Home DestinationsNorth America California Road Trip: From San Francisco to the Oregon Border

California Road Trip: From San Francisco to the Oregon Border

by Rich Rubin
California Road Trip from San Francisco to Oregon

While many people take the coastal road from Los Angeles to San Francisco, why stop there? A trip from San Francisco to the Oregon border is really one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

California road trip resources

LODGING
Glendeven Inn and Lodge, 8205 N. Highway One, Little River. Tel: 707-937-0083 or 800-822-4536. Doubles $180-$325. Total comfort, whether in the old-fashioned farmhouse or sleekly contemporary lodge. www.glendeven.com

Inn at 2nd and C, 139 2nd St., Eureka. Tel: 707-444-3344. Doubles $129-$229. Beautifully restored inn in Eureka’s Old Town. www.theinnat2ndandc.com

Mendocino Grove, 9601 N. Highway One, Mendocino. Tel: 707-880-7710. Tents $135-$225. Tents with heated beds among lush green and great vistas. www.mendocinogrove.com

Redwood Coast Vacation Rentals, Tel: 707-834-6555. Rates $75-$550 and up. A wide variety from town lofts to large houses amid spectacular Humboldt scenery. www.redwoodcoastvacationrentals.com

River’s End, 11048 Highway One, Jenner. Tel: 707-865-2484. Cottages $174-$279. ). Perfect Pacific views from these cabins perched on the edge of a cliff. www.ilovesunsets.com

Victorian Inn, 400 Ocean Avenue, Ferndale. Tel: 707-786-4949 or toll-free 888-589-1808. Doubles $179-$319. A winner at the heart of Ferndale, with its own great restaurant. www.victorianvillageinn.com

DINING
Mayan Fusion, 418 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. Tel: 707-961-0211. A taste of the Yucatan, whether in traditional or “fusion” dishes. www.mayanfusionftbragg.com

Mendocino Café, 10451 Lansing St., Mendocino. Tel: 707-937-6141. A wide selection of dishes and a lovely patio for al fresco dining. www.mendocinocafe.com

Pelican Inn, 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach. Tel: 415-383-6000. Dining with a British touch, less than a half hour from the San Francisco. www.pelicaninn.com

Salt Fish House, 761 8th St., Arcata. 707-630-5300. Inventive cookery in a hip atmosphere—much more
than just a “fish house.” www.saltfishhouse.com

Seascape, 1 Bay St., Trinidad. Tel: 707-677-3762. Down-home spot with a great view of Trinidad pier and well-prepared fish dishes. www.seascape-trinidad.com

Spud Point Crab Co., 1910 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Tel: 707-875-9472. Seafood joint for clam chowder or crab sandwiches overlooking the harbor.

Trink’s Café, 39140 Highway One, Gualala. Tel: 707-884-1713. Coffeehouse, café, or restaurant:
whichever label you choose, the food is fresh and delicious. www.trinkscafe.com

VI, 400 Ocean Avenue, Ferndale. Tel: 707-786-4950. The go-to place in Ferndale, offering topnotch
cuisine to locals and visitors alike. www.victorianvillageinn.com/the-vi-restaurant

Wild Fish, 7750 N. Highway One, Little River. Tel: 707-937-3055. Locally-grown produce and sustainable Pacific fish for prime freshness and flavor. www.wild-fish.com

COFFEE ETC.
Café Aquatica, 10439 Highway One, Jenner. Tel: 707-865-2251. Friendly little café with prime views from the deck.

Daily Grind, 2900 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat. Tel: 707-943-3969. A welcoming little spot in tiny Myers Flat for caffeination while exploring the redwoods.

Goodlife Café and Bakery, 10483 Lansing St, Mendocino. Tel: 707-937-0836. My favorite in Mendocino for great food, even better coffee, and friendly staff (chia seed pudding is a must). www.goodlifecafemendo.com

Little Green Bean Roastery, 211 Main St., Point Arena. Tel: 707-684-9813. Tiny spot with artisan-roasted coffee and chocolate. www.littlegreenbeanroastery.com

Mind’s Eye Manufactory and Coffee Lounge, 393 Main St., Ferndale. Tel: 707-786-3393. Funky, friendly, and comfortable—just as a coffee house should be. www.mindseyemanufactory.com/coffee-lounge

Northtown Coffee, 1603 G St., Arcata. Tel: 707-633-6187. A must-visit in Arcata for its well-made
food, friendly atmosphere, and inventive coffee-counter drinks. www.organicnorthtown.com

Old Town Coffee and Chocolate, 211 F. St., Eureka. Tel: 707-445-8600. A variety of coffee and other drinks, and chocolate truffles! www.oldtowncoffeeeureka.com

Ramone’s Bakery and Café, 209 E St., Eureka. Tel: 707-445-2923. Great baked goods to go with your coffee at this long-time Eureka favorite. www.ramonesbakery.com

Roadhouse Coffee, 1580 Eastshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Tel: 707-360-8856. Fun little coffee shop tucked away in Bodega Bay.

Toby’s Feed Barn, 11250 Highway One, Point Reyes Station. Tel: 415-663-1223. Great coffee and pastries in this multi-purpose Pt. Reyes gathering place. www.tobysfeedbarn.com

ACTIVITIES
Fort Ross State Historic Park, 19005 Highway One, Jenner. Tel: 707-847-3437. Historic buildings, beaches, and even the San Andreas Fault Line. www.fortross.org

Gualala Arts, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala. Tel: 707-884-1138. An invaluable arts organization hosting a nice gallery with changing exhibits. www.gualalaarts.org

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg. Tel: 707-964-4352 ext 16. Stunning botanical garden perched above the sea. www.gardenbythesea.org

Old Steeple, 246 Berding St., Ferndale. Tel: 707-786-7030. An eclectic assortment of musicians from up-and-coming to alreadyfamous perform in this renovated church. www.ferndalemusiccompany.com

Patrick’s Point State Park, 4150 Patrick’s Point Dr., Trinidad. Tel: 707-677-3570. A bounty of gorgeous trails, including stunning Agate Beach. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

Point Arena Lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. Tel: 707-882-2809 ext 1 or 877-725-4448. The tallest climbable lighthouse in California, with ocean views and whale watching possibilities. www.pointarenalighthouse.com

Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Rd., Point Reyes Station. Tel: 415-464-5100. Everything from a remote lighthousev(which has been undergoing restoration) to farmlands to seashore in this 71,000-acre park.
www.nps.gov/pore

Redwood National and State Parks, throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Tel: 707-464-6101. Uniquely spectacular and worthy of many day’s exploration among these giants. www.nps.gov/redw

Salt Point State Park, 25050 Highway One, Jenner. Tel: 707-847-3221. Beautiful coastal outlooks and a Pygmy Forest. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453

Skunk Train, 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Tel: 707-964-6371. A great way to see lovely Pudding
Creek Estuary, whether on their popular train or the new “rail bikes.” www.skunktrain.com

Trees of Mystery, 15500 Highway 101, Klamath. Tel: 707-482-2251 or 800-638-3389. Looks like a tacky tourist attraction but contains a nice Native American museum. www.treesofmystery.net

INFORMATION
For the best overview, see visitcalifornia.com. There’s also a lot of good information on the websites of the individual counties: www.visitmarin.org, www.sonomacounty.com, www.visitmendocino.com, www.visitredwoods.com (Humboldt County), and www.visitdelnortecounty.com.

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