Surprised
If you’re coming north on 101 from SF when you get just north of Garberville take the Ave. of the Giants which you won't want to miss and is mostly part of Humboldt Redwoods state park. It Parallels 101 for 20 some miles then dumps back on 101. Lots of big redwoods as you drive through Humboldt Redwoods state park with numerous turnouts to stop and look around (Redwood National park is further north by Orick). Stop at Burlington visitor center between Myers Flat and Weott and they will get you lined out with maps and hikes. Bull Creek Rd. turns off the Ave. at the forks of the Eel River and much of it is also part of the park worth seeing. Since weed collapsed Garberville is dead so if you're going to stay somewhere somewhat close Fortuna is nice and safe. Take the first exit, Kenmar rd., and go left. There are three decent hotels and a nice RV park within a mile and Eel River Brewery is right next to the hotels. Across the street is the Riverwalk which is a walking path along the Eel river. Or you could camp at one of state park camps near the Burlington visitor center.
Redwood National park has a lot to look at and plenty of hikes and as was said above, impressive Roosevelt Elk. Once you're north of Mckinleyville you're on and off the ocean with cool beaches. Clam beach is the first one you'll see and is user friendly. Further north watch for elk at Big Lagoon and The Red School House RV park. Theres a Redwoods National Park visitors center right on the ocean just south of Orick and its a good place to check out. Also good netting for surf fish and pole fishing for perch. Take Prairie Crk. Parkway off 101 to get into main portion of the Redwood National Park.
If you continue north towards Oregon there's misc. beaches you'll see worth stopping at. One is right at the south end of Crescent City. Watch for elk as you're coming into CC especially at the Elk River Casino on the south end of town. If you're going into Oregon the Oregon coast is cool but if you're starting NE take 199 to Grants Pass and since you're not very far at that point I'd check out Crater Lake. Its not that far and pretty amazing.
You could also come back to Arcata, take 299 to Redding then on to Lassen National Park.
Good luck and enjoy as its beautiful country but get ready for fuel prices you're not used to. Feel free to pm me anytime as I lived in the area for a long time.
This is good advice. I was about to post much of the same info. I'll add that the Peg House on 101 in Leggett is a great lunch stop. It's across from Standish Hickey State Park, which is a good place to take a dip in the river when it's hot (which it often is in July. A better place along 101 is the Frank and Bess Smithe Grove about 2 miles further up the road). Also, to access the Bull Creek Redwoods area take the South Fork /Honeydew exit. The exit will also put you at Founders Grove, which has clean bathrooms and a short interpretive trail through a spectacular redwood grove. It's a good place to stretch your legs on the long drive. The Rockefeller Grove trail is across the river about a mile up the road to Honeydew. That is another incredible grove. Definitely consider the James Irvine trail at Prairie Creek, and the Jedidiah Smith State Park groves. The Rockefeller, Prairie Creek, And Jed Smith groves are as good as you're going to find and some of the tallest trees in the world. The tallest tree is near Orick but not accessible to tourists.
