northern california travel

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25 Best Places to Visit in Northern California

Last Updated By VI on April 13, 2024 in Things to Do in Northern California This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure

Yosemite National Park

• Complete List & Map

You can visit the house of Henry Miller, today a memorial library, McWay Falls and Cove, Bixby Creek Bridge, many small, quaint inns and restaurants, small picturesque beaches that are not easy to access but well worth it, and a richness of rare plants and animals. Explore Big Sur Attractions

Watch this awesome video about Yosemite.

Santa Cruz is a great place to learn to surf, watch experienced surfers, and get into the surfing spirit at Steamer Lane or at Pleasure Point. More Santa Cruz beaches

While exploring the city, you will pass through Japantown, one of the few left in the US, the artsy SoFA District, lively San Pedro Square, or the Convention and Cultural District, which has rich performing arts offerings.

Then stroll down to Jack London Square on the city’s vibrant waterfront for some great food, people or boat watching, or to take a ferry to San Francisco.

Mendocino National Forest

825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988, Phone: 530-934-3316 , ( website link )

Redwood National Park

Highway 101, Orick, CA, Redwood National Park, Phone: 707-464-9150

Sonoma, Northern California

If you are in Sonoma to enjoy the wines, like so many others, hire a driver or take a bus tour and taste as many as you wish without having to worry about driving. Sonoma points of interest

Modoc National Forest

225 West 8th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, Phone: 530-233-5811 , website

Calaveras County

It has also been immortalized in Mark Twain's famed story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and hosts an annual Jumping Frog Jubilee festival each year in connection with the author's legacy. Visitors can explore immense show caves such as Mercer and California Caverns, sample fine wines at the Ironstone Vineyards and Amphitheater, or enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities at sites such as Lake Tulloch and New Melones.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Route 1, Carmel, CA 93923, Phone: 831-624-4909

Muir Woods National Monument

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941-4205, Phone: 415-388-2595

Marin Headlands, Northern California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA94965, Phone: 415-331-1540

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Crescent City , CA, Phone: 707-465-7335 , ( website link )

Yosemite Falls

There is a shuttle that takes visitors to the base of the falls, or you can hike to the top if you are prepared for a quite challenging climb. Most Beautiful Waterfall Hiking Trails

Pfeiffer Beach

Sycamore Canyon Road, Right off Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, Phone: 805-434-1996

Lava Beds National Monument

1 Indian Well Campground Trail, Indian Well Hqts, CA 96134, Phone: 530-667-8100

Napa Valley

There is a great farmers’ market at the Oxbow Public Market, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail offers great hiking from the river to Skyline Park. The magnificent Di Rosa collection of more than 2,000 art pieces, displayed both indoors and outdoors, is the most significant collection of Bay Area artists’ works in the world. And, of course, there is the Napa Valley Wine Train, which has charming vintage Pullman cars that will take you to the vineyards.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Avenue of the Giants, Weott, CA 95571, Phone: 707-946-2409

Mendocino, Northern California

There is always some kind of festival going on, the art shops and galleries are full of quality pieces, and the restaurants serve fish just off the boat as well as local wine and great craft beer. A short hike outside the village will bring you to the ancient redwoods or the wild, rugged coast. Things to do in Mendocino

More ideas: Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark

San Francisco

By then, you will know that you have fallen in love with this amazing city, where everything is possible. Next read: Best Beaches in the Bay Area

Six Rivers National Forest

1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone: 707-442-1721

Klamath National Forest

1711 South Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097-9549, Phone: 530-842-6131 , https://twitter.com/Klamath_NF

Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA, Phone: 209-372-0200

• 2. Yosemite National Park
• 3. Santa Cruz
• 4. San Jose
• 6. Mendocino National Forest
• 7. Redwood National Park
• 8. Sonoma, Northern California
• 9. Modoc National Forest
• 10. Calaveras County
• 11. Point Lobos State Reserve
• 12. Muir Woods National Monument
• 13. Marin Headlands, Northern California
• 14. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• 15. Yosemite Falls
• 16. Pfeiffer Beach
• 17. Lava Beds National Monument
• 18. Napa Valley
• 19. Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• 20. Mendocino, Northern California
• 21. Sacramento
• 22. San Francisco
• 23. Six Rivers National Forest
• 24. Klamath National Forest

More Features

Beach Destinations: 15 Most Awesome Beach Picnics

20 Must-Try Restaurants in San Francisco

14 Best Lake Tahoe Camping Ideas

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An Epic Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (Guide + Tips From A Local)

last Updated: May 7, 2024 california Northern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning an epic Northern California road trip and looking for the best stops to make?! I’m here to show you all the highlights (think redwoods, deep blue lakes, and freshly shucked oysters)! You’ll be wondering why you didn’t take this road trip to Northern California sooner! 

What comes to mind when you picture NorCal? If you said towering redwoods , the granite peaks of Yosemite, and delicious wine regions, you wouldn’t be wrong! But we’ve also got a snow-capped dormant volcano (true story), that dramatic Pacific coastline, plenty of Victorian-era houses, and even the capital of California (no, it’s not LA or SF).

As I’m sure you could’ve guessed, Northern California is HUGE. And with that comes tons of diversity, in both its urban areas and stunning landscapes. You could spend months road tripping to Northern California and still not see it all. You will however feel that relaxed Californian attitude after just a few days in the state.

The area is so massive I even wrote a guide with over 300 things to do in NorCal ! While we won’t be knocking out all 300, we will be crossing off not one, not two, but THREE national parks in California on this Northern California road trip. I told you the itinerary I planned out is epic. 

→ Read Next: The BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)

I’ve lived in California for over 5 years now, and explore the Golden State every chance I get. Although I haven’t completed this entire NorCal road trip I’m suggesting in one go, I’ve been to all the stops — some, even multiple times! I’ve taken all my tips and included them in what I feel is the ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary → perfect for you all looking to explore the northern half of the state!

→ Psst: Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if you’re an experienced road tripper, promise!)

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Start : San Francisco
• Stop #1: Yosemite National Park
• Stop #2: Lake Tahoe
• Stop #3: Sacramento
• Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls
• Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta
• Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad
• Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks
• Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg
• Stop #9: Napa /Sonoma
• Stop #10: Point Reyes
• End : San Francisco

Why take a Northern California road trip?!

Well for starters, NorCal is absolutely breathtaking. As I mentioned before, there’s craggy coastlines, towering redwoods, and delicious oyster picnics!

In addition, the state is just too damn huge to road trip through all at once. I mean, maybe if you had a month plus that’d be slightly doable. While I’m beyond obsessed with the Pacific Coast Highway and southern California , a trip to Northern California is oh so different.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path and delve from the ordinary, a road trip to Northern California will be perfect for you. 

How Long Will this Road Trip in Northern California take?

This is a super tricky question, because you could honestly spend months exploring NorCal! I say, plan for as long as you’ve got! If you wanna see all the stops on this Northern California road trip itinerary I’ve planned, aim for at least 3 weeks. You can probably do it in 2, but it’ll be super crammed and you’ll do too much driving vs. exploring in my opinion.

If you’ve got less than 2 weeks, I’d pick out a few spots below which pique your interest the most. Look at the map below and try to keep the places you pick close-ish together.

Only have a week or so? Leave off Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. While they’re actually some of my favorite places in Northern California, these two spots are a bit further away from the others, so it doesn’t make sense to include them on a shorter trip. You can easily spend 3-4 days in each, so best to save them for another trip when you can really give them the time they deserve. 

Things to Know Before Driving Around Northern California

Getting to San Francisco

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco, you’ll of course need to get yourself there (stop #1). Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. You can start this NorCal road trip in Sacramento, but I have a feeling you’ll probably find cheaper airfare to San Francisco.

Renting a Car

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Northern California road trip itinerary! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price (and frequently save a fair bit of money!).

Filling up on Gas

While this Northern California road trip makes a bunch of stops in highly visited areas, it does take you through some more rural spots. Because of that, you’ll wanna make sure to fill up when you see a station if you’re getting to about ½ a tank. 

Some areas will be much more expensive than others, but if you’re not from California, you’ll find that gas prices are probably (much) higher than you’re used to regardless. Gas is the highest in the nation (on par with gas in Hawaii), so just take this account when planning your NorCal road trip budget.

I like to use the app GasBuddy to check out locations and prices of gas stations nearby. Google Maps has also started including gas prices for stations as well.

Traffic in Northern California

While you’ll definitely encounter traffic in certain areas (Bay Area, Sacramento, and likely, Lake Tahoe), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that most of Northern California isn’t super crowded. Yes, there’ll be other cars on the road, but 2352342 times less than in southern California. 

Do note you’ll encounter one-lane roads on certain state highways and other smaller areas. Be patient, let locals pass you, and always pull over at pullouts if you’re driving slower than others. Don’t be that driver with a long line of cars behind them (just please don’t — it aggravates everyone).

Toll Roads in Northern California

You’ll come across some toll roads (and bridges) on this road trip to Northern California. We use FastTrack to automatically pay tolls (kinda like EZ Pass on the East Coast). Some tolls will not take cash, including the drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not using a FastTrack, you’ll need to look out for bills in the mail, sent to the address linked to the license plate.

Renting a car? I highly recommend asking your car rental company about any toll collection policies ahead of time so there’s no surprises when you return the car. It may be wise to rent a FastTrack from them, but they can sometimes be pretty expensive (depending on the way the rental agency rents them out).

What to Pack for a Northern California Road Trip

Definitely pack a light, waterproof jacket (especially for the coast), and plan to wear layers for outdoor activities (the weather changes fast here). A reusable water bottle will be perfect — the tap water here in California is delicious and definitely drinkable! Keep a cooler in the car for picnic lunches when exploring more remote areas.

And if you plan on doing any hiking, you’ll wanna take along some hiking shoes with good traction. The trails can get slippery, especially during the misty morning.

When to Take this NorCal road trip 

Such a difficult question! But no matter the season, the weather changes quickly in Northern California. If you have ultimate flexibility, I’d choose September or October. Easily. The summer crowds are gone, the sun is out and about, and the leaves are just starting to change colors (in some spots). 

SF experiences an Indian Summer, meaning summer comes late in the city (August – October). Expect fog and chilly weather from May – July. Lassen National Park is best in late summer as well, as it’s usually still pretty snowy in June (meaning the popular trails may still be closed). 

Sacramento will be hotter than all the other destinations on this Northern California road trip, with Lake Tahoe seeing similar temps. The weather on the NorCal coast is finicky at best, but you’ll see lots of sun in early – late Fall (with the most rain December through February).

Where to Stay in Northern California

There’s an abundance of hotels everywhere in NorCal, but why not choose a few unique and exciting AirBnBs as well? Mix it up a bit! Psst: I’ll go into more detail below each stop on this road trip in Northern California, but here’s a few unique spots I’m dying to check out for myself:

• Cozy A-Frame Cabin In The Redwoods (Inverness): Imagine being surrounded by redwoods, yet only a few minutes drive from the coast and wineries. This bohemian A-Frame cabin is great for a small group of friends, small families, and couples who just wanna get away from it all.
• Floating Houseboat (Sausalito): Get the unique Sausalito houseboat experience here! With sweeping views of the bay, the surrounding rolling hills, and in the distance, the majestic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, I can’t think of a better night in Sausalito. What an experience!
• Japanese-Inspired Oceanfront Retreat (Stinson Beach): Serene and private, this Japanese inspired retreat is just a 3 minute walk to town, the beach and trails! Wear your yukata (kimono) to the inside/outside bathhouse to experience a Japanese soaking tub. Sleep to the sound of waves, wake to bird songs.

If you want to go camping on your road trip in Northern California, that’s totally doable too! You can camp in state parks, in national forests, and on BLM land — and of course there’s designated camping spots! Always double check camping is allowed, and be mindful that you may need to reserve campsites. I’m not an avid camper so don’t have much info for you, but there’s tons of resources online. 

Northern California Road Trip Map

Here’s a Northern California road trip map to get you started! I find seeing all the destinations plotted on a map always helps me visualize my overall journey.

By following this route, you’ll see it takes roughly 26 hours (yes, TWENTY SIX hours!) to make the trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes (with all the stops in between of course). Take that into account when planning your trip (you don’t wanna be driving all day!).

Other road trip posts you may enjoy:

• Complete Pacific Coast Highway Guide (all my favorite stops – yes, all 75 of them!)
• BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)
• Utah’s National Park Road Trip Guide (plus Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon)
• New York City to San Francisco (the ultimate cross-country road trip!)
• Mini Road Trips from San Francisco (perfect when you don’t have enough time to do this full road trip in Northern California) 

The Complete Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Start: san francisco (1-3 days).

If you’ve never been to the City by the Bay before (San Francisco!), you need to spend a few days here! I’m partially biased, but it’s one of the best cities in the world (I moved here for a reason)! 

The city is SO diverse and there’s culture around each and every corner. With so many neighborhoods to explore and tons of beautiful look out spots with views of the famed Golden Gate Bridge, I promise you’ll never get bored. 

I’m listing out a few of my favorites below AND sharing my complete 3-day San Francisco itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip. In all honesty, there’s just too much to do here (not a bad thing), so just pick and choose what sounds interesting to you. And don’t forget to save some time for foodie excursions — the city is FULL of delicious eats!

Top things to do in San Francisco:

• Walk around the Mission District to see the thought-provoking murals (at Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley), and then devour a HUGE Mission Burrito (at either El Farolito or La Taqueria)
• Get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge at either Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Golden Gate Overlook, and/or walk over the bridge itself (just remember, it’s 2 miles each way!). Wanna see my all-time favorite view of the bridge? Head over to Battery Spence r!
• Drive or walk down Lombard Street, famous for its steep section with EIGHT hairpin turn
• Get a workout on some of my favorite steps and stairs , including the Lyon Street Steps (the whole neighborhood is gorgeous), the Hidden Garden Steps, and the 16 Avenue Mosaic Staircase 

• Explore the ethnic neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown — stroll down Grant Avenue (don’t miss the Dragon Gate), sip Chinese mai tais at LiPo Cocktail Lounge, and indulge in egg tarts from Golden Gate Bakery (if they’re open), and grab a slice of Sicilian at Golden Boy Pizza and a cannoli at Stella Pastry 
• Spend the day in Golden Gate Park waving hello to the bison, snagging free views from the Hamon Observation Tower (within the de Young Museum), walking around Stow Lake, sipping tea at the Japanese Tea Garden, getting your science on at the Cal Academy, and cooling off with some froyo from Twirl & Dip 
• Sign up for a tour of Alcatraz — you’ll take the ferry over and then wander the grounds on an audio tour, seeing the old jail cells, and learning about the history of the famous prison. It’s educational, historical, creepy, and impressive all in one.
• Be a tourist at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to watch the sea lions play, get some mini donuts, have lunch at Boudins with some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and take some cheesy tourist pics. The famous Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes aren’t too far from here, either!

What/Where to Eat:

• A ginormous mission burrito at either El Farolito or La Taqueria (can’t go wrong with either)
• Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and green onion pancakes on Taraval Street — we love both Kingdom of Dumpling and Dumpling Kitchen. The pan fried dumplings are my all-time favorite.
• A few scoops at Bi-Rite and a cannoli at Stella’s (two of my all-time favorite sweet treats in San Francisco )

• Slurp up some ramen in Japantown (Marufuku, Ramen Yamadaya, and Hinodeya Ramen Bar are all fan favorites), then try a few Japanese desserts afterwards (mochi from Benkyodo, donuts from Mochill Mochidonut, a cute character crepe from Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, and taiyaki ice cream from Uji Time)
• Some authentic Italian at Original Joe’s — always get the ravioli as your side and save some room for butter cake for dessert!
• One of these super-fun restaurants in San Francisco (I have way too many suggestions to list them all here in this Northern California road trip guide)

Where to Stay:

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in San Francisco, BUT where you stay will GREATLY impact your few days in the city. I can’t stress this enough – all the neighborhoods are drastically different with entirely different vibes.

I recommend staying in the following neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Nob Hill. There’s tons of great restaurants over here, and these neighborhoods are pretty central to lots going on. Some popular faves:

• Hotel Vitale (a Joie de Vivre boutique hotel right on the waterfront)
• The Proper Hotel (retro and eclectic with inspired touches of the Old World)
• Hotel Kabuki (a chic, beautiful boutique hotel in Japantown with zen-like public spaces)
• Complete 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• 125 Things to do in SF (my ultimate Bay Area bucket list)
• Best Spots to See the Golden Gate Bridge
• My Favorite Dessert Spots in SF
• Day Trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Stop #1: Yosemite National Park (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from SF to Yosemite: ~4 Hours (~190 miles)

Nature lovers, rejoice. We’re off to the Sierra Nevada mountains — Yosemite National Park, to be exact! 

The park is famous for its granite formations, incredible cliffs, gushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient sequoia groves. It’s majestic, awe-inspiring, grand, and utterly magnificent. There’s simply not enough adjectives to truly capture the spirit of the park. It’s a true work of art! No wonder Ansel Adams (a famous environmentalist and photographer) based so many of his pieces on the place!

Yosemite is regarded as California’s most attractive National Park. I mean, there’s a reason over 4 million people visit each year. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be blown away by Yosemite’s sheer size and magnitude — I promise. 

Since Yosemite is downright huge (roughly 1,200 miles), you’ll want a plan of attack before you visit. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Yosemite Valley checking out the iconic viewpoints and landmarks — including Half Dome and El Capitan, but don’t miss other parts of the parks as well!

Top Things To Do in Yosemite:

• Go hiking, of course! The Mist Trail, Four Mile Trail, and Half Dome (lottery permit required) are all great half-day/full-day (moderate-strenuous) options.
• Check out the sweeping panoramic view at Tunnel View; by far Yosemite’s most iconic spot, and no hiking required! You’ll see landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and even Half Dome from here.

• Go for an easy stroll around Mirror Lake, a small, glacial lake known for its picturesque backdrop of granite domes (aka — don’t miss it)
• Take an epic drive on Glacier Point Road (weather and season permitting) for some of the best views in all of Yosemite, including the aptly named Glacier Point. This is also where you’ll find the 2-mile trailhead for Taft Point (beautiful for sunset).
• Get an up-close view of Yosemite Falls via the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, Lower Yosemite Falls trail, or even from Cook’s Meadow! It’s the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,424 feet!
• Walk along the giant sequoias at Tuolumne and/or Mariposa Groves — both worthy of some time. Look up; you’ll feel so tiny and humbled in their presence! Don’t miss the Grizzly Giant — the oldest and tallest tree in all of Yosemite.
• Experience Yosemite without the crowds at the Hetch Hetchy area, including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is probably the most beautiful dam you’ll ever damn see.

You don’t come to Yosemite for the food (spend longer in SF to check out all my favorite restaurants). But thankfully, the park has more food facilities than other national parks!

The lodges within the park have a bunch of dining options, including the Ahwahnee Dining Room (it’s gorgeous), the Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court (for quick, casual meals), Mountain Room and Bar (slightly upscale), and even a Starbucks.

I recommend planning a picnic instead though!

So, here’s the thing with Yosemite. If you’re trying to cut costs, you’ll need to stay roughly 45 minutes to an hour outside of the park (sometimes longer). And combined with the driving within Yosemite itself, it makes for some long driving days. 

If you can swing it, I’d stay within the park itself at one of the few lodges — or, go camping! Inside the park there’s The Ahwahnee Hotel (completely bucket-list worthy), Yosemite Valley Lodge (near Yosemite Falls!), and Curry Village (camping vibes but not actual camping). There’s also a whole slew of campsites within the park. 

We’ve stayed at Rush Creek Lodge (literally minutes outside the entrance to the park) and LOVED it! Psst: You’ll need to make reservations way in advance for any of those, including camping, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

• One Day in Yosemite (I highly recommend longer though!)
• Visiting Yosemite in Winter (it’s a winter wonderland for sure!)

Stop #2: Lake Tahoe (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe: ~ 4 hours, 45 minutes (~205 miles)

Lake Tahoe is a dream come true. There’s fresh mountain air, brisk turquoise water, scenic short hikes, and epic sunsets. It’s actually the largest alpine lake in all of North America. There’s nothing much better than a few days in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, in my opinion. Making Tahoe the perfect stop on any Northern California road trip.

How long you stay solely depends on what you wanna do and how much time relaxing you wanna have. There’s hiking, driving around the lake , stand-up paddling, kayaking, boating, biking, lakeside strolls, and more. We love to visit the State Parks (D.L. Bliss, Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay), walk the East Shoreline Trail, and stop at the various viewpoints.

Just FYI — the water is COLD, even when the sun is high in the sky and shining. Don’t plan on doing much swimming here unless you’re used to brisk, chilly waters!

