6 Nights & 7 Days: From Roots to Redwoods on The California Cannabis Trail

A full taste of the unique culture of innovation, regeneration, equity and respect for the earth that makes Northern California cannabis country so special - fly into OAK and rent a car to get up to the Emerald Triangle.

○ Day 1:

■ Visit the beautiful Root’d in the 510 to stock up, being sure to stop by the

Cannabis Trail landmark sign and if it’s open, enjoy the adjacent lounge.

Then head to nearby Smokin Woods BBQ for lunch.

■ Now well stocked and fed, make your way to Lake Merritt for an afternoon

stroll around the Lake, hopefully the weather is typically gorgeous.

■ If you need one more stop for weed in the neighborhood, Ivy Hill and

Oakanna are both near Lake Merritt.

■ Check into your hotel and relax, enjoying dinner somewhere nearby. If

there’s live music or a show at Fox Theater, it’s an iconic date night spot!

○ Day 2:

■ Stop by Blunts and Moore, where Tucky Blunt opened the first equity

licensed shop. If there’s a game or event going on at the Coliseum, you’re

in the neighborhood. Blunts and Moore is also a landmark on The

Cannabis Trail.

■ Enjoy some of the goodies you’ve procured, grab lunch and then head to

Oakland Museum of California to take in a few of their enlightening

exhibits.

■ Perhaps a spa treatment at your hotel or at least a soak in the bathtub

with a cannabis infused bath bomb to help you unwind?

○ Day 3:

■ A great day starts with breakfast - and Oakland has plenty to offer here.

Oakland Grill is a humble but delicious spot but it can get busy.

■ Heading north to Ukiah, head to Plantshop, a unique dispensary with a

gorgeous outdoor lounge and event space and a selection focused on

local sungrown flower and a Cannabis Trail landmark honoring the Back

to the Land movement. Grab lunch in Ukiah.

■ Take Highway 253 on the South end of town over the hill to the beautiful

Anderson Valley. Hang a right on 128 and in nearby Philo you’ll come to

The Madrones, an inn with a Mediterranean elegance that will transport

you to Europe, with an onsite restaurant and boutique cannabis shop.

Take time to explore the unique varieties of cannabis at The Bohemian

Chemist (another Cannabis Trail landmark) and relax on their outdoor

patio, then you’ll be primed and hungry for dinner at Wickson Restaurant.

○ Day 4:

■ After enjoying your morning coffee and sesh, pack some snacks and head

to Hendy Woods State Park to enjoy an easy hike in an old growth

redwood grove.

■ Head west on 128, driving through the redwoods towards the coast. Take

it slow on these windy roads to safely enjoy the view. Just before you

reach Mendocino, turn left at Brewery Gulch Road and park at the pullout,

then walk out to the bluffs at the Mendocino Bay Viewpoint for a

sweeping view of the village and Big River Beach.

■ Once in Mendocino, check in to the MacCallum House and ask about their

“Everything but the Bud” cannabis-themed goodie basket complete with

papers, a grinder, and munchie snacks. Walk over to the adorable Sol de

Mendocino cannabis shop where you can discover the pioneering

activism work of Pebbles Trippet on the Cannabis Trail Landmark signs.

Pick up the “bud”, or other cannabis beverages or goodies to complete

your basket.

■ Enjoy dinner at Luna for authentic Italian food and warm atmosphere, and

book a soak at the nearby Sweetwater Spa or take a stroll through the

charming village. Sunset out at the Headlands is a local favorite as well.

○ Day 5:

■ Enjoy breakfast on the patio at Good Life before heading north to Fort

Bragg. Enjoy the famous Glass Beach at the north end of town, where you

can continue your walk for as long as you like along the Fort Bragg

Coastal Trail while sparking up something tasty.

■ After your walk, grab some lunch and check out your options for getting

back to 101: north along the Lost Coast to Leggett on Highway 1, or east

to Willits on Highway 20 - both are pretty windy but 1 perhaps a bit

moreso.

■ Grab lunch along the way in Garberville and be sure to stop by the

Southern Humboldt Visitors Center to learn more about the first hemp

store, Hemp Connection, and the work of Marie Mills at their Cannabis

Trail landmark.

■ The redwoods get bigger as you go further north along the 101, and you’ll

have lots of opportunities to stop and see them. Take a slight detour off

the highway and explore the Avenue of the Giants for a close up look at

the majestic trees and plenty of opportunities to pull over and hug one.

■ Work up an appetite in the woods? As you head north, stop in Fortuna for

lunch at Eel River Brewing, the first certified organic brewery.

■ Check into your hotel in Eureka or Arcata - both towns offer gorgeous

historical architecture, adorable cafes and restaurants, and a great

selection of wellness and outdoor activities.

● Day 6:

○ Grab some breakfast and head to Humboldt Cannabis Tours to hop on the

van and explore Humboldt’s legacy farms, nurseries, or cannabis shops

and lounges. You’ll want to book your tour ahead of time so the team can

plan the perfect experience for you. While you’re at the tour depot, a

landmark on The Cannabis Trail, you can learn about the work of Douglas

Fir and Lawrence Ringo in Humboldt County.

