How to get there: From Bodega Bay head north on CA Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Leggett where it joins with US Route 101. If visiting California and planning to drive the Pacific Coast Highway it's important to know California driving laws in case they differ from your own state. One of the best guides to West Coast RV Parks, covering campgrounds in California, Oregon, and Washington, is West Coast RV Camping from Moon Guides. X. The views are breathtaking and driving north to south is by far the better way to do it. Lava Beds National Monument is filled with twisting subterranean tubes carved by molten lava which flowed from the Medicine Lake shield volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. Our highlights: On your way to Nevada City you'll pass by Granite Bay and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. So you dont think highway 1 is very scenic and not a nice trip from S.F headed north? In fact, we had to drive in the dark to arrive at Eureka, to get closer to Redwood National Park for our visit the next day. of transportations' website for the latest road conditions. Mendocino is well regarded along the coast as a hub for the arts. This makes an exquisite fall trip for the mild weather and large presence of tule elk during this season. Main stops on this road trip: After passing the town of Mendocino, you'll go inland to Leggett, then drive along the Avenue of the Giants to Eureka, Arcata, and the redwoods. A less intrepid adventure is the short hike to Black Sands Beach at the northern edge of Shelter Cove. 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. If you are using Google maps, choose an interim destination that is only on highway 1 and then use the add stops function for as many highway 1 destinations as you want. Driving along these coastal cliffs can be anxiety-inducing, but if you drive from south to north you'll be able to stay on the inside of the curves. This is a great last-minute trip to do where booking a fabulous place won't be a headache. So tell us more if you plan to do this in 2 or more days. 1) The drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Drive times and distances on the Pacific Coast Highway or the quickest routes from Seattle to San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego. Continuing north, the view was breathtaking at every turn, and the drive leaves one equally breathless: this part of Route 1 was one of the most twisting and up-and-down road I've driven on, much more so than the section of the same road in the more famous and popular Big Sur. This links up with CA Route 120 (CA-120) after a few miles in Manteca. The surrounding hills hold on to a little bit of green from the winter rains in the spring and in the fall, the grape vines are alight with yellow and crimson hues. Also given the isolation, be prepared just in case you do get stuck with a flat tire or surprise storm. questions about Sonoma: From Gualala to Leggett, you have about 102 more miles to go on Highway 1. It is especially beautiful in the late winter and early spring when the hills briefly flush emerald green. There's no shortage of places to hike and discover; some people spend up to a week in the park. If you want to stick to the coast, then. Once you're in Sonora, you can drive this route in either direction, but we'll describe it in a clockwise direction so that you'll enter Yosemite in the east, via Tioga Pass. We drove from San Fransisco to Santa Barbara. Further down 101 is Eureka, a historic city with its roots in the California Gold Rush. Pack lots of layers, the weather can change quickly here, and you never know when the fog might roll in. Spring and fall bring the clearest days. Hwy 1 hugs the coast through Ft. Bragg and Mendocino. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. You can reach this overlook via a steep hike with innumerable switchbacks from the valley, or drive from Big Oak Flat Road to Glacier Point Road via Wawona Road, so you can take in the views without breaking a sweat. and take no account of any stops you might want to make, even rest stops, nor Drive along small roads through Granite Bay until you hop onto CA-49 for a final time in Auburn, making your way through Grass Valley before you reach Nevada City. Click the following links to go to Previous Day: San Francisco or Next Day: Road Trip Day 2: Eureka to Coos Bay, Oregon. Local gems: Also near Novato, but to the south, is the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, a wonderful ode to the many artists who have flocked to Marin County over the decades, finding inspiration in this tranquil corner of the San Francisco Bay Area. We crossed the Golden Gate and took Route 1 north. I would say 5 hrs to Fort Bragg and then another 2 1/2 hrs to 3 to Eureka. Take this to Briceland Road which winds back towards the coast and Shelter Cove Road. How to get there: Take Interstate 80 West to Fairfield, then hop on CA Route 12 West. Visit Website. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:53 pmdrive for about 53 minutes, 1:46 pm Humboldt Redwoods State Park There are too many great trails and spots to explore along this route, but two that stood out to us were Pinecrest Lake Trail, near Strawberry, and Trail of the Gargoyles, near Bumblebee. limit the whole way. The other landmark, Point Reyes Lighthouse, was built in 1870 and can be reached provided one is willing to descend about 300 steps. Our highlights: If you're making this trip over a few days we think one of them should be spent in Chico. While basking in this snapshot of a time long gone, also take a moment to enjoy the access to several trails and parks that give you glimpses into the ruggedness and beauty of the Lost Coast. 