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Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located near San Francisco, was named the best state park in the United States by Tripadvisor for its old-growth forest, towering redwoods, and cool attractions like tree drives and nearby rafting.
There are thousands of state parks across the United States, each serving an important purpose. They preserve the natural beauty or historical interest of the land and provide a place for people to relax – whether camping, hiking, picnicking or just hanging out on the beach.
But some state parks offer much more than that. And, according to tour guide company Niagara Falls Tickets & Tours, one state park stands out for its consistently high visitor ratings.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which stretches along California Highway 101 north of San Francisco, is recognized for its extremely high visitor rankings on Tripadvisor, hovering around 4.9 out of five stars. The study found that more than 90% of Tripadvisor reviews gave the park five stars. This is not an easy task.
Magdalena Petrusic, travel specialist at Niagara Falls Tickets & Tours, speaking with Travel + Leisure.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of California’s finest state parks, captivating with its ancient redwood forest, which covers about one-third of the park. You don’t even need to get out of your car to experience the wonder of these towering trees. You’ll pass some of the park’s most impressive trees on the famous Avenue of the Giants, a scenic highway that runs parallel to Route 101.
However, if you have time to get out and explore, this place is highly recommended, as all these five-star reviews can attest. The Humboldt Redwoods are home to the Giant Tree, a giant tree located in Rockefeller Forest that stands 350 feet tall and has a girth of over 50 feet. The park also has one of the last remaining drive-thru redwood trees, as the shrine drive-thru tree near the Avenue of the Giants is actually drive-through.
Data shows that certain activities in or near the park are standout experiences, such as the Sequoia Rail Bike Tour and Half-Day Whitewater Rafting Tour.
Following Humboldt Redwoods State Park is Kachemak Bay State Park in Homer, Alaska, which is loved for its wildlife and stunning scenery. Here is a complete list of the top-rated state parks in the United States:
1. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California
2. Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska
3. Oregon Coast Acres State Park
4. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
5. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
6. Waimea Canyon State Park, Hawaii
7. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
8. Morro Bay State Park, Arkansas
9. (Tie) Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon
9. (Tie) Ludington State Park, Michigan
10. Beartown State Park, West Virginia
RELATED: The best state parks in every U.S. state
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