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The ultimate coastal redwoods road trip

Walking among giants... it never gets old

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Created by Roadtrippers Partners - May 18th 2018

This trip is brought to you by our friends at 76®!

I t's one thing to read about California's redwoods, and to look at pictures of the behemoth trees towering over tiny-looking people standing around them, but it's another thing entirely to experience them for yourself. For all their ginormous size, they're quite delicate; proper conditions for redwoods to thrive are mostly only found along the coast of Northern California, although centuries ago, they once stretched into the Pacific Northwest. While the Avenue of the Giants is the most popular redwoods road trip, you can find stands of the trees as far south as San Francisco, and as far north as Crescent City, a few short miles from the Oregon border. In fact, Redwoods National Park includes a string of state parks and other forests, making the park itself a kind of road trip. Along the way are tons of redwood-themed roadside attractions, including classic drive-thru trees. Mixing the kitsch in with the powerful experience of feeling minuscule among the ancient giants makes for one heck of an adventure.

Muir Woods National Monument

Mill Valley, CA

You don't need to go far from the city to experience the majesty of wandering among massive redwoods. Muir Woods National Monument is in San Francisco's backyard, right across the Golden Gate Bridge. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, Muir Woods National Monument is both rich in history and full of hiking trails to explore. Home to the Coast Miwok people in the past, and now a centerpiece of ongoing conservation efforts, it represents an honest look at the intersection between humans and nature and how we coexist. The main trail is a 2-mile boardwalk around the forest, or take the quicker loop from the visitor center through the stunning Founders Grove and back.

1 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Offering a glimpse at what used to be, long before logging changed the landscape forever, the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is the perfect spot to connect with magnificent living trees and explore the natural wonders of the world. The redwood trees tower over 200 feet tall and can live for more than a thousand years. Stop by the visitor center to kick off the day, then navigate your way through a handful of scenic self-guided trails as you take in the beauty of this incredible and breathtaking nature reserve. And don't worry if the weather is a little grey or misty... the fog makes the forest look all the more magical.

2 Van Damme State Park

No, it's not named after Jean-Claude, but this park is still epic. Unload your camping gear and get ready to call Van Damme State Park home for a few stress-free days of relaxation. Van Damme State Park offers beaches, lush forests of ferns, and plenty of camping. Whether you’re looking to go hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking, the park has you covered and is one of the more popular campgrounds in the surrounding area. The park is well-known for its past connection with the lumber industry and offers an honest and raw look at our relationship with nature. The Pygmy Forest is one of the more unique features here; mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand an adorably minuscule six inches to eight feet tall! Or if you're looking for a hike, the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail System is the best place to start.

Drive-Thru Tree Park

Leggett, CA

Ever drive through an ancient redwood tree? No? You’re in luck. Head on over to Drive-Thru Tree Park, and you’ll get to cross that off your bucket list. A perfect stop for the entire family, this quick tour lets you drive through a real-life Chandelier tree. At the end of the trip, hop out and take a few photos in front of the tree trunk! It's only $5 for the chance to say you drove through a redwood tree, and since this is the only place on Earth where you can experience this, you'd be remiss to not stop by. Plus, the park and gift shop make a great place to stretch your legs.

4 One-Log House

How many logs does it take to build a home? Only one... if the famous One-Log House is your standard, that is. It was hollowed out in 1946 from a single redwood log rumored to be over 2,000 years old and weighing over 42 tons. One could even argue this home was the first tiny house! Although the one-log cabin doesn’t come with a two-car garage, it was built on wheels as the original artist had hoped to tour the home across the country; ultimately he was unable to, due to the tree’s size. The tour of the home won’t last long, but it’s a unique experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. The gift shop next by is an excellent place to pick up a few souvenirs and learn more about the home’s history.

5 Avenue of the Giants

Located in the center of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Avenue of the Giants is a world-famous, 31-mile drive which offers arguably the best views of the majestic redwood trees that California has to offer. With eight key stopping points, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and take in the surrounding trees. Feeling adventurous? Go fishing or swimming in the nearby Eel River. Craving some kitsch? The Immortal Tree might not be the oldest tree in the forest (it's only 950 years old), but it's survived floods, lightning strikes, and a lumberjack's saw. The route was once a part of old Highway 101, so you know the two-lane road is gonna show off some amazing views.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Home to the world’s largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coastal redwoods (and the aforementioned Avenue of the Giants), Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of the best places to feel the magic of the redwood forest. The Save-the-Redwoods League formed the park in 1921 largely from lands purchased from the Pacific Lumber Company. More than 100 of the 137 trees known to stand over 350 feet tall are found in this park. The tallest is the 4th tallest living redwood, the Stratosphere Giant, which measures 370.5 feet. If you’re looking for a quick but worthwhile hike, be sure to give Founders Grove loop a try.

7 Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

One of the lesser explored Redwoods state parks is Grizzly State Park. It offers the beauty of the Redwood trees without the typical tourist rush. Three units make up the park, but the Cheatham Grove is the highlight. If the grove feels familiar, then it's probably because the one-mile-long trail through it was used to film scenes from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi set on the Forest Moon of Endor. It really does feel like an Ewok might pop out from behind a tree at any minute!

8 Redwood National Park

If the towering redwoods you've seen so far aren't cutting it for you, then head to Redwood National Park, where the tallest of the redwoods reside. For those who loved the Avenue of the Giants, cruise the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Or head to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center for some stellar exhibits about the redwoods (and to pick up a permit if you're backcountry camping here.) The adventurous can hike Yurok Loop to Hidden Beach (there are lots of sandy beaches in the park to explore), or make it a quick stroll around the Lady Bird Johnson Grove loop.

Prairie Creek Redwood State Park

Founded in 1923, Prairie Creek Redwood State Park is just 50 miles north of Eureka and home to sandy beaches and herds of Roosevelt elk. Set up camp at the popular Elk Prairie or Gold Bluffs Beach campgrounds and spend days exploring the surrounding trails and sights. With over 75 miles of hiking trails and a popular 19-mile bike loop, there’s plenty to keep you active and satisfied in this incredibly well-kept state park. With Fern Canyon (seen in the hit movie Jurassic Park ) nearby, be sure to head that way for a photo that will make your friends and family jealous. All the fun of Jurassic Park without the chance of getting eaten by a T-Rex? Count me in!

10 The Trees of Mystery

With less than three stops left of your California Redwoods adventure, be sure to take your time at one of California’s most popular attractions. In the center of the Redwood National and State Parks area, the Trees of Mystery is a natural attraction that has been educating and entertaining guests since 1946. Walk the trail devoted to legendary logger Paul Bunyan (Babe the Big Blue Ox is there, too), explore the Trees of Mystery museum, or peruse the gift shop for some last-second souvenirs. You can also see a Candelabra tree, a fallen redwood with several other trees growing from its trunk, the twisting, massive roots of an Elephant tree, and the Cathedral tree, which is actually 9 separate redwoods growing together as one. The distinctive shape comes from the fact that the trees grew around a dead redwood, which rotted away over the years. The one must-do thing here has to be the gondola ride, though... you've spent plenty of time looking up at the trees, and the chance to peer at them from above is amazing.

11 Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park

Established in 1925, Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park is a can’t-miss stop as you drive Highway 101. Spend some time camping at the Mill Creek campgrounds, or venture down the Damnation Trail to the ocean. There are plenty of reasons why Del Norte Coast Redwoods Park remains such a popular attraction. It's a pretty rugged park, with 8 miles of coastline and dense forests, so expect to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping views here.

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Crescent City, CA

All good things must come to an end, but there’s no better place to wrap up your California Redwoods adventure than with a stop at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Just a few miles from the coast, the park is covered with majestic redwood trees. With few directions or markings, Jed Smith’s core is rich in mystery and wonder. Hike over 20 miles of lush, temperate rainforest trails or even snorkel and kayak in the Smith River! Considering that this northernmost redwoods park contains 7 percent of the old-growth redwoods left in the world, I'd say it's the perfect place to wind down a redwoods adventure.