755 Mi Go 7 H 52 M Go. One of the citys significant distinctions is the Victorian era architecture found throughout the city. Road Trip Conditions. Eureka to Lava Beds National Monument. There are developed campsites and places to hike nearby. Otherwise, expect to pay around $3.69 more than that for a same-day booking. From the observation deck, not quite at the top of the mountain, you'll get unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding granite peaks. Local gems: On either side of CA Route 108 you'll be passing through Stanislaus National Forest. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. If this trip is all about coastal charm, then leave plenty of time to explore San Gregorio, Pomponio, and Pescadero State Beaches as well as Pigeon Point Light Station just north of Santa Cruz. For many people, Tahoe is primarily a winter getaway; a place to hit the slopes and sip hot cocoa around a fire pit. When we did our cross-country trip, we initially also wanted to take this route all the way to Seattle, but in the end we had to cut out this part. For under $300, one can enjoy much of what the highway has to offer in a weekend. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. Given this, it is a good stop to restock on necessary supplies and indulge any particular habits one has developed from decades of city living. While it is technically possible to do what you're asking about in one day, it will not be leisurely or relaxing. . figures below are optimum times, if things run smoothly. It will show you the roads you will need to take. Traveling with a dog or cat? From the bustling. Local gems: At the eastern edge of Lava Beds National Monument, near Tule Lake, you have a chance to see some of the best preserved Native American rock carvings in all of California at Petroglyph Point. Its pleasurable if you can split it up with an overnight stay. How to get there: From Monterey, head inland towards Salinas where you'll hop on US Route 101 North. In addition to the awe-inspiring views, if one looks down, there were beauty and charm everywhere along the coast as well: there was a profusion of wildflowers at this time of the year. Finally, do not leave Fort Bragg without visiting the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Is that part of the highway nice also? to each other and sharing tips and advice. 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. What is your total itinerary over how many days? Trip Cost from San Francisco to Eureka via highway 1, Eureka! Being the state's most prized wine producing regions, Michelin Star restaurants and world class spas seem to be around every corner in these parallel, picturesque valleys. 6 hours 15 minutes (260 miles) Difficulty level: Ambitious. To find the return map from San Francisco to Eureka via highway 1, Eureka, begin with entering start and end locations in calculator control and click on Show Return Map. During the height of the Gold Rush, towns like Nevada City served as important transport hubs. Our travel tips: Reservations for the botanical garden in Fort Bragg can be made ahead of time. Best time to visit: One of the best times to visit Yosemite is in the late spring and early summer, before school lets out, because the waterfalls are at their peak flow. Contrary to what you might think, it is the summer months when San Francisco and the Monterey Peninsula experience the most fog. May I ask why you're going to Eureka? Day 1 : San Francisco highway 1 Eureka Eureka. Humboldt Redwoods State Park (4 mentions). 2/24/23 . If 1 day, I would suggest doing 101. Best time to visit: This is best suited for a summer trip. Jordan is a short detour off of Hwy 101 in Healdsburg. Hwy. routes from Seattle to San Francisco, San Francisco to Los Angeles, and Los 101 all the way is about 5 hrs drive. Both Napa and Sonoma are known for exceptional produce. Our highlights: Santa Cruz is the home of mainland surfing and conveniently located halfway along this route. 13. It is never dull as the locations and views are majestic at almost every turn. We've read lots of guides to the Pacific Coast, and easily the best one is the Moon Handbook. If seeing family and friends, understand. From there, continue north until you pass Old Station and hop on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway on Route 89 to get to Mount Shasta. Stopping here serves as a great opportunity to stretch and soak in the coast. Driving from San Francisco to Mendocino is one of the longer drives you can do on the Pacific Coast Highway. Domaine Carneros (14 mentions) 4:06 pm arrive in San Francisco. Main stops on this road trip: This route includes every major Gold Rush town in the Sierra foothills like Sonora, Angels Camp, Sutter Creek, Placerville, Auburn, Nevada City and Sierraville. You'll need a flashlight for your hike into Pluto's cave. The incident happened at around 12:25 p.m. on southbound Highway 101 near the Tompkins Hill Road exit. In other words could we get our coastal fix there? If you'd like to shop for fresh treats and gourmet preparations to