ideal 5 days in California, from SF to Oregon

We need to learn about what%26#39;s the most interesting outdoor and small town itineraries - we%26#39;re planning a July 2009 trip north from SF to Oregon.

ideal 5 days in California, from SF to Oregon

Day One

Leave San Francisco, and drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Plan on lunch in Healdsburg.

http://www.healdsburg.org/

This is a nice smaller city with tasting rooms, some small stores to see, and tasting area.

Continue up Highway 101 to Mendocino. Mendocino is a small town with some gorgeous beach areas such as Ven Damme.

http://www.mendocino.com/

http://www.mendocino.com/\

There are lots of places to stay. I like Little River inn but there are lots of fun places to stay.

Day Two:

Enjoy the Mendocino area. Drive along the coast and end up in Garberville. Stay here for the night. Its very close to Avenue of the Giants which is a must see.

In Garberville suggest either Benbow Inn or Best Western. Both are nice stays and it depends upon your budget. The Best Western has a nice breakfast and cheese/wine reception at night. Benbow Inn has more of a classic inn feel and nice.

This is very close to the Avenue of the Giants raea.

http://avenueofthegiants.net/

Day Three:

Do one of those ';touristy'; things and take a drive through one of the redwood trees.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2043

See more of the Avenue of the Giants. The visitor center is fun to go to. They have a nice short film of the major flood in the area...which is impressive to see how much water did get in this area.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=425

Continue up highway 101 and drive to Crescent City. There are several motels here and I would suggest staying here for 2 days. There are things to see in this area that you can do on Day Four.

Have dinner in the harbor area this night (note: 9:00 is considered late in this part of California.)

On the drive to Crescent City, do stop and see if you see elk.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=584

We have stayed at Ship and Shore in their newer area. Rooms are large (nice...but basic) with a nice outside deck and view of Smith River.

http://www.ship-ashore.com/

Day 4:

Use this day to do two fun things:

1) Do the Klamath River Jet Boat (note: It is seasonal so not sure when you are going - if it is running fun to go on...you will see eagles, animals, fishing, and other things.

http://www.ship-ashore.com/

2) Also see Trees of Mystery:

http://www.treesofmystery.net/

Day 5:

You are about 40 minute drive to get into Oregon...and go from there.

ideal 5 days in California, from SF to Oregon

Thanks so much for the time and energy put into your reply. I truly appreciate it, and will copy it and show it to the rest of the gang. We%26#39;re obviously just starting out, talking, thinking aloud, etc. - and a basic itinerary like yours is extremely helpful to get a purchase on an area full of such wonders and possibilities, it makes it hard to know where to start.

Bill

Hi Bill, you have picked a beautiful area of the country to see.

First off, where are you planning to end up? Do your five days include some of Oregon? If so, you%26#39;ll need to shorten your time in CA.

Are you more interested in seeing the coast or inland?

Hwy 1 north of SF hugs the coast line and is a spectacular route; that is the highway that will take you to Mendocino. Hwy 101 is a faster, mostly inland but still pleasant route. Hwy 1 joins Hwy 101 in Leggett, CA then remains mostly on the coast all the way to WA.

Are you planning for the latter part of July, or July 4th? It will make some difference in your advance lodging bookings - July 4th is terrifically busy most places.

Here are some websites on northern CA coastal areas:

www.bidontravel.com/travel/redwoodcoast9.html

shannontech.com/ParkVision/…Redwood.html

exploredelnorte.com/about-del-norte/index.as…

And a few along the Oregon coast:

onroute.com/destinations/…southcoast.html

http://www.nwcoast.com/lighthouses/oregon.asp

http://www.101milebymile.com/

Happy planning :-)

Thanks for your generosity in taking the time to write and detail so nicely. As of now, we%26#39;re planning July 8th or so for the flight to SF, then driving north, mainly along the water. We all love the natural environment, and are already lamenting that we won%26#39;t be there for too long (SF - Vancouver 16 days total).

Do you have thoughts about Oregon and Washington, as well? I%26#39;ve copied your website suggestions and will follow through in a week or so, when work might slow down a wee bit.

Thanks again - Bill

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