Top Things To Do at Lake Tahoe:

• Go stand up paddling (SUP) or kayaking in the aqua colored waters of Sand Harbor (the water is so super clear and the rocks/smooth granite boulders are amazing!). This is my favorite spot in all of Lake Tahoe — don’t miss it; just get there early to beat the crowds!
• Visit Emerald Bay State Park and make the steep one mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle Historic Site, a castle with Scandinavian architecture that you can tour.
• Go on a hike! There’s no shortage of trails here at Lake Tahoe, ranging from super short ones like Eagle Rock Trail and Cave Rock, to longer, more strenuous hikes including the Rubicon Trail (popular and famous for a reason) and the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail.

• Go for a wander on the newly-completed East Shoreline Trail, taking you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor — but you don’t need to walk the entirety to see spectacular landscapes. This is a must for anyone looking for those epic views of Lake Tahoe.
• Gawk at all the huge yachts in the Tahoe City Marina — we love picking out our favorites and guessing prices (haha).
• Drive around Lake Tahoe , stopping at all the viewpoints and different beaches along the way (my favorites including Hidden Beach, Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, Zephyr Cove, and Secret Cove)
• Go skiing/snowboarding and/or snow-tubing at one of 6 ski resorts, popular ones being Heavenly Mountain and Squaw Valley (weather and snow permitting of course!) Psst – the donuts and hot cocoa in Heavenly Village are delicious!

You may be surprised, but there’s actually a ton of great food (and coffee) in the area! We love Base Camp Pizza, Himmel Haus, Ten Crows BBQ (we’ve eaten here so many times), and The Hangar! Other options include Inclined Burgers and Brews, Tahoe Pourhouse, Glazed and Confused (for donuts!), and Free Bird and I.V. Coffee Lab (for coffee).

Where to Stay: 

Thankfully, there’s lots of hotel and accommodation options in Lake Tahoe. The major towns (where you’ll find most of these places to stay) are in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Truckee. A few recommendations below:

• South Lake Tahoe : Hotel Azure , Basecamp Tahoe South , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino , Hotel Becket
• North Lake Tahoe (including Incline Village and Tahoe City): Hyatt Regency , Franciscan Lakeside Lodge , and Basecamp Tahoe City
• Truckee (a few minutes northwest of Tahoe): Northstar Lodge , Walk Resorts Lake Tahoe , The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
• Driving around Scenic Lake Tahoe (all my favorite stops)

Stop #3: Sacramento (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento: ~2 hours (~110 miles)

Sacramento, the State Capital of California, kinda gets brushed off as just another city, but it’s recently become pretty cool! There’s now microbreweries, trendy boutiques, elegant Victorian-era homes, leafy parks, and farm-to-fork cuisine, all blending seamlessly into a chic urban vibe. It’s seriously underrated!

I mean, a few of my friends have even bought houses here, so I guess it’s not all bad! 

History lovers will fall in love with all things state capitol, as there’s the Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum, and Sacramento History Museum.

Local Tip → if you’re doing your Northern California road trip in the fall (the best time in my opinion), you’ll be passing through Placerville on your way from Tahoe to Sacramento. Do yourself a favor and stop in Apple Hill for some festive fall treats, like caramel apple pecan pie, apple cider milkshake, and apple cider donuts. Mmmm….

Top Things To Do in Sacramento:

• Walk alongside the Sacramento River at RiverWalk Park, then cross over the iconic yellow Tower Bridge into the Old Sacramento Waterfront District
• Visit California’s State Capitol building → you can even take a tour (available every day between 9am-4pm). Don’t miss the gorgeous grounds surrounding the building, and pay a visit to the museum as well

• Join the coffee culture (it’s a big thing here in Sac) — lots of coffee shop recs below!
• Admire some statement art pieces (and learn some history, too!) at the Crocker Art Museum, a staple of Sacramento Art and Culture
• Visit Old Sac(ramento) for some old timey, western vibes (and don’t miss the California Railroad Museum!). It’s full of Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and even horse-drawn carriages.
• Hunt for colorful murals around town; there’s constantly new pieces from the Wide Open Walls and Sacramento Mural Festival (my kinda festival!). Don’t miss the Lady Bird mural at 901 16th Street, Michelle Obama Mural at 1409 Del Paso Blvd, and the Here Comes the Sun mural at 1818 X Street

What/Where To Eat:

As mentioned above, Sac is now a haven for foodies! There’s a whole bunch of trendy brunch spots, hip coffee spots, and eclectic dining for dinner. I’m adding an extra section for coffee because there’s just so many great coffee shops! Here’s our favorites, and where we can’t wait to indulge in next: 

FOOD/DRINK: Yard House (modern and casual, yet upscale at the same time, with over 100 draft brews and craft cocktails), Punch Bowl Social Sacramento (for some bomb chicken and waffles), Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar (go for some wine and charcuterie), The Bank (upscale food court in a refurbished bank),  Beast + Bounty (hip Californian restaurant), Hook and Ladder (another Californian restaurant)

COFFEE: Temple Coffee Roasters (an absolute must!), Vampire Penguin on K, Goodside Coffee, Pachamama Coffee, Camellia Coffee Roasters, Naked Coffee Roasting & Cafe

Sac is larger than many think, with many different neighborhoods. You’ll wanna stay in Downtown Sacramento, the quintessential business district, located right in the city center! I’ve heard great things about the following hotels:

• Kimpton Sawyer Hotel : a stylish hotel with a pool and chic dining, plus in-room yoga mats
• The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection : sophisticated and elegant lodging with a stylish restaurant, bar, and fitness center 
• Hyatt Regency Sacramento : contemporary rooms, posh dining, and a cocktail bar (plus an outdoor pool and spa)
• The Inn & Spa at Parkside : stately mansion with elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts (!!!)

Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Sacramento to Lassen: ~3 hours (160 miles)

From steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, to piping fumaroles and remnants of volcanic activity. That, my friends, is Lassen Volcanic National Park in a nutshell .  I just couldn’t believe how bad certain parts of the park smelled (due to the sulphur, which smells juuuust like rotten eggs).

While Lassen is definitely a little less discovered than other parks, I highly recommend adding it to your Northern California road trip itinerary. It’s even called a mini Yellowstone, boasting similar natural phenomena to the (super crowded) park in Wyoming.

Promise me you won’t miss nearby Burney Falls — it’s my all-time favorite waterfall in California (well, maybe besides McWay Falls in Big Sur ). 

Top Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park:

• Make short stops at Lake Helen, Emerald Lake, and Manzanita Lake (for stunning reflections of the Lassen Volcano)
• Smell the sulphur at Sulphur Works – an active hydrothermal area. And when I say active, you have no idea how active! Walk over to the bubbling mud pot and steaming vents, and you’ll see what I mean!

• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a three mile round-trip hike leading to a boardwalk full of all kinds of crazy things. Here you can listen to bubbling mudpots, watch the steam escape from a fumarole (named Big Boiler), marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Note that the trail typically does’t open until mid-June/early July due to high snowfall in the winter months.
• Marvel at Burney Falls (it’s been called the eighth wonder of the world for a reason!). I even dubbed it as one of the most beautiful places in California . I recommend doing the short loop hike that takes you down past the falls.

Unfortunately, there’s a serious lack of food options in the national park (to be expected) and between the waterfalls. I encourage you to bring our own picnic lunches (we typically buy sandwiches at a grocery store near our hotel).

There’ll be plenty of food options in Redding if you decide to stay there (next stop on our list anyways, so might as well condense the number of times you unpack!).

While it’s not impossible to find hotel accommodation located directly in the park, your best bet is to stay in Redding/Anderson (45 miles west of the park) or Chester (30 miles south of the park). 

• Redding: TownePlace Suites Redding , Fairfield Inn and Suites , Hilton Garden Inn

MORE INFO: 

• The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lassen to Redding: ~1 hour (~50 miles)

Longing for some sunshine? With over 300 sunny days, you’re bound to find some warm air in Redding (and fun fact: surprisingly, it’s actually the 2nd sunniest city in the US!). 

Redding icons include a giant sundial (morphed into a bridge), million-year-old caves, and spectacular views of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park. And plus, Downtown Redding has no shortage of public art spaces, music performances, and hot dining spots.

On the flip side, the rugged 14k-foot volcanic mountain of Mount Shasta is just begging to be explored; there’s backcountry skiing, climbing, and tons of panoramic views. And the skiing is almost half the price of similar conditions in Tahoe – win win.

Redding and Mount Shasta are about an hour away from each other, so definitely plan out your day/days in advance so you’re not zigzagging back and forth!

Top Things to Do in Redding and Mount Shasta:

• Walk across the Sundial Bridge and check out the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Trust me, this ain’t your average bridge — the glass block walkway and soaring white tower and suspension cables are pretty cool. (Redding)
• Sign up for a free, ranger-led kayak tour around Whiskeytown Lake — the Moonlight Tour would be an epic thing to add to your road trip to Northern California. (Redding)
• The Shasta Dam, across the Sacramento River, is not to be missed (and there’s a FREE tour)! The architecture is pretty grand, and the Shasta Dam is the second largest in the states after the Hoover Dam in Nevada. (Redding)

• Take a short catamaran ride on Shasta Lake en route to the limestone caves of Shasta Caverns, where stalactites, helictites, and rare formations await (between Redding and Shasta)
• Hike (or drive) around McCloud Falls, a series of three waterfalls each easily accessible from the parking lot. My favorite’s Middle Falls! (Shasta)
• Get your hike on at Castle Crags State Park, admiring the 6,000-feet tall crags. If you squint really hard, you may even see Mt. Shasta from the very top! (Shasta)
• Spend your whole day with stunning views of Mount Shasta from Castle Lake Road (Shasta)

The culinary scene is alive and well in Redding! Locals have a ton of old favorites, and there’s always new chefs popping up in town.

Here’s my top picks for food and desserts in Redding and around → Anthony’s Mediterranean Grill, The Parlor Ice Cream (for ice cream donut puffs), Dutch Brothers Coffee, Deja Vu (for breakfast/brunch), Taste & See Creamery (creative ice cream flavors), Cinders Wood Fired Pizza, and Jack’s Donuts (for more sweets). 

I’ve also heard Le Testimony Organic Bistro, Evergreen (for coffee), Theory Collaborative (for coffee), Mosaic (California-inspired), and Yak’s On The 5 (with a cult following!) are all really tasty!

It may be wise to stay at the same spot as you did for Lassen, if you’re like me and hate moving around every night or two.

• Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta Resort , McCloud Mercantile Hotel , Best Western Plus Tree House

Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Redding to Eureka: ~3 hours (~150 miles)

Imagine spending your time amongst the lush greenery of the towering redwoods, walking around old victorian architecture, and gazing at rugged and remote ocean landscapes. That’s Eureka in a nutshell ! 

The landscapes are stunning, there’s lots of talented local artists (hello colorful street art!), and the coast is craggy in this vibrant seaport city. It’s the quintessential California coastal town. 

And Trinidad is only a few miles north — I was OBSESSED with basically everything about it. Definitely don’t miss this spot. The rocky coastal landscapes are insane.

Top Things To Do in Eureka and Trinidad:

• Slather on the sunscreen and make the steep trek down to College Cove Beach — don’t miss the caves filled with starfish and sea anemone (or take the coastal trail above the beach to find the secret swing) (Trinidad)
• Soak up the rugged coastline on the Trinidad Fishing Pier over Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot with even more spectacular views (Trinidad)

• Wander around the handsomely restored Old Town district, and feel like you’re still in the Victorian era. Don’t miss the dozens of ornate 19th century Victorian homes, including the Carson Mansion and the Pink Lady! (Eureka) 
• Take a morning stroll along the Giant Sequoias at Sequoia Park, filled with tons of towering trees and even more cute pups (Eureka) 
• Go for the full flight of ciders (or go easy with an “ample sample”) at Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room (Eureka)
• Spend an afternoon wandering around the tiny town of Ferndale, a former dairy capital with Victorian-era ‘butterfat mansions

There’s a whole slew of dining options in Eureka and whole area, with my favorites below:

• Coffee:  Jitter Bean Coffee Co, Old Town Coffee & Chocolates, Gold Rush Coffee on Broadway, and Dutch Brother’s
• Breakfast: Renata’s Creperie (Arcata), Los Bagels (Eureka, Arcata), The Greene Lily (Eureka), Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe (multiple locations)
• Lunch/Dinner: Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery (Eureka), Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka), Humboldt Bay Social Club (Samoa), Samoa Cookhouse (Samoa), Campground (Arcata)

Being one of the major towns on the NorCal coast, there’s tons of accommodation options in Eureka and nearby.

• Eureka: Carter House Inns (upscale lodging with Queen Anne architectural charm), Inn at 2nd & C (a largely restored hotel from the 1880’s with an old-school vibe),  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka , Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn , and Eureka Inn Trademark by Wyndam .

More Resources: 

• Weekend Getaway to Scenic Trinidad and Eureka 

Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Eureka to Redwood Parks: ~1 hour, 15 minutes (~50 miles)

Ancient and mysterious. Stately and powerful. Cool and dark and damp and pungent. I could go on and on with ways to describe these old-growth redwood trees. The redwoods are a true icon of NorCal — meaning, you won’t wanna miss them on your road trip to Northern California! I mean, the Northern California coast is the ONLY place in the WORLD you’ll find these coastal redwoods.

A lot of people get this confused, so I’ll clear this up right away — Redwood National and State Parks are actually a few parks in one, located on the coast in Northern California in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The parks include: 

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

An hour north outta the way (you’ll have to drive through Eureka to get back south to SF), but well worth the detour. I mean, this Northern California road trip has already brought you so close!

If you’re not feeling the extra driving, you could always hit up the Avenue of the Giants on your way to Mendocino or Muir Woods on your way back to San Francisco. You can also drive through a 315-foot redwood tree at Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park (don’t forget to take a photo!) on the way back from Mendocino.

Psst: For this NorCal road trip, I’d stick to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. The other two (Del Norte Coast and Jedediah Smith) are further north, adding extra driving time to your route.

Top Things to Do in Redwood National and State Parks:

• Apply for a permit to hike the never-crowded Tall Trees Grove Trail — only 50 cars are allowed in per day
• Find “Atlas”, one of the widest trees in the park at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or just stroll around the 75 miles of trails amid old-growth redwoods 

• Wander through the fairy tale forest of the short yet stunning Fern Canyon , an unusual vertical-walled river canyon covered in leafy ferns (Fun Fact: Part of the 3rd Jurassic Park movie was filmed here!)
• Hike through a lush rainforest to a suspension bridge overlooking Trillium Falls — it’s absolutely mesmerizing 

Again, like other national parks in California, there’s not many options for food within the parks themselves. You’ll wanna bring along a picnic and/or have a big breakfast in Eureka/Trinidad.

Where to Stay: I recommend staying at the same accommodation in either Trinidad or Eureka, and making a day trip (or two) — depending on how much hiking you wanna do. Or, you could go camping in the parks if that’s your style!

Read Next: 

• 15 Places to See Redwoods and Giant Sequoias in California 
• Hiking the Fern Canyon Trail (everything you need to know)

Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from the Redwoods to Mendocino: ~4 hours (~190 miles)

*If you’re staying in Eureka, it’ll be approximately 3 hours to get to Mendocino from here.

Get ready for misty mornings, dense redwood forests, and fern-covered canyons – Mendocino is any nature lover’s perfect weekend getaway! There’s stunning shorelines, mushroom ice cream (yup – I said mushroom), secluded beaches, sleepy sea lions, and magical sea caves. 

Since the drive from the redwoods to Mendocino will be one of the longest on this Northern California road trip, why not break it up? Go for one last breakfast in Eureka, and then you can stop at the Avenue of the Giants on the way (about half the way in Weott).

Drive slowly through the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 30 mile highway running through 50,000 acres of redwood groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Put on your boots and walk through the clover-lined mini trails in the park (don’t miss the Founder’s Tree and Dyerville Giant)!

Top Things To Do in Mendocino and Fort Bragg:

• Spot the rainbow of sea glass on Glass Beach within MacKerricher State Park (but don’t take any with you)
• Smell the rhododendrons, begonias, and other beauties at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then head to the water for great views of the rocky coastline 

• Sip wine with a view of the rocky Mendocino coast at Pacific Star Winery (one of the best places to stop on this Northern California road trip for wine and nature lovers!)
• Check out the numerous (and gorgeous!) state parks in the area, including Van Damme, Russian Gulch, Jug Handle, and Mendocino Headlands
• Climb aboard the world-famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg , and ride into the nearby lush redwood forests. There’s two-passenger railbikes if you’re looking for something a bit more active. 
• Cowlicks Ice Cream: Possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The line is long but the portions more than make up for it.
• Frankie’s: This small restaurant is known for both their pizza and ice cream (can’t go wrong with either — this is where we get mushroom ice cream!)
• MacCallum House: I heard people raving about the atmosphere and food → Definitely the spot to be for a cute brunch.  Kinda expensive, but kinda worth it.

• Patterson’s Pub: A local favorite in the area. Prices are good, beers are flowing, and you’re sure to find an interesting crowd at the bar.
• Wild Fish: Wanna surprise your partner with an amazing meal and ocean views? Make a reservation (the place is super tiny) at Wild Fish, a super romantic fine-dining restaurant. We love it here!
• Little River Inn: Another good place for a romantic dinner in a super charming spot

Where To Stay:

• Glendeven Inn & Lodge (my top pick). If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay, look no further than the Glendeven Inn. I can’t stop gushing about our stay there, I really can’t! Expect an in-room wood-burning fireplace, homemade breakfasts, and a location surrounded by the lush Van Damme State Park.
• Sea Rock Inn : We also passed by the cottages at Sea Rock Inn after walking around the Headlands, and I think we wanna check that place out next time we visit!
• Heritage House : A romantic seaside escape in a historic Gold Rush farmhouse?! Yes please! 
• Nicholson House : at the tippy top of my bucket list!

More resources: 

• The Weekend Guide to Mendocino and Fort Bragg 

Stop #9: Napa/Sonoma (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Mendocino to Napa: ~2 ½ hours (~115 miles)

Everyone’s heard of Napa. I mean, there’s wine – what’s not to love?! But haha, Napa is so much more than that – imagine lush rolling hills, miles and miles of vineyards, generous tasting pours, and some truly amazing restaurants (including the ridiculously-priced but highly sought-after French Laundry). It would be a shame not to include it on your road trip to Northern California!

While Napa is more glam-worthy, Sonoma is more spread out and expansive (at almost double the size of Napa!), with a much more chill vibe. Sonoma’s kinda like the gloriously laid-back sister of nearby Napa Valley, and we love it!

Sonoma even grows tons more varieties of grapes, meaning a larger selection of wines (although Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir are the most abundant)!

While we love both areas, I’d honestly pick either Napa Valley or Sonoma. It’s just just too spread out to do it all. My favorite towns in Sonoma are Petaluma and Healdsburg/Guerneville, while we enjoy winery hopping all over Napa Valley.

Top Things To Do in Napa

• Sip wine in a real-life castle at Castello di Amorosa (inspired by a castle in Tuscany), and then say hi to the baby goats on property!
• Stomp on grapes in a wine barrel at Sterling Vineyard (one of the messiest things to do in on this Northern California road trip), after taking the gondola up the hill for stunning vineyard views

• Gather supplies and feast on a gourmet picnic under the shady oak trees at V. Sattui with meats, cheeses, and even cheesy jalapenos! 
• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for spectacular vineyard views while feasting on a first-class meal
• Float away in a hot air balloon above the vineyards of Napa Valley – and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds!
• Cool off in a CAVE and learn about the winemaking process and see where barrels are stored on a winery cave tour 

Top Things To Do in Sonoma

• Walk along the Petaluma waterfront, and grab a slice of pie from Petaluma Pie Company and/or an ice/soft serve combo from Wicked Slush (one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco )
• Sip some wine and snack on gourmet foods in a modern castle at Ledson Winery & Vineyards (the grounds are spectacular!)

• Bring your blow-up floatie or inner tube and float down the Russian River (or just relax at Johnson’s Beach, one of the most popular things to do in Northern California, and more specifically, Guerneville !)
• Hike among the majestic sequoia trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – they’re over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall!
• Go wine tasting in Alexander Valley, one of the best cabernet sauvignon growing regions in the world
• Learn about California history by checking out the Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Toscano Kitchen, and other exhibits at the Sonoma State Historic Park (all in a span of 3 blocks)

The dining options are nearly endless here – from $500 multi-course michelin-star meals to a bustling marketplace full of trendy eateries! There’s tons of wine country casual hot spots to choose from.

In Napa we LOVE checking out the Oxbow Public Market, getting breakfast at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon (worth waiting in line for), having dinner on the outdoor patio at Bistro Don Giovanni, and having picnics at whatever vineyards allow it!

Sonoma is well-known for The Girl & The Fig (still on my must-eat list), Sunflower Caffe (one of my favorites!), my friends restaurant Sugo Trattoria (get the bruschetta – it’s so good), and KINSmoke (a southern bbq place).

Where to stay:

Accommodation in Napa Valley tends to be on the expensive side, especially during summer and fall. But don’t let that deter you — even if you can spend just one night I say go for it!

Napa: We’ve stayed at and love the Andaz Napa , and I’ve heard great things about River Terrace Inn , Hotel Yountville (the pool area looks divine!), and SENZA Hotel . And of course the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley and Meritage Resort are both on my bucket list.

Sonoma: Check out the Ledson Hotel (upscale and elegant), Sonoma Hotel (historic!), El Dorado Hotel (chic with fine dining), and Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country .

There’s also quite a few unique stays in this area if that’s something you’re interested in:

• Sleep in a tent and go glamping at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping (Sonoma)
• Feed the giraffes and stay in an upscale tent on a 400-acre wildlife preserve at Safari West , also known as the “Sonoma Serengeti” (Sonoma)
• Stay in a retro hotel and get a mud bath at Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort — I want to stay here so bad! (Napa)

Stop #10: Point Reyes National Seashore (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Napa to Point Reyes: ~1 hour, 45 minutes (~75 miles)

By now you’re probably exhausted from all the running around on this Northern California road trip (told ya there’s lots to do here!). BUT, I promise a day (or two!) in Point Reyes is well worth your time, especially if you’re up for a (stunning) coastal hike and some grilled oysters!

The area is known for its charming small town (Point Reyes Station), some of the best oysters in all of California, award-winning cheese, and green coastal landscapes. It honestly kinda looks like something outta an Ireland fantasyland (from my speculations, since, ermmmm, I haven’t made it to Ireland just yet).

FYI — Point Reyes is one of the foggiest, rainiest, and windiest places in all of the Bay Area. You’ll wanna dress in layers and keep a waterproof jacket in the car no matter when you visit. Unfortunately, the weather’s wildly unpredictable over here!

Top Things To Do in Point Reyes

• Walk down the equivalent of a 30-story building to the Point Reyes Lighthouse (one of the most strenuous things to do on this Northern California road trip by far!) Work those glutes!
• Find the Inverness Shipwreck (psst – it’s behind a small grocery store in Inverness, or simply put “Point Reyes Shipwrecks” into Google Maps). Don’t attempt to climb it — it’s old and unsteady and unfortunately deteriorating! Just admire from afar.

• Have an oyster picnic! It’s exactly what it sounds like! Feast on freshly harvested oysters (and even shuck and grill them yourself!) at Hog Island Oyster Company and/or Tomales Bay Oyster Company.
• Walk the (mostly flat!) 9.6 miles of the Tomales Point Trail or the much shorter 1.9 mile Chimney Rock Trail. Both are absolutely beautiful, and kinda hidden gems of Northern California. You’ll be able to see elephant seals on the beach below the Chimney Rock Trail (in the winter season), and Tule Elk on the Tomales Point Trail!
• Up your instagram game with a photo under the Cypress Tree Tunnel (but be sure to get there early – it’s popular with photographers and tourists).
• If there’s only one thing you eat in Point Reyes, make it oysters — this part of the coast is known for them for a reason! Check out either Hog Island, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, and if all else fails, The Marshall Store.
• Bovine Bakery: A local jaunt with a sustainable focus, with artisan pastries, cookies, pizza, and fair-trade coffee. A great little spot for breakfast or lunch (PS: the morning buns and rare savory scones are heavenly).
• Sir and Star at the Olema: If you’re looking for locally focused California fare, you need to make a reservation here. Sit by the fireplace, sip some wine, and order the beignets along with your dinner.

Surprisingly, despite its location, Point Reyes has more accommodation options than you probably think. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, hotels, cottages, and some epic AirBnbs around here. A few worth noting:

• Olema House at Point Reyes : It’s intimate and tranquil, — and plus, it’s surrounded by national forests!
• Nick’s Cove and Cottages : Nostalgic and welcoming and located right on the water!
• AppleGarden Cottage: A private bed-and-breakfast (located on a working farm!) just outside of Tomales/Point Reyes
• Straus Home Ranch : A beautifully renovated 150 year old farmhouse nestled between eucalyptus and cypress trees

End: San Francisco

DRIVE TIME from Point Reyes to San Francisco: 1 ½ hours (~60 miles)

Woo — officially made it back from our Northern California road trip! If you’ve got another day or two, continue checking out SF ( there’s loads to do ), or take a day trip ( I’ve got lots of good options here )! Some of my favorites and where I love bringing visitors: Muir Woods , Sausalito , Battery Spencer , and Half Moon Bay / Pacifica . 

Hope this helps you plan your Northern California road trip! Have a few oysters and ice creams for me!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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June 2, 2023 at 5:11 pm

Definitely agree that Lake Tahoe is a dream come true! Those crystal clear waters and fresh air can’t be beat!

July 19, 2023 at 9:36 am

I’m from the east coast and planning a trip to northern California and this is extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

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The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for the perfect Northern California road trip? This ultimate road trip itinerary takes you through the top destinations in Northern California!

As one of the biggest and most diverse states in the USA, California is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture.

One of the best ways to fully experience the wonders of the Golden State is on a road trip! This article will focus on an incredible Northern California road trip itinerary that will help you see the best of the area.

Northern California is incredibly special, and it varies slightly from the warm and sunny Southern California . From the bustling cities of San Francisco and Sacramento to the quaint beach towns along the rugged coast, Northern California has so much to offer travelers.

From touring world-renown wine countries to exploring the wide range of national and state parks, lovers of nature, cuisine, art, and culture will have a blast on this Northern California road trip.

See unique natural landmarks like Burney Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the iconic Redwoods National Park. Soak in hot springs, hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or go camping and backpacking in one of the many beautiful California state parks.

This Northern California road trip itinerary encompasses all the highlights of the area, and organizes them into a convenient driving route so you can explore the state with ease!

Read Next: Check out our post on all of the other top things to do in Northern California !

Table of Contents

How To Get Around Northern California

Where to stay on your northern california road trip, how long do you need for a northern california road trip, stop 1: san francisco, stop 2: napa valley, stop 3: sonoma wine country, stop 4: sacramento, stop 5: yosemite national park, stop 6: lake tahoe, stop 7: lassen volcanic national park, stop 8: macarthur burney falls memorial state park, stop 9: lava beds national monument, stop 10: shasta trinity national forest, stop 11: redwood national park, stop 12: trinidad state beach, stop 13: humboldt redwoods state park, stop 14: fort bragg, stop 15: point reyes national seashore, stop 16: muir woods national monument, return to san francisco.

The easiest way to complete this Northern California road trip itinerary is by renting a car. If you don’t already have a car, your best bet is renting one in San Francisco.

This road trip will start and end in San Francisco, so you can easily explore the city and then rent a car when you’re ready to hit the road.

This Northern California itinerary visits some remote places that don’t have direct public transport, so a car is definitely the best way to explore. You can easily return your rental car back to its original location in San Francisco when the road trip is finished!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Throughout your Northern California trip, there are lots of accommodation options. Even in the national and state parks, lodgings are plentiful.

Because this road trip itinerary is quite flexible, you can choose where you want to spend the night and for how long. Booking.com or Airbnb are great options for finding accommodation in each location.

You can also camp in many places, or try the road trip with a campervan so you can sleep in your vehicle. Be sure to check any national and state parks websites for a full list of campgrounds and regulations on this road trip!

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in the area, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before, sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

We recommend about two weeks for this Northern California road trip. You could probably visit all the destinations listed in about one week if you wanted to, but it’s better to take your time and really soak it all in.

Some destinations require more time to explore, such as Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe , and San Francisco . You could easily spend 3-7 days in each of these locations and stretch your Northern California road trip into 3 weeks or more.

But the time frame of this Northern California road trip is flexible, so feel free to modify or change it however you want. To give you an idea of the time and distance of the road trip, here are some approximate stats about the route we’ve mapped out:

• Total Driving Distance: 1,520 miles or 2,460 kilometers
• Total Driving Time: 32 hours

These stats are just for driving from destination to destination. Each traveler’s actual Northern California road trip may differ depending on any side trips or modifications you make. But use this as a rough guide and feel free to create your own Northern California road trip itinerary that suits you!

Find more things to do in the Golden State with our complete list of the best things to do in California !

The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Let’s dive into this ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary! Beginning in San Francisco, spend some time admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other highlights of this iconic city.

Then grab your rental car and continue on towards the area’s top wine countries, national parks, and lakes. You’ll head east towards the Nevada border, then loop up towards the Oregon border before returning to the West Coast and driving back down to San Francisco.

You’ll begin your Northern California road trip in the mighty city of San Francisco . This vibrant and iconic metropolis is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and technological innovation.

Before you set off on your road trip, be sure to spend at least a few days enjoying all that San Francisco has to offer. Make sure you see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Other attractions in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge include the former prison, Alcatraz Island , and the windy and scenic Lombard Street.

For art enthusiasts, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, while the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park offers a blend of American art and international exhibits.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods each have their own unique character and attractions. The vibrant Mission District is a hub of culinary delights, boasting an array of international cuisines, colorful murals, and trendy boutiques.

Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront area known for its fresh seafood, lively street performers, and iconic attractions like Pier 39 and the historic cable cars.

With its captivating blend of coastal charm, cultural richness, and technological innovation, San Francisco is the perfect place to begin any Northern California road trip.

Plan your stay with our 3 Days In San Francisco Itinerary !

• Driving time from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

After experiencing the best of San Francisco, head to what is arguably the top wine region in the USA: Napa Valley . Renowned for its picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and Mediterranean-like climate, Napa Valley is a true gem of Northern California.

With over 400 wineries and many miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the lush landscapes, you’ll have a blast soaking in the luxury and tranquility of Napa.

Wine tasting is, of course, the top activity to try here. Book a guided wine tour so you can learn about the local delicacies and boutique wineries from a local!

In addition to wine tasting, you can also enjoy food and culture while visiting Napa Valley. The region is home to renowned culinary institutions, attracting top chefs from around the world.

Visitors can treat their taste buds to exceptional farm-to-table cuisine, sample artisanal cheeses and olive oils, or attend culinary events and food festivals that showcase the region’s gastronomic delights.

Napa Valley also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. For those seeking relaxation, the valley’s natural hot springs and world-class spas provide the perfect retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.

• Driving time from Napa Valley: 50 minutes

Right next to Napa is another iconic wine country in Northern California, Sonoma Valley. These two locations are so close that you can choose to just visit one or the other. But if you’re a real wine lover, you may want to spend at least one full day in both places!

With its rolling vineyards, historic villages, and cultural landmarks, Sonoma Valley offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. The region is home to hundreds of wineries, ranging from boutique family-owned estates to renowned producers.

The valley’s natural beauty is also a major draw, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air balloon rides, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic splendor of the region.

Sonoma Valley’s rich history and cultural heritage further enhance its appeal. Sonoma County is dotted with charming towns and historic sites where visitors can explore adobe buildings, mission churches, and museums that showcase the region’s past.

Sonoma State Historic Park is the center of the area’s history, so this is a great place to learn about the culture, architecture, and traditions of Sonoma County.

• Driving time from Sonoma Valley: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Once you’ve had your fill of wine tasting, head to the dynamic city of Sacramento . As the capital city of California, Sacramento blends a rich history with modern amenities.

Sacramento’s historical significance is evident in its well-preserved Old Sacramento district, which showcases the city’s Gold Rush heritage through its charming wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and museums. Hop on a Gold Rush River Cruise to learn more about the history as you sightsee down the Sacramento River!

The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance venues that host a variety of events, including art exhibitions, live music, and theater productions.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sacramento offers ample opportunities for recreational activities. The American River Parkway provides miles of trails for hiking, biking, and jogging, while the rivers offer options for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Travelers can easily spend up to 3 days in Sacramento, but there is much more to explore on this Northern California road trip. One or two days in the city is sufficient because next you’re heading out to some of the most stunning national parks and lakes in Northern California!

Find more things to do in Sacramento here !

• Driving time from Sacramento: 3.5 hours

The next stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary is one of the country’s most beloved national parks.

Yosemite National Park , located in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is a natural wonderland that captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Spanning over 750,000 acres, Yosemite is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, ancient sequoia groves, and abundant wildlife.

The park’s crown jewel is the iconic Yosemite Valley, a glacially-carved valley that boasts breathtaking vistas such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Hiking trails crisscross the park, offering opportunities for both casual strolls and challenging treks. From the misty meadows of Tuolumne Meadows to the serene beauty of Glacier Point, Yosemite’s diverse ecosystems and geological formations provide endless exploration.

Whether it’s rock climbing, camping, wildlife spotting, or simply basking in the tranquility of nature, Yosemite National Park offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

No Northern California road trip is complete without a visit to Yosemite National Park!

• Driving time from Yosemite National Park: 5 hours

After exploring Yosemite Valley, set aside a full day to travel from there to Lake Tahoe . It’s a 5-hour drive, but after all the hiking and adventuring you may need a bit of R&R.

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the western side of Northern California, then get ready to explore another natural wonder!

Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine lake that enchants visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery. Spanning over 190 square miles, Lake Tahoe is not only the largest alpine lake in North America but also one of the most beautiful.

The lake’s azure blue waters are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, lush forests, and sandy beaches, creating a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Whether it’s kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake’s calm waters, hiking through the scenic trails that line the shoreline, or simply lounging on the beach, Lake Tahoe offers an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights of Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay State Park, a natural gem with stunning emerald-green waters. Book a boat cruise of Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe to cover more ground while sightseeing in this beautiful place.

Tahoe City is the urban hub of the area. If you’re looking for places to stay, dine, or buy supplies, Tahoe City is a great place to base yourself for your explorations of Lake Tahoe.

In the winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its world-class ski resorts, such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar, where they can carve through fresh powder and take in panoramic views of the frozen lake.

• Driving time from Lake Tahoe: 3.5 hours

Next on your epic Northern California road trip itinerary is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This geologically diverse and visually striking national park showcases the remnants of volcanic activity in Northern California.

The park is home to Lassen Peak, an active volcano and the southernmost peak in the Cascade Range, which offers breathtaking views from its summit.

Visitors can explore a range of volcanic features, including steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and colorful hot springs, all within the park’s hydrothermal areas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park also boasts beautiful mountain lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and dense forests that provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

From the dramatic landscapes to the unique geological formations, Lassen Volcanic National Park is definitely worth a stop on any Northern California road trip itinerary!

Read Next: Have extra time on the West Coast? Take the ultimate road trip from San Francisco to Seattle !

• Driving time from Lassen Volcanic National Park: 1 hour

The natural wonders just keep coming on this Northern California road trip! From Lassen Volcanic National Park, head north to one of the state’s best state parks: MacArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park.

Surrounded by towering evergreen forests, MacArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Burney Falls is undoubtedly the highlight of this beautiful state park. The magnificent 129-foot waterfall never fails to amaze visitors with its cascading beauty and crystal-clear waters.

Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered cliffs, offering a serene and picturesque setting for nature lovers and photographers to enjoy.

Once you’ve admired Burney Falls and the surrounding nature of one of the top state parks in Northern California, hit the road again and continue your road trip!

• Driving time from Burney Falls: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Your Northern California itinerary continues as you head north toward the Oregon border. Stop for the day at Lava Beds National Monument , a fascinating destination that showcases more of the region’s volcanic history.

The monument is home to a vast network of lava tube caves formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, offering visitors an opportunity to explore these otherworldly underground formations.

As visitors navigate through the labyrinthine passages, they can marvel at the intricate lava formations, ice formations, and diverse geological features.

Additionally, Lava Beds National Monument boasts an abundance of cultural and historical significance, with numerous Native American rock art sites and the presence of the Modoc War battlefields, providing a rich tapestry of human history.

With its captivating geological wonders and cultural heritage, Lava Beds National Monument offers an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to delve into the region’s volcanic past and connect with nature and history here.

• Driving time from Lava Beds National Monument: 1 hour

It’s time to take your Northern California road trip back south toward the magical Shasta Trinity National Forest. Encompassing over 2.2 million acres of stunning natural beauty in Northern California, Shasta Trinity National Forest has mountains, valleys, trails, hot springs, and more.

Hikers and backpackers are spoiled for choice with an abundance of spectacular trails to explore. The Pacific Crest Trail winds through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

For a more challenging adventure, the Mount Shasta Summit Trail provides an opportunity to conquer the majestic peak.

Lake Shasta is a magnificent reservoir renowned for its beauty and recreational opportunities. With over 365 miles of scenic shoreline, Lake Shasta offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming.

There are some great lodges and hotels near Lake Shasta, or you can stay at one of the many popular campgrounds in the forest including McBride Springs Campground, Fowlers Campground, and Panther Meadows Campground.

• Driving time from Shasta Trinity National Forest: 3 hours

Continue your exploration of California’s majestic forests by heading toward the coastal redwoods. Located near the Northern California coast, Redwood National Park is a sanctuary of ancient giants and awe-inspiring beauty.

Renowned for its towering coastal redwood trees, the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National Park offers a majestic and serene atmosphere. It’s definitely a highlight of any Northern California road trip.

Hiking trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail and Tall Trees Grove Trail lead visitors through lush forests of towering redwoods, providing an up-close experience with these magnificent giants.

For breathtaking viewpoints, the overlooks along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and the Klamath River Overlook offer stunning vistas of the rugged coastline and the convergence of the forest and the sea.

With its enchanting trails and mesmerizing viewpoints, Redwoods National Park is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers exploring California.

• Driving time from Redwood National Park: 25 minutes

After hiking amongst the redwoods, get ready to soak in more of that salty Pacific Ocean air on the Northern California coast. The next stop on your road trip itinerary is Trinidad State Beach , known for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters.

Visitors can stroll along the shoreline and search for seashells, watch seabirds soar overhead, or simply bask in the tranquility of the coastal scenery.

This beach is a hidden gem that invites visitors to relax, connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the serene landscape of the Northern California coast.

You only need to spend a short time here as there isn’t much to do besides relax by the beach. But it makes a nice break from driving on your Northern California road trip!

• Driving time from Trinidad State Beach: 1 hour and 20 minutes

After enjoying the beach, you can explore even more magnificent redwood trees if you want! Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a bit further south than the famous Redwoods National Park, but it offers a similar experience.

If you’re short on time or you’re not that interested in redwoods, you can choose one of the two parks to explore. But if you do have time, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is absolutely worth it!

Spanning over 53,000 acres, the park is home to more of California’s iconic Redwoods, including the famous “Avenue of the Giants” where towering redwoods line the scenic drive.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, such as the Founders Grove Trail and the Rockefeller Loop, which wind through towering groves, fern-filled canyons, and meandering rivers.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer grandeur of the redwoods, take in the peacefulness of the forest, and witness the intricate interplay of light and shadows filtering through the dense canopy.

• Driving time from Humboldt Redwoods State Park: 2 hours

Continue south down California’s west coast as you make your way back toward San Francisco. Your next stop is Fort Bragg , a charming coastal city located in Mendocino County. With its dramatic coastal scenery, Fort Bragg offers a tranquil retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The city’s iconic Glass Beach, known for its shimmering sea glass scattered along the shore, is a popular attraction that showcases the beauty of nature’s transformation.

Visitors can also explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, wander along the scenic Noyo Headlands Park trail, or embark on a scenic coastal drive along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Fort Bragg is a coastal gem that invites visitors to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and it’s a convenient stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary.

• Driving time from Fort Bragg: 3 hours and 45 minutes

From Fort Bragg, you’ll continue south along the route of the Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Point Reyes National Seashore. This protected nature preserve is one of the final stops on your Northern California road trip itinerary!

Point Reyes National Seashore is known for its rugged cliffs, idyllic beaches, and expansive grasslands. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is an iconic landmark here, as is the scenic Cypress Tree Tunnel.

Visitors can explore the wide variety of hiking trails that wind through the park, such as the famous Tomales Point Trail, which offers lovely views of the ocean and the chance to spot tule elk.

The Chimney Rock Trail also offers lovely views of Drakes Bay and the Northern California coastline.

Hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, and birdwatching are all common ways to pass the time in the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore.

• Driving time from Point Reyes National Seashore: 1 hour and 15 minutes

After soaking in the views at the seashore, there is one more stop on your Northern California road trip before you return to San Francisco.

Located just north of the city, Muir Woods National Monument offers travelers the chance to connect with nature and witness the grandeur of more giant trees.

Named after renowned naturalist John Muir, the monument is home to a pristine coastal redwood forest, where towering trees reach heights of over 250 feet and create an enchanting atmosphere.

As visitors stroll along the well-maintained trails, they are surrounded by the quiet serenity of the towering redwoods, with rays of sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above.

Once you’ve seen the best of the Muir Woods National Monument, it’s time to head back to San Francisco and return your rental car.

