The gorgeous Golden State of California draws backpackers and road trippers like moths to a fire. It’s not surprising then that people are always looking to do the famous Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
After I talked to a friend that completed a road trip from Pennsylvania to California and visited some amazing places along the way like a waterfall trail in West Virginia and the Grand Canyon in Nevada, I was very excited to do a long road trip myself.
The gorgeous hot desert regions to the south give way to Sierra Nevada mountains near Los Angeles which are plump with snow in the winters. The winding farmlands below the rugged mountains produce some of the best wine in the country.
Drive along the coast upwards and the terrain changes from hot arid coast to green pastures which then dive into tall Sequoia forests and finally reaches the mountains of San Francisco. From ski resorts to surf beaches to desert camping to hikes in the lush redwoods and getting boozy in wine farms, California has everything you can imagine.
How to do The Pacific Coast Highway Trip
When I decided to do this road trip the first rule was to go outside my comfort zone. Yes I’m obviously going to do the bigger cities like San Francisco (SF) and Santa Barbara but this trip was about getting to know California and California isn’t in the bigger cities.
It’s also in the smaller towns and their histories. The ranch hands I met in Hearst and the butterflies I saw in central California. It’s in the farmers market where everyone knows each other and the wineries where I couldn’t stop giggling like an idiot.
What is The Pacific Coast Highway?
The iconic Highway 1 starts at Dana Point, a couple hours south of Los Angeles. It hugs the coastline all the way up past San Francisco and into wine country and ends at Leggett. Though it is known as the Pacific Coast Highway, the PCH is only the southern part of the highway up until near Malibu after which it’s name changes to Highway 1.
Where to Start
The best place to start your trip is Los Angeles and finish in a small town called Eureka in north California wilderness from where you can catch a quick flight back. Doing the trip the other way means you will have to backtrack through the northern California part of the road trip which is no fun and lots of long hours of driving.
Best Time to Visit California
The best time to do a California road trip is between the months of January to April preferably right when spring starts around March. California has rains which last through December and January mostly and leave everything lush and gorgeous afterwards. Plus you will be driving through some stunning beaches and you want it to be warm enough to enjoy those.
This time of the year is also the season for bioluminescent algae on the southern beaches of California (April), whale migration season near SoCal beaches (between January and April), elephant seal breeding season in Central California (December to March) and Monarch butterflies filled Eucalyptus groves (late October through February).
Summer
California has a late summer which starts in June and gradually develops into a hot dry fall which causes raging wildfires all over California that are extremely dangerous for driving and camping.
Winter
Winter isn’t recommended because you’ll miss out on some water fun. Fog and landslides on the highway also causes closures which can last for hours and ruin your plans during winters.
What is Highway 1
Pacific Coast Highway starts down south in San Diego and runs along the coast all the way through Malibu. Highway 1 starts at Dana Point, an hour south of LA and runs all the way to Leggett which is 5 hours north of San Francisco.
The part of Highway 1 that runs from San Diego to Malibu is called Pacific Coast Highway. On our trip we will be following Highway 1 from start to its end and then following Highway 101 for a little bit afterwards to venture into redwood forests.
Essential Tips
Take a printed map
There are going to be times on the remote parts of the road where you do not have a mobile signal. It gets kinda scary when you don’t know where to go and the sun is setting. As a solo female traveler, a printed map with places clearly marked is a must for me.
Pack warm clothes
California has a late summer and if you are making this trip during spring, the mornings are going to be cold. Pack warm clothes so you don’t freeze, especially in northern California which gets even colder.
Don’t litter
You are a guest in the space of people that live here. Have some common sense and be respectful of their territory.
Keep the car snack free
I know how tempting it is to keep munching during long road rides but don’t do that. Keep the chips down and wait until you get to the good restaurants every day.
Road Trip Essentials
Rain jacket
California tends to be kinda foggy especially in the mountains and up towards the northern forests. It’s a good idea to take a rain jacket with you, you never know when the rain gods get angry especially on a coast.
Warm jackets
Even on the hottest days, California mornings tend to start out chilly and jackets are necessary. You will also be more comfortable driving and hiking in Big Sur if you have a good warm jacket.
Sturdy hiking shoes
One of the most important things is to get good shoes for the trip. You will be doing a lot of walking in a short amount of time. When we went to Hong Kong my mom bought us all new shoes and it was a great idea because we ended up walking so much.
