San Fran to Trinidad to Healdsburg in November

Question

Hi All! Husband and I have 9 days start to finish.

Plan is to fly into SFO - spend 4 nights in the city (staying in Japantown) then get our car early and head North for REDWOODS!

Im thinking long day of driving and coastal route north maybe seeing/ stopping at Bowling Ball Beach and Glass Beach before reaching the Avenue of the Giants and Trinidad from there?

We are staying in Trinidad for 3 nights and I have a good idea of Redwoods hikes (but will always take more suggestions!)

We are then heading back South do stay in Healdsburg for 2 nights before flying back out of SFO.

Whats a good scenic driving route back from Trinidad to Healdsburg or should we just take 101 back South?

Any suggestions you have for stops or views along the way would be very much appreciated! We are coming from Maine so ready to take on whatever the weather throws at us!

Answer

Your 9-day itinerary sounds wonderful! Driving from San Francisco to the Redwoods and back to Healdsburg can be very scenic if planned well, especially along the northern California coast.

San Francisco to Trinidad:

From San Francisco, taking Highway 1 along the coast offers the most scenic experience, though it’s slower and has winding sections. Key stops you mentioned, like Bowling Ball Beach (Mendocino area) and Glass Beach (Fort Bragg), are excellent and worth the detour for the unique coastal formations.
Continuing north, Highway 101 becomes the main route through the Redwoods. The Avenue of the Giants is an iconic scenic route along 101 near Myers Flat; allow extra time to drive through and explore trails and viewpoints.
Trinidad is a charming coastal town and a great base for Redwoods hikes. Consider hikes like the Trinidad Head Trail for coastal views and the shorter Boy Scout Tree Trail for old-growth Redwoods.

Suggestions for Redwoods hikes near Trinidad:

Patrick’s Point State Park – short trails, ocean views, and access to tide pools.
Redwood National and State Parks – Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Tall Trees Grove (requires a permit), or Fern Canyon (a bit further north but spectacular).
Humboldt Redwoods State Park – Founders Grove is a short, easy loop with impressive trees.

Trinidad to Healdsburg (return drive):

Option 1: Take 101 south for the most direct route. This is faster, roughly 4–5 hours driving, and passes through beautiful wine country around Ukiah and Cloverdale.
Option 2: For a more scenic coastal and inland combination, consider taking Highway 1 south from Trinidad to Fort Bragg or Mendocino, then east on Highway 128 through Anderson Valley toward Healdsburg. This route is slower but offers gorgeous coastal views, redwoods, and vineyard scenery.
Along the 128 route, stops include Navarro River Redwoods State Park, Anderson Valley wineries, and charming small towns like Philo.

Additional considerations:

Weather in November can be variable; coastal fog, rain, and cooler temperatures are possible, especially in the Redwoods and along Highway 1. Be prepared for wet and slippery roads.
Daylight hours are shorter, so plan your longer drives in daylight and consider leaving early from San Francisco or Trinidad to maximize time for stops and hikes.
Healdsburg is a fantastic final stop for wine tasting, boutique shopping, and dining before returning to SFO.

Summary: If you prioritize speed and simplicity, stick to 101 south from Trinidad. If you want a scenic, adventurous drive with coastal views, combine Highway 1 and 128, but allow extra travel time. Both routes are rewarding and offer different experiences of Northern California’s beauty.

San Fran to Trinidad to Healdsburg in November

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions