How To Plan an Unforgettable Northern California Road Trip

We have lived in Northern California for over a decade now. Alysha has resided here her whole life apart from four years in university, whereas Matt has called it home for close to 10 years at the time of writing.

There are such incredible numerous activities, sights, and places to explore in Northern California that we’re STILL finding new locations even though we`ve traveled all around the northern half of the state in the time we’ve lived together.

Northern California holds special significance for us. We met in San Francisco in 2014, and lived there together for almost a decade, including three years living as a married couple. During that time, we took as many weekend getaways as our schedule allowed to explore the abundant natural beauty that Northern California has to offer.

• Bus – The Autostradale 143 bus runs at regular intervals between the airport and the city and takes approximately one hour. The bus is the most affordable option, with tickets costing €10 one-way or €16 round trip (you have to purchase the round trip ticket upon arrival and use it when you depart).

The coastal stretch between Point Reyes and the Oregon border has ascended to the foremost position on our list of preferred California locations, uniting spectacular coastal vistas, expansive sandy beaches and towering coastal redwoods proximate to said beaches.

It’s WILD.

And we enjoy it, which is why it’s featured so prominently in this Northern California itinerary.

In this guide, we’re going to give you all of our community knowledge – and we do mean all of it, this is a lengthy one! – in an effort to help you plan an phenomenal Northern California road trip.

We`ve gathered a wealth of expert opinions on numerous topics. From the finest hiking paths to explore, which magnificent redwood reserves to visit, and some unique accommodations, you`ll find it all contained within the guide below.

Grab a coffee (and maybe some Bailey’s?) and let’s get planning!

P.S. We even have a more extensive road trip recommendation that takes you over to Lassen National Park and Lake Tahoe if you have some additional time available – but we’d recommend having at least three weeks to do all of that.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need For This Road Trip?

We believe spending a minimum of 7 days would be needed to properly experience the entire stretch of coastline from San Francisco up to the redwood forests near the Oregon border. Allocating 10 days would provide even more flexibility.

With 3-5 days, we’d recommend residing in and around San Francisco and exploring the city doing a couple of day trips from San Francisco to places like Point Reyes, the Marin Headlands, and Muir Woods.

At the bottom of this guide, we offer example itineraries of 7 and 10 days to provide a starting point for crafting your own trip.

The Road Trip Route

Let’s talk about the route we’re recommending.

We’d strongly advise staying relatively close to the shoreline, and we think the most distinctive part of Northern California is the stretch from San Francisco north to the Oregon boundary.

You’ll encounter towering coastal redwoods, endless sandy beaches, wine country regions, and more within Northern California. It’s one of our favorite areas within Northern California, and the best part is that it’s basically accessible throughout the year.

There are more than a few places in Northern California that are inland that are worth a visit, for sure, but it’s a significantly long way from the coast to areas like Lassen, Yosemite, or Lake Tahoe.

With less than two weeks, we’d focus on the stretch between San Francisco and Redwood National and State Parks (basically the Oregon border).It will take you between 4 to 6 hours to drive from the coast to Yosemite or Tahoe, and it`s not worth the time and effort unless you have three weeks or more.

If you’re fortunate enough to have three weeks, we’d add on a weeklong trip to Tahoe and Yosemite, but that’s almost a completely different Northern California trip than the one we’re talking about here. We have details on how to add those two spots at the very end of this guide.

We would commence our trip by heading north up the coast along Highway 1, pausing at places near San Francisco for example the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, and Muir Woods.

Continue north along Highway 1 all the way to the Oregon border, where you will find some of the best redwood trees in the state, and then make your way back south to Mendocino.

From there, end your trip with some well-earned wine country relaxation. Travel inland from Mendocino through the Anderson Valley – our favorite wine region in California, sorry Napa – and hop on 101 to Healdsburg, which is a super charming little town in Sonoma for even more wine choices.

Return any rental vehicles (if used) and end with a day or two in San Francisco before heading home.

Here’s what that route appears in a graphical form.

As one is able to see, that trip would require 16 hours of driving (and with stops added, the duration would be even longer).

For that reason, if you only have 5-10 days, we’d focus on the stretch from SF to Mendocino, and reserve the northern redwoods for later, which cuts out about 8-9 of those hours. There are plenty of redwoods to be explored in and around Mendocino, don`t worry!

Do You Need a Car for This Road Trip?

Yes. Completely yes. There is genuinely no way to do this road trip without a car. Public transportation is basically nonexistent.

We do want to bring one consideration to your attention as you plan.

Finding a place to park your vehicle in San Francisco is very difficult. We say that you will end up spending money on parking one way or another, whether it’s using a parking structure or getting tickets for violating the various street restrictions and rules for street cleaning around the city.

If renting a vehicle, we strongly recommend either collecting it after your time in San Francisco or returning it before your stay in the city.

If that is not possible, our next recommendation is to leave your vehicle parked in a garage where you won`t need it in the city, as it will often end up restricting you more than helping you. Use public transportation or rideshares like Lyft to get around within the city.

Trust us – we resided there for nearly ten years and both of us opted to do without vehicles because parking was such a challenge.

11 Amazing Stops for Your Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Now, let’s dive into our top picks for stops to include in your trip.

While the highlighted destinations in this guide represent our top selections, it is crucial to appreciate opportunities to discover other beloved spots not featured. Leave flexibility to explore independent favorites and deepen your engagement with the region!

A great example is the stretch along Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Mendocino. Along the way, you’ll pass Jenner, Timber Cove, Gulala, and more. And they’re all amazing! But if I included literally ever stop, this guide would be five times as long.

Certain places – like the Marin Headlands – are best experienced as brief stops on your journey to your next overnight stay. For those spots, you’ll find additional details describing the area and our favorite activities and sights nearby.

Certain places – such as Mendocino – are worth overnighting (or longer), where you`ll find more extensive guidance on attractions, accommodations and things to do.

Some details regarding San Francisco are provided as the final destination of this itinerary, as we generally prefer having city time at the end of a road trip rather than the beginning for a more relaxing conclusion.

Important Note: These stops are listed in an order that could be encountered on a 7-10 day road trip looping from San Francisco to Trinidad and back. However, you may need to rearrange them depending on the details of your specific trip.

The Marin Headlands

Drive time from San Francisco International Airport: 40 minutes / 22 miles

The Marin Headlands are the region just across the Golden Gate Bridge, renowned for rolling hills and coastal bluffs which provide spectacular views of the bridge and ocean.

Spending half a day exploring is worthwhile, though there`s plenty to fill an entire day trip from San Francisco before beginning your road trip in earnest further north along the coastline.

Here are a few of our favorite stops. 

Battery Spencer and Battery Wagner: Two of the best locations for viewing the Golden Gate Bridge in the headlands area (though the peak of Hawk Hill is also an excellent choice), they`re close enough that one can walk between them. Be prepared, however, for difficulty finding parking.”

Kirby Cove: From Battery Wagner, walk along the trail to Kirby Cove, providing another excellent perspective of the bridge from waterside. There’s also a truly competitive campground down here that books months in advance like nearly every California site these days, but deserves consideration.

Point Bonita Lighthouse: Located on the southwestern-most tip of the headlands is Point Bonita, where visitors can find an intriguing lighthouse that requires crossing a narrow suspended walkway to access. The approximate one-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area to the lighthouse is predominantly level ground.

The Coastal Path / Miwok Loop: If you’re looking for a great, longer hike, head to Rodeo Beach (which merits a stop in its own right) and do this hike up to the heights overlooking the ocean, then down around the backside with a stop at an old tower with great views. For a shorter version that just focuses on the coastal views, this shorter route would be a good alternative.

What about Muir Woods? As we were developing this guide, we decided that we don’t think Muir Woods merits a stop for a couple of factors. One, the permitting system (you need an advance reservation these days) makes things more complex and time consuming. Two, it’s the most crowded redwood grove in California, so you’re not going to find the serenity and tranquility we relate to the redwoods. Last, you’re going to multiple FAR BETTER redwood groves further up the coast. So, with all that in mind, we’d skip it here. It’s a great, easily accessible choice for people not traveling further up the coast, but if you’re tailing this road trip, that’s not you!

