5-Day Northern California Road Trip: Redwoods, Coastline, and Small Towns

By Jeff Lowe • December 23, 2025

Northern California is an ideal destination for travelers who love variety without long, exhausting drives. In just a few days, you can move from iconic coastal highways to towering redwood forests and into small towns that feel refreshingly unhurried.

This region rewards curiosity, offering dramatic scenery, quiet moments, and the kind of road-trip flexibility that makes travel feel personal rather than rushed.

This five-day Northern California itinerary focuses on experiences that define the area: misty coastlines, ancient redwood groves, and character-filled towns that invite you to slow down and explore.

The route is designed to be scenic but practical, whether you’re starting in San Francisco or arriving by plane and renting a car. Instead of racing between landmarks, the emphasis is on enjoying the drive itself, lingering where it feels right, and letting the landscape set the pace.

By the end of the trip, you’ll have seen some of the state’s most memorable scenery — and felt what makes Northern California so easy to return to.

Day 1: San Francisco to Mendocino — Coastal Highways and Ocean Views

Day one is all about setting the tone, and Northern California wastes no time doing that. Leaving San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head north, picking up Highway 1 when possible. This coastal drive is slower than inland routes, but the payoff is huge — rugged cliffs, quiet beaches, and wide-open Pacific views that make you want to pull over again and again.

Point Reyes National Seashore makes an excellent stop along the way. Even a short walk reveals rolling hills, dramatic headlands, and that windswept feeling that defines this part of the coast. From there, continue north toward Mendocino, where the landscape becomes greener and more remote.

Mendocino itself feels like a village suspended above the ocean. Victorian buildings line the streets, and the town center is compact and walkable. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a scenic but full first day on the road.

Don’t miss today

• Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge early to avoid traffic

• A short coastal walk in Point Reyes

• Sunset views from the Mendocino Headlands

Good to know

• Highway 1 is slower but far more scenic than inland routes

• Fog is common along the coast, especially in the afternoon

Day 2: Exploring the Mendocino Coast — Small Towns and Wild Shorelines

With no major driving required today, day two is about slowing down and soaking in the Mendocino Coast. Start your morning at Mendocino Headlands State Park, where easy trails trace the edge of the bluffs and offer nonstop ocean views.

Later, head south to Fort Bragg, a working coastal town with a more rugged personality. Glass Beach is the most famous stop here, known for its smooth, colorful sea glass shaped by decades of waves. It’s a quick visit, but a memorable one.

The rest of the day is best spent exploring lesser-known coastal spots like Caspar, Albion, or Little River. These areas feel quiet and uncrowded, with hidden beaches and scenic pullouts that reward curiosity.

Worth doing today

• Walking the Mendocino Headlands trails

• Stopping briefly at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg

• Driving short stretches of Highway 1 just for the views

Good to know

• Many beaches here are more scenic than swimmable

• Even in summer, bring layers — coastal breezes can be chilly

Day 3: Mendocino to the Redwoods — Into the Forest

Day three brings a dramatic shift in scenery as you leave the coast and head inland toward Northern California’s redwood forests. The drive itself is part of the experience, transitioning from ocean views to winding roads surrounded by dense greenery.

As you enter Humboldt Redwoods State Park or Redwood National and State Parks, everything slows down. Towering redwoods block out much of the light, creating a calm, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. Walking among these trees feels grounding in a way that’s hard to describe until you experience it.

Choose a few short trails rather than trying to see everything. Even a mile-long walk here can be unforgettable. By late afternoon, make your way toward towns like Arcata or Trinidad, which offer easy access to both forest and coast.

Don’t miss today

• A walk through a classic redwood grove like Founders Grove

• Driving slowly — some of the best views are from the road

• A quiet evening in a small coastal town

Good to know

• Cell service is limited in many redwood areas

• Mornings and evenings are cooler and often foggy

Day 4: Redwoods, Eureka, and the Lost Coast Feel

Morning in the redwoods is something special. Fog often hangs low, and the forest feels especially peaceful before day-trippers arrive. Take advantage of the quiet with one last walk before heading toward Eureka.

Eureka’s Old Town is a good midday stop, offering historic Victorian buildings, small shops, and waterfront views along Humboldt Bay. It’s a practical place for lunch while still feeling connected to the region’s history.

In the afternoon, explore viewpoints or accessible areas near the Lost Coast. While the full Lost Coast Trail is meant for experienced backpackers, even short drives and overlooks give you a sense of just how remote and untouched this coastline is.

Worth doing today

• Exploring Eureka’s Old Town district

• Walking along Humboldt Bay if the weather is clear

• Taking a short drive toward Lost Coast viewpoints

Good to know

• This region feels remote — fuel up when you can

• Roads can be narrow and winding near the Lost Coast

Day 5: Small Town Stops and a Scenic Return

Your final day is less about destinations and more about enjoying the road. Depending on your route back, plan a stop in Ferndale, a beautifully preserved Victorian town that feels like a step back in time. Its ornate storefronts and quiet streets make for an easy and enjoyable visit.

Beyond that, let curiosity guide you. Roadside farm stands, quiet trails, and unexpected viewpoints often become the highlights of Northern California road trips. This is a day for flexibility and unplanned stops.

As you make your way back toward San Francisco or another departure point, you may notice that the slower rhythm of the trip doesn’t fade right away. That’s part of the charm.

Don’t miss today

• A walk through Ferndale’s historic main street

• Pulling over whenever something catches your eye

• Leaving extra time for spontaneous stops

Good to know

• Driving times vary greatly depending on route choice

• Inland routes are faster; coastal routes are more scenic

A Final Note Before You Go

Five days in Northern California offers just enough time to experience the region’s contrasts without feeling rushed. From dramatic coastline drives to quiet redwood forests and welcoming small towns, this itinerary emphasizes balance — seeing iconic places while still leaving room to wander.

The real magic here isn’t just the landmarks. It’s the feeling of space, the slower pace, and the way nature quietly takes center stage. Northern California doesn’t demand your attention. It earns it.

And chances are, once you leave, you’ll already be thinking about when you can come back.