winter PCH

Redwood State and National Parks are often grouped together as one entity with several individual units, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is one of the state parks that falls into that group. There are several groves of notably huge redwoods, and a river that runs through the wooded landscape. It's no wonder that George Lucas used redwood forests like this one as a filming location for the Forest Moon of Endor in Star Wars!

The Good Harvest Cafe features home-style cooking with great beers on tap and a vegan/veggie-friendly slant. You'll find lots of fresh offerings on the menu, which make this place a local favorite!

The Trees of Mystery is a classically kitschy roadside stop built around some of the coolest and most unique redwoods in the state. There's the fallen Candelabra Redwood, with smaller redwoods growing out of it, the twisting Cathedral Redwood, made of several intertwined trees, educational trails to hike, an aerial tramway to ride, and you can even get married inside of a redwood, if you're feeling impulsive.

When you reach Trinidad, CA, head to Patrick's Point State Park. This secluded and misty park, with its hikes through forests and along the beach, is the perfect place to really feel like you're getting away from it all. Search for agate stones on the shore, appreciate the view from the lookout, and enjoy the solitude with some camping, if you're equipped.

Ferndale's whole Main Street district, where the hotel is located, is actually known as the Ferndale State Historic Landmark. Classic homes, old-school drug stores, a retro theater, and more are preserved to charming Victorian perfection.

Stepping into the Victorian Inn Ferndale is like stepping back in time. The quirky Victorian building is fully decked out in opulent 1800's antiques, and no detail is spared, creating a cozy, romantic vibe. Plus, you get a full breakfast in the adorable restaurant downstairs.

Organic craft beer? Yes, please! They have a solid roster of great brews, including typical stuff like an amber and a porter, plus more California-esque offerings, like an acai berry wheat beer. Plus, they make some tasty pub food (think burgers and smoked BBQ) that comes in vegetarian-friendly options!

Cruise through Humboldt Redwoods State Park's famed forests on the picture-perfect Avenue of the Giants. It's the largest collection of tall redwood trees in California (although none can top Redwood National Park's Hyperion Tree). Stop by the Immortal Tree, which has survived saws and lightning strikes, to see just how tough these trees can be!

You'll feel right at home at this local little joint, the Eel River Cafe, which has the neon sign, the red stools, and black-and-white checker floor that mark a good classic diner. And they don't rest on the adorable, small-town vibes, either: their food is freshly made and completely hits the spot. Expect burgers, tacos and more!

There are a few drive-through trees in this part of the country (those huge redwoods lend themselves to being turned into tunnels pretty nicely) and so even though it might set you back a few bucks and take a bit of waiting in line, it's one of those must-do, old-school roadside attractions that's worth doing just to say you did it. It doesn't get any more classic Route 1 than the Drive-Thru Tree Park in Leggett!

And all of that healthy and delicious grub will soak up the wine from Pacific Star Winery quite nicely. The ocean views, cheap tasting fees, and wide variety of vinos make this a great late-afternoon stop. Their white wines are definitely stellar!

Named for Route 1, the official name for the Pacific Coast Highway, Cafe 1 focuses on organic, vegan, and veggie-friendly options that have plenty of flavor. Perfect for fueling up while on the road when you're getting a little tired of diners and fast-food joints!

From the cliff house to the ocean views to the sculptures that almost blend seamlessly into the surroundings, you won't find a more beautiful natural setting than the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the flowers themselves! The dahlias and roses are especially impressive.

The Didjeridoo Dreamtime Inn is located in a historic, 19th-century home was once owned by artist Emmy Lou Packard, assistant to Diego Rivera, and the current owners have kept the artsy, relaxing vibes. They feature pieces from local artists, a great organic and locally-sourced breakfast each morning, and awesome gardens to explore.

The Point Arena Lighthouse has a fascinating history. Originally built in 1870, it was damaged in a 1906 earthquake, and had to be razed and rebuilt entirely in 1908, helping to pioneer methods to build more earthquake-proofed lighthouses. Oh, and if it looks kind of familiar, don't be surprised: it's the finishing point for the race in the 2014 movie "Need for Speed".

Most people know that California has a strong Spanish heritage... but Fort Ross State Historic Park features a fort that was actually founded by Russian fur traders! The southernmost point in a Russian colonization of America between the 1810's and 1840's or so, it's been restored and buildings have been recreated. Plus, besides being on the coast, you can also explore the nearby redwood forests, too.

The Tomales Bay Oyster Company is an oyster farm, but if you bring condiments and tools (you can borrow knives and hot sauce from them if you plan to use their grill but forget the essentials) you can have a picnic here, as well! And if oysters aren't your jam, they sell mussels and clams too-- bring along a loaf of baguette and some garlic and butter to eat with your bivalves, and you've got the perfect picnic.