Northern California Coast

Question

Hi,

I am in the very beginning stages of planning a road trip approximately from Santa Rosa to Gold Beach Oregon. We will be visiting family in California and that is one section of the state we have never explored. I know I can visit various forums for the individual towns along our route but if there is a broader forum (not as broad as California) I should look to, please let me know.

We will have about 7 days and enjoy leisurely driving, easy hiking, beautiful scenery, quaint towns and maybe a winery. I was thinking Santa Rosa, Bodega Bay, up Hwy 1 to Mendocino, Humboldt Redwoods National/State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods, Crescent City and up into Oregon. I am not committed to any of these points as overnight stays yet but just an idea of our possible route.

Before I dig in with the planning, does this seem reasonable for 6 or 7 days? Is there a specific forum I should focus on? Any other general thoughts as I begin planning. Thinking about late September or October.

Thank you in advance.

Answer

Your proposed road trip along the Northern California coast from Santa Rosa to Gold Beach, Oregon, is very doable in 6–7 days, especially if you enjoy leisurely driving, easy hikes, scenic stops, and small towns. Late September or October is a great time to visit, as the summer crowds have mostly dissipated, the weather is often pleasant, and the coastal scenery is spectacular.

Route planning and pacing:

Santa Rosa to Bodega Bay: This is a short drive, perfect for your first day. You can explore Sonoma Coast State Park, enjoy coastal walks, or visit nearby wineries before heading north.
Bodega Bay to Mendocino along Highway 1: A scenic drive with many lookout points and quaint towns. Mendocino itself is worth a full day to explore its historic village, coastal bluff trails, and art galleries.
Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods National and State Parks: Driving through Avenue of the Giants is a must. Plan for at least half a day to see the major groves and enjoy short hikes.
Humboldt area to Crescent City: Consider visiting the Lost Coast, Patrick’s Point State Park, and other coastal viewpoints. Crescent City is a good base for exploring the northernmost California coast and Redwoods National Park.
Crescent City to Gold Beach, Oregon: Cross into southern Oregon via Highway 101, with beautiful coastal views and possible stops like Brookings or Gold Beach for hiking or beach walks.

Overnight planning and pacing suggestions:

Santa Rosa / Bodega Bay: 1 night
Mendocino: 1–2 nights
Humboldt Redwoods / Eureka / Arcata: 1–2 nights
Crescent City: 1 night
Southern Oregon (Gold Beach or nearby towns): 1 night

Forums and resources for planning:

Reddit’s r/NorCal and r/California are good starting points for regional advice.
TripAdvisor’s Northern California Coast forum provides recommendations on accommodations, hikes, and scenic stops.
Local travel blogs and state park websites (California State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Oregon State Parks) offer detailed hiking and scenic information.
Wine enthusiasts might check Sonoma and Mendocino wine trail sites for winery visits along the route.

Additional tips:

Late September and October offer cooler temperatures but still expect some warm days in the inland wine country and crisp coastal air.
Booking overnight stays in Mendocino, Eureka/Arcata, and Crescent City in advance is recommended, as options can be limited in smaller towns.
Take your time on scenic drives; many coastal viewpoints and trails are short but rewarding.
If interested in wildlife, September–October can be a good time for whale watching along the coast near Mendocino and Humboldt.

Overall, your plan is very reasonable for 6–7 days. You can adjust daily stops depending on how much hiking or sightseeing you want to include, but the proposed route balances coastal scenery, redwood forests, and quaint towns nicely.

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