Ultimate 4-Day Redwood National Park Itinerary & Guide

Redwood National Park 4-Day Itinerary

In our daily breakdown of how to spend 4 days in Redwood National Park, we’ve included our recommendations on the best things to see and do, along with tips to help you make the most of your trip. 

One thing we do suggest to save time is to have breakfast at the hotel each day and pack your lunch.

There are plenty of great picnic spots along the way. This way, you won’t waste time driving to and from restaurants and waiting in line to get served.

Need help planning a road trip? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of trip planning? It can take 10-12 hours to plan just one day! We can create a road trip itinerary so you can enjoy your trip without the stress.

Day 1: Drive from San Jose

The first day starts with an early departure from San Jose. 

It’s a long drive so make sure you’ve packed plenty of snacks and water for the road, and your camera is fully charged – it’s a scenic journey so you’ll want to take loads of photos. 

The drive to Redwood National Park takes about 6 hours, covering 356 miles. Although it’s a toll road, we suggest going via US-101 S, which is the fastest route. 

As you head north, plan for a few scenic stops to stretch your legs and soak in the beautiful landscapes. One great spot is the picturesque town of Ukiah, where you can grab a coffee and a quick breakfast at one of the local cafes. 

Another point of interest, although a slight detour is Clear Lake. Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, it’s popular for fishing, boating, and water sports. Surrounding it are plenty of hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic spots.

We stopped at Eureka to fill up gas at Costco. This town is between Humboldt Bay and mountains full of giant redwoods. It’s a great spot to take a break, enjoy the views, and learn about the area’s logging history.

Continue your drive toward Klamath.

Aim to reach the Klamath River Overlook by late afternoon to catch the stunning sunset. 

From the parking lot, take a short walk to the overlook. Klamath River Overlook has fantastic views of the river meeting the Pacific Ocean, and it’s the perfect spot for some great photos.

Depending on what season you’re traveling, Klamath River Overlook is also a prime spot for watching migrating gray whales, especially from November through April. 

Once the sun has set, head to your accommodation for the night. 

We recommend the Historic Requa Inn. This adults-only inn is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Plus they’ve got free parking.

Day 2: Trees of Mystery and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading out for an entire day of walking below redwoods.

We ate at Requa Inn. You can enjoy a farm-style breakfast from 8am to 10am everyday. There’s free hot tea and coffee offered in the dining room.

Their breakfast menu includes biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs any style, scrambled eggs with potatoes and biscuit, oatmeal with fruits and nuts, yogurt with homemade granola, and country potatoes. Drinks include coffee, tea, juices, milk, and mimosas.

If you’re travelling with a group of 6+ people, you’ve got to call ahead for breakfast reservations at 707.482.1425.

First on our itinerary is the famous Trees of Mystery, just a short drive away.

This unique attraction features many trails with giant and unique redwoods and the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. 

These massive statues celebrate the folklore legend of Paul Bunyan, a giant lumberjack, and his equally enormous blue ox, Babe. The statues stand 49 feet and 35 feet tall respectively.

Also, don’t miss the SkyTrail gondola ride for stunning views of the forest canopy.  

This modern gondola takes you on an eight-minute journey nearly 1,500 feet up the mountain. On clear days, you can see the Pacific Ocean. 

At the top, there are viewing platforms where you can take in the scenery and snap some memorable photos. Some information boards tell you about the redwoods and the surrounding ecosystem below.

There’s also a short walking trail at the summit if you want to explore further.

You’ll probably want to spend a couple of hours at Trees of Mystery, exploring the trails and learning about the interesting history and folklore of the area.

Here’s a guide on all the things to do at Trees of Mystery so you can see if it’s worth the time and money!

After Trees of Mystery, stop for lunch. We went to Forest Cafe, located on the other side of the road. While the cafe isn’t unique in their items (burgers and deli sandwiches), we liked their themed names for the burgers and the forest decor in the restaurant and on the ceiling.

Next, head to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for the Fern Canyon, which is about 30 minutes away.

This gorgeous canyon has walls covered in lush, green ferns. It’s a short, easy hike suitable for all skill levels.

The canyon is often damp, so we suggest wearing waterproof shoes or bringing sandals for wading through the creek.

After exploring Fern Canyon, head to a more challenging hike on the Trillium Falls Trail. This 2.7-mile loop trail takes you through dense redwood forests, over streams, and to the beautiful Trillium Falls.

The trail is moderately difficult, so take your time, have plenty of breaks, and enjoy the surroundings. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife. The park is home to elk, deer, and plenty of bird species.

After a day of hiking and exploring, head back to your accommodation, have dinner then relax and recharge ready for tomorrow. We brought frozen dinners in our cooler so we didn’t have to look for dinner spots.

For the best restaurants near the park, we recommend:

• Country Club
• Woodland Villa Restaurant
• Willow Line Taproom

Day 3: Redwood Creek Overlook and Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Day 3 is another early start to make the most of the cooler morning air. Have breakfast at the hotel and pack your bag.