As the saying goes, you have to see it believe it, and that couldn’t be more tree of the magnificent California redwoods that line the California coast with their beauty. Whether you need a few days' break from your busy everyday life, or you're just looking for a chance to get in touch with Mother Nature, this ultimate coastal redwoods road trip is one you soon won’t forget.

Check out more California road trip inspiration from 76® right here!

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Home » Blog3 » Travel Destinations » United States Destinations » Travel California

Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour: A Scenic Drive among the Redwoods

I love trees. There is nothing quite like walking under a lush canopy of trees and feeling the special magic of a living, breathing forest. And when it comes to trees, there is no better place to commune with these magnificent beings than the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California.

Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this scenic byway is home to the world’s tallest trees: Sequoia sempervirens. More commonly known as California redwoods or coastal redwoods, the Sequoia sempervirens typically grow to over 300 feet (91 meters) in height. The trees are so tall that they have entirely separate ecosystems thriving in the upper branches than are visible on the forest floor.

Those are some tall trees! Our motorhome, Appa, parked at our campsite in Burlington Campground.

Redwood trees also hold the distinction of being some of the oldest living things on the planet. Trees in a mature redwood forest typically range between 500 to 1000 years in age, with some that are over 2000 years old.

During our Great America socially distant road trip , my husband Daniel and I decided to spend some quality time among these majestic trees. So after two months hiking in Joshua Tree National Park , we headed north on the Pacific Coast Highway to check out the trees at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Table of Contents

Avenue of the Giants Auto Tour Overview

Stretching for 32 miles along State Route 254, the Avenue of the Giants auto tour is a great introduction to California’s coastal redwoods. When driven from south to north, the trip begins north of Garberville on Highway 101 Exit #645. From there, the scenic byway parallels Highway 101 as it winds through a towering forest of redwood trees until it rejoins the highway at Exit #674 near Pepperwood.

There are eight official stops on scenic drive at points of interest along the route. Look for information signs near both the southern and northern entrances with additional details. Be sure to grab a brochure which includes information about each stop along with a map.

While there are signs along the road at each stop, they can be a little hard to find. We almost drove right past a couple of the stops. I recommend driving slowly and downloading a map (such as this one from AllTrails ) with GPS points for each stop before beginning the drive.

There is no fee to drive the tour unless you pull into a paid tourist attraction such as the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree. For more information including current conditions and closures, be sure to check out the official Humboldt State Park web page .

Information sign at the southern entrance for the auto tour.

Kitschy billboard map located in Garberville behind the Best Western Humboldt House Inn

Driving the Avenue of the Giants

Thinking a few hours would be enough time for this 32-mile scenic drive, Daniel and I set aside an afternoon for the Avenue of the Giants auto tour. Well, we thought wrong. We spent so much time gawking at the trees at each destination that we quickly ran out of time.

Thankfully, there happened to be room at Burlington Campground near the Humboldt State Park Visitor’s Center during our visit in March 2021. We pulled in for the night and spent a magical evening under the redwoods before continuing the drive the next day.

Moral of the story: plan a full day for the entire drive, especially if you plan to check out every stop. Or better yet, break the drive over two days like we did.

Daniel and me at the Franklin K. Lane grove

Stop #1: Franklin K. Lane Grove

The first stop along the Avenue of the Giants auto tour, Franklin K. Lane Grove features a 15-minute loop trail through a dense grove of redwoods. While the trail doesn’t veer too far from the main road, it is still a great introduction to these incredible trees.

This grove is named for former Secretary of the Interior Franklin K. Lane and a plaque honoring his memory is located along the trail. I have mixed feelings about Franklin K. Lane as he is the official who approved the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam in Yosemite National Park. Lane was also the first volunteer president of the Save-the-Redwoods League, however, which is why this particular grove is named in his honor.

Daniel is dwarfed by two giant redwood trees at Franklin K. Lane grove

Franklin K. Lane Memorial Plaque

Stop #2: Bolling Grove

Located next to Elk Creek, Bolling Grove encompasses a small stand of old-growth redwoods. The big draw here appears to be the proximity of the grove to the road – you don’t have to walk far to see these awe-inspiring trees. There doesn’t seem to be any major trails here, but a short path leads to the creek which is fun to explore.

The grove is named for Col. Raynal C. Bolling who was killed in action during World War I.

Note: the Shine Drive-Thru Tree is located between stops #2 and #3. While not an official stop on the tour, it is still definitely worth a visit. More about this attraction is available near the end of this article.

Our Rialta motorhome, Appa, parked at Bolling Grove

I love trees!! Photo by Daniel.

Stop #3: Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor’s Center

The Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor’s Center marks the third official stop along the auto tour. The inside of the Visitor’s Center was closed during our visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were plenty of interesting things to see as well as outdoor exhibits nearby. Picnic tables and flush toilets are available near the Visitor’s Center and access to several nature trails are available across the street.

The Burlington Campground is also located right next to the Visitor’s Center and makes a great stopping point if you plan to break the drive over two days.

Welcome to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor’s Center!

Tree rings tell the story of this tree’s age

Access to several hiking trails is available across the street from the Visitor’s Center

Stop #4: Weott High Water

In December 1964, torrential rains caused the South Fork of the Eel River to overflow to record heights. The flood was so bad that the town of Weott was essentially washed away. Stop #4 on the Avenue of the Giants auto tour depicts the high water mark at this location – which is a staggering 33 feet above the ground. In the nearby town of Miranda, the flood waters crested even higher at 46 feet.

According to the California Parks and Recreation web page on the Eel River Floods of 1955 and 1964 , “At the time of the 1964 flood, the clearcutting of the slopes above Bull Creek was blamed for causing the massive damage along the Eel south of the two streams’ confluence. This triggered a successful push to add Upper Bull Creek to Humboldt National Park.”

The high water mark from the 1964 flood the line at the very top of this 33-foot pole.

Stop #5: Mahan Grove

Mahan Grove is a quiet stand of majestic redwood trees dedicated to Laura and James Mahan. Key members of the Save-the-Redwoods League, the Mahans took a personal stand to save this grove from being logged by timber companies in 1924.

This grove was also my favorite stop along the auto tour. I’m not exactly sure why. There is something especially magical about the trees in Mahan Grove that is hard to put into words.

A network of hiking trails in the grove lead to several destinations of note. The Mahan Plaque Trail is a 1-mile loop to a marker honoring the Mahans deep in the forest. The popular Founders Grove is also only a short .2-mile hike from Mahan Grove. The trails are a little hard to follow so I recommend downloading a map to your phone in advance.

Note: Founders Grove is located between stops #5 and #6 along the Avenue of the Giants auto tour. While not an official stop, it is one of the most popular attractions in the park and worth a visit. You can either hike to it as described above or drive a short distance to the parking area. More about this attraction is available near the end of this article.

Mahan Plaque honoring Laura and James Mahan

There is something especially magical about Mahan Grove

Stop #6: Dyerville Lookout

Dyerville Lookout is a pleasant rest stop along Highway 101 Exit #663 with picnic tables and a day use area. It is also the location where the community of Dyerville used to be located. Unfortunately, the entire town was washed away in the flood of 1955. By the time the historic flood of 1964 swept through the river valley, Dyerville was already gone.

Perched on a hillside next to the Highway, Dyerville Lookout affords great views of the Eel River down below. It is one of the few stops along the Avenue of the Giants auto tour that is not completely shaded by redwood trees so it’s a nice spot to catch some sunshine. Several interpretive signs tell the story of the flood as well as other historical information.

The view from Dyerville Lookout

Stop #7: Chandler Grove

Chandler Grove provides access to several short trails on a hillside behind the parking area. The trails loop through the woods and lead to the Big Triple Tree at the top of the ridge.

