Victoria Lupascu 
Planning a trip to Redwood National Park in California? Then hop on because I’m about to tell you all the details regarding accommodations, prices, and other crucial things in this post!
Firstly let’s start with the most important things, which some of you might not know. Redwood National Park has 3 other state parks nearby: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together they form the
Redwoods National and State Parks.
Most people focus on the main destination: Redwood National Park, which is known for its massive redwoods trees. This place is pretty magnificent! I mean, the park is home to the world’s oldest redwood groves and the world’s tallest tree.
Many movies like Star Wars and Jurassic Park were filmed here, and once you see its beauty, you’ll understand why!
Now let’s check out where to stay in Redwood National Park! I’ve made a list of the best hotels and cabins near the park. Unfortunately, there aren’t any accommodations inside the actual park, except a few campgrounds, but those are located in the other state parks (Del Norte and Prairie Creek), which I’ll talk about later.
I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance, this is California after all, and the redwoods trees are super popular so the accommodations are usually booked out!
Let’s hit the road!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Arcata – where to stay in Redwood National Park for first-timers
- 2. Eureka – best place to stay for culture
- 3. Crescent City – where to stay near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- 4. Mendocino – best place to stay for artsy people
- 5. Fort Bragg – where to stay in Redwood National Park for families
- BONUS 1: The best cabins near Redwood National Park
- BONUS 2: Camping near Redwood National Park
- Frequently asked questions about Redwood National Park
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book your accommodations now, quickly browse this list with the best hotels, all located in Arcata:
This map will help you visualize better all the areas where to stay in Redwood National Park that I will be talking about in this post:
- Arcata: for first-timers
- Eureka: for culture
- Crescent City: near the state parks
- Mendocino: for artsy people
- Fort Bragg: for families
1. Arcata – where to stay in Redwood National Park for first-timers
Traveling to Redwood National Park soon? You’re soo lucky! You won’t only see just 1 park, but 4 in total! Right next to Redwood you’ll find 3 more state parks Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Together they are called the Redwood National and State Parks.
So many places! It’s up to you if you decide to visit the main one or explore all of them, I would choose the second option! But now let’s talk about Arcata, a town that’s located just 1 hour away from Redwood National Park.
The city is a great base for your holiday, firstly because you’ll have access to all sorts of facilities, from restaurants to shops and hotels. But also because Arcata has plenty of attractions that will keep you occupied before heading to visit the redwoods.
You’ll find most of them in Downtown Arcata, situated a few steps away from Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park, which is not the actual national park but a smaller one filled with redwoods trees!
I recommend booking your places to stay in Arcata in advance. Being one of the towns closest to Redwood National and State Parks, most tourists will want to stay here so that the hotels will sell out fast!
This lovely house can accommodate up to 6 people, and it has a kitchen and a hot tub, where you can relax after a day spent in Redwood National and State Parks. The house also has a gas fireplace in the living room!
Other accommodation options in Arcata
Go for a swim in the pool or chill in the hot tub at this hotel that offers family rooms and free parking on-site
Enjoy your stay in Arcata at this inn that gives access to a swimming pool and a fitness center
I love the design of this place! Guests will have access to a shared hot tub, sauna, and a backyard
Things to do in Arcata
- Explore the port area around Arcata Bay
- Attend the farmers market
- Spot some beautiful birds at Arcata Marsh
- Buy souvenirs from the Caravan of Dreams shop
- Go hiking in Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park
- Have a cup of coffee at Cafe Mokka
2. Eureka – best place to stay for culture
Welcome to the heart of the US Redwood Coast area! Eureka is a beautiful city, and a great place to stay near the Redwood National and State Parks for people who love visiting local museums, historical houses and trying all sorts of cultural activities!
Redwoods National Park is located a 50-minute drive north of the town so that you won’t be too far from it. Not to worry though because there are many things to do and see in Eureka! And if you’re planning on visiting other stunning places in California, I think you’ll love Lake Tahoe and the towns around it!
