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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaLost Coast Panoramic Road
California Coast

Lost Coast Panoramic Road

Ferndale - Honeydew - Pepperwood

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Beach Beach
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Lost Coast Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages2 km138 h/stage1.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Lost Coast Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 380EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 470EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Lost Coast Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Lost Coast Panoramic Road trip is an incredible journey through some of the most stunning coastal and rural landscapes of Northern California. Starting in Ferndale and ending in Pepperwood, this 138km (85 miles) route takes you through the towns of Honeydew, with its breathtaking redwood forests, and Petrolia, with its stunning coastal views. This road trip is best enjoyed in the summer months, when the days are long and the weather is warm, making it the perfect time to take in the sights. The road conditions are generally good, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. This road trip is a great way to experience some of the best that Northern California has to offer, without breaking the bank. From the towering redwood forests to the rolling hills of the coastal range, the Lost Coast Panoramic Road Trip provides unforgettable experiences and memories. Suitable for all drivers, this road trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 138 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Ferndale

Distance 138 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: modest 35.8 kWh Airports ACV , SFO
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Ferndale, in the United States, is the perfect starting point for the Lost Coast Panoramic Road road trip. This charming small town is located in the beautiful northern California, in the Humboldt County. With its picturesque downtown, filled with historical Victorian style buildings, Ferndale is a great destination for those who want to experience the rural charm of the United States. When in Ferndale, make sure to visit the famous Ferndale Museum, located in the heart of the town, to learn more about its history and culture. The nearby Fern Caves are also a must-see, offering an unforgettable experience to all nature lovers. Another must-see attraction is the Centerville Beach County Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Those traveling by air will find the closest international airport to be the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV). Car rentals are available at this airport, making it the perfect option for those wanting to explore Ferndale and the Lost Coast Panoramic Road at their own pace. Ferndale is a great starting point for the Lost Coast Panoramic Road and a must-visit for all those wanting to experience the unique charm and beauty of northern California.

1 Ferndale - Cape Mendocino - Honeydew

Distance 89 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 26.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Take a road trip from Ferndale to Honeydew and explore the beauty of the Northern California Coast! This 55mi journey of less than 2 hours will take you through the majestic Cape Mendocino. Start your journey in Ferndale, a charming town with a unique Victorian architecture and a picturesque Main Street. Visit the local shops, get a bite to eat, and take in the sights. As you drive along the coast, keep an eye out for the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, a historic structure that offers stunning views of the ocean. At the end of your journey, you will arrive in Honeydew, a small community tucked away in the redwoods. Here you can explore the ancient redwood groves and take a stroll along the beach. Don't forget to check out the local attractions, including the Honeydew Creek Falls and the Honeydew Valley. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, and other places to visit along the way, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!

2 Honeydew - Pepperwood

Distance 49 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 12.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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The road trip from Honeydew to Pepperwood is an absolute must for nature lovers. This stage of your journey is only 31 miles, so it will take you less than an hour to get from one place to the other. In Honeydew, you should visit the beautiful Honeydew Park, where you can take a stroll and admire the stunning views. In Pepperwood, you should visit the Pepperwood Preserve, a 3,000-acre nature reserve where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the area. This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

  Pepperwood

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Pepperwood, located in the United States, is the ideal end point for the Lost Coast Panoramic Road road trip. This journey of about 100 miles passes through some of the most picturesque scenery California has to offer and culminates in the small town of Pepperwood. One of the main attractions in Pepperwood is the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail. This trail is a great way to explore the town and get to know the local flora and fauna. It also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Mendocino National Forest. Pepperwood is also home to some of the best wineries in California. Among the top wineries is the Foster and Field Winery, which produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the state. Other popular wineries in the area include the Foursome Winery, the Lazy Creek Winery, and the Fort Bragg Winery. For those travelling by air, the closest international airport is the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California (STS). Pepperwood is the perfect end point for the Lost Coast Panoramic Road road trip. With its stunning views, its wineries, and its Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, this small town is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Lost Coast Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the enchanting Lost Coast Panoramic Road Trip, a journey that traverses 138 kilometers (85 miles) of Northern California's most breathtaking coastal and forest landscapes. This route, extending from the charming Victorian town of Ferndale to the small community of Pepperwood, is a hidden gem that allows travelers to witness the untouched splendor of the region's natural environments.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Along this Scenic Drive, Roadtrippers will be awestruck by the ancient redwood forests near Honeydew, home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
  • Meandering through the Avenue of the Giants offers an awe-inspiring perspective of these centuries-old giants.
  • Near Petrolia, adventurers will discover jaw-dropping coastal vistas where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged cliffs and beaches, often dotted with lounging seals and migrating whales offshore.
  • Don't miss the historic lighthouse at Punta Gorda, an off-the-beaten-path gem that's a testament to the area's maritime history.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time for embarking on the Lost Coast Panoramic Road Trip is during the summer months. This season brings longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and less rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife watching.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should be prepared for the challenges of navigating the Lost Coast's narrow and curvy Roads, which can be demanding for drivers. It's also important to remain vigilant for the dense fog that frequently blankets the coastline, potentially hindering visibility and making driving conditions more treacherous.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Lost Coast is named for its isolation, as it is one of the least populous areas of the California coast, primarily due to the steepness and related geotechnical challenges of the coastal mountains. This isolation has helped preserve its rugged and natural state. In addition, the entire area offers a unique opportunity to see diverse ecosystems, from tide pools rich with marine life to alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers.

A good choice for:

Offering an unparalleled combination of tranquil forests and dramatic coastlines, the Lost Coast Panoramic Road Trip is an extraordinary escape for those passionate about exploring the Road less traveled. With every curve and crest revealing another stunning view, this journey stands as a testament to California's wild beauty and is an essential experience for dedicated Roadtrippers seeking the allure of the Pacific's untamed edge.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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