My dream is to see the giant redwood trees. Where are the best places to go to see them and why?
You’ve got great taste—giant redwoods are basically nature’s skyscrapers. The best places to see them are in California, and here’s the lowdown:
- Redwood National and State Parks (near Crescent City, CA): This is the classic spot. You’ll find the tallest trees on Earth, plus misty trails, wild elk, and even some coastline. It’s a combo of national and state parks, so you get a lot of variety.
- Muir Woods National Monument (just north of San Francisco): Super accessible if you’re flying into SFO. The trees here aren’t the tallest, but the vibe is magical—think mossy, shaded trails and that fresh forest smell.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park (near Santa Cruz): California’s oldest state park. It’s got ancient redwoods, waterfalls, and some epic hiking. Bonus: it’s close to the beach.
- Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants): If you want to drive through a forest of giants, this is your place. The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic road lined with massive trees.
Why go? Because standing next to a 300-foot tree that’s been around since the Roman Empire is a serious reality check. It’s peaceful, humbling, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Want help planning a trip to any of these spots? Just say the word and I’ll get you started.