California’s Humboldt Redwoods State Park is tucked among public lands right near the legendary Lost Coast. And perhaps thanks in part to its remote location, it recently topped a new ranking that evaluated 150 U.S. destinations for their affordability.
HomeToGo named Humboldt Redwoods State Park the top state park in the U.S. for great-value stays in its 2026 State Park Index, thanks to its high scores for visitor satisfaction, scenic appeal, park size, trails, wildlife, demand, and the chance to enjoy a quieter escape.
The park is about a four-hour drive north of San Francisco, keeping it within road-trip range, and its 32-mile Avenue of the Giants scenic highway is a bucket list item for many Californians.
Here’s a closer look.
A world-class forest with an unforgettable road
The Avenue of the Giants, officially California State Route 254, runs alongside U.S. 101 and the Eel River. While it takes less than an hour to complete with no stops, visitors should leave plenty of time to pull over for short hikes through the world’s tallest trees.
An Auto Tour takes drivers through eight signs along the route designating worthwhile stops, including the historic Founders Grove, home to the 325-foot-tall Founders Tree; the Rockefeller Forest, which is the largest old-growth coastal redwood forest in the world; and the Shrine Drive Thru Tree, which has an opening big enough to fit a car.
The country’s top state park for great-value stays
Humboldt Redwoods State Park topped HomeToGo’s analysis of great-value stays, thanks to its combination of budget-friendly vacation options with the payoff of unbelievable views and outdoor appeal.
With a median price per night of $65.92, the park outranked other destinations around the country, including Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park, South Dakota’s Custer State Park, Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park, and Alabama’s Oak Mountain State Park.
It’s one of only two state parks to make the list, with Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay State Park ranking at #46.