While the grove is technically old-growth, the trees aren’t as tall or as impressive as in other areas of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This was probably my least favorite destination along the route. If you are short on time and need to skip a stop, this would be the one.

Chandler Grove

Stop #8: Drury-Chaney Grove

The eighth and final stop on the Avenue of the Giants auto tour, Drury-Chaney Grove leads to a 2.5 loop trail through a magnificent stand of redwoods. Unfortunately we ran out of time to hike the trail, but it is supposed to be spectacular. If we come back to the area, hiking this trail will be at the top of my list.

The grove is dedicated to Ralph Works Chaney and Newton B. Drury. Chaney was a conservationist and scholar of paleobotany who was a former president of the Save-the-Redwoods League. Drury was the fourth director of the National Park Service and the executive director of the Save the Redwoods League.

Ralph Works Chaney Memorial Plaque

Drury-Chaney Grove near the beginning of the trailhead

Shrine Drive-Thru Tree

While not officially on the Avenue of the Giants auto tour, the Shine Drive-Thru Tree Auto Park is located along the route and one of my favorite stops in the area. As advertised, here you can drive your car through a hole in the bottom of a redwood tree – provided it is smaller than 7 feet by 7 feet. Our RV is too large to fit through the tree so we had to content ourselves with walking through the tunnel.

There are other things of interest to see at the Auto Park, including a walk-thru stump and a drive-on log. My favorite attractions, however, were a couple of cute tree houses carved out of redwood trunks. These adorable fairy houses are just the right size for kids to crawl into and explore (I squeezed into them too but it was a tight fit!)

The cost to visit the Shine Drive-Thru Tree is $10 for vehicles, $5 for motorcycles, and $3 for walk-ins.

Adorable tree houses. Photo by Daniel.

Founder’s Grove

One of the most popular destinations in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Founders Grove provides access to a magnificent stand of old-growth redwoods and a half-mile interpretive trail. The biggest attraction at this grove is Founders Tree which is 346.1 feet high with a diameter of 12.7 feet and a circumference of 40 feet.

Daniel stands next to Founders Tree for scale. That is one enormous tree.

Another large tree at Founders Grove that was previously hit by lightening. Photo by Daniel.

Garberville

Located 8 miles south of the official entrance for the Avenue of the Giants, Garberville is a great jumping off place from which to explore the Redwoods. The town is home to several hotels and restaurants, including a fabulous small joint called Cecil’s New Orleans Bistro . Daniel and I stopped at Cecil’s for dinner during our visit and it was one of the best meals we’ve had in a while.

The area is also home to kitschy attractions that are fun for visitors of all ages. The Blue Moon Fun Stuff Shop in Garberville has loads of toys and oddball gifts, including a corner filled with unicorn-themed items (yay!). But my favorite tourist attraction by far is the Legend of BigFoot gift shop. Located just south of town, the Legend of BigFoot is filled with sasquatch-themed souvenirs and wood-carved knickknacks in all shapes and sizes. A statue of sasquatch holding some tiny gnomes? Yes please!

Welcome to the Legend of BigFoot!

At Legend of BigFoot, you can get your picture taken with a sasquatch or a giant gnome! Photo by Daniel.

You know you want to buy this statue. Classy! Seriously though if I owned a home I would be tempted…

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of my other posts about traveling in California!

Northern California Coast Road Trip: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway

• Best Hikes in Joshua Tree: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
• Joshua Tree Day Trip: The Ultimate One-Day Joshua Tree Itinerary
• 10 Fun and Quirky Things to Do Near Joshua Tree

Have you driven the Avenue of Giants Auto Tour? I’d love to hear from you! Share your comments below.

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Hi, i'm unicorn.

I am an avid hiker, traveler, and adventurer who is on the mission to explore hiking trails around the world.  I’m also obsessed with National Parks, long-distance trails and other outdoorsy things.

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Tour the Avenue of the Giants

• Address: 17119 Avenue of the Giants, Interpretive & Visitor Center
• Weott, CA 95571
• Phone: (707) 946-2263
• Visit Website

Surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this world-famous scenic drive is by far the most outstanding display of giant trees in the California redwood belt.  This 31-mile portion of historic Highway 101, which runs parallel to the modern Highway 101 and is accessible by most vehicles, is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world.   Ave. of the Giants Google Map . Picnic, camp, hike, swim, fish, raft or bike ride in the cool hush of the redwood forest. As the main artery into the heart of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants provides access to numerous hiking trails and memorial groves . Stop at the posted trail heads and access roads--you won't be disappointed! There are also a number of spots from which you can access the Eel River for fishing, swimming and other water fun.   Just two miles south of Weott is the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center 707-946-2263, located on the Avenue, adjacent to Burlington campground. Here is a wonderful stop to stretch your legs, have a picnic and gather information about the area. There is a substantial natural history museum as well as the unique "Travel Log" display. Along the Avenue there are a number of sleepy small towns including Pepperwood, Redcrest, Weott, Myers Flat ( Shrine Drive-Thru Tree) , Miranda and Phillipsville. Stop to browse in quaint gift shops for your redwood memorabilia, or to pick up your picnic supplies. And when you decide to spend a night or two, go to our LODGING  site and choose Garberville/Ave of Giants to see all that is available to make your stay more enjoyable.   Directions: Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, The Avenue of the Giants parallels Hwy 101 and the Eel River for 31 miles, and can be accessed from the following exits running north to south: Phillipsville, Miranda, Myers Flat, Weott (Visitor Center), Redcrest, Pepperwood.

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Redwood Highway: Northern California's Most Scenic Drive

On California's Redwood Highway, you might expect to the 175-mile drive between Leggett and Crescent City take you through one big, continuous forest, but redwood trees don't grow like that. They cluster in groves instead.

Between those groves, you will also see some of Northern California's most dramatic scenery. You can spot elk, hike through a canyon filled with ferns, or stop to see the famous Chandelier Tree where you can actually drive your car through the trunk of the tree (it got its name from the branches).

With enough time, you can also take side trips, travel through time into a village full of charming Victorian-era homes, watch the waves crash on offshore rocks, or take a photo of yourself next to an oversized statue of Paul Bunyan and his pal Babe the Blue Ox.

Coastal Redwood Basics

The trees that grow along the Redwood Highway are Coastal redwoods (sequoia sempervirens). They're the tallest living things on our planet, reaching 300 to 350 feet high and 16 to 18 feet across, which actually makes them look skinny. If you're looking for the massive, thick-trunked redwoods, you need to go to the Sierra Nevada Mountains around Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks instead.

Top Sights Along the Redwood Highway

The dramatic scenery along the Redwood Highway is between Crescent City on the north and Leggett on the south. Here are a few don't-miss sights along the way, organized from north to south.

Howland Hill Road: Of all the things you shouldn't miss along the Redwood Highway, Jedediah Smith State Park is at the top of the list. That's where you can take the super-scenic Howland Hill Road, a 6-mile drive that is a must if you have never been in an unspoiled redwood forest .

Crescent City:  This is the home port for a commercial fishing fleet, which you can see coming and going in the bay. The things to do in Crescent City  include visiting its scenic lighthouse and hunting for agate stones on a nearby beach.

Prairie Creek Redwoods:  During Roosevelt Elk mating season, all you have to do to see the bulls bellow and challenge each other for mating rights is pull off the road. Any time of year, you can hike through the scenic Fern Canyon with 50-foot-tall walls draped with seven kinds of ferns, or pitch your tent near the ocean at Gold Bluffs Campground.

Eureka: Plan your visit  to a cute little town that's a good place for an overnight stay. Besides visiting the nearby redwood parks, you can also admire the exuberant Victorian architecture in the Old Town area, go bird-watching at the nearby marsh or take a cruise on the Humboldt Bay. 

