Northern California Coast Road Trip: 9 Places Not to Miss (From a Local)
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The Northern California coast is where the state shows its wildest side. As a NorCal resident, I am often surprised to see some of the most incredible state parks quite deserted — apparently because people simply don't know much about them, even in 2026. And some may even think that San Francisco is as north as it gets in California. Yet starting in San Francisco and heading north: that's where California hides its truest treasures.
Winding roads along rugged Pacific views, damp, fern-covered forests with redwoods more than a thousand years old — just acres of acres of nature and the occasional small town in between. This is what makes a coast road trip across Northern California feel like stepping back in time, far away from the traffic madness and crowded beaches in the southern part of the state (which is beautiful too, don't get me wrong).
There is so much to explore in Northern California, and in this article, I'll share with you 9 of my favorite places to visit: what makes these places special, the best hikes, where to stay, and what you need to know before you head out — all packed into a compact, easily scannable format focused on the most important facts. Let's dive into it!
1. San Francisco
Along the Batteries to Bluffs Trail: Marshall’s Beach at sunset. Come at low tide if you’d like to head down to the beach, otherwise it will be submerged under water.
San Francisco
Go for
Best hikes
Batteries to Bluffs Trail — my personal favorite, coastal trail with Golden Gate Bridge and rugged coastline views the entire way
Lands End — rugged shoreline and Golden Gate Bridge views (in stretches more hidden than along Batteries-to-Bluffs), Sutro Baths ruins
Crosstown Trail — traverses the city, from Candlestick Point in the southeast to Lands End in the northwest
Where to stay
Downtown around Union Square has the most hotel options, but for the most authentic experience, I highly recommend staying in one of the city's distinct residential neighborhoods instead. As a local, here's what I recommend:
Haight Ashbury
Old hippie vibes, unique shops, Victorian homes, and close to Golden Gate Park
Stanyan Park Hotel — unbeatable location right at Golden Gate Park.
Alamo Square
My favorite locationHome of the Painted Ladies, central location, residential feel, Victorian architecture throughout
The Grove Inn — one block to Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies.
The Castro
Vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, nightlife, Victorian architecture, lively community feel
Hotel Castro — right in the heart of it.
The Marina
Budget-friendlyClose to Crissy Field, the Presidio, and sights like the crooked part of Lombard Street. Golden Gate Bridge views everywhere.
Samesun Hostel — affordable by San Francisco standards, dorms and private rooms, parking garage on site.
Know before you go
- If you're flying into San Francisco, you don't need a car for the city itself. Public transit, Waymo (self-driving taxis), and other rideshares cover everything, and parking can be expensive and difficult. Pick up your rental car on the day you head north instead — you'll save on both the rental days and hotel parking fees. Plus, despite the hills, San Francisco is super walkable and on foot is actually the best way to explore the city.
- There is so much to say about this wonderful city that would exceed the scope of this article — see the guides below for the full picture.
→ My full guide to outdoor things to do in San Francisco
2. Point Reyes National Seashore
A tule elk rests in the coastal scrub along the Tomales Point trail.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Go for
Best hikes
Tomales Point — my favorite day hike; passing by the Tule Elk Reserve, with amazing coastal views
Chimney Rock — my favorite short hike; wildflowers in spring, stunning coastal views, whale watching (seasonal), elephant seals (seasonal). The tip of Chimney Rock is an excellent spot to keep your eyes peeled for whales
Alamere Falls — best as a backpacking trip; the last stretch must be planned around low tide. The hike ends on the beach with a waterfall (this is called a tidefall) and offers diverse scenery along the way
Where to stay
Tomales Bay Resort & Marina
Great location right at Tomales Bay, food nearby (the Dutch Crunch Deli sandwiches at The Inverness Store are amazing, highly recommend)
Backpacking campgrounds: Coast, Glen, Sky & Wildcat Camp
Four hike-in backcountry campgrounds; no car or RV camping inside the park. Reserve on Recreation.gov
Car & RV camping: Olema Campground
Private campground just outside the park in the town of Olema — the closest option if you're not backpacking. Reserve on olemacampground.net
Know before you go
- Wildlife activity varies by season. Keep in mind: what wildlife you get to see depends on the season — check out my full nature-focused Point Reyes guide for more info.
- There is no car or RV camping within the park boundaries — all four campgrounds inside Point Reyes are hike-in only.
- You can easily spend several days at Point Reyes — with countless hikes, kayaking on Tomales Bay, and excellent backpacking campgrounds, there's no shortage of things to do.
3. Salt Point State Park & Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
An ochre sea star photographed at Salt Point State Park during low tide. So many species to discover here — some, like sea urchins, unfortunately in overwhelming numbers. An article on that is in the making, stay tuned.