You’ve probably gathered that this Northern California road trip itinerary can be modified or completed in reverse. There is no right or wrong way to explore the beautiful Golden State, and this road trip itinerary certainly doesn’t cover all of the state’s wonders.

But we’ve tried to create a good starting point for exploring Northern California! There is so much beauty here, and there are plenty of amenities along this driving route that make any road trip convenient and fun.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (1 Week Route)

Post Summary: The Complete Northern California Road Trip With All The Best Stops

Giant Redwood trees, an insanely beautiful coastline, and several hidden waterfalls… Can you really see all of this in one single trip?

You can, and it’s all in Northern California . This part of the state is unlike the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. It’s wild, raw, and untamed, which is exactly the kind of Northern California Road trip we’re all about!

In this post, we’re sharing the best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary! We’re including everything from our favorite hikes, photo stops, camping tips, and so much more. Let’s get started!

The Best Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

How To Get Around Northern California

The best way to take a Northern California road trip is, naturally, by car . More specifically though, with a campervan or a car that’s geared up to go car camping!

A lot of these Northern California road trip stops are hours away from one another, so it’s in your best interest to rent a car or campervan to get around this part of the state.

You can even go in style, and rent a cool vintage VW Westfalia van from Outdoorsy ! Outdoorsy is like Airbnb but for cars, so you can choose your desired recreational vehicle , fully insured, and ready to go have an adventure!

Read More: 15 Road Trip Tools and Planners To Help Start Your Epic Drive

Where To Stay On A Road Trip In Northern California

There are many kinds of places to stay on your North California road trip, and it all depends on your preferences! You can make this trip as bougie or as dirt-baggy as you want, and that’s the beauty of it!

Here are some Northern California accommodations we recommend along your route:

Camping In Northern California

For the majority of our latest road trip in Northern California, we went camping!

We decided on a mix of California State Parks and free campsites. To find free camping spots , we use an app called The Dyrt , which helps us find nearby BLM land to camp overnight on (but only the pro members are able to get this feature!) Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

For places that didn’t have a lot of BLM or national forest to use for camping, we reserved campsites in designated campgrounds. Here were some of our favorites:

• Sue-Meg State Park (Formerly Patrick’s Point State Park)
• Mcarthur-Burney Falls State Park
• Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park

Recommended Airbnbs

Airbnbs are great accommodations for your Northern California road trip if you crave some creature comforts! There are so many cute mountain cabins, desert dwellings, and simple places with close access to adventure. If it’s your first time booking with Airbnb, make sure to click here and get $40 off your first stay!

We booked a few Northern California Airbnbs throughout our road trip for shower breaks, a good night’s sleep, and easy access to wifi. One of our hosts also let us use their washer and dryer for laundry.

Northern California Lodges

Sometimes, a swanky lodge is a perfect way to treat yourself and unwind!

If you want to splurge on a one-of-a-kind stay, consider places like the Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Stanford Inn by the Sea, Timber Cove Resort, and the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

What To Pack For A Northern California Road Trip

Good Hiking Boots: Northern California hiking trails are rugged and fun! It’s important to bring shoes that are comfortable, broken-in, and ideally waterproof. We choose ones with ankle support, to keep us stable on uneven surfaces (like climbing over rocks and tree stumps).

A Good Offline Map: Most of the time on your Northern California road trip, expect to find little cell service. Make sure to download these road trip planning apps to help you navigate gracefully on AND offline.

Road Trip Essentials: Any good road trip needs these essential items on their road trip packing list. Don’t forget to build your own DIY roadside emergency tool kit as well!

Light Rain Jacket: Between the marine layer in the mornings to the unpredictable coastal weather, a rain jacket is a must-have. Choose a lightweight one that can easily be stuffed in your daypack!

Day Pack: A good day pack is comfortable for long-term wear, and ideally waterproof to withstand all types of weather! Look for ones with lots of outside pockets (to store snacks!) and hip straps for extra weight support.

First Stop On Your Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco

San Francisco (or Oakland) is a natural starting point for your Northern California road trip for their abundance of resources to begin your journey. This is where you can easily rent a car, stock up on groceries, and make any last-minute errands before you take off. This is the perfect place to begin your journey, as all good west coast road trips should have the chance to drive across this iconic bridge.

If you want to spend some time in the city, try to spend a quick day doing the touristy things like visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, hike Land’s End, and the Mission District for a quick overview of the city.

For your final exit heading out on your Northern California road trip, finish it off by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Muir Woods!

Read More: 10+ Adventures To Take Near San Francisco, California

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of the most instagrammable places on your Northern California road trip!

Some of the most iconic places to see in Mount Tamalpais State Park are the East Peak Hike for epic views of the city, Van Wyck Meadows , and Oberman’s Rock / Leaning Tower .

If you want to venture out a little further to see giant Sequoia trees, you can go explore the Muir Woods National Monument, located nearby in Mill Valley, CA.

For an iconic Northern California road trip experience, make sure to photograph the sunset from Bolinas Ridge – bonus if you catch a car winding down those roads!

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected area north of San Francisco for its elk population, shorebirds, and a huge variety of incredible marshland, rangeland, and ocean headlands!

Come visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse for an opportunity to spot whales offshore, and chat with a park ranger about recent sightings and best times to see them. One of the most popular stops in this area includes visiting the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse that sits on the westernmost tip of the park. You can walk down the 300+ stairs to witness this 1870 structure up close!

Other iconic Northern California road trip stops here include the Cypress Tree tunnel , the shipwrecks in Inverness, and the leaning tree by the coast.

Read More: 12 Epic Outdoor Things To Do In San Francisco

Shelter Cove

Northern California isn’t exactly known for its golden sandy beaches – that’s more reserved for sunny Orange County ! However, the lack of sandy beaches doesn’t mean the coast isn’t worth a spot on your North California road trip itinerary – just the opposite, in fact!

One of the most incredible Northern California beaches we’ve experienced was Black Sand Beach in Shelter Cove , an hour’s drive west from Highway 101. This section of the California coastline is under King Range National Conservation Area , which was designated as protected land in the 1970s.

Here the mountains seem to dramatically dive straight into the ocean. This was an unforgiving landscape for road construction, thus why this area is commonly referred to as California’s “Lost Coast” and the Highway 101 was diverted an hour east. Lucky for visitors like you though, this means you can visit this widely untouched, special part of the coast for a unique stop on your Northern California road trip itinerary.

For those who are brave enough to take the journey on the winding roads to the small community of Shelter Cove (it’s really a serious detour), you’ll likely be greeted with an empty beach all to yourself.

Read More: Black Sand Beach at Shelter Cove, California

Patrick’s Point and The Coastal Redwoods

The Coastal Redwoods are probably the wildest and most unpredictable stop on your Northern California road trip! From the giant redwood trees to the cliffside ocean views, there are many beautiful places to experience in this part of the northern California coast.

Spend the day exploring Patrick’s Point – a 640-acre park with a dense forest of hemlock, pine & fir, all neighboring the dramatic cliffside along the ocean’s edge. We visited Rocky Point for sunset and Wedding Rock and Mussels Beach for sunrise. Both were excellent options for short and beautiful coastal hiking trails.

Camp at Patrick’s Point State Park campground, which is a really great central location for all sorts of activities nearby. From there, you can take the short drive south to the California coastal towns of Eureka, Arcata, and Trinidad . There are several small beaches to explore around there, so pop into anyone that looks interesting to you!

Read More: 25 Epic Stops On A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Redwood National Park and State Parks

One of the most iconic stops on any Northern California itinerary is taking in all the views of the Redwood National Park, and State Parks!

Drive through some of the most scenic drives on the West Coast lined with Redwood giants of HUGE magnitude! The most famous route is through the Avenue of Giants (located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park), a 31-mile Redwood-lined drive with tons of history and interpretive signs along the way.

For a more rugged experience, try taking dirt road scenic drives through ancient North California forests – our favorites are through Cal-Barrel Road and Howland Hill Road near Crescent City. Note that RV’s and trailers are not allowed on these roads!

Another amazing Northern California road trip stop to check out is a magical swing that overlooks the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean! To find the iconic swing at Patrick’s Point , park at Trinidad State Beach and follow signs to College Cove to the cliffs.

Trip Tip: Personally, we think you should save your money when it comes to driving “through” those large Redwood trees. They are generally privately owned, over-priced, and a lot more underwhelming than you’d expect!

Read More: What To Expect When You Drive Through Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

To finish off your road trip on the Northern California coast (after this you’ll be heading inland!), spend the morning in a magical fern-covered corridor deep in the woods. That’s right, Fern Canyon looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! Wander down the canyon with 100+ foot tall fern-covered walls and experience the best solitude nature can provide.

Located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park , this is an essential Northern California itinerary stop for any photography lovers and hikers.

It takes a bit of work to get here, though. You’ll need to drive the unpaved, gravel Davison Road for 10 miles until you reach the trailhead. The road is quite narrow and windy, so RV’s and cars towing something behind are not recommended.

Don’t forget to wear water safe shoes! During periods of heavy rainfall or in the springtime, you’ll find yourself crossing many streams. In the summertime, they will place boards across streams to help visitors cross, but they aren’t always reliable. The trail is easy and suitable for all ages, just a simple 1.1 mile lollipop loop trail.

Not ready to leave the coast? Explore our Oregon Coast road trip route and continue north instead!

Lake Shasta

Mount Shasta, located in the Southern Cascade Range, is one of those unique locations where you feel so far away from civilization, yet it remains extremely accessible along the I-5 corridor.

Hike Yellow Butte for the most incredible but underrated views of Mount Shasta, take the Heart Lake trail for stunning alpine views, or explore the longer trek to the incredible Castle Crags Dome views. There are plenty of places to camp here on your Northern California itinerary so you don’t have to worry about rushing out of here.

Have a few extra days in your Northern California itinerary? Rent a houseboat and float around on Lake Shasta!

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park probably hosts one of the most beautiful stops on your Northern California road trip – Burney Falls!

This 129-foot tall waterfall feels MASSIVE in real life, with the powerful force of the water and mist totally engulfing you at the base. The falls are part of a really well-maintained area , hosting a campground, day-use area, and even a general store with great ice cream cones!

Access to the falls is $10 per day for parking a vehicle, so come prepared with cash or a California state park pass. Here, you can view the falls from the upper viewing area , or hike the short 0.3-mile paved walkway down to the base . We recommend stopping by both, because they each have their own magic to them!

Note: This is an extremely popular Northern California road trip stop, so expect crowds, or plan your visit early or later in the day!

Want to see more cool waterfalls on your Northern California road trip? Consider adding stops to McCloud Falls (there is an Upper Middle and Lower falls!), Mossbrae Falls, Whiskeytown Falls, and Lion Slide Falls.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located a 1.5-hour drive from Redding, California.

Only have one day in the park? Take a scenic drive through the main highway, stopping at pullouts that look interesting to you! Driving one-way (30 miles) will take you about an hour, so allot for at least 4 hours to drive and see some sights along the way.

If you only have time for one hike, make it to the Bumpas Hell trail , where you can see a complex hydrothermal system, where molten rock heats up with water above and creates beautiful steaming pools at the surface.

Other popular geothermal pools in the area include Sulphur Works (walkable, near the parking lot) or longer hikes to Devil’s Kitchen , Boiling Springs Lake , and Terminal Geyser .

For a picnic stop, grab lunch at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitors Center located at the south end of the park. Additionally, you can pack a lunch and eat it lakeside, where we recommend North Summit Lake or Manzanita Lake . This way, you can jump in and cool off after lunch on a hot day!

Bonus Northern California Road Trip Stops

Have a few more days to spare on your road trip to Northern California? Here are a few more stops to consider along your route!

For a few more days on your Northern California getaway, extend your trip out to Lake Tahoe – the nation’s largest alpine lake!

Make sure to stop at Sand Harbor and paddleboard to Bonsai Rock. It’s one of the most popular places to reach by boat in the park! Parking at Sand Harbor is $10 for the day, with access to bathrooms and other amenities. You can also park alongside the road (on a narrow pullout) and hike down for access to Bonsai Rock, but the trail is steep!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in California! It’s home to Yosemite Falls, Taft Point, the Half Dome Trail, and Glacier Peak, but that’s not all! You can also explore Yosemite’s backcountry on their backpacking trails and longer hikes, too.

Currently, the park is open for visitors on a reservation-only basis . Reservations are free, but require some extra steps for planning a trip. Click here to learn more about Yosemite’s reservation system. (Current as of Autumn 2020)

Mammoth Lakes

Are you interested in driving down Highway 395 toward Los Angeles and San Diego? Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful destination along the way, with natural hot springs, alpine lakes, and tons of mountain adventures!

Stop by Mono Lake to see the incredible tufas (calcium carbonate rock), and the nearby Bodie State Historic Park to explore a cool ghost town.

If you love hot springs, make sure to stop by Travertine Hot Springs and Wild Willy’s. These are two of the most popular hot springs around, but there are quite a few more if you are willing to search for them! Both have access to BLM land nearby for camping, so you can plan a beautiful sunrise soak!

Other beautiful stops in the Mammoth Lake area include Convict Lake, Rainbow Falls, Devil’s Postpile, and Hot Creek.

Southern Oregon Coast

Are you more interested in planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest ? You can venture north and explore Oregon, California’s neighboring state. Almost immediately, there are several amazing stops along the Oregon coast , enough to add a few extra days to your trip!

Some of the best stops on the Southern Oregon coast include Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor , Gold Beach, Face Rock in Bandon , and Coos Bay . Come with a camera in hand and water shoes at the ready, and prepare to witness some magical sunsets on the coast!

Do you have any more Northern California road trip ideas? Leave them in the comments below to inspire others too!

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Below, we’re sharing an example Northern California Road Trip itinerary – covering all the stops we’ve covered above!

• Day 1: Fly into San Francisco, Stay overnight
• Day 2: San Francisco to Mount Tamalpais
• Day 3: Mount Tamalpais to Point Reyes National Seashore
• Day 4: Point Reyes National Seashore to Shelter Cove
• Day 5: Shelter Cove to Redwoods State and National Park
• Day 6: Redwoods National Park to Shasta Lake (Day Trip To Fern Canyon)
• Day 7: Shasta Lake to Lassen Volcanic National Park (Day Trip To McArthur-Burney Falls)
• Day 8: Lassen Volcanic National Park back to San Francisco

Northern California Road Trip Map

Below, we’ve created a Northern California Road Trip Map to help you plan out all your stops. This is our suggested route, but feel free to modify it to fit your own personal preferences and stops.

Psst: Download this map of our California road trip to help guide your own itinerary and planning! Click on the image to save it on your own Google Maps app for easy referencing!

Have you ever planned your own Northern California road trip itinerary? Did we miss any of your favorite stops? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

More california adventures.

Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary and Best Stops

Outdoor Activities In Orange Country, California

The Best California Coast Road Trip on The Sunny Highway 1

How To Spend a Fun Weekend In West Hollywood, California

The Ultimate Southern California Road Trip

How To Spend 1 Day In Death Valley National Park

Beautiful photos and informative article as usual. I have been following your guys photos/website for long before we arrived in the PNW. I actually took a solo trip out in 2018 and drove the entire Oregon Coast and much of Washington also. Now I am living in Seattle with my wife – We lived in Portland for 6 months too. We are travel nurses. I’m also an avid photographer (landscape and couples). Thanks for sharing your tips and travels. I remember we drove from San Francisco to Portland but because our cars were so loaded up we missed out on a lot of scenery in Northern California which is so beautiful.

30 Things to Do in Northern California

(Updated for 2023!) A lot of people visit this blog look for what to do in Northern California because I write so much about my home region (find more in the California Travel Tips ). Find out what to do in Northern California in April .

You can find many suggestions for specific regions in my other “30 things to do” posts:

• What to do in Napa Valley
• What to do in the Monterey Bay area
• What to do in Lake Tahoe
• What to do in San Francisco
• What to do in Sacramento
• What to do in Sonoma County
• What to do in Mendocino County
• What to do in Lodi
• Which wineries to visit in Napa Valley?

And to save money: free things to do in Northern California , hotel deals in California , and  affordable family travel ideas in Northern California

Of course this post can’t cover all the things to do in   Northern California! The region is huge, and I’d need a book to cover it all, so I’ve chosen to include the places that I know well and love.

Table of Contents

Things to do on the Northern California coast

1. hike at bodega head or stornetta public lands.

Bodega Head, a dramatic cliff that juts out into the sea, is a gorgeous place to walk and, in the winter and early spring, even watch whales. There was a whale playing in the water the day that I was there, and it was one of the most beautiful walks I had ever taken. The volunteers on site will let you know if any whales have been spotted that day. Learn more about how to spend a day in Bodega Bay .

Or try one of my favorite hikes in Northern California at near Point Arena . It’s uncrowded and offers the chance to see seals swimming in the calm waters between the rock tables.

2. See elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park

Elephant seals gather in this protected area just south of San Francisco year-round for mating, birthing, and molting. You can observe the elephant seals just about any time of the year, but the guided tour in the winter might be the best choice, especially if you want to see the huge males fighting. Find out how to make visit them here: where to see elephant seals.

3. Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a peninsula that extends 10 miles out into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. It is the best raw, rugged nature in this part of the state: dramatic cliffs, strong winds and crashing waves, elk and deer roaming the hills, and barking seals at the beaches. 

The Point Reyes lighthouse sits precariously down a large staircase at the very tip of the peninsula. Winter and spring are good times to visit for whale watching and the seal viewing.

Learn more here: what to do in Point Reyes .

4. Russian Gulch State Park on the Mendocino coast

This is one of the state’s most stunning state parks. The entire Mendocino coast is worth visiting, especially if you like your scenery a bit rugged with fewer crowds. Bring a picnic lunch and eat at one of the tables with incredible views of the water, take in the scenery of the bridge and cliffside walks, and visit the Devil’s Punchbowl. Kids will love the beach, where a creek runs along the sand until it meets the sea.

Read more: What to do near Mendocino

Things to do in Northern California wine country

For more California wine country tips, check out my Napa Valley travel tips , 30 wineries in Napa Valley ,  and hotels deals in the wine country .

5. Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma: What to do in Sonoma

This eclectic outdoor space just outside Sonoma consists of plots that have been designed by some of the world’s leading landscape architects. What results is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours, a nice way to break up wine tasting time, and a family-friendly stop if you have kids. Plus, Sunset Magazine now has its test gardens there.

6. The Meritage Resort & Spa: Where to stay in Napa

There are many excellent spas in Northern California. The spa at the Meritage Resort is built into a large cave just outside of the city of Napa in the southern part of Napa Valley. The gorgeous Meritage offers day-spa services plus great wine tasting at Trinitas, use of the hotel’s beautiful pool, and hiking in the hills above the spa. Looks for the lowest prices at the Meritage on Booking.com .

Insider’s tip: If you stay at the resort, ask for a room that’s not above the bowling alley. Take the hotel shuttle into town to avoid driving after dinner and wine.

7. Experience the quiet of Anderson Valley wine country near Mendocino

If the subtlety of Pinot Noir is your thing, don’t miss the quiet beauty of Anderson Valley. This narrow valley is nestled in the soft rolling hills just outside the redwood forest that leads to the rocky shores of the Mendocino coast . Wineries here are laid back –expect friendly service, very low tasting fees, and wines that reflect the cooler weather of this lesser-known wine country. Check out MendoWine for more information.

8. Road trip through Livermore Valley, Sonoma, or Alexander Valley wine country

Let yourself get lost on the small roads of Northern California wine country, especially in Sonoma, Alexander and Livermore Valleys. The hills and wineries provide the perfect scenery, which changes depending on the season.

In winter, expect bright yellow mustard growing between bare vines; in spring, expect rolling green hills; in summer, expect dry brown hills and full green vines; and in fall, expect vibrant fall colors in the vineyards.

Livermore Valley is located farther south (it’s east of the Bay Area) and offers beautiful scenery, friendly wineries, and excellent wines at places like Wente Vineyards and Murrieta’s Well.

Alexander Valley lies in the northern part of Sonoma County. Its vine-covered hills, quirky towns, and off-the-radar wineries make this area very worth exploring. It’s a wilder version of Napa Valley — much less crowded, less expensive, but just as beautiful. Try Dry Creek Road. See more of Alexander Valley here

9. Hiking in Napa Valley and Sonoma County

The wine country isn’t just about wine — the nature there is also beautiful, and there are many great areas for hiking. Look for state parks, search for hiking suggestions online for the specific place you’ll be, or ask at the tourism offices for trail information. There’s the beautiful Oat Hill Mine Trail hike in the hills just outside Calistoga in Napa Valley , or combine a hike with some history at Bale Grist Mill State Park.

10. Visit boutique wineries

Boutique wineries produce wine in small quantities. Most boutique wineries sell their wines only at the wineries or at a few local collectives or specialty shops. The wines are usually very good, and because there are only a few hundred to a few thousand cases of the wine, a certain feeling of experiencing something special comes along with the tasting.

