#Family road trip planner plus

Smith River swimming holes along Highway 199.

Harris Beach State Park (just over the border in Oregon).

Go a bit farther north to Oregon and explore the Chetco River area next, where you’ll find the Redwood Nature Trail - actually a network of trails just past Alfred A. Here, you’ll find the stunning Smith River (go for a dip!) and the Simpson Reed Grove Trail, right off the highway. The town of Crescent City is the gateway to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (inland on Highway 199, aka the Redwood Highway), about 20 minutes’ drive. You’re in the heart of the redwoods and Bigfoot country now, and the northern California border is the place to fully explore the towering giants you first glimpsed in Myers Point. Consider a short stop at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Inn of the Lost Coast is located at the end of Patrick’s Point Road at Shelter Cove, and has a casual eatery with ocean views that’s great for lunch. You’ll feel tucked away from everything in this remote location.Ĭontinue north on Highway 101 to the California-Oregon border at Crescent City. Loleta Cheese Factory (with a grilled cheese bar).Patrick’s Point State Park in Trinidad offers coastal hiking options, too. This 30-plus-mile roadway in Myers Flat winds through a stunning old-growth forest of redwood groves. Eureka’s Victorian-era downtown is fun to explore on foot (check out the many aging but elegant mansions), and a drive through the nearby Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a must. Perhaps less polished than Mendocino, Eureka and adjacent Arcata offer a slightly rough-around-the-edges vibe that invites settling in. The cabins are all different and all themed.Ĭontinue north on Highway 1 and connect with 101 to Eureka. This vintage-style property is stocked with creative pastimes for kids, including craft supplies and record players. Fort Bragg and a ride on the historic “Skunk Train”.Navarro Vineyards & Winery (with artisanal grape juice for kids).For more kid-friendly ideas, see our Mendocino offerings here. Later, be sure to check out iconic Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, which sits just north of town on the bluffs. Start by stretching road trip-weary legs at Van Damme State Park, where the Little River Inn meets up with hiking trails galore. Mendocino may be a perfect weekend getaway destination with your partner, but it’s also kid-ready. From chic eateries to cozy coffee houses, this slick small town combines natural beauty with elegant charm. Tucked along the rocky coastline of north-central California, Mendocino is a fan favorite for a reason. You’ll end at the Pacific Ocean below Little River. This affordable gem in the heart of wine country offers family-friendly suites, lawn games, a pool and pet-friendly amenities.įrom Healdsburg, connect with Highway 1 via Highway 128. Or go to Sonoma Cider, where kids can play old-school favorites like Connect Four and Jenga while parents taste-test. Nearby, Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves are are family-friendly and have activities for kids on the weekends. Many wineries, such as Preston Farm & Winery and DaVero Farms & Winery, have expansive grounds with gardens to poke around, animals and a BYOP (that’s picnic!) atmosphere. And yes, you can wine-taste with kids in tow. Sonoma County may still be considered Napa’s kid sister when it comes to viticulture reputation, but the Healdsburg area is filled with nature and kid-friendly offerings in addition to world-class vino. We’re kicking this road trip off right in wine country. Best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary for Families Sonoma Wine Country/Healdsburg: 2 Nights “ Fort Bragg, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens” by Allie Caulfield is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Mendocino’s dramatic coastline forms the backdrop for a charming small town and outdoor adventure.

#Family road trip planner plus

(Don’t worry, you’ll connect with the coast along Highway 1 soon.) For each nightly destination, we’ve highlighted must-see and do activities plus gems you may not have heard of. Start in San Francisco, where you’ll head north on Highway 101. Vineyards, redwoods and old-town charm, here we come! But what if you want to hit the northern coastline as well? We’re happy to offer up some love for the north, with a guide to seven nights on the road from the City by the Bay to the California-Oregon border. Our iconic Grand California Family Road Trip - a longtime favorite with CB! travel planning clients - has families covered for all the big destinations south of San Francisco.