Scenic One-Day Drive from Mendocino to San Francisco with Stops and Dining

Day 1: Coastal Drive & Exploration

Mendocino to San Francisco, California, USA on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Goodlife Cafe & Bakery

Start your day with hearty breakfast options including fresh pastries and coffee in a warm, local setting in Mendocino. Opens at 7:30am, perfect for an early departure.
USD20, 1h

9:15am

Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park

Enjoy breathtaking coastal views on a short walk along the cliffs surrounding Mendocino village. The park is open from dawn to dusk and offers picturesque photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Fort Bragg (Approx. 30 mins)

Travel south on Highway 1 towards Fort Bragg to experience more coastal beauty and the famous Glass Beach.
Free, 30m

11:00am

Visit Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Walk along the unique shore covered with colorful sea glass, remnants of historical glass dumping now a natural marvel. Beach access is open all day.
Free, 45m

11:50am

Drive to Point Arena (Approx. 50 mins)

Continue south along scenic Highway 1 for a stop at Point Arena Lighthouse for stunning views and historical significance.
Free to visit lighthouse area, optional lighthouse tour USD8, 50m

12:45pm

Lunch at the Point Arena Lighthouse Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes with ocean views at the onsite restaurant, perfect for a relaxing meal before exploring the lighthouse. Generally open 11:30am - 3pm.
USD30, 1h

1:50pm

Tour Point Arena Lighthouse

Take a guided tour to learn about the lighthouse’s history and climb for panoramic coastal views. Tours generally last 30-45 minutes.
USD8, 45m

2:45pm

Drive to Bodega Bay (Approx. 1h 30m)

Drive further south along the coast for beautiful bay views and a chance to stretch before the final leg to San Francisco.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Walk along Bodega Head Trail

A scenic, easy trail offering gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and whale watching opportunities in the right season. The park is open until sunset.
Free, 45m

5:10pm

Drive to San Francisco (Approx. 1h 20m)

Continue your southbound drive eastward towards San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge into the city.
Bridge toll USD8, 1h20m

6:35pm

Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant, San Francisco

End your day with fresh seafood and classic San Francisco waterfront dining in Fisherman’s Wharf. Dinner service runs from 5pm onward.
USD50, 1h30m
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