Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

What's more dramatic than a majestic old-growth redwood forest spanning 8 miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline? Del Norte is home to the tallest trees in the world. It's one of four North Coast national and state parks preserving 45 percent of the planet's old-growth redwood forests.

Pitch your tent at Mill Creek Campground, just south of Crescent City. It’s open from May 1-Sept. 30 with 143 sites without hookups but with paid showers. It's super clean and quiet — the perfect place to lay your head for big dreams under the gigantic trees.

Explore the remote, rocky coastline by descending the steep 2-mile Damnation Creek Trail. The 12.6-mile DeMartin Section of California’s Coastal Trail also traverses the park. It’s a not-to-be-missed, eye-candy adventure for hikers and cyclists.

Head to Wilson Creek (a.k.a. False Klamath Cove) for a relaxing picnic and stroll along the half-mile-long shore. Those tidepools are calling your name.