Make a day for dad among the tall trees
Father’s Day is a terrific day for the family to shake off the everyday drudgery and have some fun together. And there’s no better way to escape than a trip to the redwoods. Here are a few ideas for places to take dad on his special day.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
If you’re looking for big trees, the name of this park says it all. Home to two spectacular groves of giant sequoia, Calaveras Big Trees also offers great looks at the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, ancient volcanic formations, and natural meadows. A great network of trails allows you to access to all kinds of natural beauty.
Descanso Gardens
If you live on the greater Los Angeles area, and don’t have time to travel northward to the redwoods, this amazing botanical garden is a nice alternative. An immersive redwoods experience awaits you in the Ancient Forest of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Among a mix of plants that can only exist by a curated hand, the coast redwoods anchor a cool, shady environment reminiscent of Humboldt County.
Hendy Woods State Park
In the heart of the Anderson Valley winemaking region, this Mendocino County park’s easy trails lead through spectacular ancient coast redwoods along the Navarro River. The area is warmer than most redwood parks along the coast, making Hendy Woods popular for swimming and kayaking in the late-spring and early summer.
Purisima Creeks Redwoods Open Space Preserve
With Big Basin Redwoods State Park still closed due to the fires of 2020, this nearby park offers sweeping views of Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and lots of great redwoods. Located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this 4,711-acre preserve has tall second-growth redwoods and a lively creek, as well as ferns, berry bushes, and wildflowers.
These are just a few of the many coast redwood and giant sequoia experiences out there. Be sure to check out our Explore Redwoods website for a much broader look.
