Hello all

Pondering a coastal California trip. This would be most likely between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, unlikely to be north of that.

I'd like to see some Redwoods on this journey without a super long drive - meaning the two biggies, Sequoia and Redwood parks, are sadly out.

What would you recommend? Stops along the drive may include Pismo Beach, Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, ultimately San Francisco. I might make it to Napa too, TBD.

Thanks!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just north of Santa Cruz.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546

There are good stands in Big Sur but I 100% agree with Gardyloo . . . Henry Cowell is the best coastal redwood park south of the far NW parts of the state.

FYI the sierra and coastal redwoods are totally different 'animals'.

That is good to know - if I can't get lodging in Big Sur then I can just do some sightseeing along the coastline, Nepenthe, and keep going. I was thinking of a one or two night stay over to do some Redwoods hikes. If the one near Henry Cowell (Santa Cruz) is really good, then maybe more time in Santa Cruz.

I would skip Napa. Nothing Redwoods about the region . The coastal drive than a few days in San Francisco area at the end.

Maybe I missed it but how many days is this trip?

How about stopping in Solvang for lunch? It's a California classic. I also have a thing for the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Pismo Bech, Big Sur, Santa Cruz - yes.

Hearst Castle, San Simeon (sorry keep thinking of more places, I grew up in southern California and driving was our family vacations)