Drive from Monterey to Mendocino

Question

We will be getting back from or whale watch around 12 ish in moss creek on a Monday. We plant to have lunch while heading north. No hotel booked for Monday night, but have reservations for Wednesday near Mendocino. I understand SF traffic gets thick as the day goes on. Do you recommend driving hwy 1 from

Moss creek and stop for the night before the bridge possibly checking out Santa Cruz on the way or hwy 9? Looking for a fun scenic route. We are in our 50s and love low key and quirky and beautiful scenery. Then in the morning get to the bridge early.

Answer

Driving from Monterey to Mendocino offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in California. Since you’ll be returning from Moss Landing around noon and prefer a scenic, low-key route, you have a few options for navigating north without getting stuck in heavy San Francisco traffic.

If you want to avoid the worst of the afternoon Bay Area congestion, it’s wise to plan an overnight stop somewhere between Monterey and the Golden Gate Bridge. This also gives you the opportunity to explore charming towns or coastal areas along the way.

Scenic and enjoyable options include:

Santa Cruz and Highway 1 North: Head north on Highway 1 and stop in Santa Cruz for lunch and a short walk along the boardwalk or downtown area. From there, you can continue up the coast for a few more hours and find a small town or inn north of Half Moon Bay or in Pacifica for the night. This keeps you on the coastal route and avoids heavy city driving during rush hour.
Highway 9 through the Santa Cruz Mountains: For a more forested, low-key, and quirky route, consider turning onto Highway 9 from Santa Cruz, which winds through the redwoods and small towns like Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond. This route is slower but very scenic and less congested. You could then rejoin Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay and find overnight accommodations there.
Half Moon Bay or Pacifica as overnight stops: Both towns are along the coast and provide access to charming beach walks and cafes. Staying here allows you to start early the next morning, cross the Golden Gate Bridge with minimal traffic, and continue north on Highway 101 toward Mendocino.

Tips for the journey:

Leaving Moss Creek around noon means you’ll hit Bay Area traffic if you push straight through; splitting the drive with an overnight stop is much more relaxing.
If you choose Highway 9, it’s a slower but very scenic alternative that avoids some of the more crowded coastal sections.
Plan to leave early the next morning from your overnight stop to enjoy a smooth drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and continue the scenic coastal route or 101 north toward Mendocino.
Keep in mind that Monterey to Mendocino in one day is doable (roughly 6–7 hours without stops), but traffic, lunch breaks, and your desire for a leisurely scenic route make an overnight stop highly recommended.

In summary, for a mix of quirky small towns, redwoods, and coastal views, consider lunch in Santa Cruz, possibly a detour on Highway 9 through the mountains, and an overnight stay near Half Moon Bay or Pacifica. This strategy lets you enjoy the scenery without stress and arrive at the Golden Gate Bridge early the next morning.

Drive from Monterey to Mendocino

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