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Now that we are home, here is the itinerary that I based everything on…just because it is o this list, doesn’t mean we did it, and we did a ton of stuff that wasn’t on here aat all.
Pacific Coast Highway
1,675 miles long from Olympia, WA to San Diego, CA.
Pre-Trip Day Friday, August 16
Work From Home
Deer Park 3:12 to Jamaica 3:55
Air train to JFK
JFK to Seattle 6:30
Arrive 10:00 pm
To Hotel – pick up Target in AM – Tukwila is 3.5 miles away
WoodSpring Suites Seattle Tukwila
15637 West Valley Highway, Tukwila, WA 98188, United States of America
Confirmation 4230420270
Day One – Saturday, August 17
Seattle
Pick up at Target – 8:00am – 10:00pm
301 Strander Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188-2971
30 minutes from Target to Space Needle
- Top Pot Donuts – 5th St Flagship store before The Space Needle or The Spheres depending on timing.
- 9:30 AM Space Needle –- RESERVATION
- The Space Needle was built at the same time as the Monorail for the 1962 Seattle Space Needle Fair: Century 21. It stands at a height of 605 feet and provides a 360-degree view of Seattle from the Observation Deck. Be sure to check out The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor.
- 10:00 – 10:15 AM Chihuly Garden and Glass –– No reservations–Don’t miss out on the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit which provides guests with an in-depth look at local artist, Dale Chihuly’s, career and significant pieces of work. We recommend visiting the exhibit at night!
- To get to Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the Monorail to Seattle Center station. The exhibition is located next to the Space Needle at the bottom of the ramp. Walk to the right of the Space Needle to find the entrance to the exhibition.
- Museum of Pop Culture 10:00 am opening
- 1:30 PM THE SPHERES
- Start checking July 28 — Reservations are posted in real-time 15 days in advance starting at 10am PST and are released every 15 minutes through 5pm PST.
- Seattle Spheres – Amazon (10-11)
- Parking is available at
- Day One Garage – 2199-2127 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- 2111 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
- 10 a.m.–6 p.m. PST
- First and third Saturday of each month for one hour
- To check in, all adults (ages 18+) in your party must present a valid, physical copy of a government ID to the reception desk at 2111 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA.
- The Canopy Walk
- Rubi – largest tree
- The Birdcage
- Parking is available at
- Starbucks Reserve – parking 1417 Bellevue Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 (11-12:30)
- 1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Drive to
- The Fremont neighborhood and its resident Fremont Troll
- Kerry Park, both with stunning views of the Seattle skyline
- Park car at Hotel
Dinner
- Miner’s Landing — The Fisherman on the pier 67 by the Wheel
- Matt’s in the Market
- Old Stove Brewing
- Virginia Inn
- The Alibi Room – https://seattlealibi.com/
- Pike Place Bar & Grill – https://www.eatatpikeplace.com/menu
- Pasta Casalinga
- Pike’s Place
- 11am – 4:45pm
- Bizzarro Italian Café
- 1307 North 46th Street Seattle, WA 98103
- 5:00-9:00
Five minute walk back to hotel
Sunset about 8:15pm
Hotel:
- The Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection By Hilton
- Confirmation # 3461211050
Day Two – Sunday, August 18
Seattle to Mt. Rainier
check out is 11:00 so pack car before leaving for aquarium
- Pike Place Market –
- General Hours
- Breakfast, Fresh Produce, & Seafood: 7 a.m.
- Le Panier (lay penYAY) – macaron
- The Crumpet Shop, though they have been known to sell out by lunchtime
- First Starbucks
- General Hours
- 9:30 AM Aquarium
- Back to Pike Place Market – for lunch and to explore
- Crafts Market: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Farm Tables: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Artisanal Food Program: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Fri – Sun)
- Merchant Building Hours
- Open daily: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Restrooms: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (North restroom open until 7 p.m.)
- Restaurants: 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.; varies
- Secret Garden: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Lunch
- Pike Place Chowder—serving some of the best clam chowders this side of Boston
- Piroshky Piroshky for poppy seed
- Beecher’s Cheese for Mac and Cheese
- Fish throwing below the red Pike Place sign
- Post Alley
- The Gum Wall
- The Pink Door
Leave Seattle around 2:00 pm … through Pioneer Square
- Pioneer Square –
- Pioneer Square Park
- Smith Tower – Seattle’s oldest skyscraper
- Observatory offers picture-perfect vistas, along with Prohibition-era craft cocktails and a legendary Wishing Chair
- Klondike Gold Rush Museum – National Park
- Waterfall Garden Park – 219 Second Ave St
Check in at 4:00
arrive 4:00 – 6:00
Sunset around 8:00 pm
On Way into Park
- Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park
- Nisqually Entrance Historic District
- Christine Falls Bridge
- Hike 1/10 mile to Narada Falls
- Ricksecker Point
- From Ricksecker Point, you get a view of the south side of Mount Rainier. It is located on Ricksecker Point Road, not far from Paradise.
