The redwoods stretch along miles of Northern California’s coast, with ancient groves, wild beaches, numerous hiking trails, and small towns off Highway 101.
That means choosing where to stay when visiting Redwood National Park can shape your entire trip.
Book a hotel too far north, and you could spend more time driving to the southern trails than exploring them. Stay somewhere too remote, and dinner might mean searching for your rental after a full day of hiking.
Trinidad, CA offers a great location. You’ll find boutique hotels, oceanfront houses, quiet beaches, and easy access to the nature you came for.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or your first trip to Northern California, here’s how to choose a great spot to spend the night.
First, Where Is Redwood National Park?
Before choosing a hotel, it helps to understand the layout of Redwood National and State Parks.
The protected area includes Redwood National Park and three California state parks:
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: Known for Fern Canyon, Roosevelt elk, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park: A mix of old-growth forest, coastal views, and hiking trails.
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Home to the Smith River, Stout Grove, and some of the region’s most striking old-growth redwoods.
Together, this vast world of redwoods stretches roughly 50 miles along the Northern California coast.
Unlike Yosemite or Yellowstone, Redwood National Park doesn’t have one main entrance where every visitor begins. Highway 101 connects the different areas, making it easy to explore several parks during one trip.
The parks offer campgrounds and eight basic cabins, but most travelers stay in nearby communities like Trinidad, Orick, Klamath, Crescent City, and Arcata.
We recommend staying close to the trails you want to visit and the things you want to do when the hiking boots come off.
Where to Stay When Visiting Redwood National Park: Comparing the Nearby Towns
Not every redwood vacation looks the same.
You might want to spend three days hiking from sunrise to sunset. Or maybe you’d rather enjoy a scenic drive, explore a few easy trails, eat fresh-caught food, and watch the sun disappear over the ocean.
Here’s how the main lodging areas compare…
| Town | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad | South of Redwood National Park | Boutique hotels, ocean views, beaches, restaurants, and coastal charm |
| Orick | Near the southern park entrance | Rural lodging, wildlife viewing, and access to Prairie Creek |
| Klamath | Between Prairie Creek and Del Norte Coast | River views, quiet accommodations, and access to central and northern park areas |
| Crescent City | Near the northern end of the parks | Traditional hotels, restaurants, and access to Jedediah Smith |
| Arcata | South of Trinidad | More dining options, shopping, hotels, and a lively downtown |
For travelers who want both the redwoods and the California coast, Trinidad deserves a closer look. It’s a great place to keep the vacation going after you leave the national park.
1. Trinidad: A Great Place to Stay for Redwoods, Beaches & Boutique Hotels
Trinidad puts several Northern California highlights within reach.
You can spend the morning walking beneath old-growth redwoods at Prairie Creek, explore the trails at Sue-meg State Park in the afternoon, and return to the coast for dinner.
Some nearby experiences include:
- Sue-meg State Park: Coastal trails, forest paths, and ocean overlooks just north of Trinidad.
- Trinidad State Beach: A beautiful stretch of sand surrounded by rocky headlands.
- Trinidad Bay: A scenic spot for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and coastal photography.
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park: One of the region’s most popular destinations for old-growth forest hikes and elk viewing.
- Arcata: A nearby town with additional restaurants, shops, and local attractions.
Together, they make Trinidad especially appealing for couples, families, and travelers who want to explore beyond the national park.
Meet the Historic Schoolhouse Inn
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel near Redwood National Park, the Historic Schoolhouse Inn offers something different from a standard roadside hotel.
Located at Camp Trinidad, the four-room historic inn has been redesigned for modern travelers while keeping its coastal character.
Lifelong Humboldt County residents Lisa and Taylor Lefevre own and operate the property, giving your stay a personal connection to the region.
And with four guest rooms, the experience feels more like a quiet coastal retreat than a busy hotel.
Each room includes a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a work desk, a coffee nook, and a mini fridge with a freezer. But the views might be the deciding factor.
| Room | Accommodations | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Room 1: Ocean View | King bed | Private west-facing deck with Pacific Ocean views |
| Room 2: Garden & Redwoods | King bed | Private deck overlooking the garden and redwoods |
| Room 3: Large Suite | King and queen beds | Spacious bathroom, large closet, and two private decks |
| Room 4: Cozy Doubles | Two queen beds | Casper mattresses and a west-facing bay window |
Room One is particularly lovely for couples planning a romantic redwood getaway. After a full day of hiking, you can return to your private deck and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Traveling with friends or family? Room Three offers extra space and two decks, so you don’t have to choose between ocean and garden views.
Explore the Schoolhouse Inn’s guest rooms to find the right fit for your trip.
More Places to Stay in Trinidad
If a traditional hotel room isn’t quite what you’re looking for, Camp Trinidad also offers cabins, campsites, RV hook-ups, and private vacation rentals.
Our ocean-view cabins feature kitchens, queen beds, vaulted ceilings, and fire pits. They’re a great alternative for travelers who want to prepare meals or spend their evenings outside.
Larger groups can explore Camp Trinidad’s nearby vacation rentals, including private coastal homes with ocean views and additional living space.
Emerald Forest Cabins also offer cabin-style properties with accommodations for couples, families, and larger groups. Select cabins offer kitchenettes.
For a more complete look at local accommodations, explore our guide to hotels near the redwoods.
2. Orick: Stay Near Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
If your itinerary revolves around hiking and wildlife, Orick sits near the southern end of the national park, with easy access to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Orick is particularly convenient for exploring:
- Fern Canyon
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Trillium Falls Trail
- Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Elk Meadow
Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk while driving through the area. These large animals often graze in open meadows near the forest.
This area feels quieter and more rural than Trinidad or Crescent City. You’ll find cabin rentals and campgrounds, but fewer dining and shopping options.
3. Klamath: A Quiet Base Between the Northern and Southern Redwoods
Klamath sits near the mouth of the Klamath River, between Prairie Creek and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks. It’s a convenient location for travelers who want to explore both the northern and central sections of the parks.
One particularly memorable stop is the Klamath River Overlook, where you can watch the river meet the Pacific Ocean from a viewpoint roughly 650 feet above the water.
The Historic Requa Inn is a well-known lodging option near the Klamath River. Its character and river views make it an appealing alternative to conventional hotels.
4. Crescent City: Hotels Near the Northern End of Redwood National Park
Crescent City offers various lodging options near the park. Located near the Oregon border, the town offers access to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and the Smith River.
Stout Grove is a popular destination in this area, with an easy walking trail through towering old-growth redwoods.
Crescent City also has more traditional hotel options than smaller communities like Orick and Klamath. Some accommodations to consider include:
- Oceanview Inn: A mid-range hotel offering spacious rooms and a convenient location near the coast.
- Lighthouse Inn: A traditional hotel with a continental breakfast and on-site laundry facilities, which can be helpful during longer road trips.
Crescent City is convenient if you’re arriving from Oregon, but if your plans include Trinidad Bay, Sue-meg State Park, and the southern redwoods, staying farther south can save you some driving.
5. Arcata: More Dining Options & Traditional Hotels
Arcata is another option for travelers visiting Redwood National Park.
Located south of Trinidad, the town has a lively downtown plaza, restaurants, shops, and access to the Arcata Community Forest.
You’ll also find more conventional hotel accommodations, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata, which offers the familiar amenities travelers may prefer, including a great breakfast and a fitness center.
Arcata can be convenient if you’re flying into the Arcata-Eureka Airport or planning to explore more of Humboldt County, but you’ll have a longer drive to the national park than you would from Trinidad or Orick.
What About Cabins & Campgrounds Inside Redwood National and State Parks?
Hotels aren’t the only option for a redwood vacation. If sleeping beneath the trees is part of your dream trip, the parks offer four developed campgrounds.
| Campground | Location | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Prairie Campground | Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Forest setting near Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway |
| Gold Bluffs Beach Campground | Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Coastal campsites near Fern Canyon |
| Jedediah Smith Campground | Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Camping among redwoods near the Smith River |
| Mill Creek Campground | Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park | Seasonal camping in a forest setting |
Elk Prairie, Gold Bluffs Beach, and Jedediah Smith are open year-round, while Mill Creek operates seasonally.
The state parks also offer eight basic cabins, split between Elk Prairie and Jedediah Smith campgrounds, although they often book up months in advance.