○ If possible, ask Matt at Humboldt Cannabis Tours to take you to the

beautiful Huckleberry Hill Farms, which was the first landmark to be

named on The Cannabis Trail. Johnny Casali’s story of resilience and

community is a tear-jerker, very moving.

○ Once you arrive back from your amazing tour, grab dinner at one of the

many delicious restaurants in Eureka such as Tavern 1888, and head back

down the 101 south to Benbow Inn which is also a great spot for dinner.

● Day 7:

○ The historic Benbow Inn has an onsite restaurant and a big patio opening

up to the Eel River which is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee and

cannabis ritual.

○ Heading south, stop to explore Richardson Grove, a beautiful redwood

park that straddles Highway 101 that has been a battleground for

environmental conservation after attempts to widen the highway.

○ Repeat any stops you really enjoyed as you head south back to Oakland to

catch your flight home.

Bigfoot Cannabis Company, NUG, Renata's Crêperie, Tavern 1888, Eel River Brewing Company - Pub & Restaurant, Eel River Cafe, Piaci | Pub & Pizzeria, GoodLife Cafe & Bakery, Luna Trattoria, Left Coast Seafood & Marketplace, Ukiah Brewing Company, Noka Ramen, Brotzeit Lokal, Richardson Grove State Park, Benbow Historic Inn, Humboldt Cannabis Tours, Avenue of the Giants, Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, Glass Beach, Mendocino Headlands State Park

• Bigfoot Cannabis Company in Willow Creek, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  This landmark celebrates the sungrown small-batch craft of Humboldt County’s legacy cannabis farmers, the community of Willow Creek, and the lore of Bigfoot. Bigfoot Cannabis Company is more than a cannabis shop—it’s a tribute to the heritage of Humboldt County’s cannabis culture. In the heart of Willow Creek, often referred to as the “Bigfoot Capital of the World,” this local, family-owned business represents the legacy of Humboldt’s cannabis farmers who have cultivated the land for decades. With deep roots in the community, Bigfoot Cannabis is dedicated to preserving the values of small-scale farming and supporting local businesses. Founded in 2022, Bigfoot Cannabis is a micro-business that includes retail, traditional manufacturing, and its own farm just a few miles from the shop. The farm, situated along the Trinity River, grows cannabis in native soil under the sun. This small-batch, handcrafted cannabis is the essence of Bigfoot’s house brand, which is featured prominently at their Willow Creek store. Bigfoot Cannabis only carries sun-grown products from small local farms, ensuring that their shelves reflect the best that Willow Creek and Humboldt County have to offer. Bigfoot does not carry any indoor or corporate cannabis, standing firmly in support of local families and their farming operations. Some of the farms featured in the store include Love Notes, Sunrise Mountain, Emerald Queen, Willow Creekside, Terp Mansion, Sol Spirit, High Totem, Talking Trees – all representing the spirit of community and camaraderie that defines the Humboldt County cannabis industry. Willow Creek’s unique microclimate, located about 50 miles from the coast and nestled behind the mountains, creates an ideal environment for growing cannabis. This area is known for producing some of the highest-quality cannabis in Northern California, as well as other crops like peaches and wine grapes. In fact, Willow Creek is one of the few places in Northern California to have its own wine AVA designation due to this microclimate. The connection to Bigfoot folklore adds another layer to the story. The town is famous for the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, which allegedly captured footage of the elusive creature near Bluff Creek. Willow Creek has celebrated its ties to Bigfoot with the annual Bigfoot Daze festival since the 1960s, and the local Bigfoot Museum, located just across the street from Bigfoot Cannabis, serves as a reminder of this unique cultural heritage.

• NUG in Oakland, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  This landmark celebrates the story of education, activism, and the pioneering spirit of Oaksterdam and the Oakland cannabis community. The building NUG is now located in was the original home of Oaksterdam University, a global epicenter for cannabis education and activism. Oaksterdam’s roots trace back to the mid-1990s, when Jeff Jones founded the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, helping to lay the groundwork for California’s medical marijuana legalization in 1996. In 2007, visionary activist Richard Lee formalized Oaksterdam as a trailblazing educational institution. The university became a hub for the cannabis community, attracting students from around the world eager to learn about the burgeoning industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony here, with pioneers like Jeff Jones, Dale Sky Jones, and Ed Rosenthal with city leaders, marked the beginning of a new era. Oaksterdam was more than just a school—it is the heartbeat of a movement. Oaksterdam’s impact extended beyond education. In 2010, Oaksterdam became the de facto headquarters for Proposition 19, the first adult-use legalization initiative of the modern era. Prop 19 became the campaign heard around the world, sparked the debate, and laid the foundation for successful legalization efforts across the U.S. Oaksterdam’s mission of ending cannabis Prohibition and supporting communities impacted by the War on Drugs remains central, a mission shared by the Landmark hosts at NUG. Oaksterdam’s community has played a key role in changing the world – advising and shaping legislation, ballot initiatives, and governance models nationwide. In 2012, a dramatic federal raid on the Oaksterdam downtown Oakland campus marked a turning point. The raid, documented in the award-winning film American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, moved the campus to online education. Oaksterdam University’s mission has never wavered, and today, the institution continues its mission through robust online training, providing top-tier professional development to cannabis industry professionals, regulators, and social equity entrepreneurs across the country. Continuing the Oaksterdam legacy, the basement level of 1600 Broadway now houses the NUG shop and lounge. Location: NUG Oakland The landmark is located at NUG at 1600 Broadway in Oakland, in the basement of the building that once housed Oaksterdam University. NUG, Inc. is a vertically integrated California cannabis company known for its cutting-edge technology and award-winning products. NUG Oakland, California’s first Asian-owned equity shop, proudly supports Oakland’s Social Equity Cannabis program, which offers opportunities in the legal cannabis industry to those impacted by the “War on Drugs.” Committed to normalizing cannabis use, NUG meticulously curates their selection with the finest California edibles, beverages, flowers, and more. Situated on Broadway in Oakland, NUG’s location is unique—enter through a security guard, walk down a hallway adorned with neon lightning-like installations, and descend a flight of stairs. The atmosphere is always vibrant with great music, and the knowledgeable and friendly budtenders enhance the experience. The lounge provides an exclusive underground vibe with product displays and a comfortable seating area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular customer, NUG’s knowledgeable budtenders are ready to offer personalized service and cannabis expertise. 1600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

