Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Coastal Road Trip: Concord → Fort Bragg – 5‑Day Itinerary

Viewed by 98 travelers

Day 1: Departure & Marin County

Morning: Depart Concord and cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, stopping at the vista point for photos. Continue north to Muir Woods where you can wander among ancient coastal redwoods.

Afternoon: After lunch in Sausalito, explore the charming waterfront and then head to the historic town of Tiburon for a short stroll. Return to the highway for a scenic drive along the Pacific coast.

Evening: Check into a cozy inn in the Point Reyes area, enjoy a sunset dinner with ocean views, and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Point Reyes & Tomales Bay

Morning: Visit the dramatic cliffs of Point Reyes National Seashore, spotting tule elk and lighthouse vistas. Hike the short Earthquake Trail for geological insight.

Afternoon: Head to Tomales Bay for a guided kayak tour, paddling through calm waters and spotting harbor seals. Afterwards, sample fresh oysters at a local shack.

Evening: Return to your Point Reyes lodging, enjoy a campfire (where permitted), and watch the stars over the coastal horizon.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Bodega Bay & The Sea Ranch

Morning: Drive to Bodega Bay, stroll the beach, and visit the historic Old Bodega Marine Laboratory. Grab a coffee at a waterfront café.

Afternoon: Continue north to the architecturally striking community of The Sea Ranch. Walk the coastal trail to admire the iconic wind‑shaped homes and sweeping sea views.

Evening: Stay overnight in a boutique B&B in the nearby town of Gualala, enjoying a farm‑to‑table dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Mendocino Coast

Morning: Explore the charming town of Mendocino, wandering the Victorian streets and visiting the Mendocino Headlands State Park for cliffside panoramas.

Afternoon: Stop at the famous Glass Beach in Fort Bragg for a quick look, then ride the historic Skunk Train from Fort Bragg to the redwood forest for a scenic excursion.

Evening: Return to Mendocino, dine at a seaside restaurant, and perhaps catch a live music performance at the historic Ford House.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Fort Bragg & Return

Morning: Arrive in Fort Bragg and visit the spectacular MacKerricher State Park for tide‑pooling and a brief hike through dunes.

Afternoon: Walk the shoreline of Fort Bragg’s own Glass Beach, then explore the historic downtown shops and the Point Arena Lighthouse for breathtaking ocean vistas.

Evening: Begin the drive back to Concord, stopping for a final dinner in a coastal town of your choice before arriving home.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Golden Gate Bridge – 1 hour – $5 (parking)
  • Muir Woods – 2 hours – $15 (entrance $10 + parking $5)
  • Point Reyes National Seashore – 3 hours – $5 (parking)
  • Tomales Bay Kayak Tour – 2 hours – $30 (rental)
  • Bodega Bay – 2 hours – $5 (parking)
  • The Sea Ranch – 1.5 hours – $5 (parking)
  • Point Arena Lighthouse – 1 hour – $10 (tour fee)
  • Mendocino Headlands State Park – 2 hours – $5 (parking)
  • Glass Beach (Mendocino) – 1 hour – $0
  • Skunk Train – 2 hours – $35 (ticket)
  • MacKerricher State Park – 2 hours – $5 (parking)
  • Glass Beach (Fort Bragg) – 1 hour – $0
Total Estimated Cost: $125

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Santa Cruz to experience its famous boardwalk and coastal redwoods, or extend your stay in Mendocino for a wine‑country tour. To shorten the trip, you can skip the kayak tour at Tomales Bay and the Skunk Train ride, focusing instead on the main scenic stops; this will still give you a fulfilling coastal experience in about three days.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version