Side Trip to Ferndale:  The four-mile side trip off the main highway to get to Ferndale is worth the trip all by itself, crossing the Eel River and passing fields and dairy farms. It will take you to the town which stood in for Lawson in the 2001 Jim Carrey film  The Majestic.  It's as neat as the proverbial pin, with its streets lined with Victorian-style cottages. 

Scotia: Scotia is worth a quick side drive off the highway to see the last remaining "company town" in America. It's home to about 250 Pacific Lumber Company employees, some of whom have worked for the company for generations.

Humboldt Redwoods: No redwood park in the State of California can beat Humboldt Redwoods State Park for the height of its trees. One-third of the park is an old-growth forest, making it the most extensive expanse of ancient redwood trees left on planet earth. The most dense and impressive groves are along Bull Creek and the Eel River, and the best stops are Founders Grove and the Women's Federation Grove.

Avenue of the Giants: Within Humboldt Redwoods, the 39-mile-long Avenue of the Giants  is the highlight of the visit, and one of the don't-miss things to do along the Redwood Highway. It's the only place in the world where you can drive on a paved road between soaring coastal redwood trees that can grow as tall as a 30-story building and make the park smell like Christmas all year round.

More Sights on the Redwood Highway

If you read other guides to the Redwood Highway, you'll find lots of other redwood groves and small parks listed. Each one has its claim to fame, but most are smaller than the locations listed above and are better for a quick picnic stop than for an extended stay that would take up time better spent elsewhere.

Lady Bird Grove is also frequently mentioned on the Redwood Highway. However, it is often foggy, and at 1,200 feet above sea level, it's too high to find the dramatic groves you can find at lower elevations.

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway at Prairie Creek Redwoods is also less remarkable compared to Avenue of the Giants or Howland Hill Road.

Roadside Attractions

Besides all the natural beauty on the Redwood Highway, you'll find a generous helping of roadside kitsch.

These are some of the roadside attractions you'll find along the Redwood Highway, from north to south. All of these attractions are privately owned and charge admission. Larger vehicles may be too wide to actually drive through the trees.

• At Trees of Mystery north of Klamath, you can take a gondola ride through the forest or a selfie with a life-sized rendition of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox
• The One-Log House near Garberville is self-explanatory and doesn't take long to see.
• Along the road around Garberville, you'll find lots of roadside stands selling Bigfoot souvenirs.
• At Confusion Hill in Piercy, you can see the World Famous Gravity House, the Redwood Shoe House, and Ripley's Believe It or Not's "World's Tallest Free-standing Redwood Chainsaw Carving."
• The World Famous Tree House is also in Piercy. 
• The Chandelier Drive-Through Tree is near Leggett and is one of the few places left in California where you can actually drive through the middle of standing redwood.

Tips for Driving on the Redwood Highway

Betsy Malloy Photography

Parts of U.S. Highway 101 between Crescent City and Leggett are two lanes with no shoulders and only occasional passing areas. You may need an ample supply of patience, especially with those drivers going 45 miles per hour who don't think the signs that say "slower traffic use turnouts" applies to them.

If you're driving one of those slow vehicles, know the law. If you see five or more cars behind you, you must pull off the road as soon as you can do so safely and allow them to pass. 

If you're driving an RV or towing a travel trailer, you won't have any trouble as long as you stay on the main highways. You can even take them on the Avenue of the Giants scenic drive. Smaller side roads may not be accessible to you, including the drive to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluff Beach in Prairie Creek Redwoods, as well as Howland Hill Road.

Depending on your cell phone carrier, you get little to no cell phone service along parts of your drive. Because that may affect your navigation app, the Redwood Highway is one of the places where it's still a good idea to go old school and take a paper map.

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Voyages with Val

Redwood National Park Road Trip- One Day Itinerary

The Redwoods National and State Parks are a must-see destination for any National Parks lovers or nature enthusiasts. Every year these parks attract thousands of visitors who want to get closer to the outdoors and hike among America’s giant and ancient trees. It is a common misconception that all there is to the Redwoods are the trees, but if you know where to go you, can also see fern and moss-filled canyons , stunning wildflower-covered beaches , and wild elk in this one day Redwood National Park Itinerary . 

While you could easily spend multiple days in the Redwoods, you can also get a good feel for all the Redwoods have to offer in one adventure-filled day ! If you only have one day, make the most of it and see the variety available in this National Park. This one-day Redwood National Park Itinerary will walk you through visiting Fern Canyon, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Wilson Creek Beach , as well as other great trail recommendations in the area. 

How to Get to the Redwoods

The Redwoods are about 5 hours 30 minutes from San Francisco and 5 hours from Portland, making it a great weekend destination or a day trip to get away from the city. It is also located along the famous Highway 101,  making it easy to incorporate it into a scenic, long road trip. Drive down the Oregon Coast seeing all the amazing stops before ending your trip at the Redwoods.

We visited when we planned our National Parks  road trip that included Zion and Yosemite. The drive into the Redwoods is almost as magical as the park itself, winding through the trees and over vibrant blue rivers that are iconic to the Pacific Northwest . 

San Francisco to Redwood National Park

The Redwoods are only a 5 and a half-hour drive from San Francisco right along the 101 , making it a great destination for a scenic drive.

You can also take a short flight into the Eureka/ Arcata Regional Airport (ACV), and rent a car on your arrival.

Portland to Redwood National Park

If you are visiting from Portland you can take a little over a 5-hour drive down to Crescent City, California, near the North end of Redwood National Park. This route takes the I-5 South for the majority of the drive before exiting onto US-199 at Grants Pass, Oregon.

You can also take a longer but more scenic drive down the 101 and see the many stops on the Oregon Coast.

Sacramento & Napa Valley to Redwood National Park

If you are visiting from Sacramento or Napa Valley , the drive will also clock in at just over 5 and a half hours . Take I-5 North from Sacramento before exiting at Redding and continuing on CA-299 .

This will also be the route you will take if traveling from Yosemite on your National Parks Road Trip! The drive from Yosemite to Redwoods National Park will take around 9 hours of driving.

Best Places to Stay in Redwood National Park

We stayed in one of the nearby campgrounds, but there is an abundance of options for where to stay in the Redwoods . If you can’t get a  campsite or cabin within the National Park , make sure to check nearby forests and state parks.

If camping is your thing, there is no better place than the Redwoods! Waking up to the trees towering over you is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. However, if you would rather stay in a hotel, there is plenty of options in Crescent City to the North or in Eureka to the South. Stay close to the park to be able to make the most of your one day in the Redwoods.

Campsites in the Redwoods

The list below is not comprehensive, but a good starting point to seek out campgrounds near the Redwoods National and State Parks .

• Jedediah Smith Campground – Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this campground has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Jedediah Smith Campground is reservable from May to October .
• Mill Creek Campground – Mill Creek Campground is located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, South of Crescent City.
• Elk Prairie Campground – This campground is on the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway and has tent sites, RV sites, and cabins for reservation year-round .
• Gold Bluffs Beach Campground – Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach has a campground that allows you to sleep just steps from the ocean and near the famous Fern Canyon Loop Trail.
• Panther Flat Campground – This is where we stayed. We found it to be quite clean with showers available for a fee and walking distance to Smith River

Other Lodging Options

• Bed and Breakfasts – Bed and breakfasts are perfect for a weekend trip or romantic retreat!
• Airbnb – Airbnb is great if you are looking for a private place to stay. I especially love this tiny house and dome house !
• Glamping – If camping isn’t your thing, but you still want to connect with nature, try out glamping! An adorable treehouse or secluded cabin might be perfect for you.

One Day Itinerary in the Redwood National Park

Morning- fern canyon loop, getting to fern canyon.

The first spot on your Redwood National Park Itinerary should be Fern Canyon. Fern Canyon  is located near the coast and Gold Bluffs Beach . This is off the Redwood Highway down about 8 miles of gravel and bumpy road. This was definitely doable in a two-wheel-drive car, but if you have a four-wheel-drive it will be a bit easier and more comfortable. The last mile or so of the road was blocked by a creek washing it out and we walked the last mile or so to the trailhead. This was an easy walk and along the road is a common area for elk to graze .

