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Redwoods Near Monterey: 5 State Parks Nearby with Coastal Redwood Trees
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: Aguust 20, 2025
These parks with redwoods near Monterey are a great way to get a close-up look at our mighty Coastal Redwood trees. All five parks are less than two hours away from Monterey by car.
Why These Trees are a Must-See in Northern California
- Coastal Redwoods are among the tallest and oldest living organisms on earth
- The record-holder is nearly 380 feet tall, higher than the Statue of Liberty or a 35-story building
- Many living redwoods are 500–1,000 years old, with some surpassing 2,000 years
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1. Big Basin State Park
Distance from Monterey: 1 hour and 20 minutes north
Park Hours: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Fees: $10 day-use per vehicle
Why Visit: California’s oldest state park (1902), with massive old-growth redwoods. My favorite place to see redwoods near Monterey. Preserves more than 18,000 acres, meaning you have many places to experience these majestic wonders without large crowds.
Highlights of Big Basin
- Ancient Redwoods: Trees up to 1,800 years old, 50 ft around, and as tall as the Statue of Liberty (when they sway in the wind, it is really a sight to behold!)
- Trails & Views: Follow meandering creeks, wander through old-growth forests, and climb to the ridges that offer views of the Pacific Ocean
- Wildlife: Squirrels, deer, raccoons, diverse birdlife, and even bobcats and cougars (just be sure to keep your distance)!
NOTE: In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Fire swept through 97% of the park's property, destroying all historic structures and drastically changing the landscape.
Surprisingly, one of the Coastal Redwoods' characteristics is that they are built to resist fire and can resprout from their base. Therefore, with many trails now reopened, you'll have the chance to see both towering survivors and new plant life vigorously growing.
Know Before You Go
- Dogs, horses, and bikes permitted on designated roads/trails
- Camping not currently available, except at Rancho del Oso, the coastal portion of Big Basin
>> Find additional redwoods near SF
2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Distance from Monterey: One hour north (just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz)
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset year-round; Visitor Center 10 am to 4 pm; Nature Store 11 am to 5 pm
Fees: $10 day-use fee per vehicle
NOTE: The park is currently closed to overnight camping until April 2026
Why Visit: Another one of my favorite places to see redwoods near Monterey, its 5,000 acres are home to ancient trees and perfect photo spots at the Fremont Tree and Garden of Eden swimming hole. Plus, there is a historic railroad next door.
Highlights
- Old-Growth Redwood Grove: 1-mile loop trail through 40 acres that house trees over 1,500 years old
- Fremont Tree (largest tree in the park): Famous 300-foot-tall giant with a 15-foot-wide hollow base that you can step inside
- Garden of Eden: A beloved natural swimming hole on the San Lorenzo River (cold but invigorating, especially if you jump into it!)
- Roaring Camp Railroad: Ride classic 1880s and 1920s trains for a scenic, historic add-on experience
Know Before You Go
- NOTE: Overnight camping closed until April 2026
- Dogs, bikes, and horses allowed in designated areas
- Many accessible trails
- Check for seasonal ranger-led tours and special events
3. Garrapata State Park
Distance from Monterey: 25 minutes south on Highway 1
Park Hours: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Fees: None
Why Visit: Closest spot to see coastal redwoods near Monterey. It's smaller than the other parks, but you'll enjoy diverse landscapes including dramatic Big Sur scenery.
Highlights of Garrapata
- Redwood Groves: Smaller than in other parks, but worth the hike
- Canyon & Bluff Trails: Varied hikes with wildflowers, lush vegetation, and sweeping ocean views
- Garrapata Beach: A wide, rugged 2-mile stretch of coastline (great for walking, not for swimming)
- Wildlife: Look for the endangered Smith’s blue butterflies, pelicans, owls, and migrating whales (depending on the season)
Know Before You Go
- Trail difficulty varies—some are strenuous and others are more accessible
- Park access is subtle. Look for a small side sign on the west side of the road and numbered pullouts for parking
- Dogs are welcome on the beach only, not on trails
- Safety tip: While the beach is beautiful, the surf here is extremely dangerous—enjoy from shore, no swimming!
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Distance: Just over an hour south
Park Hours: Daily from 8 am to sunset
Fees: $10 a day-use fee per car
Why Visit: A spectacular Big Sur park just south of Monterey, known for its dramatic coastal scenery, redwoods, and the famous waterfall that plunges directly into the Pacific Ocean.
Highlights
- McWay Falls: 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Overlook Trail: iconic views of the waterfall and coastline
- Tinhouse Fire Road & Partington Vista Point: sweeping views and a glimpse of Big Sur history
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: redwoods, madrones, tan oaks, and much more
Know Before You Go
- Dogs are not allowed
- Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets, and limited parking. Overflow parking available along Highway 1 (just be mindful of traffic and don't miss your exit!)
- Camping: Limited vehicle camping with picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings (bring your own firewood)
- NOTE on Delays and Road Closures: The cliffside Highway 1 to get here is stunning, but unfortunately also prone to landslides, so do check before you travel, and use caution
5. Limekiln State Park
Distance: About an hour and a half south
Hours: 8 am to sunset
Fees: $10 day-use per car
Why Visit: A unique, smaller (700-acre) park combining coastal redwoods, ocean views, waterfalls, and historic lime kilns that tell the story of California’s early industry.
Highlights
- Historic Lime Kilns: four that were built in the 1880s and are still standing deep in the redwood forest (redwood lumber had been used to heat them all day long)
- Accessible Trails: Limekiln Trail that leads directly to the kilns is only a half-mile long; other easy trails take you to redwood groves, creeks, and a waterfall
- Stunning Campsites: 30 set among redwoods, 11 of which offering stunning coastal views of the Pacific
Know Before You Go
- Facilities: Picnic areas, campgrounds, and access to both forest and beach.
- NOTE: Campgrounds are currently closed due to damage from 2024 storms
- Dogs are not allowed here
About Park Entry Fees: Day-use fees only apply to those arriving by car (which is most people, since public transportation to these parks does not exist). However, there is no charge for people who walk or bike into the park.
Some parks accept online reservations for slightly less ($8 rather than $10); others accept cash only. Many museums and other attractions at these parks have a separate per-person fee. Fees are subject to change at any time.
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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