San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Day 2 (Sonoma to the Redwoods)
Advice on how to get the most out of your travels!
- Couple
- Winter 2014
Objectives
- Experience the dramatic coastline
- Wake up to nature
- Explore small towns
- $750- $1,250
- 5 days/4 nights
Trip Cost Details
| Transportation | $82 |
| Accommodations | $848 |
| Food and Beverage | $215 |
| Activities | $40 |
| Total | $1,185 |
Day 1: San Francisco to Sonoma
Day 2: Sonoma to the Redwoods
Day 3: Redwoods to Oregon
Day 4: Southern to Central Oregon
Day 5: Central Oregon to PortlandGeneral Notes/ Words of Precaution
My strategy for this journey was to limit the daily driving to less than 3.5 hours. That way we could wake up at a decent hour, take a leisurely lunch, stop at impromptu vista points and still fit in the driving during daylight. I also wanted to maintain a bit of spontaneity and flexibility (to the extent that I am capable of that) so I only booked the last two nights (Oregon locations) in advance. We reserved the two California overnights on site.
Day 2: Sonoma to Redwood Country
Waking up to a fogged in view of the Sonoma coast at the Sea Ranch Lodge was the perfect backdrop to set the mood for our rainy drive up the coast. Using the “pour over coffee” set up provided in the room, I brewed myself a strong cup as I started my morning gazing out at the misty coast from the room’s comfy window seat. And yes, the fireplace blazed in the background.
Full breakfast in the restaurant is included with all room rates. Both dishes we ordered were a nice balance of creative and classic. We were stuffed, to say the least.
Unfortunately the weather was not on our side during our drive up the coast from Sonoma. Despite the weather, we drove out to see what we could see of the Point Arena Lighthouse. It didn’t seem worth it to us to pay the entry fee, given the less than ideal conditions, thus we just admired it from afar. By the time we hit Mendocino, the rain had not let up. Luckily we had visited the town before, so I didn’t feel too sad moving on. We stopped briefly so I could pay my obligatory homage to Angela Lansbury and the Hollywood set for Murder She Wrote.
North of Mendocino we soon passed through Fort Bragg (get gas here!), then, civilization was sparse until you reach the end of Highway 1 when it merges onto Highway 101 at Leggett, California. We hoped to grab a bit to eat at the Abalone Pub, what seemed to be the only food between Fort Bragg and Leggett, unfortunately it was closed. Thank you wasabi chickpeas and almonds for keeping us nourished through this food dessert! This winding portion of the drive inland is filled with redwoods and eventually spits you out at the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree Park. How could we resist?
Not ready to leave Redwood country we tried our luck at finding a place to stay within the Avenue of the Giants scenic bypass. We stumbled upon the quaint town of Miranda, CA and were happy to call Miranda Garden Cottages our home for the night.
The full kitchen came in handy considering that the one restaurant in town happened to be closed the night we arrived. We were able to put together a somewhat healthy meal from the “grocery store” across the street. I had the best sleep of the entire trip in our Miranda cottage, it was so quiet and peaceful!
Click below for links to other days of the journey!
Day 1: San Francisco to Sonoma
Day 2: Sonoma to the Redwoods
Day 3: Redwoods to Oregon
Day 4: Southern to Central Oregon
Day 5: Central Oregon to PortlandGeneral Notes/ Words of Precaution
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