Remember when you were a child riding in the car asking your parents, “Are we there yet?” You’re here! And we have jam-packed activities that you’re going to love. Here’s our list of must-try adventure activities along the northern California’s Redwood coast.
Hiking
This activity alone could fill your calendar with a vast number of trails to explore. Our iconic redwoods provide so many gorgeous nature trails. Actually, you don’t just have to hike in the redwoods. California has more national parks than anywhere else in the U.S. You will experience all kinds of terrain from beaches, to lovely meadows, woodlands, glades, and forests. If you love nature and exploring it, the most difficult thing you’ll encounter is choosing which trail to strike out on next.
Biking
Bicycling provides so many health benefits including improving balance, building strength and endurance, increasing flexibility and more. Again, there are so many trails you can choose from. Enjoy a little wine tasting as you bike through lush vineyards. Take in some amazing scenery along the coast. Experience a little history along an old trestle bridge and railway line. There are also an array of bike tours where you can make new friends while cycling.
Surfing
California and surfing go hand in hand. “Surfing to me is like playing music. You play different melodies with different boards.” To add to what surfer Skip Frye said, you’ll also get to play different melodies on the different waves up and down the California coast. In Humboldt County Bay you may have to nudge a few sharks when you’re surfing. But just a few hours south, you can choose from several locations to catch some amazing waves. Santa Cruz is considered one of the best for catching reefs and swells.
White-Water Rafting
If you’re looking for adventure and a lifetime of memories, Northern California has some great white-water rafting sites. The scenery is phenomenal, the rapids are challenging, and the camaraderie is engaging. What a great trip for your work team, a group of friends, or your family. Choose your level of expertise and experience the ride of your life.
Horseback Riding
Experience some of the beautiful areas in Humboldt Country on the back of a horse. Let your hair whip in the wind as you gallop across sandy beaches or trot along lush nature trails. Regardless of how comfortable you are in a saddle, experienced tour guides will lead you on some amazing trails.
Places to See
Northern California has so many beautiful places to see. Simply going on a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway will offer some of the most beautiful scenic sites in the world. This road trip is definitely about the journey and not just the destination. It’s meant to be taken leisurely so you can soak in all the coastal scenes, lush forests, majestic mountains and lush vineyards along the way.
Here are a few more:
- Visit Napa and Sonoma Counties to see some of the largest vineyards in the U.S. While you’re there, take time to fly away on a hot air balloon ride and view the countryside in a whole new way.
- Another National Park to check off your list is Yosemite National Park. See some astounding rock formations like Half Dome and El Capiton.
- Visit Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. With years of trash being churched in the ocean, it’s washed up on shore. The bits of colored glass have been spinned and twirled in the waves and sand to smooth the edges of tons of glass pieces. With each tide the look of the beach changes as glass pieces are washed out and rolled in.
- Fly a kite on Moonstone or Clam Beach. Let it soar with the wind as you dance across the sand. These beaches have it all: rocks to climb, tide pools, sea caves, and stretches of beautiful sand.
- With our lush forests and meadows, you will see many varieties of birds. There are 29 different bird species common to this area. Read more about bird sightings here.
- Stop by the Samoa Cookhouse to learn about logging and eat like a lumberjack.
Book Your Stay
After a day spent enjoying these adventure activities along Northern California’s Redwood coast, you need a comfy place to rest. At The Redwood, you’ll experience boutique hotel service and exceptional hospitality. Enjoy our unique and comfortable accommodations with a hearty breakfast before you head out to another amazing adventure in Northern California. Check availability here.