Your first destination is the Redwood Creek Overlook in Redwood National Park. 

This scenic drive takes about 40 minutes from Requa Inn and has the most spectacular views of the forest and the creek below.

The overlook is perfect for some early morning photos – get here before the crowds and take in the fresh air surrounded by birds chirping.

Next, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, a highlight of Redwood National Park.

This easy, 1.5-mile loop trail is accessible and winds through a beautiful grove of ancient redwoods. The trail is named after former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, who dedicated the grove in 1969. 

Along the trail, you’ll find informative signs about the ecology and history of the area. Stop for lunch along the trail.

Afterwards, continue by driving along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. 

This scenic route runs through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and has several pullouts and short trails to explore. 

Some of the pull-out trails we recommend are: 

• Big Tree Loop: A short, easy hike that takes you to the iconic Big Tree, one of the largest redwoods in the park.
• Cathedral Trees Trail: A moderate trail that has a peaceful walk among some of the park’s most impressive trees.
• Prairie Creek Trail: A longer trail that winds through the forest and along the creek.

From Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, head back to your hotel for the final day.

Day 4: Avenue of the Giants and Return Home

Another early start, to get up, have breakfast, and pack.

Before you set off on your journey home, you’ll travel through one of the most iconic drives in the redwoods: the Avenue of the Giants. Set off early to make sure you have plenty of time without rushing.

This 31-mile scenic byway runs parallel to US-101 and has some of the most stunning views of towering redwoods. It’s on the way back to the Bay Area so you’re not driving 60+ miles just for this drive.

Along the Avenue of the Giants, there are plenty of attractions.

Begin with the Drury-Chaney Trail for a quiet hike filled with ferns and clovers on the ground and redwoods above.

Next, check out the Immortal Tree that still stands strong after being struck by lightening.

Then drive to the Founders Grove, where you can take a short walk to see:

• Founders Tree, one of the tallest in the area
• Dyerville Giant, one of the tallest trees fallen
• Mahan Plaque, remembering Laura and James Mahan who stopped logging in a forest, leading to its preservation of these redwood trees.

Next, stop at the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree for a fun photo opportunity. This unique redwood tree has a tunnel carved through it, allowing cars to drive right through!

For lunch, stop at Avenue Cafe in Miranda in Avenue of the Giants. Or if you’re done with Avenue of the Giants before lunchtime, stop at Redway or Garberville for more options.

From here, the drive back to San Jose will take about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. 

Where is Redwood National Park?

Redwood National Park is located on the northern coast of California, near the border with Oregon. It’s located about a 6 hour drive north of San Francisco.

The park was established in 1968 to protect its famous giant redwood trees – some of the tallest in the world! – as well as the delicate ecosystems around them. 

How To Get To Redwood National Park

Closest Airport to Redwood National Park

The nearest airport to Redwood National Park is the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV). It’s often referred to as the Humboldt County Airport. 

The airport is located in McKinleyville, California. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the airport to the park’s southern entrance.

But we recommend SFO (San Francisco International Airport) for far more flight options and times.

Directions from major cities

Our favorite way of getting to Redwood National Park is to drive. This gives us the most flexibility when we are there.

If you’re planning to drive, here’s the rough directions from the nearest major cities:

• San Jose to Redwood National Park: Drive north on US-101 S (toll road) for just over 6 hours. The route is around 356 miles.

• San Francisco to Redwood National Park: The 311-mile journey takes just under 5 hours and 30 minutes. The fastest route is to take US-101 S, which is a toll road.

• Sacramento to Redwood National Park: The journey takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes. The best route is to take CA-299 E and I-5 S, the distance is about 329 miles.

Transportation options within the park

There are a few options for transportation within Redwood National Park.

• Redwood National Park Shuttle: The Redwood National Park Shuttle, run by the National Park Service and Redwood Parks Conservancy, offers one-way shuttles to trailheads and backcountry areas, and a regular shuttle service during peak season. Pricing varies, and reservations are required. To book, email transportation@redwoodparks.org or call (707) 564-7388 between 9 am and 5 pm.

• Organized Tours: Various companies run tours to see the giant redwoods.  These range from private to small group, half, full day, or multi-day trips. 

• Options for Disabled: Redwood Parks Conservancy provides free transportation for people with disabilities (and their support network). These services operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to make a booking at least 24 hours in advance by emailing transportation@redwoodparks.org or calling (707) 564-7388 between 9 am and 5 pm.

Getting Around Redwood National and State Parks

The easiest way to explore Redwood National and State Parks is by having your own transportation. We highly recommend doing some of the scenic drives through these ancient forests.

If you’re in a motorhome or pulling a trailer, be sure to follow any size restrictions. We also recommend checking the Current Conditions page for any road closures, detours, or hazards before heading out. 

Here are some of the best scenic drives in the park are:

• Howland Hill Road
• Enderts Beach Road
• Requa Road
• Coastal Drive
• Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
• Cal-Barrel Road
• Davison Road
• Bald Hills Road

Redwood National Park Entrance Fee

The great thing is that Redwood National Park is free to visit. There are also no entrance fees to access its scenic roads, highways, or the 3 state parks: Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek Redwoods. 