Hike
Muir Steps at Paradise
Skyline and Golden Gate Loop
The Return trip to Waterfall Trail and Avalanche Lily Trails is not on All Trails
PARADISE INN DINING ROOM
Imagine the setting of Mount Rainier and its entire splendor as the backdrop to a perfect meal guaranteed to satisfy the heartiest adventurer. At the Paradise Inn Dining Room, you can dine by a blaze in the hearth of the great fireplace as you feast on such Paradise Inn favorites as Bourbon Buffalo Meatloaf.
HOURS OF OPERATION – DINING ROOM – June 17 – Sept. 3
Breakfast – buffet 7 am – 9:30 am
Lunch 12 noon – 2:30 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
TATOOSH CAFÉ
Located inside Paradise Inn, Tatoosh Café is a cozy and casual coffee shop-style spot offering a variety of grab-and-go sandwiches on artisan bread, ice cream, snacks, beverages, and delectable fresh pastries. With wine and beer on tap, it’s a wonderful spot to relax on the patio in the evening while listening to a fascinating talk from a Park Ranger.
HOURS
9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Day Three – Monday, August 19
Mt. Rainier to Forks
From Ranier to Forks it’s 6 hours
- Leaving Mt. Rainier 8:00-9:00
- Hike 1/10 mile to Narada Falls
- Mt. Walker Viewpoint
- Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls — 110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 (2 hours from Paradise Inn) by 11:00
- clear pic of 101 sign
- Oregon Trail Marker
- Port Angeles (2.5 from Tumwater) by 2:00
- Ediz Hook
- Historical Markers
- Front St at N Oak St
- Bella Italia – Take Picture- closed on Monday https://www.bellaitaliapa.com/
- 118 E 1st St.
- Olympic National Park Visitor Center – NATIONAL PARK PASSPORT STAMP
- 3002 Mount Angeles Road – over 63 Manhattans
- Hurricane Ridge turn off in Port Angeles (35 min to ridge)
- Hurricane Ridge (Visitor Center) – 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles
- Crown jewel of Olympic National Park: dazzling vistas of mountain peaks from 5,242-foot-elevation Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. A year-round experience: recreational opportunities from hiking, cycling, skiing to wildlife and wildflower viewing. Most easily accessed mountain area in Olympic National Park.
- Hurricane Ridge (Visitor Center) – 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles
- Forks – https://forkswa.com/ (1 from Port Angeles) by 4:00
- Welcome to Forks Sign
- Twilight Sites — https://seattlemag.com/road-trips/twilight-tour-guide-visiting-forks/
- The Forks Visitor Center- 1411 S. Forks Dr. – This visitor center is located next to the “Welcome to the City of Forks” sign and the timber museum. Bella’s truck is parked outside, cardboard cutouts of Edward, Bella, and Jacob, movie memorabilia & souvenirs. They can give you some insider tips and Dr. Cullen’s business card in case you become ill while in Forks.
- Rainforest Arts Center 35 N Forks Ave.; 360.374.9430
- The Collection
- Open Daily Noon to 4pm
- Bella’s House- 775 K. Street- The Forks Chamber of Commerce designated this the Swan home. Private residence, take a photo from the street!
- Community Hospital- 530 Bogachiel Way — “Dr. Cullen Parking Only”.
- 654 Division Street- The Cullen House
- High School- 411 S. Spartan Ave.- There’s a great photo opportunity with the sign in front of the school. The sign looks just as it did in the movie.
- Treaty Line- 7760 La Push Rd- No Vampires Beyond this Point!
- Jacob Black’s Vacation Rentals – 8320 La Push Rd, Forks, WA 98331
- La Push
- Big Log Boiiiii / Giant Redwood on the beach
- Pull off Ocean Front Road at the ‘Lonesome Creek Store’. Park there or at the First Beach car park in La Push. The Tree is located in front of the Quileute Oceanside Resort.
The Forks Motel – https://www.forksmotel.com/
351 South Forks Ave
Forks, WA 98331
Tel: (360) 374-6243
Confirmation # 9767268646929
Dinner at The In Place – right across from hotel GET TO BED EARLY!!!
Day Four – Tuesday, August 20
Forks to Garibaldi
Six hours to Garibaldi with Hoh Pull off
6:30 sunrise
Leave motel no later than 7:00
8:00 entry into Hoh
- 1 hour to Hoh Rainforest (30 min each way off of route) – Hoh Rainforest exists because the Olympic Mountains to the east ‘catch’ the damp air that comes off the Pacific Ocean along this part of the Olympic Peninsula. It rains an average of 155 inches per year in Hoh Rainforest – that’s almost 14 feet of rain! It’s easy to understand why there is moss on every inch of the trees, and those trees are towering giants!
- Starting mid/late June, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center parking area can reach capacity by 10 am daily. Traffic is then metered at the entrance station, and vehicles enter as others exit. Wait times will vary based on visitor turnover.
- Visitor’s Center 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331
- Mini-Trail Trailhead
- Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 mi)
- The Hall of Mosses Trail is only eight-tenths of a mile with 500 feet of elevation gain. Along the Hall of Mosses Trail, you’ll pass through a maple grove that has trees weighed down by hundreds of pounds of moss, over creeks full of green grasses drifting in the current, and past fallen giants giving life to future generations of rain forest.
