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🌤️ Your 3-Day Northern California Coastal Adventure: Itinerary, Weather, and Spot-by-Spot Tips & Tricks
Here's the forecast-integrated itinerary with practical tips and tricks for each stop. Bolded spots are must-dos; (can skip) are flexible if you're short on time or energy. Pack layers—the coast is windy and changeable—plus sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and binoculars for wildlife.
Trip Weather Overview
Sun, Feb 8 (Point Reyes/Coast/Redwoods): High 56°F, cloudy and windy, 20% chance of light rain. Shell layer essential for coastal spots.
Mon, Feb 9 (Sonoma area): High 61°F, mostly cloudy, 20% chance of showers. Damp in the redwoods but warmer overall.
Tue, Feb 10 (Mt. Tam/Bridge/Pacifica): High 54°F, partly sunny—best visibility day for views!
Day 1: Sunday, February 8 – Point Reyes & Sonoma Coast to Redwoods
Start with car pickup at 10 AM, then head north (~1.5–2 hours to Point Reyes). Focus on coastal highlights before ending in the redwoods.
Point Reyes National Seashore Tips: Download the NPS app for maps/closures. Wind and fog are common—have a Plan B. Drive Sir Francis Drake Blvd for scenic views.
Cypress Tree Tunnel Tips/Tricks: Iconic photo spot! Park on the roadside (no driving through—it's gated). Best light early morning or late afternoon. Quick 5–10 min walk inside.
Chimney Rock(can skip if tight on time) Tips/Tricks: ~1.8-mile round-trip hike with cliffs and wildflowers. February is prime for elephant seals—use the short spur to Elephant Seal Overlook. Stay on trail; bring binoculars.
Abbotts Lagoon(can skip) Tips/Tricks: Easy ~3-mile flat round-trip to dunes/beach. Great for birding; sandy at the end—wear good shoes.
Sonoma Coast State Park / Goat Rock Beach(can skip beach if windy) Tips/Tricks: Harbor seals often at the Russian River mouth. Stay 50–100 yards away (especially pups). Windy—hold onto hats!
Harbor Seals at Goat Rock Beach, Sonoma County | BaldHiker
Jenner Headlands Preserve Tips/Tricks: Stunning coastal views. Trails can be wet—check conditions. Leashed dogs OK on most; limited parking.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Tips/Tricks: Walk among ancient giants—easy loop on Pioneer Nature Trail. Quiet and shaded; picnic areas available. $10 vehicle fee.
Bohemian Highway (scenic drive to lodging) Tips/Tricks: Windy, beautiful backroad through forests and small towns (Occidental, Monte Rio). Drive slow and stop for photos or treats.
Zannah Farms(can skip) Quick farm stop if time allows.
Overnight: 271 Manuella Ln
Day 2: Monday, February 9 – Sonoma Wine Country Views
Shorter driving day—focus on history and epic panoramas.
Jack London State Historic Park Tips/Tricks: Explore author's cottage, Wolf House ruins, and trails. Easy walks to lake/dam. $10 vehicle fee; great for history buffs.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Bald Mountain Trail Tips/Tricks: ~6–7 mile round-trip with 1,500 ft gain—paved lower section, then steeper. 360° views of Sonoma/Napa at top. Start early; exposed upper part—bring sun protection/water.
Overnight: 271 Manuella Ln
Day 3: Tuesday, February 10 – Mt. Tam & Golden Gate Views
Best weather day—perfect for bridge photos! Head south, aim to return car by 5 PM.
Mount Tamalpais State Park Tips/Tricks: Panoramic views. Park at Pantoll or East Peak; short walks or longer hikes. Arrive early—parking fills fast.
Muir Beach Overlook Tips/Tricks: Quick stop with dramatic coastal cliffs. Short paved/stair path to platform—windy but stunning.
Kirby Cove(can skip—steep) Tips/Tricks: ~1-mile steep downhill to cove with bridge views (and occasional swing). Save energy for climb back.
Battery Spencer Tips/Tricks: Classic Golden Gate view! Limited parking—go early or weekday. Best on clear days like today.
Mori Point(can skip) Tips/Tricks: Coastal bluffs and trails in Pacifica. Steep sections; great ocean views.
Alamo Rental Car Return (SFO) Tips: Fill up beforehand. Closest stations: Valero (300 S Airport Blvd) or Shell (248 S Airport Blvd)—both ~5 min from return. Costco (451 S Airport Blvd) if you have membership.
Safe travels—this route mixes coast, redwoods, history, and iconic views perfectly. Let me know if you want tweaks or more details! 🚗🌲🌉
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