In the summertime, locals and tourists flock to all the well-known spots. If you want to go where there will be fewer crowds, or discover somewhere you never knew existed, these hidden Northern California spots are the places to visit. And don't worry, we understand that the region's hot temperatures may require a break from the heat. If you've exhausted your usual hiking trails and lakes for swimming this summer, this curated list of cool places to summer in Northern California will reignite your enthusiasm for this season of the year, by introducing you to incredible places to explore and engaging activities to enjoy.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful day of swimming, a family outing, or a serene picnic surrounded by nature, the Oregon Creek Day Use Area is a great summer destination.
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This hidden gem is conveniently located alongside Highway 49, making it easily accessible for visitors seeking a refreshing swimming hole hike.
This spot is not so secluded in the summer months, but not nearly as crowded as other waterfront spots in Northern California. Enjoy the sandy beaches, and swim in the crystal-clear and cool water of the Middle Yuba River at this fun spot.
Located in Sacramento, this massive museum houses many collections, including a large collection of Californian art dating from the Gold Rush to the present.
You can easily spend a day perusing the exhibits and collections at the Crocker Art Museum, ranging from Native American Ceramics to European art collections and much more. The museum also holds classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults. It’s easy to spend the day exploring this incredible museum!
Explore this hidden treasure, appreciating this untouched wilderness in Stanislaus National Forest. To reach God's Bath you'll need to navigate a bit of a climb as there is no official trailhead. However, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking natural oasis. Late summer is an ideal time to visit, since the water is not moving too fast to take a dip. This hidden gem has remained a well-kept secret among locals for years. To preserve the area's pristine beauty, please remember to pack out any items you bring and leave no trace behind.
Escape the crowded California lakes and discover the tranquility of Lake Davis.
The lake is located next to a serene census-designated area of the same name within Plumas National Forest. Situated just 7 miles from Portola, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. At the Lake Davis Recreation Area, you can enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
It's a perfect destination to immerse yourself in nature and make the most of the sunny season. Whether you prefer to relax at the day-use areas or set up camp at one of the campgrounds, there are ample opportunities to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. If the weather is favorable, consider embarking on the Lake Davis Trail, a picturesque 7-mile trail encircling the southern and eastern sides of the lake.
Be prepared for the sun's rays by wearing long sleeves and a hat, as the trail lacks cover. In 2021, the area was affected by fire, but now wildflowers and vegetation are making a strong comeback. At the end of the trail, Hidden Lake awaits as a rewarding spot for fishing or peaceful picnicking.
Enjoy the invigorating ocean air while learning a little about history.
Situated between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, Fort Ross State Historic Park provides a unique glimpse into its past as a Russian outpost during the early 19th century.
Established in 1812, Fort Ross served as the southernmost outpost for the Russian Empire in colonial America. It was built by a group of Russian and native Alaskan Aleuts who ventured south. After immersing yourself in history, venture to the nearby sandy beaches to relax by the ocean.
The famous delta breezes make even some of the hottest days tolerable. One little spot that doesn’t get enough attention is Sandhill Crane View Point in Thornton. This beautiful place on the delta is surrounded by flat marshes and fields, and the main attraction– beautiful sandhill cranes. Get here at sunrise for some incredible views and photo opportunities! If you spend the day driving around the Delta towns, you’ll come across many wineries. Grand Island Vineyards in Walnut Grove offers tastings with beautiful views of this bucolic region of the state.
Northern California is a treasure trove of hidden spots just waiting to be discovered. From the serene shores of Hidden Lake in the Trinity Alps to the secluded beauty of Gods Bath Swimming Hole in the Clavey River canyons, these off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a welcome escape from the crowds during the summer months. With each hidden spot you uncover, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unspoiled beauty and boundless wonders that Northern California has to offer.
Which of these spots appeals to you the most? Have you visited any of them? If so, which ones were your favorites? What are some of your favorite swimming holes in Northern California? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Thinking about taking a Golden State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
Looking for a unique accommodation option? Then be sure to read about these floating cabins:
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
When summer starts to roll into autumn, it's the perfect time to start planning your favorite fall outings. One of the best things to do in fall in Southern California is to head out on a relaxing weekend drive to check out the changing leaves throughout SoCal. Here are eight of our favorite places to spot fall foliage in Southern California. Do you have a favorite destination on this list? Let us know!
Located along Big Pines Highway in the town of Wrightwood, this serene lake in SoCal is the perfect setting to soak up the views when Southern California's leaves start changing. Jackson Lake is located in the Angeles National Forest surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty.
Do yourself a favor during SoCal's fall season and head to the town of Oak Glen for a day trip. Not only will you find some of the most vibrant and colorful fall foliage, but the apple orchards out this way are simply divine.
Looking for a great destination in SoCal where you can take in the sights of the changing leaves while enjoying a refreshing hike in the great outdoors? Then head out to Lake Gregory where you can take a leisurely walk around the lake while being treated to an abundance of fall colors.
Perfect for a day trip, an overnighter, or even a long weekend away, Big Bear Lake is a fun and festive destination where you can check out the fall leaves changing colors while spending some time in one of SoCal's most charming towns. From great local shops to fantastic eateries, this SoCal town will completely dazzle you in every way during the autumn season.
For an epic view of SoCal's bold and bright fall foliage, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy the autumn scenery as you take a quick ride to the top of Mt. Jacinto.
Officially known as Orange County's first regional park, Irvine Regional Park offers 160 acres of mesmerizing beauty to explore all year long. Although there's plenty of beautiful scenery to see all year long, there's nothing quite like the burst of fall colors that fill the park during the autumn season.
Seeking the perfect Sunday drive that's filled with plenty of natural scenery and a slice of fresh-baked apple pie? Then the town of Julian is where you'll want to navigate to on any given weekend. From colorful leaves bursting with vibrant colors to a hearty slice of apple pie made with apples from a local orchard, you'll find Julian is a blissful place to be on a lazy weekend.
So many beautiful places to spot foliage during fall SoCal! Do you have a favorite spot on this list? Let us know in the comments. If you're interested in knowing when to find the most vibrant fall foliage in Southern California this year, keep an eye on these amazing autumn towns in Southern California. And while you're out peeping leaves on trees, be sure to show off your own California roots.