- Ruby Beach
- Named for its red-hued beach pebbles. One of the most beautiful beaches in Washington—a must-see destination within Olympic National Park. Explore tidepools, beachcomb, traverse sun-bleached driftwood logs. You can look out over beautiful sea stacks that dot the northern part of the Pacific Coast and stroll along the sand covered with huge driftwood formations and seafoam.
- Tree of Life –
- Pass Kalaloch Beach 3
- Drive two miles
- The Rain Forest Resort Village — 516 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575
- World’s Largest Sitka Spruce – Park next to it, not at trailhead
- at the east end of the lake holds the World’s Largest Spruce Tree, a 191-foot giant.
- The World’s Largest Oyster
- Robert Bush Memorial Park in South Bend, Washington 98586 USA –Elixir Coffee Shop Parking lot
- Long Beach
- World’s Largest Frying Pan – 408 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA 98631
- World’s Largest Chopsticks – 409 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA 98631
- Cape Disappointment
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Loop
- Not even half a mile
- Astoria
- Welcome to Astoria Sign – 37671 Harmony Ln, Astoria, OR 97103
- Astoria Column – 1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103
- Astoria was used for filming for other movies, including The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy&2, Short Circuit, TMNT III, Into The Wild, Benji the Hunted, and The Black Stallion.
- The Goonies House – 368 38th St.
- Data’s House – RIGHT NEXT DOOR 304 38th Street
The most famous Goonies filming location in Astoria and the one that all Goonies fans will want to see in person. The owner of the house has welcomed back Goonies fans in recent months (some of our readers have mentioned there is a donation box on the drive). You can park on Duane St. Pedestrians are at least tolerated on 38th St.
- Astoria Coffee Co — 304 37th St, Astoria
- Be sure to make a quick stop at the crosswalk opposite Astoria Coffee Co in Astoria. It is here where Rosalita is seen crossing the street as the Fratellis speed past with the cops in pursuit.
- Lower Columbia Bowl — 826 Marine Dr, Astoria
- The scene where Chunk, holidng his pizza and milk shake, sees the car chase through the window of is shot from the Lower Columbia Bowling alley. Today the building is still operating as a bowling alley and you can see the glass where Chunk viewed the car chase from.
- County Jail (Oregon Film Museum): Jailhouse – GO INSIDE FOR MOVIE MUSEUM!!!
- The county jail in Astoria was the jailhouse where Jake Fratelli was held until his family helped him escape. It’s possible to visit the cell where he was held and the actual jeep that was used by the Fratelli’s is usually parked out in front.
- Flavel House Museum 441 8th St, Astoria
- One of the most beautiful buildings in Astoria is the Astoria Historical Museum. In the movie the Goonies cycle down the hill past the museum in search of One Eye’d Willie. Mikey’s father, Mr. Walsh, worked as a museum curator.
- Mouth’s House — 32 Skyline Avenue, Astoria
- Mouth’s house featured in some early scenes in the movie and is a short drive up the hill from the County Jail. The front of the house is in one scene and in another Mouth is in his bedroom with the view from the actual location behind him visible out through the window
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Replica stockade & museum with trails
- 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd, Astoria, OR 97103
- In the conifer forests six miles south of Astoria and three miles east of US-101, and part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, the Fort Clatsop National Memorial (503/861-2471, daily, $10 per person) is a credible reconstruction of the encampment Lewis and Clark and company constructed during the winter of 1805-1806.
- Now the centerpiece of the sprawling multistate Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop has been fully (and in many ways more accurately) rebuilt after a 2005 fire destroyed the first (circa-1955) replica. The fort itself is joined by a range of exhibits in the visitors center. A longer trail, 13 miles round-trip, leads down to the coast north of Gearhart. Summertime costumed rangers help conjure the travails of two centuries ago.
- Seaside
- Seaside Aquarium – http://www.seasideaquarium.com/
- $10/person
- Open Daily at 9 a.m. – call (503) 738-6211 for specific hours
- Seaside Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. Founded in 1937, the aquarium is privately owned and the descendants of some of the founders are still active in the aquarium operation.
- End of Lewis & Clark Trail
- Where Broadway meets the beach, a small traffic circle known locally as The Turnaround is marked by a statue and a sign proclaiming the town “The End of the Lewis and Clark Trail.”
- Between Beach Drive and The Prom, is a replica of the Lewis and Clark salt cairn, where the explorers boiled seawater nonstop for seven weeks to produce enough salt to preserve meat for their return trip east
- Sea Star Gelato 8 N Columbia St
- Bell Buoy (503/738-6348) has daily fresh seafood and excellent crab cocktails, best eaten on the outdoor deck overlooking the Necanicum River.
- Seaside Aquarium – http://www.seasideaquarium.com/
This part of the Pacific Coast marks the beginning of the Oregon Trail road trip route, which runs east across the country along a combination of US-6, US-20, and US-26.
- Ecola State Park
- Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop
- Looking south you can see Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach with Neahkahnie Mountain looming above them. Out to sea, the sight of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse to the northwest is also striking.