There is a small entrance fee of $8 that is also covered by state and national park passes . 

Fern Canyon Hike

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.1 miles
• Elevation: 118 ft
• Scenic Rating: 5/5

Fern Canyon Loop is an easy hike for all ages and one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever been on! The ferns reach high above your heads making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s not hard to see why Spielberg chose this area to film parts of the  Jurassic Parks films . 

The loop can be divided into two parts. The lower part will take you through the canyon, while the upper part will lead you along wooden boardwalks among massive trees covered in moss. 

Tip:  The walk is easy, but it may be best to bring your waterproof shoes! There are several water crossings in the canyon that are very shallow but too wide to cross without getting your feet wet. There are sometimes wooden planks or logs, but those can be precarious at best and shouldn’t be completely relied on.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

Getting to lady bird johnson grove.

While Fern Canyon is beautiful it is not the typical Redwood experience. If you are looking to see the more classic, towering redwood trees , check out Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. The trailhead is about 30 minutes from Fern Canyon and has no entrance fee .

About 2.5 miles off Redwood Highway down Bald Hills Road , you will find the trailhead. The road is narrow and a little rough but doable in most four-wheel vehicles. A large wooden bridge will mark the beginning of the trail and after crossing you will reach the loop part of the trail. 

• Length: 1.3 miles
• Elevation: 75 ft
• Scenic Rating: 4.5/5

The Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail  is a beautiful trail that will allow you to see the best of the redwood trees and nature in the region. The beginning of this trail has pamphlets you can take for a self-guided tour as you go. This makes it great for families or kids to make it an educational, fun trip! It is often foggy in the mornings and the trees tower above you, rising through the mist. While I was initially worried it would ruin the views, it made the trail that much more unique and awe-inspiring.

Afternoon- Redwood Scenic Drive

Newton b. drury scenic parkway.

After hiking Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, head North on the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway , a ten-mile scenic drive that parallels Highway 101. This drive should be a stop on everyone’s Redwood National Park Itinerary. It will take you through the redwoods with the benefit of many places to stop and hike on the way. 

Things to See on the Redwoods Scenic Drive

• Prairie Creek Visitor Center – Close to the South end of the drive, wild elk can often be spotted and viewed from a distance near the Visitor Center
• Big Tree – A massive redwood, thought to be 1500 years old
• Corkscrew Tree – A unique, well-named tree that twists around itself in a corkscrew fashion

Wilson Creek Beach

Getting to the beach.

If you are staying near Crescent City , Wilson Creek Beach is a great place to end your Redwoods road trip to have a picnic lunch or watch the sunset . It is located 20 minutes South of Crescent City or 30 minutes north of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. If you are coming from the South you can even drive up through the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for a beautiful view of the trees. Parking is available at the Lagoon Creek Picnic Ground and DeMartin Beach Picnic Area .

If you park next to Lagoon Pond it is a quick walk to Wilson Creek Beach. When we visited in late May, there was a blossoming field of purple wildflowers popping against the beach’s black sands . I was not expecting that and it was one of the highlights of my trip! The actual beach was beautiful as well and in the summer would be a great place to spend an afternoon.

Other Redwoods National Park Trails

If you have more time than one day in your Redwood National Park itinerary, below are some more hikes to fit in your schedule!

• Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail – Continuing down Bald Hills Road from Lady Bird Johnson Grove will lead to the Tall Trees Access Road . There is a permit required for this trail that you can get from the visitor center or online (during COVID).
• Hidden Beach and False Klamath Rock – This is a long trail if you hike the whole thing, but only about a quarter of a mile from the Lagoon Pond parking area has a beautiful lookout of False Klamath Rock.
• Prairie Creek – Prairie Creek is another great trail to see the beauty of the redwoods and the parking area is more accessible than Tall Trees and Lady Bird Johnson Grove.
• Cathedral Trees Trail – This is an easy 3-mile trail through the Redwoods, off the Newton B Drury Scenic Drive.
• Miner’s Ridge and James Irvine Trail – This long trail begins at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center and continues through Fern Canyon and to the beach.

Best Time to Visit the California Redwoods

Spring in the Redwoods

Spring is one of the best times to visit the Redwoods, especially in late Spring. The weather starts to warm slightly and the rain begins to drop off. Fog in the mornings can make for a misty, magical walk, but the summer visitors have not arrived in full yet. Spring is also when you will find wildflowers along the trails in the Redwoods.

Summer in the Redwoods

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Redwoods. Many people come by for a day or several on summer vacation when the rain is gone and the weather warmer. Although it never gets too warm with highs in the 60s.

If you do visit in the summer be sure to check for local fire warnings.

Fall in the Redwoods

Fall is similar to Spring, and another great time to visit the Redwoods. The weather is still fairly warm, but the rain starts to pick up in October and November, so there will be fewer visitors.

Winter in the Redwoods

Winter in the Redwoods is chilly and rainy. It rarely snows this close to the coast, but it does rain and storm often. If you can put up with rain and cold, this is a time to visit the park in solitude in the off-season.

Final Tips for Visiting the Redwoods

• Check if trails allow dogs! Many of the National Park trails do not allow dogs so make sure to do your research and obey the local rules. If dogs are allowed, keep them on a leash and pack out anything your dog may leave behind (you know what I mean).
• Be respectful of others on the trail!  When we went it was so nice and quiet and that was part of what made it so special. Try not to make excessive amounts of noise and only listen to music through headphones.
• If you are on a budget, not all trails require a fee like many National Parks, so this can be great for an inexpensive trip!
• While most of these trails are not excessively difficult and well-maintained, hiking boots or waterproof shoes can make your hike easier if there is a chance of muddy trails.
• Many of the trails are far apart . If you plan on multiple hikes in one day, pick trails near each other or order them so you don’t have to double back.
• Extend your stay in California. California is huge! If you have more time, go on a weekend getaway to recharge . Consider going on a road trip to Big Sur, camping in Joshua tree, or wine tasting at Napa Valley!

Packing List for the Redwoods

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

• Sandals – The beach will be hard to walk on without sandals.  Teva’s  are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip flops will do.
• Hiking Boots – If you are doing any hikes in the Redwoods waterproof hiking boots are a must, especially in the rainy season.  Merrell’s  are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right  socks   to avoid blisters.
• Rain Jacket – Anytime you are visiting Northern California it is a great idea to bring a rain jacket, especially near the coast.  Marmot  makes top-quality rain gear, and  Columbia  has a great, inexpensive option.
• Heavy Coat – Even in the summer the Redwoods can get quite chilly in the morning. Bring a packable  heavy coat , so you will be prepared for chilly mornings!
• Tote – If you are planning a beach day or long picnic, don’t leave without a   beach tote ! Out of the Woods makes sustainable totes made of paper that are perfect for the beach.
• Backpack – If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good  backpack ! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
• Hat – I always bring both a  beanie hat  for warmth and a baseball cap to keep ticks away when hiking.
• Blanket – A  beach blanket  is a must if you are going to be having a picnic or spend a long time at Wilson Creek Beach or one of the other great beaches near the Redwoods.
• Cooler – A  cooler  will both keep your lunch cold for that picnic and can be used to chill your snacks and drinks as you road trip along the coastal highway.

You May Also Like

• Best Things To Do on the Oregon Coast
• 11 Scenic Drives in the World for a Road Trip
• 2 Days in Yosemite Nationa l Park
• Budget for a National Parks Road Trip (Under $2000)

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Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Avenue of the Giants: The 31 Mile Redwood Drive You Have to Do

The 31-mile road, known as the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California, is one of the best stretches of highway in the state. I would put it next to the Big Sur coast in terms of the sheer beauty that you pass as you drive through it. The greens, browns, and yellows will blow you away as you curve around the windy State Route 254 in search of your favorite grove. If you have not driven this road then you must add it to your bucket list, it is one of the best places in California. Here are my favorite stops on the Avenue of the Giants. If you are looking for a map, there is one right when you get off the freeway on the right-hand side. I recommend taking a picture of it so that you can reference it while driving or picking up one of the auto tour maps.

