One tank of gas is roughly 300 miles, so we’re giving you some leeway with this 216-mile trek around Marin County and the Wine Country—swerving around some of the mountainous terrain will likely guzzle up extra gas anyway. This road trip is a somewhat classic NorCal adventure, taking you from the humbling redwoods to the spectacular coastline, from funky small towns to luxurious wineries. You’ll likely want to stretch this trip out to at least three days to really appreciate each stop along the way, especially if you like to hike. And be sure to add a night in Napa or Sonoma, if you’re really enjoying that wine.
For directions, click here.
Google Maps
- Muir Woods National Monument
Facebook/Muir Woods National Monument Sure, it’s a tourist mecca, but those redwoods never get old—almost kind of literally. Parking fills up fast, so best to get here early. There are lots of opportunities to venture beyond the main trail and get deep into those woods if you want to explore further. You can also start at Deer Park Fire Road (detailed here).
- Mount Tamalpais State Park
Big & Small Travel More towering redwoods and sweeping views make up this majestic area. There are plenty of trails to choose from here, but the most popular (and scenic) is probably the 7-mile Dipsea-Steep Ravine-Matt Davis Loop Trail. But if you’re just passing through, take the Verna Dunshee Trail, the easiest way to make it to the 2,570-foot peak of Mt. Tamalpais for some of the finest views of Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay (unless they’re all covered by a thick blanket of fog!).
- Stinson Beach
Flickr/Steve Boland Snake down the mountain to get to the expansive Stinson Beach (you can also get here from some Mt. Tam trails, if you’re feeling extra rugged). Sink your toes into the sand, and hope for a rare warm, sunny day.
- Point Reyes National Seashore & Alamere Falls
Big & Small Travel Pass through the small hippie haven of Bolinas before heading toward Point Reyes National Seashore. Find the parking lot at the end of the gravel road and make your way to the Palomarin Trailhead. If you’re up for the trek to Alamere Falls (totally worth the 8.4-mile hike out and back), we highly recommend making quick stops at the first three places on this list and heading straight here. Get all the details on this epic hike here.
- Bodega Bay
Flickr/Chris deRham Keep heading north on Highway 1 to make a stop at this quaint fishing village. Dine on just-caught seafood and oysters, watch for whales (if it’s wintertime), and check out the spots where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds.
- Sebastopol
Big & Small Travel Now, you’ll head east, through rolling hills and farms to the charming small town of Sebastopol, a self-declared nuclear-free zone that features lots of cool local shops, New Age stores, healthy dining spots, and art galleries. Head over to The Barlow for good eats and drinks, check out Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm—once home to a famous plant breeder—and then stroll down Florence Avenue for pics with these scrap-metal art statues.
- The Bohemian Highway
Flickr/TERRY T Take a slight detour to the west to take a scenic drive up the Bohemian Highway, which winds through 10 miles of redwoods, ravines, and the tiny communities of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. Find unique art, funky goods, and organic foods and wines along the way.
- Calistoga
Flickr/Jasperdo Cut back east toward Calistoga, a Napa Valley town known for hot springs, mud baths, and incredible wine and food. Foodies will want to explore downtown, where all fast-food franchises are banned, and everyone should experience a soak in one of the town’s many mud baths. You can also check out the Old Faithful Geyser at the edge of town (tip: skip the fee and watch it erupt from the gift shop).
- Napa
Flickr/Mark Leary Heading south toward Napa, we recommend stopping by the upscale wine towns of St. Helena and Yountville (home of famous restaurant The French Laundry), and hitting up some of the 400 wineries and tasting rooms along the way (be sure there’s a designated driver, though!). Once in Napa, grab a snack at the Oxbow Public Market.
On your way back to San Francisco, grab dinner along the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley. Once home, you’ll probably need a few days to recover from all that hiking, eating, and drinking—that’s our idea of a successful road trip. Want more trip ideas? Check out these 11 unique day trips near San Francisco.
Google Maps
Facebook/Muir Woods National Monument
Sure, it’s a tourist mecca, but those redwoods never get old—almost kind of literally. Parking fills up fast, so best to get here early. There are lots of opportunities to venture beyond the main trail and get deep into those woods if you want to explore further. You can also start at Deer Park Fire Road (detailed here).
Big & Small Travel
More towering redwoods and sweeping views make up this majestic area. There are plenty of trails to choose from here, but the most popular (and scenic) is probably the 7-mile Dipsea-Steep Ravine-Matt Davis Loop Trail. But if you’re just passing through, take the Verna Dunshee Trail, the easiest way to make it to the 2,570-foot peak of Mt. Tamalpais for some of the finest views of Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay (unless they’re all covered by a thick blanket of fog!).
Flickr/Steve Boland
Snake down the mountain to get to the expansive Stinson Beach (you can also get here from some Mt. Tam trails, if you’re feeling extra rugged). Sink your toes into the sand, and hope for a rare warm, sunny day.
Pass through the small hippie haven of Bolinas before heading toward Point Reyes National Seashore. Find the parking lot at the end of the gravel road and make your way to the Palomarin Trailhead. If you’re up for the trek to Alamere Falls (totally worth the 8.4-mile hike out and back), we highly recommend making quick stops at the first three places on this list and heading straight here. Get all the details on this epic hike here.
Flickr/Chris deRham
Keep heading north on Highway 1 to make a stop at this quaint fishing village. Dine on just-caught seafood and oysters, watch for whales (if it’s wintertime), and check out the spots where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds.
Now, you’ll head east, through rolling hills and farms to the charming small town of Sebastopol, a self-declared nuclear-free zone that features lots of cool local shops, New Age stores, healthy dining spots, and art galleries. Head over to The Barlow for good eats and drinks, check out Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm—once home to a famous plant breeder—and then stroll down Florence Avenue for pics with these scrap-metal art statues.
Flickr/TERRY T
Take a slight detour to the west to take a scenic drive up the Bohemian Highway, which winds through 10 miles of redwoods, ravines, and the tiny communities of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. Find unique art, funky goods, and organic foods and wines along the way.
Flickr/Jasperdo
Cut back east toward Calistoga, a Napa Valley town known for hot springs, mud baths, and incredible wine and food. Foodies will want to explore downtown, where all fast-food franchises are banned, and everyone should experience a soak in one of the town’s many mud baths. You can also check out the Old Faithful Geyser at the edge of town (tip: skip the fee and watch it erupt from the gift shop).
Flickr/Mark Leary
Heading south toward Napa, we recommend stopping by the upscale wine towns of St. Helena and Yountville (home of famous restaurant The French Laundry), and hitting up some of the 400 wineries and tasting rooms along the way (be sure there’s a designated driver, though!). Once in Napa, grab a snack at the Oxbow Public Market.
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