An overnight between Benbow and San Francisco

Question

Hi, I’m hoping for a few more recommendations for my road trip with my husband and seven year old this summer. I’m looking for a stop or stops between Benbow and SF.

Here’s what I have…

Cranbrook to Pasco, Washington(hotel)

Pasco to Newport, Oregon (2 nights) (condo)

Crescent City, CA (2 nights - trees of mystery etc) (cabin)

Benbow (avenue of giants, drive thru trees etc) (1 night/Cabin)

- tbd - not sure where to stay - 1 or 2 more nights available….

San Franciso, CA (3 nights)

Then heading home via Lake Tahoe…

Suggestions?

Answer

For your road trip from Benbow to San Francisco with a seven-year-old, you have several good options for overnight stops that can break up the drive and provide fun or scenic experiences.

One logical place to stop is around the Mendocino Coast or Northern California wine country. Depending on your pace and interests, you could consider one or two nights before reaching San Francisco.

Mendocino or Fort Bragg: If you want to stay along the coast, Fort Bragg is about 1.5–2 hours from Benbow. You can visit Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. There are family-friendly inns, cottages, and small hotels available. This is especially nice if your child enjoys outdoor exploration and scenic coastal views.
Santa Rosa or Sonoma County: Driving inland toward Sonoma/Napa can reduce coastal fog and offer wine country scenery. Santa Rosa is about 3–3.5 hours from Benbow. There are plenty of hotels and kid-friendly attractions like Charles M. Schulz Museum and Safari West.
Point Reyes / Marin County: If you prefer to stay closer to San Francisco and still enjoy nature, Point Reyes or the Marin Coast makes a good overnight stop. You can explore beaches, the lighthouse, and even see elephant seals or tule elk depending on the season. It’s roughly 3–4 hours from Benbow, so manageable.

Other tips:

Consider the timing and traffic getting closer to San Francisco. Weekends can get busy around the Bay Area, so an early start is beneficial.
Check if accommodations have family-friendly amenities, especially for your seven-year-old. Some coastal inns have easy beach access, which can be a nice break after a day of driving.
If you want to maximize sightseeing without multiple hotel changes, one night around Fort Bragg/Mendocino and one night near Santa Rosa/Marin could work well before heading into San Francisco for your three-night stay.

With these stops, your route remains scenic, offers interesting experiences for your child, and avoids overly long driving days before reaching San Francisco.

An overnight between Benbow and San Francisco

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