North Coast California

Travel Guide

North Coast California
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
North Coast California

With its craggy rocks and towering trees that are centuries old, the rugged California coastline between Marin County and the Oregon border truly must be seen to be believed.

Along the North Coast California find some of the world’s tallest trees and most beautiful beaches. Unlike most coastal areas, this stretch is mostly quiet so you’re more likely to encounter sea lions than fellow sunbathers as you stroll along the shoreline.

Find Gualala just north of Sonoma in the heart of the “Banana Belt,” a stretch of California coastline known for its sunny weather. The former lumber town is now a charming downtown located along California’s famed Highway 1.

Head slightly inland to Anderson Valley. Explore rolling hills and discover its renowned apple orchards and vineyards.

Explore the Mendocino Coast, home to picturesque villages and world-class wineries. Take a tour of Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensOpens in a new window, home to hundreds of types of plants and flowers. Discover beaches, cliffs and historic houses in Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window. Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from Fort BraggOpens in a new window and search for colorful treasures along Glass BeachOpens in a new window.

Explore quirky towns as you make your way up the coast. Explore the shops and galleries of Eureka or plan your visit around one of its famous music festivals. Be greeted by the scent of patchouli in Arcata, a town known for its progressive and environmentalist ideals.

It’s impossible to not feel dwarfed in the Redwood National and State ParksOpens in a new window. Walk among the state’s fabled redwood trees, which soar into the sky like natural skyscrapers. Look for giants of the sea from High Bluff Overlook during the whale migration periods of November-December and March-April. Be on the watch also for sea lions and migrating seabirds. Further north, hike along the coastal Yurok Loop until you reach Hidden Beach.

One of the best ways to explore North Coast California is by car. Drive along the famous Route 1, which stretches the length of the state, or explore winding roads off the beaten path.

North Coast California is a year-round destination. In wintertime, witness the migration of Pacific gray whales. See wildflowers in bloom in springtime or join the tourist boom in summer. Visit in fall for a quieter atmosphere and slower pace.

Where to stay in North Coast California

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Pacific

While visiting Pacific, you might make a stop by sights like Azalea State Natural Reserve and Mad River Beach County Park.

Pacific
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Westhaven-Moonstone

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Westhaven-Moonstone. You might want to make time for a stop at Moonstone Beach or Trinidad Bay.

Westhaven-Moonstone
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Crescent City North

If you're spending some time in Crescent City North, Pebble Beach and Castle Rock are top sights worth seeing.

Crescent City North
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Jacoby Creek

While visiting Jacoby Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Baywood Golf And Country Club.

Jacoby Creek
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Downtown Eureka

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Eureka, Carson Mansion and Morris Graves Museum of Art are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Eureka
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Old Town Eureka

Restaurants and shopping are notable features of Old Town Eureka. You might consider stopping by Clarke Historical Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Town Eureka
Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn

2 out of 5
119 L St, Crescent City, CA
The price is €125 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
€125
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Crescent City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Beachfront Park and Del Norte County Historical ...
8/10 Very Good! (415 reviews)
"Not the nicest area but the hotel was fine! No issues. Comfortable stay located very close to the beach. To be fair it’s not the neighborhood that’s not the nicest, it’s all of crescent city. Just not a ton to do! But the property was perfect for my trip!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Beachside Inn
Oceanview Inn

Oceanview Inn

2.5 out of 5
270 Highway 101 South, Crescent City, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €152 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
€152
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Crescent City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,402 reviews)
"Comfortable and affordable"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Oceanview Inn
Bear River Casino Resort

Bear River Casino Resort

3.5 out of 5
11 Bear Paws Way, Loleta, CA
The price is €175 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
€175
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Loleta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Bear River Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"Very close to town."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Oceanfront Inn at Shelter Cove

Oceanfront Inn at Shelter Cove

4 out of 5
26 Seal Drive, Shelter Cove, CA
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Shelter Cove. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (557 reviews)
"This inn is beautiful and the oceanfront room was amazing. There aren’t many amenities and the internet was slow but the sights made up for it and after you go through that treacherous drive to get there it is nice to have a quiet place to rest. The bed was somewhat comfortable. The water pressure ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Oceanfront Inn at Shelter Cove
Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

3 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Pet friendly cottage, however, disconcerting to find two large stains in the carpet right in front of the bed. Cozy cabin, quiet, walking distance to little River Inn restaurant. Well appointed cottage."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Cottages at Little River Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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