California’s northern reaches offer a tapestry of landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coast to towering redwoods and volcanic peaks. This 10-day itinerary guides you on an unforgettable adventure from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe.
When is Best Time to take a California Road Trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for this road trip. The summer months can be quite foggy along the coast, especially in Mendocino, and scorching hot in inland areas like Mt. Shasta. Winter brings rain and potential road closures, particularly at higher elevations.
Why take this Northern California Road Trip
This road trip itinerary is designed to offer a taste of everything California has to offer.
- We’ll cruise down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway
- Delve into the heart of Redwood Giants
- Stand in the shadow of a magnificent volcano
- Finally relax by the shores of a crystal-clear lake. It’s a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
The Nitty Gritty Details of this Northern California Road Trip
- Day 1: San Francisco to Mendocino – 170 miles (4 hours)
- Day 2: Explore Mendocino
- Day 3: Mendocino to Redwood National Park – 180 miles (4 hours)
- Day 4: Explore Redwoods
- Day 5: Redwood National Park to Mount Shasta – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
- Day 6: Explore Mt.Shasta
- Day 7: Mount Shasta to Lassen Volcanic – 100 miles (2 hours)
- Day 8: Lassen Volcanic to Lake Tahoe – 190 miles (3 hours)
- Day 9: Explore Lake Tahoe
- Day 10: Lake Tahoe to San Francisco – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
- (Total Distance: 1,040 miles)
Days 1-2: Mendocino
🚗San Francisco to Mendocino – 170 miles (4 hours)
Hit the road early and head north on Highway 1, the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views, charming towns, and plenty of pull-overs for photo opportunities. Our first stop on this Northern California Road Trip is Mendocino, a coastal village nestled amidst dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. The 170-mile drive from San Francisco takes roughly 4 hours, offering a scenic introduction to the trip.
Places to Stop in between San Francisco and Mendocino
- 📍Bodega Bay- Beaches, wildlife & fresh seafood!
- 📍Point Arena Lighthouse- Historic lighthouse & ocean views
- 📍Sea Ranch- Secluded coast with modern architecture
- 📍Jenner– Relax on the Russian River & enjoy the village charm
- 📍Gualala– Redwood forests, Gualala River walks & hidden waterfalls
- 📍Full List of Places to Stop between SF and Mendocino
Related Reads: Ultimate Road Trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg
Spend the entire day exploring the Mendocino/ Fort Bragg Area. Explore the charming downtown with its Victorian-era architecture and art galleries.
Things to Do in Mendocino
- Hike the scenic trails along the Mendocino Headlands, offering breathtaking coastal vistas.
- Visit the fascinating Mendocino Arts Center and browse through local artists’ creations
- Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Big River for a unique perspective of the coastline
- Indulge in fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, savoring the bounty of the Pacific
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at the renowned Café Beaujolais, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and is sure to surpass your expectations.
- Visit Noyo Headlands Park, home to the famous Glass Beach
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to Avenue of the Giants, a free 31-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most impressive groves of redwoods
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try horseback riding on the beach or a thrilling whale watching excursion
- Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Pacific, soaking in the serenity of the Mendocino coast
- Relax in Vichy Springs Resort who offers the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths in North America
Places to Stay in Mendocino
- Best Luxury: Little River Inn, MacCallum House Inn
- Best Budget: Big River Lodge
- Best Glamping: Mendocino Grove
- Best Camping( RV and Car): Westport Union State Beach Campground, Humboldt Redwood State Park, Cleone Campground
- Best Overall: Consider these for a mix of luxury, comfort, and location: Stanford Inn by the Sea, Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages, Airbnb
Days 3-4: Redwood National Park
🚗Mendocino to Redwood National Park (180 miles, 4 hours)
Continuing North on Highway 1, we enter the awe-inspiring realm of Redwood National and State Parks. These ancient giants, some towering over 300 feet, are a humbling reminder of nature’s grandeur.
