San Francisco To Redwood National Park Road Trip
There are plenty of amazing natural landscapes to admire on a road trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park if you’re a passionate lover of the natural world. This journey will take you into the stunning forest of the park and the California coast.
You will need around six hours to complete the 337-mile travel from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. Going all the way there on US-101 is the shortest route. While you could complete it in one day, stretching it into two days will allow you to stop along the way.
Continue reading for information on some of the top attractions along the way and suggestions on organizing your road trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park.
What’s the distance and estimated road trip duration between Redwood National Park and San Francisco?
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
| Fasted Route Via US -101 | 337 Miles | 6 Hours |
| Alternate Route (via I-5 N and CA-299 W) | 349 miles | 7 hours 20 minutes |
If you desire to drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park, there are two alternatives, The fastest and appealing route is the first one. It’s 337 miles long and follows US-101; if you don’t stop for petrol, restroom breaks, or meals, you might drive it in around 6 hours.
On the other hand, Redwood National Park can be reached using the I-5 and CA-299 W. It will take an extra half-hour to complete, for a total travel time of roughly 6 and a half hours. This is a fairly quick road journey, regardless of your chosen route.
Sadly, you would miss out on the craggy California coasts on this second route, even though you would still go through some stunning nature areas.
Remember that departing San Francisco may be difficult, depending on the day and time you depart. If you leave on a Friday or Saturday, you will travel for a weekend getaway with everyone else.
Whenever possible, try to divide this journey into two days, regardless of how long the drive is. In this manner, you can make regular stops for pictures along the coast and perhaps plan a Mendocino National Forest camping vacation.
A route that is best for a road trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park
The 337-mile best route takes you along California’s west coast, through gorgeous woodlands with many options to veer off and make stops along the way. This route takes you from San Francisco to Redwood National Park.
There are many locations along your trip where you can stop, depending on how much time you have.
Route for a Road Trip from San Francisco to Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park may be reached from San Francisco most quickly and easily. All you need to do is cross the Golden Gate Bridge to leave San Francisco. Continue traveling on US-101 past Fort Baker until you reach Redwood National Park.
An alternative route would be to start from San Francisco by the Oakland Bay Bridge and travel down I-80 E, I-5 N, then CA-44 W. Follow via Pine Creek Road and CA-299 W after taking exit 678 at Redding. Bald Hills Road will lead you to the Redwood National Forest, Although this route isn’t as scenic, it will let you stop in Sacramento.
If you’re rushed for time, you can take Route 1, which borders the coast as it climbs from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. However, the route’s twisted turns will make the drive take up to nine hours.
It’s a great alternative for people who enjoy taking their road travels slowly and enjoying a glass of juice in the evening, passing through Gualala and Mendocino.
Top locations to make a stop between Redwood National Park and San Francisco
Even though this is a short road trip, you should divide it up to make it easier to handle and to ensure that you have time to properly take in all of the incredible sights and attractions along the way. These are our choices for the top places to spend the night while traveling.
Stay the night in Santa Rosa
A trip to Santa Rosa is worthwhile if you enjoy different drinks. there are a lot of historical sites to view. After spending hours in the vehicle, take one of their walking adventures to explore some of Santa Rosa’s attractions and get some fresh air.
Remember also to visit their museums. Spend some time at the Museum of Sonoma County if you’re an art enthusiast. The Charles M. Schultz Museum is a great place to go if you’d rather relive any part of your childhood.
Our preferred hotel in Santa Rosa is the stylish Art House Hotel. The Wells Fargo Centre for the Arts, the State Historic Park, and the Petrified Forest are all conveniently close to this lovely 4-star hotel.
Discover an opportunity in Eureka
The northern California port community of Eureka has a vibe reminiscent of a Victorian-era village. Eureka has enough to offer in terms of both culture and environment, regardless of your interests.
Go to Old Town Eureka for a true taste of the past. You can experience delight at Carson Mansion, and the Clarke Historical Museum has additional insights into Eureka’s past.
For those who like the outdoors, Eureka is near Humboldt Bay and the Lost Coast hiking trail.
The Hydrangea Inn is a great option if you’re thinking about spending the night in Eureka. The 1930s-era historic building and its rustic decor will enchant you.
