Northern California Road Trip, Part 2: Mendocino to San Francisco
This is part 2 of a North Bay Road Trip guide! See part 1 here.
Looking for ideas for a road trip itinerary north of the San Francisco? Maybe you live in the Bay Area, or maybe you’re just visiting SF and want to tack on a few days to explore beyond the city; either way, here’s a guide with recommendations beyond Napa and Sonoma Valley (though we love it there, too!).
For your journey south, we’re taking you down the coast along Highway 1, then through Russian River Valley and Guerneville.
Day 5: Mendocino to Sonoma Coast
Say goodbye to the Mendocino coast with breakfast at Circa 62, located at Inn at Schoolhouse Creek. Grab sandwiches at Elk Store and pack them in a cooler to enjoy for a picnic lunch later in the day on the beach.
Stop by Point Arena lighthouse. Peek over the cliffs and keep your eyes peeled for sea lions (more fun to see them in the wild than at Pier 39!). Stop off at Bowling Ball Beach if the tides are in your favor.
Stop for a lunch picnic on the beach at Schooner Gulch State Beach, Fish Rock Beach, or Cooks Beach.
Spend a night along the Sonoma Coast. There’s plenty of options, but we love the cute classic cottages at Mar Vista in Gualala and the hip, coastal Timber Cove, which offers in-room record players and an on-site restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Day 6: Sonoma Coast to Guerneville & Russian River Valley
Head south for a bit more time along Highway 1. If you want one last chance to dip your toes in the sand, stop off at Goat Rock Beach before turning onto Highway 116 toward Guerneville.
In Guerneville, spend a night at Boon Hotel, a little oasis in the redwoods with a pool and spa, or at Autocamp, home of modern airstreams, glamping, and s’mores kits.
Spend a full day in Guerneville to enjoy kayaking or floating along the river, exploring the redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, or just lounging poolside at Boon Hotel. Autocamp provides bicycles for two-peddled explorations.
Guerneville has a small but mighty main street with great options for a night out. Dine at Boon Eat + Drink and grab drinks at El Barrio after. For dessert, pop into Nimble & Finn’s for ice cream and pie.
Day 7: Guerneville to San Francisco
Time for the final leg of the road trip! For breakfast, stop into Big Bottom Market before leaving for San Francisco; plan for a two-hour drive back to the city.