These cabins include electricity, heat, and lights, but no private bathrooms or kitchens. You’ll also need to bring your own bedding.
Camping is a wonderful way to experience the forest, but hotels and cabins often offer kitchens, fire pits, and access to hiking trails without the need to rough it. Travelers should also book early because demand is high in peak seasons.
Planning Your Redwood Vacation: How Many Nights Should You Book?
Don’t try to see every redwood grove in one day. The parks cover a large area, and some of the most memorable experiences happen when you give yourself time to explore.
For most first-time visitors, three to four nights is a comfortable starting point. Here’s how a four-day itinerary could look when staying in Trinidad…
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Trinidad
Check into the Historic Schoolhouse Inn, unpack, and settle into the coast.
Spend the afternoon exploring Trinidad State Beach or walking around Trinidad Bay.
Grab dinner at Larrupin’ Cafe and return to your room for a quiet evening.
Day 2: Prairie Creek & Fern Canyon
Stock up on snacks at the camp store. Then head north to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, explore the forest trails, and look for elk in the meadows.
If Fern Canyon is on your list, check seasonal road conditions and permit requirements before leaving the hotel.
Day 3: Explore the Northern Redwoods
Make the drive north to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Visit Stout Grove, explore the Smith River area, and enjoy the scenery along Highway 101.
This is your longer driving day, so bring lunch and leave early.
Day 4: Enjoy the Coast Before Heading Home
Spend your final morning enjoying Trinidad.
Visit Sue-meg State Park, take a coastal walk, or enjoy coffee with an ocean view before checking out.
No rushed itinerary. Just enough time to enjoy where you are.
FAQs About Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park
Which town is best to stay in when visiting Redwood National Park?
Trinidad is a great choice for travelers who want boutique hotels, ocean views, restaurants, and access to the southern redwoods.
Orick is convenient for Prairie Creek, while Crescent City offers access to Jedediah Smith and the northern park areas.
How many days do you need to visit Redwood National Park?
Plan at least two full days to explore the redwoods.
Three to four days gives you more time for scenic drives, hiking, wildlife viewing, and coastal stops.
If you’re staying in Trinidad, consider adding an extra day to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, and surrounding Humboldt County attractions.
What is the best month to go to the redwoods?
Average temperatures range from the 40s to the 70s year-round.
May, June, and September are lovely months for exploring Redwood National Park. Spring brings lush forests and fewer peak-summer crowds, while September can offer pleasant coastal weather.
July and August are popular for family vacations, but summer fog is common in the redwoods.
The parks remain open year-round, although winter brings more rain and some seasonal changes to campground hours.
Do you need a car to visit Redwood National Park?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. The parks span a large stretch of Northern California, and many trailheads aren’t within walking distance of hotels or town centers.
Highway 101 connects the main communities, while smaller roads provide access to scenic drives and hiking trails.
Download maps before leaving your hotel. Cell service can be limited in remote forest areas.
Can you visit Redwood National Park without hiking?
Absolutely! The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway offers an incredible drive through old-growth redwoods.
You’ll also find scenic overlooks, short walking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing areas throughout the parks.
You don’t need to hike ten miles to appreciate a tree that’s been growing for hundreds of years.
Should you book a hotel near Redwood National Park in advance?
Yes, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Small boutique properties have limited inventory, and ocean-view rooms can fill quickly during popular travel weekends.
The Historic Schoolhouse Inn has four guest rooms, plus cabins and nearby rentals at Camp Trinidad.
Your Redwood Getaway Deserves More Than a Place to Sleep
There are moments that tend to stay with you after visiting the redwoods. Maybe it’s the first time you stood beneath a tree so tall you can’t see its crown. Maybe it’s the sound of the ocean after a quiet morning in the forest.
Or maybe it’s the simple pleasure of returning to a beautiful room, setting down your hiking boots, and watching the sun sink into the Pacific.
That’s the kind of trip The Historic Schoolhouse Inn makes possible. You can spend your days exploring Northern California’s ancient forests and return to a quiet, comfortable room with the coast just outside.
Four thoughtfully designed rooms. A historic property with modern amenities. And a location that brings the redwoods and the Pacific right outside your door.
Find your room at the Historic Schoolhouse Inn and start planning your getaway in Northern California.
