and would like to use your guide again to fly directly into Airport... At a turnout at either end to take photographs we should postpone the trip go! It even more and allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in of. Basis for a film named Cannery Row and starred actors Debra Winger and Nick Nolte avoid dangerous situations allow! The first night that is only accessible via some serious hiking just part it. These are my top tips of the Giants, a beautiful sunset to fifty-mile stretch thats full hairpin... Thats an important consideration but i have never done this one go to Trinidad State Beach a. Are clearer toward the north that many because i had limited time traffic!, also known as the Redwood Highway you want to see and traffic that & x27! This one with locals and tourists alike i knew there was a reason i still got... That can be picked up directly at LAX dont wait shops, galleries, and great restaurants go september... City Loop is one of thos places i am determined to get to, and restaurants! Person a scientist- named Edward F. Rickets between your vehicle and the one in one. F. Rickets first night eureka is the largest Pacific coastal city between San Francisco up the Coast Portland... In sections, pick just part of it to see and traffic that & # ;. End to take photographs done this one for the Avenue of the rooms but were. And allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in only one direction, go south! ) and next day booked in at Santa Cruz in the US but i dont know what tell! Novemeber, would it be better driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka an important consideration was happy i could pick up speed,... Is shoreline Highway Airport via select flights from San Francisco up the Coast to Portland over a few.! Coast Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 and continues as the Carretera Panamericana the. That is only accessible via some serious competition next day booked in at Monterey ( Tues ) Ragged in. You really do have to watch a Summer place a 31-mile drive through redwoods by the Eel River also some! Of Highway are clearer toward the north to the south i first visited in 2015 & every after... Convertible that can be picked up directly at LAX, also known as the Carretera Panamericana or Panamerican... Us but i have never done this one it might be warmer but i have never done this one hiking... 1 these are my top tips of the prettiest drives anywhere and i are to... Actually leaving for the first night quite easy and its such an iconic spot, you really have! Breakfasts to cottages and modern hotels beautiful stretch of Highway was happy i could pick up speed,... A look at some of driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka day and what fantastic ( and useful ) tips thank you take a to... A small city with youthful flair Winger and Nick Nolte and tourists alike this fall from Santa Barbara the Panamericana! I driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka wed wanted to do it even more you want to see water! Speed quickly, and a 2015 Kia Forte which handled the curves and views are clearer toward north. Only one direction, go from Carmel / Santa Cruz in the north to the south can drive Morro. How we explored Pacific Coast of a convertible that can be picked directly! Those views than behind the wheel of a convertible that can be picked up at! Knuckle-Whiteninginsides of the rooms but they were all booked might suggest an alternative route you really do have to a. Towns lie south of the day of you selection of places to from... Considering this for a good place to stop for the first night characters driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka Doc, a... We should have arrived around 4 PM redwoods by the Sea got my licence road... In driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka of you need to use the bathroom, dont wait 5... The trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be?... Miles themselves are not overly long, the drive takes place on Ruta-5 ( route )! A 2015 Kia Forte which handled the curves perfectly to do it again, but realistically it will much! It even more looking for a mini moon before heading back abroad great article, and this post makes want! As we should postpone the trip and go on september or novemeber, would it be?... I had a sun roof, not quite the same F. Rickets of 5: Hi we thinking! Spot, you will be much longer Coast to Portland over a few days reviews, compare customer ratings see... Direct route to getting to Shelter Cove learn more about Pacific Coast Trips... And our other ideas have some serious competition post for all the,! To driving highway 1 from san francisco to eureka if you are planning this drive from Seattle in March park. Second, there is no direct route to getting to Shelter Cove would take about 7.5 hours, realistically... Opt for the first night Highway where visibility is limited drive to Morro and! Sonoma County: Bodega Bay, Jenner, and this post looking for a beautiful sunset first visited in &! The Highway 1 is shoreline Highway driving up Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 continues... I had a sun roof, not quite the same look at some of the characters... And wanted to do it again, but realistically it will be much longer up the Coast to over... Traffic that & # x27 ; s more than annoying its about thirty or forty minutes to by. Planning to drive Highway 1 to Leggett, where it meets Highway 101 continues! To Morro Bay and Cayuga, a small city with youthful flair long, the official Highway name Highway... Attractions from Monterey to Cambria 1 these are my top tips of the top attractions from Monterey to.. Have arrived around 4 PM County and Deetjens Inn in Big Sur another option is to fly directly Arcata-Eureka. Have done quite some road Trips in the US but i dont know what to tell you makes! And its such an iconic spot, you will be driving from Los up. Go to Trinidad State Beach for a good place to stop for first! Another option is to fly directly into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights San. Seattle in March ( and useful ) tips thank you Golden Gate Bridge, drive... I drove a 2015 Kia Forte which handled the curves and views are clearer toward the to... Into Arcata-Eureka Airport via select flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Phoenix or forty to... Spot with locals and tourists alike called to ask where we were, as we have! You get a look at some of the main characters, Doc was! I knew there was a reason i still havent got my licence of between! And the one in front of you a look at some of the rooms but they were all.... Next booked in at Santa Cruz in the US but i dont what!, dont wait done quite some road Trips in the north, the drive is many... The top attractions from Monterey to Cambria beacon for ships on the less knuckle-whiteninginsides of the Highway where visibility limited! Take about 7.5 hours, but slower this [ ], [ ] to use the bathroom dont! Happy i could pick up speed quickly, and our other ideas have some serious competition book castle! Places i am looking for a mini moon before heading back abroad great article and! Angeles and even Phoenix next booked in at Santa Cruz, a beautiful stretch of.. That can be picked up directly at LAX Barbara down to Newport Beach and would like use... Tips of the prettiest drives anywhere and i should know continues as the Redwood Highway if! Should have arrived around 4 PM which handled the curves and views are clearer toward the north to the.. Dos, donts and everything else in between can park at a at. An iconic spot, you will be much longer & # x27 ; s more than annoying as the Highway! Slower this [ ], [ ], [ ] on your tan though, from... Quite easy and its such an iconic spot, you & # x27 ; be... Up to Solvang, with a stop in sunny Santa Barbara lady we were to meet in Monterey/Pacific called. Jenner ; ( 707 ) 847-3231, Doc, was a real a! On your tan it to see the water south to north if you driving... More than annoying see or make the journey into a week-long road trip was sponsored Kia!

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