Northern California has no shortage of staggeringly beautiful places. Whether you want to getaway for a weekend road trip or take a week-long vacation, there are many spots that are great to escape to anytime of year. We have mountains, farmland, beaches, and cities. Pretty much any scenery you could ask for you’ll find in California. Check out the list below for some go-to Northern California vacation ideas.
1. Muir Woods National Monument- Mill Valley
Being in Muir Woods is an unforgettable experience. This old growth redwood forest is located just 20 minutes north of San Francisco and is the tallest trees in the world– reaching up to 380 feet. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy this area. When you enter Muir Woods there are several small loops that non-hikers can walk and take in the redwoods. If you enjoy hiking, Muir Woods has six miles of trails, one of which leads to the beach.
2. Point Reyes National Seashore- Point Reyes Station
The gorgeous area of Point Reyes National Seashore includes stretches of sandy beaches with pounding waves, grasslands and farmland, and groves of tall Cypress trees. Visitors can hike to Alamere Falls, a waterfall that cascades onto the beach, go whale watching, and walk to Point Reyes Lighthouse. After a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of the area, visitors have several incredible dining options nearby in Inverness.
3. Shasta Lake/Mt. Shasta
When we think of going to the mountains in Northern California, we typically think of going somewhere in the Tahoe area. It’s easy to forget we have mountains and another large lake way up in the northern part of the state. Mt Shasta and Shasta Lake are about a 45 minutes drive from one another in Siskiyou and Shasta counties. Shasta Lake is located north of Redding and the small town also called Shasta Lake. Houseboaters love Shasta Lake for its cool blue water and great fishing. Drive north to explore the small city of Mount Shasta and take in some amazing views of the mountain.
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Less crowded than Tahoe but just as awe-inspiring, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to several volcanoes, steaming hydrothermal areas, crystal clear mountain lakes, and lush meadows. You must see the short trail through the area where the last eruption occurred. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a 0.2-mile, wheelchair-friendly trail where you’ll see what’s left of the 1915-16 eruption.
5. Avenue of the Giants- Humboldt Redwoods State Park
This highway runs straight through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, giving drivers a spectacular view of some of the tallest redwoods in the world. The more than 30 miles of highway runs north and south, right next to Highway 101. With a number of stops along the way to savor the journey, from picnic area to drive-thru trees, the Avenue of the Giants is a site you’ll never forget.
6. The Lost Coast
Highway 1 runs north to south along the west coast but veers inland at one point, leaving a stretch of Northern California shoreline a little less accessible and untouched. Dubbed the "lost coast" this undeveloped area in California feels a world away from the rest of the state. The Lost Coast can be reached by a winding back road from Highway 101. Visitors to Shelter Cover, a town on the Lost Cove, can stay in one of the charming inns, and explore the trails as well as the famous Black Sands Beach.
7. Lake Tahoe
Visit Lake Tahoe in the summer, spring, fall or winter, and you’ll be blown-away by the area’s beauty. The beaches are beautiful in the summer, hiking is the perfect activity for spring or fall, and winter time is all about the ski slopes. From Truckee and Kings Beach in the north to South Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake in the south, there are a lot of little communities and towns to explore around Lake Tahoe.
There are some small airports in remote parts of the state but for most destinations it’s easier to drive. The longest drive you’ll face traveling in Northern California is six hours.
Have you seen our list of must-see places in Northern California?
Tell us about your next trip within Northern California. Have you been to any of the destinations on our list? Are there any we need to add? Tell us in the comments.
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