Redwood National and State Parks, a natural wonderland that stands as a testament to the majesty of ancient forests. Nestled along the rugged coastline of northern California, this awe-inspiring expanse of protected land is renowned for its towering giants—the iconic coast redwood trees, some of which have stood for over 2,000 years, reaching heights that seem to touch the sky. The parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, encompass a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush, fern-laden canyons to pristine rivers and miles of pristine coastline. Visitors to Redwood National and State Parks can embark on a journey through time, exploring trails that wind beneath the colossal canopies of these ancient trees, immersing themselves in the serene ambiance of the temperate rainforest.
This unique and enchanting destination beckons nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone seeking solace in the embrace of nature's grandeur. And this 3-day itinerary is going to take you on a magical journey through this incredible park.
KNOW BEFOREHAND
Nearest Airport: There are actually a few different airports, all within similar driving distances of each other. We'd recommend searching flight info for each one to find the best deal!
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Best time to go: Much of northern California coast, experiences a Mediterranean climate. This means mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The Pacific Ocean has a moderating effect on the climate along the coast, keeping temperatures relatively stable. The ocean acts as a temperature buffer, preventing extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter. You will typically enjoy mild and pleasant temperatures year-round, with average highs in the 60s and 70s°F (15-25°C) in the winter and 70s to low 80s°F (20-30°C) in the summer.
Coastal areas, are known for their fog, especially during the summer months. This is often referred to as the marine layer. Fog can influence visibility and temperatures, making for cooler, overcast mornings.
While most locations are open year-round, there may be some seasonalities to operating hours and times, so we strongly recommend doublechecking each individual locations hours before visiting.
Our recommendation though, would be spring or fall months as this will help reduce crowds and peak season pricing.
Transportation: Since this is a road trip itinerary, a rental car will be needed. We've compiled this itinerary in a way that would start and finish at one of the San Francisco Bay Area airports listed above, all of which have car rentals available. So this would be our recommendation, but if you would prefer other modes of transportation, feel free!
OVERVIEW
Total mileage: 800 miles (1287km) Total drive-time: 16 hours Estimated cost: $1,000-$1,500 (This estimate is largely based on the cost of accommodations, gas and meals. Most of the activities are free or low-cost. It can certainly be cheaper or more expensive depending on your preferences. But we believe this is a realistic range based on activities).
Accommodations:
The hotels and accommodations in this itinerary were hand-picked by us based on our own experiences with these locations. We tried to provide alternative options where possible to offer both family-friendly and pet-friendly options. If our options do not fit your needs, we know there are other options along the route that should fit your needs.
Food & Drinks
While there are a few hotel and Airbnb accommodations in this itinerary, much of it is geared towards spending time in the National and States Park, along with their respective campgrounds. We are excluding meals from the itinerary, and would recommend either planning to pack or make your own food, or search nearby restaurant options. From our experience, Eureka and Crescent City have the most dining options around the parks.
National Park Fee
Redwood National Park is one of a handful of parks that does not require any entrance fee. The only costs would be for accommodations, activities, meals and gas.