Boutique wineries are generally smaller, friendlier, and offer a more personalized experience. If you do go to the bigger wineries, get there early and then spend the rest of the day at small wineries that will be less crowded.

Some of my favorites are the small wine tasting rooms in Downtown Napa, Blair Estate in Carmel, Bella Grace Vineyards in Sutter Creek, the  wineries in Lodi like m2,  Murrieta’s Well in Livermore Valley , Lula Cellars near Mendocino, Amador Cellars in Amador County, and Three Wine Co. in Clarksburg.

11. Art in unexpected places in Napa Valley

Several wineries in Napa Valley house art collections, and wineries and tasting rooms all over Northern California host art exhibits. For much more about art in Napa Valley, click here .

12. Napa Valley’s historic wineries

There are many well-known wineries in Napa Valley  but for me, the best way to experience this special part of California is to dig into its history and heritage. Try Chateau Montelana, Beringer, and Robert Mondavi for some of the valley’s most important history. Plus, these wineries have beautiful gardens, impressive architecture, and fun tours.

Don’t miss the Stags Leap District,  off the Silverado Trail — the history goes back to the mid-19th century when the Silverado Trail was just a quiet horse path, but the district is now known for some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley. To learn about historic vines, try Biale Vineyards , who make Zinfandel from old vines that date back to the 1880s.

13. See redwoods at Armstrong Redwood Preserve, northern Sonoma County

This state park is located north of Guerneville in Sonoma County and provides a completely different look at the nature in rural wine country. From camping to day hikes and easy family-friendly walks, this forest is a wonderful place to experience the beauty of Northern California.

Plus where to eat in Napa and Sonoma wine countries:

Oh my Lord, the food in Northern California is just amazing, and the wine country has some of the region’s best restaurants. Try Catelli’s in Geyserville, The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma, and Oenotri, Tarla Grill, ZuZu, and Grace’s Table in downtown Napa. Less expensive options include Gott’s and purveyors in the Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa.

Things to do in Northern California: the Bay Area

14. uc berkeley botanical garden, berkeley.

The UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places in Northern California. Its 34 acres of plants from around the world, including rare and endangered plant species, are beautifully displayed among the hills above Berkeley. It’s also a wonderful place for children to run and explore nature.

Read more: Berkeley Botanical Garden

15. Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building is not only the place where commuters get on and off the ferry; it’s also an indoor food market that showcases the best local food products from the San Francisco area. Stop in here to browse and grab a quick lunch or sit down for a meal–you can even take a spot outside overlooking the water.

Depending on your schedule, take a ferry to Sausalito or around the Bay, or cross the street and check out the huge fountain sculpture. 

16. Museums in San Francisco

I’m a firm believer in spending as much time outside in a destination as possible, which means that even though I love art and museums, I often skip them in lieu of a long walk or slow afternoon in a cafe. Many visitors to San Francisco might not realize what they’re missing in the museums because the city has so much to see outdoors.

The world-class exhibitions at the de Young, Legion of Honor , SFMOMA, and Asian Art Museum, plus the insanely cool kid-friendly exhibits in the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium, are definitely worth looking into.

Read more: 30 things to do in San Francisco

Insider’s tip:  Enter the de Young Museum, go directly to the right, and head for the tower elevators. Take the elevator to the viewing platform and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Then exit through the museum and take a stroll through the sculpture garden. Both are free and open to all.

Save time to hike around the Legion of Honor Museum. Just down the path from the museum are wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, especially nice at sunset.

If you plan to go to 3 or more attractions, save money by buying a pass here .

Things to do in the Sacramento area

17. uc davis arboretum, davis.

University of California at Davis is known around the world for its programs with plants, agriculture, and now wine and even beer making. The university’s campus in the cute college town of Davis sits about 20 minutes west of Sacramento. The arboretum’s 100 acres of gardens include plants from all over the world, divided into collections, such as Australia, the Desert, and East Asia.

Because the weather is nice here most of the year, you can spend an easy day in Davis soaking up the town’s quirky atmosphere and walking the arboretum with a picnic stop along the way.

Insider’s tip: Find out which the areas you want to visit first because unless you have a bike, you probably won’t want to walk the whole 3.5 mile loop. Visitor parking is available along the route (get a map here ). The Desert areas and Redwood Grove are must-sees.

18. Sacramento restaurants, Midtown Sacramento

Sacramento has been called the Farm-to-Fork capital of the United States. This means that the food here tends to be very fresh, coming from all the farmland that surrounds the city, and that restaurants prepare menus from what’s seasonal and local. There are many good places to eat and drink, especially in Midtown, including Red Rabbit, Centro, Grange , Ella, Kru, Pushkin’s, Magpie, Hook & Ladder, and Thai Basil. Find out where to eat in Sacramento .

And Vietnamese food, Sacramento

Sacramento is home to a huge Vietnamese population, so this is a great place to try their food. Little Saigon is the center of the Vietnamese community, but you can find pho places all over town.

Because I don’t eat much meat, my favorite Vietnamese place is Andy Nguyen’s, a vegan restaurant on Broadway, alongside many good ethnic restaurants. The owner is a Buddhist and takes great care in serving cruelty-free, fresh food that honors Vietnamese traditions and health at the same time. 

And breakfast in the outdoor garden of Tower Cafe, Sacramento

Tower Cafe is a fixture in Sacramento, especially loved for its lush outdoor garden and fun food. The restaurant serves an always-changing mix of globally-inspired dishes in a casual atmosphere. My favorite way to experience Tower is to come in the morning and have a slow breakfast outdoors.

The seasonal French toast is famous — custard-filled baguettes with a compote of beautiful seasonal fruits. Insider’s tip: If you go on a weekend, get there early to avoid a long wait for a table outside.

19. Sacramento’s Coffee Culture

Sacramento is one of the nation’s hottest coffee cities now with local roasters taking awards and plenty of variety to please anyone’s taste. The award-winning coffees at Temple (with three cafe locations) make it the city’s best-known coffee roaster, but other standouts include Insight Coffee, Naked Coffee and Chocolate Fish Coffee.

20. Capitol Park, Sacramento

Capitol Park, in the center of Downtown Sacramento, is one of the city’s nicer outdoor spaces. Go inside the large capitol building to see the dome and the historic rooms. Then spend time walking the park and admiring the variety of trees from all over the world as well as the rose garden and war memorials. 

21. Experience farm-to-fork at farmer’s markets, Sacramento, Davis and Lodi

Most of California’s cities and towns have frequent farmers’ markets, especially in the summer when the variety of local produce will make your head spin. Sacramento has a market just about every day — get the schedule here — but make time for the Midtown Farmer’s Market with blocks of fresh local produce, artisan wares, food trucks, live music, and much more.

The farmers’ market in Davis is quite an event, complete with musicians, food stalls, art, and many different food products from the region, including great organic produce, local cheeses, and olive oil. While the Sacramento markets have a similar variety of products, the Davis market stands out because it’s a community event that is fun for the whole family. It’s open Saturdays and, in the summer, Wednesday evenings.

The market in Lodi is a big event with locally grown produce plus cheese, local wines, and small bites hosted by area restaurants. Thursday evenings in the summer in Downtown Lodi.

22. Bike the 32-mile trail

Definitely one of the best things to do in Northern California! The Sacramento area is perfect for biking because it’s flat and has good bike trails. The best trail is the American River Bike Trail that runs 32 miles from downtown Sacramento to Folsom.

There are many points where you can get on the trail and, if you don’t have a bike, you can rent one. The Nimbus Fish Hatchery makes a fun stop along the way, especially if you have kids. Visit the bike trail website here .

Things to do south of Sacramento

23. the wines of clarksburg.

Just south of Sacramento is a quiet wine country nestled in farmland along the Sacramento River. The Old Sugar Mill is an old building where you can taste wine from 10 local wineries. Tasting fees are about $5 per person, and it’s open 11-5 every day. Try the wines at Three Wine Co . and Due Vigne.

Bogle Winery is hidden down small winding roads. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, tastings are free, and the property has a nice outdoor picnic area. Friday evenings in the summer mean lots of fun with live music and people sprawled on the grass with wine and picnics. Open 11-5 daily.

24. Lodi Wine Country

Lodi wine country is one of my favorite Northern California finds. If you like wine country where tasting costs next to nothing and comes without pretension (but really good wines!), Lodi is for you. It’s home to about 100 (!) different wine varieties and many excellent California wines, including their most famous grape, Zinfandel, as well as less expected ones like Verdelho, Tempranillo, and even Cinsault.

This is a good area to experience harvest and crush (without the crowds and prices of Napa Valley). The town is a real slice of rural California valley and has several good restaurants. My recommendations are m2 Wines, McCay Cellars, Harney Lane Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, Bokish Vineyards, plus Riaza Wines and Jeremy Wine Co. for downtown tasting rooms. Find out what to do in Lodi.

25. Go birding & See Sandhill Cranes, South of Sacramento

The valley of California is a haven for migrating birds. In late fall and winter, enormous sandhill cranes and other birds from far north settle here. Places to see birds include the Isenberg Crane Reserve near Lodi and the Cosumnes River Preserve between Sacramento and Lodi.

Things to do in Northern California: in the Sierra Nevada

26. lassen national park.

California’s national parks can be crowded (have you been to Yosemite over Spring Break?!), but Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the state’s lesser-known and less crowded parks. There are several places to camp in Lassen : the most convenient choice is Manzanita Lake, which also has new rustic cabins. Note that the park gets cold at night as early as September, so plan your camping accordingly.

While at Lassen, do the Cinder Cone (above) and Lassen Peak hikes to learn first-hand about geology and see stunning views.

27. Eat at Trokay Restaurant, Truckee

28. go hiking in the sierra nevada mountains.

If you haven’t been to Lake Tahoe , it’s reason enough to come to Northern California. It really is stunning, especially in the winter and spring when the mountains are covered in snow, contrasting with the deep blue of the lake. Try hiking at Squaw, the Flume Trail, the Shirley Canyon Trail, and the trails from D.L. Bliss State Park.

There is something for everyone in the Sierra Nevada, especially around Lake Tahoe. Above is the view from above Squaw Valley. Most of the year, you can hike the state parks, bike the flat trails near Lake Tahoe, or go boating, kayaking, and river tubing. In the winter and spring, you can snowshoe in the state parks, ski, and take in the spectacular views.

Insider’s tip: Avoid the casino hotels; instead, rent a house near the lake or try one of the area’s elegant hotels or inns.

Near Lake Tahoe, Truckee is a nice town to spend a couple of days–there’s shopping, excellent food, and, of course, many skiing and hiking options. Try walking on the Truckee River Legacy Trail. Donner Memorial State Park is a nice stop for walking, a picnic, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when there’s snow, and learning about the Donner Party in the park’s small museum.

29. Calaveras Big Trees State Park

In the old Gold Country east of Sacramento and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this area has beautiful scenery, growing wine production, and historic towns like Columbia and Murphys.

This is a side of California that many don’t expect: rugged, rural, and totally fun, but the Big Trees State Park is a true wonder. Giant sequoias and other varieties of large trees withstood the exploitation of the 19th century, and now easy walking paths take visitors through groves of both new and old trees.

30. Apple picking in Apple Hill

Apple Hill just outside of Placerville in El Dorado County is a wonderful place to spend a day no matter the season, but it’s especially fun in the fall. Come here for apple picking (try 24 Carrot Farm for organic you-pick apples) and fresh apple pies (try Apple Pantry Farm for the best). Learn more: Day trip to Apple Hill .

And besides Apple Hill, little stands selling just-picked fruit and other products like vegetables and eggs are all over Northern California. Some simply have a box for you to put your money in. Others sell fruit that is pesticide-free even if the farm is not certified organic.

Insider’s tip: Summer is the best season for fruit in Northern California. Early summer brings apricots, cherries, and strawberries, while mid-summer brings nectarines, peaches, pluots, plums, raspberries, and blueberries. Late summer and fall are good times for figs and persimmons.

What are your favorite things do in Northern California?

Recommended places to stay in Northern California

The City of Napa:

The Meritage Resort : A full service resort with spa, dining, pool, hiking and wine tasting on-site

RiverPointe Resort : A budget option with individual mini cottages, family-friendly amenities, and a walking trail

The Westin Verasa : The quality and upscale design you expect from Westin in a convenient location

Sacramento:

The Citizen Hotel : Located in the heart of downtown, this is a beautiful boutique hotel

The Westin : Luxury on the riverfront

Little River Inn: A beautiful family-friendly property

Brewery Gulch Inn : Award-winning small hotel where local food is king

San Francisco:

The Westin St. Francis : Historic hotel on Union Square

Super 8 Union Square : A clean budget hotel in a superb location

Kensington Park Hotel : Boutique hotel in a historic building one block from Union Square

This apartment is amazing (click here for $40 off your first Airbnb stay)

Lake Tahoe/Truckee:

The Hyatt North Lake Tahoe : The convenience of a full resort with beach access on the North Shore

Condos at Northstar : My family loved staying here–the condos are cozy & comfortable

The Ritz-Carlton  at Northstar: If you’re looking for luxury and a superb ski location, this is it.

Sea Ranch/Gualala:

Vacation rentals in Sea Ranch, our favorite place for wild beauty on the coast!

Additional resources for things to do in Northern California

Fodor’s Guide to Northern California

A Day Trip to Apple Hill

A Day Trip to Bodega Bay

The Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley

The Perfect Day Trip to Sacramento

The Perfect Day Trip to San Francisco

Two Museums in San Francisco

Top 25 Things to Do in California

More things to do in Northern California on Lonely Planet

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78 Comments

LOVE this list!

I would include Tilden Park in the East Bay – the steam trains, Little Farm, Botanical Garden and Merry-Go-Round make it a perfect spot to go with little ones. You definitely need a car to get there and from place to place.

San Francisco has great playgrounds. We spent a day last summer going from one to another using a city map and a parent user group list. http://www.ggmg.org/Playgrounds/playground_summary.html

Riding BART was a treat for our little one and she would have happily stayed on the train all day.

The Train Museum in Sacramento is a perfect place for toddlers. It’s gigantic, everything in there was meant to be touched and there is an entire room upstairs with toy trains to play with. Perfect place for rainy, windy, or too hot days.

Northern California, you spoil us!

Yes, it does spoil us. That is, until the valley temps hit 100s like they will this week. Eek. Thanks for the suggestions. I haven’t been to Tilden Park but it’s on my list now! I actually have another big post of things to do with kids in the area, and the train museum will be in that post for sure. I love that place.

We’re getting married in Vegas, May 1st, (elegant not Elvis impersonators). We are trying to plan a honeymoon trip. We’ve decided to drive from Vegas May 2nd to Lake Tahoe, for 2 or 3 nights, then driving to San Fran/Northern California for 2/3 nights. We have 4 days, 5 nights. We’re 52 and 51, not hikers or joggers, mostly seeking the BEST VIEW of Lake/Mountain from our room/deck in Tahoe. Our plan is simply REST, kick back and not feel rushed. However we surely don’t want to just sit and read a book the entire time. Our flights leave San Fran airport on Saturday May 7th. So we have We generally consume about 9 or 10 bottles of wine/week. Our favorite is LaCrema Red/Pinot Noir (Williamette/Russian Valley/Sonoma Coast/Monterrey) My fiance’ would love to visit their winery. We’re big sports fans, (Alabama Football!! ROLL TIDE!!) So, naturally we’ll get tickets to San Francisco Giants baseball game. And of course we would love to get pictures and views of Golden Gate Bridge. I wish we had time to visit everything, Fishermans Wharf, China Town, ride a cable car…..My fiancé would enjoy anything considered “fun”. We’re not arts and crafts people although she might like a museum. Being from Fairhope ALabama we’re conservatives. We would like to visit an area pub, wear our jeans one night, then the next night find some fine dining, experimenting with west coast fish. We live 2 miles from Mobile Bay, 25 miles from Gulf Of Mexico so we really enjoy our Oysters, Shrimp, Grouper, Snapper, Red Fish….. Can you share with us your ideas. We may never get to visit the west coast again, although we visit Vegas two or 3 times per year. So its very possible we’ll plan another NOCAL visit. I hope you have a chance to offer your input for 2 true southerner’s. We’ll return the favor if you ever want to visit our Alabama Beaches, or our lovely town of Fairhope. Its very nice here. Very peaceful, great schools and the folks love trees and flowers. Every street corner is planted with beautiful flowers for each season. We have many festivals, Mardi Gras and a great book store, Page and Pallet. Thanks for your help.

Hi Brady, Sounds like a really fun trip! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I will send you an email as soon as I can. However, in a situation like this where you are looking for a lot of ideas, I usually recommend that people contact the tourism office of the place you’ll be visiting. They know the ins and outs of the destination and are experts at recommending where to stay and what to do based on your interests and budget.

Wow, i agree awsome list !

Too bad that Yosemite is not considered as in northern California, it was my favourite place in California, and one of the most famous I’m sure : http://peertinet.com/rv/Places_to_Visit_in_California.php

Maybe I would have added some village where we can discover the gold history (I don’t remember the name of the one I visited)

Columbia is a nice town to discover gold rush history.

Awesome. Pinned for future reference! Have done southern Cal but never north. Would love to see Lake Tahoe, do the wineries and up to Redwoods!

You will love Northern California! And Tahoe is a great place to take your kids.

Great list! There are some wine areas you listed tat I’d love to visit! Another thing on my bucket list for Northern California are the Red Woods and Sequoia National Park.

The Redwoods are on my list, too.

I will be forwarding this to my friend – a fellow art historian. She is moving to San Francisco in September and now I have a reason to visit more often!

Great list!

Great! I hope it’s useful. Your friend will have a blast living in SF!

Very extensive post about the many things to do in Northern California! I’d recommend it for any travelers!

Thanks, Naomi. You must know a lot of great things to do in the Bay Area.

What a great list, thanks for sharing this 🙂

Great! I hope to meet you one day when you explore this region 🙂

gorgeous photos here! i’m coming to Napa in September and will have to go back to this post for ideas. i’ve heard the wine train is great. 🙂

My posts about Napa Valley would be even more useful, I think. I love that area! Let me know when you come through–maybe I could meet you for a glass of wine? 🙂

Inspiring post, Jenna, especially the photo of the Davis Arboretum–gorgeous!

Great list–will be so helpful for me when I visit Tahoe later on!

The longer I live here in California the more I realise that we’re so lucky. So many things to do all year around.

I feel the same way.

How can you list “Northern California” without actually mentioning the northern part of California? Haven’t you ever been up here? Nothing beats the beautiful waterfalls of Whiskeytown Lake, and McCloud. Also, Mt. Shasta is unbelievably gorgeous!

I was specific in the first part of the post in mentioning the area this post covers. There is no other term for the areas that this post includes, but because it doesn’t cover the entire northern half of California (which is HUGE!), I made sure to be clear that I was covering the areas from the Bay Area in the west to Lake Tahoe in the east, Lodi in the south and the top of Sonoma County in the north. Northern California is technically the entire northern half of the state–it starts down in Monterey County and goes all the way up to the Oregon border. No, I have not been to the places you mentioned, but I look forward to doing so, hopefully early next year.

Agreed! I married into a Redding family, and have absolutely fallen in love with the area. Burney Falls is also a must see!

I’m a second generation Reddingite, my mother’s parents came from Trinity Co. so I’m quite a native here. As a young adult, I couldn’t wait to get away. And I did, for 5 years. But I found that I missed the mountains that surround us on all sides but the south. For anyone who loves nature, this is the place to come! Redding is a nice town, but within minutes you are up in the mountains with access to all types of outdoor adventures to choose from. We also have wineries that you can tour and taste. It doesn’t get much better than it does here I feel.

Great post! I have lived in CA my whole life, but just moved to Northern California 5 years ago. Many of the things you mention I still need to try. I would say you definitely need to make it to the far north part of the state. There really is gorgeous scenery up there. The Redwoods, Crater Lake, Mt. Shasta, and the drive up Hwy 70 up to Quincy are so worth the trip. In the spring there are literally hundreds / maybe even thousands of waterfalls off of HWY 70 and the Feather River winds through the canyon below. It really is breathtaking. The coast all the way up to Oregon is gorgeous too. Way Northern California has the rugged, sparsely populated terrain and even makes you think maybe you aren’t still in the most populous state.

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes, I definitely am looking forward to exploring more of the state. The Lassen area has been on my list for quite a while. There is just so much to see and do within 2-3 hours of here that we end up traveling a lot in the lower half of NorCal.

There is so much more to northern California than Napa, Bay area, and Sacramento. I am sorry you have not taken the time to explore. For those of us who really live here, Sacramento is thd crntral valley and the Bay area is central coast. Napa and Sonoma are Wine country.