Mount Tamalpais

Drive time from the Marin Headlands: 30 minutes / 18 miles

Looking for a stop on the way to Point Reyes from San Francisco? We recommend pausing in Mt. Tamalpais State Park! Grab some coffee and take a brief hike to stretch your legs before continuing your drive.

We enjoy stopping at Equator Coffee for a quick coffee before a morning hike. There are in fact a couple places near Mt. Tamalpais – one along Highway 1, and one in the heart of Mill Valley – we like the beach shack along Highway 1, and it’s a lovely drive from there up to Mt. Tam.

We wouldn’t recommend staying the night here, but it’s a worthwhile stop on your way out of the city heading up the coast, and there are two hikes here worth taking.

• Hike to the East Peak: There are two routes for accessing this hike. The brief version is a short 0.6 mile trek from the parking area that`s perfect for getting some fresh air and light exercise after sitting in the car. Wonderful views of the city and bay are rewarded! The longer approach is to park at the Mountain Home Inn along the Panoramic Highway and ascend to the East Peak from there, which is closer to four miles.”
• Cataract Falls: The hiking route referred to as the Cataract Falls Trail is roughly 3.3 miles in length. Due to the stunning waterfall at the endpoint, visitor numbers can be substantial during peak periods or weekends, so prepare for crowds.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Approximate travel time from Mt. Tamalpais to the Lighthouse: 1 hour and 15 minutes / 39 miles

Around 30 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes is a stunning peninsula that brings together wooded ridges and rolling hills. It’s a natural sanctuary with miles of gorgeous routes and hikes to be explored.

Things to Do at Point Reyes

Hikes in Point Reyes: Here are three hikes in Point Reyes worth tackling while you’re in the area. If you’re searching for incredible coastal views, do the hike out to Tomales Point (it’s out and back, so you can simply stop and turn around when you’re ready to head back).

• Alamere Falls (13 miles): Deep within the Phillip Burton Wilderness, you will encounter a magnificent 40-foot tall waterfall that spills onto the shore before flowing into the Pacific Ocean.
• Tomales Point (9.7 miles): For a chance to see Tule Elk and sweeping coastal vistas.
• Summit of Mt. Wittenberg(4.1 miles): Moderate hike including a decent elevation gain (1,299 ft.) and plentiful shade.

Cheese at Cowgirl Creamery:We`ve come this far without discussing cheese, but it`s time to do so! If you enjoy artisanal organic cheese, don`t miss Cowgirl Creamery. When you stop by, you`ll find more types of cheese than you were aware of, and each is more delicious than the last. Try their Mt. Tam – it`s a favorite for a good reason among both locals and visitors.

Sample Some Mead at Heidrun Meadery: Not very familiar with mead? It’s wine crafted from honey rather than grapes. Delicious, right? Heidrun Meadery is a former dairy farm that has been converted into a bee forage oasis with beautiful pastures, gardens, and a greenhouse. Heidrun Meadery produces unique Champagne-style mead that is light, dry, delicate, and refreshing.

Bovine Bakery: Bovine Bakery is a perfect stop after hiking to refuel. Or something. Make a visit here to sample the pastries – like their bear claws. They are Alysha’s favorite and we believe they’ll be yours too (NOT GLUTEN FREE!).

Shuck Your Own Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co: Looking for a novel experience? At Hog Island Oyster Co., you can purchase oysters to open yourself! Even better, bring some wine (or mead!) and make a picnic of it.

Explore Limantour and Drakes Beaches:Point Reyes has multiple pleasant sandy shorelines for you to investigate – plan for fog by wearing some warm layers and you’ll be able to appreciate the natural beauty of this coast. Limantour Beach is a narrow beach where you can view wildlife while walking along the sand. Harbor seals often hang out just offshore and shorebirds feed along the beaches in the fall. Drakes Beach is located up against white sandstone cliffs and has a Visitors Center and a bookstore on site.

