Andrea

My husband and I are planning a trip to Redwood National Park. It is safe for two people traveling alone and is there anything we should do to prepare?

We are driving from San Francisco and plan on staying in Eureka. Any suggestions on where we should stop along the way? We were thinking of Bodega Bay for lunch. Also, any advice on accomodations in Eureka?

John

Andrea, the area is perfectly safe; use normal highway caution.

You might find Eureka a little unscenic for your tastes, but there are plenty of facilities there for visitors. Don't miss the chance for a meal at the Samoa Cookhouse, a former mill cookhouse located in Samoa, across the bay from downtown Eureka.

Are you planning to drive from SF to Eureka via Calif. SR1 all in one day (based on your question re Bodega Bay)? If so, be aware that SR1 is very slow going, and that one day for that distance is a push, never mind having to skip a lot of wonderful scenery or stops due to time management. An overnight somewhere on SR1 (I'd suggest Mendocino) would be a good idea if time allows.

Dawn

Blackberry Inn, in Mendocino is great!

Redwoods are great, beautiful. I suggest camping to get the full effect!

Bob Brown

Although it was years ago, my wife and I still remember the almost total hush of camping in the redwoods. I believe we were in Humboldt State Park, but no matter. It was a wonderful experience.
Continue on up the coast toward Crescent City. There is one place south of Crescent City in the Redwood National Forest where a trail to the Pacific starts near the highway. In a short distance you come to the old highway, now blocked off but still paved. The trail crosses the old road and you can turn right and left for a long walk among the giants on a relatively level route. I am sure a Park Ranger can steer you to the point I mean.
There are several groves in that whole area which are worth the trip.

bob

OOPS Redwood National PARK!!

kam

Eureka is definitely not where to stay! Agree with the suggestion of Mendocino. Another nice town is Gulala, Elk, Albion. I'm not sure how to read your question of safety---do you mean is it safe to drive or are there highway robbers around or are the roads terribly treacherous. Hwy. 1 is an OK road, but takes a long time when you get up near Mendocino. You can't do it fast and while you don't say when you're coming, you must be aware that fog can slow you down as well. Living here, I would say up north in the redwoods is one trip that I would driving straight up 101, not Hwy 1. On the return I would come down 101 until it joins with Hwy 1 and take 1 the rest of the way. If you must go all the way on Hwy 1 please stop to overnight along the way. In Bodega Bay, there's a lovely restaurant at the Inn at the Tides.

gail

I would skip Bodega and stay on the freeway to get some miles behind you. Bodega is o.k., but the places to eat are not as good as other choices in this area of CA. I would opt to venture off to Ferndale if you are looking for a quaint town. We also enjoyed the mills and Samoa Cookhouse/ It is a living history trip.

Andrea

Thank you for all the helpful advice, it will certainly be crucial in our planning. Please feel free to keep the tips coming! Our trip is in late April if that helps. Thanks again, Andrea.

gail

After having another (expensive and) mediocre meal at The Tides, I wanted to clarify that the post above is actually at the Inn at the Tides (across the street).It is easy to end up at the wrong one if you are not careful. We prefer Lucas Wharf to either, but the atmosphere is much more formal at the Inn and might be more of what you are looking for if you decide to go.