Thank you for your comment, but a more careful look at the post will show that I cover more than just the 3 areas you mention, that I do in fact live here, and that I did not intend to cover Northern California in its entirety. As I mentioned above, Northern California is considered everything from Monterey up to the border with Oregon. I wanted to give suggestions for the areas listed (which also include Tahoe, Amador Cty, Lodi, the Delta, and Sonoma County), which are all parts of Northern California.

Wow! These are all wonderful places to visit in Northern California but I think my number 1 choice would be to check out and explore the seafood in Bodega Bay because that’s just one of my favorite dishes. Thanks for sharing these amazing places in Northern California, hoping to explore more soon.

Good places. BUT… Technically, these aren’t really Northern CA. I know locals call it No. Ca. (I lived there for over 20 years), and it has bugged me the whole time. These are all locations in, essentially the Bay Area… Which is about mid-way in the state. There’s nearly half a state North of the Bay Area, which I consider Northern California. You should be more accurate.

Thanks for the comment, and while I know that Northern California includes much more than this post covers, I would have to disagree with your definition of the places. I’ve lived here for 15 years total, and as you said, not only do people who live here refer to this area as NorCal, but Northern California is considered the northern half of the state on many, many resources I’ve checked. If I called this post “30 things to do in the Bay Area,” that would not be accurate at all since the Bay Area doesn’t even include Sacramento or any places east of that. It’s hard to find a title when these specific regions don’t have a name that encompasses them, so I did my best.

Resources aside Jenna, people that live north of Sacramento consider anything north of Sacramento as Northern Cali. From south of Sacramento is Central Cali, and from Bakersfield south is Southern Cali. I’ve lived here all my life, you will not find any reference to this. It’s a far Northern Cali thing.

Good point that people who live in the far north of California would not consider the area north of Sac as Northern California. Since I live in Sacramento, I will stick to the words–we definitely consider this to be NorCal!

Does anyone have any suggestions for where would be the best area to visit to see the big trees in No Cal? It looks like there are different areas for Redwoods and Sequoias. Crater Lake sounds really neat too and I’d like to see Alcatraz. Is it impossible to see these things in one week? I am very geographically challenged and with CA being so big, it’s hard to wrap my head around planning a trip. We’d be coming from the East Coast so we’d like to get as much bang for the buck as we could. Our son is in LA, is it feasible that we could fly into LA and drive north and see alot that way. Any suggestions? It would all be new to us so I’m sure we’d be happy seeing most any of the many beautiful areas but the big trees are at the top of the list. Many thanks!

You can see the big trees at the Avenue of the Giants, Redwoods National Park, Muir Woods near San Francisco, Armstrong Redwood Preserve in Sonoma County, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park south of Lake Tahoe. The latter has a nice collection of Sequoias, but the park is small. You can also see them farther south at Sequoia National Park, which might make more sense if you’re starting out in LA.

Yes, you can fly into LA and do a coastal trip driving north and doing a lot along the way. If you have only 1 week, it would be hard to squeeze it all in, but you could drive up up from LA quickly and skip the sights.. I’m not sure what you mean by Crater Lake, which is in Oregon. Lake Tahoe? If you want to see Alcatraz and Lake Tahoe, you could split your time for one week with 4 days in San Francisco, including a stop in Muir Woods, then 3 days in Lake Tahoe with a stop at Calaveras Big Trees.

Huge help, thanks so much!

I look forward to trying these (at least the ones I haven’t already done). Thank you for sharing!

No your correct this is nor cal.everything above Yuba is Jefferson and we like it that way!!!

I live in Auburn and you must check out our rivers! The American river is basically in my back yard and is stunning, the Yuba river however is my favorite. There is University falls outside of Georgetown that is a must see all out water slide adventure! Also sister hot springs Harbin and Sierra hot springs are a must!

A friend of mine got married there, and it is beautiful. I need to spend more time there. Thanks for the tips…I will check them out!

Jenna, very nice post for the area you covered. Would love to see you write about Northern California, north of the area you covered. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Burney Falls, Subway Caves, Whiskeytown, Shasta Caverns, Turtle Bay Museum and much more. Please feel free to contact me if you need ideas. Lassen Park is only 3 hours from Sacramento.

I would love to visit Lassen soon. My husband and I have talked about it many times, but there is just so much to do around here that we end up visiting places that are a bit closer. Now that my younger son is almost 4, we can take longer car trips with him.

Wait for you son to get a bit older first. And you want to make sure you can make it to the peak because there is a glacier there that is a MUST SEE! I can’t remember the name of the lake there, but there is a glacier lake there that is such an incredible color of light blue. It’s amazingly beautiful. And very close is Bumpass Hell. You want to take that short hike to see the active sulfur pits and such. It’s very fascinating if quite stinky.

Great ideas. We’ve been trying to make plans to go to Lassen for the last year, but I can see that waiting until my kids can do more vigorous hikes would be smart. They’re 3 and 7 now. Thanks for the suggestions, Tammy!

i am such a hopeless romantic love all your ideas Jenna….skydrifters is located in sacramento county …such an amzing DATE…you tailgate over to hwy16 and stonehouse or pack a picnic and be in the air for the sunrise….hotair ballooning is incredible…come fly the california sky.

we need to do sonoma county. we’ve only done napa.. but we always hear great things about sonoma. 🙂

You’ll love Sonoma County. The region has just about everything, from fantastic food and wine to rugged coastline and redwood trees.

And what the best why to visit the beautiful California, is in a luxury RV from http://luxervrental.com You can stop and park anywhere.

Great article.

The one thing that I would add would be the majestic Mendicino coast, as well as the town of Mendocino itself.

This has to be one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastline in the United States. I think it probably gets overshadowed by Big Sur, but it shouldn’t be.

And I’ve read good things about Dry Creek Valley and its many wineries, which I intend to visit this summer during my annual trip to Mendocino.

Yes! I hope to finally get to Mendocino this summer. I’ve been to many places near it but just haven’t quite made it to the Mendocino coast yet. You’re right about Dry Creek Valley. That whole area is gorgeous, and I love Healdsburg. Here’s a nice map of the area w/ a list of wineries: http://www.drycreekvalley.org/files/WGDCV_map_2013.pdf

Just a little critique. It is the Sierra Nevada, it’s one mountain range, so it is not plural.

Thanks for mentioning that. I know it’s one mountain range, but I think I’ve heard it plural as a way of shortening the Sierra Nevada mountains. Will make the edit.

You can add some of California Missions to your fantastic list. They deserve to be mentioned indeed. Thanks for this fantastic article and recommendations.

First, I will say I love reading about your love for Northern California, as you correctly stated, the entire area was not covered, but that which was on this blog is in fact NorCal. That being said, I really don’t understand why anyone residing in the region, would be arguing about it not being the “best” and competing for highest choice. Allow me to argue that this state alone is a marvelous treasure of nature, and there is nothing that compares to it in the rest of the country, and I am sure that there are many little hidden treasures all around it that neither of us, as much as we wish, can experience in its entirety, I hope so to one day!

I am an immigrant of desert land, and I have to say that living in Sonoma County makes me feel thankful every single day. I live in paradise, and have nothing to envy to any other corner of the world I would dare to say. I have gorgeous coasts with stunning cliffs and rocky formations, rolling hills, mountains, creeks, lakes, and mudslides, flowers, trees of a multitude of types, giant redwoods I admire, fog, rain, clouds and sunshine, ideal weather (most of the year), food, wine and beautiful wineries all around me. Any drive I take for an hour or less on any direction is sure to leave me an awe and thankful for this paradise every instant of my life. Thanks for sharing the love! <3

Thank you, Brenda! I can understand why you love living in Sonoma County. It’s perhaps my favorite part of this state.

Love the list and I have at least 10 more things to do to finish visiting all I have to do. Also I love the ghost tours in Northern California.

• Pingback: California RV Road Trip Planner - RoverPass

These are some nice, enjoyable classy activities but there are also some fun and free ones like these too! http://marriedwithmaps.com/2015/10/18/2-free-tours-in-fairfield/ And growing up in Vacaville, one of my favorite areas was Old Sacramento

Oh yes, good point! There’s so much free stuff to do around here.

Napa and Sonoma are nice, but you can’t leave out the Livermore Valley wine area! It is gorgeous, and produces fabulous wines. In fact, it is where Petite Sirah originated and just about every Chardy in Napa Valley was cloned from Wente Chardy grape! Awesome history and friendly people. Much less expensive too;)

Thank you for bringing that up! I should update my list to include Livermore Valley. I went there just once but loved it and enjoyed Wente and Murietta’s Well wines.

Thank you for many great ideas.

Ohh this made me just a little homesick! Im from San Diego but practically grew up in Sacramento!

🙂 Sacramento has changed so much over the past 10 years or so. If you haven’t made it back here lately, come back and visit!

This is one impressive list! You know…as a German we often thing America has beautiful nature but little else to offer. This really comprehensive guide proofs most of us are dead wrong. I’ve been long in the planning of an US road trip and North Carolina has always been on my list. Sooo beautiful

There are so many things on this list I already love and have done. Never new my town Sacramento had so much to do!!! Awesome list.

Check out my post of things to do in Sacramento: https://thisismyhappiness.com/2016/06/17/what-to-do-in-sacramento/ I think there is so much to do around here! 🙂

Thank you for a great list! We’ve only lived in the Bay Area three years and have done many of the things already. (Not an easy feat with three kids, I might add.) Need to visit Sacramento one day soon and Lassen National Park. It’s also been way too long since the kids were taken to Cal Academy of Sciences. I’m really itching to go north, too. And we’ve barely seen southern CA! We moved thinking 3-4 years for husband’s job, but now I don’t want to leave! We will literally never run out of wonderful places to visit just in our own gorgeous state. We just returned from Monterey. I can’t believe that is considered northern CA. Everything I’ve ever seen calls it the Central Coast. Hard to know exactly where to draw that line. Thanks again. I’m pinning this.

You’re right, it is central coast, but some sources simply split the state in half and call everything from there north “Northern CA.” i agree, though, that it feels different there, too. And yes, there’s so much to do in California. We’ve been here 14 years and still visit new places all the time (and revisit old ones, of course). We’re off to Mendocino for the first time this week!

This is an awesome list! There seems like there’s so much to do in Northern CA! The pool at The Meritage Resort & Spa is stunning.

Hi, this is a great list! There’s so many things to do here in Sonoma County. One of my favorite things to do lately is eat at Sally Tomatoes. They have really great food, and a very fun comedy night. Check it out, if you haven’t already.

We plan our next vacation – summer 2017 – this is a great list. I get inspired by all those beautiful places and will go for as many as possible. We want to mix our trip by using a vehicle and supply it with bikes – are their routes for bikes? Can you recommend any routes around Sacramento?

Great blog and list! Lived in California most of my life but it is always great to get new ideas!

Spring in Northern California is my favorite season—right when it’s warming up and before the fog casts a dreary shadow over the Bay for the coming 2, 3, 4 months 😉

This spring has been kind of crazy–windy, rainy, much cooler than usual–but I love spring here, too. Love those first days when we can eat outdoors again.

Beautiful blog, nice list of things to do in Northern California. Really these are must-visit places, uncrowded and close to nature.

California is so vast and beautiful. There are numerous choices of places to visit in Southern California as well. Explore best of California with us. Thanks for this wonderful post.

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7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California

Written By: Jessica Wright

United States

Updated On: January 24, 2023

As a local to Northern California, I want to share with you 7 epic places you have to go to when you visit. It’s no secret that this part of California is full of outdoor adventure and stunning landscapes. Having grown up here and now residing in Sacramento , I’m constantly looking for the places to visit locally.

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Visit in Northern California

When I think about what makes Northern California so special, the diversity in scenery comes to mind. With plentiful opportunities to be immersed in nature, there is truly something for everyone who visits. Whether you’re looking to discover a less-frequented national park or escape to the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean, or some California wine tastings , you can truly do it all. The best part? You could easily do quite a few experiences in a single week trip in Northern California.

It is with great pleasure to share these 7 epic places to visit in Northern California. A few are those “off-the-beaten-path” gems that may require a longer drive, but ever so worth the effort. And then there are those that you simply cannot miss. 

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park

When it comes to national parks in California, there are nine epic destinations to choose from. Lassen Volcanic National Park has always seemed to have been last on the list to visit and it’s certainly the most underrated after visiting several. Lassen’s unique landscape has everything from hydrothermal areas to volcano peaks. 

You can explore places like Bumpass Hell where you’ll see pots of mud boiling and turquoise geothermal waters steaming into the cold air. In the distance, Lassen Volcano towers over in the distance. With 150 miles of hiking trails, it’s an opportunity to get outdoors where the crowds certainly are not. 

2. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Many head to one of the furthest northern parts of California to get into the redwoods. Though this part of California is home to the tallest trees on earth, there is so much more to discover here.

One of my favorite things to visit in Northern California is located in this park. It’s called Fern Canyon. You may recognize it from Jurassic Park where some scenes were filmed. This canyon with 50-foot-high walls is drenched in ferns where water tumbles down into the creek that passes through. You can walk into the canyon and be immersed in what feels like perhaps the most otherworldly place I’ve been to in California.

You’ll want to wear good hiking shoes that can get wet, and certainly pack your camera as it is a sight to see and capture. 

• Read more about State Parks in California – Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California

3. Mendocino

While Northern California is home to a long stretch of incredible coastline with a plethora of destinations, my personal favorite is Mendocino. The town of Mendocino itself has lots of character and is home to artists, small boutiques, and outdoor activities. 

One of the best ways to experience Mendocino is through the coastal hiking trails in parks like Van Damme State Park and Russian Gulch State Park. The trails follow through headlands, weaving in and out of the cliffs that peak over the Pacific Ocean. 

• Check out more California travels 24 Of The Best Beaches in California

4. Lake Tahoe

One of the must visits in Northern California is Lake Tahoe. Popular year-round, you cannot go wrong if you choose to visit in the summer or winter. Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the border of Nevada and its crystal-clear waters are iconic.

In the winter, head to the slopes at ski resorts like Squaw Valley Resort or Northstar Resort for an epic day on the mountain. During the summer, hiking trails like Eagle Rock Hiking Trail Homewood or Cascade Falls are my favorite for incredible views. Lake Tahoe often attracts weekend crowds, so my number one tip is to visit mid-week. 

• Read all the Things to do in Lake Tahoe – Your Winter Travel Guide

5. Point Reyes National Seashore

Close to San Francisco , Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my go-to day trips in Northern California. Located in Marin County, it’s an area of California that has a protected coastline and is home to the quaint town of Point Reyes Station.

I’d recommend a slow travel day here where you can experience the coastal area with highlights like seeing the tule elk on the reserve, the famous Cypress Tree Tunnel, and keep your eyes out for the annual grey whale migration. For those looking to get out and hike, there are 150 miles of hiking trails to choose from in the National Seashore area. If you can, an overnight trip here will give you a lot more time to explore.

Once you’ve finished exploring, head into town to enjoy the bounty of local produce and goods. This part of California is known for its incredible oysters and local cheese. My favorite place for oysters is at Nick’s Cove just up the way in Marshall or Tomales Bay Oyster Company. And don’t forget to pick up Mt Tam cheese at Cowgirl Creamery — you will not be disappointed!

6. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

One of the most impressive places in Northern California to see the redwoods is located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Called the “Avenue of the Giants,” it is a 31-mile scenic road that drives through some of the tallest redwoods. I always recommend taking this route and stopping to explore while visiting this way.

You can drive along the Avenue of the Giants which parallels Highway 101 and stop to enjoy the sights. Guided trails will take you to private areas amidst the redwood forest and it’s an epic place to stop for a picnic. You can even camp in the park if you want to explore it further. 

7. Sierra Buttes

One of our secret spots to go visit is located in the Sierra Buttes of Northern California. Not too far from the town of Graeagle, the Sierra Buttes is a playground of adventure. From craggy peaks to hidden lakes, I love heading out this way to go for day hikes.  

One of my favorite spots in the Sierra Buttes are the Sardine Lakes. It reminds me a lot of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, where these greenish-blue lakes are nestled up in the mountains. On Lower Sardine Lake, there are cabin rentals with boating and fishing. There are a lot of hiking trails in this area as well to enjoy the views. 

Are you planning to travel to Northern California? Save this to Pinterest for future travel planning.

Read More About California

• San Francisco Itinerary:   72 Hours in San Francisco – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Yosemite National Park :  Things to do in Yosemite National Park / Where to Stay
• Los Angeles:   25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More
• Hiking John Muir Trail: Tips For Hiking The John Muir Trail
• Lake Tahoe:   Things to do in Lake Tahoe 
• San Diego:   Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas
• San Diego: The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Beaches in California: 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
• About California: 12 Interesting And Cool Facts About California
• Big Sur : Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints
• Hiking in California: 15 Best Hikes In California – Inspiration To Get Outdoors

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Jessica Wright

Jessica Wright is a travel blogger based out of Northern California. As a photographer and writer, she shares her travels and inspiration on  Bon Traveler . Her blog is dedicated to curated destination guides, travel tips, and inspiring spaces. You can find pieces of her adventures daily on her  Instagram and inspiration on Pinterest .

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4 thoughts on “7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California”

thanks for the information it helped us a lot on the route to Mendocino. and these are some great places one can visit on their travel to Northern California.

I have been to Lake Tahoe to ski and it was one of my favorite places ever! I also would really like to visit the Sierra Buttes because I love the mountains and I am always looking for opportunities to see more of them!!

How about not? There’s a raging pandemic that filled hospitals there and closed all dining options.

You are correct, no traveling until things get under control, but we can still plan and dream of future travels. Many people (ourselves included) plan a year in advance.

• Last Updated On
• August 4, 2023

25 Best Things to Do in Northern California — Top Activities & Places to Go!

There is never a dull moment in Northern California’s diverse and vibrant region. 

It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and natural wonders in the United States.

This part of California has everything from towering redwoods to breathtaking coastlines, lively metropolises, and peaceful mountain communities.

My family and I always feel excited whenever we visit the area for a vacation.

As a long-time excursionist, parent, and adventure blogger, Northern California is always on my list of suggestions and go-to places.

Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or adventure seeker, it has something to offer for your family and friends.

In this article, I’ll highlight some of the best things to do in Northern California, including top activities and places to visit that will make your trip memorable.

So, pack your bags and prepare to explore this beautiful region.

Best Things To Do In Northern California Compared 

Northern California is nature’s playground, filled with interesting things you can’t possibly go through entirely on a single trip.

Editor’s Choice

Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

This tour includes a round-trip ferry ride starting from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island.

• Family-Friendliness: 5/5
• Affordability: 4.5/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun Factor: 4/5
• Educational Value: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour

The Sonoma Food Tour guides travelers through local restaurants in the charming Sonoma Plaza.

• Family-Friendliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4.5/5
• Fun Factor: 4.5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Golden Gate Bay Cruise

As one of the oldest enterprises in the Bay Area, and has played an essential role in the development of San Francisco.

• Affordability: 5/5
• Accessibility: 5/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Educational Value: 4.5/5

Here are the top 25 things to do in Northern California.

1. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Editor’s Choice)

Vista Point Us-101 Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 885-9866 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Historical significance
• Breathtaking views 
•  Limited time at each destination

Why You Should Go

Indulge in a captivating journey that combines history, nature, and coastal beauty on the Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour. 

Immerse yourself in the intriguing stories of Alcatraz Island, once a notorious prison housing infamous criminals. 

You can explore prison cells and hear riveting tales of escape attempts. 

And make sure to visit the Muir Woods, where majestic redwoods create a tranquil oasis.

Start by delving into the enigmatic history of Alcatraz Island. 

Explore the prison cells, listen to interesting stories, and feel the chilling atmosphere of this infamous prison. 

Lastly, visit the charming town of Sausalito, where you can wander along the waterfront and browse unique shops.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Pines Resort & Conference Center

2. Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour

270 1st St W Sonoma, CA 95476 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Immersive experience
• Great for small groups
•  Cost can be expensive

Take a gastronomic tour through the heart of California wine country and sample some of Sonoma’s finest dishes. 

You will not just savor delicious food but also learn about the region’s rich history, culture, and architecture.

All restaurants, cafes, and boutiques providing tasty samples are independently owned and operated in the area.

You and your girlfriends will love strolling Sonoma’s charming downtown with a food guide.

You may sample locally produced wines, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, and olive oil at hip, modern businesses.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Village at Squaw Valley

Related: Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

3. Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 673-2900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Spectacular views
• Great for all ages
•  Limited time at each location

Set sail from Fisherman’s Wharf on a traditional 1-hour cruise and learn about San Francisco’s vibrant past.

View seabirds, pelicans, and sea lions while listening to one of the audio guides, available in 16 languages.

An hour-long tour around Golden Gate Bay will allow you to see the city’s most famous sights.

Sail around San Francisco Bay and see some of the city’s most famous bayside sights.

