North Coast Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in North Coast, California. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from natural attractions to cultural landmarks and beyond.


Introduction to North Coast

Located in the state of California, North Coast is an awe-inspiring region that features a vast coastline, towering redwood forests, and charming small towns. The region spans from San Francisco to the Oregon border and attracts visitors from all over the world.

This comprehensive travel guide covers the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in North Coast, California.

List of Places to Visit in North Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mendocino County Museum: This museum features displays on the history of the local area, including exhibits on indigenous peoples, logging, and more.
  • Ferndale Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the town of Ferndale and its surrounding area.
  • Fort Bragg Depot Museum: This museum is housed in a historic train depot and features exhibits on the railroad history of Fort Bragg and Mendocino County.

Natural Attractions of North Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Point Reyes National Seashore: This stunning natural wonder spans over 70,000 acres of coastline, grasslands, and forests. Visitors can hike, bike, kayak, and more.
  • Humboldt Redwoods State Park: This park is home to some of the world’s tallest and oldest redwood trees, including the famous Founders Tree.
  • Glass Beach: Once a dumping ground for glass bottles, this unique beach now features smooth, colorful glass pebbles that visitors can collect and admire.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Coast

  • Lost Coast Trail: This rugged 25-mile trail takes hikers through pristine wilderness and breathtaking coastal views.
  • Fern Canyon Trail: This easy hike takes visitors through a scenic canyon filled with lush ferns and moss.
  • Trinity Alps Wilderness: This remote and challenging backpacking trip takes hikers through stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers, snowfields, and pristine lakes.

Best Things to Do in North Coast: Activities and Tours

  • Whale Watching: Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg are both great spots to catch a glimpse of whales during their migrations.
  • Wine Tasting: North Coast is home to many wineries, producing some of the best wine in California.
  • Brewery Tour: Take a tour of North Coast’s best breweries, including North Coast Brewing Company and Lost Coast Brewery.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Coast

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore San Francisco
Day 2 Drive to Point Reyes National Seashore
Day 3 Hike in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Day 4 Visit Glass Beach and Fort Bragg
Day 5 Explore the town of Mendocino
Day 6 Wine tasting in Sonoma County
Day 7 Visit Bodega Bay and pick up some fresh seafood

Food and Drink Scene of North Coast

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dungeness Crab: This local delicacy is best enjoyed fresh and cracked.
  • Cioppino: This hearty seafood stew is a San Francisco classic.
  • Humboldt Fog: This award-winning goat cheese is produced in the Humboldt County.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Sonoma County and Napa Valley are known for producing some of the best wine in the world.
  • Beer: North Coast is home to many breweries, including North Coast Brewing Company and Lost Coast Brewery.
  • Coffee: The North Coast is home to many exceptional coffee roasters, including Thanksgiving Coffee in Fort Bragg and Black Oak Coffee Roasters in Ukiah.

Where to Stay in North Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Inn at the Tides: This luxury hotel is located in Bodega Bay and features ocean views, fine dining, and a spa.
  • The Lost Whale Inn: This romantic bed and breakfast is set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
  • HI-Point Reyes Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is located in a picturesque coastal town and offers convenient access to Point Reyes National Seashore.

What to Buy in North Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local Art: North Coast is home to many talented artists, and visitors can find unique and beautiful art pieces to take home.
  • Wine: Take home a bottle (or a case) of North Coast’s best wine.
  • Cheese: Bring home a taste of Humboldt County with some delicious locally-made cheese.

Local Culture and Customs of North Coast

The culture of North Coast is laid back and relaxed, with a focus on outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and fishing. Many residents value sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Best Time to Visit North Coast

The best time to visit North Coast is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds during the spring and fall months as well.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Coast

Do:

  • Do respect the natural beauty of the area by packing out your trash and leaving no trace.
  • Do explore the charming small towns and local breweries and wineries.
  • Do bring layers, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly.

Don’t:

  • Don’t underestimate the rugged nature of the area. Make sure to prepare and stay safe while hiking or enjoying any outdoor activities.
  • Don’t trespass on private property or disturb wildlife.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent!

Safety and Health

Safety in North Coast

North Coast is generally a safe area, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when hiking or enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of earthquakes and wildfires in California.

Health in North Coast

Visitors should be prepared for all kinds of weather and be mindful of their health while hiking or participating in outdoor activities. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protect against sun exposure during the summer months. Visitors should also be aware of COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions in the area.

Getting to North Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North Coast

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS)
  • Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV)

Bus Stations Near North Coast

  • Greyhound: Fort Bragg, Eureka, and Crescent City
  • Mendocino Transit: Mendocino County

Other Options

Renting a car is the best way to explore the North Coast and fully enjoy all the region has to offer.

How to Get Around in North Coast

Driving is the best mode of transportation in North Coast, as public transportation is limited. Visitors can also rent bikes, kayaks, and other equipment to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from North Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Francisco: Just a short drive south of North Coast, San Francisco offers world-class dining, attractions, and culture.
  • Sonoma County: This wine region is a quick drive from North Coast and offers some of the best wine and food in California.
  • Redwood National and State Parks: Located just north of North Coast, this sprawling national park features some of the tallest trees in the world.

Conclusion

North Coast, California, is a breathtaking region that offers something for everyone. From towering redwoods to pristine beaches and charming small towns, visitors can explore and discover all this region has to offer. Be sure to plan ahead, respect the natural beauty of the area, and enjoy all North Coast has to offer!



    Del Norte County
    Humboldt County
    Lake County
    Mendocino County
    Mendocino National Forest
    Redwood National Park
    Sonoma County