9 days in Northern California road trip help

Question

Arriving SMF (Sacramento) 5/20. Need to be in Eureka late on 5/22 through 5/25. Return SMF 5/29

Would like to travel inland going north then coastal heading south. Looking for input on places to visit on the way.

We are seniors interested in scenic drives,waterfalls,short hikes,ghost towns,maybe mining? Museums, not so much. Moderate budget. Yosemite seems too overwhelming to navigate.

Considering Bodie, Lassen, Mount Shasta?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer

For a 9-day Northern California road trip with seniors in mind, focusing on scenic drives, waterfalls, short hikes, ghost towns, and perhaps mining history, you can craft a balanced itinerary that avoids overly strenuous areas like Yosemite.

Here’s a suggested approach considering your arrival at Sacramento (SMF) on May 20 and needing to be in Eureka by late May 22:

Day 1 (5/20) – Sacramento to Bodie: After landing, consider driving northeast to Bodie State Historic Park. This well-preserved ghost town offers easy walking paths to explore the town's buildings and mining history. Overnight nearby in Bridgeport or Lee Vining.
Day 2 (5/21) – Bodie to Lassen Volcanic National Park: Travel north to Lassen. Stop at scenic viewpoints and short walks to see features like Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, and Devastated Area. Overnight near the park or in Redding.
Day 3 (5/22) – Lassen to Eureka: Continue north, possibly stopping at Mount Shasta for scenic views or short walks near the base. Arrive in Eureka late afternoon/evening for your planned stay.

During your Eureka stay (5/22–5/25):

Explore the Victorian Old Town district and Humboldt Bay waterfront.
Take day trips to the Avenue of the Giants for majestic redwood drives and short hikes to see iconic trees.
Optional scenic stops: Trinidad Head, Patrick’s Point State Park, and short coastal walks.

Returning south (5/25–5/29) along the coast, consider these stops:

Drive the scenic Highway 101 through redwoods, stopping at small towns like Fort Bragg or Mendocino.
Explore coastal viewpoints, beaches, and small waterfalls near the coast (e.g., McWay Falls at Big Sur if detours permit).
Short inland detours for ghost towns or historic mining sites along the way, depending on interest and time.
End your trip back in Sacramento by May 29.

Additional tips:

Focus on easy-access scenic viewpoints and short trails to keep hiking light and enjoyable.
Check road conditions, especially around Lassen and Mount Shasta, as snow can linger in May.
Book accommodations ahead for small towns along the route, as options may be limited.

This itinerary balances scenic inland and coastal drives, historic stops, and short outdoor activities without overwhelming travel days, making it suitable for seniors and moderate budgets.

9 days in Northern California road trip help

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions