San Francisco to Redwood National Park Road Trip Guide
Introduction
San Francisco, CA, is one of the most charming cities in the United States. Its stunning architecture, great museums, awe-inspiring nature, hipster bars, delectable food, and its ever-cozy and hassle-free vibes offer something for every travel enthusiast.
Whether you have a day in the city or just a few hours, do not begin your weekend RV road trip unless you have enjoyed some of its finger-licking food and seen Fisherman’s Wharf from up close. Do not skip the most iconic districts of the city either, especially Haight-Ashbury District, Chinatown, and the Mission District.
San Francisco to Redwood National Park Road Trip is one of the best RV road trips one can experience in the USA that will allow you to sink deep into nature and exploration. Northern California’s rugged coast, numerous vineyards, and lush green foliage make for some spectacular scenery.
The magnificent and gigantic redwood trees begin right in San Francisco’s backyard in Muir Woods National Monument and continue all the way until Redwood National Park and beyond. The entire highway is named Redwood Highway for this very reason. Yet, somehow, all the towering redwood trees along the highway begin to pale in comparison as you step into Redwood National Park and lay eyes upon some of the tallest and rarest redwood trees.
Here you can cruise the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway or enjoy the amazing redwood exhibits at Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
Point of Interest
Eureka
It makes sense for your last stop to be amidst civilization before you find yourself amongst more trees. Fortunately, this stop wouldn’t be any regular town but in the historic old town of Eureka in Humboldt County. This town is actually on the National Registry of Historic Places and holds strong traces of a colorful past.
Begin your exploration of this town by visiting the Clarke Historical Museum and learning about its history, that will make seeing the actual old places much more fun. The boardwalk of the old town would take you to the lively art and dining scene. This part of the town is quaint and makes for a lovely stroll as you come across some great and unusual attractions.
Make sure to check out the Carson Mansion which is also known as the ‘most photographed Victorian Home in the US'. Abigail’s elegant Victorian Mansion is a sight of classic opulence, grandeur, and grace. Don’t forget to pay your respect at the Duluwat Island Plaque that pays tribute to the souls lost in the California Island Massacre.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
In Weott, CA, make your next stop and mark your presence at another legendary spot of redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. In the 53,000 acres of this state park, you’ll find old-growth forest redwoods and the truly majesticAvenue of the Giants. The latter is about three miles off the scenic road.
It’s one thing to look at all the redwood trees, but entirely another to feel the magical and breathtaking aura they possess. Luckily for the RV road trippers, Humboldt Redwoods State Park captures that perfectly and allows you to enjoy the experience in solitude. A hundred redwood trees out of a total of 137 are over 350 feet tall.
The fourth tallest living redwood is in this state park and you can see it from up close. If you want to stretch your legs, park your RV on a campsite and hike along the Founders Grove Loop trail to enjoy this amazing natural and historic site.
the parking areas here are large and are built to accommodate RV travelers, so you shouldn't have any trouble parking except at the very busiest of times.
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Glass Beach near Fort Bragg is the perfect example of how carelessness and bad planning can lead to something so beautiful. During the San Francisco 1906 earthquake, Fort Bragg was destroyed, and for over six decades after that, the locals used the nearby beach as their literal dumpster. This trash remained there on the beach − now known as MacKerricher State Park Glass Beach – until the 1960s when it was closed off.
In the 1990s, a huge clean-up operation began but there was no need to clean up broken glass from bottles, car tail lights, TVs, and other items because by then, it was smoothed by the waves into colorful and bright glass stones. The glass stones now look like gems covering the entire beach and the beach has now become a popular beachcombing and treasure hunting spot.
It’s also a great way for RV enthusiasts to collect a souvenir to bring back with them.
Point Reyes
Not a lot of people know about this gem of nature located in Marin County, CA, which is famous for its National Seashore. Its lack of popularity is exactly what makes this point the best spot for a picnic and a great place to stretch your legs. Only local day-trippers are seen enjoying hiking, kayaking, clamming, and horseback riding here.
Point Reyes has various attractions including the National Seashore and the Point Reyes Lighthouse that rests on the western headlands. Another sight to enjoy here is that of the California elephant seals that you can catch a glimpse of along the sea cliffs. You can then hike the Tule Elk Reserve to see the rare sight of herds of elk in their natural habitat.
Another attraction in the sleepy town of Point Reyes is the Point Reyes Station, where everything organic takes precedence. You can even go to the farmers’ market on Saturdays to check out the local dairy farm products, local artisans, and bakeries.
Muir Woods National Monument
Named after the famous naturalist, John Muir, Muir Woods has been protected as a national monument since 1908 for its natural features as well as its rich history. In the past, Coast Miwok people used to live in the Muir Woods. Today it is home to some of the most popular hiking trails and is part of ongoing conservation efforts.
Located just across Golden Gate Bridge, this should be every RV road tripper’s first stop. We suggest that you park your RV, trailer or motorhome and take a moment to experience these ancient redwood trees on foot.
Muir himself said that the forest is "the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world." Other than the magnificent trees, over 50 species of birds are found here. Muir Woods National Monument is also a spawning and rearing habitat for numerous threatened species, including the coho and the silver salmon.
RV Rentals in Redwood National Park, CA
Summary
You cannot claim to have truly seen the redwood trees in California unless you visit the famous Redwood National Park. Situated along the Pacific Ocean, this place is beautiful to the point of taking your breath away with its tidepools, exotic bird species, show-stopping sunsets, and of course the towering and ginormous redwood trees.
Established in 1968, the Redwood National Park spreads over 139,000 acres of land and includes three state parks. Over 400,000 visitors come here annually. The National Park has multiple campgrounds that make it easy for RV road trippers to finally settle down and spend their weekend here. The park boasts massive sequoias, ancient forests, and serene beaches. It’s a perfect place to unwind.
The giant trees grow over 350 feet tall and provide an unparalleled experience of standing close to something so much older and so much bigger than you. In the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, you’ll spot elk roaming the wilderness. If you have the time make sure to hike the Fern Canyon, Big Tree Wayside, Ah-Pah, and James Irvine Trail during your visit.
