Day Trips from Redwood Coast. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

The Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park) winds through various groves and small towns.

Shelter Cove & The Lost Coast calls for a noteworthy drive. Fernbridge & Ferndale is not a long drive south. Patrick's Point State Park is north of Trinidad. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park lies on US-101 north of Orick. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is east of Crescent City.

Time Required & Itineraries

Avenue of the Giants: 6-8 hours, including halts and walks.
Fern Canyon/Prairie Creek: 4-6 hours from Eureka or Arcata.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods: 4-6 hours from Crescent City.
Patrick's Point State Park: Good for a half-day or full-day outing.

Transportation & Comparisons

Consider your travel style for exploring the Redwood Coast's surroundings.

Independent Travel

Self-driving is almost a necessity for day trips. It grants maximum flexibility and access to trailheads and viewpoints.

Independent Travel Aspects

Maximum flexibility to set your own pace.
Explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
Navigation skills are necessary, fuel costs.

Organized Tours

Some local tour operators may arrange guided day trips. These tours eliminate the need for self-driving.

Organized Tour Aspects

No driving stress, expert commentary.
Practical logistics for your outing.
Less itinerary flexibility, set schedule.

Natural Escapes & Landscapes

Parks & Reserves

Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
King Range National Conservation Area

Scenic & Seasonal

Mattole Road (scenic but challenging drive)
Smith River National Recreation Area (pristine river)
Shelter Cove (black sand beaches)
Whale Migration (Dec-Jan southbound, Mar-Apr northbound)

Seasonal Phenomena

Whale MigrationDecember-January & March-April
Mushcapacity ForagingFall, after the first rains

Visitor Information

Check official National Park Service websites for current hours, road conditions, and licenses (e.g., Fern Canyon).

Cultural Excursions

Discover more about the region's history and local life beyond the main towns.

Historical Sites

Fortuna/Rio Dell offer a glimpse into logging history.

Rural Villages

Willow Creek serves as a gateway to the Trinity River.

Loleta Cheese Factory

Visit a functioning dairy and cheese factory.

Historical Sites Outside Main Destination

These locations feature various insights into the region's past.

Historic Locations

Fortuna/Rio Dell
Ferndale
Samoa Cookhouse

Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas

Experience diverse rural settings.

Explore Local Communities

Ferndale (quintessential Victorian village)
Willow Creek (gateway to Trinity River)
Known for its Bigfoot lore

Multi-Day Extension Suggestions

Option 1 (South)Mendocino Coast (2-3 Days)

Option 2 (North)Southern Oregon (2-3 Days)

Option 3 (East)Trinity Alps Wilderness (1-2 Days)

Logical Next DestinationSan Francisco

Logical Next DestinationOregon Coast

Logical Next DestinationLake Tahoe/Sierra Nevada

Transportation Connections

All these extensions are best accessible via car for flexible exploration.
Airports in Eureka (ACV), Crescent City (CEC), or Redding (RDD) facilitate connections.
California Coastal Route: Drive US-101 southbound from the Redwoods to San Francisco.
Redwood & Oregon Coast Loop: Drive north into Oregon, exploring the Oregon Coast and Crater Lake.

Travel Planning

Thoughtful planning enhances your travels and supports the region.

Redwood Coast Snapshot

1

Old-Growth Forests

Home to the world's tallest trees.

2

Diverse Ecosystems

From towering redwoods to rugged coastline.

3

Outdoor Activities

Hiking, kayaking, birdwatching rank as popular pursuits.

Self-Driving Advantages

Maximum flexibility to set your own pace.
Access to trailheads and viewpoints.
Explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
Linger at favorite spots.
Public transportation does not reach all areas.
Provides freedom for impromptu stops.

Organized Tour Benefits

Eliminates driving stress.
Often features expert commentary.
Convenient logistics.
Opportunity to meet other travelers.
No need for navigation or parking concerns.
Pre-arranged itineraries.

Local Economic Support

Community Tourism

Support locally-owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and tour operators.

Ethical Shopping

Seek out products from local artisans and farmers' markets; they bolster local producers directly.

Avoid Harmful Practices

Do not engage in or support illegal cultivation. Avoid purchasing unsourced wood products.

Sustainable Travel

Your travel choices positively influence the Redwood Coast. Support local businesses and conservation endeavors.

Day Trips from Redwood Coast