How to Have a Wonderful Family Vacation at Redwood National Park

If sequoias are said to be the widest or biggest trees in the whole world, redwoods on the other hand are identified as the tallest trees – living creatures – in the world. Awe is sure to fill you and your family while taking in the breathtaking heights of these trees. Indeed, there is no other place like the Redwood National Park, and that’s why you’ve made the right choice of coming here!

Fees, Peak Season, and Other Basic Details about Redwood National Park

Admission charges and opening and closing dates differ depending on which part of the Redwood National Park you’re interested in. For the Hiouchi Information Center, you can visit from mid-June to the first half of September. Jedidiah Smith Visitor Center, on the other hand, is open from the latter parts of May till the end of September and between 9:00AM and 5:00PM. It is also open during the winter from Fridays to Saturdays and between 10:00AM and 6:00PM.

Crescent City Information Center is open all year long but hours of operation depend on which month of the year you’ll be visiting. The same can be said for Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.

Things to Do and Places to Go at Redwood National Park

Don’t be surprised if, amidst your exploration of the park, your family will be witness to a wedding. The redwoods have after all the makings of the most romantic scenery, and that’s why many couples choose to tie the knot in this very famous site. But besides being accidental witnesses to weddings, here are other activities you can enjoy at Redwood National Park:

Klamath River Overlook – This is the place to go to if you wish for your kids to observe the wonders of marine life. Klamath River Overlook is home to the park’s population of whales, sea birds and sea lions, salmons, and seals.

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway – Humans, regardless of their heights, are used to looking down on most plants and animals, but visitors of Redwood National Park are in for a completely new experience when they get to Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. It is here that the oldest of redwood trees live, and most visitors tend to feel very much intimidated standing next to these tree giants. Sometimes, there are definitely bigger things in life than you!

Crescent Beach Overlook and Enderts Beach – Redwoods are not the only fascinating things in the park. At Crescent Beach Overlook and Enderts Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific Ocean. Share with your kids how the Pacific Ocean spans the length of numerous countries and there could be families just like yours that are looking at the same ocean thousands of miles away! These areas are also good for gray whale watching and other creatures living in tide pools.

Davidson Road – Here, glimpses of the famous Roosevelt Elk of the Redwood National Park can be easily seen. Just make sure that you observe park rules and regulations when watching them. Davidson Road is also home to one of the park’s waterfalls - Trillium Falls. From Davidson Road, you can reach the grayish sand of Gold Bluffs Beach. And there, you can challenge your kids if they can find the remnants of old mines. Davidson Road can also lead you to another of the park’s waterfalls, Fern Canyon, which not only showers the forest with water but also makes a beautiful cascade of ferns. A whole new variety of animals and other creatures live in these areas so watch out for them!

Indian Dance Demonstration – A visit to the Redwood National Park won’t be complete until you’ve watched a live dance by the Indians.

Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking – These two activities are allowed at certain trails of Redwood National Park, and don’t worry: you don’t have to bring your own horse. You can rent one instead. Mountain bikes for rent are also provided.

Other activities you can enjoy in Redwood National Park are kayaking, Junior Ranger programs for the kids, and other guided tours. Have fun!