Cypress Tree Tunnel: The Cypress Tree Tunnel features Monterey cypress trees planted in 1930 that now form a tunnel that can be driven through. It’s a brief stop to capture a few images on the way to or from another activity.

Explore the Lighthouse:Constructed in 1870, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was employed to forewarn maritime travelers of the Point Reyes cape during nighttime navigation. Retired since 1975 but remains a scenic destination for visitors. It can become windy and cool out near the lighthouse, so ensure you bring extra layers of clothing.

• Recommendations for lodging in Paris for first-time visitors

Where to Stay in Point Reyes

• Finest Views: Principal (panoramic perspectives overlooking the town and of the Minster), Grays Court (some rooms afford close views of the Minster), Hilton (magnificent outlooks of the city walls), Queens Hotel (panoramas overlooking the River Ouse)

• Rice Trotters: This fast-casual eatery offers a solid lunch option. They also do not use gluten in any dishes. You pick your base of either rice or salad then select your primary dish featuring flavors from global cuisines in different stews.

Mendocino & Fort Bragg

Travel duration from Point Reyes Station: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes / 136 miles

Mendocino, on the Northern California coastline, is peak California coastal beauty. Highway 1 passes directly through the center of town, and on one side of the road you’ll find the towering redwood groves of Russian Gulch State Park, and on the other, a series of coastal bluffs with impressive oceanic panoramas.

In other words, it’s magical. 

The towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg themselves are also fun.

Mendocino consists of at least 72% inns, however there are some nice spots to eat and drink in town, numerous fun shops ranging from plants to local art and home items, and there’s a beautiful headlands trail that leaves right from the edge of town.

Fort Bragg is significantly less picturesque, but don`t let that deter you from visiting. It offers many worthwhile attractions in its own right, and is arguably more lively than Mendocino thanks to breweries, coffee shops, and a more down-to-earth atmosphere.”

What to Do In and Around Mendocino and Fort Bragg

There’s a diverse variety of activities and sights to partake in and view in Mendocino, from wine sampling to coastal hiking, so you’ll need to carefully select and narrow down from the list below contingent on your interests.

Russian Gulch State Park: There are essentially two halves of this state park – the coastal half, where you’ll find an excellent trail according to an external link that takes you around the point and out onto the headlands, and the redwood section which is on the other side of the highway. We enjoy the brief four mile hike according to an external link to the waterfall, where an impressive 36-foot waterfall can be witnessed. This hike descends sharply down into a canyon surrounded by various types of ferns along the trail and towering redwoods overhead. There`s also a nice beach – Russian Gulch Beach – directly under the bridge that is worth stopping at. If you`re looking for a longer hike, the loop trail according to an external link takes you through the redwood forest, to the aforementioned waterfall, and back along a different fern-filled trail.

Point Cabrillo: You`ll need to walk around half a mile to reach the red-roofed lighthouse overlooking this coastal area, but it`s worth the effort. Along the walk are some amusing informational signs that appear to keep kids engaged and interested. The lighthouse itself was constructed in 1909, and now runs automatically, meaning you can actually reside in the keepers quarters, a fun twist. On the ground floor of the lighthouse is a gift shop where you can find items like postcards and souvenirs. In spring and fall, this is a great place to spot gray whales from shore (in summer, coastal fog often makes seeing tricky most days).

Ten Mile Beach: This Northern California beach offers more than just attractive sand and surf. The Ten Mile Beach is a nature reserve that is home to over 90 types of birds, seals, and river otters. It is located 10-15 minutes north of Fort Bragg, making the journey worthwhile.

Explore the Mendocino Headlands: Mendocino Headlands State Park is a 7,400-acre wildlife corridor of staggering seaside cliffs, panoramic views of the ocean, and beaches. Big River Beach is a popular spot for picnicking and surfing, but there are also many trails to walk and uncover. Here`s the main one, which we’ve trekked and enjoyed.

