Redwood National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With its towering redwood trees, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that this park is a popular tourist destination in California. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing picnic spot, or a lovely scenic drive, you’re sure to find it here. This guide will help you plan your road trip itinerary for spending 1 day visiting Redwood National Park.
Keep reading if you’re planning to visit Northern California and save the pin below for your next trip!
Things to Know Before You Go
Climate: It’s a cool, wet climate climate with mild temperatures. In the summer, temperatures range from 55°F to 73°F (13°C to 23°C), while they can drop to 40°F to 55°F (4°C to 13°C) in the winter.
Best time to go: April through June is the best time to visit because of the sunny mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Language: English is the predominant language.
Money: US Dollar ($USD). Most businesses accept cash and all major credit cards.
Tips Before You Go
- Make sure to gas up your car
- Take out cash from an ATM for roadside stands
- Create a road trip playlist
- Wear SPF – yes, even in the car (here’s my favorite tinted SPF)
- Pack a cooler with lots of water and high-protein snacks
- Don’t forget your sunglasses/hat/visor
- Be prepared for all weather conditions & pack layers
- Bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine if you get carsick
How to Get to Redwood National Park
🚗 Car Rental: Easily rent a car from DiscoverCars and get 70% off at either Eureka / Arcata Airport (ACV), San Francisco Airport (SFO), or Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
✈️ Airport: The Eureka / Arcata Airport (ACV) is the closest airport to fly into but you can also fly into San Francisco Airport (SFO) or Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park
I highly recommend staying in Crescent City because it’s located only 7 minutes from Redwood National Park. I stayed at the Northwood Inn a Best Western Plus Hotel and they provide a delicious complimentary breakfast and parking.
However, if you’re camping there are plenty of campsites or if you have a van there are a lot of safe places to camp/park as you make your way through.
Where to Eat in Crescent City
If you’re looking for a great place to eat and listen to live local music, look no further than SeaQuake Brewing. The restaurant has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, as well as a large outdoor patio with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The menu features a variety of pub fare favorites, such as burgers, pizzas, and wings. But there are also delicious vegetarian options available like avocado tacos and a cranberry walnut salad. SeaQuake Brewing offers a wide variety of craft beers on tap as well as housemade seasonal kombucha.
How to Spend a Day in Redwood National Park
Whether you’re coming from Oregon or Southern California, I highly suggest taking the drive along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway 101.
Drive-Thru Tree
Driving through a redwood tree is a unique and memorable experience. It is a great way to see the size and grandeur of these amazing trees up close. All trees are privately owned and operated as tourist attractions that cost $5 USD per vehicle.
The Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is located in Myers Flat, California. It is a 73-foot-tall redwood tree with a 6.9-foot-wide hole at its base that is large enough for a car to drive through. The tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
The Chandelier Tree is located in Leggett, California. It is a 315-foot-tall redwood tree that’s estimated to be over 2,500 years old.
The Klamath Tour-Thru Tree is located in Klamath, California. It is a 69-foot-tall redwood tree with a 7.5-foot-wide hole at its base. The tree is estimated to be over 1,300 years old.
Hiking Trails
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: an easy 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you through a grove of towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees in the world. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible as well as family-friendly.
But the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is more than just a hike through the trees. It’s an adventure!
As you hike the trail, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into another world. The redwoods are so tall and massive that they block out the sun, creating a cool, dark forest. And the air is filled with the sound of birds singing and the wind rustling through the leaves.
One of the best things about the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail is that it’s perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, so it’s easy to walk even for young children and seniors.
Grove of the Titans Trail: a short but sweet trail that takes you through a grove of some of the largest and most ancient redwood trees in the world. It’s a popular trail, but it’s well worth the crowds.
As you hike through the grove, you’ll be dwarfed by towering redwoods that are hundreds of years old. You’ll also see plenty of wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and even deer.
One of the best things about the Grove of the Titans Trail is that it’s easy to do. It’s a 1.5-mile loop trail, and the elevation gain is minimal. So it’s a great trail for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Stout Memorial Grove Trail: a short and easy 1.2-mile trail that takes you through a grove of towering redwoods. It’s a popular trail, but it’s not as crowded as some of the other trails in Redwood National Park. It has minimal elevation gain, so it’s a family-friendly trail.
Boy Scout Tree Trail: a 5.5-mile round-trip trail that takes you through a grove of towering redwoods and to Fern Falls, a beautiful waterfall. It’s a moderate hike, but the views are well worth the effort.
One of the best things about the Boy Scout Tree Trail is that it’s a great place to learn about the redwood forest. The trail is lined with interpretive signs that teach you about the different types of trees and plants in the forest, as well as the animals that live there.
Scenic Drives
Avenue of the Giants: This scenic drive follows the old Highway 101 through a grove of towering redwoods. It’s a great way to experience the redwoods without having to leave your car.
As you drive down the Avenue of the Giants, you’ll feel like you’re driving through a fairy tale. The redwoods are so tall and massive that they block out the sun, creating a cool, dark forest. And the air is filled with the sound of birds singing and the wind rustling through the leaves.
One of the best things about the Avenue of the Giants is that it’s perfect for road trippers of all ages and interests. The drive is only 31 miles long, so it’s easy to do in a day. And there are plenty of places to stop along the way to take photos, stretch your legs, and explore the redwoods up close.
Howland Hill Road: This scenic drive winds through the heart of Redwood National Park. It’s a narrow, unpaved road, but it’s worth the drive for the stunning views of the redwoods and the Klamath River. You can also stop at several trailheads along the way to explore the forest up close.
As you drive down Howland Hill Road, you’ll feel like you’re on a safari. The redwoods are so tall and close together that they create a canopy overhead.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: This 10-mile drive winds through a grove of towering redwoods, offering stunning views of the trees. It’s a paved road, so it’s suitable for all types of vehicles. And it’s a great way to experience the redwoods without having to leave your car. There are also several trailheads and spots to stop for a picnic.
Prairie Creek Drive: This 14-mile drive winds through the redwood forest and the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. It’s perfect for road trippers of all ages and interests and is easy to do in a day. And there are plenty of places to stop along the way to take photos, stretch your legs, and explore the redwoods and coastline up close.
