EPIC PLACES TO VISIT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

I am a Northern California local and want to share seven unique places to visit when you are there. This area of California is full of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventure. Being a native Californian living in Sacramento, I am constantly looking for new places to visit.

Northern California’s Best Places to Visit

The diversity of the scenery is what makes Northern California unique. There are many opportunities to get immersed in nature. You can do it all, whether you want to explore a lesser-known national park, escape to the rugged coastline along California’s Pacific Ocean or enjoy some California wine tastings. The best part? It is possible to do many experiences in one week in Northern California.

These seven unique places are mine to share in Northern California. A few are those “off-the-beaten-path” gems that may require a longer drive but are worth the effort. There are also those you can take advantage of.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

There are nine incredible destinations for a national park in California. Lassen Volcanic National Park is the least visited of the nine great destinations in California. Lassen’s unique landscape includes everything, from hydrothermal areas and volcano peaks.

Bumpass Hell is where pots of boiling mud and turquoise geothermal water steam into the cold. Lassen Volcano can be seen in the distance. It offers 150 miles of hiking trails that allow you to get outside, where most people don’t.

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Many people travel to the far north of California to see the redwoods. This area of California is home to the tallest trees on Earth, but there’s so much more.

This park is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern California. It is called Fern Canyon. It is familiar from Jurassic Park, where you may have seen some of its scenes. The canyon is 50 feet high and is covered in ferns. Water falls into the creek below. It’s possible to walk into the canyon, and you will feel immersed in the most beautiful place I have ever seen in California.

Good hiking shoes are essential.

Mendocino

Northern California has a lot of beautiful coastlines with many destinations. But my favorite place in Mendocino. Mendocino is charming and home to many artists, small boutiques, and outdoor activities.

The best way to see Mendocino is by hiking along the coast in parks such as Van Damme State Park or Russian Gulch State Park. You will find the trails weaving through the headlands and between the Pacific Ocean cliffs.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a must-see in Northern California. You can go right whether you visit Lake Tahoe in summer or winter. Lake Tahoe, located near the Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a stunning sight. Its crystal-clear waters make it a landmark.

For a memorable day on the mountain, you can head to Northstar Resort or Squaw Valley Resort in winter. I love hiking trails like Eagle Rock Hiking Trail Homewood and Cascade Falls in the summer for stunning views. Lake Tahoe is a popular weekend destination. My number one tip for visiting Lake Tahoe mid-week is to avoid crowds.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore, located close to San Francisco, is one of my favorite day trips in Northern California. Marin County is the home of Point Reyes Station, a charming town on California’s coast.

It’s worth spending a slow day to see the coast. Highlights include the Cypress Tree Tunnel and the grey whale migration. There are 150 miles worth of hiking trails in the National Seashore. An overnight stay here is a great way to spend more time exploring the area.

After you have finished exploring, go into town and enjoy the bounty of local produce. California’s southernmost region is famous for its excellent oysters and delicious local cheese. Nick’s Cove is my favorite oyster spot, just up the road in Marshall. Tomales Bay Oyster Company is also a great option. Be sure to check out Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam cheese — you won’t be disappointed!

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of the best places to see redwoods in Northern California. It is known as the “Avenue of the Giants” and runs for 31 miles through some of the most majestic redwoods. This route is recommended, and I recommend stopping along the way to explore.

You can also drive along the Avenue of the Giants paralleling Highway 101, stopping to take in the sights. You can find private areas in the redwood forest and stop there for a picnic. If you wish to explore the park further, you can camp there.

Sierra Buttes

The Sierra Buttes in Northern California are one of our favorite places. The Sierra Buttes, located not far from Graeagle in Northern California, is a paradise for adventure. The Sierra Buttes are a great place to hike day, from hidden lakes to craggy peaks.

Sardine lakes are one of my favorite spots in the Sierra Buttes. It reminded me of Northern Italy’s Dolomites, where the greenish-blue lakes are high up in the mountains. Lower Sardine Lake has cabin rentals that allow for fishing and boating. This area offers many hiking trails to take in beautiful views.