Redwoods’ Avenue of the Giants
Redwoods are the tallest trees in the WORLD. It makes sense that many movies have been filmed here, including Star Wars’ Episode VI, A New Hope. In this movie, the redwoods were depicted as the Forest Moon of Endor. Along the 101 there is an exit you can take that is a 31-mile route called the Avenue of the Giants.
Tips
On our road trip south from Washington state to Santa Cruz, California, my friend Mander and I did not realize we skipped over Redwoods National Park. Apparently this is a VERY common mishap. If you want to go to the National Park, know that it is the NORTHERN region of the redwoods in California. We drove right through a national park and didn’t even know it haha! Instead, we explored the Avenue of the Giants, which is in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. We were only upset we did not get a picture in front of the national park sign, as these trees here were also MASSIVE.
If you want to check out the National Park, I recommend doing the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail, and the trails surrounding it. A local recommended exploring the town and beach in Orick.
We did the trip through the Avenue of the Giants from north-south. Be sure to pick up a map at the start of the road (there will be a pull-off), as it shows some good stopping points along the route. Here is my map so you can visualize the route.
What to Do (North-South)
Flood Plain Produce
Driving along the Avenue of the Giants, we came across this fruit stand showcasing their blackberry popsicles (which were delicious and refreshing!). We stopped and had a great conversation with the owners who were passionate about their product and were curious about my blog! As we walked through their gardens we saw a small cabin on their property. Due to their obvious hospitality, it is no surprise that the cabin is a rental space! I recommend staying here for a night if you are heading through the redwoods. It looked so cute and cozy, and you would be staying at a place with great owners.
Flood Plain Produce
One of the many flowers in their well-kept garden
Their dog, Batman, was very angry that I was walking through his masters’ gardens. After talking to him, he let me pet him, and we became BFFs :)
Stop and take a hike
We pulled over on the side of the road in a grove of redwoods that reminded me of the scenes in Star Wars. It was so fun to take pictures and run around! We did not do a formal hike but there are many short hikes you can try out.
Shrine Drive-Thru Tree
This $10 per vehicle stop was so worth it to say that we drove my car, Clifford, right through a tree! We also could drive on top of a tree which was really cool too. There is a playground for kids as well if you have kids and they need an energy break!
Where to Stay
Arcata, California
We stayed in the cutest town called Arcata, California. It is about an hour north of the Avenue of the Giants, and an hour south of Redwoods National Park. The AirBNB was called “Cosy Cottage by the Beach.” We felt like we were in a small bungalow/treehouse and loved the small garden outside. This cottage was close to a beach called Ma-Le’l Dunes South. We felt like we were in North Carolina with the dunes and the widespread beaches.
The manager of the rental recommended we get brunch at Cafe Brio in downtown Arcata. The meal was phenomenal as well as their coffee drinks. In line at brunch was a couple that comes back to that town and this cafe every year. We understand why! Also, little did we know there was a very popular farmers’ market at the square which is right across the street from Cafe Brio. Our timing was impeccable.
*We drove through the redwoods during my road trip to my second hand therapy placement from Washington to Santa Cruz. Before the Avenue of the Giants we explored Crater Lake National Park. After the redwoods we went to Napa Valley, California.