This fall in California, take one of the most unforgettable road trips in the western United States. Redwood Highway is one of the best things to do in Humboldt County. It’s a breathtaking 350-mile stretch that begins at San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge and winds its way north through California to the Oregon state line. This legendary route, officially known as U.S. Route 101, takes travelers on a memorable journey through towering forests, charming coastal towns, and scenic ocean views.
As you make your way up the Redwood Highway, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes. The star of the show is, of course, the redwood, the tallest tree species on Earth. These giants form dense, ancient forests that line portions of the highway, creating a canopy so high it seems to touch the sky. Between forest stretches, the road opens to reveal dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and rugged shoreline vistas highlighting the incredible diversity of Northern California’s terrain.
Eureka, a historic seaport city, is the ideal spot to take a break from the Redwood Highway. Here, you’ll find the Carter House Inns, a collection of beautifully restored Victorian buildings offering upscale accommodations. Our Eureka Hotel is home to Restaurant 301, renowned for its award-winning wine list and farm-to-table cuisine. It’s the kind of stop that elevates your road trip, allowing you to relax, recharge, and savor the flavors of Northern California before continuing your adventure. Book your stay today!
Highlights along the Redwood Highway
The Redwood Highway offers one of the most unforgettable drives in California, stretching 350 miles from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border. As you head north this fall in California, the highway transitions from bustling cityscapes to impressive forests that feel worlds away. This iconic route follows U.S. 101 and is the main artery through the largest remaining stands of old-growth redwoods on Earth.
Highlights along the Redwood Highway are abundant, beginning with the legendary Avenue of the Giants, a scenic alternate route through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This stretch is one of the top things to do in Humboldt County for fall travelers. Stop at quirky landmarks like the Drive-Thru Shrine Tree in Myers Flat, stroll among giants at Rockefeller Grove, and explore the coastal redwood forests of Prairie Creek, where the Elk Meadow often lives up to its name.
Further north, Trees of Mystery in Klamath offers a fun and informative stop with elevated forest views, while Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park showcases dramatic terrain and hosts the salmon run each September. During the fall in California, this is a lovely highlight of your trip. For sweeping views and rugged coastline, Sue-meg State Park delivers with its craggy bluffs and ocean overlooks.
This road trip isn’t just about the trees; it’s about slowing down and soaking in the wild beauty of Northern California. The cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make it ideal for hiking under ancient canopies, spotting Roosevelt elk grazing in open fields, or watching salmon leap upstream. Along the way, you’ll find even more things to do in Humboldt County, from scenic trails and charming small towns to local markets and art galleries.
Here are our must-see stops along the Redwood Highway offering things to do in Redwood National and State Parks this fall in California, each offering a unique way to experience the magic of the Redwoods:
- Located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, the Stout Memorial Grove features some of the tallest and widest redwoods in the region. A short loop trail leads you through an incredibly dense forest with minimal undergrowth, allowing for unobstructed views of these towering giants.
- Tucked inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is lined with lush, prehistoric ferns dripping from 50-foot walls. It’s an easy hike, but it feels like stepping into another era, so much so that it was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park 2.
- Just beyond Fern Canyon, visit Gold Bluffs Beach. This remote stretch of coastline offers a striking contrast to the forest. Wild and windswept, it’s a peaceful place to watch waves crash or catch sight of elk grazing in the dunes.
- Take the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a 10-mile alternate route through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This quiet drive runs parallel to Highway 101 and winds through some of the area’s most majestic redwoods. Numerous pullouts and trailheads invite you to explore at your own pace.
- The 1.5-mile Lady Bird Johnson Grove Loop trail in Redwood National Park offers a moderate walk through an upland redwood forest. Named after the former First Lady for her dedication to conservation, the grove sits at a higher elevation, giving it a misty, ethereal atmosphere that’s especially magical in the early morning.
start your redwoods adventure at our eureka hotel
After you’ve explored all the best stops along the Redwood Highway, you’ll be ready to unwind at our Eureka Hotel. Our boutique property offers a variety of lodging options to suit every traveler, from pet-friendly rooms and charming queen accommodations to our luxurious Grand Suites, perfect for romantic California getaways.
We offer a wide range of thoughtfully designed guest accommodations located throughout several distinctive buildings, including the stately Carter House, the elegant Carter Cottage, and the inviting Hotel Carter. Choose from cozy queen rooms to expansive king suites featuring private whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and scenic bay views. Each space in our Eureka Hotel is crafted with attention to detail, showcasing rich textiles, antique furnishings, and refined craftsmanship to create a restful and stylish retreat.
Your stay isn’t complete without dinner at our on-site fine dining restaurant, Restaurant 301. Our chefs craft a refined three-course tasting menu using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and we offer one of the most extensive wine lists in the country. The inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect place to end your day after taking in the stunning redwood groves, coastal views, and unique attractions along the Redwood Highway. We look forward to welcoming you to our Eureka Hotel. Reserve your room now!