If you’re looking for a road trip that combines stunning scenery, charming towns, and plenty of outdoor activities, look no further than going on a road trip from San Francisco to Eureka.
A road trip from San Francisco to Eureka is filled with natural wonders, from towering redwoods to rugged beaches, and offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. Here’s our guide to the best road trip from San Francisco to Eureka
How Long is a road trip from San Francisco to Eureka?
A road trip from San Francisco to Eureka takes roughly 6 hours and is about 300 miles and can be completed in one day. However, you’ll want to factor in time for stops along the way. In this suggested road trip from San Franciso to Eureka, it will take you 4-5 days with an average drive time of 1.5 hours per day.
Car and Campervan Rentals for your Road trip
If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport, you will need a rental car. Our preferred rental car is Hertz . They always have the best rates, are reliable and their customer service is amazing.
Alternatively, compare rates with other rental car companies here.
Another great, affordable and convenient option would be to rent a campervan or RV for your road trip. Renting a campervan or RV could save you money, as you won’t have to spend money on lodging. It will also give you tons of flexibility on the road. For many of these spots, accommodations book fast and reservations are needed a year in advance. Rent a Camper Van or RV on Outdoorsy.
Related Reads: Best Road Trip Itinerary from San Francisco to Mendocino
DAY 1: San Francisco- Petaluma- Bodega Bay- Jenner
Travel Time: 2 hours, 80 miles
San Francisco
Start your day in San Francisco. Grab a coffee and bagel at Beacon Coffee and Pantry and start exploring. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city, such as visiting Alcatraz Island, riding a cable car, or exploring Chinatown.
Petaluma
The first leg of the journey takes you north on Highway 101, through the rolling hills of Marin County and into Sonoma County.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the town of Petaluma, known for its Victorian architecture and thriving food scene. If you’re hungry, stop for lunch at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in town, such as the popular Central Market.
While a bit of a detour, I encourage you to stop in Petaluma, a town filled with rolling farmlands and a rich unique history that is unmatched. It is not often you will visit towns like Petaluma. Have fun walking the downtown area, vibrant with unique little shops that carry something for everyone.
While in Petaluma visit McEvoy Ranch to taste rich extra virgin olive oil infused with different natural flavors like jalapeno and honey ginger. I went to the ranch for the olive oil taste testing and ice cream taste testing and both experiences did not disappoint.
It sounds gross but it was the complete opposite. It was such a fun experience and would highly recommend making a stop on your road trip from San Francisco to Eureka.
Bodega Bay
From Petaluma, it’s a short 30 minute drive to Bodega Bay, a picturesque fishing village on the Sonoma Coast. Here, you can explore the rugged coastline on foot or by kayak, or simply relax on the beach and watch the waves roll in. Bodega Bay is home to the beautiful Sonoma Coast State Park Beach.
Grab some late lunch and picnic outside on one of my many benches the park has to offer. It offers miles of beach and plenty of access points. While maybe an unfair comparison, it definitely brought up memories of Big Sur.
There are many pullouts and picnic tables scattered along the Sonoma coast making it perfect for catching sunsets.
Practically every stop along the California coast has something to offer. We loved walking along the beach, seeing the jagged edge cliffs, and the occasional sea life (even seals!). Bring your binoculars. There is not much, if any at all, phone service in the area, so be aware of that and plan carefully.
The coast can be cold during the summer, so be sure to bring long pants and sweatshirts.
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While in Bodega Bay, be sure to visit the breathtaking Bodega Head. Park the car and take a bit under a 2 mile trail loop (easy) with views that will amaze you. After the walk, we stopped for crab sandwiches / oysters at Fishetarian Fish Market.
Jenner
Jenner is the perfect place to rest for the night. It is a quite town, and the perfect place to catch a sunset or two.
Practically every stop along the California coast has something to offer. We loved walking along the beach, seeing the jagged edge cliffs, and the occasional sea life (even seals!). Bring your binoculars. There is not much, if any at all, phone service in the area, so be aware of that and plan carefully.
