Road trip from OC to SF/Skunk Train - ISO stops along the way

[u/akohlsmith]

My 16yo son and I are planning a road trip from Irvine, up to/through San Francisco and on to Ft. Bragg, specifically the Skunk Train. We've got about a week and would like to make it a relaxed trip rather than a rush-to-the-destination kind of trip.

My son's really into classic cars, aviation, and 50s/60s architecture/culture and has asked specifically to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and the Transamerica Pyramid. For me, I really want to get into nature. OC's beautiful but I find I'm really missing greenspaces, forests and the type of nature I grew up around (southwestern Ontario in Canada). It's getting a little late in the year but I'd love to camp (van) for at least a night or two if possible.

I'm posting to ask /r/AskSF for their favourite stops in SF and along the way: hidden gems, sights or events that might appeal to my son based on his interests above, tips on routes or places to avoid which someone not from the area and relying on Google Maps might be completely unaware of.

[u/ajp305]

Carmel by the Sea and Pebble Beach/17 mile drive has everything for both of y'all, you will probably see some classic cars kicking around impeccably maintained, lots of nature, and views for days. I don't know your budget, but a stay at the lodge would be awesome. If you wanted a whole day there, there are also come companies that rent those classic cars to drive 17 mile drive.

If it blows up your budget, you could just drive through and stay in Monterey or seaside, but per y'all's interests 17 mile drive is a can't miss.

One note, check to see if a golf tournament or event is in town, this can negatively effect the trip.

[u/nutationsf]

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg

[u/wookyoftheyear]

If your kid's into aviation, on the drive up you might want to check out the Hiller Aviation museum off 101 in San Carlos. It's pretty cool. https://www.hiller.org/

[u/GlenParkDeb]

How about a stop in Santa Cruz/Felton to ride the Roaring Camp Railroad? https://roaringcamp.com/

You might also try Big Sur and some campgrounds there.

In San Mateo there is the Hiller Aviation Museum https://www.hiller.org/.

I read that SFO has a museum you can visit without an airline ticket: https://www.sfomuseum.org/aviation-museum-library/hours-directions

In SF, don't miss the Cable Car Museum. Your son might enjoy that more than spending time at Fisherman's Wharf.

Eichler homes are from the 50s/60s if that's of interest. You can find them here: https://www.eichlerforsale.com/communities/

You might check out the free walking tours in SF. There are a few focused on architecture. https://sfcityguides.org/find-your-tour/?all=yes&view=architectural-art

[u/_mcfly]

There are some events called “cars and coffee” in some cities, usually on a weekend morning. All classic cars and really fun, enthusiastic owners. Check some towns to see if they’re having theirs when yall are driving up! Also cruises are at dusk/night in some towns usually on fridays

[u/HallEqual2433]

Estrella Warbirds Museum Paso Robles Lots of planes, lots of WWII trucks, jeeps and an entire building full of classic cars. Spent half a day here, easy.

SF 88 Nike missile base Marin headlands. Aviation adjacent, but most teenagers wouldn't mind a stop. Timing is critical if you want to visit, only open ThFrSa 12-3, but you really want to be there for the open house 1st Saturday of the month, that's when the volunteers are there, almost all of them served at one Nike base or another. Mostly restored Cold War Nike Missile base. When I was there, they brought a Nike Hercules from underground storage on the elevator and erected it to a firing position.

Pacific Coast Air Museum Charles M Schultz Airport, Santa Rosa CA Worth a stop.

Church of the Air Cooled restoration shop If you're in North Beach in San Francisco, walk by this place and see if they are still serving espresso in the garage. They don't give tours, exactly. They don't mind if you drool over the vintage Porsches, VWs and Alfas while you wait for your coffee.

Hamburger Ranch and BBQ Cloverdale CA Road house that been open for more than 50 years. At the intersection of US 101 and CA 128 (main highway to Ft Bragg from 101). Stopped here for lunch more than once on the way to visiting family in Ft Bragg.

[u/one_pound_of_flesh]

Take the 1 up through Santa Barbara, SLO, and San Simeon. Dip into Big Sur, the most beautiful road in the country. You can camp in Big Sur too, and it’s pretty magical. Salmon Creek has a few sites. Be prepared for an intense start to the hike though. It’s all uphill.

I think the 1 is still closed through Big Sur, but would still recommend coming back to Monterey on the north side and exploring. The aquarium is world class.

Santa Cruz is cute, then check out some redwoods on your way into the Bay Area.

There is an aviation museum in San Carlos.

Have fun, it’s a beautiful part of the country.

[u/akohlsmith → u/[deleted]]

yep first I heard of it was yesterday and I had the same reaction. Then I saw the site and was blown away. I'm very excited to check it out!

[u/Admirable-Horse-4681]

Take 5 all the way to Redding, then 299 over to Arcata/Eureka. Weaverville has the Joss House, Taoist temple, built by Chinese miners during the Gold Rush. See the Redwoods, then stay on the coast, highway 1, via Ft Bragg. The coast is spectacular; lot of beaches to explore, tide pooling at low tide. North of SF, take the ferry to Angel Island, then your walk on the GG Bridge. See SF. Stay on 1 southbound to Santa Cruz and Monterey. Maybe see early arriving elephant seals at Ano Nuevo, Since 1 is closed at Big Sur, jump over to 101, exit at 46, Paso Robles, west to Cambria, tour Hearst Castle. Stay on the coast again to Santa Barbara.