North Coast Brewing Co: Beer aficionados, we haven’t forgotten about you! North Coast Brewing Co serves barrel-aged brews, a menu of delicious fare with generous portions, and even has live Jazz during peak times.

Breakfast at the Good Life Cafe: Looking for a place to stop in for breakfast? Good Life Cafe serves fair-trade coffee, juice, and organic bites to eat with plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options. You can enjoy your breakfast on the outdoor patio or take it to go for a morning picnic on the beach.

Glass Beach: While you’re in Fort Bragg, make sure you check out Glass Beach, a beach covered in beautiful sea glass. Keep in mind it’s illegal to take any sea glass home with you, but it’s still worth a visit to this unique beach that was actually created due to years of dumping refuse near the coastline.

Where to Stay in Mendocino

It is important to note that lodging in Mendocino tends to be very expensive, more so than average.

This recommends staying to the south of Mendocino along the scenic coast near the village of Little River, which offers equally beautiful scenery and commonly lower price accommodations.

Here are some good options both in and around Mendocino and down near Little River.

If you’re seeking lodging directly in the heart of Mendocino, we would suggest the Blue Door Inns, a contemporary hotel (much of the B&Bs in Mendocino appeal more to the `lived-in, antiquated` appeal, and this place has a decidedly more modern style) with 19 rooms spread across three properties in Mendocino.

Included with your accommodations are breakfast delivered to your room and an afternoon wine and cheese picnic. Of the three properties, the JD House and Packard House appeal most to us, which seem a little more relaxed and laid back.

If staying just outside of town doesn’t bother you, we’ve got two great options for you.

First is Mendocino Grove, which offers glamping at its finest (and has been on our list for years, but we’re always passing through in the winter on our annual Seattle to San Francisco road trip, which means they’re closed for the season).

The campground uses a layout of platform tents organized into small clusters with shared outdoor spaces between, with most tents sleeping two people and some accommodating four to six.

Some tent areas are dog-friendly, and each tent comes equipped with its own fire pit for roasting marshmallows. In common spaces, activities like bocce ball and hammocks are available for downtime when exploring isn`t happening.

There’s also a bathhouse for warm showers, which could be appealing if you like camping but not the dirty part afterward.

As two individuals who spent most of 2020 and 2021 on a never ending road outing around the Western US, we came to value shower accessibility as a key facility after several two week periods with no showers.

Another excellent option is the Brewery Gulch Inn, which is situated just south of town perched atop a bluff with splendid coastal perspectives.

It presents somewhat differently than most areas, with more communal spaces such as a dining hall and living room (featuring a wonderful four-sided fireplace!) comprising ten rooms constructed around those regions. Accommodations are spacious and comfortable, including seating zones and fireplaces. It’s costly (extremely expensive truly), but a novel take on a coastal inn.

• Trailhead Location: Obstruction Point Trailhead

We stayed in the area previously, and it’s a perfect blend of proximity to Mendocino, but very quiet at night (unless you count the roosters in the morning).

Our two selections here are the Seafoam Lodge, which has recently undergone renovations and offers both hotel-style rooms and standalone bungalows for visitors, and the Andiron Seaside Inn and Cabins, which presents a similar concept while situated on a farm.

• ( Duncan)The Community Farm Store
• ( Multiple)49th Parallel Grocery
• ( Coombs)Old Country Market – plus they have goats on the roof. Yes, literally.

• For couples, we appreciate this rustic forest lodging with its charming deck overlooking the woodland, and this cool highrise that has everything two people will need for a brief stay

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• For families and groups, inspect this two bedroom home with a magnificent vista from the Adirondack chairs on the deck.

Eureka

Travel time from Mendocino: around 3 hours / 145 miles

On your way up to Trinidad, which we think should be your next overnight stop, you will pass through the town of Eureka, which is peak Humboldt County in our minds.

This location represents your last readily-accessible source for major amenities – there is a Costco (as well as a Costco gas station, offering among the most affordable fuel prices locally), a Safeway supermarket, and other similar facilities.

