Family Trip to the Redwoods

I’ve heard it said that it’s not a family “vacation,” it’s a family “trip” – a vacation is supposed to be relaxing, and if you are taking your kids it is definitely not relaxing. 😆 I tend to agree. But either way, we recently went on a trip/vacation that was one of the best trip experiences I’ve ever had. Ever since I went to California a few years ago with my mom for a friend’s wedding I have wanted to go back with Korey and the kids to see the redwoods. (Another kid came along after that trip and delayed further trip taking for a while, but potty-training has happened and we felt somewhat able to handle a big trip. 🤗)

We got several big experiences for the kids on this trip – we got to ride on a plane (perhaps the biggest highlight of all), see the ocean, and see the redwoods. These were firsts for all but the oldest who has ridden on a plane and seen the ocean, but he was so little he doesn’t remember either.

We flew into San Francisco and drove a few hours north. It was a pretty drive but slightly tainted when one child puked all over the back of the rental car due to car sickness. After that we were ready with plastic bags for subsequent puking which, while still unpleasant, was definitely better.

We planned to spend the majority of the time hiking in the redwoods and just go look at the ocean one afternoon. We didn’t even pack swimsuits because we figured there was zero chance our Texas children could tolerate the Pacific Ocean and an air temperature of 60 degrees. Well, the ocean proved to simply be too enticing, and after leaving the beach with soaking wet hoodies and pants we went to the store and bought towels, sandals, and clothes to swim in and ended up going back to the beach every afternoon.

I definitely thought the highlight of the trip (other than the wonderfully cool air temperature) was the redwoods though. We visited several different forests, and each one was unique and incredibly impressive. It is unbelievable how tall the trees are. The kids loved the hikes because there was always something to climb on or explore. We also went to a zoo one day that has constructed bridges up in the air between trees, and that gave an even better perspective for how tall the trees are.

It was so hard to come back home (and to the Texas heat!) at the end of the trip. I tried to talk Korey into staying indefinitely, but he didn’t go for that. We got back home really late, and when we got up the next morning, our three year old said, “Why are we here? I don’t want to live here. I want to live in the other house.” So I was not alone in my desire to stay there. 😆

It was a wonderful trip, but now I need to know what other places are great to visit with kids! What has been your favorite family trip, or what places are on your list to go to??

(I didn’t want to take my nice camera on the trip, so the quality of the photos is definitely lacking.)