San Francisco, CA to Mendocino, CA Road Trip
A 2-day itinerary from San Francisco, CA to Mendocino, CA. Discover the ultimate Northern California road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino, featuring rugged cliffs, redwood forests, and charming seaside villages.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
- **Pacing:** Ambitious scenic journey with 5h 50m of drive time and 6h 40m of exploration, balancing coastal vistas with redwood serenity. - **Vibe:** A classic Northern California transition from rugged coastline to towering forests and refined wine country. - **Expert Tip:** Since you have a long visit time and a late dinner in Windsor, pack layers for the temperature drop as you move from the sunny Navarro River Redwoods back toward the coast. - **Focus:** This day features both beach and vineyard stops; keep a pair of sturdy shoes for the Navarro River trails and a light jacket for the Roederer Estate tasting.
- Bodega Bay - California, United States
- 🍽️ Lunch at Harbor House Inn - 5600 California 1, Elk
- Navarro River Redwoods State Park - Highway 128, Albion, California 95410, United States
- Navarro Beach - Navarro Beach Road, Albion, California 95410, United States
- Roederer Estate - 4501 Highway 128, Philo, California 95466, United States
- 🍽️ Dinner at Windsor California - 44300 Kinney Road, Manchester
- Morgan Home Oceanfront Vacation Rental
- ☕ Coffee Break at Gourmet Au Bay - 1412 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, California 94923, United States
- Twin Peaks Reservoir - San Francisco, California 94131, United States
- Crissy Field East Beach - East Beach Road, San Francisco, California 94129, United States
Day 2 Itinerary
- **Pacing:** Relaxed and localized exploration with only 1h 52m of drive time and 6h 30m dedicated to visiting Mendocino’s iconic landmarks. - **Vibe:** A leisurely deep-dive into the Mendocino coast’s history, geology, and culinary scene. - **Expert Tip:** Arrive at Glass Beach early during your 06:45 AM start to see the sea glass sparkle in the morning light before the crowds arrive. - **Focus:** With multiple coastal viewpoints and a hike at Van Damme State Park, ensure your camera or phone is fully charged for the dramatic cliffside photography at Russian Gulch and Point Cabrillo.
- Breakfast at Little River Inn - 7901 CA-1, Little River, California 95456, United States
- Glass Beach - Glass Beach Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437, United States
- Belinda Point Trail - Ocean Drive, Fort Bragg, California 95437, United States
- Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint - CA-1, Mendocino, California 95460, United States
- Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum - 45300 Lighthouse Rd, Mendocino, California 95460, United States
- Café Beaujolais - 961 Ukiah St, Mendocino, California 95460, United States
- Van Damme State Park - 8001 CA-1, Little River, California 95456, United States
- Barker Beach - San Francisco, California, United States
- Terra de Promissio - 3845 S Ely Rd, Petaluma, California 94954, United States
Wine, Waves, and Woods
Day 1
- •Pacing: Ambitious scenic journey with 5h 50m of drive time and 6h 40m of exploration, balancing coastal vistas with redwood serenity.
- •Vibe: A classic Northern California transition from rugged coastline to towering forests and refined wine country.
Bodega Bay
🍽️ Lunch at Harbor House Inn
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Navarro Beach
Roederer Estate
🍽️ Dinner at Windsor California
Morgan Home Oceanfront Vacation Rental
Day 2
- •Pacing: Relaxed and localized exploration with only 1h 52m of drive time and 6h 30m dedicated to visiting Mendocino’s iconic landmarks.
- •Vibe: A leisurely deep-dive into the Mendocino coast’s history, geology, and culinary scene.
Breakfast at Little River Inn
Glass Beach
Belinda Point Trail
Russian Gulch Bridge Viewpoint
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum
Café Beaujolais
Van Damme State Park
Essential Gear
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