Pacific Coast Road Trip... Need suggestions!

[TBBrewer]

Pacific Coast

I've done the Vancouver-San Francisco trip several times, on several different routes, since 1983. To me, the coastal route is definitely the best. Be sure to go around the Olympic Peninsula, and don't miss the drive up Hurricane Ridge to the beautiful Park and fantastic views. There is just so damned much to see and do along the coast that you will never forget it. - Ted.

 

[Peyto]

Big Sur/Monterey up the HWY 1 from San Luis Obispo is a wonderful drive. You can stop at Hearst Castle or camp out on the beach a couple of nights. I just did the drive over the Xmas break. It was perfect.


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Big fan of this area as well. I can never visit Cambria enough.

 

[Bodie the Dog]

Humboldt County!

From 395 in Northern CA, cut over to Redding and take Hwy 299 west to Arcata. Hwy 299 is a hoot, although tamed somewhat since they added lanes and straightened it out for Walmart trucks. (It's more fun at night, when there's no traffic and you can see the headlights to warn you of oncoming traffic.) It has lots of long hill climbs with big sweeper curves and epic scenery, plus god knows how many thousands of miles of spur logging roads and trails.

When you hit the coast, Arcata has good food and vibes, then head north to Trinidad and Patricks Point for some nice coastal scenery. There are some scary/cool caves at Patricks Point, unadvertised, if that's your thing, plus agates, carnelian, and jade on the beach. You can get a 4 star meal at Larrupins' restaurant, and if you're nice even take a "safety break" with staff. Things are different in Humboldt.

You used to be able to drive on the beach at Clam Beach, but I think that's been banned.

There are huge redwoods without crowds further north at Orick and Lady Johnson grove (they filmed Revenge of the Sith there), and Fern Cyn is a must if you have a couple extra hours.

Continuing north you can pass Babe the giant blue ox and take a cute picture with him:

 

[RonJR]

Continuing north you can pass Babe the giant blue ox and take a cute picture with him:

Is that thing still there?! I have an old black and white picture of me with Babe at age 11, taken in 1960. Nice to know the old tourist gimmicks still survive.:happy:

 

[Friggin Idiot]

The Spruce Goose

 

[Vinsil]

The Spruce Goose

A little off the coast but worth seeing, history!

Also, the air museum in Tillamook is a solid ten if like planes and WWII history. It is the last wooden hanger designed for blimps. Very impressive!