Russian Gulch is also famous for its bridge, with a short overlook hike you can access near the fern trailhead. Entrance to the park is per vehicle.
The first time I visited in 2019, I didn’t find much glass, but in 2021, I found it everywhere! The best way to experience this beach is in the late afternoon to sunset when the light is catching the glass. You can read more about the history and tips for all of Fort Bragg’s attractions here.
Like most of this drive, Point Reyes serves up gorgeous coastal views. But what sets it apart is this cypress tree tunnel! Catch it during golden hour (the hour before sunset) on a sunny day for the best photo op.
Where to Stay:
For a waterfall with a different flavor than the coastal ones, hike the fern trail in Russian Gulch State Park. You’ll pass plenty of ferns, lichen, and Redwoods on this peaceful path to the waterfall. The hike is pretty easy, at 3 miles each way, and can be turned into a loop!
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
These rails through the Redwoods were used by trains back in the day that apparently smelled like a skunk thanks to the fuel mixture.
Staying at Little River Inn, mentioned above, gave us easy access to Van Damme State Park. Entrance is to go into the park and see the pygmy forest and hike the trails, but entrance to the beach, just across the highway, is free.
Mt. Tamalpais
Check out some of the best stops in Mendo in the video:
While Baker Beach in San Francisco is a great option to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, I love the view from the other side even more.
Point Reyes
Navigate a bit inland to this one in Redwood National Park. It’s well worth the brief departure from the coast.
Surprise, surprise, we have another stellar sunset spot on the list! Covering most of the coastline around Mendocino as well as trails inland along the river, the Mendocino Headlands State Park is perfect for sunset.
Bodega Head
At this point Highway 1 merges with the 101 and you’ll have to take another road in to access this part. However if you’re committed, you’ll find gorgeous wildflowers and uncrowded coastline in King Range National Conservation Area.
Sonoma Coast State Park
A friend of mine told me that California runs in my blood. When you’re born and raised in a place, it’s always a part of you. I guess that’s why every time I’m on the California coast, even if it’s hours north of where I grew up, I feel like I’ve come home. Not just to me, but to nature, tranquility, and peacefulness. I hope you feel that way too.
If you have a clear day, stop by and walk around a bit, bidding San Francisco goodbye as you embark on an epic road trip.
Salt Point State Park
Take a hike along the cliffs over the ocean along the coastal trail and prepare to be amazed.
Stewarts Point
You might be sensing a theme here that this coast is STELLAR for sunset ocean views. Salt point also offers up unique rock formations and several coastal trails to choose from. If you’re into SCUBA or freediving and don’t mind frigid water and thick wetsuits, this is a great spot!
Point Arena Public Lands
I love Humboldt County so much, I’ve visited 5 or 6 times now. Although there are many beaches in the area, I’m quite partial to Moonstone Beach. With the especially flat beach and water running out to the sea, it creates the perfect, long and wide reflection for the sunset.
Van Damme State Park
This stretch of coastline is all about cute Inns with beautiful views. My friends and I loved the balcony, fireplace, and huge jetted bathtub at the Little River Inn in Mendocino. The views were amazing and they even have a little trail down to Van Damme State Park!
They also have a pygmy forest and two campgrounds. Although there are many places that offer those things, it’s the rock formations, with porous rocks and arches, that make Salt Point worth the stop.
Our journey begins in San Francisco, with many stops along the way. This trip could take days or weeks, depending on what looks good to you and how much time you have!
Mendocino Headlands State Park
The stretch of rocky coastline in Northern California is magic. It’s moody, sometimes foggy, always dramatic, perfectly situated for stellar sunsets, and full of Redwoods – the tallest living thing on Earth.
I visited four times to watch the sunset, hang out in the sun, and enjoy peaceful morning meditations.
Russian Gulch State Park
Glass Beach Fort Bragg
What in the world is a Skunk Train? Good question, and I’m glad you asked, because it’s a funny story.
Skunk Train to Redwoods
To say the sunsets there were spectacular would be an understatement. They have a delicious and adorable garden restaurant too!
We hung out on one of the bluffs over the water all afternoon watching the birds and waves come in, finished off with the incredible sunset pictured above!
King Range National Conservation Area
The way it falls onto the rocks in dramatic fashion with the wild Pacific makes this a photographer’s dream.
Moonstone Beach in Humboldt
Stewart’s Point is an unincorporated community on the Sonoma coast. It has a crazy history including murder and cannibals, but more importantly, this was an area of great significance to the original inhabitants, the indigenous Pomo people.
These days you can either take the (no longer smelly) train or peddle yourself on the railbikes to the Redwoods. It’s a unique experience and the only rail bike I’m aware of its kind on the Northern California coast. You can read more and book the train or bikes in my guide for the best things to do in Mendocino county.
Hike in Redwood National Park
It’s reminiscent of the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland, no?
There are several waterfalls along Pacific Coast Highway that fall into the sea. McWay falls in Big Sur might be the most famous, but the waterfall in Sonoma Coast State Park is a sight to see as well!
Hike in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
As we cross into the area known as the Lost Coast, you’ll start to notice that the towns become smaller, the coastline even more wooded and rugged, and the wildness of it all increasing.
Here’s a map to help you plan your trip:
*This post may contain affiliate links, which support this site at no extra cost to you. This post was brought to you in collaboration with Little River Inn, who hosted my stay.
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California