- Ecola State Park is home to several Goonies filming locations that visitors will instantly recognize from the movie.
- One of the best-known locations is the spot where the Fratelli’s had their hideout and where the Goonies started their treasure hunt. Known as the Lighthouse Lounge in the movie, the hideout was purpose-built for filling and taken down afterwards. Today you can visit the location of the scene where a small structure stands in place of the hideout in the movie.
- The second scene is when the Goonies stop on their bikes when searching for the start of the treasure map. This scene is from along the Indian Beach trail through Ecola State Park.
- There a numerous other scene shot in the park and the road where Mikey’s brother (Brandon) is pushed off his bike is in the area.
- Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock
- The magnificent Cannon Beach is where the Fratelli car chase came to an end. It was the location of the 3rd Annual ORV Rally and was filled with cars and spectators in the scene. Cannon Beach is also where the final scene from Point Break was filmed.
- The Lazy Susan Café (126 N. Hemlock St., 503/436-2816, Wed.-Mon.) — For breakfast or brunch, fill up on eggs Benedict.
- Ecola Seafoods (208 N. Spruce St., 503/436-9130), a market and restaurant selling and serving locally caught fish and shellfish—including tempura-battered chinook salmon, grilled halibut, smoked mussels, and an excellent $5 chowder.
- Hug Point State Recreation Site, Beach Access Rd, Arch Cape, OR 97102
- Try this 0.7-mile out-and-back trail near Tolovana Park, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete.
- Fall Creek can be seen spilling into the ocean just before Hug Point. Low tide is an ideal tovisit, Hug Point is inaccessible during high tide.
- Necarney Creek and Oregon Coast to South Beach Access
- This is a shorter trail to Short Sand Beach from the south parking lot than linking to the normal Short Sand Beach Trail. Follow Necarney Creek to the Oregon Coast trail (over the bridge on the left heading towards the ocean), then take the South Beach Access trail to the beach. Trails are clearly marked with signs, so it should be easy to follow. There are some rocks and fallen trunks to step over just before the beach. Once at the beach, Short Sand Creek splits the beach in half, so depending on the creek’s water level and tides, access to the entire beach may be limited. It’s also easy to connect to the main Shorts Sand Beach trail via the Cedar Crossing and Oregon Coast Trails.
- Check on bridge closure
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/necarney-creek-and-oregon-coast-to-south-beach-access
Tide table for Tide Pooling
From Creek Trail – 30 minutes to
Harborview Inn & RV Park
302 South 7th Street, Garibaldi, OR 97118,
Day Five – Wednesday, August 21
Garibaldi to Crescent City
Seven Hours 15 minutes of total drive time
Leave Garibaldi by 7:00 am (two hours to aquarium)
- Tillamook
- Neskowin Ghost Forest
- Depoe Bay – world’s smallest navigable bay
- OPRD Whale Watching Center – 119 US-101
- Summer and fall brings resident whales close to shore to feed from June to mid-November. Depoe Bay is a hot spot for whales looking for food this time of year. We consistently see between 5 and 15 whales every day! Park here before the Whale Watching Center
- Devils Punch Bowl
- Camp One Coffee & Donuts as we enter Newport
- 10:00 am Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport – 11:30
- 2 hours from Garibaldi
- 5 more hours to Trees of Mystery
- aquarium.org
- 10:00am – 6:00pm
- $25.95
- 2-3 hours (about 1.5 hours for Hunter)
- Little Log Church 328 W 3rd St, Yachats, OR 97498
- 30 min to Cape Perpetua Overlook (this will take about an hour?) – 1:00
- Devil’s Churn
- Park and walk to the churn
- Cape Perpetua Overlook – overlook is to the left… seven minute drive if not foggy
- Drive to top and do Whispering Spruce Trail
- Visitor’s Center
- Thor’s Well/Spouting Horn
- Park on right just South of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Park on the West side of Highway 101 to see it below.
- Park on right just South of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Devil’s Churn
- Sea Lion Caves – 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439
- 4:00 Sandland Adventures– www.sandland.com (one hour drive from aquarium)
- 85366 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439
- Phone: 541-997-8087 — Kim (call a few days before and tell her it’s Stephanie who did Route 66 called in March)
- Sandrail Tours – 1/2 Hour Tour $40.00 per person • 10 miles of dunes
- Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
- Bandon Beach, 1812 Beach Loop Rd SW, Bandon, OR 97411
- Beach Loop Drive in Bandon offers access to several astounding viewpoints and beaches. The Coquille Point and Face Rock viewpoints are not to be missed. Tide pools and abundant sea birdlife on the rocks are also major attractions.