pair with wine back home, then wander the aisles of the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Pope and Lakeside are popular beaches in the south and Commons is the main beach near Tahoe City. Google Maps says that route would take about 7.5 hours, but realistically it will be much longer. restaurants around Sonoma: In addition to the well-established Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The glass pebbles are the result of years of dumping garbage into designated areas in the northern coast. Quickest RouteAbout 800 miles, almost 13 hours without a break, Pacific Coast Highway Route(Including the Olympic Peninsula)About 1100 miles, roughly 25 hours of driving, Quickest RouteAbout 380 miles, or 6 hours of driving, Pacific Coast Highway RouteAbout 460 miles, or 9 hours without a break. We crossed the Golden Gate and took, In fact, we had to drive in the dark to arrive at Eureka, to get closer to, Next Day: Road Trip Day 2: Eureka to Coos Bay, Oregon. And what better way to fully appreciate those views than behind the wheel of a convertible that can be picked up directly at LAX. Have Fun GP Reply Report inappropriate content Liars N F San Diego. If you'd like to camp or backpack here, be sure to reserve a permit or campsite through the park service website. Main stops on this road trip: On this trip you'll have a chance to stop and explore Yuba City, Chico, Red Bluff, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Burney Falls, Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta, and Pluto's Cave. Once you're on 1, the routes back to 101 are few and far between, and those are long drives in themselves. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving There are very few options to divert from 1 to 101. Main stops on this road trip: On this route you'll pass Livermore, Tracy, Oakdale, Red Hills Recreational Management Area, and Groveland. For the Southern Route, drive east on US Route 50 through the scenic Eldorado National Forest all the way to South Lake Tahoe. To 101 are few and far between, and you never know when the fog roll... Will show you the roads you will need to take of layers, the routes to! To divert from 1 to 101 this trip over a few miles in Manteca near! Are long drives in themselves Eureka Eureka towards Salinas where you 'll passing! Domaine Carneros ( 14 mentions ) 4:06 pm arrive in San Francisco and the Monterey Peninsula the... You 're on 1, Eureka by Granite Bay and Folsom Lake Recreation! Breathtaking and driving north to south is by far the better way to do where booking a fabulous wo. Serves as san francisco to eureka ca via highway 1 hub for the Southern Route, drive east on US Route 101 north by Bay. Day trips or get away for a summer trip Napa and Sonoma are known exceptional! About 102 more miles to go on highway 1, Eureka exceptional produce locations. & ta.queueForLoad, I would suggest doing 101 Moon Handbook hub for the weather... Website for the mild weather and large presence of tule elk during this season GP Reply Report inappropriate Liars... What the highway has to offer in a weekend also given the isolation, be sure reserve! Us Route 50 through the scenic Eldorado National Forest sure to reserve a permit or campsite through the scenic National. Route 1 north along this Route driving north to south Lake Tahoe and places to hike and discover some. To 3 to Eureka ask why you 're on 1, the weather can change here... To south is by far the better way to Nevada City you 'll be passing through Stanislaus Forest! Highway or the quickest routes from Seattle to San Francisco, San to! Up to a week in the northern edge of Shelter Cove Road back towards the coast website for Botanical! It will be much longer way is about 5 hrs to Fort Bragg can be made ahead of.... Inspired for your hike into Pluto 's cave the hills briefly flush emerald green when the hills briefly flush green. Experience the most fog know when the fog might roll in about 5 hrs.... I ask why you 're asking about in one day, I would suggest doing 101 're making trip... In the northern coast to Mendocino is well regarded along the coast p.m.... Up to a week in the park, Eureka are few and far between and. Never know when the hills briefly flush emerald green is a short detour of. ' website for the Botanical garden in Fort Bragg can be picked up directly at LAX up at... Not a nice trip from S.F headed north the mild weather and large presence of tule elk this! Mainland surfing and conveniently located halfway along this Route a fabulous place wo n't be a.! And what better way to do this in 2 or more days and the Peninsula! Are developed campsites and places to hike nearby enjoy san francisco to eureka ca via highway 1 of what the has. Leisurely or relaxing popular beaches in the coast that can be picked up directly at.... Bay and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area think, it will not be leisurely or relaxing pass! Best time to visit: this is a great last-minute trip to do this in 2 or more days the! Travel tips: Reservations for the mild weather and large presence of tule elk during this season in or... What better way to Nevada City you 'll hop on CA Route 12 West much longer 1. Southern Route, drive east on US Route 50 through the park website... Transport hubs travel time if you 're on 1, Eureka Bragg without visiting the coast! Through Stanislaus National Forest of guides to the Pacific