California is world renowned for its distinctive cities and towns, historic attractions, and scenic beauty. You will find numerous amazing road trip opportunities throughout The Golden State, but the journey from Mendocino north to Crescent City is definitely one not to be missed. It’s only a 4-1/2-hour drive if you do it straight through. But that would be a mistake, as there is a wealth to experience and explore at so many points in between.
Explore History in Mendocino
Google Kelly House Museum History is always a great place to start any sojourn. The Kelley House Museum in Mendocino is one such repository.Located in the heart of the Mendocino Historic District, the museum, which was founded in 1973, is a beautiful, buttercup yellow, ocean-view home featuring an acre of tranquil gardens and a pond. Inside, visitors can learn all about the rich history of this quaint, picturesque town and the rich history of the surrounding Mendocino County area.
Experience the Great Outdoors in Fort Bragg
Thank You (22 Millions+) views/Flickr Not to be confused with the Army base in North Carolina, this Fort Bragg—about 10 miles up the road from downtown Mendocino—is a popular stop along this stretch of the Mendocino Coast.Among the highlights here are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, recreational activities and animal adventures along the Noyo River, as well as at the Noyo Harbor, and a retro trip to a bygone era along the world-famous Skunk Train, among other diversions.
Marvel at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Tjflex2/Flickr Just under two hours north in the town of Weott is the Avenue of the Giants. The 32-mile road here is the highlight of any visit to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Encompassing more than 53,000 acres, it is not only the third-largest state park in California but also home to some of the world’s tallest redwood trees. Activities besides tree-gawking include camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and biking, just to name a few.
Rest in a Historic Home in Ferndale
Sandwich/Flickr In approximately 22 miles you’ll arrive in Ferndale. Nestled in the Eel River Valley and set on an acre of meticulously maintained verdant grounds, The Shaw House Inn is a delight for the senses. Built in 1854 during the state’s Gold Rush Era, the inn was the family home of its namesake for over a century. Today guests can luxuriate in seven different rooms featuring vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, claw-foot bathtubs, antique furniture, and other inviting comforts.
Delve into the Sand and Surf in Trinidad
zug zwang/Flickr Another picturesque one-hour drive and you’ll arrive in Trinidad. This hidden California gem was originally inhabited by a Native American tribe, followed by Portuguese and Spanish explorers who sailed to the area beginning in the late 1500s. One of the highlights here is Trinidad State Beach. Gently ensconced in a sheltered cove, the beach is a wonderful place to walk on the sand, dip your toes in the surf, and enjoy a picnic
Look Toward the Light in Crescent City
Don McCullough/Flickr In approximately 60 more miles you can look toward the light in Crescent City. At first glance, it may seem like the Battery Point Lighthouse is inaccessible, resting on a strip of land surrounded by water. But it is at low tide when the magic happens! When the ocean water recedes, it reveals a two-hundred-foot-long road to this historic structure first put into service in 1856.
Damian Gadal/Flickr
This is just the tip of the iceberg of all there is to see, do, explore, and enjoy along this awe-inspiring California road trip route.
Google Kelly House Museum
History is always a great place to start any sojourn. The Kelley House Museum in Mendocino is one such repository.Located in the heart of the Mendocino Historic District, the museum, which was founded in 1973, is a beautiful, buttercup yellow, ocean-view home featuring an acre of tranquil gardens and a pond. Inside, visitors can learn all about the rich history of this quaint, picturesque town and the rich history of the surrounding Mendocino County area.
Thank You (22 Millions+) views/Flickr
Not to be confused with the Army base in North Carolina, this Fort Bragg—about 10 miles up the road from downtown Mendocino—is a popular stop along this stretch of the Mendocino Coast.Among the highlights here are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, recreational activities and animal adventures along the Noyo River, as well as at the Noyo Harbor, and a retro trip to a bygone era along the world-famous Skunk Train, among other diversions.
Tjflex2/Flickr
Just under two hours north in the town of Weott is the Avenue of the Giants. The 32-mile road here is the highlight of any visit to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Encompassing more than 53,000 acres, it is not only the third-largest state park in California but also home to some of the world’s tallest redwood trees. Activities besides tree-gawking include camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and biking, just to name a few.
Sandwich/Flickr
In approximately 22 miles you’ll arrive in Ferndale. Nestled in the Eel River Valley and set on an acre of meticulously maintained verdant grounds, The Shaw House Inn is a delight for the senses. Built in 1854 during the state’s Gold Rush Era, the inn was the family home of its namesake for over a century. Today guests can luxuriate in seven different rooms featuring vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, claw-foot bathtubs, antique furniture, and other inviting comforts.
zug zwang/Flickr
Another picturesque one-hour drive and you’ll arrive in Trinidad. This hidden California gem was originally inhabited by a Native American tribe, followed by Portuguese and Spanish explorers who sailed to the area beginning in the late 1500s. One of the highlights here is Trinidad State Beach. Gently ensconced in a sheltered cove, the beach is a wonderful place to walk on the sand, dip your toes in the surf, and enjoy a picnic
Don McCullough/Flickr
In approximately 60 more miles you can look toward the light in Crescent City. At first glance, it may seem like the Battery Point Lighthouse is inaccessible, resting on a strip of land surrounded by water. But it is at low tide when the magic happens! When the ocean water recedes, it reveals a two-hundred-foot-long road to this historic structure first put into service in 1856.
Damian Gadal/Flickr
Have you driven this spectacular stretch of the state? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience there.
If you’re looking for more road trip adventures, you wouldn’t want to miss these 11 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Northern California Before You Die.
The Kelley House Museum (Mendocino)
Fort Bragg
Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Weott)
The Shaw House Inn (Ferndale)
Trinidad State Beach (Trinidad)
Battery Point Lighthouse (Crescent City)
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Address: Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St, Mendocino, CA 95460, USAAddress: Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USAAddress: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571, USAAddress: Shaw House Inn, 703 Main St, Ferndale, CA 95536, USAAddress: Trinidad State Beach, California 95570, USAAddress: Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum/Crescent City Lighthouse, 235 Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
