Any suggestions of places to stop on highway 101?
I’m going on a road trip starting from San Fransisco all the way up the 101. I want to stop at the Redwood National Forest, and was just wondering if there are other cool places to stop and see?
3 Responses
Keiichi
19 Nov 2010
bored@work
19 Nov 2010
Cannon Beach & Seaside in Oregon are fun. On the way up you’d hit Cannon Beach first, but Seaside is just past it and has WAY more stuff.
gs
19 Nov 2010
In Or. Cape Blanco and Humbug Mt St. Pks. Avenue of the Giants in Ca. The town of Ferndale in Ca.
If you are only staying on Route 101:
– Santa Rosa: If you are into Wine Country, lots of wineries to choose from
– Santa Rosa: Charles Shultz museum (if you are a Peanuts comic strip/Snoopy fan)
– Santa Rosa: Might want to consider filling up gas here at Costco (if a member)
– Ukiah: City of 10,000 Buddhas (if you are Buddhist)
– Willits: Good place to stop for Gas if necessary. Turn off to Fort Bragg here if interested (see below)
– Legget: Drive through tree (tourist thing). Probably the "best" (IMHO) of the 3 drive thru trees.
– Confusion Hill: Another tourist trap
– Piercy (?): One log house (tourist photos and wood carving souvenirs)
– Benbow: Nice recreation area to take a short break. Golfing. Lake.
– Eureka: The relatively big city for the area. Might want to consider filling up gas here at Costco (usually cheapest in town). Target also available here.
– Klamath: Tourist spot. Jet Boat Tours. Fishing.
If you are willing to take detours (such as along Route 1):
– Bodega Bay: Fantasic ocean views
– Fort Bragg, CA: Watch the sunset or enjoy a few breaths looking at the ocean from the cliffs. Take Route 1 north and it’ll connect back to Route 101. Just before the intersection is the Drive thru tree in Legget.
– Route 254: Avenue of the Giants (nice drive along canopy roads). Tourist trap. Lots of places to take pictures and buy souvenirs too. Leaves Route 101 and will eventually reconnect at it’s end. It’ll add about an additional 1 hour to your drive (that’s if you don’t stop). I thought it was worth the time once. Would only do it again if I was with someone who hasn’t seen it. Especially if the weather is good.
Suggestions: Bring lots of fluids (water) and snacks. Use restrooms in towns if possible. Rest stops along 101 are decent but may not be as clean as those in towns.Have a camera readily accessible. Especially if weather is good. I got some nice clear day shots, along with some rolling fog shots during my drives. Watch your speed. Especially near Benbow, Richardson Grove and tourist areas. The drive is about 6 hours or so. Bring lots of driving music.