But let’s get back to this charming town! The downtown area hosts a few Victorian houses that you should definitely visit if you like historical places. You can find many cool facts about the past in places like Eureka. One of my favorite houses is the Carson Mansion, the architecture is stunning!
As a coastal town, you can imagine that the views are pretty iconic! If you go around the harbor area at sunset, you’ll see what I mean! There are also 2 islands nearby the city, Woodley Island and Tuluwat Island, which you can also explore.
Let’s see the best hotels in Eureka.
This inn is so charming and it even makes its own wine! Enjoy a quick breakfast and then head out and start exploring the town! The accommodation has family rooms and it offers different activities for visitors, such as bike tours!
Other accommodation options in Eureka
Go for a swim after your trip in the park at this hotel that offers access to a fitness center and hot tub
Play with the kids in the garden or relax in the hot tub at this hotel that has a restaurant on-site
This place to stay in Eureka is perfect for 2 visitors. It has a kitchen, free wifi, and a balcony
Things to do in Eureka
- Visit the Carson Mansion
- Admire the art at Morris Graves Museum
- Take a trip to Woodley Island
- Walk around Cooper Gulch Recreation Center
- Go shopping on Eureka Main Street
- Have dinner at Hole In the Wall restaurant
- Learn more about the town at Humboldt County Historical Society
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3. Crescent City – where to stay near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Crescent City is perfect for those of you who want to be close enough to Redwood National Park and also explore the other parks! The town is located only a 10-minute drive north of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
Redwood National Park is just a 1-hour drive south as well, so you’re basically all set to start visiting as many redwood trees as possible! If you want a short preview of the things you’re going to see in these unique places, check out this video, and you’ll understand people’s fascination with the redwoods!
In Crescent City, you’ll also find an information center for the Redwoods National and State Parks, that has a picnic area, booklets, restrooms, and other things that you might need before you start your trip. I’m sure you’ll be pretty excited to go hiking in the forest but spend some time visiting the attractions in Crescent City, there are plenty of them, trust me!
Firstly, there are beaches here!! Crescent City offers the best of both worlds, access to the sea and the redwoods. What else could you ask for? There is also an Aquarium that you can visit and a mammal center! And if you want to continue your trip around California, I recommend visiting its capital city, Sacramento!
Offering stunning views of the ocean, this spacious place to stay in Crescent City town offers 3 rooms and free parking on site. After visiting the Redwoods parks you can chill in the hot tub or head to the city to check out the local beach.
Other accommodation options in Crescent City
Have breakfast, go for a swim, or hit the gym, and then you can head out to explore the Redwoods National Park
This Crescent City hotel it’s located near the beach and offers free parking and a business center
Admire the ocean views from this super comfortable and cozy house that has a kitchen and a balcony
Things to do in Crescent City
- Visit the Battery Point Light Museum
- Relax on South Beach in Crescent City
- Spend a fun day at the Ocean World Aquarium
- Play with the kids at Beach Front Park
- Explore the Crescent City Harbor District
- Catch a sunset at B Street Pier
- See lots of seagulls on Pebble Beach
- Learn new things about Crescent City at Del Norte County Historical Society
4. Mendocino – best place to stay for artsy people
Redwoods National and State Parks is located a 4-hour drive north from this city, a bit further away than the other towns but, this is a super popular destination for many reasons. Its proximity to San Francisco and the park being just 2 of them.
Many people come here over the weekend as Mendocino is considered a gateway for the whole region. The city hosts a state park as well, and you don’t have to search around for too long to find a scenic spot. Wherever you look around, you’ll see so many!
That’s why Mendocino has long been one of California’s best places to stay for artists. They come from all over the country to paint this stunning scenery. No wonder the town has many art galleries which you should check out for sure! Maybe you can buy something that will always remind you of this beautiful area.