Because there are no fees, there are no entrance stations for entering the park. However some day-use areas within these parks do have fees, and they have an entrance station.

For example, in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, there is a fee to drive to Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon. 

Best Time to Visit Redwood National Park

You can visit Redwood National Park year-round, but we recommend summer and spring are the best seasons overall, especially from April through July. 

During spring, the woods are lush and green with blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds. The trails and roads are usually in good condition. 

In summer, the weather is warm and dry, so we recommend setting out early to hike to avoid the heat of the day. But it isn’t as hot as other areas in California.

Generally, the parks aren’t crowded until Memorial Day. To avoid any crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons – either early spring or late fall. Winter is quiet but can be rainy. 

Regardless of when you go, we always suggest checking the weather and being prepared for changing conditions, especially if you’re planning to hike or camp.

What to Pack for Visiting the Redwoods

Essential Items:

• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Snacks for energy on the go
• Map of the park or a guidebook
• First aid kit for emergencies
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Camera or smartphone for photos

Clothing Recommendations:

• Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
• Layers of clothing for changing weather
• Rain jacket or poncho in case it rains
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Warm clothing for cool mornings and evenings

Gear for Hiking and Exploring:

• Backpack to carry your items
• Hiking poles if you plan to trek longer trails
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Flashlight or headlamp for low-light conditions

Where to Stay at Redwood National Park

• The Historic Requa Inn:  The Historic Requa Inn in Klamath is an adults-only inn near Redwood National and State Parks. It has free parking, a fireplace in the lobby, and an onsite restaurant. We stayed here during our trip and LOVED it.

• Oceanview Inn and Suites: This accommodation is located in Crescent City, close to Brookings. All rooms include free toiletries and a hairdryer, some rooms have spa baths. They serve a complimentary continental breakfast. And there’s a 24-hour front desk.

• Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park: This accommodation is conveniently located in Klamath, close to  Redwood National and State Parks and across from the Pacific Coastline. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-room coffee-making facilities. 

• Glenkirk: This recently renovated holiday home in Klamath has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with mountain views. The home has free WIFI, free private parking, and comes with a garden and barbecue facilities – it also includes an Xbox 360, PS4, and Blu-ray player!

Tips for Visiting the Redwoods

Safety Tips:

• Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost
• Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time
• Carry a map and compass, even if you have a GPS
• Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance
• Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water

Recommendations for a Smooth Visit:

• Start your day early to avoid crowds and find parking easily
• Check the weather forecast and dress in layers
• Bring snacks or a picnic, as food options in the park are limited
• Respect nature by leaving no trace; pack out all your trash
• Visit the park’s visitor center for maps, information, and tips

Photography Tips:

• Capture the towering trees by shooting from a low angle
• Use the natural light filtering through the trees for dramatic effects
• Bring a tripod for steady shots, especially in low light
• Take close-ups of the details like bark, leaves, and wildlife
• Don’t forget to take wide-angled shots to show the scale of the forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Redwood National Park worth visiting?

Yes! Redwood National Park is definitely worth visiting. It’s home to some of the tallest trees in the world, has stunning scenery, and great hiking trails.

How many days do you spend in the Redwoods?

To fully enjoy Redwood National Park, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days. This gives you enough time to hike the trails, explore the scenic drives, and see the giant trees up close. 

Where is the tallest Redwood tree?

The tallest redwood tree, named Hyperion, is in a remote part of Redwood National Park. It stands at 380.3 ft. Its exact location isn’t shared with the public to help protect it. But don’t worry! There are plenty of other giant redwoods in the park for you to enjoy and explore.

Where are the best places to take photos in the Redwoods?

Some of the best places to take photos of Redwoods are the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Fern Canyon, the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and of course, our favorite spot – Trees of Mystery.

Can you see Redwood National Park in one day?

Although you can see some highlights of Redwood National Park in one day, we recommend spending more time if you can. In one day, you’ll be able to hike a trail, take a scenic drive, and stop at some of the lookout points, but you’ll miss out on many other amazing spots.

Is Redwood or Sequoia National Park better?

This is a tough choice, we love both! So it depends on what you like. Redwood has the tallest trees and a beautiful coastline, while Sequoia has the largest trees by volume and stunning mountain scenery. If you love the ocean, go for Redwood. If you prefer mountains, Sequoia is great!

Final Thoughts

We hope our 4 day Redwood National Park itinerary has excited you about visiting this incredible park. 

From the beautiful scenic drives to hiking through the canyons or simply taking in the sheer scale of the Giant Redwoods, there’s so much to see and do. 

Read More From Bae Area and Beyond

15 Best Hikes in Redwood National Park

Is Trees Of Mystery Worth It? 13 Things To Do

7 Best Hikes In Muir Woods: Travel Tips and Info

Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting?

Is Muir Woods Road Dangerous?

Need help planning a trip? We can help plan your dream road trip in California! 

Follow our California experiences: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok