Embarking on a road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg is an adventure filled with scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and charming coastal towns. This 4-day road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Fort Bragg will guide you through the best route, must-see attractions, and hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking relaxation, this road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let’s explore the breathtaking Northern California coastline.
What is there to see between San Francisco and Fort Bragg?
The San Francisco to Fort Bragg route is filled with diverse attractions. Highlights include the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, the coastal beauty of Point Reyes, and the charming town of Mendocino. Don’t miss the historic Fort Ross, the unique Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, and scenic stops like Bodega Bay and Sonoma Coast State Park. This road trip offers a blend of nature, history, and coastal charm along the Pacific coastline.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Fort Bragg
The 280 -mile road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg takes 3.5 hours hours to drive. But this route will take almost 7 hours with stops included. You will drive along iconic highway 1 and visit San Francisco, Bodega Bay, Mendocino Headlands State Park, Fort Bragg, Russian Gulch State Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Point Arena Lighthouse, among many more fun places.
Car and Campervan Rentals for your Road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg
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. Make sure your insurance covers rentals and don’t rely on their insurance. Take your own photos before taking possession of the rig, don’t break anything, and you’ll be just fine. You will get your deposit back once the owner confirms there was no damage during the rental period.
Road Trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg Logistics
Days: 3-4
Drive Time w/ stops : 7 hours
Miles: 280
Highways Driven: CA-1 aka Pacific Coast Highway
State Parks: 4
Stops: 8+
Cost: Priceless
Day 1: San Francisco to Mendocino
Total Distance and Drive Time: 3 hours, 150 miles
Stop 1: Bodega Bay
Distance: 70 miles
Your road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Before hitting the open road, take some time to explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Lombard Street. After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, head north on Highway 1 towards your first stop, Bodega Bay.
Bodega Bay, famous for its stunning coastal views, is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy a seafood lunch. Stop at the Bodega Bay Harbour to indulge in fresh clam chowder or crab cakes while gazing at the picturesque bay.
After eating lunch, indulge in some taffy that is pretty cheap, yet pretty tasty.
The Salt Water Taffy shop is a great place to stop at to stock up on your road trip snacks.
Stop 2 : Point Arena Lighthouse
Distance: 60 miles
Continue your journey from San Francisco to Fort Bragg, along Highway 1 to reach Point Arena Lighthouse, one of California’s most beautiful and historic lighthouses. The drive takes you through dramatic coastal cliffs, offering spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
Explore the lighthouse and its museum, and don’t forget to climb to the top for a panoramic view that’s worth the effort. Its one of the few lighthouses in the nation that you can actually go into and go up to!
Stop 3: Mendocino
Distance: 40 miles
As the day comes to a close, drive to the charming town of Mendocino, your base for the night. Mendocino is renowned for its art galleries, unique boutiques, and coastal beauty and you will get to explore more on day 2 of this road trip from San Francisco to Fort. Bragg. Check into a cozy inn , a bed and breakfast or an AirBnB for a comfortable night’s rest.
Dining Options
Breakfast in San Francisco: Start your day with breakfast at a local San Francisco spot like Mama’s on Washington Square for delicious breakfast classics. I recommend you get there early as the wait can be long especially on weekends. We got here at about 7:50 on a Sunday morning and ended up being 5th in line to order.
Lunch in Bodega Bay: Stop at The Tides Wharf & Restaurant for fresh seafood and scenic views of the bay.
Dinner in Mendocino: Enjoy a romantic dinner at the renowned Café Beaujolais, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and is sure to surpass your expectations.
Where to Stay in Mendocino
For your first night on your journey from San Francisco to Fort Bragg consider staying in one of Mendocino’s charming inns or bed and breakfasts. Here are a couple of recommendations:
1. Stanford Inn by the Sea: This eco-friendly inn offers cozy rooms with ocean views, a renowned vegetarian restaurant, and a wellness center. It’s a perfect place to relax after a long drive.
2. Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites: Located in the heart of Mendocino, this historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and proximity to shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Mendocino to Fort Bragg
Distance: 20 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour
Stop 1: Glass Beach
Begin your second day with a leisurely breakfast in Mendocino and explore the town’s historic architecture and lush gardens. Mendocino’s streets are dotted with cafes and bakeries, making it an ideal place for a relaxed morning.
Afterward, make the short drive to Glass Beach in Fort Bragg located in Noyo Headlands State Park. As the name entails, it is indeed filled with glass. Incredible 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.
This unique beach is adorned with colorful sea glass, a result of years of glass dumping that transformed discarded bottles into smooth, polished gems. Spend your morning beachcombing and taking in the stunning ocean views.
Stop 2: Noyo Harbor
Head to Noyo Harbor, just a short drive from Glass Beach. This bustling fishing harbor offers a variety of activities, from whale watching tours to seafood dining. Consider a lunch stop at one of the waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood and scenic views.
Stop 3: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Next, explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a serene oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Mendocino Botanical Gardens 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.
The gardens are a photographer’s paradise, so don’t forget your camera.