Cruise under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, look at Alcatraz, and see Angel Island and Sausalito.

Moreover, enjoy your trip to Fisherman’s Wharf, where many popular seafood places are located.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

Related: Places to Eat: San Francisco, CA

Related: Best Restaurants in Northern California

4. Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

3245 Balboa Street San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 716-9910 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This is the only Segway rental with a 2.5-hour tour through San Francisco’s beautiful Golden Gate Park.

It’s more enjoyable than hiring bicycles and going for a ride. 

Safety orientation and all necessary gear are provided. 

Ride a Segway while learning about Golden Gate Park’s fascinating past and seeing its little-known treasures with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re looking for an affordable activity, this is a great alternative to Golden Gate Bay Cruise and Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour.

On this tour, you’ll see famous landmarks.

These include the Japanese Tea Gardens, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences while being led by a local expert.

Visit Ocean Beach and the Land’s End Visitor Center on a Segway tour of Golden Gate Park.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave

Related: Top San Francisco Activities

5. Alcatraz Island — San Francisco

Pier 33 San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 561-4900 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Alcatraz is a small island near Twin Peaks and the Golden Gate Bridge, which was used to hold notorious criminals between 1934-1963.

The Island is home to one of the few prisons in the world with zero confirmed history of prison break.

The frigid water surrounds it on every side, and it once held notorious prisoners like Alvin Francis Karpowicz and Al Capone.

Visit the D-Block, which used to be some form of sanitary confinement and the cells of where the three inmates who were rumored to have escaped the facility stayed.

You can also visit the lighthouse on the Island, which was built many years before the Island became a prison.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont San Francisco

6. Angel Island — San Francisco

Pier 41 San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 435-1915 Social Media Open in Google Maps

Angel Island is one of the largest Islands in the whole of California, and it serves as an army base for the United States between 1863-1946.

The island has a colorful history.

It was acquired by the U.S. government in 1841, and by 1863, it was an army base.

From 1910, the Island was used as an immigration office.

At the Island, you can learn all about the history of immigration as well as how the Island was used as a confinement for war prisoners during World War II.

The island is great for a one day trip.

It is also the perfect place to engage in historical tours, and you can go biking or hiking on the trails.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa

7. Muir Woods National State Monument — Mill Valley

1 Muir Woods Rd Mill Valley, CA 94941-4205 (415) 561-2850 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Muir State Monument was the first property donated by a private individual to be designated as a National Monument in 1908.

The monument is home to Sequoia redwoods that are around 400 to 800 years old.

The view at the Monument is amazing, and the park rangers organize something that is known as “Tree Talk” for visitors to learn more about the origins of the trees.

You can either attend a tree talk or walk through the tower of tall trees.

If you’re more than one and feeling up to it, you can also go camping on the grounds of the Monument.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mountain Home Inn

8. Mendocino Headlands State Park — Mendocino

45035 Main Street Mendocino, CA 95460 (707) 937-4700 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Park is located on 347 acres of land surrounding Mendocino.

The park headquarters is a museum that has a model of the town in the 19th century.

The Park is a large expanse of undeveloped bluffs with terrains that are great for hiking and climbing.

It had a plethora of activities if you’re looking for stuff to do.

The Ford House Visitor Center is also a great place to learn about how Mendocino looked in 1890.

Hiking along the undeveloped coastline is one of the favorites of visitors around the area.

You can also rent a canoe or kayak to explore the beautiful river.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Little River Inn

Related: Best Things to Do in Mendocino, CA

9. Glass Beach — Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg, CA 94510 (218) 981-7400 Open in Google Maps

There are three glass beaches in Fort Bragg, and it originated from a water dump site used by the residents of the area between 1906-1967.

Beautiful sea glasses surround the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.

On the adjacent side of the beach is the MacKerricher State Park, where you can camp.

There are also a lot of blackberries around this area for people in your group to pick.

Visiting the beach is one of the free things to do in Northern California alone or with other people.

The most popular activity on the beach is to take many pictures and walk on the glass beach.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf

Related: Best Beaches in Northern California

10. Humboldt Redwoods State Park — Weott

17119 Avenue of the Giants Weott, CA 95571 (707) 946-2263 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Humboldt Redwoods State Park was established in 1921 by the Save the Redwoods League. Today, it is the third-largest park in California.

The park stretches across 1,800 acres of towering trees, trails, campgrounds, and rivers.

It is the largest park in California dedicated to Redwoods, and it has a gorgeous 31-mile drive for nature lovers to enjoy themselves.

If you’re looking for things to do in Northern California tonight, camping on the ground of the park is a great option.

You can take a hike through Founders Grove Loop off the Avenue of Giants and take a look at what remains of the Dyerville Giant, which was the tallest tree around the park before 1991 when it fell.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Humboldt House Inn

11. Lassen Volcanic National Park — Mineral

38050 Highway 36 East Mineral, CA 96063 (530) 595-4480 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Lassen Peak, the dominant volcano in the park, last erupted in 1914, and it didn’t stop rumbling until 1917.

However, since 1921, the volcano has been dormant.

The park is home to four different types of volcanoes.

Even though they haven’t erupted in 50 years, they are still regarded as active.

The hydrothermal activities at the park give an insight into how volcanoes work.

The Crystalline lakes at the park are great places to rest.

You can take a walk through the Bumpass Hell Trail, where a visitor to the park once burnt his leg, or go to the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, where you can discover the terrain from guarded horseback rides.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Red Lion Inn & Suites Susanville

12. Tahoe Cross-Country

925 Country Club Dr Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530) 583-5475 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Tahoe Cross-Country is a popular ski destination in Nevada’s Lake Tahoe area.

Don’t let your adrenaline-seeking family miss out on this exciting opportunity.  

TXC’s pleasant environment attracts families, casual skiers, and competitive competitors.

You will enjoy the well-maintained trails for classic, skate, and snowshoeing.

Your family will surely love the adrenaline rush of skiing down the amazing trails at TXC.

Don’t worry for beginners; they provide basic and advanced classes and workshops.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park

13. Mono Lake — Lee Vining

Highway 395 Lee Vining, CA 93541 (760) 647-6331 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Mono Lake is one of the major attractions in Northern California.

It is a salt soda lake that was formed some 760,000 years ago east of Yosemite Valley.

The lake is home to the tufa towers, and the tributary streams provide water to Los Angeles.

The Mono Lake is also home to myriads of fish and brine shrimp, and it is a great place to enjoy a quiet time.

You can attend a field seminar outdoor at the park at a cheap cost or join a luxury walk around the area to study birds.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Double Eagle Resort and Spa

Related: Best Family Resorts in Northern California

14. Municipal Rose Garden

Dana Avenue & Naglee Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 (408)794-7275 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Suppose you’re looking for places to visit in NorCal.

This attraction is in the Rose Garden District of San Jose, and it was founded in 1927.

It is home to roses from 189 varieties.

Visiting the garden is one of the top things to do in Northern California with kids .

The place is serene, and it is located on 5.5 acres of land.

The garden has been the inspiration behind more than 5000 paintings.

Several areas of the park are enclosed in what looks like a residential area.

At the Garden, you can take a walk through the orchard and take long-lasting pictures with your family or group.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Fairmont San Jose

Related: Best Things to Do in San Jose

15. Point Reyes National Seashore — Marin

1 Bear Valley Rd Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (415) 464-5100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Point Reyes National Seashore is situated on more than 70,000 acres of land in Marin County, California

The seashore has open grasslands for people to explore as well as numerous species of animals to explore.

If you’re traveling or in the area and looking for a place where you can have fun, add the Seashore to your list, and you can be there by this weekend.

At the National Seashore, there are many activities you can participate in indoors and outdoors.

Such things include; hiking, driving to the beach, viewing areas dedicated to wildlife, and participating in science lectures.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Olema House at Point Reyes

16. Wineries in Napa & Sonoma Counties

Napa & Sonoma Counties California, United States Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Napa and Sonoma counties are two of the major winemaking areas in California.

Between these two counties, more than 500 wineries can be found.

The counties of Napa and Sonoma have the oldest and beautiful vineyards in the country.

In these places, you can learn how wine is made and even taste some.

When you’re done at this place, you can head over to Calistoga to see the Old Faithful burst.

You can visit the Cornerstone Winery in Yountville for the picturesque environment and incomparable wine tasting experience.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Villagio

Related: Restaurants in Sonoma, CA

Related: Best Things to Do in Sonoma, CA

17. Lava Beds National Monument — Tulelake

1 Indian Wells Hqtrs Tulelake, CA 96134 (530) 667-8113 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Established in 1925, the area covers a large expanse of land from Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge on the North to the Modoc National Forest on all other sides.

Lava Beds is a place that holds cultural value for Native Americans.

Some caves were made of the lava activities around the area and are great to explore if you’re looking for a fun time.

The things to do at the Monument run from exploring the caves to admiring the pictographs left by the caves’ original residents in ancient times.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Shasta Inn

18. McArthur Burney Falls — Burney

Highway 89 Burney, CA 96013 (530) 335-2777 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Burney Falls stands at a height of 129 ft. and a width of 250 ft., which makes it one of the largest falls in the whole of California.

Every day, the McArthur Burney Falls produces more than 100 gallons of water, which joins with the flowing water.

The water at the fall mainly comes from individual springs, which creates a mist in the area.

Additionally, the best time to visit the fall is on a clear day because the area is not the best place to stay when it’s raining or cold.

The place is very cozy and perfect for outdoor activities like camping.

Another thing to do at the Falls is to take a hike through the highs and lows of the Burnley area. You can also take pictures while you’re at it.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Travelodge by Wyndham Dunsmuir

19. Russian Gulch State Park — Mendocino

Mendocino, CA 95430 (707) 937-5804 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

This Park is located on a large expanse of land with more than 10 miles dedicated to hiking and horseback riding.

It also has more than a mile for great ocean and beach views.

The Park has many designated campgrounds scattered all over it where you can become one with nature.

The picnic area is on top of a cliff where it overlooks a dramatic cove.

Additionally, going to the park will give you a chance to see the 36 ft. high waterfall and explore the 3-mile bike trail in the area.

Take plenty of beautiful pictures in the area or go hiking through the trail.

You can also go horseback riding or just settle down for a nice picnic on the grounds.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Blue Door Inns, Four Sisters Collection

20. Russian River — Guerneville

Guerneville, CA 95446 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Russian River is located in Sonoma County, and it derives its name from the Russian-American company, Russian Ivan Kuskov.

The cabins, nestled in tall redwoods, create a cozy ambiance for visitors to enjoy themselves peacefully.

Not only is the Russian River a great place to be, but there are also other amazing attractions around it.

An example is Guerneville, which is often referred to as “Vacation Wonderland.”

Visit the Sonoma County Farm Trails to enjoy the beauty of rural living in Sebastopol.

You can also go to Johnson’s beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: West Sonoma Inn & Spa

21. IT’S-IT Ice Cream — Burlingame

865 Burlway Road Burlingame, CA 94010 800-345-1928 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

IT’S-IT is an ice cream company that started its journey in an amusement park near the Golden Gates Bridge with George Whitney as its inventor.

The frozen delicacy served by IT’S-IT has been a superstar among San Francisco residents for more than 50 years.

Now, the headquarters is in Burlingame, where it makes up to 100,000 ice cream sandwiches every day.

Visit the headquarters in Burlingame to see how these awesome delicacies are being made.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront

22. Hog Island Oysters Co. — Napa

Oxbow Public Market 610 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559 (707) 251-8113 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Hog Island Oysters Co. is located in Napa Valley and San Francisco.

It is one of the few places you can get amazing fresh seafood in the whole of San Francisco.

Additionally, many of their seafood is specially harvested in Tomales bay.

Visit the Hog Island Oysters Co. restaurant in Napa Valley to experience the superior taste of farmed oysters and shellfish.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Napa Valley

Related: Best Hotels in Northern California

23. Bodie State Historic Park — Bridegeport

100 US-395 Bridgeport, CA 93517 (760) 616-5040 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Bodie state sprang up out of nowhere during the American Gold Rush near Yosemite as a mining town.

The town derives its name from Waterman S. Body (William Bodey, who discovered gold on the land.

If you’re looking for fun things to do around Northern California, visit Bodie.

The area used to be a booming place in the 19th century.

The area is also preserved to look like the residents just stepped out.

So, you can have an idea of how it was in the 1800s.

You can learn all about the history of how the town went from a booming metropolis to an empty, abandoned place during your visit.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bridgeport Inn

Related: Best Things to Do in Southern California

24. The Petrified Forest — Calistoga

4100 Petrified Forest Rd Calistoga, CA 94515 (707) 942-6667 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Petrified Forest was bought by Ollie Orre Bockee in 1912, who made it into a tourist attraction.

In 1978, the forest joined the list of California Historical Landmarks.

The area is filled with beautiful creatures and the petrified trees are the results of a natural occurrence that are both enlightening and breathtaking.

At the shop, you can get souvenirs for yourself or a novelty gift for your loved one.

Take a walk through the Meadow Trail to take a look at the petrified trees around the area.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Solage, An Auberge Resor

Related: Best Things to Do in California

25. The Pacific Coast Highway — San Francisco

CA-1 California, USA Open in Google Maps

This Pacific Coast Highway is a 123-mile route run around the Central California coast.

The road takes approximately 10 hours to travel through.

The Highway runs through 13 different cities in LA, and every part of it is beautiful.

It goes through the main highlights in Northern California from the Golden Gate in San Francisco to Downtown in San Diego.

Without a doubt, taking a road trip through the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best things to do in Northern California.

There are beautiful stops in all the 13 cities the highway runs through.

The ones we love most are the Golden Gate Bridge, Devil’s Slide, and the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Redwoods River Resort & Campground

Related: Best Things to Do in Monterey

Activity Guide 

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

You must examine some criteria to pick the most suitable activities for you and your family’s  interests. 

Those essentials include your budget, time, interest, group size, accessibility, season, and weather.

And these are the things I consider before coming up with this list. 

I also gathered personal and professional opinions from my family and co-travel bloggers.

So get ready to buckle up and be amazed at Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour, which has a rich history and scenic views.

We had a great time witnessing the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bay Cruise is a perfect option.

Take photos quickly because you will only have a short time at each location for Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour and Golden Gate Bay Cruise.

Our trip was extra memorable due to the immersive experiences of the Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour.

You should never miss it.

But, ready your budget, as it can get a bit pricey.

Nothing beats our Segway tour through San Francisco’s beautiful Golden Gate Park. 

For sure, your kids will love renting from Golden Gate Park Segway Tour.

However, you should ensure the weather during your trip will be good. 

Despite the downsides, these activities are still worth the try with your family.

Considering these factors, you can make informed comparisons and choose the best things to do for your next trip.

How I Picked The Activities

As a parent, long-time excursionist, and adventure blogger, I’m always critical when creating articles about outdoor activities.

To make sure my tips are solid, I took a deep dive into each attraction. 

I interviewed park rangers, and they shared some incredible insider secrets about the best times to visit. 

I also surveyed families to understand their experiences and collected their insights. 

Lastly, I learned about the park’s hidden gems that most tourists miss with the help of tour operators. 

This first-hand knowledge helped me create a more insightful and practical guide for your next family trip.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria: 

• Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness. 
• Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
• Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate the attraction’s enjoyment for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion. 
• Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is northern california most known for.

It is known for its rugged coastline, redwood trees, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Northern California?

Northern California is at its best from late April to early November.

You will surely have a memorable trip with many amazing things to do and see in this region.

In addition to its natural beauty, the area also boasts a plethora of exciting tourist attractions.

Northern California has it all, whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation.

We felt the joy of exploring the beauty of California through the Sonoma Walking Food, Wine & History Tour.

Another breathtaking tour we had was through Golden Gate Bay Cruise.

We also love that they have a complete bar and clean and modern restrooms.

Riding segways through Golden Gate Park Segway Tour is another fun activity my kids have liked to do for a long time.

But for our main event, The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour gave us an outstanding experience of multiple attractions in a day.

We explored the prison cells, and I was amazed at their fascination with the place’s dark past. 

It wasn’t all somber, though. 

As we headed to Sausalito, their eyes widened at the sight of majestic redwoods in Muir Woods. 

It was a magical mix of history, nature, and family bonding.

Those are some reasons why it is on our list of the best things to do in Northern California.

The Ultimate One Week Itinerary for Northern California

Good to know before

• For a trip like this, a car is definitely needed to explore. I would opt to get the car after visiting San Francisco and continuing on the road trip from there.
• Weather in Northern California can range from foggy to hot, so pack a variety of clothing.
• The name of the game is beating traffic and it’s best done by planning around rush hour. Check ahead before hopping on the road.

Where to stay in Northern California

Depending on your itinerary, you could plan to stay in a variety of places. I would opt for two nights in each destination.

Navigate Northern California Like a Local!

Unlock the best-kept secrets of Northern & Central California with my curated Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique experiences. Get the map here!

San Francisco Hotels: I love the new design at the Proper Hotel , the Fairmont is my favorite for old-world luxury, or you could stay at an Airbnb.

Carmel / Big Sur Hotels: I think the bucket list hotel is always the Post Ranch Inn . I love the design at Ventana , and for in Carmel, the Hotel Carmel is a great choice.

Yosemite National Park Hotels: You have the option of staying in the park at the luxe hotel , or in these cheaper cabins . They reserve fast so if you can’t grab a spot, staying in Mariposa is a budget-friendly option.

One Week Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in San Francisco

Day 2: Explore San Francisco

Today you can pack a ton in. Some of my favorite places to explore are the Conservatory of Flowers, Alamo Square + Painted Ladies, Sutro Baths, the De Young Museum, walking in the Marina, and stopping by the Palace of Fine Arts, and exploring the hip neighborhood of Hayes Valley.

Day 3: Make the drive to Carmel

Jump in your car for an early start to beat rush hour, and make the three-hour drive down into Carmel. I’d recommend stopping in Monterey along the way. It’s quirky but fun to see the old town. Afterward, head into Carmel. The downtown is perfect for an afternoon stroll and you can grab dinner right in town.

Day 4: Explore Big Sur

The road down to Big Sur is certainly my favorite drive in California. I love to pack a lunch, stop along the way to look at the views, and soak in the sun. Highlights include Bixby Bridge, grabbing pastries at Big Sur Bakery, seeing McWay Falls, and a hike in the park. There are plenty of places to hike in Big Sur and recommend taking a look at this list .

Day 5: Make the drive to Yosemite

Day 6: Explore Yosemite

Take a full day to enjoy the park. There’s plenty to see and choose from one of the many hikes.

Day 7: Return to San Francisco

Make the drive back to SF!

Save this post for later on Pinterest: 

Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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North Coast & Redwoods

This is not the legendary California of the Beach Boys' song – there are no palm-flanked beaches and very few surfboards. The jagged edge of the continent is wild, scenic and even slightly foreboding, where spectral fog and an outsider spirit have fostered the world’s tallest trees, most potent weed and a string of idiosyncratic two-stoplight towns. Explore hidden coves with a blanket and a bottle of local wine, scan the horizon for migrating whales and retreat at night to fire-warmed Victorians. As you travel further north, find valleys of redwood, wide rivers and mossy, overgrown forests. Expect cooler, damper weather too. Befitting this dramatic clash of land and water are its unlikely mélange of residents: timber barons and tree huggers, pot farmers and radicals of every political persuasion.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Famous for some of the world's best virgin redwood groves and unspoiled coastline, this 14,000-acre section of Redwood National & State Parks has…

Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House

Along Highway 101

One block east of State St, the collection’s mainstays are paintings by Grace Hudson (1865–1937). Her sensitive depictions of Pomo people and other…

Point Arena Lighthouse

Coastal Highway 1

This iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1870, destroyed in a 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt in 1908. It remains the tallest on the US West Coast (tied…

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…

Parducci Wine Cellars

Sustainably grown, harvested and produced, ‘America’s Greenest Winery’ offers affordable, bold, earthy reds. The tasting room, lined in brick with low…

Olof Cellars

If you visit one boutique winery in Lake County make it Olof Cellars. The wines are excellent – most are reds aged for a minimum of three years – and the…

Graziano Family of Wines

The Italian Graziano family is one of the oldest grape-growing families in Mendocino County and specializes in ‘Cal-Ital’ wines – including Primitivo,…

Toulouse Vineyards

Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.

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Jun 2, 2022 • 5 min read

After 23,000 hours of work and a $4 million investment, a new low-impact trail has opened in the California redwoods.

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Discovering Northern California Travel Guide to NorCal Adventures

What makes northern california so special we can give it to you in one word: variety.

Calling All Adventurers! Whether you're soaking up NorCal on a vacation or you're a seasoned California local, hungry for new discoveries, let our Discovering Northern California Travel Guide show you the way to more diversity in a smaller package than anywhere else on the planet!