Portable charger
A portable charger is also very important. You will be driving long stretches of road and its paramount your phone doesn’t shut down and leave you stranded on the side of the road. As a solo female traveler especially you don’t want to be making sketchy stops at night when your phone battery is dead.
Camera
For obvious reasons. Every single town on this drive is so picturesque and the views are so amazing that you will want to capture every moment.
Large water bottles
Of course for those long car rides you want to keep hydrated and feeling good. Also pack some aspirin if you get headaches which I tend to do during car rides sometimes.
Average Cost For Trip
The average cost for a California road trip is $75 – $100 per person per day. Your most expensive cost will be the rental car and gas. If you already own a car then the cost comes down significantly.
Your food, lodging and drinks can be as cheap as you like. If you are a backpacker you can easily live in hostels and make your own food which is what I used to do in college.
In Los Angeles you can find car rentals as cheap as $250 dollars for 14 days up front. Airbnbs outside the cities also tend to get lower priced very quickly.
For bigger cities I recommend finishing up the sight seeing and then driving up to the next location to sleep for the night. The only two bigger cities on our itinerary are Los Angeles and San Francisco. I should warn you that both are extremely expensive in terms of Airbnbs and hotels.
Food & Restaurants
Not many people focus on the food while road tripping but I think this is a missed opportunity. Food is one of the vital pipelines of a community and what makes each place unique. Our road trip is no different.
You are going to be passing next to some amazing restaurants in California, most notably – The Ragged Inn in San Simeon, Grand Central Market in LA, the farmers market in Arroyo Grande. All of these are budget friendly good eats that should be on your itinerary.
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary
I have added the 13 stops on the route with where to eat, where to stay and what to do at each stop. You can pick and choose which stops you want to do as well. Each stop has multiple different itineraries as well.
- Highway 1
- Distance: 656 miles
- Start: Dana Point (Orange County)
- End: Eureka (Mendocino County)
Dana Point
- STOP ONE
- Distance from last location – None
- Drive time – None
- Nights in place – 1 night
Dana Point is a popular spot for whale watching during the prime season. You are guaranteed by the enthusiastic captains on the boats of seeing dolphins and whales.
The sea life here is abundant and it’s the perfect California coastal town to enjoy fries and shrimp on the beach after your excursion. Southern California beaches near Dana Point all the way up to Los Angeles are absolutely beautiful.
Some of the ones that I really like are Laguna Beach which has amazing tide pools (the one at Victoria Beach is the shape of the perfect circle that makes for great drone shots – please check drone laws before flying any), Huntington Beach and Newport Beach which have glowing waters in February and March due to bioluminescent algae.
Details
- Where to stay – The Beachfront Inn and Suites, Seaside Laguna Inn and Suites, La Casa del Camino.
- Where to eat – Raya, Rancho Capistrano Winery
- What to do – Whale Watching, Victoria Beach Tide Pools.
Day 1
- Breakfast at RJ’s Cafe
- Whale Watching Tour
- Lunch at Raya
- Tide Pools in Laguna Beach
- Dinner at Rancho Winery
- (February + March) Bioluminescent algae at Newport Beach
Los Angeles
- STOP TWO
- Distance from last location – 58.5 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour
- Nights in place – 3 nights
Since I live in LA, I didn’t stop here and drove straight to Santa Barbara but my current city has so much to do I sometimes feel overwhelmed during the weekends which is why I created a list of the top things to do in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has various districts that you will or won’t like depending on what you prefer doing. The top ones have to be Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Central LA, Hollywood and South Bay.
For the perfect 3 day itinerary of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip in Los Angeles follow the same route my dad and I did. The first weekend I moved here, my dad and I did a mini tour of the city in 3 days.
The first day we took a hike up to Griffith Observatory, ate at Faith and Flower and explored Hollywood Boulevard with interesting in-and-out museums like Riley’s Believe it or not and the Museum of Selfies before heading back to our Airbnb and ordering some Indian food from Samosa House West.
Next day we went on a Paramount Pictures Studio Tour which was my first brush with Hollywood and it did not disappoint. We ended up finishing the day at Universal CityWalk at a cute shop which sold custom shampoos, lotions and soaps in the shape of flowers.