Stop 4: Downtown Fort Bragg
As the afternoon turns to evening, make your way to downtown Fort Bragg. Discover quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants, or take a relaxing walk along the Coastal Trail. Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Fort Bragg’s cozy eateries before retiring to your accommodation for the night.
Dining Options
- For Breakfast in Mendocino: Savor a leisurely breakfast at Mendocino Café, known for its delicious omelets and pastries.
- For Lunch in Noyo Harbor: Enjoy seafood at Sea Pal Cove, where you can dine outdoors overlooking the harbor.
- For Dinner in Fort Bragg: Try the seafood specialties at Silver’s at the Wharf, a local favorite.
Where to Stay in Fort Bragg
For your stay in Fort Bragg, you’ll find a range of options, from quaint inns to cozy beachfront cottages:
1. Beachcomber Motel and Spa on the Beach: This oceanfront property offers comfortable rooms with private balconies, a spa, and direct beach access.
2. North Cliff Hotel: Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this boutique hotel provides stunning views and modern amenities.
Day 3: Fort Bragg
Stop 1: Mendocino Headland State Park
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Fort Bragg and then set out to explore the 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.
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.
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.
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.
Stop 2: MacKerricher State Park
After your coastal adventure, head to MacKerricher State Park, just north of Fort Bragg. This coastal park is home to a variety of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, and migratory whales. Be sure to visit Laguna Point, a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season from Decemebr thru March. Definitely bring your binoculars.
Stop 3: Pudding Creek Beach
Take a relaxing break at Pudding Creek Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline with driftwood-strewn shores. You can enjoy a picnic, fly a kite, or simply soak up the sun and sea breeze. Enjoy a picnic while catching the cool ocean breeze. The beach is is not very popular and you will get the whole beach to yourself and some sea life!
Stop 4: Russian Gulch State Park
In the afternoon, make your way to Russian Gulch State Park, located just south of Fort Bragg. Explore the lush forested trails, visit the Devil’s Punchbowl, and take a walk across the iconic Russian Gulch Bridge. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and tidepooling.
Dining Options
-Breakfast in Fort Bragg: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Eggheads Restaurant, known for its diverse breakfast menu.
– Lunch on the Pudding Creek Beach: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the the beach , or stop by a local deli for sandwiches and snacks.
– Dinner in Fort Bragg: For dinner, try the cozy and artistic Cafe One near downtown Fort Bragg, offering a variety of cuisine options.
Where to Stay in Fort Bragg
You can continue to stay in the same accommodation you chose for Day 2, as everything is close to another.
Day 4: Fort Bragg to Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Stop 1: Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Approximately 70 miles)
On your final day, bid farewell to Fort Bragg and head north on Highway 1 to venture deep into the enchanting Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This pristine forest is home to some of the tallest redwoods trees on Earth, providing a tranquil escape into nature.
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.
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.
This map came in very handy while traversing Avenue of the Giants.
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.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park Highlights:
1. Avenue of the Giants : Drive along the iconic Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of scenic road that winds through towering redwoods. Be sure to stop at the Founder’s Grove and Shrine Drive-Thru Tree for memorable photo opportunities.
2. Visitor Centers: Visit the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center or the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association Visitor Center to learn more about the redwoods’ ecology and history.
3. Hiking Trails: Explore the forest on foot by choosing from a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty. Popular options include the Drury-Chaney Loop and the Bull Creek Flats Trail.
4. Auto Tour: Take an auto tour through the forest, which offers informative signs and viewpoints for a convenient and educational experience.
To fully immerse yourself in the redwood experience, consider camping in the forest. Several campgrounds, such as Burlington Campground and Hidden Springs Campground, offer a serene environment.
Dining Options
– Breakfast in Fort Bragg: Grab a quick breakfast at a local café or enjoy the breakfast options at your accommodation.
– Lunch in the Redwoods: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the majestic redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Our favorite place to stop and eat was near the Eel River. Towards the end of the drive you will be able to access a walking trail that leads to the Eel river.
– Dinner near Mendocino Redwood Forest: For a memorable dinner, visit the Benbow Historic Inn’s restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine in an elegant setting
Where to Stay near Humboldt Redwoods State Park
While there are limited accommodation options within the forest itself, you can find lodging options in nearby towns like Garberville or Redway. Here’s other suggestions:
1. Benbow Historic Inn: Located in Garberville, this historic inn offers comfortable rooms and a beautiful garden setting.
2. To fully immerse yourself in the redwood experience, consider camping in the forest. Several campgrounds, such as Burlington Campground and Hidden Springs Campground, which offer a serene environment.
Conclusion
This 4-day road trip from San Francisco to Fort Bragg takes you through breathtaking coastal landscapes, historic sites, and serene forests. With carefully chosen accommodations and dining options, you’ll have a memorable and comfortable journey while exploring the beauty of Northern California. Whether you’re unwinding by the ocean, indulging in seafood delights, or immersing yourself in the redwood forest, this road trip has something special for every traveler. Enjoy your adventure!
