Photography courtesy Alex Weber.

Redwood Highway

California may be famous for it’s golden coast, but it’s the towering redwoods that really cause jaws to drop.

Must do: Take the ‘Avenue of the Giants’ scenic detour, the old Hwy. 101, for a chance to see the enormous timber trunks up close. For an hour-and-a-half the narrow two-lane passageway weaves through the colossal redwoods. To get a sense just how big these trees are, pull over and try to wrap your arms around one. Don’t forget to take a photo.

—Alex Weber