• Renata's Crêperie in Arcata, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Renata’s Creperie in Arcata is an amazing spot for breakfast or lunch.

• Tavern 1888 in Eureka, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Tavern 1888 at The Historic Eagle House in Eureka is a lovely restaurant and bar housed in a gorgeous historical building that often hosts music & events.

• Eel River Brewing Company - Pub & Restaurant in Fortuna, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Eel River Brewing is a great stop in Fortuna for lunch or dinner and handcrafted beers. Home of the First Certified Organic Brewery!

• Eel River Cafe in Garberville, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Eel River Cafe is a classic diner in Garberville that serves humble homemade breakfast or lunch, a total blast from the past.

• Piaci | Pub & Pizzeria in Fort Bragg, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Piaci Pizza is a cozy pub in downtown Fort Bragg serving a great selection of local beers, wines, and ciders, and delicious thin crust pizzas, calzones and salads.

• GoodLife Cafe & Bakery in Mendocino, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Good Life Cafe and Bakery is a cute locally owned bakery, coffee shop and cafe serving homemade goodness and displaying local art. Check out the cute farm stand towards the back of the patio for local produce, bread and more!

• Luna Trattoria in Mendocino, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Luna Trattoria is an amazing family owned authentic Italian restaurant tucked back behind the Sweetwater Spa in Mendocino. Reservations are recommended!

• Left Coast Seafood & Marketplace in Ukiah, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Left Coast Seafood focuses on fresh, local, and organic seafood and seasonal fare in an upscale casual setting in downtown Ukiah.

• Ukiah Brewing Company in Ukiah, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Ukiah Brewing Company is a great option for pub food and beer right downtown in Ukiah, and they often have live music.

• Noka Ramen in Oakland, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Noka Ramen is a vibrant and friendly stop in Jack London Square that serves a hearty bowl of ramen in all kinds of varieties.

• Brotzeit Lokal in Oakland, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Enjoy lunch on the waterfront at Bratzeit Lokal Biergarten - delicious brats, pickles and beer selection.

• Richardson Grove State Park in Garberville, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Heading south, stop to explore Richardson Grove, a beautiful redwood park that straddles Highway 101 that has been a battleground for environmental conservation after attempts to widen the highway.

• Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  The historic Benbow Inn has an onsite restaurant and a big patio opening up to the Eel River which is a great place to enjoy your morning coffee and cannabis ritual.

• Humboldt Cannabis Tours in Eureka, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Grab some breakfast and head to Humboldt Cannabis Tours to hop on the van and explore Humboldt’s legacy farms, nurseries, or cannabis shops and lounges. You’ll want to book your tour ahead of time so the team can plan the perfect experience for you. While you’re at the tour depot, a landmark on The Cannabis Trail, you can learn about the work of Douglas Fir and Lawrence Ringo in Humboldt County. If possible, ask Matt at Humboldt Cannabis Tours to take you to the beautiful Huckleberry Hill Farms, which was the first landmark to be named on The Cannabis Trail. Johnny Casali’s story of resilience and community is a tear-jerker, very moving.

• Avenue of the Giants, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Take a slight detour off the highway and explore the Avenue of the Giants for a close up look at the majestic trees and plenty of opportunities to pull over and hug one.

• Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center in Garberville, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Grab lunch along the way in Garberville and be sure to stop by the Southern Humboldt Visitors Center to learn more about the first hemp store, Hemp Connection, and the work of Marie Mills at their Cannabis Trail landmark.

• Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Enjoy the famous Glass Beach at the north end of town, where you can continue your walk for as long as you like along the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail while sparking up something tasty.

• Mendocino Headlands State Park in Mendocino, United States

  
  thecannabistrail

  Sunset out at the Headlands is a local favorite and a great spot for a sesh.