What a (Road) Trip!

Humboldt County Road Trip to the Redwoods

Humboldt County coast

You’ve gotta love a road trip: it’s spontaneous and gives you the freedom for loads of explorations. The hardest part is figuring out where to go. Humboldt County is a road-tripping mecca perfect for an autumn getaway. All you have to do is drive north! First stop: the Lost Coast, a picture-perfect paradise with 80 miles of secluded, wild coastline.

Wander the remote Black Sands Beach, a 3.5-mile stretch of quiet beachcombing and whale sightings. Cut over to Highway 101 and the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for a 32-mile scenic route with options to pull over and explore. Make sure to stop at Humboldt Bay for some of the best oysters in the world.

Nearby Eureka is ideal for lodging, dining, and strolling through Old Town. Continuing north, the sweet coastal town of Trinidad has a namesake state beach (dog-friendly!) with dramatic sea stacks—a photographer’s dream. Cap off the northern exposure magic at Fern Canyon (aka The Jurassic Park hike) right off of Gold Bluffs Beach and a gateway to Redwoods National Park, where trails travel through the tallest trees in the world. Are we there yet?

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View
  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View
  3. Woman riding a bike on the the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

    Through the Grapevine

    Cycle California’s most famous wine valley on the car-free Vine Trail, an ambitious project going through the heart of Napa Valley. Park your car and ride 6 miles from Napa to Yountville for lunch.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Outback to the Future

    Some must-see destinations are written in the stars. Deep in Oregon's remote southern high desert lies the largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet. With 2.5 million acres of protected dark skies, you get the best of the celestial out here in what's known as the Oregon Outback, including geothermal soaks and an incredible playa that's a hidden gem.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Hollywood Endings

    Hollywood legends may seem larger than life, but we all have to kick the bucket at some point. Still, the Hollywood Forever cemetery keeps legends’ spirits alive among 62 acres of green lawns, palm trees, landscaped gardens, and large, reflecting pools.

    View