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OT: Can anyone with a level of California knowledge spot check this road trip

AGLamb

Todd's Tiki Bar
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Nov 28, 2021
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I asked ChatGPT to give me a 10 day road trip driving down California, prioritizing the coast, scenery and quiet locations. Can anyone take a peek and tell me if this is reasonable?

When I was a kid my dad took me out of school for a couple weeks and we road tripped down the west coast. My father in law was interested in doing something similar and I figured I’d see if I could use AI to build the bones of the trip and fill in details / restaurants / hotels.


Below is a 10-day coastal-focused itinerary that hits the northern redwoods, scenic drives, and a day in Channel Islands National Park—all while keeping driving distances within a generally “reasonable” range each day. You’ll still get to see Redwood National & State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods (Avenue of the Giants), the Mendocino Coast, Big Sur, and the Channel Islands, but with fewer stops than the longer two-week version.

High-Level Overview
1. Day 1: San Francisco → Drive to Crescent City (Redwood National & State Parks)
2. Day 2: Redwood National & State Parks (Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek)
3. Day 3: Redwood Parks → Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
4. Day 4: Avenue of the Giants → Mendocino
5. Day 5: Mendocino → Santa Cruz Mountains
6. Day 6: Santa Cruz → Big Sur
7. Day 7: Explore Big Sur → Morro Bay
8. Day 8: Morro Bay → Ventura/Oxnard (Gateway to Channel Islands)
9. Day 9: Channel Islands National Park (Day Trip)
10. Day 10: Head South to Los Angeles or San Diego

Tip: If your schedule allows, try to arrive in San Francisco the night before Day 1, so you can set out early for the long drive north.

Day-by-Day Details

Day 1: San Francisco → Crescent City
• Drive Time: ~6 hours via Highway 101 (longest drive day)
• Route Highlights:
• Optional short detour in Healdsburg or Santa Rosa for a meal (Sonoma County wine country).
• If time permits, stop to stretch at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants) en route—though you’ll explore it more on Day 3.
• Arrival: Late afternoon/evening in Crescent City.
• Overnight: Hotel or campground near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Day 2: Redwood National & State Parks
• Morning: Head into Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Don’t miss:
• Stout Grove (short loop through some of the tallest old-growth redwoods).
• Drive Howland Hill Road (a magical, narrow dirt road through ancient giants).
• Afternoon: Explore Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (about 45 min south). Must-see:
• Fern Canyon (luscious walls of ferns, stream crossing—check conditions).
• Easy loop trails like Big Tree or Cathedral Trees.
• Offbeat Stop: Trees of Mystery near Klamath (giant Paul Bunyan statue) for quick roadside fun.
• Overnight: Either stay again in Crescent City or push south to Klamath/Orick.

Day 3: Redwood Parks → Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
• Drive Time: ~2 hours from Orick area down to Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
• Highlights:
• The Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic alternative to Highway 101.
• Founders Grove for an easy walk under towering redwoods.
• Kitschy stops like the Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat if you want classic roadside Americana.
• Overnight: Stay near Garberville or in one of the park campgrounds for a redwood-immersive experience.

Day 4: Avenue of the Giants → Mendocino
• Drive Time: ~2–2.5 hours to Mendocino (via 101, then Highway 20 west).
• Midday Highlights:
• If you have extra time, a short detour to the Lost Coast (Shelter Cove) is possible but adds hours on rough roads—only if you crave that extreme seclusion. Otherwise, skip it.
• Afternoon in Mendocino:
• Mendocino Village: art galleries, coffee shops, ocean vistas.
• Mendocino Headlands State Park for easy coastal trails.
• Or drive a bit north to Fort Bragg for Glass Beach.
• Overnight: Stay in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, or camp in a state park nearby.