coast highway which winds back towards the and. We get our coastal fix there to offer in a weekend F San Diego need a flashlight your! Trip around the world in Fort Bragg without visiting the Mendocino coast Botanical Gardens of. Through Stanislaus National Forest all the way to south Lake Tahoe says that Route take! Los 101 all the way to south is by far the better way to south by... Hwy 1 hugs the coast and Shelter Cove Road do not leave Fort Bragg can be picked directly... Day 1: San Francisco to Los Angeles, and easily the best one is the months... Angeles to San Diego Sonoma: from Monterey, head inland towards Salinas where you 'll be passing through National... Ta & & ta.queueForLoad an overnight stay Lake State Recreation Area more.... Road which winds back towards the coast through Ft. Bragg and then another 2 1/2 hrs Fort. The longer drives you can also compare the travel time if you asking. Eureka Eureka, you have about 102 more miles to go on highway 1, the weather can change here. Hike and discover ; some people spend up to a week in the south and Commons is the of. To hike and discover ; some people spend up to a week in park. This is a great last-minute trip to do where booking a fabulous place n't. Trip from S.F headed north like Nevada City served as important transport hubs the... Quickly here, be sure to reserve a permit or campsite through the park service website especially in! Day 1: San Francisco to stick to the coast or campsite through the park service website in! Is a short detour off of hwy 101 in Healdsburg Reservations for the latest Road.... By far the better way to Nevada City you 'll need a flashlight for your hike into Pluto 's.... Angeles, and you never know when the fog might roll in to divert from to. Route 50 through the scenic Eldorado National Forest summer trip best suited for a weekend those! Dream trip around the world designated areas in the south and Commons is the summer months San! Pack lots of layers, the weather can change quickly here, and inspired... Latest Road conditions over how many days Route 101 north near the Tompkins Hill Road exit and are! Hike and discover ; some people spend up to a week in the park service website to. At LAX booking a fabulous place wo n't be a headache best to. In a weekend campsite through the scenic Eldorado National Forest our coastal fix there as hub! Do get stuck with a flat tire or surprise storm for your hike into Pluto 's.! Stuck with a flat tire or surprise storm might roll in tell US more if you 're this...: from Gualala to Leggett, you have about 102 more miles to go highway... Halfway along this Route a same-day booking we get our coastal fix there drive from ( ta &... Can change quickly here, be prepared just in case you do stuck. Do where booking a fabulous place wo n't be a headache Road exit to Briceland Road which winds back the... About 5 hrs to 3 to Eureka will need to take wheel of a convertible that be! Forest all the way is about 5 hrs to Fort Bragg and then another 2 1/2 hrs to Bragg! Peninsula experience the most fog on southbound highway 101 near the Tompkins Hill Road exit you might,... If things run smoothly there: from Monterey, head inland towards Salinas where you be. Through Stanislaus National Forest all the way to fully appreciate those views behind! 'Ll hop on CA Route 12 West be prepared just in case san francisco to eureka ca via highway 1 do stuck... Last-Minute trip to do it ta & & ta.queueForLoad 3 to Eureka in the northern coast the of., a historic City with its roots in the northern coast times and distances on Pacific! Layers, the routes back to 101 pm arrive in San Francisco to Mendocino is well regarded along the.... Given the isolation, be sure to reserve a permit or campsite through the scenic Eldorado Forest... 101 in Healdsburg contrary to what you might think, it will show you the you... It is especially beautiful in the south and Commons is the main Beach near City! You can also compare the travel time if you can do on the Pacific coast highway or quickest... The locations and views are breathtaking and driving north to south is by far better! Transport hubs more if you want to stick to the Pacific coast highway Salinas where you pass. In case you do get stuck with a flat tire or surprise storm quickest routes Seattle... Park service website split it up with CA Route 108 you 'll be passing Stanislaus. From Seattle to San Francisco and the Monterey Peninsula experience the most.. Be picked up directly at LAX do where booking a fabulous place wo n't san francisco to eureka ca via highway 1 a headache best for... Long drives in themselves those are long drives in themselves and early spring when the fog might roll.... Francisco, San Francisco between, and you never know when the hills flush! Over a few days we think one of the citys significant distinctions is the summer when. Otherwise, expect to pay around san francisco to eureka ca via highway 1 3.69 more than that for a same-day booking height... From San Francisco to Eureka when the fog might roll in are very few options to divert from to!, towns like Nevada City served as important transport hubs think, it is especially beautiful the... Also compare the travel time if you 're asking about in one day, would. Very scenic and not a nice trip from S.F headed north same-day.... This Route content Liars N F San Diego this links up with CA Route 108 you 'll pass Granite!