Road Trip Plan: San Francisco to Bandon, Oregon

If you live in the city, it’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, there are many destinations along the coast within driving distance that are ideal for these purposes.

Take Bandon, Oregon for instance. About an 8-hour drive away, this city is known for its stunning ocean vistas and wild woods and streams. And while you can easily make the journey by plane, going in a car will give you the opportunity to explore so many terrific sites.

Here are a few you won’t want to miss out on! 

Stop One: Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is a place to walk among ancient redwoods ranging from 400 to 800 years old and growing over 250 feet tall. Muir Woods National Monument was established in 1908 by President Franklin Roosevelt to save the trees from destruction.

In addition to checking out the redwoods, you can take in so many of the park’s natural elements including Redwood Creek, wildlife, and countless types of trees that take root in the land.

Stop Two: Rohnert Park

Also known as "The Friendly City," Rohnert Park is a small area with lots of fun things to do. Visit Scandia Family Fun Center to enjoy miniature golfing, bumper cars, water boats with squirt gun blasters, batting cages, and an arcade.

You can also strap on a pair of skates at Cal Skate. If you're not too tired after engaging in all those activities, you can work off even more energy at Rebounderz trampoline park.

Stop Three:  Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning

If you have never been up in a hot air balloon, now is the perfect time to enjoy this rare experience. The Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning company offers balloon rides that will take you over the lush landscape of Sonoma County aka Wine Country. Rides depart at sunrise providing a stunning view to kick off your day. 

Stop Four: Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center

If you love The Peanuts gang, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Charles M. Schultz Museum. You can view the artist’s collection which includes original Peanuts strips, personal artifacts, Peanuts books, and more.

There are also various changing exhibitions and a research center that contains the museum’s library and archives and can be browsed by appointment only.

Stop Five: River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe Trips

Don’t miss a chance to get out on the water. River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe give you an opportunity to choose your own adventure including options like the relaxing Rio Trip, the exciting Music on the Russian River Trip, the River’s Edge Beach ultimate summer experience, the Bohemian Trip, the Wine, Film, and Food Tour and more.

Stop Six:  Rivino Estate Vineyards and Winery

If you’re going through Wine Country, you’ll want to stop to visit at least one of the fabulous wineries in the area.  Rivino is a boutique family winery that sits on the 250-acre Rivino Ranch which overlooks the Russian River. Their tasting room is open from 12 to 5 PM everyday, providing the opportunity to sample their exceptional selection.

They also host events that take place throughout the week and throughout the year including Wine Wednesdays (which feature live music), Bacon Fest, Fishing on the Pond, New Year’s Eve, and more.

Stop Eight: Drive-Thru Tree Park

The Drive-Thru Tree Park is a nature grove that has been privately owned by the Underwood family since 1922. Divers of smaller cars will be able to drive their vehicles through while those with larger vehicles can park and walk. The area is alive and growing and it’s a great place to take in nature and get some stunning photos.

Stop Nine: Confusion Hill

Confusion Hill is a home of fun, mystery, and entertainment. It is located in the Northern California Redlands and it has been named a California State Point of Historical Interest. It is home to the Redwood Shoe House, the World-Famous Gravity House, the unique Miniature Train Ride and the Ripley’s Believe it or Not ‘World’s Tallest Free-Standing Redwood Chainsaw Carving’.

Stop Ten: Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park is one of the state’s highest coastal headlands. It offers forest-fringed campgrounds providing a scenic view of Bush Creek. The trail from the campground takes you under Highway 101 to a sandy beach. Visitors can also hike the 5.5 miles to get to the top of Humbug Mountain and enjoy stunning ocean views.

Stop Eleven: Secret Beach & Thunder Rock Cove

Just the name sounds romantic, doesn’t it? The trail to Thunder Rock Cover will take you along the Oregon Coastal Cliffs. Once there, you can enjoy the small cove, surrounded by natural cliffs. You can also take a detour to the Secret Beach to further enjoy the scenery.

Stop Twelve: The Prehistoric Gardens

This roadside attraction sits along the famous Highway 101. Established in 1955, it gives visitors a chance to view 23 life-sized dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. You can also take a self-guided tour through the ancient Oregon Rainforest.

Welcome to Bandon Oregon! 

Once you are in Bandon, you can sit back and relax, explore the many natural areas or visit the exciting attractions. If you have a few days to spare, you can even take a workcation at Wander Bandon Beach!

Check out this blog post for Things To Do In Bandon, Oregon! You are sure to be rejuvenated before heading back to the city. Which of these sites will you be visiting?

Explore Oregon with luxury vacation rentals in Bandon and Port Orford.