Redwoods in California’s coastal mountains get more of the glory including being the official state tree but they are babes and petite in terms of age and girth compared to their giant sequoia cousins in the Sierra. Both species are unique to California and substantial groves of each tree can be reached within a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from anywhere in the 209. Redwoods thrive in the moist foggy climate of California’s coast.