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A Day Trip to the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Northern California is known for its old-growth coastal redwoods that have inspired the legends of Paul Bunyan and Bigfoot. The area has 51,222 acres of redwood groves to explore. An Avenue of the Giants day trip is one of the best places to explore these majestic trees.
You are excited to visit the Avenue of the Giants and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, must-see attractions, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do on a road trip through Northern California’s redwood forests while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this ultimate travel guide for an Avenue of the Giants day trip. Here is how to see the best of the Avenue of the Giants in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Two-Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary: Northern California and Oregon
Where is the Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants is in northern California’s Humbolt County on the 500-mile redwood belt. The is a 31-mile road that travels through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and runs parallel to Hwy 101. Avenue of the Giants is accessed via Exit 672 or Exit 645 off Hwy 101. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to drive the Avenue of the Giants. Plan to spend an entire day exploring the redwood groves.
Facts About Avenue of the Giants
Coast redwoods grow from Southern Oregon to Big Sur in California.
The bark of redwoods has tannin, a natural fire retardant.
Coast redwoods live 2000+ years.
The large holes at the base of redwoods are called goose-pens because settlers stored their geese in them.
The 10,000-acre Rockefeller Forest is the largest old-growth redwood forest in the world.
Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world, is located in the park.
The fallen Dyerville Giant Tree is 375 ft tall and weighs 1,000,000+ lbs.
Redwoods grow to 375 feet tall and the widest redwood is 27 feet across.
Accommodations Near Avenue of the Giants
There are 250+ campsites in the area serving tents and RVs. Ft Bragg has several options for accommodations when traveling up California’s coast and will find charming bed and breakfasts in the coastal cities. If you are spending two days at Humboldt Redwoods State Park choose a hotel accommodation in Benbow or Garberville.
Best Time of Year to Visit Avenue of the Giants
Fall is the best time of year to visit the Avenue of the Giants. Spring brings low-hanging fog and wildflowers. Snow is rare in the winter, and rain is common from November to March. Expect winter temperatures in the 40s-50s. Summer temperatures reach the upper 70s from June to September. June, July, and August are high seasons, expect crowds.
Things to Do Avenue of the Giants
Drive through the Chandelier Tree.
Check out the World-Famous Tree House and step into the Confusion Hill Gravity House.
Have breakfast at One Log House.
Photograph the Grandfather Tree.
Stretch your legs at Richardson Grove State Park.
Check out the Benbow Historic Inn, a former getaway of 1920s Hollywood stars.
Step inside Chimney Tree and look up to the sky.
Walk the 15-minute Franklin K. Lane Grove loop trail.
Check out the artist community of Miranda.
Walk the 0.8-mile Stephens Grove Loop and Gould Grove Nature Loop Trail.
Stop by the wine tasting room in Myers Flat.
Check out the attractions at the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree Auto Park.
Stop to photograph the Redwood Gigantean and the Dyerville Giant Tree.
Go for a swim in the Eel River at Gould Bar.
Stop and thank the Save the Redwoods League at the Mahan Plaque.
Learn about the lifecycle of redwoods on the Founders Grove Trail.
Walk the .7 mile off the beaten path Rockefeller Loop Trail.
Grab a snack at the Eternal Tree House Café & Gift Shop.
See the Immortal Tree that refuses to die.
Take the Drury Chaney Trail 2.4-mile loop through a carpet of redwood sorrel.
Be sure to check the Humboldt California Redwood Coast website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Avenue of the Giants Hiking Trails
Rockefeller Loop Trail.
Founder’s Grove Nature Loop Trail.
Gould Grove Nature Trail.
Drury-Chaney Loop Trail.
Stephen’s Grove Loop Trail.
Tips for Visiting Avenue of the Giants
Cell phone service is inconsistent in the area.
Get a map at the visitor center, or, take a photo of the map at the entrance.
This is a two-lane paved highway with a speed limit of 45.
Start early in the day, traffic gets backed up.
Richardson Grove State Park is cash only.
Ave of the Giants has small pullouts to stop and explore the forest groves.
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Plan Your Day Trip to Avenue of the Giants
Northern California Travel Guide
Pick up a Northern California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation Near Avenue of the Giants California Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Avenue of the Giants Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!