- Arrival around 7:00
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Arch Rock
- Thunder Rock Cove/Secret Beach
- Natural Bridges
- Whaleshead Viewpoint
- House Rock Viewpoint
- Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint
- Redwoods National and State Parks-Crescent City Information Center — 1111 2nd St, Crescent City, CA 95531 – PASSPORT STAMP
- Dinner in Crescent City
- SeaQuake Brewing
- Chart Room
- Sign of Redwood National and State Parks four miles from Crescent City
There is a Walmart in Crescent City
Travelodge by Wyndham Crescent City
444 US Highway 101 S
Day Six – Thursday, August 22
Crescent City to Gualalala – The Redwoods
Leave hotel at 8:30
6.5 hours drive time
- Trees of Mystery in Klamath opens at 9:00 $25.00 (9:00-11:00)
- Trail Entrance: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Museum: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gift Shop: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm- We are almost a mile of groomed interpretive trails through the awe-inspiring redwoods. Part of the trail (the Trail of Tall Tales) is devoted to the mythology of Paul Bunyan. Our trails are open and maintained year-round. Plus, we offer a shuttle to SkyTrail for those who cannot easily walk the trail. Our New Redwood Canopy Trail opening in Spring of 2020 is an exciting new feature.
- Year-round our 49 foot 2 inch tall Paul Bunyan and his 35 foot tall friend, Babe the Blue Ox, wave and welcome you to The Trees of Mystery. Additionally, we offer free admission to the Marylee Thompson Smith Collection, one of the very best privately-held collections of its kind in the world. The collection is truly a labor of love and it is with a deep sense of privilege that we open it to the public without charge.
- Klamath River Overlook, Klamath, CA 95548
- Klamath Tour Thru Tree (ten minutes from Trees of Mystery)
- 430 CA Route 169, Klamath, CA
- Admission: $5 per car
- Newton B. Drury Byway
- Prairie Creek Visitor’s Center
- Look for Elk
- Karls Knapp Trail – Three MIles
- Big Tree Wayside, Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- MADDISON GRANT FORREST AND ELK REFUGE – all along the way… just watch for them
- Redwoods National and State Parks Sign, Trinidad, CA 95570
- McKinleyville Totem Pole
- 1500 City Center Rd, McKinleyville, CA 95519
- Eureka
- In-N-Out Burger, 2616 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501 (@1 ½ hours, so figure around 1:30)
- Mansions
- Carson Manor – One of the most written about, and photographed Victorian houses in California, and perhaps in the United States, the William Carson Mansion epitomizes the range of possibilities for eclectic design expression that created a peculiarly American style of architecture. Derived from many sources, but unique enough to represent none predominately, this much discussed and debated property stands today in virtually the same condition as when first constructed. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-carson-mansion-eureka-california
- Ingomar Club https://www.ingomar.org/
- Inn at 2nd & C https://www.historiceaglehouse.com/the-inn-at-2nd-c
- Pinc Lady Mansion – https://pincladymansion.com/
- Campton House
- Giant Hammer — 4100 Broadway St., Eureka, CA
- Sequoia Park Zoo — sequoiaparkzoo.net (I assume about an hour…so leave around 3:00 puts us at motel at 7:30, but stop for dinner first)
- 3414 W Street
- Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with last entry at 4:30 PM
$24.95
- Established in 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country. Situated next to the magnificent old-growth redwoods of Sequoia Park, the zoo is truly a jewel in the heart of Eureka.
- Redwood Sky Walk (½ mile round trip)
- The Redwood Sky Walk is a self-guided interpretive experience designed to educate, inspire, and delight visitors. Learn about the rich hidden ecology of the world’s tallest trees from an entirely new perspective.
- At the highest point, the Redwood Sky Walk reaches over 100 feet above the forest floor. Platforms will sit about 1/3 of the way up the in-city old-growth and mature second-growth redwood grove. The upper canopy of these trees reaches approximately 250 feet.
- Feel the incredible height and Exposure on the 369-foot Adventure Segment.
- Fun Fact: The ascent ramp is 360 feet, just shy of the height of the tallest known living coastal redwood (~380 feet).
- As the longest sky walk in the western United States, the Redwood Sky Walk is just under 1/4 mile to the end and back.
- Ferndale – if time allows – The three-block-long, franchise-free Main Street includes a fully stocked general store, the Golden Gait Mercantile (421 Main St.)
- Pepperwood, California: Big Corn Monument
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- the Pacific Coast Highway starts to navigate in and away from the coast at times, which includes chances to experience one of California’s natural wonders: the Redwoods. It’s easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity!
Old Highway 101 is now called the Avenue of the Giants, and I highly recommend slowing down to enjoy this 31-mile stretch through some of California’s oldest living – and tallest!
- Immortal Tree
- Founders Tree
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center
- Redwood Log of History
- Shrine Drive Thru Tree- super tight… more of a walk thru
- California Northern Terminus of PCH – make left onto Rte 1 for Terminus
- ** Immediate left on 271 for tree and then turn around to come back to 1
- Chandelier Tree — 67402 Drive Thru Tree Rd. Leggett, Calif
- Stay to the left where 271 and 1 split…about 50 miles farther south in Leggett, this redwood is so named because of the enormous branches balanced on either side of the trunk, branching out approximately 100 feet above the ground, like a giant three-armed candelabra. The carved tunnel opening is quite wide, making it easier for larger vehicles to pass through. There is a gift shop with historic films, day-use picnic area, duck pond, and 200-acre park with resident deer and forest trails.
- Famous One Log House — 705 US Hwy 101, Garberville, CA
- Fort Bragg Glass Beach
- The entire beach is made of sea glass from past trash dumps. While the glass is technically part of MacKerricher State Park and you can’t take it home – you can still spend time out of the car searching for different colors and shapes of beautiful sea glass that wash up from the Pacific Ocean.
- Noyo Fish Company
- The Blair House – 45110 Little Lake St, Mendocino, CA 95460
- Russian Orthodox domes of St. Orres (36601 S. Hwy-1) – on left
The Surf Inn –
39170 South Highway One PO Box 695, Gualala, CA 95446, United States of America
Confirmation 4092121645
Day Seven – Friday, August 23
Gualala to San Francisco – Muir Woods, Sausalito, & San Fransisco
All told 3 hours To Muir Woods
Leave Gualala by 8:00
- “The Birds” Movie Restaurant — 835 Highway One, Bodega Bay, CA
- Potter Schoolhouse — 17110 Bodega Ln, Bodega, CA 94922
https://gomuirwoods.com/ – RESERVE PARKING
- By 11:30-12:00 Parking reservation Muir Woods Visitor’s Center – NATIONAL PARK STAMP ON PASSPORT
- Follow Muir Woods Road toward Red Canyon Point
- Continue towards Dias Ridge Trailhead, 52 Panoramic Hwy, Sausalito, CA 94965…follow to end making a left back onto Route 1
- Sausalito 30 minute drive to Sausalito be there by 12:30
- Walk south along Bridgeway from the center of town for scenic photographs, fresh air and exercise. Take in all the sights and sounds – the seals frolicking in the bay (including the famous sealion statue) and the SF skyline as well as the Mediterranean hillside above the waterfront. Go as far Swede’s Beach via the wooden boardwalk and the legendary Sally Stanford’s former establishment on the southernmost corner.
- Walk back to town and browse through the art galleries and boutiques, including the hidden alley on Princess Street, Princess Court
Barrel House Tavern
- Varda Landing Parking lot to walk to the Floating Homes
- Golden Gate Observation Deck — 5702 Conzelman Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
- Over Golden Gate Bridge
- Camera Obscura and pics of Sutro Bath — park along road in front of Cliff House
- Head back and make a left to El Camino Del Mar to parking lot
- Eastern trail Coastal Overlook
- Lincoln Highway Western terminus – park quickly for a fast pic
- Drive through Presidio – try to get pics in front of Lucas Films – Yoda Fountain
- Lombard Street
- Hilton San Francisco Union Square – Confirmation #3454454530
- parking garage – 222 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Day Eight – Saturday, August 24
San Francisco to Monterey
About an hour of walking
- Walk down to Powell and Market
- Pick the cable car up at Market Street, find a seat in the back on the north side facing the Hyatt Hotel. From these seats, you will get a great look down the hill as you head up California Street
- Take to Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable
- Walk to Ghiradelli Square
- Walk to In-N-Out to get a t-shirt
- Walk down to the Wharf on Pier 45
- Get Breakfast at Boudin
- Walk to Pier 39
- Walk to Coit Tower (about ½ mile… 20 minutes) – At the summit of historic Telegraph Hill sits the 210-foot Coit Tower. This elegant tapering column was built in 1933, the legacy of San Francisco’s colorful Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left a $125,000 bequest “for the purpose of adding beauty to the city which I have always loved.” The ground floor lobby is adorned with a series of fresco murals by some 30 local artists, depicting life in 1930s San Francisco. Guided docent tours are available.
- Movies featuring Coit Tower:
- Dr. Doolittle (1998)
- Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996)
- Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
- Movies featuring Coit Tower:
- Walk to Great Eastern Restaurant — 649 Jackson St, San Francisco (about ½ mile… 20 minutes)
- Eggplant Stuffed with Shrimp Paste
- Walk over to Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Co
- On Ross Alley with lanterns
- Walk to Cable Car Museum — 1201 Mason Street – corner of Mason & Washington
- OPEN 10AM TO 5PM/Free
- Located in the historic Washington/Mason cable car barn and powerhouse, the museum deck overlooks the huge engines and winding wheels that pull the cables. Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street.
Leave San Fran by 3:00
To Leave San Fran go back to 101 to Presidio
Exit for Veteran’s Blvd which is 1
- Taco Bell in Pacfica – 5200 CA-1, Pacifica, CA 94044
- get a slushee and watch surfers
- Devil’s Slide Coastal Trail
- Half Moon Bay
- Snack at Half Moon Bay Coffee Co.
- Swanton Berry Farm –25 Swanton Rd, Davenport, CA 95017
- One Hour to Santa Cruz Wharf to see surfing at Steamer Lane (one hour drive from Half Moon Bay)
- put Steamer Lane into GPS
- Ten Minutes to Capitola Houses
- Put Zelda’s on the Beach into GPS
Park and walk into the alley between Zelda’s on the Beach and Pizza My Heart
- One hour to Monterey
- Dinner at Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery
- Thu-Sat 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- 10700 Merritt Street, Castroville, California 95012
- World’s Largest Artichoke – 11261 Meritt, Castroville, California
Day Nine – Sunday, August 25
Monterey To San Simeon
- Ten minutes to Carmel – Drive through Fairy Tale Cottages
- Monterey Aquarium –
- 10 a.m.–7 p.m. spend two hours
- $59.95
- Park in Cannery Row Lot 7 –160 Irving St.
- The Crossroads Carmel for Lula’s – 244 The Crossroads, Carmel-By-The-Sea – opens at noon
- One Hour to 1:00 Lunch at Nepenthe figuring around 3:30 about an hour with waiting and eating
- The Famous Ambrosiaburger — Our version of a ground steak sandwich, served on a French roll with our Famous Ambrosia Sauce.
- Ten minutes to McWay Falls View Point (leave by 4:00 pm)
- You can access the overlook by either parking along the highway (free) or parking in the lot inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns ($10) and walking through the underground tunnel. If you already paid to park in another state park on the same day, you can just show your receipt (except for Limekiln which is privately managed). Yes coastal drive popular year round and the parking lot inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns is often full.
- Big Sur Lodge
DETOUR – 3-4 hours to RAGGED POINT
Back to Monterey and follow The 101
- Ragged Point Inn and Resort
- Portal to Big Sur
- Look for Zebras and Elephant Seals
Pacific Coast Roadhouse – SureStay Collection by Best Western, San Simeon
- Breakfast is included
Day Ten – Monday, August 26
San Simeon to Oxnard
8:30 to leave San Simeon
- Elephant Seal Vista Point
- Hearst Castle Zebras
Cambria (ten minutes from hotel to Cambria) leave Cambria around 9:30
- Moonstone Beach Drive – hunt moonstones
- Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Deck – 6650 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
- Nitt Witt Ridge 881 Hillcrest Dr – quirky house made of beer cans and other items of trash
- Permanently Closed…drive by for pictures
- Old Cambria Market Place – 589 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
- Linn’s on Bridge St – Ollallieberry
Brown Butter Cookie Co – 98 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos opens at 9:00 am
Morro Bay (30 minutes from Cambria) Leave Morro Bay around 11:00
- Morro Rock, 576-foot-high remnant of an ancient volcanic peak.
- Walk along the boardwalk edging Morro Bay Estuary, an 800-acre wetland sanctuary, home to more than 250 species of birds.
- Carousel Taffy – 845 Embarcadero, Suite A – 11am
- The Museum of Natural History
30 minutes from Morro Bay to
Madonna Inn Copper Café – make a reservation with Open Table 11:30
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Daily
Classic American breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts – made fresh daily with wholesome ingredients. Breakfast served all day, lunch served at 11:00 a.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m.
San Luis Obispo five minutes from Madonna Inn
- Hike Bishop Peak
- Downtown Historic District, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Gum Alley 733 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
You’ll find a 15-foot high, 70-foot long alley lined with the sticky stuff from passersby. Absolutely disgusting but tourists love it and you can add yours to the collection.
- The Fremont Theatre 1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 – is also worth a visit, if only for the awesome facade in the evening.
- Motel Inn – World’s First Motel – 2223 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
- ‘Clam Capital of the World’
Pismo Beach 20 minutes from SLO leave Pismo beach around 1:30 – 2:0
- Pismo Beach Pier Plaza
- Pismo Beach Sign
- Vintage Airstreams on the Pier
- Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
- Pacific Adventure and Humvee Tours- https://pacificadventuretours.com/
Santa Barbara 2 hours from Pismo Beach in Santa Barbara around 4:00 – 5:00
- Fernald Mansion – 414 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Courthouse Tower (open 8-5)
- McConnell’s Ice Cream
- Morton Bay Fig
- Stearns Wharf
- Sea Center
- The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor – 45 minutes from Santa Barbara
3231 Peninsula Road
Oxnard CA 93035
- Breakfast included
- $12 parking
- $12 parking
Day Eleven – Tuesday, August 27
Oxnard to Dana Point
Breakfast at Hotel
- Point Mugu Missile Park, 10A Naval Air Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
- Malibu
- Salsa Muffler Man– 22800 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/16209
- Salsa Muffler Man– 22800 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
- Santa Monica to visit Ian at The End (1.5 from hotel)
- To Venice – watch skating
- Long Beach
- Huntington Beach
- HSS
- Surfing Walk of Fame
- Surfing Museum with World’s Largest Surfboard
- Newport Beach
- Bunnyhenge
- To Dana Point – about 4 drive hours to Dana Point from Santa Monica
- Park in A’s Burgers Parking Lot to walk to PCH Monument to get picture
- 34396 CA-1, Dana Point, CA 92629
- The southern terminus of California State Route 1 is where the highway intersects Interstate 5 in Dana Point. The tower of the monument is an homage to a 125-foot tall Richfield Oil tower that stood beside PCH about a block away from 1928 to 1971. Originally part of the Roosevelt Highway, the California State Legislature designated the segment between Dana Point and US 101 near Oxnard as the Pacific Coast Highway (commonly referred to as “PCH”) in 1941. At a total of just over 656 miles (1,056 km), CA-1 is the longest state route in California. The highway is designated as an All-American Road by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation and a Blue Star Memorial Highway in tribute to the U.S. armed forces.
