Northern California Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Hi, I’m Trisha Spencer, a professional Elopement and Destination Wedding Photographer. One of my specialty destinations is Northern California so I get asked often for advice on where to visit. Whether you’re flying or driving to the San Francisco Bay area here is my suggested road trip itinerary.

San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

First off, if you’re flying to San Francisco I suggest renting a car from an off-site car rental. I use Enterprise in Burlingame. After paying for an Uber to take me there and back, I still save close to $100 on average plus I never have to stand in a waiting line.

Point Reyes National Seashore

From San Francisco I recommend heading North to the Point Reyes National Seashore vicinity. After you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stop at The Junction Beer Garden for a drink and pizza…you won’t regret it;) Then you can continue north to Point Reyes Station for some shopping and some of the BEST bakery goods I have every experienced. From Point Reyes Station you can take the windy, scenic drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Make sure you stop at the Cypress Tree Tunnel and North Beach on your way. Chimney Rock hike would give you a beautiful sunset if you’re up for a moderate 1-2 mile hike.

After catching a beautiful sunset on the coast, you can end your evening at The Olema House. Olema House is a boutique hotel that draws you in with its charm, and makes you forget any problems in the world exist. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and simply “be”. Next door is the Due West Tavern which has some of the yummiest food.

The Olema house is just a short drive on the scenic Highway to Muir Woods if you want to explore, hike and see some beautiful tall Redwoods. You do need a permit since this is a very popular tourist attraction, but you can easily attain one HERE.

San Francisco Bay Area

While Point Reyes is certainly a breathe of fresh air, there is still much more to see along the Northern California Coast. San Francisco is filled with Tourist Attractions if you like a big City. I am all about the epic Countryside and prefer Nature over people and buildings, but if you want to change things up a bit you could head into the City for a day or two. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular stop that will provide you with access to Alcatraz, a boardwalk filled with shops and dining (and yes, Trish’s Mini donuts!!), and is down the hill from the iconic Lombard Street and famous cable cars.

If you’re like me and half a day in the crazy city is enough, then head back to the Coast and stay in Pacifica Beach. You can enjoy a nice dinner overlooking the ocean at Moonrakers before waking the next morning and begin your adventure South towards Big Sur!

The Scenic Drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz

You can skip this drive if you fly into San Jose instead of San Francisco, or if you take the Interstate, but you’d be missing out on some of the prettiest beaches. My personal favorites are, listed North to South:

Gray Whale Cove
Montara State Beach
Half Moon Bay
Davenport Landing Beach
Shark Fin Cove
Bonny Dune Beach

Davenport is the perfect Surf Town vibe to stop for lunch before proceeding to Santa Cruz.

The Redwoods in Santa Cruz

If my goal was to visit some Redwoods I would make sure Santa Cruz was on my itinerary. It is also well known for its iconic boardwalk and surfing beaches, but the trails through the Redwoods are quite surreal. You can hike, zip-line or bike!! And if you have enough energy after exploring the trails you could then head to the boardwalk and play some beach volleyball;)

Mount Hermon Adventures

There are plenty of hotels in Santa Cruz, but I personally enjoyed immersing myself in the Redwoods when we stayed at an Airbnb near Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon Adventures is located in the heart of the tall Sycamores and is the perfect half day adventure spot. You can zip-line through the trees or enjoy the rope courses. Or keep it simple and hike the Henry Cowell State Park trails nearby.

Big Sur Coast

Now off to the must-see Big Sur Coast!! South of Santa Cruz is a rugged coastline known as Big Sur. It’s beauty is second only to Switzerland in my opinion. If you want a more luxury staycation you could have your home-base in Carmel by The Sea, otherwise there is this cool Airbnb near Monterey… Sur Grove which also serves as an elopement/small destination wedding venue.

Farther South along the Big Sur Coast is my absolute most FAVORITE lodging in the whole United States… Glen Oaks. It features adorable modern cabins tucked away in their own private Redwoods, and is situated near Pfeiffer Beach which is a must-see.