This California State Park Is the Highest-rated in the U.S.—and It Has a Massive Old-growth Forest and a Scenic Highway

"Located near San Francisco, this top-rated California state park is celebrated for its old-growth redwood forest and scenic experiences, and is ranked the best state park in the U.S. on Tripadvisor with an average around 4.9 and over 90 percent five-star reviews. Stretching along California’s Route 101, it lets you marvel at towering trees without leaving the car on the famed Avenue of the Giants, a scenic highway that runs parallel to 101 where you’ll pass below some of the park’s most impressive redwoods. Getting out to explore pays off too: The Giant Tree in the Rockefeller Forest rises over 350 feet and spans more than 50 feet in circumference, and one of the last remaining drive-thru redwoods—the Shrine Drive Thru Tree just off the Avenue of the Giants—can literally be driven through. Stand-out activities in or near the park include the Redwoods Railbike tour and a half-day whitewater rafting trip." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines