Road Tripping the Northern California Coast

The Northern California coast from the Oregon border to San Francisco is pleasantly uncrowded, with only a smattering of small towns and endless opportunities for exploring. Whether you opt for a meandering drive on Highway 1, which hugs the coast and dips inland occasionally, or the more direct Highway 101 route, you can’t go wrong.

Starting in Crescent City, be sure to save time to explore the redwoods, in places like Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park or Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. All offer opportunities to drive past or hike among these famously large trees.

Next, head to Arcata, a quiet town of shops and restaurants anchored by Humbolt State University. In the town center, spots like Café Brio and Hole in the Wall are worthwhile for fueling up.

You’ll then venture inland following the highway, slicing through forests of deep green and the occasional redwood grove. At Leggett, Highway 101 and 1 split, with 1 hugging the coast and dropping you in the seaside town of Fort Bragg, where you’ll have a chance to stop for ice cream at Cowlick’s.

The road then quiets significantly, with only beaches and rocky coastline breaking the long drive south. The small town of Gualala is the next major stopping point, with restaurants and hotels and a few companies offering kayak tours, a worthwhile diversion. Small towns increase in frequency as you near San Francisco, with some offering little more than a gas station and others with wine tasting rooms and restaurants.