Need HELP/recommendations for itinerary

Question

Hi,

Trying to plan a trip for the end of September, beginning of October from San Francisco to Redwoods Park then back to San Francisco. Last minute but I have a free airline credit.

7 or 8 nights were flexible.

We’re trying to pin down the overnights and how many nights. Then we’ll work on places to stay.

This is what we’re thinking so far via 1.

San Francisco to Jenner. 1 night

Jenner to Mendocino 2 nights

Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods, possibly staying in Gaberville or Redcrest? Unsure.

Humboldt area to Redwoods Park staying in Trinidad? 2 nights

After Redwoods we’d take 101 on the way back towards San Francisco and looking for suggestions where we should stay a night or two. Healdsburg?

Night before we fly home, we’d just stay somewhere within an hour or so to airport.

Thanks in advance

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for a 7–8 night trip from San Francisco up the Northern California coast through the Redwoods and back is quite reasonable and allows for a mix of scenic coastal stops, charming towns, and immersive forest experiences. Here’s a detailed breakdown with suggestions for overnights and logistics.

San Francisco to Jenner – 1 night: Jenner is a small coastal town at the mouth of the Russian River. Spending one night here works well to break up the drive along the scenic Highway 1.

Activities: Visit Goat Rock Beach, explore Russian River estuary, maybe a short hike along the Sonoma Coast State Park.
Accommodation: Small inns or B&Bs in Jenner or nearby Jenner Inn.

Jenner to Mendocino – 2 nights: Mendocino is a great base with charming historic downtown, coastal bluffs, and hiking options.

Activities: Mendocino Headlands, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, Point Cabrillo Light Station, and coastal hikes.
Accommodation: B&Bs in Mendocino village or small boutique hotels like MacCallum House or Little River Inn.

Mendocino to Humboldt Redwoods – 1–2 nights (stay in Garberville or Redcrest): This stretch covers the Avenue of the Giants. Staying in Garberville gives more options for food and services, while Redcrest is right on the scenic drive.

Activities: Drive the Avenue of the Giants, hike Founders Grove, Rockefeller Forest trails, stop at visitor centers.
Accommodation: In Garberville – Redwoods Inn, Madrona Motel; in Redcrest – small lodges or cabins.

Humboldt area to Redwood National Park – 2 nights in Trinidad or nearby: Trinidad is a charming coastal town with easy access to northern Redwood parks.

Activities: Explore Patrick’s Point State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, scenic drives, short hikes to Fern Canyon, and possibly drive up to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Accommodation: Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast, local inns or vacation rentals.

Return south along 101 – 1–2 nights (Healdsburg or nearby): After the Redwoods, stopping in the Russian River/Healdsburg area gives a nice wine country experience and breaks up the long drive back.

Activities: Wine tasting, local dining, small-town strolls, enjoy the Russian River scenery.
Accommodation: B&Bs or boutique hotels in Healdsburg or Guerneville.

Night before flying home – near airport: Staying within an hour of San Francisco airport (SFO) makes morning departures easier.

Options: Burlingame, Millbrae, or South San Francisco have airport hotels with shuttles; for more charm, consider Sausalito or Tiburon but allow extra drive time.

This itinerary balances driving and sightseeing with relaxed overnights. It allows for 1 night near Jenner, 2 nights in Mendocino, 1–2 nights in the Avenue of the Giants/Humboldt area, 2 nights near Redwood National Park, 1–2 nights wine country, and 1 night near the airport. Flexibility is key if you want to linger in Redwoods or skip a stop based on energy and interests.

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