Here is a video I made on my drive through Avenue of the Giants in 2019

Here is a little history on the area:

The Avenue of the Giants was the original stretch of Route 101 until a freeway bypass was created in 1960. After that time, the road was given a new designation of Route 254 and maintained by the state. As for the park itself, it exists mostly because of a road trip three men took in 1917. When they were driving through the area and witnessed the destruction of these mighty trees, they set up a movement to protect the area and turn it into a state park. Thanks to the work of the Save the Redwoods League , the Avenue of the Giants can still be enjoyed today.

Right when you pull off the freeway for the start of the Avenue of the Giants, you will see a sign on the side of the road with a map of the entire drive. You can also pick up an auto tour map here if they have them.

The road itself is one of the best parts of this area as you will be bending around turns that lead to better views of gigantic trees as you get deeper into the forest. Views like the above shot are not uncommon in the Avenue of the Giants, and every half-mile, you will be passing a sign for another grove.

Bolling Grove

Bolling Grove is one of the first groves that you will get too and it is a great first stop on the drive. It was one of the first groves saved and it has a lot of big trees to see in it.

Shrine Drive Thru Tree

About 10 miles into the drive, you will see the Shrine Drive Thru Tree on your left-hand side. This is $10 well spent if you have a family. The tree is very narrow to drive-thru at around 7′ x 7′, but it is a lot of fun. What’s even more fun is all of the other attractions they have, such as a “walk-thru tree” for children, a tree you can drive onto, and picnic benches for relaxing. Read more about it here .

Williams Grove

A few miles ahead of the drive-thru tree is the Williams Grove. This grove is majestic and is the perfect place for a picnic. When you drive in, you will see a parking lot from which you can make your way into the grove and explore. There are trees admire and benches to sit at. It is a wonderful taste of the forest, and I recommend it as it gives you a taste of what’s in store before it even gets better.

Visitors Center

About 10 minutes down the road from the Williams Grove is the visitor center. There are bathrooms here, and I recommend heading in for a map so you can get to one of the harder to find spots I reference later in the post. If you want to ask them how to get to the Giant & Flatiron Tree, that will help you later as it is not well marked from the main road.

Founders Grove and Dyerville Giant

If you only have time to do one thing here, make sure it is the Founders Grove. This place is an excellent taste of the Redwoods and has one of the most massive fallen trees I have seen in my life. When you see it, it will give you a new perspective on how big these trees are; I was blown away. There is a half-mile trail here which has interpretative numbers corresponding to an information booklet and is a great way to see the life cycle of these trees. There is also the massive Founders Tree right in the middle of the trail. Read about the Founders Grove here .

Giant Tree & Flatiron Tree

If you asked at the visitors center about Giant Tree & Flatiron Tree, then you should make sure you go. It is located 4 miles off the Avenue of the Giants on route to the Rockefeller Grove. It is the largest tree in the park at over 17 feet in diameter. I know it is hard to think about, but this tree is massive. The road to get here is paved but has a lot of potholes. Also, the bridge you need to cross from the parking lot is not present in the winter, so you will need to walk through the water if you want to see the tree. Read about it here

Other Groves

As you will notice, there are so many groves you can pull out at during this drive. I have not seen all of them but did a lot of research beforehand to visit the ones that I did. If you have more time, I would suggest stopping and checking out some of the other groves, as I am sure they are all great stops if they have been given an official name. If you have been to one that I left off, make sure to tell us about it in the comments.

Eternal Treehouse 

While it is not as exciting as the rest of the list, this little treehouse was created inside of a massive redwood. You can go into it even when the cafe is closed, and it is a fun 5 minute stop near the end of the road. Read more about it here .

There are dozens of other groves to explore and trails to wander. You should plan on spending a full day or at least a half-day here, so you do not have to be rushed. Pull out when your heart desires and marvel at this majestic place. The views you will see here will no doubt be with you for the rest of your life.  If I left anything off, make sure to leave it in the comments.

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Can you Drive through Redwood National Park?

The west coast of the United States is the only place in the world that you'll find huge and ancient Redwood trees. One of the best places to come and admire these gentle giants is Redwood National Park, which is known for its vast woodlands, immense prairies, wild rivers and rocky coastline - as well as the tall Redwood trees of course.

You can drive through Redwood National Park in 1 hour 15 minutes on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for 45 miles past Berry Glenn, Atlas Grove and Wilson Creek Beach, or wind slowly through the park to explore its small roads and stunning trailheads.

Some of the trees have been standing here in what's now California for over 2,000 years, and it's an unforgettable experience to take a drive through the national park. Pack your tent to stay in the serenity of the national park, or drive it as a day trip as you travel along the amazing Pacific Coast.

Can you drive through Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park hugs almost 50 miles of the Northern California coastline near the state border of Oregon. It's a 6-hour, 325-mile drive from San Francisco.

You can drive through Redwood National and State Parks in just 1 hour 15 minutes, following Highway 101 between Trinidad and Crescent City. The northern tip of this groups of parks starts at Crescent City, then runs south past Orick.

If you take a road trip to Redwood National Park, you'll actually have the chance to visit three state parks as well. Redwood National Park makes up the southernmost part of the complex, which continues on through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The most common method to enter the park is on US 101 Highway which runs through the heart of the park from Crescent City to Orick and beyond. This is also the main route through the park.

If you have a little more vacation time and want to explore even more of Redwood National Park's open prairies, vibrant woodlands, mossy streams and rocky coastline, you can follow our longer alternative route which winds through some of the park's smaller roads for a more intimate scenic experience.

In case you don't fancy driving yourself through Redwood National Park, you can also take a guided tour from Crescent City or even just take the Route 20 bus between Orick and Crescent.

How to drive through Redwood National Park on the Main Route

The Main Route is suitable for vehicles of all sizes (other than commercial trucks). Starting out at Orick Beach, you'll drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The trees tower above you as this scenic route takes you right through the heart of the giant redwood forests.

Along the way you'll find plenty of pullovers and trailheads where you can stop to hike or simply enjoy the view.

You'll start your trip with a drive along the coast, with stunning views of where the forest meets the ocean. From Orick Beach Front you can stop at Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center to find out more about the landscapes that await you before carrying on to scenic Berry Glenn.

Stop and follow the fern-lined Berry Glenn Trail for up-close views of the mighty redwoods.

Continuing on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, where it splits off from the Redwood Highway, Prairie Creek Visitor Center is next along the route.

After just a few more minutes you can stop and soak in the atmosphere at Atlas Grove or take photos in front of the huge, 1,500-year-old Big Tree Wayside and nearby Corkscrew Tree.

Stop for refreshments at Klamath then continue on to the Trees of Mystery before dipping your toes in the Pacific at Wilson Creek Beach.

You'll end your drive through Redwood National Park with a visit to Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, which marks the end of the National and State Parks complex.

How to drive through Redwood National Park on the Small Road Detours

Before going any further, it's important to point out that this is definitely not a route to try with motorhomes, RVs or trailers. These detours require a smaller vehicle - your average-sized car should be just fine, but if you're in doubt just look out for local information.

By going off the beaten track, you'll be rewarded with views of open prairies glittering with spring wildflowers and serene beach-side overlooks, as well as spending some time on the famed Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

You'll start your drive by entering the park on Balds Hill Road from Weitchpec, you'll cross the Klamath River via Martin's Ferry Bridge before winding up narrow roads and stopping at Redwood Creek Overlook a little further along Balds Hill Road.

