Springtime Family Redwoods Getaways

Kids and adults alike will love exploring lush Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Photo by oskay, Flickr Creative Commons.
Kids and adults alike will love exploring lush Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Photo by oskay, Flickr Creative Commons.

What are your fondest childhood memories? It’s often the small moments we share with loved ones, like sitting around a campfire and watching the stars, that stick with us for life. And you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to create meaningful experiences for your children – in fact, sometimes less is more. This spring, get out in nature and create your own adventures on one of these three  family-friendly redwoods getaways.

  1. On your way to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, drive along the world-famous Avenue of the Giants, through the longest continuous stretch of old-growth redwoods in the world. Try fishing, rafting, and swimming in the crystalline waters of the Eel River. Kids can search for banana slugs along the length of the Dyerville Giant, a fallen redwood that once stood as tall as a 30-story building.
  2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is famous for the breathtaking beauty of its coasts and cliffs along the Pacific Ocean. Hike the 2-mile Valley View Loop through redwoods to see Pfeiffer Falls and stunning views of the ocean. Kids will also love the opportunity to spot a whale or a condor (which has the largest wingspan of any bird in North America) on a guided tour.
  3. Want to see the tallest trees in the world? Visit Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP)! RNSP is home to four parks, each with its own unique offerings: In Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, experience elk viewing, windy camping on the beach, and a lush, beautiful canyon full of ferns. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park has tide pools to explore along eight miles of rugged coastline. The northernmost park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, features a scenic drive, excellent hiking, and boating and fishing on the mighty Smith River. And be sure to visit the lovely and historic Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park.

For more carefully collected tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your family getaway, download the free Family Guide to the Coast Redwoods.

Share your favorite camping memories with us in the comments! Anyone else craving s’mores?

About the author

Jennifer joined Save the Redwoods League in 2007 as the Director of Outreach and is now the League's Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. A Bay Area native, Jennifer brings several years of journalism, marketing communications and media relations experience in the public and private sectors to her work. Jennifer is charged with leading the organization's marketing communications and outreach efforts to connect people to the peace and beauty of the redwood forests.

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