Garberville

Garberville is easily accessible via California Route 101.

The town has no public transportation system nor is it frequented by tour buses. If you plan on using Garberville as your base of operations for exploring the redwoods, there's no option other than bringing a vehicle.

Garberville is a very small town with no attractions for tourists within its borders. It is, however, ideally located for travelers who wish to explore the Humboldt Redwoods without camping in the wilderness.

Garberville lies only about 3 miles south of the entrance to the Avenue of the Giants, a 30 mile long stretch of scenic highway featuring several of the tallest trees on the planet. Many of the biggest and best groves of redwoods can be seen on short loop hikes, no longer than 1.5 miles. It is therefore very easy to venture out in the morning from Garberville, drive the Avenue in its entirety, take several hikes at a leisurely pace, and be back in town before sundown.

• 🌍 Avenue of the Giants (California Route 254), US Highway 101 Exit #645. This drive among majestic, old, beautiful redwood trees follows California Route 254 as it parallels US Highway 101. It winds 51 km (31 miles) from US 101 exit 645 to exit 674, and may be driven in either direction. There are ten marked sights along the route, including the 950-year-old "Immortal Tree", an easy 0.5-mile walk through Founder's Grove, and several picnic and camping spots. The route passes through six small towns. Free. (updated Jul 2015)

The Garberville-Redway Chamber of Commerce is located at 773 Redwood Drive, just a short walk down the street from the Best Western. There are a number of shops there where one can buy, among other things, souvenirs such as shot glasses or t-shirts.

There are also three gas stations located on Garberville's main strip.

One block down Redwood Dr. from the Best Western is a restaurant called Cecil's. It is upstairs and somewhat hidden from the street so read the signs carefully. The menu consists of authentic Creole food, emphasizing fish and beef dishes.

There are two Western-style bars on Redwood Dr. near the Best Western, heavily populated with locals on the weekends.

• Best Western Humboldt House Inn, 701 Redwood Dr, ☏ +1 707 923-2771, fax: +1 707 923-4259.