Lost Coast
3 day California road trip itinerary
Explore Northern California's Lost Coast and the natural beauty coastal Redwoods.
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Start / End
San Francisco
Travel time
469mi, 12hrs 50min
What you will do
Everyone's heard about the iconic Pacific Highway drive and Big Sur road trip - it's one of the most famous drives in the world. While known for its incredible beauty, the drive can be overcrowded and "touristy". Truth is, there is so much more to California than Big Sur. We love NorCal and came up with a perfect 3-day trip itinerary to explore the natural beauty of Lost Coast.
Accomodations
Beach camping
Campground
Food
Breweries
Oyster farm
Activities
4x4 offroad driving
Mushroom picking
Where you will go
Itinerary
Stinson Beach
This beach is one of NorCal's best-hidden secrets. Meditate to the sound of the waves and watch cool surfers to their thing
Next stop: 35mi, 1hr
Day 1 - Activity 1
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Breathtaking, literally. Climbing up to the lighthouse is a good workout and the views from above are so worth it.
Next stop: 30mi, 55min
Day 1 - Activity 2
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Pick up a dozen oysters, a shucking knife and a couple of lemons to go.
Next Stop: 32mi, 50min
Day 1 - Activity 3
Russian House #1
Experience authentic Russian food with beautiful Russian River views. There is a daily delicious buffet of freshly-prepared Russian dishes and you pay what you can/want.
Next Stop: 20mi, 40min
Day 1 - Activity 4
Salt Point State Park
Gerstle Cove Campground is a beautiful spot to spend the night surrounded by Cypress Trees. $35 per night, its 30 spots get booked up quickly so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Review photos of campsites and book online here.
Next Stop: 38mi, 55min
Day 1 - Activity 5
Point Arena Lighthouse
One of the most iconic lighthouses on the American Pacific Coast, it still keeps the light on and guides sailors to safety on foggy days.
Next stop: 45mi, 1hr 10min
Day 2 - Activity 1
Fort Bragg
Step back in time for a ride through the redwoods on the Skunk Train, take a walk through historic downtown. Grab a beer at Overtime Brewing or a coffee at Headlands Coffeehouse. Head to Glass Beach.
Next stop: 35mi, 1hr 45min
Day 2 - Activity 2
Usal Campground
Follow a forest road through the redwoods towards a tucked away beach. Find a spot on the beach and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer with the oysters from Hog Island.
Day 2 - Activity 3
HWY128
Highway 128 is one of California's most stunning roads - it connects the coast to the hills and valleys of Sonoma County, paved by majestic California redwoods.
Day 3 - Activity 1
Russian River Brewing
Stop by this brewery for a bite and a refined beer tasting experience. If you are in the mood for wine (this is wine country, after all) check out Two Shepherds Wine.
Next stop: 110 mi, 2 hr 10 min
Day 3 - Activity 2
Petaluma
Take a walk through historic district, stop by the wineries. We like: Matthiesion, Turnbull, Barber Cellars Tasting Room and Azari Vineyards if you like the idea of pizza+wine. Craving beer? Stop by Lagunitas Brewing Company. For the best pie you'll ever have, head to Petaluma Pie Company.
Next Stop: 35mi, 45min
Day 3 - Activity 3
Hawk Hill
Arrive by sunset and catch the most iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
Day 3 - Activity 4
Notes
-
Campsite pre-booking is recommended
-
Off-road driving experience is recommended
-
Camp fire permits required - they can be obtained online before the trip for free