Day 5: Mendocino → Santa Cruz Mountains
• Drive Time: ~3.5–4 hours (Highway 1 south to the Bay Area, then 17 or 9 into the mountains).
• Possible Stops:
• Point Arena Lighthouse (quick photo op).
• Scenic pullouts along Sonoma Coast (e.g., Bodega Bay).
• You’ll likely skirt around or through San Francisco—if you want a Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, stop at the Marin Headlands.
• Afternoon: Arrive in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check out:
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (another lovely redwood grove).
• Overnight: Camp in Henry Cowell or stay in nearby Felton / Santa Cruz.

Day 6: Santa Cruz → Big Sur
• Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours down Highway 1.
• Morning Options:
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk or Natural Bridges State Beach if you want a quick taste of coastal fun.
• Monterey/Carmel Detour:
• Consider the Monterey Bay Aquarium or a stroll through Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve just south of Carmel is a gem for short hikes and wildlife viewing (sea otters!).
• Afternoon: Continue into Big Sur.
• Stop at iconic viewpoints: Bixby Bridge, coastal pullouts.
• Overnight: Reserve well ahead for Big Sur campgrounds or stay at a lodge/cabin.

Day 7: Explore Big Sur → Morro Bay
• Morning in Big Sur:
• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (short walk to the viewpoint).
• Pfeiffer Beach (purple sands, keyhole rock—check signage off Highway 1).
• Drive Time: ~2–3 hours to Morro Bay, depending on stops.
• Pass through Hearst Castle in San Simeon (tour if you have time/interest).
• See elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery (free viewing area).
• Overnight: Stay in Morro Bay, Cambria, or San Luis Obispo. Enjoy fresh seafood and views of Morro Rock.

Day 8: Morro Bay → Ventura/Oxnard (Gateway to Channel Islands)
• Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours (Highway 101 or scenic back roads).
• Possible Stop:
• Santa Ynez Valley (wine tasting) or quick lunch in the Danish-themed town of Solvang.
• Santa Barbara for a beach walk or mission visit.
• Arrive Ventura/Oxnard: Check ferry departure times for next day’s Channel Islands trip; pick up any last-minute groceries (no services on the islands).
• Overnight: Ventura or Oxnard to catch the early boat.

Day 9: Channel Islands National Park (Day Trip)
• Morning Ferry: ~1-hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island or another island.
• All Day: Explore hiking trails, spot the island fox, go kayaking in sea caves (if booked in advance).
• Bring your own food/water—no concessions on the islands.
• Late Afternoon: Ferry back to the mainland.
• Overnight: Stay again in Ventura or drive ~30 minutes to Santa Barbara if you prefer a new base.

Day 10: Final Day South
• If you’re ending in Los Angeles: ~1–1.5-hour drive from Ventura.
• If heading to San Diego: ~3-hour drive from Ventura (more with traffic).
• Possible Stops:
• Coastal enclaves like Malibu or Laguna Beach for lunch and scenic breaks.
• Departure: Return your rental car and fly out from LAX or SAN, or extend your trip if you have more time.

Tips for a Smooth Trip
1. Book Accommodations Early:
• Redwood region, Big Sur, and coastal campgrounds fill quickly—reserve ASAP.
• Channel Islands ferry also should be booked in advance.
2. Be Flexible with Day 1:
• Consider flying into Medford (Oregon) or Eureka/Arcata if you want to start closer to the redwoods without the big first-day haul from SF. But SF gives you the iconic Golden Gate crossing.
3. Road Conditions:
• Check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, especially around Big Sur (landslides can force detours).
• Lost Coast roads are remote—only attempt if you have time and don’t mind slow, twisty driving.
4. Packing & Weather:
• Dress in layers: coastal fog, windy beaches, cooler redwood groves.
• Bring shoes for mild stream crossings at Fern Canyon (Day 2) if it’s been rainy.
5. Wildlife Highlights:
• Redwoods: Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek.
• Big Sur: Sea otters, condors overhead.
• Channel Islands: Island foxes, seabirds, potential dolphins/whales on the ferry ride.

By condensing to 10 days, you’ll tackle a few longer drives on select days (notably Day 1), but you’ll still be able to see ancient redwoods, offbeat coastal villages, and the spectacular Channel Islands. Have a fantastic California coastal adventure!
 
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