San Francisco to Redwoods National Park Road Trip

Your trip begins in the heart of San Francisco, where you’ll find yourself crossing one of the world’s most iconic landmarks: the Golden Gate Bridge. This marvel of engineering is not only your gateway to the adventure that lies ahead but a stunning sight in its own right, with its sweeping arches and famous orange color. Be sure to stop at the Battery Spencer Overlook or Vista Point to capture the bridge in all of its glory and snap some awesome pictures before heading out on the next leg of your journey.

Leaving the city behind, your next stop should be Muir Woods National Monument. This is a beautiful forest and is home to some of the tallest and oldest redwoods in the country, and there’s something truly magical about wandering along the paths and staring up at these giants that have stood tall for centuries. Not to mention, it’s a great place to pull over, stretch your legs, and take in some fresh air. To get into the heart of the forest, head to the boardwalk trails, which are easy hikes and the best way to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this place. Just keep in mind that it can get quite busy here, but you can reserve a parking spot ahead of time to make things that much easier.

Point Reyes is the place to go if you’ve been craving rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and windswept beaches. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is a particularly popular attraction here and is perched atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, not only offering some of the best views you’ll find on this journey but also a chance to learn more about the area’s maritime history. Also, since Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected area, it’s the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife, including elephant seals and a variety of sea birds. 

There are two very good reasons to visit Bodega Bay. Not only is it a lovely little coastal town with some fantastic views across the bay, but it was also used as the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” so any movie lovers definitely need to stop here! It’s also very close to Doran Regional Park, where you can explore beaches and even get the opportunity to spot whales from the cliffs during migration season. 

Just 10 miles down the road, the tiny village of Jenner is the point where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. This is the perfect place to pull over and enjoy a day of kayaking or paddleboarding, or if you’d prefer to stay dry, the short drive to Goat Rock Beach gives you a chance to explore tide pools or simply sit back and take in the beautiful scenery. After a day of exploring, take the 15-minute journey to Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery and sample some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in California. Just remember to watch your limits if you’re heading out on the road again!

While this is the longest stretch of time on the road so far, the drive to Mendocino Headlands is an experience in itself, with beautiful views and winding roads that make it feel as though you’re headed somewhere magical. And, to be honest, you are! This state park is home to trails that take you along cliffs and through hidden coves, offering you a chance to get up close and personal with nature and the landscape. There are also cafes and restaurants to visit in the nearby village, which is ideal for refueling after a day exploring this mesmerizing place. 

Not far up the road from Mendocino Headlands, you’ll find Fort Bragg, which is home to one of the most unique beaches in the world – Glass Beach. As you explore here, you’ll find hundreds of pieces of colorful sea glass scattered across the shore, giving you an opportunity to pick up a memento of your journey. Glass beach isn’t the only attraction here, though. You can visit MacKerricher State Park, which is just 6 minutes away and is the natural habitat of some of the United States’ rarest plant species. 

While this isn’t technically a place to stop, get out of your campervan, and explore, no trip to Redwoods National Park is complete without visiting the Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett. This is one of the most iconic attractions along the way, and it allows you to literally drive through the base of a massive living redwood tree, creating a pretty special experience and some awesome photo opportunities. 

Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s “Avenue of the Giants” is a 31-mile stretch of highway that meanders through some of the most ancient redwoods in the world. At this stage, you’re starting to get a glimpse of the natural beauty that lies ahead, and there are plenty of spaces where you can pull over and head out on hiking trails or enjoy a picnic. Founders Grove and the Rockefeller Forest, in particular, are the best hiking trails to take if you want to walk among these giant trees. 

South of Eureka, the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a must-stop destination for nature lovers. The marshlands and estuaries here are home to a variety of bird species, and not only is it a great place to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk, but the place to do some bird watching on your journey from San Francisco. It’s also a pretty contrasting landscape compared to the redwood forests you’ve enjoyed so far, so it’s a great opportunity to switch things up and experience something different.

As you start nearing Redwoods National Park, another place that’s worth pulling up and exploring is Trinidad State Beach. You’ll find loads of tide pools teeming with marine life here, including starfish, crabs, and anemones, all of which are particularly interesting for young children to see! There’s also the adjacent town of Trinidad to explore, where you can find the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse and learn more about the town’s history, paired with some amazing ocean views.

You’ve reached your final destination, but this doesn’t mean the end of your adventure! Redwood National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, some reaching more than 350 feet into the air. Obviously, the trees are the big draw here, but there are also rivers, meadows, and coastal areas of this National Park, all of which are just calling out to be explored and photographed. The Klamath River Overlook is a particularly good spot to head to if you’re after some incredible photos, as it’s a spot where the river meets the ocean. 

Even though it’s an easy drive from San Francisco to Redwoods National Park in a day, taking your time and spending a few days on the road makes it possible to celebrate California’s natural beauty and see some of the most amazing sites on the planet. 

Traveling in a campervan adds an extra layer of freedom to this awesome adventure, and with Travellers Autobarn, you can rent a campervan with unlimited miles, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore every stop along the way. You can even extend the adventure further by heading back out on the road and exploring some other amazing San Francisco road trips.