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Airport

Im heading Redwood National Park in 2 weeks. Im staying in Trinidad in a house overlooking the Head. Im flying into Eureka/Arcata airport in Mckinnley. Upon researching for my trip I found most people on this forum always fly into San Fran and drive. Why is that when the Eureka/Arcata airport is so close?

Flying into Eureka/Arcata (ACV) is indeed the closest airport to Redwood National Park, especially for staying in Trinidad, which is only about a 30-minute drive south. The reason many visitors choose to fly into San Francisco (SFO) and drive, even though it’s much farther (roughly 5–6 hours), is largely due to flight availability, frequency, and cost.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Limited Flights at ACV: Eureka/Arcata is a small regional airport, primarily served by a few daily flights, often via Alaska Airlines from major hubs like Portland or Los Angeles. This can limit your options in terms of flight times, connections, and pricing.
  • Higher Cost and Less Flexibility: Flights to ACV are generally more expensive than to major airports like SFO or even Oakland (OAK), and there are fewer seat options. Some travelers prefer the cost savings and flexibility of larger airports, even if it means a longer drive.
  • Rental Car Availability: Smaller airports sometimes have limited rental car fleets. If you require a specific vehicle type, especially a larger SUV or 4x4 for park roads, availability may be better at larger airports.
  • Combining Other Destinations: Some visitors plan to combine Redwood National Park with other California stops, like San Francisco, Napa Valley, or the Bay Area. Flying into SFO or OAK makes more sense for multi-destination trips.

That said, for a focused Redwood trip, flying into ACV is perfectly logical. You’ll save significant driving time, reduce fatigue, and get to your accommodations in Trinidad quickly. Many travelers who prioritize seeing the northern redwoods without visiting other California destinations prefer ACV for convenience and direct access.

Tips:

  • Book your rental car in advance, as ACV has a smaller selection.
  • Check flight connections and times carefully; some options may involve a stopover.
  • Flying into ACV allows more daylight for your first day exploring the park, especially if you arrive in the morning or early afternoon.

In summary, the choice often comes down to convenience versus flight flexibility and cost. ACV is ideal for a focused Redwood National Park visit, while SFO/OAK is chosen for more flexible itineraries or better flight deals.

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