Places to Stay in Jenner
Day 2: Jenner -Gualala- Mendocino
Travel Time: 2.5 hours, 87 miles
If you have time, you can easily split day 2 of this road trip into 2 days, so that you can really explore all the towns the coast has to offer.
On day two, continue north on Highway 1, which hugs the coast and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll pass through the town of Jenner, where the Russian River meets the sea, and cross the Sonoma-Mendocino county line.
Disclaimer: Hwy. 1 is a 2 lane road almost the whole way – curvy, cliffside, and inevitably behind someone who’s going 35 mph.
Jenner
Start your day grabbing coffee in Jenner at one of the many yummy coffee shops. Then make your way over to Fort Ross on highway 1 along the world class beautiful coastline. If you are a history buff, you will have to stop here.
I loved coming to this place, as it was so unique. You don’t find many Russian forts and trading posts in the US. It had a mixture of original and reconstructed structures that were truly cool to see. There is easy parking, great picnic areas, great visitor center, very dog friendly & lots of space to walk around and explore. Good/informative signs tell the story.
Gualala
Gualala, another charming coastal town along the Sonoma Coast that offers scenery, beaches and includes one of the world’s wonders, a pygmy forest. Wile in Gualala, definitely stop at Trinks cafe. Eat an amazing bowl of soup followed by some lovely-looking baked goods and then start exploring.
If you would love to see some sea lions take an easy hike along the Coastal Bluff Trail in Gualala Point Regional Park. It is a beautiful, calm coastal trail that has many views. On one side you have the Gualala River and on the other the Pacific. You have a good shot at seeing some sea animals. One time we watched a whale within 50 yards of us feasting on food near shore. Bring your binoculars!
Related Reads: The Best Road Trips from San Francisco
Mendocino
About 1 hour north of Gualala, you will reach Mendocino, a small city with the biggest coastline views. As you enter Mendocino County, the landscape changes dramatically, with towering redwoods and rugged cliffs replacing the rolling hills of Sonoma. The town of Mendocino itself is a charming Victorian village, with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes lining the main street.
Everywhere you turn, every cove, every wave, every type of weather; it’s all so dramatic and head turning. Stop at ones of these beautiful places to make the most out of Mendocino.
Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park is a beautiful park located on the Mendocino Coast of California. There are several hiking trails in the park, including the popular 6-mile round-trip trail to the waterfall and devils blowhole. The devils blowhole is a 60 foot deep sea cave that is truly a sight to see.
The required $8 day use fee gets you into the other state parks for the day as well. We did the Headland Trail and there were spectacular views around every corner. The trail ends at Devil’s Punchbowl then you circle back. There are several picnic areas in the park overlooking the magnificent coast. There are also bathrooms available at the park.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
If you want to see close-up views of stunning rock formations, sea foam, and sea lions you won’t want to miss going to Mendocino Headlands State Park. The scenery is incredible — huge rocks of various shapes, pounded by the surf, with many birds on top and many sea lions laying on the rocks.
We stopped by when we first got to town for a quick look and ended up spending an hour and a half walking around and taking pictures.
Park in one of the many free lots and walk the short paths to the overlooks that bring you very close to the edge of cliffs to experience the magnificent Mendocino coastline.
It is free, easy to get to, easy to park, and easy walking. Go. A postcard awaits every turn and perch.
If you have time, definitely pick up a warm beverage at one of Mendocino’s cafes (I liked the Good Life Cafe) and take a stroll along one of the Headlands paths. It’s a favorite at sunset.
Mendocino Gift Stores
Mendocinos collectibles shops are a great browse – selling everything from glass otter artwork to beard creams. My favorites included Mendocino Country Store, as well as Gallery Bookshop, with their fantastically unimpressed store cat Catsby.
Places to Stay in Mendocino
Day 3: Mendocino- Fort Bragg – Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Travel Time: 2 hours, 90 miles
From Mendocino you will continue to head north towards Fort Bragg, a city 20 minutes from Mendocino. It is known for the famous Glass Beach, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and so much more.
