Trip to Redwood Forest From San Francisco
 

My son has his heart set on driving through a tree and seeing the Redwoods. I understand it's only 4 hours on the 101 from San Francisco. However, I wish to drive home on HWY 1 all the way back to San Jose the next day. I'm thinking that I could drive 2-3 hours south at night so I don't have such a long drive the next day and wondering where to stay. I am visiting my cousin and wish to be there by no later than 5 pm. Thoughts?

Thank you

Yes, it's about 4hr drive from SF to the Avenue of the Giants with the drive through trees. Then another 5 back to San Jose. (assuming no major traffic jams which is not a safe assumption as you'd be driving through the heart of silicon valley.

To put it in perspective, SF to the drive through redwoods is the same mileage as driving from NYC to DC - is that a trip you'd take just for a photo in front of the Washington Monument, then drive back to NY?

There are many huge redwoods much closer to SF & San Jose - Big Basin park in the hills above San Jose is one I really enjoy. You'd have time to take a hike - as short as 1/4 mi, or longer if you wish, and see some of the giant coastal redwoods up close and personal.

You could combine that with a half or full day on the coast somewhere like Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz, or even Monterey to see the Aquarium or go whale watching.

Only you can decide if that 9-10hrs is worth the few min you'd spend driving through the tree.

>>Yes, it's about 4hr drive from SF to the Avenue of the Giants<<

Yes -- about 4-ish hours, but I am a little confused though since you say home is San Jose so that would add at least another hour. OR are you starting from San Francisco and then ending up down in San Jose?

In either case, I totally agree with J62 -- go south instead to either Big Basin or Henry Cowell state parks and be MUCH closer to San Jose.

I agree with janis, head south of SF to see redwoods.