Additionally, when you visit Eureka, a few places you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Humboldt Cider Company: Excellent – and we truly, genuinely mean that – hard cider. We’d argue it’s some of the highest quality in California. We ensure we stop here each time we drive through the vicinity. They have a taproom in downtown Eureka, which we visited on our last trip and boasts an incredible selection of their ciders on tap (along with some local beers that are difficult to find elsewhere), and a cider garden up the hill outside of town, which is weekends only at the time of writing and has a fantastic outdoor area.

In our view, spending 3 days in Florence is a better amount of time. It’s enough to fully experience the major sites and even take a day trip elsewhere in wider Tuscany. If you haven’t already, check out our 3 day Florence itinerary.

The Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate business in Eureka is a delightful place for chocolate aficionados. It features a wide range of chocolates from around the globe alongside their own brand of chocolate, which visitors can watch being made through a window to the production facility located right in the tasting room. They also provide hot chocolate and drinking chocolate at the bar, though the chocolate chai drink stood out as the clear top choice for us (the sipping chocolate was also excellent, but that chocolate chai…so tasty). Plus, free samples are included!

Remarkable Murals: Eureka is renowned as an artist`s haven, and walking around town confirms this fact. There`s a great gathering of street art situated in Eureka, mostly on the sides of buildings, and if you’re up for a brief stroll to stretch your legs, we`d suggest this independently guided tour of Eureka’s murals.

Trinidad

The drive time from Eureka was approximately 25 minutes over 20 miles.

Although Trinidad is a small coastal town approximately 25 minutes from Eureka, there are plenty of activities available, like some of the finest beaches along the Northern California shoreline.

We think it’s a better home base for the Northern California coast than Eureka, too, because it’s approximately 30 minutes closer to the parks that make up the complex that is Redwood National and State Parks.

Here are some of our recommendations:

Trinidad State Beach: A worthwhile stop when combined with the above trail, this beach is walkable from the same trailhead and features nice sandy beaches with Oregon Coast-like attributes thanks to the many towering rock formations jutting out from the ocean just offshore. Pewetole Island is the largest and most impressive.

College Cove: This is a secluded stretch of beach just north of Trinidad State Beach with views of the tree-covered Pewetole Island. You must do a brief and simple little hike to get there, which significantly cuts the crowds compared to other nearby beaches. Dog friendly.

Sue-Meg State Park (Formerly Patrick’s Point State Park): This is a very small park (1 square mile) with tidepools and plenty of beautiful flora having a possibility to see seals, sea lions, and whales. It’s definitely worth hiking the rim trail, which takes you surrounding the exterior of the head where you’ll find numerous stunning views. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Wedding Rock, which was potentially our favorite view in the park.

Moonstone Beach County Park: This location is popular among surfers and families since young children can play safely in the slow-moving river current.

The hike is brief and suitable for all ability levels, with amazing views as a reward—definitely worthwhile. It is important to note that the land is owned by the Makah Tribe, requiring a separate recreation permit.

Where to Stay in Trinidad

We stayed at the View Crest Lodge in Trinidad, which is near the redwood forests and shoreline and offers charming rustic cabins for rent (we enjoyed our time there, as a matter of fact).

Rooms are roomy, some have full kitchens, which we appreciate because we’re usually cooking for ourselves, and our room had a deck with an ocean view.

Plus, we could hear the sea lions barking from our bed!

We also considered the Emerald Forest Cabins, which are situated just north of the city of Trinidad and were our secondary choice.

Preference for a vacation rental, to have more space?

• Couples should examine the amazing home in a scenic location with spectacular ocean perspectives visible from the living area.
• Families and social gatherings have some excellent options – this charming residence with scenic ocean views looks remarkable, as does this pet-friendly top floor flat.

Connect here to see all your accommodations in Trinidad.

