Need advise on Redwood National Park travel itinerary

Question

Hello fellow travelers,

I'm seeking guidance/inputs from the community on visiting the Redwood National Park on July 4th weekend. We'll be traveling with a 3 yr toddler. We want to have short/toddler-friendly hikes as well as scenic drives. My dilemma is, I am completely lost as to where I should book accommodation. I know I'm late for making reservations, but I do see some still available, and want to make a reservation that's close to the sights of interest. We will be traveling for 3 days, so we're okay for a drive, and can accommodate distant sights of interest. But want to stay a place that's central to the places we visit.

Any guidance/recommendation is greatly appreciated, thank you for your help.

Answer

Visiting Redwood National and State Parks with a toddler over the July 4th weekend can be a wonderful experience, but careful planning is essential due to limited accommodations and busy holiday crowds. Since you’re traveling with a young child, prioritizing short, toddler-friendly hikes and scenic drives will make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Where to Stay

Given your 3-day itinerary, staying centrally or in an area with convenient access to multiple parts of the park is key. Popular areas with accommodations include Klamath, Orick, and Crescent City. Each has pros and cons:

Klamath: Small town close to the southern entrance of the park, near Fern Canyon and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Good for easy access to toddler-friendly trails and scenic drives. Has motels, inns, and RV parks.
Orick: Central for northern trails, including Tall Trees Grove. Very limited lodging, mostly motels and cabins, so check availability quickly.
Crescent City: Offers the most options for hotels, restaurants, and groceries. Located at the northern end of the park, so expect more driving if your main focus is southern trails, but still reasonable for day trips. Scenic drives along the coast are easily accessible.

Toddler-Friendly Hikes

Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: Approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip, paved and stroller-friendly in parts. Great old-growth redwoods.
Big Tree Wayside: Very short, easy walk to see one of the largest redwoods. Perfect for toddlers.
Fern Canyon: About 1 mile roundtrip, boardwalks in some areas, but can be damp. Toddlers will enjoy the unique canyon walls covered in ferns.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Drive-through scenic route with occasional pullouts and short walks. Ideal for seeing wildlife like elk and enjoying the forest without long hikes.
Prairie Creek Visitor Center Trails: Several easy loops under a mile suitable for little legs.

Scenic Drives

Howland Hill Road: Gravel road, offers a quiet drive through old-growth redwoods. Great for photos from the car.
Coastal Drive (US-101 to Crescent City): Stunning ocean views and beach access. Can combine with short walks at beaches.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway: Mentioned above, but also excellent to explore by car with pullouts for brief stops and photos.

Tips

Book accommodations as soon as possible. Klamath and Orick fill quickly over the 4th of July weekend.
If staying slightly farther away (Crescent City), plan early starts to maximize time at trails and minimize driving fatigue for your toddler.
Bring a stroller suitable for light gravel and paved trails; many toddler-friendly trails are partially paved.
Pack snacks, water, and layers, as forested areas can be cool even in summer.
Prioritize one or two main areas per day to minimize driving and allow for relaxed exploration.

In summary, for a 3-day trip with a toddler, staying in Klamath offers proximity to southern trails and easy access to toddler-friendly hikes and scenic drives, while Crescent City provides more lodging options and amenities but involves more driving. Focus on short trails like Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Big Tree Wayside, and Fern Canyon, and complement with scenic drives for a relaxed, enjoyable experience for your family.

Need advise on Redwood National Park travel itinerary

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