Road Tripping the Northern California Coast

Cassie’s Compass contains affiliate links and is also an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

I have dreamed of road tripping the Northern California coast since moving to the Golden State two years ago. You know you are in for a great road trip when your destination is regularly described as the “Wild North” or the “Lost Coast.” I finally took the drive from San Francisco to Eureka and learned firsthand just how diverse this beautiful state is. Here are the top stops on a Northern California coast road trip plus some tips for ticking everything off your NorCal bucket list.

Northern California Coast Road Trip Stops

I consider San Francisco the start of “NorCal.” However, as I frequent the Bay Area I didn’t spend a lot of time in San Francisco this time. If you are flying in or if you have never visited the city, check out my First-Timer’s Guide to San Francisco to add it to your Northern California coast road trip.

NorCal Road Trip

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) runs very close to the actual coast throughout NorCal. For the most scenic route stick to Highway 1! However, if you prefer the destination over the journey, move further inland and take Highway 101 to shave time off your drive between stops.

Marin Headlands

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, you will find the scenic and serene Marin Headlands. There are so many hikes and viewpoints to choose from, so I suggest a quick search of the area using the free app AllTrails. I wanted a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge so I chose Slacker Hill. Don’t miss some other features of the area like the Black Sands Beach or Kirby Cove.

Golden Gate Bridge view from Slacker Hill

Point Reyes Seashore

Point Reyes is worth adding to your list as you will pass by it on your way up Highway 1 from the Marin Headlands. However, getting to more scenic spots will feel like a slight detour as you will need to take the asphalt Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west and south to reach the scenic cape. Here you will find the Instagram famous Cypress Tree Tunnel. On your way to the Point Reyes Lighthouse take the short walk to the South Beach Overlook where the coast looks like it stretches on for miles in one linear direction.

cypress tunnel northern California coast road trip

Russian Gulch

Very reminiscent of Bixby Bridge on the Central California coast, Russian Gulch is a beautiful cement span with a stunning coastal view. I personally prefer Russian Gulch to its more famous sister as Russian Gulch was much more accessible. Paying the $8 state park fee grants you 360-degree viewing access. I started off admiring the view from across the bay then drove under the bridge to park directly under the span and wander the beach beneath it.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg really surprised me as one of my favorite stops. While the Skunk Train is what initially attracted me to the area, I found so much more to do in this little coastal town than I thought I would. I would love to return and spend an entire weekend here. Check out my full post on why Railbiking the Redwoods with the Skunk Train is an absolute MUST. Another must is walking the Pudding Creek pedestrian bridge to Glass Beach at sunset. There are miles of easy walking trails with unbeatable views.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is another stop I would love to come back and spend an entire weekend at, especially in the late spring to see migrating whales! The main attraction at Shelter Cove is California’s largest black sand beach. Also known as the “Lost Coast,” I was stunned at how secluded and peaceful this beach was. Getting to Shelter Cove from Highway 101 is a bit of an out and back detour, but one that is completely worth it. For even more check out my complete guide to Shelter Cove.

Pro Tip: If you love the giant redwoods, find a spot to pull over and enjoy them along Redwood Drive. Giant redwoods line this short stretch of road on the way to Shelter Cove. The road twists around the redwoods and in some places you can nearly touch them from your car. I found this short drive even more scenic than the actual Avenue of the Giants just up the road!

Avenue of the Giants

The Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile long two-lane highway that runs alongside Highway 101. The south entrance is right around Garberville and the north entrance is by Scotia. It has plenty of turnouts and quick hikes through the redwoods that line the road in groves. There are also several campgrounds and rest-stops with a few restaurants and convenience stores.

Little River State Beach

As you pass Eureka and get closer to the north border, California’s landscape dramatically changes. If you love Cannon Beach in Oregon, check out Little River State Beach in Trinidad. Sunset is the best time to hang out as misty Camel Rock takes on a golden glow on the shoreline. Note the difference between Moonstone Beach and Little River State Beach. If you don’t mind wading across the waist-high water, you can easily get from Moonstone Beach to the peninsula of Little River. I wanted to get a better vantage point of Camel Rock and wasn’t prepared for a swim so I parked at Little River and walked two miles up the sandy peninsula to get my sunset shots.

Fern Canyon

Step into California’s only rainforest at Fern Canyon, just north of Orick. This scenic fern-covered ravine is a bit of a drive to get to but an easy walk once you arrive. Be prepared to get your feet wet as the wooden planks don’t cover every stream crossing. Fern Canyon has been the backdrop to a lot of prehistoric cinema including Jurassic Park 2 and Walking with Dinosaurs, making it a very popular destination. While you probably won’t be lucky enough to see a stegosaurus, keep your eyes peeled for elk and banana slugs!

For video footage, you can preview the full road trip on my NorCal Instagram highlights! And if you ever have a question you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below. Let me know what else you would add to your Northern California coast road trip!

For this post, I partnered with some companies for a discounted experience. However, you can count on me to be a good steward of this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are completely honest and completely my own.