In honor of Redwood National Park’s 50th anniversary, I thought it would be an excellent time to share with you some of my personal favorite places to see nearby the park. I’ve visited this park every few years since I was a child--I even lived close by for two years--and after all this time, I still haven’t lost the sense of awe and wonder that comes over me when I see these magnificent Redwood giants. But incredibly, there's still more to see outside of the collection of parks that make up the massive Redwood park system. If you're thinking about heading to NorCal to celebrate the park's anniversary, then there are some must-see stops you should visit along the way. Moonstone Beach County Park, Trinidad This is one of my favorite beaches I’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit, and for good reason. A leisurely river snakes through part of the beach before dropping off into the ocean, and there are plenty of small trails and climbs that will lead you to the top of the short cliffs surrounding the beach, making for a terrific view at sunset. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there are even a handful of sea caves north of the beach that you can explore at low tide (but be sure to bring a flashlight)! Avenue of the Giants Two hours south of the Park, Avenue of the Giants is a little farther away than most of the locations on this list, but is the perfect stop on your way north. Living near San Francisco for most of my life, it only made sense to visit the Avenue every time I drove to the Redwoods, it being along the most direct route. Even just driving through this beautiful Redwood forest is a breathtaking experience, and there are numerous short hikes scattered along the way--the perfect excuse to stretch your legs. Downtown Eureka Downtown Eureka is one of my favorite places to visit for a laid-back afternoon. My little bookworm heart grows three sizes from the three separate bookstores. With plenty of good food (like Mexican wedding cookies at Los Bagels or tacos at Lost Coast Brewery), and even more shops to visit, it’s impossible to grow bored here. Trees of Mystery While I’ve never actually been inside this little tourist attraction near Klamath, I feel confident in recommending the Trees of Mystery by virtue of what sits right outside their entrance: a nearly 50 foot tall, talking statue of Paul Bunyan, alongside his sidekick Babe the Blue Ox. Inside the park, you can ride a sky tram through the trees, and witness some of the most beautiful and unique trees this part of the world has to offer. Even if you don’t want to shell out $18 to enter, the museum is free and snapping a picture with Paul and Babe is well worth a quick stop. Fern Canyon Okay, so technically it's in one of Redwood National Park's sister parks, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, but it still counts! Out of all of the places you could visit in northern California, this is one you absolutely cannot miss. I wrote a post all about this incredible place here, but here are the basics: ferns, moss, and numerous small waterfalls adorn every inch the steep cliff walls, and a slow-moving creek runs alongside and occasionally through the trail, meaning you’ll have to walk along boards and logs that have been laid out for easier passage. At the back end of the canyon lies a set of stairs to the canyon’s rim, turning the trail into a relatively easy, mile-long hike that’s accessible at any time of year, weather permitting. It's a stunning hike, and I insist on taking the trek at every available chance--it's that incredible. Gold Bluffs Beach My family always stops at this beach on our drive up to Fern Canyon, and it ranks as one of my top five favorite beaches of all time. A massive stretch of beautiful beach is broken up only by a great patch of beached driftwood making up California’s coolest jungle gym. When I was a kid, I would pretend to be an explorer, a gymnast, a hero making a daring escape… when I grew older, I still didn’t lose my love for exploring this beach and climbing around on the driftwood. This is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon picnic, or even simply as a place to stretch your legs during the drive to Fern Canyon. Sue-meg State Park Sue-meg (formerly Patrick’s Point) State Park is a truly gorgeous park, boasting some of northern California’s best features, from beautiful ocean views to incredible plants and wildlife. The two-mile cliffside Rim Trail is a must-see, as well as the tidepools famous to this part of the world. Although there are some steep stairs to climb if you choose to go right to the cliff's edge, on the whole, the trail is easily accessible for most people. There you have it: the best places to visit near Redwood National Park. All of these spots are welcoming to children and adults of all ages, and are spots which I've personally visited throughout my life. This is a truly magical part of the world, a place which I was lucky enough to call home for a period of time, and I hope that if you visit, you will love it just as much as I do. Like this post? Why not share it?If you enjoyed this article, please leave me a comment telling me what you think! Or, if you found it useful, share it with your friends! You'll be helping me turn my passion for travel into a business, and more importantly, you'll be helping your friends out with any travel questions they might have, too.
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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