But I would definitely spend most of my time at the beach. There are quite a few, and each is special in its own way! Grab your camera for this one my friends. It’s going to be raining pictures when you visit this town!
Save up for this inn, it’s so beautiful! Surrounded by trees, flowers, and a lovely garden, this accommodation offers breakfast and rooms that have a gas fireplace. The beach is located nearby and visitors can also participate in a wine tour early at night!
Other accommodation options in Mendocino
Enjoy the ocean views at this gorgeous inn that offers breakfast, a garden, and an outdoor fireplace
Grab some breakfast and then head to the garden to relax at this inn that offers different activities like hiking
This accommodation offers beach access and it has 2 rooms, a kitchen, and a balcony
Things to do in Mendocino
- Explore the coastline in Mendocino Headlands State Park
- Enjoy the sun on at the Big River Beach
- Visit the local Art Center
- Learn more about the town at Kelley House Museum
- Head to Agate Beach for a perfect afternoon
- Check out the Temple of Kwan Tai
- Tale many pictures near Portuguese Beach
5. Fort Bragg – where to stay in Redwood National Park for families
Located almost a 4 hours car drive south from Redwoods National and State Parks, this coastal town offers a wide range of restaurants, attractions, and other facilities, making it a great place for visitors who are coming with their kids!
Although the trip to the Redwoods may be a bit longer, I’m sure you’ll enjoy spending part of your trip here! There are so many things to do in Fort Bragg and most of them are in the outdoors, so pack your hiking shoes and equipment.
The coast area offers some incredible ocean views, and what better way to end a day than to catch a sunset here? Grab a blanket and sit for a bit: feel the ocean breeze, the warmth of the sun, and be thankful for the chance of visiting one of the most beautiful areas in California!
You can also take the kids to the beach if you wish or to the Aquatic Center. I’m sure they will love that place. Or if they’re into hiking as much as we all are, go to the Otis R. Johnson Park. There are plenty of excellent trails there.
Located near the beach, this hotel offers family rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean and Noyo Bay. The accommodation provides different activities such as horse riding, hiking, and fishing. So get plenty of sleep because there are so many things for you to try!
Other accommodation options in Fort Bragg
Have your coffee on the balcony and enjoy the ocean views at this lodge that has family rooms
A stunning place that’s located on a private beach and offers complimentary breakfast and a terrace
This cute downtown apartment has 2 rooms, a kitchen and it provides free parking spots
Things to do in Fort Bragg
- Enjoy a ride on The Skunk Train
- Take your family to the local Aquatic Center
- Admire the views on the Coastal Trail
- Visit the local Sea Glass Museum
- Have a family dinner at Noyo Fish Company restaurant
- Spend a fun day with the kids in Otis R. Johnson Park
- Go for a walk near The Pudding Creek Trestle
| 👑 Luxury price: | $250 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $180 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $140 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $200 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | Arcata |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Fort Bragg |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Classic Craftsman |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Blue Lake Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hampton Inn & Suites |
BONUS 1: The best cabins near Redwood National Park
Fancy a rustic cabin for your trip to the Redwoods in one of the towns nearby the park? Come along then, because I’ve made a list of the best options! All of them have great reviews and are equipped with all the amenities you need.
Some are even located near the beach, so without further ado, here are the best cabins to stay near the Redwoods:
Luxury (US$250 and up)
- Beachcomber’s Cabin – This cabin looks so cozy! It’s located in Westhaven-Moonstone, only a 30 minutes car drive south from Redwoods, and it can accommodate up to 4 people. Get ready to hit the beach at any time as it’s situated less than 1 mile away from the cabin, or chill inside by the fireplace, cooking and relaxing after spending so much time in the outdoors!
- Rocky Creek Cabin – Perfect for a couple’s getaway to the Redwoods, this cabin has a spacious room, a bathroom and it’s located in Eureka. From here, it will take you just 50 min to reach the park if you head north plus the cabin has a sauna which I’m sure will be very well received when you come back from hiking in the Redwoods! There’s also a kitchen on-site and a small patio.
