Redwood Creek Picnic Area offers the rare combination of ocean beach access and complete picnic facilities inside Redwood National and State Parks. With driftwood-strewn sands, towering redwoods as backdrop, and Pacific waves rolling in, it’s the perfect free day-use spot for families to picnic, play, and explore Northern California’s dramatic coast.
Located just off US Highway 101 near the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, Redwood Creek Picnic Area is the only place within the national park system where visitors can drive right up to a developed beachfront picnic site. Shaded tables, grills, and restrooms make it exceptionally family-friendly, while the wide, gentle beach invites hours of sandcastles, shell hunting, and safe wading. Dogs are welcome on leash, adding to the appeal for pet-owning families. The area is free to use, first-come, first-served, and open from dawn to dusk year-round, with facilities maintained seasonally.
The dramatic setting—massive driftwood logs, misty redwood groves meeting the sea, and ever-changing tide pools—creates a memorable backdrop for relaxed outdoor meals and coastal adventures. It’s an ideal stop for travelers on the Redwood Highway or families seeking an easy, rewarding nature day without long hikes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | US Highway 101, near Kuchel Visitor Center, Orick, CA 95555 |
| Phone (Visitor Center) | (707) 464-6101 |
| Hours of Operation | Year-round, sunrise to sunset (facilities subject to seasonal maintenance) |
| Key Facilities | Picnic tables, grills, sheltered areas, restrooms, large parking lot, trash receptacles |
| Services & Rules | Picnicking, leashed dogs allowed, free entry, first-come, first-served sites |
Make the most of your visit with this relaxed family schedule:
Evening Before: Prepare everything the night before—pack sandwiches, snacks, fruit, drinks, sunscreen, beach toys, charcoal (if grilling), blankets, and extra layers. Load it all into the generous cargo space of your Tara Roadster 2+2 for a stress-free morning getaway.
10:00 AM – Arrival & Setup
Drive straight to the large parking area off US-101 near the Kuchel Visitor Center (free parking). Walk a short distance to the picnic zone and claim a shaded table with grill. Spread blankets, set up chairs, and get settled. Stop by the visitor center first for free junior ranger booklets, park maps, and tide charts—kids love the interactive exhibits.
12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch by the Ocean
Enjoy your spread with waves crashing in the background:
• Kid favorites: PB&J, fresh fruit, chips, juice boxes
• Grill options: Hot dogs, corn on the cob, veggie skewers cooked on the provided grills (bring your own charcoal and tools)
Eat at your table or carry food down to the sand for a true beach picnic experience.
1:30 PM – Beach Play & Exploration
Head to the wide Freshwater Beach area:
• Kids build sandcastles, hunt for shells and smooth stones, or splash in gentle waves
• Parents stroll along the driftwood-scattered shore, photographing the massive redwoods meeting the sea
• Look for tide pools (check tide charts) and spot crabs, anemones, and shorebirds—perfect nature lessons
3:00 PM – More Beach Fun & Relaxation
Fly kites or toss a frisbee in the open sand, follow short nearby trails for redwood views, or simply relax with books and snacks back at your picnic site. The ocean breeze and sound of waves make downtime magical.
5:00 PM – Sunset Prep & Golden Hour
Northern California coastal sunsets are spectacular here. Bundle up (evenings cool quickly), find a driftwood log or stay at your table, and watch the sun dip into the Pacific around 6:30–7:00 PM (season dependent). Capture family silhouettes against the glowing sky.
7:00 PM – Pack Up & Head Home
Thoroughly clean your site, extinguish grills, pack out all trash, and drive back refreshed with coastal memories.
Redwood Creek Picnic Area delivers an effortless yet extraordinary blend of redwood majesty and Pacific beach charm—perfect for creating lasting family memories in one of America’s most stunning national parks.
