The Road to Spirit Camp: From the Golden Gate to the Pacific Redwoods
The journey to Spirit Camp isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a story of transition—from the urban pulse of San Francisco, to vineyard-dotted valleys, to cathedral groves of redwoods, and finally, the wild Pacific. Every mile brings you closer to the magic waiting at camp.
Leaving the City Behind
Your journey begins in San Francisco with a breathtaking crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a moment to roll down the window, let the salty Bay air fill your lungs, and feel the shift begin.
If you’d like to ease into the road, stop in Sausalito or Mill Valley. A personal favorite: Equator Coffees (a queer-owned café serving organic Straus Family Creamery milk from nearby Marin farms). It’s a quality cup that sets the tone for the road ahead.
Tip: Download the Equator app to order ahead if you’re short on time—you’ll be back on the road in minutes, latte in hand.
From here, Highway 101 carries you north through rolling hills and more pastoral landscapes. Even on the freeway, you can sense the transition—the rush of the city falling away as the land opens into farm fields and vineyards.
Sonoma Countryside & Healdsburg Pause
As you continue, Healdsburg makes a great stop to stretch, hydrate, and enjoy something nourishing. In summer, temperatures can soar, so staying hydrated is key.
Little Saint – Plant-based, bright, and beautifully prepared food. Try one of their fresh bowls or veggie-packed sandwiches.
Acorn Café – Wholesome, cozy café fare perfect for breakfast or lunch on the go.
This is a moment to ground yourself before the winding country roads ahead.
Best Stop for Gas & EV Charging
Be sure to fuel up at the Quick Stop in Cloverdale—your best and most affordable option before entering Anderson Valley. While there are smaller stations further along Highway 128, Cloverdale is the easiest and most reliable.
Pro Tip: Cell service drops once you turn onto Highway 128, so this is the time to download maps or double-check directions.
EV Drivers: There are plenty of charging stations dotted along the route from San Francisco through Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Check your EV app in advance for the best spots. Spirit Camp also has one extension cord available for overnight slow charging—plan to top up before arrival if you need a quicker charge.
Into Anderson Valley
Highway 128 welcomes you with gentle curves and soon becomes a winding country road. Take your time, drive carefully, and keep an eye out for deer.
🚦 Local Courtesy Tip: If cars stack up behind you, pull into a turnout to let them pass. It’s customary in rural California and keeps the road safe and kind.
Here in Anderson Valley, you’ll find a handful of delightful places to refuel body and spirit:
Boonville General Store (Boonville) – A Spirit Camp go-to for tacos with homemade tortillas, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and baked goods.
Mosswood Market (Boonville) – A café with decent variety and quick options.
Lemons Philo Market (Philo) – Fun, eclectic little shop with deli-style eats.
Jumbo’s Win-Win (Philo) – Indulgent comfort food; very tasty but check if cooking oils work for your body.
In the fall, roadside apple stands like Gowan’s Oak Tree or The Apple Farm are irresistible—crisp fruit, cider, and pies that taste like the season itself.
The Redwood Portal
Leaving Anderson Valley, the road draws you into a shaded corridor of ancient redwoods. Light narrows into emerald shafts, and it feels as if you’ve entered a portal into another world. Many travelers describe this stretch as a threshold moment: the busy chatter of everyday life falls silent, replaced by the hush of the forest.
The Pacific Revealed
And then—the trees part, and the Pacific Ocean bursts into view. Waves crash against rocky cliffs, gulls wheel in the sky, and beaches stretch toward the horizon. It’s breathtaking every single time.
Spirit Camp sits just a mile inland from this coast, perched on a sunny ridgetop where you can hear the ocean’s roar from the redwoods. In the Hummingbird Gardens, the flowers hum with bees and the air smells of salt and fir. You’ve arrived.
Make the Journey Part of the Retreat
This road isn’t just a route—it’s a ritual. Stop for coffee in Mill Valley, a smoothie in Healdsburg, a sandwich in Boonville. Let each pause mark your shedding of the everyday and your movement toward something quieter, deeper, and more magical.
Coming Soon in this series:
The Journey Home — Suggested stops to help you reintegrate after Spirit Camp (Hendy Woods + the Apple Farm, Mendocino town, and more).
A Day in Mendocino — Cafés, shops, and trails in the iconic coastal town.
San Francisco Explorer’s Guide — What to do if you’re adding time before or after your retreat in the City by the Bay.
✨ At Spirit Camp, even the road is part of the retreat.
