This 3-Day Northern California Adventure was the perfect and fun way to wrap-up a Holiday Season. And as the holidays are just around the corner I wanted to share this amazing little trip with YOU! From the beautiful drive up highway 101 to all the little stops and the wonderful stay along the way, these ideas are sure to make your next getaway to the US Redwoods Coast the perfect trip!

DAY 1

Traveling U.S. Route 101

Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, it is one of my favorite highways in California. A breathtaking scenic route that meanders along the California Coast and through some of the cutest towns in our Country. This highway has exactly what every adventurer could want in a road trip ♥

We were coming from the East Bay area of California so destination Eureka is only a mere 4.5 hours from us but makes for a full road trip adventure through the lush roads of the California coastal redwoods.

Cute Towns Along The Way

Hopland, California

Hopland, California, is a small town in Mendocino County, located along U.S. Route 101. It’s known for its wineries and scenic landscapes. It’s a great place to stop and enjoy a bite, and some wine, and take a stretch while snapping some lovely pics!

Hotel Cafe – Thatcher Hotel

This Historic Landmark has been restored and is a boutique hotel with vintage charm and all the modern amenities one could want. Has a lovely Cocktail Lounge and Cafe. I was invited to take a peek in one of the guest rooms, and wander around the beautifully appointed establishment, stopping to enjoy a coffee and homemade scone at their yummy little joint; Cafe Poppy ♥

It was a fun little stop and definitely a wonderful place to lodge if ever staying in Hopland, and for me the perfect break for coffee ♥

Grace Hudson Museum

Just a bit past Hopland and on route to Eureka is a museum which features the fine art of Grace Carpenter Hudson a native of Ukiah and renowned painter who is known for her extraordinary portraits of the Pomo People and other Native American Heritage art.

Admission Fees
Individuals: $7
Students and Seniors: $5
Families: $15

The Museum provides free admission for Native Americans,
and also for standing military personnel

To learn more about this Historical site & Museum follow the link HERE

Drive-Thru Tree Park 

Continuing on route to Eureka along Hwy 101 is this fun stop located amid all the redwoods. This park is dedicated to the Chandelier Tree a 276-foot tall coast redwood with a large carved out tunnel that motorist and vehicles can drive thru!

Why carve out a giant beautiful tree? good question. By today’s modern and environmental standards it is not ideal nor acceptable, however, in the early 20th Century, the idea was to draw visitors to gorgeous parks and it worked! The Chandelier Tree is one of Northern California’s three remaining drive-through redwoods and if you are enroute and nearby, it is worth the stop. The property is absolutely beautiful, with a fun little gift shop, and its a great restroom break as well.

Information:

• Open Daily Weather Permitting
• Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
• $15 Per Vehicle
• $10 Cycles & Walk-ins

For more info check link HERE

Humboldt Coastal Nature Center

Nearly at our destination and final stop en route, was this beautiful coastal experience that offers a learning and observation center, where you can also access scenic trails that wind through beautiful and diverse coastal habitats.

Center is open and free to the public Wednesday – Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is operated by Friends of the Dunes a non-profit organization​ dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments in northern California ♥

Trails and restrooms are open and accessible daily from morning to dusk. Dogs are allowed while leashed.

This is a MUST STOP and you can easily end up spending hours here, observing nature, hiking trails, enjoy the ocean, picnicking, and so much more! See some of it in the reel below.

Trails are fairly easy and you can access the ocean within a short lovely little hike ♥ Check out the reel below!

Where to Lodge…

The very best bang for your buck is to lodge at the Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn. Located in Eureka, California  It is one of the nicest Best Westerns in Northern California! It’s loaded with fun amenities such as a pool table, heated swimming pool, gigantic jacuzzi with a featured waterfall, outdoor-patio gas fireplaces, 24-hour available espresso machine, free limo rides to certain restaurants, and free breakfast! Rates are approximately $220 + tax for a room that is clean, comfy, and has all the necessities for a nice stay.

Day 2

Mad River Hatchery ♥

This self guided fish hatchery is a superb adventure to add to your trip. Its a fun and interactive place near near the lively Mad River. Not only are there trails and riversides to enjoy, there is this Facility operated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, that rears Steelhead, Salmon, and Rainbow Trout.

You are free to wander around the facility and look at all the hatchings in their open tanks swimming about. They also have dispensers full of fish feed so visitors can help feed all the fish. It is truly fun to see the fish jump and splash to life for some tasty treats!

Coastal Drive to Trinidad ♥

A visit to Redwood Creek Beach County Park is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Driving along coastal highways, meandering thorough redwoods, and stopping to run along a beach to breath in that fresh coastal air.

Be sure to adventure into the cute town of Trinidad and grab a coffee, a bite to eat, and get some souvenir shopping on! This town is so quaint and cute you will not be upset you stopped.

And as you drive from the beach to quaint coastal towns you are sure to see beautiful images along the way including these majestic looking elk at a local elk farm ♥

Now back to Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn for a relaxing soak in the waterfall jacuzzi and drinks by the fireplace ♥

DAY 3

Sequoia Park Zoo

Our last day in this Northern California coastal scenery we decided to visit their popular Sequoia Park Zoo. Tucked away in this beloved park is a fun adventure that is a MUST, Redwood Sky Walk! at 360 feet the skywalk ramp spans and ascends nearly the length of the tallest known coastal redwood (380 feet tall.)

It is a beautiful walk up high amongst the canopy of trees and overlooking the lush park. It was drizzling a bit when we went and it made for a beautiful scene as the animals became lively, including the bear climbing one of the redwoods far above our heads.

General Ticket Costs for Sequoia Park Zoo includes Redwood Sky Walk
General (ages 13-59)	$24.95
Seniors (age 60+ w/ID)	$22.95
Military (w/ID)	$22.95
Youth (ages 3-12)	$12.95
EBT, BIC & WIC  (up to 5 people at discounted price)	$4.00
Children 2 and under	Free
Zoo members	Free

As the Sequoia Park Zoo was easily a few hours of adventuring and enjoyment and we wanted to hit the road before the next rainstorm hit, this day didn’t involve much more except for a quick bite to eat and a stop at a store dedicated to one of our FAVORITE redwood forest creatures…

The Legend of Bigfoot Store

Garberville, CA ♥

This is a fun stop along the way and a great place to grab some treats and souvenirs as well. It also has a fun outdoor area for the kiddos to run around and restrooms to use before getting back on the highway. Please enjoy the reel below of this trips highlights. Until next time adventure friends ~ andee ♥