Taking a California Redwoods drive with dogs is a great way to see some of North America’s most impressive scenery. If you have a dog who doesn’t enjoy hiking, you can still enjoy the majesty of the towering redwoods from the comfort of your car or RV.Â
Redwoods Attractions
Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Northern California is the largest area of old-growth redwoods in the world. The park is also home to the majestic Avenue of the Giants. This 32-mile road is an ideal redwoods drive for you and your dog. It is possible to enjoy the entire route without exiting your vehicle. If you decide to pull over and walk amongst the trees, you will unlikely encounter any crowds. Dogs are not allowed on the official trails within the state park.
South of the Avenue of the Giants, there are additional tourist attractions that you can enjoy in relative isolation. You don’t need to get out of your car to enjoy the kitschy Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett. Just pay the $10 fee at the gate, and drive ahead. You can also drive through redwood trees with your dog in Klamath and Meyers Flat, California.
Another fun attraction that requires minimal human contact is the One Log House. For $1, the cafe staff will give you a code to enter using a keypad. I’m not sure what the official policy is regarding dogs, but no one was there to object during our visit. The attraction is precisely what the name describes; a house carved out of a single redwood log. Construction began on the wheeled home in 1946. You could say it was the original tiny house.
Dog Friendly Redwoods Hotels
If you want to combine your redwoods drive with a dog friendly hotel stay, you have several choices. Louie and I spent one night at the Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville. Up to two dogs are allowed in terrace rooms for a cleaning fee of $30 per stay. Please read the hotel’s detailed policy regarding unattended pets and property access before booking.
Near the northern entrance to the Avenue of the Giants, I recommend the Redwood Riverwalk Hotel. It is not as fancy as the Benbow Inn, but it has a large, private dog park. The property charges a one-time cleaning fee of $25 for a dog of up to 50 pounds. Dogs can not enter the lobby or be left alone in the room.
- LA County – Sunset Tower Hotel, Chateau Marmont, Santa Monica & Venice, Long Beach
- Orange County – Huntington Beach, Newport Beach & Balboa Island
- Riverside County – Palm Springs
- San Diego County – Hotel Del Coronado
- Humboldt County – Redwoods
- Transportation: CA Highway 1, JSX Airlines
What great tips! I know some people feel like they can’t travel with dogs, so this is a good post to show how it can be possible!
Louie is so photogenic, love it! I’d love to go back to California and see Redwoods again, they’re so breathtaking. Humboldt’s State Park looks like a great day out.
Louie is such a cutie! I would love to be able to social distance in the Red Wood’s. I have always wanted to do this drive.
Louie seems like the perfect travel buddy, and he’s so cute! You’ve shared some excellent tips on traveling in the Redwoods with a dog while we’re social distancing. I love finding ways that we can get out of the house these days and still be safe!
I have always been fascinated by the giant trees of Redwoods. I would love to visit it someday. Your post is really great as it chalks out a plan for visiting with no or minimal human contact and with your dog. This is so useful for those looking to get there in these times. The One Log House sounds really fascinating.
Louie is adorable. It is so difficult to find places to stay with your dog, but it is also great to read about responsible dog walking, a lot of people do not take any notice of No Dogs Allowed signs, thank you for being so considerate.
These are some great places to travel with pets. I know there are a lot many people who are wary of travelling with their pets and also many who do not want to travel leaving their pets home. Pet-friendly places are thus great for those having pets. The Chandelier Drive-thru tree looks quite interesting. The Redwood park also sounds a great place to drive.
Louie is so adorable!
Thanks for sharing the information!
The Dog Hug