The Victorian Village of Ferndale can be easily accessed from the inn, while Redwood National and State Parks are less than an hour’s drive away. It is, however, highly recommended that you take advantage of the superb breakfast on offer before heading out to explore.
Highlights of a road trip to Redwood National Park from San Francisco
Let’s discuss the argument behind your decision to take a road trip. You can make many stops and detours on the road to and from Redwood National Park. These are a few places you may want to visit.
1-McNears Beach: Why not visit McNears Beach as soon as you exit the Golden Gate Bridge? You can enjoy the ocean and possibly even receive some sun exposure if you go on a nice, bright day. Just be mindful that due to its popularity, this place might get occupied.
2-San Francisco Bay National Estuary Research Reserve: This reserve, which is near McNears Beach, is the ideal location for a day trip to the coast where you may explore the wetlands.
3-Olompali State Historic Park: Since US-101 passes by this historic site anyhow, why not make a stop and have a look? Several historic ranch buildings can be seen in Olompali State Historic Park, which the state of California acquired in 1977. It will be worthwhile to take the time to study about the history of this park.
4-Trione-Annadel State Park -Would you like to go hiking or bicycling from Trione-Annadel State Park to Redwood National Park? All of those things are available at Trione-Annadel State Park, in addition to excellent fishing places and chances to take pictures with the stunning wildflowers that thrive there.
5-Clear Lake-The largest naturally occurring freshwater lake in California It is a stunning lake. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views while fishing, swimming, sailing, or water skiing at Clear Lake.
6-Mendocino National Forest: Spend a day admiring the stunning coastal mountain range by stopping by Mendocino National Forest. This is the only national park in California lacking paved roads and highways, making it an ideal destination for those seeking some alone time in the great outdoors.
7-Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Visit this state park to witness the stunning, old Redwood trees that Plenty in the region. Trekking or riding a mountain bike are great ways to explore this state park.
8-Patrick’s Point State Park: You’ll be traveling along the coast after leaving Eureka. There are lots of locations where you may relax and take in the breathtaking, untamed California coast. The ideal time for travel to Redwood National Park from San Francisco.
What you hope to gain from the trip will determine what is the ideal time of year to do your road trip. Summer travel will provide you with the experience you want if you want to make the most of the weather and don’t mind crowds.
You can enjoy the much better trekking conditions in the area and avoid the harsh winter rainfalls if you visit in the summer. You will also be able to witness the mist that covers Redwood National Forest if you visit in the summer. However, a visit during the summer will result in more visitors to the park.
Try traveling in the spring or fall, which are the shoulder seasons, if you want to do a lot of trekking and would rather avoid crowds. Despite the cooler temperature, you can still engage in your preferred outdoor activities and avoid the summertime crowds.
When planning a trip in the winter, keep in mind that although there won’t be much snow, there will likely be some rain and 40–50-degree temperatures. But don’t write off a winter visit entirely! It’s atmospheric to stroll amid the silent redwoods in the middle of a light winter shower.
The gray whale migration may also be visible if you visit during the winter. When seeing them from the Crescent Beach or Klamath River Overlooks, December is the ideal month to go for this amazing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Between San Francisco and Redwood National Park, where should I stop?
- Start: San Francisco.
- Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park.
- Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Stop #3: Bodega Bay.
- Stop #4: Jenner.
- Stop #5: Mendocino.
- Stop #6: Fort Bragg.
- Stop #7: Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
What is the duration of the drive to Redwood National Park from San Francisco?
Redwood National Park is roughly 330 miles (530 kilometers) away by vehicle from San Francisco. The travel time from San Francisco to Redwood National Park might vary based on traffic and route, but it usually takes five to eight hours.
What is Redwood National Park’s halfway point from San Francisco?
Hearst, California is the community located at the geographic halfway point between Redwood National Park and San Francisco, California.
Is the drive to Redwood National Park worthwhile?
The California Redwoods are well worth the journey! The sight of these trees and the surrounding woodland was breathtaking.
To see Redwood National Park, how many days are required?
You’ll have three days to see most of the park’s coastline areas and some of its most striking redwood groves. Enjoy the beauty of this enchanted region by taking your time, whether you’re wandering along attractive redwood roads, hiking in the redwoods, or strolling along the shore.
for more details on Redwood National Park kindly visit https://redwoodparksconservancy.org