Our last day was spent exploring the gorgeous beach and pier at Santa Monica which is my favorite part of Los Angeles. I go there every weekend because I love the vibe and the beach and the cheap food.
Details
- Where to stay – Orange Drive Hostel.
- Where to eat – Uovo for the best pasta imported straight from Italy in Santa Monica, there are lots of other really good restaurants on Ocean Ave next to SM Beach. If you are headed inland then Grand Central Market is the best place to get hot piping food in LA and up towards downtown you will find more hipster vibes and avocado toast cafes like Faith and Flower.
- What to do – Hollywood walk of fame (Ripley’s, Museum of Selfies) Paramount Studio Tours, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Hikes in Santa Monica, LA and Angeles National Forest, Grand Central Market, The Grove.
Day 1
- Breakfast at The Village Bakery and Cafe
- Griffith Observatory
- Lunch at EAT
- Hollywood Boulevard museums + walk of fame
- Dinner order in from Samosa House West
Day 2
- Breakfast at Backyard Bowls
- 3rd Street at Santa Monica
- Lunch at Uovo
- Santa Monica Beach + Pier
- Dinner at HiHo Cheeseburger
Day 3
- Breakfast at Cafe Gratitude
- Paramount Studio Tour
- Lunch at Providence
- Universal CityWalk
- Dinner at Wasabi in Universal CityWalk
Photo by Jackie Chou on Unsplash
Santa Barbara
- STOP THREE
- Distance from last location – 95 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 28 mins
- Nights in place – 3 nights
The next stop on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is the gorgeous city of Santa Barbara. The city is set against the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains with wineries dotting the valleys beneath. I was especially excited about the wineries because they look absolutely gorgeous in the pictures. The town is famous for its Spanish colonial heritage and architecture.
The first day was all about the water. I decided to kayak through the caves in the Channel Islands and visit the underground salt caves. I ended the day exhausted from my adventures.
The second day was about nature. I hiked to the Eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa that attract thousands of Monarch butterflies every year. I had always dreamed of seeing them all together and my dream was fulfilled here. This is the most stunning site in the world.
I spent the evening in the town, soaking the culture and eating till my bellies was full. On the third day I woke up super excited to visit the wineries.
I decided to do a self guided wine tasting road trip tour of the top 5 wineries in the valley that I found online. I spent the whole day getting progressively drunker, happier and stuffed with food before having the best sleep of the entire trip.
Details
- Where to stay – Pea Soup Anderson’s Inn, Motel 6 , Lavender Inn by the Sea.
- Where to eat – Los Agaves Restaurant, The Lark, The Garden, The Mill.
- What to do – Channel Island kayaking and kelp forest snorkeling, Monarch butterflies at Eucalyptus groves, explore State Street, wine tasting tour.
Day 1
- Breakfast at The Lark
- Kayak Channel Islands caves and kelp forest snorkeling
- Dinner at The Garden
Day 2
- Monarch butterflies at Eucalyptus grove
- Lunch at Los Agaves Restaurant
- State street in town
- Dinner at The Mill
Day 3
- Roblar Winery
- The Brander Vineyard
- Picnic lunch from local store
- Loring Wine Company
Arroyo Grande
- STOP FOUR
- Distance from last location – 80 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 24 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
I arrived early in the morning and went to see the monarch butterflies again. Then since it was early I decided to go to the farmers market which is supposed to be one of the best on this route.
This got us pumped for my evening adventure to the valley to try out some of the tasting rooms. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic white varieties like Albariño, are especially famous in the region. You can go by yourself which is what I like or take a tour with 101 Wine Tours.
The next day I took a beach day at Lake Lopez where you can do all sorts of water activities if you like. The evening I spent time strolling the village and having candlelight dinner next to the ocean.
Details
- Where to stay – Vagabond Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, Best Western Casa Grande Inn.
- Where to eat – Cafe Andreini, Mason bar and kitchen, Golden Moon.
- What to do – Eucalyptus grove Monarch Butterflies from October through Feb, Farmer’s market with fresh baked good, homemade jams and jellies at the footbridge of the Old Village of Arroyo Grande, Lopez Lake water activities, Arroyo Grande valley wineries.
Day 1
- Monarch butterflies at Eucalyptus groves
- Brunch at Farmers market
- Afternoon winery tour + picnic dinner
Day 2
- Breakfast at Cafe Andreini
- Lopez Lake water sports
- Picnic lunch
- Dinner at Golden Moon
Morro Bay & Paso Robles
- STOP FIVE
- Distance from last location – 30 miles
- Drive time – 33 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
This area on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a boon for bird watchers. My mom is an avid bird watcher and I haven’t seen the same enthusiasm in the US so I was very excited to watch some birds around. I took a kayak and decided to paddle through the harbor and estuary. This is the best thing to do in Morro Bay, the harbor is filled with otters, seals and birds.
Once I got back I had tacos for lunch and then walked along the adorable Embarcadero near the water with shops and stalls selling all kinds of stuff. The next day was a day trip to Paso Robles to do another tour of wineries in the valley (as you can see I really love these).
Lia and Jerry at Practical Wanderlust have the perfect guide that I used to plan my day trip to Paso Robles. I have linked it below. It takes the whole day if you really want to slow down and enjoy the country so don’t put anything else on the itinerary for today.
Details
- Where to stay – Inn at Morro Bay, Motel 6, Morro Bay Beach Inn.
- Where to eat – Dutchman’s Seafood House, Buttercup Bakery and Cafe, Shine Cafe, Taco Temple, Windows on the Water.
- What to do – Morro Rock, National Estuary, Morro Bay State Park, Museum of Natural History, Avocado Margarita Festival in September, Kayak in Harbor and Estuary, explore the Embarcadero.
Day 1
- Breakfast at Shine Cafe
- Kayak the bay and estuary
- Lunch at Taco Temple
- Explore the Embarcadero
- Dinner at Dutchman’s Seafood House
Day 2
- Breakfast at Buttercup Bakery and Cafe
- Day trip to Paso Robles wineries
- Dinner at Windows on the Water
San Simeon & Cambria
- STOP SIX
- Distance from last location – 30 miles
- Drive time – 32 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
Next on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip we arrive to San Simeon. I started off early from Arroyo Grande, the drive is inland and there aren’t any scenic views so I wanted to arrive at San Simeon by noon and enjoy my day in peace. San Simeon is starkly different from LA and Santa Barbara.
The town is laid back and has no motivation to match your pace. You are forced to slow down.
From a rich miner that wanted a little luxury to his camping trips we are lucky enough to get Hearst Castle. The quiet charming castle stands amidst the Californian bush. I spent the afternoon doing the tour and taking in the history of the place.
Once finished I had heard about the Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas to see the home of the elephant seals. This was a highlight of the trip since I had never seen one before.
Next morning I had breakfast at the well known Ragged Point Inn with its gorgeous views and delicious pancakes. I then spent the day here going to the farmer’s market at Cambria, eating at the Hearst Ranch Winery and admiring the quiet.
Details
- Where to stay – Ragged Point Inn, Best Western San Marcos Inn, The Morgan Hotel.
- Where to eat – Ragged Point Restaurant, The Hidden Kitchen, Robin’s Restaurant, The Spot, Cambria Farmers Market.
- What to do – Hearst Castle, Boucher Trail to see elephant seals, Hearst Ranch Winery, Cambria farmers market.
Day 1
- Brunch at Robin’s Restaurant
- Hearst Castle Tour
- Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas
- Dinner at The Hidden Kitchen
Day 2
- Breakfast at Ragged Point Inn
- Farmers Market at Cambria
- Lunch at Hearst Ranch Winery
- Discovering San Simeon
- Dinner at The Spot
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Big Sur
- STOP SEVEN
- Distance from last location – 55 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 35 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
For an adventurer like me, the wilderness of Big Sur began calling the moment I took off on this trip. So it was expected that I made a list of all the hikes and beaches and scenic points I wanted to visit. Big Sur was going to be my moment.
I spent both my days hiking the state parks and making my way to the iconic spots like McWay Falls and Keyhole Rock. The redwoods are truly gorgeous in the fall and look beautiful.
The hikes are all so different and unique and take you to the heart of nature. This is what California looks like when left untouched and unbothered. It is glowing and magnificent and full of life.
The two days of hiking and climbing over rocks definitely left my feet sore but I loved visiting Big Sur and I can’t wait to go back again.
For those that have the money, go to Sierra Mar. It is the most stunning restaurant and has gorgeous views over the valley. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows you can see the ocean till the horizons and the sunset with colors that would stun you.