Places to stop between Mendocino and Redwood National Park
- 📍Humboldt County: Fern Canyon, Redwoods, Avenue of the Giants
- 📍Eureka: Victorian Old Charm
- 📍Arcata: funky little hippie town, finnish country sauna and hot tubs
- 📍Trinidad: beautiful beaches, a vibrant art scene, and stunning ocean views
- 📍Full List of Places to Stop between Mendocino and Redwoods
Related Reads: Road trip from San Francisco to Crescent City
Things to Do in Redwood National Park
- Hike the scenic trails in Redwood National Park amongst the redwoods, like the Tall Trees Grove or the Redwood Creek Trail
- Drive through the scenic Avenue of the Giants, lined with towering redwoods
- Take a scenic drive (or bike) on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, marveling at the towering redwoods lining the road
- Explore Fern Canyon, a wonderland adorned with ferns and dripping with moss a hidden gem within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park ( aka where Jurassic Park was filmed)
- Kayak on Redwood Creek for a unique glimpse of the redwoods from a different perspective
- Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients at a cozy restaurant in Eureka or Arcata
Where to Stay in Redwood National Park
- Best Luxury: Turtle Rocks OceanFront Inn, Elk Meadows
- Best Budget: Prairie Creek Redwood State Park campgrounds
- Best Glamping: Airbnbs in Redwoods
- Best Camping: Elk Prairie Campground
- Best Overall: Prairie Creek Redwood State Park (balance of amenities & nature
Related Reads: Road Trip from SF to Eureka
Days 5-6: Mt. Shasta
🚗Redwood National Park to Mount Shasta – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
Leave the redwoods behind and head towards Mount Shasta, a 200-mile journey (approximately 3.5 hours) that offers a dramatic change in scenery and cuts through Southern Oregon
Places to Stop between Redwood and Mt. Shasta
- 📍Grants Pass: Explore historic downtown & Rogue River Gorge State Park for views and Rivers Edge for amazing waterfront dining
- 📍Rogue River: Hike trails or try whitewater rafting
- 📍Gold Hill: Experience the “Oregon Vortex” and historic charm
- 📍Ashland: Catch a Shakespeare play & explore Lithia Park and stroll through downtown Ashland
Things to do in Mt. Shasta
The town of Mt. Shasta is super charming with boutique shops, local eateries, and breathtaking views of the mountain’s snow-capped peak. I highly recommend staying a full day or two in Mt. Shasta so that you can take it all in. Here are some things you must do while visiting Mt. Shasta.
- Visit McCloud and Burney Falls– scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
- Explore the town of Mount Shasta, with its metaphysical shops, bohemian vibe, and art galleries.
- Hike amidst the majestic slopes of Mount Shasta. Popular trails for various skill levels
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try whitewater rafting on the McCloud River
- Hike Bunny Flat Trail a moderate option offering panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape
- Enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at one of the many wellness centers in the area.
- For a serene escape, visit Siskiyou Lake. This tranquil body of water is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the lakeshore
- Visit the Castle Lake for a scenic boat ride or simply relax by the lake.
Places to Stay in Mt. Shasta
- Best Luxury: Mount Shasta Resort (lakefront, amenities)
- Budget: McCloud Hotel (historic, central location)
- Glamping: Airbnbs in Mt. Shasta
- Best Camping: Castle Lake Campground (basic amenities, near Castle Lake)
- Best Overall: Mount Shasta Ranch Bed and Breakfast (Comfort, central location)
Related Reads: Scenic California Road Trip from San Francisco to Mt. Shasta
Day 7: Lassen Volcanic National Park
🚘Mount Shasta to Lassen Volcanic National Park – 100 miles (2 hours)
From Shasta you will drive CA-89 and Volcanic Scenic Legacy Byway( which is super pretty) and arrive at Lassen Volcanic National Park,a landscape dotted with volcanic craters, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles.
Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Hike to Bumpass Hell, a geothermal wonderland with boiling mud pots and sulfur vents
- Hike to Lassen Peak, the park’s centerpiece volcano, for challenging yet rewarding views (permits are required)
- Hike to stunning Lake Helen, a vibrant blue reflective lake surrounded by volcanic peaks. After take a dip in the lake
- Explore Kings Creek Meadow, an iconic place to watch the sunset and stargaze and seeing wildflowers in full bloom (in summer)
- Take a scenic drive on Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, offering breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape
- In the evening, enjoy stargazing under the pristine night sky, free from light pollution
Places to Stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Best Luxury: Highlands Ranch Resort
- Best Budget: Drakesbad Guest Ranch
- Best Glamping: Airbnbs
- Best Campground: Manzanita Lake Campground (only campground within the park)
- Best Overall: Manzanita Lake Campground (best balance of location and amenities within the park)
Related Reads: Insane geothermal getaway Road Trip from SF to Lassen
Days 8-9 : Lake Tahoe
🚗Lassen Volcanic to Lake Tahoe – 190 miles (3 hours)
Leave Lassen Volcanic National Park behind and embark on a 190-mile journey (approximately 3 hours) towards your final destination – Lake Tahoe.
Here’s a breakdown of the two routes you can take from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Lake Tahoe Highway 395 and CA-89 S.
If you take Highway 395
- Pros:
- More scenic route, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, meadows, and forests.
- Fewer crowds compared to CA-89.
- Passes through charming towns like Susanville and Portola with plenty of restaurants and gas stations.
- Cons:
- Longer route, adding roughly an hour to your drive time.
- Some stretches can be desolate, with limited services.
- Higher chance of encountering wildlife on the road, so be extra cautious.
If you take CA-89 South
- Pros:
- Shorter and faster route, taking about an hour less than Highway 395.
- Easier access to amenities like gas stations and restaurants.
- Passes through Truckee, a historical town with a lively downtown area.
- Cons:
- Less scenic compared to Highway 395, with some stretches dominated by highway development.
- More traffic, especially during peak season.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive with fewer crowds and a chance to explore charming towns, take Highway 395. If you’re short on time and prefer a more convenient route with easier access to amenities, CA-89 South is the better option.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
- Time of year: If you’re traveling during winter, CA-89 South might be a better choice as Highway 395 can get snowy and closed.
- Your interests: If you’re into outdoor activities, Highway 395 offers more opportunities for detours to hiking trails and lakes.
Whatever route you decide to take, you’ll end up in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Spend a couple of days soaking up the beauty of Lake Tahoe at your own pace. Relax on the sandy beaches of Kings Beach or Zephyr Cove and just take it all in.
Things to do In Lake Tahoe
- Kayak or paddleboard across the pristine waters of the lake, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the serenity of nature
- Relax on the beaches of Lake Tahoe, my favorites: Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor
- Bike along scenic trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Kayak/ Paddleboard to a picturesque island in Emerald Bay State Park
- Take a scenic boat tour on the lake, marveling at the majestic scenery from a different perspective
- Visit charming towns like South Lake Tahoe or Heavenly Village, offering a variety of shops, restaurants
- In the evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a lakeside restaurant, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors
Pro Tip: Pack your swimsuits! Even in the fall, the lake water can be refreshingly cool, perfect for a dip on a warm day. Oh and also pack your patience!
Places to Stay in Lake Tahoe
- Best Luxury: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Lakefront Resort , Ritz-Carlton
- Best Budget: South Lake Tahoe Hotels
- Best Glamping:Zephyr Cove Resort
- Best Campground: Kings Beach State Recreation Area (lakefront location, RV hookups)
- Best Overall: Zephyr Cove Resort
Day 10: San Francisco
🚗Lake Tahoe to San Francisco – 200 miles (3.5 hours)
Cruise back to San Francisco, soaking in the Californian landscapes one last time. Take the scenic route via Highway 50, also known as “The Loneliest Road,” for a glimpse into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Or just take the most direct route on I-80 and take you through some rural areas and historic gold rush towns.