- Cozy Cottage – How cute is this cottage? It looks straight out of a fairytale! The accommodation can fit up to 3 people and it’s located in Trinidad, only a 30 min drive south from Redwoods. Surrounded by a green lawn, the cottage offers a fully-equipped kitchen, a lounge area, and a wood-burning fireplace so you can warm up at night!
- The Library Suite – I hope you like reading because this cabin has so many books that you’ll need a few extra days just to stay there and check them all out! Located in Ferndale town, a 1-hour car drive south from Redwoods, the cabin can accommodate up to 4 people. There’s a kitchen on-site if you want to fix something up in the morning before hitting the road.
Mid Range (US$180 – US$250)
- Rose Garden Bungalow – So many roses! I’m already in love with this place! The accommodation is situated in Garfield town, a 1h and 20 minutes drive south from Redwoods, and it can accommodate up to 4 people. The bungalow has a kitchen and living room/bedroom area. When you come back from visiting the redwoods, you can just chill. The place is pretty secluded, so you don’t have to worry about noise or other things. The joys of staying in a small town!
BONUS 2: Camping near Redwood National Park
So, unfortunately, there aren’t any accommodation options inside Redwood National Park, but luckily the other 2 state parks are joined together with the national park (Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park) have some camping sites which you can stay at if you really want to immerse yourself in nature.
The standard camping fee is US$35 per night, and for cabins, it’s between US$80 and US$100. If you love adventure as much as I do and like sleeping in a tent under the starry skies, then have a look at the list below:
- Mill Creek Campground – This one is located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and it’s open from May to December, but check their website for any changes. The campground has 145 tent or RV sites and facilities such as a shower, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and barbeques.
- Elk Prairie Campground – Another great campground, but this one is open all year, and it’s located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, offering access to many hiking trails where you can see the ancient coast redwoods trees. The campground has 75 tent or RV sites plus a small number of cabins, showers, food lockers, and trash receptacles.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground – Camping near the beach? Yes, please! Located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this campground is usually open all year, but check their website for any changes. There are 26 tents or RV sites, and you will have access to solar showers, restrooms, wind shelters, and picnic tables.
Frequently asked questions about Redwood National Park
🏞️ Where should you stay when visiting the redwoods?
If you want to visit the redwoods trees, you should stay in one of the towns near the Redwoods National and State Parks. Arcata is one of the best ones and it offers excellent accommodations such as the Classic Craftsman cabin.
🚗 What is the closest town to Redwood National Park?
Arcata and Eureka are 2 of the nearest towns to Redwood National Park. Both are located only a 1-hour car drive away. You will find many great places to stay in these towns, like Classic Craftsman and Carter House Inn.
📅 How many days do you need in Redwood National Park?
You will need between 2 – 3 days in Redwood National Park, that way you can explore the forest, the towns, and the nearby areas.
🌲 Can you stay in Redwood National Forest?
No, you can’t stay inside the Redwood National Forest, only in nearby towns. However, you can stay in the campgrounds which are located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the parks that are joint together with Redwood.
Conclusion
I’m so in love with this place, these redwoods trees that are over 2000 years world are so magical! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Redwood National Park, and which area and hotel to pick for your trip.
I know there are many hotel options in the post, so to help you decide quicker, I choose my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Arcata:
- Classic Craftsman – A great cabin that has a hot tub
- Blue Lake Hotel – A nice hotel near the beach
If you want to secure a spot and not worry about high prices and other issues like those, I recommend booking your hotels in advance. Trust me, it will save you a lot of time!
This is where I leave you. I hope you have a great time in this stunning location in California! Take lots of pictures of the redwoods, and leave me a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for our fellow travelers! I’ll answer them as quickly as possible!
Safe Travels
Victoria