Details
- Where to stay – Sierra Mar, Big Sur River Inn, Big Sur Lodge.
- Where to eat – Deetjen’s restaurant, Big Sur Taphouse.
- What to do – McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Day 1
- McWay Falls hike
- Picnic brunch near the falls
- Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Dinner at Sierra Mar.
Day 2
- Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery
- Pfeiffer Beach + Keyhole Rock hike
- Lunch at Deetjen’s Restaurant
- Pfeiffer Falls Trail
- Dinner at Big Sur Taphouse
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- STOP EIGHT
- Distance from last location – 30 miles
- Drive time – 40 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
I made a stop to hike one of the trails at the Point Lobos Park before heading into a relaxing day and a half at Monterey and Carmel. These European looking towns have such a unique charm not found elsewhere in California.
They were built to entertain the fantasy of Europe and you feel like you stepped into a fairytale. I especially loved the dainty cottages, the hidden boutiques and the tiny cafes in Carmel.
I spent the entire day walking around Ocean Avenue and soaking up the town. The next morning I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium which I had heard so much about because it’s supposed to be one of the best aquariums in the world. Afterwards I walked down to Old Fisherman’s Wharf and chill there for the evening.
Details
- Where to stay – The Inn at 1252, Monterey Bay Lodge, Stargazer Inn and Suites.
- Where to eat – Tuck Box, Carmel Coffee House, Cottage of Sweets, Stationaery, Rise + Roam, Treehouse Cafe.
- What to do – Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s wharf, Carmel Mission, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, explore Ocean Avenue at Carmel.
Day 1
- Picnic breakfast after Point Lobos Park hike
- Drive to Carmel
- Explore Ocean Avenue – Carmel Coffee House, Cottage of Sweets
- Dinner at Stationaery
Day 2
- Breakfast at Tuck Box
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Lunch at Rise + Roam
- Explore Old Fisherman’s wharf
- Dinner at Treehouse Cafe
San Francisco
- STOP NINE
- Distance from last location – 120 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 53 mins
- Nights in place – 3 nights
San Francisco is obviously one of the most well known cities on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. I had already been to SF before so I didn’t stop for long in the city. Just one night before I was on my way again. The whole of Napa Valley was waiting for me and I was ready.
SF is a whole adventure in itself if it’s your first time. You will need at least a couple days to even begin to scratch the surface. It is a completely different city than all of California.
The tech industry, the culture, the frenzy energy of the cities from its suburbs to the rising high towers is amazing and full of life. If you are here for a couple days on a road trip then focus on Pier 39, take a cable car, visit the Peacock Meadow and roam around in Chinatown.
Details
- Where to stay – Amsterdam Hostel, The Herbert Hotel.
- Where to eat – Pat’s Cafe, Blue Mermaid Restaurant, Eagle Cafe, Quince, The Codmother Fish and Chips, Crepe Cafe.
- What to do – Lombard Street, Pier 39, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, Aquarium of the Bay, Ghirardelli Square, Twin Peaks, Museum of Modern Art, ride SF cable cars, Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower, Ferry Building eateries, Peacock Meadow glowing park, Mad tea party at The Fillmore.
Day 1
- Breakfast at Pat’s Cafe
- Peacock Meadow
- Lunch at Blue Mermaid Restaurant
- Alcatraz Island
- Dinner at Eagle Cafe at Pier 39
Day 2
- Brunch at Chinatown and explore
- Lombard Street
- Coit Tower
- Dinner at Quince
Day 3
- Cable car ride from Powell St & Market St to Fisherman’s Wharf
- Brunch at The Codmother Fish and Chips
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
- Dinner at Crepe Cafe at Pier 39
Tomales Bay
- STOP TEN
- Distance from last location – 60 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 8 mins
- Nights in place – 1 night
I was excited to be back again in nature after the hectic SF life (it’s a wonder I survive in LA). Continuing on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip I had reached the wild lands beyond San Francisco. I booked a tour for horse riding through the Cypress Tree Tunnel for the morning which meant waking up early to get there. I have always loved horse back riding and getting to explore the California bush on a horse feels so awesome.
Afterwards I explored the Point Reyes National Seashore to see some Tule elks in the areas. You can see the Tule elks grazing the grass with your binoculars. If you’re lucky you can also spot some rare birds here.
