33 Attractions to Visit
California's Redwood Empire
Starts from
San Francisco
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Attractions
33
Duration
4 Days
Length
830 mi
Guide details
Starts from
San Francisco
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
4 Days
Length
830 mi
Price
Created By:
Frommer's Travel Guides
Highlights
- Most compelling nature sights, from towering redwood forests, to splendidly rugged Pacific beaches.
- Fab wineries, unique spas, an oyster farm.
- Sites that delve into the surprising and varied history of the state.
California's redwood forests are home to the largest and oldest living creatures on earth, and they are the stars of this road trip. But the state's wonders go well beyond tees. When you drive winding State Highway 1, you'll encounter towns little changed since the Victorian era, historic forts, and fog-shrouded lighthouses. Add to these natural and historic sites a good dash of creature comforts: if you like to eat well, and try new wines and spa treatments, you're in the right quadrant of the country. Before you set out, remember that if you intend to make our stop at Muir Woods, you'll need to make an advance reservation for entry. Enjoy!
Photo: Pauline Frommer
Photo: Pauline Frommer
California's redwood forests are home to the largest and oldest living creatures on earth, and they are the stars of this road trip. But the state's wonders go well beyond tees. When you drive winding State Highway 1, you'll encounter towns little changed since the Victorian era, historic forts, and fog-shrouded lighthouses. Add to these natural and historic sites a good dash of creature comforts: if you like to eat well, and try new wines and spa treatments, you're in the right quadrant of the country. Before you set out, remember that if you intend to make our stop at Muir Woods, you'll need to make an advance reservation for entry. Enjoy!
Photo: Pauline Frommer
Photo: Pauline Frommer
Frommer's Travel Guides
- Most compelling nature sights, from towering redwood forests, to splendidly rugged Pacific beaches.
- Fab wineries, unique spas, an oyster farm.
- Sites that delve into the surprising and varied history of the state.
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Travel Itinerary
8 Attractions to Visit
Day 1
151 mi
Oysters, Beaches, Cedar Baths, and a Moody Lighthouse
In terms of potential sights and activities, the stretch between San Francisco and Bodega Bay is one of the most jam-packed in California. We recommend an unusual spa treatment, an oyster tour, some easy hikes, and beachcombing, but all of the destinations we'll mention reward deeper exploration, so don't be shy about lingering at the ones that interest you the most. It's hard to go wrong, though the FOMO will be strong. Please note that you'll need advance reservations for Muir Woods, the oyster term and Osmosis Day Spa.
Photo: Pauline Frommer
22:00
10 Attractions to Visit
Day 2
245 mi
Sweeping Coastal Vistas, California History and the Avenue of the Giants
You'll spend much of today driving along one of the most spellbindingly beautiful coastal roads in all of North America. Along the way, you can stop at tidal pools on deserted beaches, see some of the coast's most charming towns, and then duck inland to cruise along the aptly named Avenue of the Giants.
Photo: Pauline Frommer
22:00
7 Attractions to Visit
Day 3
115 mi
A Day at Redwoods National and State Park
Today you'll spend far less time in your car, and instead you'll be out exploring one of the United States most appealing natural preserves. It's actually the only one in the National Park system that has 3 state parks embedded within a national park. The rangers from both the state and the national parks work together to protect the precious sites here and make sure visitors get the most from their time. You could spend several days exploring this area, but for the purposes of this driving tour, we'll show you a few highlights instead.
Photo: Pauline Frommer
22:00
8 Attractions to Visit
Day 4
319 mi
Wine Tasting and a Historic Spa
Because you'll be driving the inland route back to San Francisco, you'll leave winding coastal roads behind and take mostly straight-as-an-arrow highways. That means though you'll cover longer distances today than earlier in this road trip. Today's highlights include classic Victorian architecture and a throwback spa, plus some mighty fine wine tastings.
Photo: Pauline Frommer