How much does it cost to see redwoods in San Francisco?
Price: Entrance fee – $15/person; parking – $8.50, shuttle – $3.25/person. Named after famous naturalist John Muir, Muir Woods National Monument is by far the most popular place to see redwoods near San Francisco. At the park, you’ll find redwoods that are anywhere from 600 to 1,200 years old and that get up to 258 feet tall.
Where to see redwoods in California?
If you’re up for the drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the best places to see the redwoods in California is Humboldt Redwoods State Park . The park spans over 55,000 acres, which is twice the size of San Francisco!
Where is the Redwood Park in San Francisco?
You probably wouldn’t expect to find a redwood park in the middle of the Financial District in San Francisco, but alas, the Transamerica Redwood Park is that redwood oasis in the city. Designed in 1969, this half-acre park is a popular lunch spot for people who work in the Financial District or Union Square.
Where is the redwood forest in California?
Walking through a hushed coastal redwood forest in Northern California is perhaps one of the most magical experiences you can have. It’s damp, quiet, peaceful, and you’re surrounded by some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world.
Why are redwoods so special?
The California redwoods are special to me for several reasons, but most notably they’re special because they give me a strong feeling of being home .
Where to find old growth redwoods?
At Butano State Park, you can expect to find old-growth redwoods nestled in a peaceful canyon, as well as 40 miles of hiking trails, dozens of campsites, creeks, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. The best short trail to start out on is the 3-mile Little Butano Creek Trail that takes you to the heart of the redwoods.
Where is Portola Redwoods?
Just a couple miles north of the popular Big Basin State Park, Portola Redwoods is an overlooked park just south of San Francisco. Walking through this lush state park, you wouldn’t guess that San Jose and the huge tech companies of Silicon Valley are just a short drive away.
San Francisco to the Redwoods Road Trip FAQ
You can cover a lot of ground in 4 nights / 5 days. This itinerary is primarily focused on the northern most redwood parks. But if you want to add on more time for the coast or Sonoma wine country, then you can do a longer 6 night / 7 day trip.
California Redwood Forest Map
This map includes all of CA’s redwood forests, including the ones mentioned in this itinerary.
Whacky Roadside Attractions in the Redwoods
Definitely make time on your redwoods road trip for at least one kooky roadside attraction. Some are as simple as a drive-through tree and others have elevated walkways and tree sculptures. And yet others celebrate Bigfoot. These are listed south to north:
San Francisco Redwoods Road Trip Itinerary
What follows is a five day, four night itinerary that goes from San Francisco to Redwood National Park. But it’s all about the journey and not that particular destination, because this itinerary includes 13 state parks and scenic drives that all feature Coast Redwoods. This itinerary actually lists more things than you will likely have time for.
Renting a Car for Your Redwoods Road Trip
If you are flying into SFO, there is a large rental car center, which you can easily get to via the Air Train. Find your best pricing by comparing all of the different rental car providers on Rentalcars.com.
Things to Pack for the Trip
As we mentioned above, these parks have rotten cell reception. This is one of those times when an old school map will serve you well. We love the Benchmark California Road Atlas. It has a lot of detail, showing state parks and campsites as well as both paved and dirt roads.
Things to Do in San Francisco
If you are spending time in SF before or after the trip, here are some of our tips for having a great stay.
Where to see redwoods in San Francisco?
Another wonderful place to see redwoods near San Francisco is at Redwood National & State Park. This is a group of four parks right near each other that are managed together by the National Parks Service and the California State Parks Service.
Where are redwoods found?
Coastal Redwoods are only found near the coast in California between the northern border of the state and then south to the Big Sur area. They are the tallest trees in the world and live to be several hundred years old.
How far is Portola Redwoods State Park from San Francisco?
Portola Redwoods State Park. Distance from SF: 1 hour and 20 minutes south. Just to the north of Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the Portola Redwoods State Park. This park is about 2,800-acres and offers a great look at some of the best redwoods near San Francisco. ID 6673405 © Gavril Margittai | Dreamstime.com.
Where is the chandelier tree in San Francisco?
The Chandelier Tree is located in Leggett in Mendocino County which is just over three hours north of San Francisco. The tree is part of a privately owned redwood forest.
What is the difference between a pine cone and a redwood?
One other difference between the two is that the pinecones of the Sequoias are nearly three times the size of the pine cones from Coastal Redwoods. Many people mix and match these two types of trees as they both have a red coloring. However, Coastal Redwoods are taller and thinner, and Sequoias are wider and shorter.
How long is the Redwood Loop Trail?
If you just want to do a short hike and check out the trees, then take the Redwood Loop Trail. It's a 0.6-mile loop that is mostly flat and you will stroll by some of the best redwoods in the park. If you have a bit more time and want to do a little more hiking, then check out the Sequoia and Skyline to the Sea trails.
Where is the Shine Drive-Thru Tree?
The oldest of the three drive-three redwood trees is the Shine Drive-Thru Tree and It's just to the south of Humboldt Redwood State Park, which is about 4 hours north of San Francisco.
Highlights Of San Francisco To Muir Woods Tour
Explore the top neighborhoods with your local guide and learn the stories, history, and diversity of San Francisco.
1. San Francisco Redwoods Tours to Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful trees in the world. 🌲🌲🌲 And, it features gorgeous walking trails and striking scenery.
2. Redwoods in Downtown San Francisco
Did you know there's a grove of redwoods at the base of the Transamerica Pyramid? Transamerica Redwood Park is a great place to take a break during a busy work day.
4. The Lone Giant Redwood in Golden Gate Park
From ancient Oaks to towering Redwoods — what surprises will be hiding around the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers?
5. Little Known Redwoods Near San Francisco
These giant redwoods near San Francisco were one of the filming locations for the Forest of Endor in George Lucas’ Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Lucas, a native to the area, knew the redwoods in the Bay Area would be the perfect setting for the Ewoks.
6. Second Best Day Trip to Redwoods Near San Francisco (after Muir Woods)
Butano California State Park is a hidden gem for anyone trying to see redwoods near San Francisco while avoiding as many crowds as possible.
Overview of Route from San Francisco to Redwoods National Park
This road trip starts and ends in San Francisco, taking you up the coast to the Redwoods along the way. You’ll pass plenty of scenic coastal towns, redwood forests, and even stop in wine country on your return trip!
How Long is the Drive from Redwoods to San Francisco?
This San Francisco to Redwoods road trip could take you anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the destinations along the route.
Getting From San Francisco to the Redwoods
If you’re flying into San Francisco to start your road trip, you’ll have two airports to choose from. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 20 minutes south of San Francisco. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located across the bay, about 30 minutes from San Francisco.
Where to Stay on the Road Trip to Northern California
There’s no shortage of excellent places to stay between San Francisco and Redwood National Park. Depending on how many days you’re taking on your road trip, you can pick from a wide array of hotels, cabins, or campgrounds along the way. Here are a few of my favorite picks.
Packing List for Northern California Road Trips
This coastal trip provides cool temperatures and epic views, but much of the drive is remote and outside of cell coverage. Stay prepared to road trip north California by packing layers and essential safety gear for your road trip:
Best Time to Visit San Francisco Redwoods & Road Trip Northern California
Thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean, this entire road trip route stays pretty mild all year long. You can expect daytime temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees most days of the year.
Road Trip Stops from San Francisco to Redwood Forest
Ready to head out on your ultimate Northern California road trip adventure? This route follows Highway 1 up the coast, a slower, but more scenic route compared to Highway 101.