The nighttime was especially crazy, I had another tour to see the glowing water of the bay at night. The glowing waters seem otherworldly. They are like sparkling stars in the water and something you definitely should not miss at all.
Details
- Where to stay – Nick’s Cove, Apple Garden Cottage, Tomales Bay Resort & Marina.
- Where to eat – Hog Island Oyster Company, Sir and Star, Tomales Bay Oyster Company .
- What to do – Point Reyes National Seashore, Tule Elk Preserve, sailing, fishing, boating, night time kayaking through bioluminescent waters, Cypress Tree Tunnel horseback riding.
Day 1
- Grab picnic breakfast in SF
- Cypress Tree Tunnel horseback riding
- Lunch at Sir and Star
- Point Reyes National Seashore hike
- Dinner at Tomales Bay Oyster Company
- Bio bay night tour
Mendocino
- STOP ELEVEN
- Distance from last location – 130 miles
- Drive time – 2 hour 40 mins
- Nights in place – 2 nights
I stopped in Mendocino because it literally looks like such an interesting site when you search it up on Google. I will never thank myself enough for staying at Glendeven Inn which I had seen recommended everywhere. I really splurged because I wanted to just relax and enjoy myself.
The beautiful inn has 15 acres of llamas and chickens roaming around, views of the Van Damme State Park and a spa with massage and facial treatments. I love farm-to-table food and they provide the freshest materials and eggs from the chickens you see. It’s romantic and beautiful and just the type of place I love.
I woke up to a hot fresh breakfast at 9am and got ready. I then walked around the farm and found the llamas I had heard about and fed them for a bit.
I spent the rest of the day having free wine, hors d’oeuvres and baked goods all day long. I took a walk to the town in the afternoon to explore the boutiques and then decided to keep walking the 2.2 miles road all the way up to Big River where I spent an hour canoeing to tire me out.
The Skunk train and Glass Beach are 20 mins up the coast in Fort Bragg from here and I didn’t feel like driving that day so tomorrow it was.
The next day I again woke up in a great mood (fresh hot brekkie always makes me happy). I drove 20 mins up to ride the Skunk train through the redwoods deep in the Royo River Canyon. I have also been a HUGE fan of miniature models which meant the model railroad barn kept me occupied for a little while.
After I ate a huge lunch at David’s and then made my way up to Glass Beach. The beach literally looks like it is made with glass which is so cool because I didn’t know they even existed in the US.
Details
- Where to stay – Glendeven Inn and Lodge, Andiron Inn, Ocean View Cottage, Carriage House .
- Where to eat – Flow, Cafe Beaujolais, David’s, Silver’s at the Wharf.
- What to do – Explore the town, Russian Gulch State Park, canoe on the Big River, Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg Skunk Train + Model Railroad Barn, two person paddling rail bikes, Glendeven Inn.
Day 1
- Breakfast at Glendeven Inn
- Explore the town
- Lunch at Flow
- Canoe at Big River
- Dinner at Cafe Beaujolais
Day 2
- Breakfast at Glendeven Inn
- Skunk Train + Model Railroad Barn
- Lunch at David’s
- Glass Beach + Hike
- Dinner at Silver’s at the Wharf
Leggett & Avenue of the Giants
- STOP TWELVE
- Distance from last location – 55 miles
- Drive time – 1 hour 33 mins
- Nights in place – 1 night
This day is going to be one of the most beautiful drives in your entire California road trip. You are going to drive 3 hours from Mendocino to Eureka amongst the oldest redwoods in the state.
These are gorgeous 100 meter tall ancient redwood trees that will fill you with awe at the nature you are witnessing. The Highway 1 ends at Leggett after which you will merge onto 101 and then onto the Avenue which is the most beautiful part of the stretch.
In Leggett there is a tree that you can even drive through for a quick thrill. I felt pretty funny doing it but it’s fun. After the Avenue of The Giants in Eureka, you can fly back to SF or LA.
Trip End
From Eureka you can fly back to SF or LA and then onto your home city. The city is very well connected which makes it very easy to get back. If you have your own car you can also take a quick route back to LA or SF by using Highway 101 not Highway 1 which connects straight between the 2 cities.
I hope you guys have as much fun as I did during my road trip. Don’t be afraid to do the trip as a solo female traveler. California is much safer outside the bigger cities anyway. Best of luck!
