In Myers Flat, Humboldt County, along the scenic North Coast, Shrine Drive-Thru Tree offers something genuinely unusual: you can actually drive your car through a hollowed-out redwood. It’s a straightforward experience—pull up, drive through, take your photo—but there’s something satisfying about it that makes it worth the detour. The tree itself is impressively massive, and the moment you’re inside it, you get a real sense of just how thick these giants are.

Beyond the main attraction, the grounds have a two-story treehouse where kids can climb around and explore, plus you can walk through a giant stump for another perspective on the redwood’s scale. The site spreads across several acres with picnic areas scattered throughout the trees, which is where dogs actually get to have some fun. There’s real grass and open space for them to move around, and the shade from the surrounding redwoods keeps things cool even on warmer days.

Dogs need to stay leashed, which is reasonable given the number of visitors and the natural terrain. Bring water for your dog since there isn’t much shade relief once you’re away from the picnic zones. The gift shop operates seasonally and sells the typical souvenirs—nothing fancy, but it’s there if you want a postcard or local item.

The location works well if you’re already exploring the North Coast redwood region. It’s not a long experience—most people spend an hour or two total—but it’s the kind of quirky stop that breaks up a road trip nicely. The drive itself through Highway 101 country is pretty scenic, so you’re not losing anything by including it in your itinerary. Pack a picnic if you want to stay longer and let your dog settle into the grassy areas while you eat.