Food
- Shwack Beach Grill – https://theshwack.com/
45 minutes to Anaheim
Dinner with Ashley
Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites
1600 S Harbor Blvd
Your itinerary number is 6063B4105443
Room 1 Confirmation #: 62945SE004242
Day Twelve – Wednesday, August 28
California Adventure To Disneyland
- Holly Jolly Bakery: Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron
- Churros
- Rancho del Zocalo
- Dole Whip (with booze)
- Red Rose Taverne – Poutine …check for times
- San Fransokyo
- Ronto Roasters!!!
- Pym Test Kitchen
- Bengal Barbeque – Burnt End Grilled Cheese
- On way out – Candy Palace – Churro Toffee (DL ONLY not at WDW)
- Din Tai Fung… Downtown Disney
1:05 Wine Country Trattoria Lunch
Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites
Day Thirteen – Thursday, August 29
Disneyland to California Adventure
2:20 Blue Bayou Restaurant Lunch
Oogie Boogie Bash
Anaheim Desert Inn & Suites
Day Fourteen- Friday, August 30
Dana Point to San Diego
GPS back to Dana Point to Follow 101
- Dana Point
- Start at A Burger and stay to the right onto Coast Highway
- Road will bear inland until you have to get on The 5
- To Exit 71 – Old Pacific Coast Highway
- Ocean City
- The Welcome Center
- 928 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
- California Surf Museum, 312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Top Gun House, 250 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
- 101 Cafe, 631 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
- The Welcome Center
- Carlsbad
- Encinitas
- Encinitas Boathouses, 726-32 3rd St, Encinitas, CA 92024
- https://encinitashistoricalsociety.org/the-boathouses/
- Solana Beach
- Del Mar
- Sunset Seat, 130-210 S Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
- Bridge into Torrey Pines
- Donut Touch – 106, 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121
- La Jolla
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps – buy ticket in advance — About 2 hours to Aquarium
- 9:00 am open – about a 90 minute experience
- $25
- Jim’s Sunny Cave
- 9:00 am
- $10
- There is public parking directly across the street if no spots are available
- Coastal Walk Trail – Go to first landing
- Children’s Pool for seals and sea lions
- Walk the town along the water
- Lunch at Goldfish Point Café
- Drive La Jolla Blvd to hug the coast
- Left on Grand which will turn into Mission Bay Drive…. Stay to the right – do not get on 5
- Turns into Pacific Highway until you get to Seaport Village – about an hour to get to Seaport Village
- YOU JUST FINISHED ALL OF PCH
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps – buy ticket in advance — About 2 hours to Aquarium
- San Diego
- Balboa Park
- Comic-Con Museum – 10:00am
- https://comic-conmuseum.org/
- Phone: 619-546-9073
- The closest Balboa Park parking lots to the Museum are the Pan American Plaza Lot and the Federal Lot.
- Adult (ages 18+) / $25
- Student – valid ID required / $18
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion
- Balboa Park Visitor Center
- Old Globe Theater
- Museum of Us
- Comic-Con Museum – 10:00am
- Coronado Island
- Hotel Del
- Wizard of Oz – https://hiddensandiego.com/things-to-do/places/coronados-wizard-of-oz
- L. Frank Baum’s historic Coronado home 1101 Star Park Circle. This adorable yellow home was rented out by Baum while he wrote three books in his Oz Series: “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz,” “The Emerald City of Oz” and “The Road to Oz.” I actually had the pleasure of speaking with the current owners who filled me in on an another amazing fact: this home still has its original electrical wiring which was done by Alexander Graham Bell!
- Balboa Park
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Day Fifteen – Saturday, August 31
San Diego Zoo
9 am – 9 pm
For your convenience, the Zoo is offering additional free parking at the Inspiration Point parking lot (located at Park Blvd. and Presidents Way, just 5 minutes south of the Zoo).
Ride our FREE SHUTTLE directly to the Zoo entrance from the Inspiration Point parking lot at Presidents Way. Weekend shuttle will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Morning:
- Arrive Early: Aim to be at the zoo right when it opens to enjoy the cooler morning hours and fewer crowds.
- Guided Bus Tour: Start with a guided bus tour to get an overview of the zoo and decide which exhibits you want to revisit later.
Mid-Morning:
- Panda Canyon: Visit the Giant Pandas early as they are more active in the morning.
- Northern Frontier: See the polar bears and other arctic animals before it gets too warm.
Lunch:
- Albert’s Restaurant: Take a break and enjoy lunch at Albert’s for a sit-down meal, or grab a quick bite at one of the zoo’s many cafes.
Afternoon:
- Africa Rocks: Explore the African exhibits, including penguins, baboons, and leopards.
- Elephant Odyssey: Don’t miss the elephants and learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Late Afternoon:
- Lost Forest: As the day cools down, head to the Lost Forest to see the tigers, monkeys, and hippos.
- Koalas: Finish your day with a visit to the Australian Outback to see the koalas.
Leave for airport at 6:00
Airport by 7:00
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