6-Day Scenic Drive and Hiking Adventure from Sunnyvale to Redwood National and State Parks with Coastal Exploration

Day 1: Drive to Redwood Area

Sunnyvale, CA to Redwood National Park vicinity, CA on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Depart Sunnyvale

Start your scenic drive north on CA-101 passing through charming Northern California towns.
USD0, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Auntie Em's Kitchen, Willits

A welcoming spot well-known for hearty breakfasts and home-cooked style meals to fuel your road trip.
USD18, 1h

9:15am

Stop at Thompson Creek Visitor Center (Redwood National and State Parks)

Visitor information hub to get updates on trails, wildlife, and ranger programs. It offers maps and exhibits on the park's ecology.
USD0, 1h

10:30am

Short Drive and Scenic Stop at Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Stretch your legs with a brief walk in this magnificent redwood forest showcasing old-growth trees.
USD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch in Orick at The Historic Requa Inn

Enjoy unique riverfront dining with fresh local seafood and classic dishes in a charming historic inn setting.
USD30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Check-in at Elk Meadow Cabins or equivalent lodging near Redwood National Park

Cozy accommodations nestled among towering redwoods, providing close access to hikes and park amenities.
USD150, 0h30m

2:00pm

Hike: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail (3 miles)

Moderate loop trail through old-growth forest offering quiet and majestic redwoods, perfect for an afternoon hike.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Prairie Creek Visitor Center

Explore ranger exhibits, pick up brochures for upcoming hikes, and learn about local wildlife including Roosevelt elk.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Driftwood Restaurant, Trinidad

Dine on fresh seafood with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, a perfect spot to enjoy coastal atmosphere near the park.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hiking and Beaches

Redwood National Park and Trinidad, CA on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe One, Trinidad

Light and fresh breakfast with local ingredients to prepare for half-day hiking.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Hike: Tall Trees Grove Trail (4 miles round trip)

A must-see grove with some of the tallest trees on earth. Access requires a free permit from visitor centers.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Moonstone Grill, Klamath

Enjoy coastal fusion cuisine with views over the Klamath River estuary.
USD30, 1h

1:00pm

Relax and Explore Moonstone Beach

Take a coastal stroll along this scenic sandy beach famous for tide pools and panoramic ocean views.
USD0, 1h30m

2:30pm

Scenic drive: Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway

A 10-mile loop drive through coastal redwoods with multiple short overlooks and photo stops.
USD0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Hike: Trillium Falls Trail (3 miles)

An easy-to-moderate forest trail leading to a picturesque waterfall within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
USD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lighthouse Grill, Trinidad

Award-winning restaurant offering creative dishes using local ingredients with waterfront views.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Elk Meadows & Fern Canyon

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local diner

Enjoy simple and hearty breakfast to prepare for an active day of hiking.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike: James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop (5.5 miles)

Moderate loop trail through lush forest areas culminating at stunning Fern Canyon with moss draped canyon walls.
USD10 parking, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch at Gold Bluffs Beach

Enjoy packed lunch on a scenic, sandy beach surrounded by natural beauty and ocean breeze.
USD10 parking, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Elk Prairie and wildlife viewing

Watch Roosevelt elk in their natural habitat from boardwalks and observation points near Elk Prairie Visitor Center.
USD0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick

Learn more about local ecosystems, marine life, and park history in this coastal visitor center.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at SeaQuake Brewing, Trinidad

Sample craft beers and enjoy delicious pizza or burgers in a lively atmosphere before settling in for the night.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coastal Exploration & Short Hike

Crescent City, CA and Redwood Area on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Lighthouse Coffee Bar, Crescent City

Locally roasted coffee and breakfast pastries to start the morning energizing for the day ahead.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Battery Point Lighthouse (tide permitting)

Historic lighthouse with scenic harbor views accessible on foot during low tide, perfect for photo ops.
USD0, 1h

10:00am

Hike: Boy Scout Tree Trail (3 miles)

A rewarding moderate forest trail located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with majestic ancient redwoods.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Chart Room, Crescent City

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties with sweeping ocean views atop a cliff-side location.
USD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relaxing visit to Pebble Beach

Stroll along a quiet pebble beach perfect for reflection or light exploration near Crescent City.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Scenic drive along Howland Hill Road

Experience a 10-mile unpaved redwood grove drive with lesser crowds and outstanding tree views.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Kaliman’s Restaurant, Crescent City

A local favorite offering fresh, flavorful dishes with casual coastal charm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Final Redwood Adventures

Redwood National Park Area, CA on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodging or nearby cafe

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal to prepare for your last full day of hiking and exploration.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike: Tall Trees Trail via Fallen Giant Loop (about 6 miles)

A scenic 6-mile hike visiting awe-inspiring groves and the Fallen Giant tree, varying terrain and spectacular sights.
USD0 (permit required for Tall Trees Grove), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Cafe Beaujolais, Trinidad

Upscale French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting, perfect for a memorable final meal near the redwoods.
USD40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Redwood National Park Visitor Center (Newton B. Drury Center)

Explore updated exhibits on local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. Helpful for planning future trips too.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Leisure time and optional beach walk

Unwind with a final stroll along a nearby beach or park entrance area.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Wild Fish, Trinidad

Celebrate your trip finale with fresh, locally sourced seafood in a casual oceanfront bistro.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Sunnyvale

Redwood National Park vicinity, CA to Sunnyvale, CA on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodging or local cafe

Early breakfast before the drive south to Sunnyvale.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive south on CA-101

Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours driving with optional short stops to stretch or grab food along the way.
USD0, 6h

12:30pm

Lunch in Ukiah at Brambles Bakery & Cafe

Fresh sandwiches and pastries in a warm setting to break up the trip.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Continue drive to Sunnyvale

Final stretch of the route arriving mid-afternoon or early evening comfortably.
USD0, 4h30m

5:30pm

Arrive Sunnyvale, trip ends

Conclude your enriching Redwood coastal adventure with wonderful memories and photo opportunities.
USD0, 0h
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