Lonely Planet chooses California’s Redwood Coast as top U.S. place to go in 2018

Lonely Planet picked California’s Redwood Coast as the best U.S. place to visit in 2018. Boise, Idaho, and Chattanooga, Tenn., came in second and third as worthy destinations that are on the upswing.

The travel company described the 175 miles between Humboldt County and Crescent City as “an often overlooked region — even within California — but a vast and varied experience every traveler should have,” in an announcement Tuesday.

Indeed, the Redwood Coast — which includes places such as Patrick Point State Park, Redwood National and State Parks and the King Range National Conservation Area — offers a combination of remote Pacific beaches and dense forests. (California’s coastal redwoods have a wider range, from central California to southern Oregon.)

More reasons to go: The Save the Redwoods League, which turns 100 this year, offers free admission the second Saturday of each month to selected state parks where you can see the big trees up close. (Go to the website to download a pass.)

Other top U.S. travel destinations recommended by Lonely Planet are:

2. Boise, Idaho, hailed for its wineries, breweries and festivals.

3. Chattanooga, Tenn., called an “up-and-coming New South city.”

4. Florida’s Space Coast, which includes Titusville, Cocoa Beach and the coast east of Orlando.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio, selected for its artistic core.

6. Midcoast Maine, including Brunswick, Camden and Rockland.

7. Richmond, Va.

8. Kentucky Bourbon Country.

9. Minneapolis, the site of Sunday’s Super Bowl.

10. Southeastern Utah, an area studded with red-rock national parks and considered “quintessential Americana road-trip country,” according to Lonely Planet.

Selections are made by editors, researchers who travel there and locals. Check out the Best in the U.S. 2018 website.

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