A short stretch on Route 101 as far as Berry Glenn will take you to the turn-off for the beautiful sands of Gold Bluffs Beach. Then, returning to the scenic parkway, you'll pass Prairie Creek Visitor Center and Atlas Grove before turning right to creep up Cal-Barrel Road.

At the end of this tiny, paved road you can park up and follow the Rhododendron Trail.

Make your way carefully back down to the scenic parkway and you'll be able to pick up speed again on the way past Big Tree Wayside, Corkscrew Tree and Klamath River Overlook. Just past Klamath, you can explore the forest from a high vantage point at the popular Trees of Mystery walkways.

Then, after a relatively long stretch on Route 101 which passes Wilson Creek Beach, take a tight left turn to follow the road down to beautiful Crescent Beach Overlook. You'll get an amazing view along the coast here, with waves breaking at the foot of forested cliffs.

Instead of heading straight into Crescent City, turn off onto Humboldt Road then pick up Howland Hill Road which will take you through Jedediah Smith State Park.

After passing Grove of Titans Trailhead, you'll reach Myrtle Beach - dip your toes in the river here or paddle along the crystal-clear water in a small boat.

Then, the Redwoods Highway takes you back into Crescent City to complete your trip.

How long does it take to drive through Redwood National Park?

It should come as no surprise that winding back and forth along the Small Road Detours is going to take you a lot longer than driving directly through Redwood National Park on the scenic highway.

The 45-mile Direct Route will take around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete if you drive straight through Redwood National Park without stopping. We'd always suggest leaving a lot longer than this - at least half a day but ideally more - since there are so many stunning views to enjoy en route.

If you're following the Small Road Detours then you're going to be covering around 125 miles. Many of these roads meet dead ends, so you'll have to double back on yourself to complete the drive.

This adds up to around 4 hours 40 minutes of unforgettable driving. Plan to camp overnight so that you can spend a few days immersed in the stunning natural landscape of Redwood State and National Parks.

Which entrance should you arrive at in Redwood National Park?

There are no entrance fees to Redwood National Park, so there aren't entrance stations here as such. Your choice of starting point will probably depend on whether you're traveling north or south towards Redwood National Park.

To help you plan your amazing road trip, we've put together a list of travel times from major cities to the most convenient entrance to Redwood National Park.

Things you need to know about driving through Redwood National Park

The Main Route through Redwood National Park is an extremely straightforward drive, making it the perfect scenic road trip for less confident drivers. There are no hairpin turns or scary cliffside drives and you can take the whole route at a manageable 35 MPH.

The Small Road Detours are a different type of drive entirely. These roads are narrow, winding and in places, unpaved. And just to emphasize, they're not suitable for motorhomes, RVs and trailers.

Unlike most other national parks, you don't need a ticket to enter Redwood National Park. However, there are some places where you'll have to pay a fee to access the California State Parks.

This includes the road to Gold Bluffs Beach or Fern Canyon, which come with a $12 fee. You'll also have to reserve a day ticket in advance to access these beautiful spots between May and September.

If you already have the America the Beautiful Pass, California's State Parks Poppy Pass or a current camping reservation, you won't have to pay additional fees as you travel through the state parks on this route.

Both routes are a year-round drive. Not only is the park open all year but the weather means you can make the journey throughout the year. The temperature difference in seasons is minimal so you can truly explore the park year-round. That said, there are a few things that you should know.

Summer is the busiest time to visit Redwood National Park, especially when schools are out on vacation. You won't face the same kind of extreme crowds that other national parks like Yosemite sometimes struggle with. That said, you're recommended to arrive early in the day if you're visiting during the summer.

Summer is also a great time to hike since the park is very dry with fewer slip hazards and reasonable temperatures, which sit around 60 degrees. If you get lucky, you might even spot one of the majestic native elk that roam the park.

At the other end of the year, Redwood National Park is cool in winter but with average lows above 40 degrees, the temperature shouldn't hamper your visit. Be prepared for colder nights though, with temperatures often dipping below freezing.

There's a higher chance of rain in winter, but the park stays open all through the season, and you're more likely to get a serene spot at a campground if you visit at this quiet time of year.

If you're flying into California or taking a longer road trip, winter is also a great time to grab bargains on your airline tickets and accommodation.

Spring is when the park is at its greenest, with wildflowers blooming to add even more color. You'll be able to find a quiet spot on one of the many trails since it's still a relatively quiet time to visit, and temperatures in the low 50s Fahrenheit make for a comfortable trip.

On the flip side, October is still mild but this is when the clouds start to move into Redwood National Park. It makes for some atmospheric photo opportunities, but you might not get that classic shot of a vivid blue sky behind the brightly lit redwood trees.

As an added bonus, fall is the best time of year to spot migrating whales. You can see them without leaving the comfort of dry land from coastal viewpoints like the Klamath River Overlook.

Here are our other top tips when it comes to preparing for a drive through Redwood National Park:

• In summer, especially weekends and holidays, parking spaces at popular trails like Fern Canyon can fill come early morning.
• Aim to get to the state parks around the opening time of 6 AM if you want to make sure to see some of the most popular stops.
• Download the app created by Redwood Park Rangers before you visit. It's called the National Park Service Mobile App. It's more reliable than most map services.
• Check ahead for any road closures that might affect the route you've planned.
• Keep an eye out for elk crossing the scenic parkway.

Things to see on a drive through Redwood National Park

Here's a reminder of the amazing things you can see and do when you take a drive through Redwood National Park:

• Scenic Drive - Driving the roads is one of the most popular ways to see the park. You should try to incorporate Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway into your visit as the road is surrounded by redwoods with plenty of viewpoints.
• Coastal Overlooks - Try Klamath River Overlook with a high vantage point, offering breathtaking views of the flowing hills and coastline. Not only that, but you can spot migrating whales, with September and October being the best time.
• Hike the trails - You'll be spoiled for choice! Fern Canyon Trail, Tall Trees Grove, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove are popular hiking trails where you can find lush redwood forests, fern-filled canyons, and coastal views.
• Camping - Staying the night can be both immersive and serene. Come night, most visitors have gone and you'll wake up amid towering redwoods.
• Wildlife spotting - Home to elk, black bears, foxes and more be on the lookout.
• Ranger-led guided tours - Join a guided tour to learn more about the Redwood National Park. Drop into the visitor centers too to get maps and find out more info from the knowledgeable staff.

Whether you're looking for a scenic road trip, some impressive hikes, to commune with nature or to breathe in the salty sea air, a drive through Redwood National Park will surely deliver on all these levels!

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Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

55.4 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Thanksgiving

This year’s holiday forecast is a 2.3% increase over last year, third highest since 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (November 13, 2023) – AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period*. This year’s Thanksgiving forecast is an increase of 2.3% over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

AAA expects 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2022 and the highest number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. While Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.

The number of people traveling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 11% over last year. AAA expects 1.55 million travelers will head out of town using these other modes of transportation, which took a huge hit during the pandemic but have rebounded nicely. “The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback,” Twidale added. “Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.”

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro  

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, November 22, to be the busiest day on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas. INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways. Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help minimize holiday traffic frustrations. We advise drivers to use traffic apps, local DOT notifications, and 511 services for real-time updates.”

Please note – the times listed below are for the time zone the metro is located in. For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.

Holiday Booking Prices

This holiday season, travelers are generally paying less for domestic trips compared to last year and more for international vacations. The one exception is airfare, which is slightly more expensive for domestic flights this season and a bit lower for international flights. Here’s a breakdown of average booking prices for November and December, according to AAA data.

• The average price for a domestic flight is $681, up 5% from 2022.
• The average price for an international flight is $1,231, down 5.7% from last year.
• The average price for a domestic hotel stay is $598, down 12% from 2022.
• The average price for an international hotel stay is $772, up 5% from last year.

