Redwoods & Wine Country loop
Giant trees and great glasses.
Four days north of San Francisco — Sonoma and Anderson Valley tastings, the Avenue of the Giants' ancient redwoods and Mendocino's headland village.
Muir Woods National Monument
Ancient coast redwood grove just across the Golden Gate — an iconic first stop heading north.
💡 Parking reservation required online in advance, even in shoulder season.
Mill Valley
Cowgirl Creamery
Beloved local creamery and market in the heart of Point Reyes Station, great for a cheese-forward lunch.
💡 Arrive by early afternoon to keep lunch in the midday window.
1490 Cader Ln, Petaluma
Point Reyes National Seashore
Dramatic windswept headlands, elephant seals, and the historic lighthouse — a true Northern California nature highlight.
💡 Check the lighthouse stairs' open hours; winds can close them.
Bodega Head
Sweeping bluff-top ocean views and a good whale-watching spot, right where 'The Birds' was filmed.
Bodega Bay
Mendocino Cafe
Casual local favorite for dinner with a globally-inspired menu in the heart of the village.
10451 Lansing St, Mendocino
Overnight in Mendocino, CA
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Mendocino, CA · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Hwy 1 is slow and winding — budget extra time beyond straight-line distance
- Book Muir Woods parking online days ahead, spots vanish fast
- Mendocino village has limited street parking — arrive early or walk from the edge of town
- Stinson Beach+6 mi
Popular sandy beach with mountain backdrop, an easy stop between Muir Woods and Point Reyes.
- Tomales Bay Oyster Companies+5 mi
Fresh-shucked oysters right on the water, a classic Marin/Sonoma coast detour.
GoodLife Cafe & Bakery
Popular local bakery-cafe for a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring.
10483 Lansing St, Mendocino
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Sea arches, blowholes, and coastal trails wrapping the village — the defining Mendocino walk.
💡 Best light for photos is early morning or golden hour.
Mendocino
Russian Gulch State Park
Punchbowl blowhole, a waterfall hike, and a rugged little cove just minutes from Mendocino.
CA-1, Mendocino
Glass Beach
Unique beach sparkling with decades of tumbled sea glass — an offbeat Fort Bragg curiosity.
Fort Bragg
The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co.
Well-regarded Fort Bragg brewpub, a good lunch stop with local craft beer.
444 N Main St, Fort Bragg
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
A working lighthouse on a quiet headland, one of the coast's most photogenic spots at sunset.
💡 Arrive near sunset for the best light on the lighthouse and bluffs.
13800 Point Cabrillo Dr, Mendocino
Trillium Cafe & Inn
Well-loved Mendocino spot for a memorable farm-to-table dinner to close the day.
💡 Reserve ahead — small dining room, popular with visitors.
10390 Kasten St, Mendocino
Overnight in Mendocino, CA
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Mendocino, CA · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Mendocino/Fort Bragg loop is short — no need to rush, savor the coastal stops
- Glass Beach access involves a bluff staircase, wear good shoes
- Fort Bragg has more parking than Mendocino village if you want a home base for the loop
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens+3 mi
47 oceanfront acres of gardens and trails, a peaceful detour near Fort Bragg.
- Jug Handle State Natural Reserve+5 mi
An 'ecological staircase' trail showing five terraces of evolving coastal ecosystem.
Anderson Valley
Renowned cool-climate wine region famous for Pinot Noir, a scenic inland detour from the coast.
💡 Call ahead for tasting reservations at smaller family wineries.
Anderson Valley
Boonville General Store
Charming Boonville institution for a relaxed lunch amid the vineyards.
17810 Farrer Lane, Boonville
Healdsburg Plaza
Lively historic square ringed with tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants — the heart of Healdsburg.
Healdsburg Ave & Matheson St, Healdsburg
Dry Creek Vineyard
Picturesque Sonoma wine appellation known for Zinfandel, just outside town.
💡 Book a winery tasting slot ahead on weekends.
3770 Lambert Bridge Rd, Healdsburg
Barndiva
Acclaimed farm-driven restaurant in Healdsburg, a top dinner choice in Sonoma County.
💡 Reserve well ahead — one of the most popular tables in Sonoma County.
237 Center St, Healdsburg
Overnight in Healdsburg, CA
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Healdsburg, CA · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- This inland route via Anderson Valley avoids retracing the coastal Hwy 1
- Healdsburg's downtown core has paid lots — easier than street parking on weekends
- Many wineries require reservations, especially small family estates — call ahead
- Hendy Woods State Park+3 mi
Beautiful old-growth redwood grove right along the Anderson Valley route.
- Bella Vineyards+6 mi
Cave-aged Zinfandel tasting in a scenic Dry Creek Valley setting.
Sonoma Plaza
Historic mission-era plaza with shops, tasting rooms, and California history at its founding site.
453 1st St E, Sonoma
Fiddle Fig Cafe & Coffee
Cozy, well-loved Sonoma spot for a relaxed brunch before the final push home.
790 Lombard St, San Francisco
Muir Beach Overlook
Sweeping Marin coastline views along Highway 1, a scenic last stop before the Golden Gate.
Parking lot, Muir Beach Overlook, Muir Beach
- Sonoma to Muir Beach adds scenic miles but stays well under the daily cap
- Highway 37/101 corridor can be congested near commute hours — avoid late afternoon
- No stops planned inside San Francisco — the day ends with the drive back into the city
- Marin Headlands+6 mi
Last-minute detour with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline.
- Jack London State Historic Park+7 mi
Historic ranch and trails in the Sonoma hills, a quiet nature stop near the plaza.
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