9 Magical Redwood Groves in California

The towering redwoods of California are one of the state’s biggest tourist draws, and it’s easy to see why. Dating back over 200 million years, reaching soaring heights of 300 feet, and branching out in a hundred different directions, these awe-inspiring trees have a greatness to them that is best experienced up-close. 

If you haven’t done so yet, planning a trip to the best redwood groves in the Golden State could be one of the best travel decisions you’ll ever make. Pick any of the spots we’ve highlighted and you’ll have a memorable journey surrounded by gentle giants.

1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

When California redwoods are mentioned, most people instantly think of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Seven percent of the world's old-growth redwoods are found at Jedediah Smith, one of California's most beautiful redwood parks. A few of the park's redwood treks lead you along picturesque paths that introduce you to primeval areas; be sure to allow enough time to explore at least one of them.

The area is also considered to be the original home of the Tolowa Native American tribe. There are several exhibits showcasing the cultural history of the park at the visitor center; make sure to check them out!

2. Redwood Grove Nature Preserve

The sublime Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is an unexpected treasure hiding in the suburbs of Los Altos. While it only occupies six acres of land in total, this redwood forest in California is one of the most striking South Bay destinations to explore. You’ll find a boardwalk, picnic tables, observation decks, and a rose garden at Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. If you plan to go on a hike, you’ll also likely come across the 14.2-mile-long Adobe Creek flowing through its premises.

3. Prairie Creek Redwood State Park

Science fiction enthusiasts may recognize Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humboldt County from its roles in many films, including as A Galaxy Far, Far Away and A Place Where Dinosaurs Once Roamed Free. Director inspiration has unsurprisingly come from these Northern California redwoods, with its unearthly setting and Jurassic age fossils.

Explore Fern Canyon if you are ever in the midst of Prairie Creek's tall trees. This is a little creekbed that is surrounded by enormous, mossy fern walls that are a must-see natural sight.

4. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Another Humboldt County redwood grove makes the list with Humboldt Redwoods State Park. While this can’t-miss state park allows you to experience the redwoods without leaving your car along the Avenue of Giants, we highly recommend exploring parts of it on foot as well. 

Choose from over 250 campsites among the redwoods in this California park and hike more than 100 miles of trails. Only have time for one hike? Make it the half-mile Founders Grove Nature Trail. This redwood hike takes you to the Founders Tree, which is one of the world’s tallest trees.

5. Hendy Woods State Park

A getaway to Hendy Woods State Park is one of the best things on the North Coast of California. This Mendocino County gem is the perfect setting for a weekend full of adventures, offering redwood groves, swimming holes, tranquil campsites, and even a hidden hermit hut. Once you’re done gushing over the piercing trees along your redwood hike, reward yourself with a dip in the nearby Navarro River. Providing a string of swimming holes, this scenic body of water is the perfect place to unwind when the weather gets a bit too hot to bear.

6. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The stunning redwood forest known as Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located less than five miles from the sunny beaches of Santa Cruz. There are lots of old-growth trees to be found in this 40-acre tree forest, which was spared from the heavy logging of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The park's varied terrain includes, in addition to California's tall redwoods, the sandy expanse of an ancient seafloor, an observation deck offering expansive views of Monterey Bay, a number of swimming holes, and prominent trees like the Fremont Tree, whose massive, hollowed trunk provides ideal group photo opportunities.

7. Redwood National and State Parks

Down to meet the tallest tree in the world? Plan the ultimate forested getaway to Redwood National and State Parks. Home to roughly 45 percent of all of California’s remaining old-growth redwoods, this incredible destination is unlike any other place you’ve been to. You likely won’t identify Hyperion, which is the 380-foot redwood in California gracing the pages of the Guinness World Records books, because its location has been kept a secret to protect its fragile root system. However, you’ll also hardly miss it given the park’s wealth of magnificent redwood groves.

8. Muir Woods National Monument

San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to many beautiful attractions, and the Muir Woods National Monument is one of them. Teeming with big trees, colossal crowds, and a ton of scenery, this 558-acre redwood grove is one of the most visited destinations in California for good reason. 

The park is connected by a network of loop paths that allow you to go as far as you desire into the valley covered in trees. Highlights of your redwood trek in Muir Woods may include the serene Cathedral Grove, the stunning Redwood Creek, and nearby locations like Mount Tamalpais and Muir Beach.

9. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is one of the best state parks near San Francisco. Not only is it the oldest of its kind, but it’s also considered a Golden State historical landmark, housing numerous points of interest for history buffs. 

Big Basin’s unique variety of flora and fauna includes the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of the San Francisco area, as well as a varied landscape that features waterfalls, canyons, and slopes covered with greenery. While Northern California redwoods are definitely the stars of the show, phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean give you an extra reason to plan a trip to the incomparable Big Basin Redwoods State Park.