Redwoods Trip Report Santa Cruz to Redwoods NP

Question

Wanted to come back and say thank you to those that helped us plan our trip and share our trip report. We got to enjoy the Redwoods near Santa Cruz and up in Northern CA.

We started our trip in Santa Cruz for 2.5 days with dear friends enjoying the Redwoods of Henry Cowell State Park and kayaking the Elkhorn Slough. We also hiked different sections of the park daily. We had one dinner out at Trout Farms which had a great setting, ambience, terrific cocktails but the food was overpriced for the quality in our opinion.

Travel Day

From Santa Cruz, we drove on up the coast towards Fort Bragg with a few pit stops along the way. We stopped at Half Moon bay and enjoyed a late lunch at Moonside Bakery and Cafe. Love that they offer GF baked goods. Everyone enjoyed their meal here. We stopped at Golden Gate Bridge walked across and took countless pics. From there we continued north planning to stop in Healsburg for wine tasting only to discover that tastings are 5x the price of that where we live on the east coast. Finding a quicker GF eatery that wasn’t stuffy or time consuming was a little harder to find. We stumbled upon a Catina in a grocery store that had great Mexican food and best guac, Casa Del Mole. It was a very long drive day for our crew and we settled in Fort Bragg at Harbor Lite Lodge for the night.

Day 1 in Northern Redwoods:

The lodge was nice and clean but quite noisy at night between road noise and people up late. The lodge also only offered coffee (good coffee) but no breakfast food so my family went to Homestyle Cafe the next morning for breakfast while I went to Safeway to restock our cooler.

From here we took a long stop at Glass Beach which was beautiful!!! We got there during low tide and could still explore little nooks and crannies on the rocks. After our stop in Glass Beach, we continued on towards Humboldt State Park. As we got closer we drove the Avenue of the Giants. The first stop was at the visitor center to picnic lunch and enjoy the short trail across the street. From there, we went on to Founders Grove and Rockefeller Loop on Matthole Road. We wish we had more time but we our lingered start of the day in Fort Bragg meant we had to keep moving on. We stopped at the Coop in Arcata to stock up on groceries and started our way towards our VRBO In Trinidad for 3 nights. Our home was well equipped and we settled in making a late dinner.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your detailed Redwoods trip report! It sounds like you had a wonderful blend of coastal scenery, forest hikes, and charming towns along the way. Your experience provides a great roadmap for others planning a similar Northern California adventure.

Starting in Santa Cruz for 2.5 days is a smart move. Henry Cowell State Park offers accessible trails and giant redwoods without being too strenuous, which is perfect for families or groups seeking short hikes. Kayaking in the Elkhorn Slough adds a unique wildlife experience to the mix. While Trout Farms offered a lovely setting, it’s good to note the feedback on pricing vs. quality for others planning meals.

The travel day up the coast is packed with highlights and a few practical tips:

Half Moon Bay: Moonside Bakery and Cafe provides a good stop for lunch, especially with gluten-free options.
Golden Gate Bridge: Walking across is a must for photo opportunities and to stretch after driving.
Healdsburg wine tasting: Wine tastings in California can be pricey; planning ahead or scouting smaller, less touristy tasting rooms can save money.
Quick eats: Casa Del Mole in a grocery store setting worked well for a casual, fast, and tasty meal, especially for those seeking gluten-free options.
Overnight: Harbor Lite Lodge in Fort Bragg is convenient, clean, and simple, though light sleepers should note road noise.

Day 1 in the Northern Redwoods was well-structured with a combination of iconic sights and scenic drives:

Glass Beach: A low-tide visit allows exploration of tide pools and the famous sea glass.
Avenue of the Giants: Stopping at the visitor center for a picnic and short trail is a great way to enjoy the giant redwoods without long hikes.
Founders Grove and Rockefeller Loop: Both provide iconic old-growth redwood experiences in relatively short, easy walks.
Shopping for supplies: The Coop in Arcata is a practical stop to stock up for longer stays in remote accommodations like Trinidad VRBOs.
VRBO stay in Trinidad: Staying in a well-equipped home allows for relaxed dinners and planning for the next days exploring the region.

Overall, your trip balances activity and travel well, with strategic stops and meals. Key takeaways for future travelers:

Plan long driving days with strategic stops to break up the journey.
Check tide schedules for coastal highlights like Glass Beach.
Research meal options ahead, especially for dietary needs like gluten-free choices.
Consider noise levels when booking overnight accommodations near busy roads.
Maximize short hikes and iconic scenic drives to see the Redwoods without exhaustion.

Your detailed report will be very useful for anyone planning a similar Santa Cruz to Northern California Redwoods itinerary, balancing nature, coastal stops, and comfort along the way.

Redwoods Trip Report Santa Cruz to Redwoods NP

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