Salt Point State Park & Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
Go for
Best hikes
Salt Point to Stump Beach — large tide pools to explore at low tide and stunning coastal scenery. Scan the water for passing whales
Pygmy Forest Trail — mature trees dwarfed by a hardpan layer and highly acidic soil. You can see these trees are not young, despite being much smaller than usual. They are shaped like mature trees, but everything about them is stunted
Chinese Gulch Trail and Phillips Gulch Trail — second-growth redwoods and Pacific rhododendrons (blooming in spring) in Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
Where to stay
Gerstle Cove & Woodside Campgrounds
Both campgrounds are inside the park.
Timber Cove Resort
5 minutes to Salt PointBluff-top resort just south of the park, with ocean-view rooms and an on-site restaurant, which is useful since food options are limited in this area.
Jenner, Sea Ranch & Gualala
These small towns have more hotels and vacation rentals, 30 to 45 minutes from the park: Jenner to the south, Sea Ranch and Gualala to the north.
Know before you go
- Come in spring for Pacific rhododendron blooms
- Explore the tide pools at low tide, ideally when the tide is still falling, to avoid getting cut off by a rising tide. Never turn your back on the ocean, and watch where you step, both to protect fragile organisms and to keep your footing on the wet rocks, which can be extremely slippery
4. Gualala & Point Arena
The Point Arena Lighthouse stands on a rocky bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Gualala & Point Arena
Go for
Best hikes
Gualala Point Loop — rugged ocean views, can be extended along the shoreline into the Sea Ranch trails that continue along the bluffs
Point Arena–Stornetta Unit — California Coastal National Monument, dramatic bluffs and sea arches
Point Arena Lighthouse Nature Trail — short coastal walk around the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, which you can climb
Bowling Ball Beach — go at low tide to see the famous bowling-ball-shaped rock formations
Where to stay
Gualala Point Regional Park
Camping along the Gualala River, among the redwoods.
Surf Inn
Right in the heart of Gualala, close to the ocean, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. There is an EV charger for guests, a real advantage on a stretch of coast where charging options are limited.
Point Arena Lighthouse Cottages & Studios
Historic lodging right at Point Arena Lighthouse, with ocean views on three sides, fireplaces, and a lighthouse tower tour included.
Vacation rentals
Plenty of options here, ranging from bluff-top cottages and cabins among the redwoods to glamping and oceanfront homes.
Know before you go
- The bowling ball rocks at Bowling Ball Beach are only exposed at low tide, so check the tide chart before you go. The lower the tide, the better. The beach is beautiful either way. If you plan to see neighboring Schooner Gulch State Beach, note that you cannot walk along the shore from one beach to the other in either direction. A large rock outcropping blocks the way. Access each beach by its own trail.
- River kayaking is best in May and June, when the river mouth has naturally closed and the water is calm. River Bend Kayaks is the local outfitter. They typically don't operate in winter due to rough water conditions.
- Keep an eye out for whales (spouts, fins, lunges) when hiking along the coastline.
- This area is remote enough, and far enough from larger cities, that the night sky is exceptionally dark. Keep in mind that summers are foggy, so clear skies are most likely in spring and fall.
5. Mendocino
Stunning views of turquoise water on a perfect fall day at the Mendocino Headlands Trail.
Mendocino & Surrounding State Parks
Go for
Best hikes
Mendocino Headlands Trail — bluff-top loop around the village, with sea arches, tide pools, and whale watching from the cliffs
Jug Handle Ecological Staircase — five wave-cut marine terraces, each roughly 100,000 years older than the one below it, each with its own plant community. The trail climbs from coastal prairie through redwoods to a pygmy forest on one of the upper terraces
Devil's Punchbowl — short headlands loop out to a collapsed sea cave that churns at high tide
Van Damme: Pygmy Forest & Fern Canyon — start on the boardwalk through the pygmy forest, then continue into the fern canyon and redwood forest loop via the Old Logging Road – Fern Canyon Loop. An abundance of Pacific rhododendrons bloom in spring
Where to stay
Agate Cove Inn
Walk to the villageCoastal retreat on the edge of the headlands, with landscaped gardens.
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Outside townEco-luxury option above Mendocino Bay, with massages, yoga sessions, and a restaurant serving locally sourced organic ingredients.
Russian Gulch & Van Damme State Parks Campgrounds
Russian Gulch two miles from the village, Van Damme four miles. Reserve on reservecalifornia.com
Know before you go
- Mendocino books up fast on weekends, particularly May through October. Book well in advance.
- For Big River kayaking, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too at Stanford Inn rents canoes and kayaks year-round. The Big River estuary is habitat for many threatened and endangered species.
6. Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Avenue of the Giants
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Go for
Best hikes
Founders Grove Nature Trail — short loop among some of the most famous trees in the park, can be done as a quick stop
Bull Creek Flats Trail — longer walk through dense old-growth forest
Where to stay
Burlington Campground
I love this campground because you camp right among old-growth redwoods. Other options inside the park are Hidden Springs and Albee Creek (near Bull Creek, a good base for the flats trail). Reserve all three on ReserveCalifornia.
Know before you go
- The Bull Creek Flats trail cannot be done as a full loop in winter and early spring when water levels are high. The seasonal footbridge is usually installed by late spring and removed in early fall. Rains shift these dates every year, so check conditions before you go.
- The Avenue of the Giants is a separate scenic road running parallel to Highway 101, not a continuation of it. Look for the signed exits off the highway.
7. Trinidad & Sue-meg State Park
Trinidad & Sue-meg State Park
Go for
Best hikes
Agate Beach Trail — drops down to the beach and its tide pools below the headlands. The beach is also a good spot to hunt for agates, wave-polished stones that wash up in the surf.
Rim Trail — forested loop around the Sue-meg headland, linking overlooks, sea stacks, and whale-watching points.
Where to stay
Vacation rentals in Trinidad
A small town with secluded spots right on the coast. A vacation rental here makes a good base for a couple of days. Prairie Creek Redwoods, with Fern Canyon and its elk prairies, is a short drive north.
Sue-meg State Park Campgrounds
Book the Agate Beach, Abalone, and Penn Creek campgrounds inside the park through ReserveCalifornia. They are open spring through early fall.
Know before you go
- The park's name, Sue-meg, is the name Yurok people have used for this land since time immemorial. It was formally restored by the state in 2021 (the park was called Patrick's Point State Park before that), the first name changed under California's Reexamining Our Past Initiative. Inside the park you can visit Sumêg, a Yurok village rebuilt with the Yurok community in 1990.
- Agate hunting is best after storms, when fresh material washes up.
- For tide pools, come at low tide, and check a tide chart before you go.
8. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and the surrounding area are a great place to see Roosevelt elk, like this herd resting in a meadow under the trees.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Go for
Best hikes
Fern Canyon Loop — short canyon walk through 50-foot fern-covered walls; requires parking reservation May–Sep
James Irvine Trail — full-day hike from the visitor center through old-growth to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach; no permit needed
Where to stay
Elk Prairie & Gold Bluffs Beach Campgrounds
Inside the parkElk Prairie is right at the visitor center; Gold Bluffs puts you steps from the beach and Fern Canyon trailhead.
Stay in Trinidad
Prairie Creek is an easy day trip from Trinidad, about 45 minutes south. If you're already based there (see the previous stop),you can visit the park without changing accommodations.
Know before you go
- Parking at Gold Bluffs Beach Day Use Area (the direct trailhead for Fern Canyon) requires a reservation May 15–September 15. If you hike in via the James Irvine Trail from the visitor center, no permit is needed.
- Fern Canyon involves creek crossings regardless of season. In winter and spring, water levels can be high enough to make the canyon impassable. Temporary bridges are only installed in summer.
9. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Go for
Best hikes
Grove of Titans — short trail, home to some of the largest coast redwoods on Earth by volume
Stout Grove — short, flat loop through one of the most-visited old-growth groves in the park
Fern Falls via Boy Scout Tree Trail — hike that allows you to explore a bit deeper into the forest than Grove of Titans and Stout Grove, leads to a waterfall
Where to stay
Right along the Smith River inside the park, among the redwoods.
Oceanview Inn
Budget-FriendlyIn Crescent City, about 9 miles west. The closest town with hotels, restaurants, and a grocery store.
Lighthouse Point
Ocean viewsVacation rental with incredible ocean views and a hot tub.
Know before you go
- Howland Hill Road is a narrow, unpaved single-lane road. Regular cars are fine, but RVs, trailers, and buses cannot pass. Drive slowly and be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic.
- If you prefer a single base over changing accommodations frequently, Trinidad works for this park too. It's about an hour to an hour and a half away, but it's a nice, relaxed drive.
Know Before You Go
Weather
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Northern California coast. The risk of winter rain and summer fog is at its lowest, and spring brings wildflowers at their peak.
- July and August come with persistent fog for days on end. The combination of hot inland temperatures, warm moisture over the Pacific, and the cold California Current running along the coast causes condensation over the chilly nearshore waters — and the heat inland creates a strong pull that draws this marine layer onshore. The result is a coast that stays mild (some would call it cold in summer) year-round, with little difference between summer and winter temperatures.
- Year-round: always layer up and bring a jacket.
Where to Start
- San Francisco is the best start for this trip. Explore the city first, then head north to Point Reyes and continue up the coast along Highway 1 before transitioning to Highway 101 for the final stretch to the northern redwoods.
Car Rental
- Rates vary a lot by provider and time of year. My recommendation: use a comparison tool rather than booking directly with one company. It usually gets you the best deal.
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