Noyo Headlands Park
Noyo Headlands Park located in Fort Bragg, just 20 minutes north of Mendocino, is home to the famous Glass Beach. As the name entails, it is indeed filled with glass. Amazing sea glass. Not all beaches have a lot of glass. To get to a beach that has glass walk to the south a couple of coves over and the beaches are 90% sea glass.
We spent hours there, digging for various colors of glass and bits of patterned ceramics. Look for a beach that, at a distance, looks like it’s covered with little white pebbles. That’s all frosted sea glass. You won’t find much glass at the beach nearest to the parking lot, because sadly people have been taking them home. The beach is pet friendly.
At the headlands there are so many walking trails, coastal views, ample amount of free parking, and fresh crisp air. What more could you want?
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Mendocino Botanical Garden is huge with 47 acres of land and 4 miles of trails. It is a half mile trail to the ocean one way, with many different gardens to see on the way. There are at least 12 distinct gardens and collections, many benches to rest or take in the beauty of the flowers and/or ocean views.
There are rest rooms, a retail plant shop, a gift shop and a small cafe. It is definitely a nice rest stop. Be sure to book online, as reservations fill up fast especially during summer months.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is about 2 hours north of Fort Bragg and is home to the iconic 31 miles drive Avenue of the Giants.
This Avenue of the Giants travel map came in so handy.
A free 31-mile scenic drive that takes you through some of the most impressive groves of redwoods. Just unearthly beautiful…and from the freeway you would never know it was there. It literally is just a highway exit you take to get there. It loops around so don’t worry about getting lost and there are plenty of places to stop and have lunch or a snack with a giant view. There are places to stop along the way, your choice of trails, towns with grocery stores or places to eat, or just a pull over to admire the trees. If you need to get back to the main highway there are several cut overs. Plan for at least 2.5 hours for pictures.
Places to Stay near Humboldt Redwood State Park
Day 4: Humboldt Redwoods State Park to Eureka
Travel Time: .5 hours, 40 minutes
Day 4 of this road trip will take you to your final destination of Eureka.
Eureka is a charming city in Northern California, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is the county seat of Humboldt County and is known for its redwood forests, Victorian architecture, and art scene. Eureka,CA surprised me in a lot of ways, and I. am sure. it will surpirse you as well.
Stop at Old Town Coffee & Chocolates for some delicious coffee and explore the little town. It’s worth taking a stroll through the residential parts of the city to gaze at the stunning mansions. If you only have time to stop at one of the mansions, check out the Carson Mansion.
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Arcata
Arcata is about a 10 minutes drive from Eureka and is worth your while. If you stop in Arcata you have to stop at Cafe Moka. Your muscles may be sore from all the driving and hiking you have been doing, so treat yourself to a 30 minute session inside a redwood hot tub or sauna with a delicious cup of espresso at your side.
It is such a lovely experience and costs $15 for 30 min sesh per person(2023 prices). You can check them out here.
You will need to reserve the tub or sauna days in advance.
Places to Eat in Eureka
These were my personal favorites:
- Chuchi’s Old Town Eats, all their sandwiches are great for a quick lunch bite.
- Definitely check out Samoa Cookhouse for a meal or two – it is a historic logging company town kitchen/cafeteria that still operates and serves traditional meals. There is an attached museum that covers some of the local history, especially as it concerns the early logging operations in the redwoods. The beach is accessible just down the road, though it isn’t much to look at compared to what is just to the north.
- Jacks Seafood is great for Lobster Mac n Cheese and Fish and chips. Just go, you wont regret it.
Places to Stay in Eureka
Day 5: Eureka to San Francisco
Spend your last day driving back to San Francisco. Along the way, stop at any places you missed on the way up.
This is just a suggested itinerary and can be customized to fit your interests and time constraints. Be sure to do your research and book your accommodations and activities in advance.
Here are some tips for planning your road trip:
- Book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
- Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the drive.
- Make sure your car is in good condition before you hit the road.
- Bring a map or GPS device.
- Be prepared for changes in the weather.
- Allow plenty of time for stops along the way.