Redwood National & State Parks

Travel time by vehicle from Trinidad to Crescent City (furthest northern point): 1 hour 20 minutes / 60 miles

This section of the California shoreline has unique qualities. On our last outing where we were coming from an itinerary along the Oregon Coastline back to San Francisco, we were traveling along a stretch of 101 just south of the Oregon boundary, winding our way through the towering trees.

Typically, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are visited together as they are merely 62 miles apart, allowing exploration of both scenic locations on a single trip.

In this less-visited (mostly because it’s somewhat difficult to access) part of Northern California, you’ll find towering redwoods that are several thousand years old that are tucked away just off the beautiful California coastline.

The property offers an overnight experience that is quite unique and well worth considering.

So specifically what areas are included under the designation of “Redwood National and State Parks?”

It’s a complex falling under the purview of the National Park Service, but incorporating a couple distinct California State Parks, like Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, among others.

These parks were brought under the NPS after activism by the Save the Redwoods League, who fought to preserve the best example of coastal redwoods in the state against the desire of logging companies.

It’s worth bearing in mind that these lands once belonged to Indigenous Americans in the past.

For thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers, several tribes in Northwest California considered this area their home, with both the Yurok and Tolowa peoples having ancestral lands within the park boundaries.

The British explorer named Jedidiah Smith, for whom one of the state`s parks is designated, was the first European to explore the northern coastline. A subsequent gold rush occurring in the 1850’s brought about conflict amongst the Indigenous tribes inhabiting the region, and led to the forced removal (and murder) of thousands of individuals so that the new arrivals could search peacefully for gold.

Not a great look, America. 

As you experience the natural splendors around you, remember this sentiment.

With all that stated, here are some worthwhile stops in Redwood National and State Parks.

Things to Do at Redwood National and State Parks

The reality is, you could probably spend a full two weeks exploring the Redwoods. But since we’re working through a full itinerary, we’ve compiled the best destinations below, at least according to our experience.

We recently spent a couple of days exploring the redwoods in this neck of the woods (see what we did there?) for basically the initial time, and it was breathtaking despite the pouring rain the whole time.

UPDATE 2022: We recently returned and can affirm it remains spectacular!

Fern Canyon: One of the most distinctive, picturesque spots in the redwoods, Fern Canyon is accurately its name: a small-scale valley blanketed in ferns. Note: 4WD / higher ground vehicles are preferred here – there’s a handful of areas in the road which will present somewhat of a challenge for a sedan. You can park at Gold Bluffs Beach Campground and hike around, connecting to the Fern Canyon Trail through the Miner’s Ridge trail, which is approximately a 7 mile hike.

Big Lagoon: Perfect for water activities like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, as well as camping.

Trillium Falls: A 2.6 mile long trail that loops through ancient redwood woods containing a scenic waterfall.

Howland Hill Route: 10 mile long dirt road where one can drive amidst the redwoods. Allow approximately one hour to take this scenic drive.

Stout Memorial Grove: A brief but breathtaking 0.9 mile loop along Howland Hill Road. Parts of Return of the Jedi and Jurassic Park: A Lost World were shot nearby – look out for ewoks!

Where to Stay at Redwood National and State Parks

There are also some remarkable camping areas here – like Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, a small campground situated on the coastline, and Elk Prairie Campground, which neighbors an open field where elk often congregate. These spots take reservations, but you will need to book ahead as they fill up extremely fast.

If you’re not camping, you’ll want to base yourself in Trinidad as your home location for exploring this area, because it offers the best selection of hotels and other amenities.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the View Crest Lodge, where we stayed during our most recent trip. A nice house rental in Trinidad provides another suitable option.

Avenue of the Giants

The drive time from Trinidad to the northern extent of Avenue of the Giants is approximately one hour and 55 miles.

The Avenue of the Giants is a 31 mile scenic pathway that will take you through Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the original Highway 101. It displays the tremendous redwood forests of Northern California in their full grandeur.

After tackling Avenue of the Giants, it’s worth taking a little time to explore the rest of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Specifically, we greatly enjoyed the Bull Creek Westside Loop, which is a relatively straightforward three mile hike passing through forest floors cloaked in ferns, going under towering redwoods.