Embrace the Extraordinary: Where else can you savor the elegance of The "Ladies Who Lunch" in downtown San Francisco, or escape it all amidst the ancient redwoods of Humboldt County...

Indulge in world-class wineries, then conquer the heights of Half Dome's 4,700-foot granite peak...

Delve into Monterey's captivating tide pools or unearth the treasures of Gold Rush country...

Roost in a lofty redwood tree house, luxuriate in a Trinity River yurt, unwind in a Yosemite-adjacent log cabin, or safari in style on Santa Rosa's near-Serengeti.

Discover Northern California – where diverse and exciting adventure awaits!

Discovering Northern California Travel Guide is Your Guide to NorCal's Variety

In Northern California it's possible to snow ski in Tahoe and surf the beaches of Santa Cruz on the same day;

Or go bird watching along the Pacific Flyway in the morning, then explore Mendocino Village's art galleries in the afternoon; Or tour the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield to see how your favorite Jellys are made, and next morning wake up in a yurt.

NorCal offers a coastal world of long sandy California beaches, but also windswept bluffs, rivers that pour out into the sea, and saltwater marshes.

Discover the vineyards and tasting rooms of California Wine Country and the historic sites and re-enactments of California Gold Country.

Visit sophisticated cities for wining and dining or lose yourself in the peaceful wilderness of NorCal's forests. Immerse yourself in the diversity of California history... you'll never run out of new things to discover in Northern California!

How to use our Travel Guide and Tips to Plan Your NorCal Getaways

Discovering Northern California is your one-stop, online California Vacation Travel Guide for tips on where to go, what to see, and what you can do in the North State. Together we'll explore the well-known and popular tourist attractions - you can't miss those! But we'll also dig out the Insider Secret places as well - the types of things only the locals know about. Whether you're planning your very first visit here for a major California vacation, or you're a long-time resident who's looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, you can plan your trip here!

Just Follow These Easy Steps:

• Let's say you and your family are planning to be in the Big Sur area and you want to know what there is to do and see nearby... just click on the Big Sur button in the left column, read the intro, and follow the links within to Big Sur Attractions , Big Sur Beaches , Big Sur Camping , etc.
• Or maybe you live in the Sacramento area and you've always heard that Sonoma's an interesting place to see. Click on Sonoma County in the left column, start reading, and follow the links to Sonoma Town , Sonoma Plaza , Russian River Drive , and so forth.
• If you're interested in whale watching around Northern California, click on the Whale Watching button in the left column and read all about the exciting world of NorCal whales. And follow the links for Whale Watching Tips , Videos , and more.
• Want to spend some quality friends-and-family-time camping? Click on the Camping button to find out what your options are.
• Coming to Butte County to check out CSU, Chico for your graduating Senior? Click on the Butte County button to the left...

I'm sure you've got the idea now... have fun with it!

Please continue your exploration of what Northern California has to offer by using the Nav Bars in the left and right columns or by using the links at the bottom of the page.

Like what you're finding here at Discovering Northern California? Then please share with the Social Network of your choice.

And thanks for coming!

Where to Start

• 1906 Earthquake
• Alameda County
• Contra Costa County
• Marin County California
• San Francisco
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County
• Solano County

California Coast

• Big Sur California
• Del Norte County
• Humboldt County
• Lake County California
• Mendocino County California
• Monterey County California
• Santa Cruz County

Central Valley

• CA Central Valley
• Fresno County
• Sacramento CA

Gold Country

• Calaveras County
• CA Gold Rush
• Nevada County

High Sierra

• Alpine County
• Yosemite NP

Shasta Cascade

• Butte County
• Modoc County California
• Shasta County
• Siskiyou County
• Tehama County
• Trinity County

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25 Things To Do In Northern California That Are Super Fun

NorCal is home to amazing forests, coastal beaches, and beautiful sunsets. Here's a list of 25 awesome things to do in Northern California.

January 09, 2022

Home to redwood forests, wild beaches, large metropolises, small towns, and mountainous escapes, the vast and varied terrain of NorCal allows you to plan any sort of getaway you like. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends, beaux, or even solo, you can craft an itinerary of things to do in Northern California that’ll go above and beyond.

Unique Things To Do In Northern California With Your Beaux

1. go on a romantic weekend getaway to big sur.

Rent a cozy cabin and spend a perfect long weekend crossing off awesome activities on your Big Sur bucket list.

2. Have a Romantic Picnic by the Beach

NorCal is home to a number of romantic beaches . Whisk your partner away by planning a picnic and you have yourself an incredibly romantic thing to do in NorCal.

3. Treat Your Date to a Fine Dining Experience

Looking to impress? Book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Bay Area.

4. Camp Under the Redwoods

Nature’s mysterious wonders in California include the towering redwoods. Plan a camping getaway for you and your boo and spend a night at Henry Cowell , Hendy Woods, or Redwoods National State Park.

5. Spend a Beautiful Night Under the Stars

If you haven't been stargazing in California before, you have to go with your partner. Spending a night under the stars somewhere like Pigeon Point Lighthouse—one of the best places to stargaze in NorCal —could be magical.

6. Book a Couples Spa Getaway in Wine Country

We include Napa and Sonoma’s incredible spas in all our Wine Country travel guides simply because they’re crucial things to do in NorCal. In other words, you won’t want to miss out on this couples bonding activity!

Fun Things To Do In Northern California With Friends

7. Plan a Surf-Centered Getaway to Santa Cruz

Round up the best surf spots in Santa Cruz and spend a weekend by the beach with your friends. Squeeze in a hike or two to get a better idea of the places to visit in Northern California’s Santa Cruz.

8. Check out the Weirdest Cities in Northern California

Ghost towns, weird cities , and haunted locales —friends with peculiar interests will find plenty of unique things to do in Northern California. 

9. Backpack Through the Lost Coast

A rugged and remote area near the northern tip of the state, the Lost Coast is a very interesting place to visit in Northern California for a squad who likes to adventure off-grid.

10. Go Glamping in a Scenic Setting

Going on a glamping trip is a super fun thing to do in Northern California with your gang. With plenty of options to choose from— glamping along the coast, in the forests, or at the foothills of the mountains—you can have an enviable NorCal escape with your friends.

11. Enjoy a Culinary Tour in the City

With all the incredible, high-rated restaurants in NorCal, it makes all the sense for you and your friends to embark on a culinary tour .

12. Attend a Fun Musical Event or Sports Game

There are baseball stadiums , theaters, basketball arenas, and concert venues that are crucial places to see in Northern California. Check out their online calendars and pick an upcoming event you and your friends might be interested in for a fun adventure. Just don’t forget to brush up on your concert survival checklist before you go.

Exciting Things To Do With Your Family in Northern California

13. tour hearst castle.

A San Luis Obispo landmark and one of the must-visit places to see in Northern California , Hearst Castle is a great attraction to discover with your family.

14. Go on a Lengthy Road Trip Full of Fun Stops

Drive from Los Angeles to Big Sur ,  cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, discover things to see on Route 66 —plenty of the state’s must-do road trips either start or end in NorCal. 

15. Hike to a Waterfall in Lake Tahoe

Lake T ahoe is one of the best places to visit in Northern California. Enjoy a vacation and make sure to hike to one of its beautiful waterfalls while you’re there.

16. Discover a New Place Near your Hometown

Oftentimes, we take advantage of the places closest to us and never end up discovering them properly. Get your family together for a close-to-home adventure to a new place to visit in Northern California.

17. Plan the Ultimate Ski Trip

The best Northern California ski resorts await you to go on adventures. Plan the ultimate ski trip with the fam and get gliding down the slopes!

18. Tour the Locations of Your Favorite Films

There are several movies with scenes filmed in Northern California , and your family’s favorite might be among them. What’s cooler than visiting a real-life set and recreating a scene in person?

19. Spend an Afternoon at a Garden You’ve Never Visited Before

Things to do with the family in Northern California don’t always have to involve long trips and major pre-planning. Something as simple as going to a beautiful garden in San Francisco could prompt you to make your favorite memories as a family.

Cool Things To Do In NorCal Solo

20. hike a bucket list trail alone.

Nothing forces you to do a bit of necessary self-reflection like escaping into nature alone. The Tahoe Rim and John Muir Trail are both famous hikes—attempting to cross even a portion of them is an incredible thing to do in Northern California. 

21. Embark on a Rejuvenating Retreat

NorCal is home to plenty of beautiful locales where you can escape on a  solo trip for a wellness retreat or digital detox in California .

22. Go Cruising on a Scenic Drive to Nowhere

Ever get that feeling that you just want to drive aimlessly for hours? Pick a route and do exactly that! Whether you’re for a scenic drive in Napa , a Big Sur panoramic route , or a spectacular drive in the Bay Area , you have plenty of places to visit in Northern California paired with awesome views.

23. Enjoy a Last-Minute Mini Getaway

Last-minute mini getaways are totally things you can do in Northern California. All you need is a free day, enough gas in your tank, and a killer playlist to accompany you along your solo trip.

24. Let your Zodiac Sign Take you on an Adventure

Can’t make up your mind on what place to visit in Northern California? Let your zodiac sign lead you on your next journey.

25. Watch a Beautiful Sunset on the Beach

Watching a beautiful sunset on the beach can do wonders for your soul. Luckily, there are plenty of places to see in Northern California with incredible views.

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Solar storm heading to Earth could disrupt communications and bring northern lights to California

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A different kind of storm could complicate this weekend’s plans .

For the first time since January 2005, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Friday evening.

The category G4 watch from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center signals the possibility that a concentration of energy flaring from the sun could disturb our planet’s electromagnetic field once it reaches Earth.

A geomagnetic storm of this size could disrupt communications, like the 2003 event that caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged South Africa’s power grid .

More promisingly, super-charged collisions of solar energy into the gas of our atmosphere creates the dazzling phenomena of aurora borealis , or the northern lights. Typically confined to polar regions, the colorful display could be visible this weekend as far south as Northern California.

“We have a very rare event on our hands,” space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl of SWPC said during a news conference Friday morning.

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A geomagnetic storm happens when energy from solar wind — the high-speed current of atomic particles the sun is constantly flinging into space — is transferred into the electromagnetic field that surrounds Earth.

The winds of a Category 5 hurricane on our puny little planet can exceed 150 miles per hour. In contrast, solar wind averages about 870,000 miles per hour all day, every day according to NASA .

Earth’s electromagnetic field deflects the majority of these particles, save for those interactions in the polar areas that produce the northern lights. But unusually intense or concentrated eruptions of energy on the surface of the Sun can disrupt that equilibrium, causing geomagnetic storms like the one potentially headed our way.

On Wednesday morning, astronomers noted a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections — essentially, giant explosions of energy — emanating from a massive sunspot more than 15 times the diameter of Earth.

The Space Weather Prediction Center has observed seven coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, heading in Earth’s direction, said Mike Bettwy, operations chief at SWPC.

First G4 (Severe) geomagnetic since 2005 has been issued. The aurora tonight (5/10) /tomorrow morning (5/11) may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, & possibly as far south as Alabama to northern California. https://t.co/upPlNYuNev @NWSSWPC @NWS pic.twitter.com/JTHmXtRKOc — NOAA (@NOAA) May 10, 2024

“Based on the data we have, all seven of these are going to be spewing that energy toward us,” Bettwy said.

The energy in these various eruptions is expected to merge and reach the Earth’s magnetic field late Friday or early Saturday.

“Our level of confidence is high that we will have an arrival of these CMEs as early as this evening,” Dahl said. The precise time they’ll arrive is less certain.

SPWC will have more clear information once that solar energy reaches NASA’s Advanced Composition Explorer spacecraft , a satellite about 1 million miles from Earth.

Yet “even though that sounds like it’s far away . . . it doesn’t necessarily give us a ton of lead time,” Bettwy said. Given that solar wind is moving faster than the speed of sound, it will reach Earth only 20 to 45 minutes after passing that 1-million-mile marker in space.

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Scientists have previously warned that the strongest geomagnetic storms could wreak havoc on our power and communication systems. That is not what’s expected in this case.

Those of us here on Earth may experience power outages and minor internet or GPS glitches, Bettwy said.

“Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations,” NOAA said in a statement . “SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.”

Watches for milder geomagnetic storms are fairly common. In March, a geomagnetic storm briefly reached G4 strength for a few hours .

That event was the third geomagnetic storm to reach G4 status during the current 11-year solar cycle , which began in 2019, according to the SWPC. At that time, the agency said the event posed no risk of adverse impacts to the public.

“What’s unique about what is potentially about to hit us is that it’s a much more significant event, in terms of what’s going to be hitting the atmosphere,” Bettwy said.

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Corinne Purtill is a science and medicine reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Her writing on science and human behavior has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, Time Magazine, the BBC, Quartz and elsewhere. Before joining The Times, she worked as the senior London correspondent for GlobalPost (now PRI) and as a reporter and assignment editor at the Cambodia Daily in Phnom Penh. She is a native of Southern California and a graduate of Stanford University.

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What's your chance of seeing the northern lights tonight? A look at Saturday's forecast

Illuminating the night sky with pink, green and gray colors, the northern lights made its appearance in the United Kingdom and the northern half of the United States on Friday. The magical phenomena could happen again tonight.

The show fascinated many onlookers as they took out their phones to capture the beauty of the night sky. On Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued extreme (G5) conditions across the United States. A storm of this intensity has not been seen since October 2003. The storm gained the name "Halloween Storm" and caused many power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, according to Earth.com .

Meteorologists have predicted that the northern lights can be visible on Saturday as well as Sunday. If you are going outside to see the northern lights, forecasters want to remind the public that their solar eclipse glasses can be used for viewing the phenomenon.

Here's what you need to know to prepare for the next viewing of the northern lights.

The northern lights: Danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

Where can you see the northern lights tonight?

The Space and Weather Prediction Center  offers an experimental forecast map  that shows the aurora may be visible in a wide swath of the U.S. including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Other states like California, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida could also see the sky light up again for an encore performance. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather, pollution and cloud cover.

Below are forecast predictions for seeing the northern lights in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana on Saturday.

Rain and clouds are expected to damper expectations to see the aurora borealis around the Rochester, N.Y. area . Elsewhere in NY, the  Lower Hudson Valley could see the lights again, if weather permits. 

NWS maps predicting the intensity and location of the northern lights Saturday and Sunday show the aurora will be visible in mid to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be mostly cloudy with some rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. The NWS predicted 48% to 58% sky cover in metro Detroit from 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. The western portion of both peninsulas are expected to have a lower cloud cover.

In the Milwaukee area , the evening is expected to bring mostly clear skies and overnight will have scattered clouds, said Tim Halbach, local meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 

Those living around the Cincinnati region could be treated to the northern lights Saturday night with the NWS' Wilmington, Ohio , office forecasting dry, partly cloudy conditions. Clouds shouldn't be an issue as many Ohioans reported seeing the lights Friday despite some cloud cover.

 In a telephone interview, Mike Bettwy, operations chief of the NOAA's  Space Weather Prediction Center  in Boulder, Co, said Indianapolis and surrounding areas might have a better chance of seeing the aurora today and Sunday.

They can expect clear skies tonight, Bettwy said.

"The aurora itself might be actually a little bit less active than it was last night," he told IndyStar. "I think the ability for you to see it will be better because the skies will be clearing out — at least in the Indianapolis area and that immediate vicinity."

Northern lights forecast path

If you want to get a better idea of if you will be able to see the northern lights from your state, check NOAA's aurora forecast tool , which has a 30-minute forecast window. 

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions.

Scientist left amazed by the aurora

The aurora seen on May 10 amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at Harvard University. She sent photos of the lights and the April eclipse to her friends in Italy. The northern lights weren't as prominent in Italy as it was in other places.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night isn't usual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

That's because the Earth's magnetic activity was at a nine, the highest the index goes, coupled with the Sun being at an active peak, causing eruptions. She added the colors cannot be predicted either as it depends on how the solar energetic particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Oxygen appears green, while nitrogen appears purple, blue or pink, she said.

"It just depends on which atoms in the atmosphere this particle interact with," Fruscione said.

She declined to predict how strong Saturday's aurora could be as it's not in her expertise, but said people make predictions all the time about space weather not just for the northern lights, but to ensure communications, space stations, astronauts and other matter in space doesn't get majorly disrupted.

Down on Earth, however, the activity is harmless to humans.

"It's completely harmless because the particles do not don't do not reach us," Fruscione said. "The reason why we see the colors is that the particle interacts with the atoms and they make these beautiful colors and that's it."

For Saturday, and any other day where chatter about the aurora borealis is high, Fruscione encouraged people to download an aurora forecasting app to their phones so they can see the colorful skies.

What are the northern lights?

The northern lights materialize when energized particles from the sun reach Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph,  according to Space.com . Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta and Dinah Voyles Pulver , USA TODAY ; Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press ; Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; Contributing: Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer ; Contributing: Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle; Rockland/Westchester Journal News ; Alexandria Burris, Indianapolis Star

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X (Twitter)

Real ID deadline is approaching. Here's what Californians need to know

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The deadline to get a Real ID for air travel within the country is in one year.

As of May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older will need to present either a passport or a Real ID to fly domestically and get in a federal building.

In most states, Real IDs have a star in the top right corner. In California, it's marked with a golden bear and a star.

To get it, you'll need proof of social security, two proofs of residency and proof of status such as a passport, a birth certificate or permanent resident card.

You'll still need a passport to travel internationally.

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Severe solar storm expected to supercharge northern lights on Friday

A severe solar storm is expected to supercharge the northern lights on Friday, with forecasts indicating that auroras could be seen as far south in the United States as Alabama.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center said Thursday that a series of solar flares and eruptions from the sun could trigger severe geomagnetic storms and “spectacular displays of aurora” on Earth from Friday evening through the weekend.

It was the first severe geomagnetic storm watch the agency has issued since 2005.

“We have a rare event on our hands,” said Shawn Dahl, a service coordinator at the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado. "We're a little concerned. We haven't seen this in a long time."

Because strong geomagnetic storms have the power to disrupt communications and power grids on Earth, as well as satellites in space, Dahl said satellite and grid operators have been notified to prepare.

He said forecasters predict the storm could arrive as soon as about 8 p.m. ET on Friday.

"We’re less certain on the timing of these events, because we’re talking about something for 93 million miles away," Dahl said, referring to the distance from the sun to the Earth.

A NASA spacecraft orbiting about 1 million miles from Earth, called the Advanced Composition Explorer, will help forecasters measure the solar wind and understand the timing and potential effects more precisely.

The  northern lights , or aurora borealis, come from charged particles that spew from the sun during solar storms. The colorful displays are created when clouds of these energetic particles slam into Earth’s magnetic field and interact with the atoms and molecules in the planet’s upper atmosphere.

The northern lights typically light up the night sky at high latitudes, but during intense periods of solar activity, they can be spotted farther south than usual.

The Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecast said it’s possible that auroras on Friday night could be seen “as far south as Alabama and Northern California.”

The agency maintains an  aurora dashboard  that provides short-term forecasts of the northern lights. If conditions are clear, auroras are best viewed from locations that are dark and far from city lights.

As night descended on parts of Australia and Europe, early photos began to emerge of dramatically colorful skies.

Dahl said smartphones might even be able to capture imagery of the aurora at southern locations where the human eye can't see anything unusual.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, several “moderate to strong” solar flares have been detected since Wednesday morning. Solar flares unleash clouds of plasma and charged particles, called coronal mass ejections, into space. At least five flares and their associated coronal mass ejections appear to be directed at Earth, the center said.

“Additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend,” it said in a statement.

When directed at Earth, this geomagnetic and solar radiation can induce currents on high-voltage transmission lines and cause problems for transformers on the power grid.

One of the most damaging geomagnetic storms occurred in 1989, when roughly 6 million people in Montreal, Canada, lost power for nine hours, according to NASA . Some parts of the northeastern U.S. and Sweden were also affected in that event.

In 2002, a coronal mass ejection knocked out 38 commercial satellites .

The sun goes through 11-year cycles from minimum to maximum activity. The current cycle, which began in late 2019, is predicted to peak with maximum activity in July 2025 , according to NOAA and NASA forecasts.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Evan Bush is a science reporter for NBC News. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Strong geomagnetic storm reaches Earth, continues through weekend

NOAA space weather forecasters have observed at least seven coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, with impacts expected to arrive on Earth as early as midday Friday, May 10, and persist through Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Warning for Friday, May 10. Additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend.

• The First of Several CMEs reached Earth on Friday, May 10 at 12:37 pm EDT.  The CME was very strong and SWPC quickly issued a series of geomagnetic storm warnings. SWPC observed G4 conditions at 1:39 pm EDT (G3 at 1:08 pm EDT).
• This storm is ongoing and SWPC will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional warnings as necessary.

This is an unusual and potentially historic event. Clinton Wallace , Director, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center

CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth. Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface , potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations. SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.

Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora on Earth . A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for aurora to be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

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