RENTAL CARS

• The average price for a domestic rental car reservation is $590, down 20% from 2022.
• The average price for an international rental car reservation is $696, up 9% from last year.
• The average price for a domestic cruise is $1,507, down 12% compared to 2022.
• The average price for an international cruise is $2,902, up 24% from last year.
• The average price for a domestic tour is $1,058, down 15% compared to 2022.
• The average price for an international tour is $1,208, up 21% from last year.

Top Holiday Destinations

Warm weather destinations, theme parks, tourist attractions, historic sites, and cruise port cities top the list of domestic and international destinations this holiday season.

Holiday Forecast Methodology  

Travel Forecast

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of October 9, 2023.

*Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Period

For the purposes of this forecast, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Wednesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 26.

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.

About S&P Global S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.

About INRIX   

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.

Thanksgiving travel tips: Best and worst days to fly or drive

Some airlines are expecting their busiest Thanksgiving ever.

As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up to hit the highway or head to the airport -- and some airlines are expecting their busiest Thanksgiving ever.

Here's what you need to know:

Thanksgiving travel by air

AAA projects 4.7 million travelers will fly over Thanksgiving -- a 6.6% increase from last year. This would mark the highest number of people flying for Thanksgiving since 2005.

The busiest and most expensive days to fly before Thanksgiving will be Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22, according to AAA.

The best day to go to the airport for Thanksgiving is Monday, Nov. 20, when flights will be 12% cheaper than on Nov. 22, according to Expedia.

MORE: Thanksgiving food price forecast, retailers with early deals and expert savings tips

The Transportation Security Administration said it expects to screen 30 million passengers during its Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from Nov. 17 to Nov. 28.

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA's history," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season. We will also do our best to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes."

The most popular domestic destinations for Thanksgiving this year are New York City, Los Angeles and Orlando, Florida, according to Hopper. Internationally, the most popular cities are London, Tokyo and Paris.

The cheapest days to return home will be Friday, Nov. 24, or Monday, Nov. 27, according to Hopper.

United Airlines said it expects to have its busiest Thanksgiving ever, with over 5.9 million passengers -- a 13% increase from last year.

MORE: Supermarkets like Giant, ShopRite giving free turkeys for Thanksgiving again

United anticipates that Sunday, Nov. 26, will be one of its busiest days since before the pandemic, with more than 517,000 people expected to fly.

Due to remote work, United said its holiday travel period has extended. United said the demand for flying the Monday before Thanksgiving is up nearly 10% from 2019, while demand for flying the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is only up 3%.

American Airlines said it predicts a record 7.8 million passengers over Thanksgiving.

American said Sunday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Nov. 27, will be its busiest days.

Thanksgiving travel by road

AAA projects that 55.4 million people will drive 50 miles or farther from home for Thanksgiving -- a 2.3% increase from last year. This marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

The busiest day on the roads is expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 22, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. Drivers should leave home in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest traffic, INRIX said.

On Sunday, Nov. 26, the worst traffic is forecast to be between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The best time to hit the road will be before noon, according to INRIX.

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Best travel days around Thanksgiving? Tips to avoid holiday traffic mayhem

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and millions of Americans are packing their bags.

This year’s holiday is forecast to be the third busiest since 2000, according to AAA, with over 55 million travelers forecasted to travel.  

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

The primary mode of transportation this Thanksgiving will be by car, which is good news since gas prices are predicted to be lower than last year. 

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling this Thanksgiving.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

More: Book your holiday travel now or maybe skip it this year: What you need to know

What are the busiest days to fly during Thanksgiving weekend?

Not only are the Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22, before Thanksgiving the most expensive to fly, but those will also be the busiest, according to AAA. 

After the holiday, most people will travel home on Sunday, Nov. 26, or Monday, Nov. 27, so expect large crowds at the airport.

What are the busiest airports likely going to be for Thanksgiving?

The most popular domestic destinations are New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Miami, so you can expect major airports like Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport to be packed, Laura Lindsay, a Global Travel Trends expert at Skyscanner, told USA TODAY. Airports that see many connections such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will also be congested, she added. 

If you do have to fly on the busy days of the holiday weekend, book an early flight, Lindsay recommended. “Flights back up throughout the day (so there’s) higher probability of disruption during the day,” she said.

If you have flexibility, look into traveling to a smaller, nearby airport such as to Long Beach Airport instead of Los Angeles International Airport, Lindsay suggested. “It could be cheaper and more convenient,” she said. 

What are the best and worst times for driving?

“The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on our roadways,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, in a statement. 

The roads are forecasted to be most crowded between 2 and 6 p.m. on this day, according to INRIX data. Consider leaving before 11 a.m. instead. 

Roads will be busiest on Thanksgiving day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Opt to travel before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. 

On Friday, avoid the road between noon and 4 p.m. Travel before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. instead. 

Many people will hit the road on Saturday and Sunday between 3 and 5 p.m. Early birds who travel before noon will avoid the traffic. 

Worst travel times in major US cities

“Travelers should be prepared for long delays, especially in and around major metros,” Pishue said. 

◾ Worst route: Birmingham to Atlanta via Interstate 20 East.

◾ Worst day: Friday.

◾ Worst time: 5 p.m. 

◾ Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 2 minutes.

◾ Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrim Highway South.

◾ Worst day: Thursday.

◾ Worst time: 3:30 p.m. 

◾ Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 58 minutes.

Los Angeles

◾ Worst route: Los Angeles to Bakersfield via Interstate 5 North.

◾ Worst day: Wednesday.

◾ Worst time: 4:30 p.m. 

◾ Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 59 minutes.

◾ Worst route: Jersey Shore to New York vis Garden State Parkway North.

◾ Worst day: Sunday.

◾ Worst time: 11:15 a.m.

◾ Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 51 minutes.

San Francisco

◾ Worst route: Monterey to San Francisco via Santa Cruz Highway North.

◾ Worst time: 7 p.m.

◾ Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 10 minutes.

◾ Worst route: Washington to Baltimore via Baltimore/Washington Parkway North.

◾ Worst day: Wednesday. 

◾ Worst time: 2 p.m.

◾ Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 13 minutes.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@ .com .

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We really enjoyed our tour around Moscow with Anna. This tour takes you to all the main sights. I highly recommend this tour . Anna also took us inside a fantastic traditional Russian store and showed us traditional Russian delicacies. Highly recommend the tour! We loved our day!

I had only one day to tour Moscow. After researching many tours, I chose the Discover Moscow walking tour. Despite the cold weather, the tour was fantastic. Tanya was my guide and was great. She is a walking encyclopedia of history and facts and was able to answer every question I threw at her plus some. Thanks for a great day! PS – opted for the optional professional photos which I highly recommend as well. Well done to all of you at Moscow tours

3 out of 5 of our party had never before been to Russia so had no idea what to expect, so the private tours with guide were essential. We experienced Moscow was a modern, vibrant city with wide-ranging history, and we were extremely fortunate to have as our guide the excellent Tanya who not only showed us the the best sites, but did so with friendliness, wit, intelligence and passion for her subject. Tanya certainly knows her stuff! Great tour

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Axios Cleveland

Drake, J. Cole bringing 2024 tour to Cleveland

Posted: November 13, 2023 | Last updated: November 13, 2023

One of the biggest tours of 2024 is coming to Cleveland.

Driving the news: Rap stars Drake and J. Cole on Monday announced the "It's All a Blur Tour — Big As the What?"

• The tour stops at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Feb. 24 and includes back-to-back nights in Columbus on Feb. 20 and 21.

The intrigue: It marks Drake's first concert in Northeast Ohio since the Club Paradise tour in 2012 and J. Cole's first stop here since performing at a Hillary Clinton campaign rally in 2016.

Between the lines: The duo's song "First Person Shooter," went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October.

• The track tied Drake with Michael Jackson for the most No. 1 songs by a solo male artist on the chart.

If you go: Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public at 11am Friday.

Zoom out: See all the tour dates and cities here.

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Cleveland.

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