Big Basin State Park

Incredible corners of the world

California has so much to offer for families! We started our day tucked away up in the redwood forest. Walking alongside these ancient beings is both sobering and edifying. You exit a redwood forest a different person than when you went in. In the early morning, I went on one of the most beautiful runs I have ever seen. Hopping over streams that chuckled down redwood roots, I weaved through the trees. Ferns brushed bright green against the red walls of tree trunk as I streaked by. The rich, earthy smell of old forest filled by lungs with each breath. Massive squirrels that matched the size of the trees chattered at me as I passed. It was a transformative experience.

We filled the rest of the afternoon exploring every nook and cranny of the ocean edge, poking at the beautiful and mysterious creatures that live there. Tyler has the tide pool eye. I can stare at one pool for half and hour and not see the giant pearly seashell that he comes by and pulls out of a crack. Orange starfish stood out stark against purple spiky urchins. Lime green and pink anemones flowed neon in the clear pools. Tide pools are like little windows into another world. Tyler loves them! He gets all giddy and loses all track of time as he pokes around the little pools. I almost like watching him scamper around like the little boy he is more than looking at the pools themselves. 🤗🦀

Tip: There are redwood forests ALL along the California coast. Yes, the National Park is pretty far north. But you can find some awesome experiences in other places too.

Visiting Big Basin State Park with Kids

Tip: It’s a long, windy drive to get up the mountain to to this State park. It would be smart to take some breaks along the way to minimize car sickness.

Tip: This park is less known and has fewer crowds. The campgrounds are nice with separate family showers. There are redwood trees right in the campground and nice streams closeby for kids to play in.

Tip: The visitor center is open a bit later (8 am-7 pm) and has wifi–if you need it for anything.

Tip: Point Lobos State Natural Preserve has some AWESOME tidepools! These are a great opportunity to teach kids about the natural world and let them discover for themselves. The rocks are sharp though, have them wear sturdy water shoes.