11 Spots in Northern California You Should Be Planning To Visit (Trust Us) (2025)

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K.C. was a featured writer for Yahoo! Travel before joining trips to discover in 2013. She is the author of Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland, an Amazon bestseller every year between 2013 and 2016. She has been a featured expert on Newsweek, Travel + Leisure, Travelocity, among others.Read full bio

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Last updated on April 26, 2022

Northern California offers a wealth of top attractions and natural splendors, home to everything from famous cities to charming small towns, wild beaches, soaring redwoods, and majestic mountains. If you plan to visit, these are some of the best places to put on your itinerary.

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Credit: Mendocino byBigstock.com

Mendocino

Mendocino is an artists’ colony that sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is the only one on the California coast that’s designated as a historical landmark. Founded in the 1850s, its streets are lined with grand Victorian buildings and saltbox cottages, which may look familiar if you’ve ever watched the TV series, “Murder, She Wrote.” Due to its New England flavor, Mendocino doubled as Cabot Cove in the popular show. It doesn’t just offer jaw-dropping beauty, however, it’s home to tons of fun attractions, including outstanding eateries, a museum, book stores, unique boutiques and romantic B&Bs. The Elk Cove Inn & Spa is among the best places to stay in the area, with its luxurious, ocean-view accommodations and European-style spa. At the edge of the town, Mendocino Headlands State Park offers trails to wind down to secluded coves and beaches.

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Credit: Point Reyes Station byBy Kunal Mehta/shutterstock.com

Point Reyes Station

Located on the edge of Point Reyes National Seashore about an hour north of San Francisco, this small, unincorporated town is home to just 350 residents and serves as the hub for a magnificent stretch of coastline that hosts miles and miles of scenic hiking trails and a healthy oyster fishery. The Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870, offers some of the best views of the rugged coast, lined with dramatic cliffs and even a few waterfalls. Harbor seals can often be seen lounging on the rocks, and by paddling out in your kayak or taking a tour with Blue Waters Kayaking, you can get a close-up look at these adorable creatures. In town, the Station House Cafe offers fantastic meals featuring local, organic ingredients, while Tomales Bay Foods – located in an old hay barn, serves as the creamery and tasting room for the famous Cowgirl Creamery.

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Credit: Gazing Up at the trees in Redwood National and State Parks bybigstock.com

Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City

Redwood National and State Parks,located just south of Crescent City, offers the chance to gaze up at soaring old-growth redwoods, some of the tallest trees on the planet. The area also boasts gorgeous beaches like Enderts Beach, where visitors can explore tide pools filled with a host of multi-colored creatures and, in the winter, watch for gray whales that pass by during migration. In the meadows just off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, Roosevelt elk can often be spotted grazing.

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Credit: Yosemite National Park, Californiabybigstock.com

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most scenic national parks, with its dramatic mountains and steep granite cliffs that offer a chance to enjoy outdoor activities. As vehicles are discouraged to prevent traffic and pollution in Yosemite Valley, the best way to explore it is by getting out on the over 800 miles of trails, with hikes available for every level of fitness in every season. Many of the treks offer the chance to view spectacular waterfalls, like Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls and Wapama Falls. If you visit in February and have luck on your side, you’ll see Horsetail Falls burst into a fiery glow that appears as if a fire is tumbling down the cliff.By traveling to lesser-known areas of the park, you can enjoy the scenery that’s just as magnificent, minus the crowds, like Tuolumne Meadows and Tenaya Lake, a stunning High Sierra Lake, surrounded by granite domes, lodgepole forests and vast wilderness areas.

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Credit: Dunsmuir, California bycdamundsen via Flickr

Dunsmuir

Dunsmuir is a small railroad town that sits near the snow-capped peaks of Mount Shasta and features a historic downtown with buildings that date back to the early 20thcentury. It’s an ideal place to wander, browse interesting shops and enjoy a bite to eat along with a peaceful ambiance. Most visit Dunsmuir for its access to outdoor adventures, including everything from world-class fly fishing to skiing, mountain climbing, mountain biking and hiking. One of the region’s most scenic waterfalls can be accessed nearby, magnificent Mossbrae Falls which can be reached by taking just a mile hike along the Sacramento River and the Pacific Union railroad tracks.

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Credit: Lassen National Park, California bybigstock.com

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Most people don’t realize that California even offers its own miniature version of Yellowstone National Park. Lassen Volcanic National Park has been called “The West’s most beautiful, least visited wonderland,” and is one of the few spots in the world that boasts incredible hydrothermal features along with four types of volcanos. Several groups of hot springs and fumaroles are remnants of former volcanic activity, and there are also jagged peaks, clear alpine lakes and lush wildflower-filled meadows. By taking the 30-mile stretch known as Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, you can see many of its highlights, including Sulphur Works, a roadside steam vent, boiling mud pots and the famous Bumpass Hell Overlook.

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Credit: Lake Tahoe bybigstock.com

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, stretches across the border of California and Nevada. It’s not only one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, with its picturesque coves and turquoise waters, but it’s also a year-round vacation paradise offeringhiking, mountain biking, diving and sailing in the summer, along with some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The area is also popular for hosting live entertainment, including big-name concerts, casino gambling and a wealth of outstanding eateries. During the warmer months, you can look forward to live music and sunset BBQs on the sand as well as embarking on lake cruises, all with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada and the glistening lake waters.

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Credit: Sonoma Valley vineyard bybigstock.com

Sonoma

While Napa Valley gets all the headlines, Sonoma offers a more intimate experience. Along its Wine Road, there are over 400 wineries that are open to the public for tastings as well as the chance to buy wines that are difficult, or impossible, to find elsewhere. More than 60 of them offer free tastings too. In the downtown area, there is a lovely square with a park at its center, along with a number of noteworthy Spanish colonial sites like Mission San Francisco Solano. Sonoma also happens to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with rugged cliffs overlooking golden sands – and, in the spring, you might just see the gray whales that are heading south from Alaska to Mexico. Before heading to one of them, pick up some of your favorite picnic ingredients at the Sonoma Cheese Factory.

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Credit: Murphys Grammar School bycommons.wikimedia.org

Murphys

Located in California’s Gold Country region, Murphys is often referred to as “The Queen of the Sierras,” and has been making a frequent appearance on lists of the state’s very best small towns. Its tree-shaded historic main street is lined with many period businesses, including Murphys Hotel, founded during the peak of the Gold Rush. Some of its famous guests have included everyone from Mark Twain to President Ulysses S. Grant. In recent years, it’s become increasingly popular for wine enthusiasts who note that it feels like stepping back into the Napa Valley several decades ago. Visitors can enjoy tasting with winemakers and sampling award-winning small production estate wines. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor adventure too, including cave tours, hiking, cycling, rafting and more.

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Credit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk bybigstock.com

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the place to go if you’re looking for beach excitement during the summer. This is where all of the action is, particularly around the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which hosts thrilling rides like the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country, running for over 90 years now. It’s also a fantastic spot for listening to live music while soaking up the sunshine and the sand, as well as paddling among the sea lions and otters on a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. For a romantic excursion, don’t miss the chance to take a sunset sailboat ride, and if you like to shop, the Pacific Garden Mall is an outdoor mall where you’ll not only be able to shop for bargains at consignment stores and thrift shops but enjoy some incredible people watching too.

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Credit: Golden Gate Bridge bybigstock.com

San Francisco

There is practically an endless number of things to do in San Francisco – even those who live there usually don’t see and do it all. You’ll find everything from iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, to Alcatraz, vintage streetcars, magnificent parks, historic sites and amazing cuisine. Walk or bike the 1.7-mile Golden Gate, or capture the perfect shot of the bridge from Baker Beach at The Presidio, a former US Army base that protected the Bay Area from enemies during the Civil War to Vietnam. Other highlights include the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Named one of the “New Wonders of the World” by Conde Nast Traveler, it features an aquarium, the largest planetarium in the world, a four-story rainforest with an incredible coral reef ecosystem, a natural history museum, and more.

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11 Spots in Northern California You Should Be Planning To Visit (Trust Us) (2025)

FAQs

What is unique to Northern California? ›

Northern California is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including the iconic Redwood forests, tech hub Silicon Valley, and the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma.

What's in Norcal? ›

Top Attractions in Northern California
  • Glass Beach. 2,184. Beaches. ...
  • Avenue of the Giants. 1,009. Scenic Drives. ...
  • Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. 1,599. State Parks. ...
  • Mount Shasta. 487. Mountains. ...
  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 1,362. Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
  • Redwood Highway. 852. ...
  • Sundial Bridge. 1,514. ...
  • Mendocino Coast. 768.

What's north of San Fran? ›

Muir Woods National Monument

Just north of San Francisco, you can find Muir Woods. This stunning, fairytale-like forest is a fantastic place to stretch your legs before a long car ride. You can take a half-hour hike, a one-hour hike, or a 1.5-hour hike on several looped trails that lead into Mount Tamalpais State Park.

What is up north in California? ›

The main northern population centers include the San Francisco Bay Area (anchored by the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland), the Greater Sacramento area (anchored by the state capital Sacramento), the Redding, California, area south of the Cascade Range, and the Metropolitan Fresno area (anchored by the ...

What is the most peaceful place in Northern California? ›

Stillwater Cove Regional Park named among 'most peaceful' places in Northern California. A Sonoma County spot was recently named among the most peaceful places in Northern California by online travel guide Only In Your State.

What is the richest part of Northern California? ›

1) Atherton

With an average household income of more than $594,651, Atherton is among the richest cities in the US, not just in California. Atherton was first built as a weekend getaway for San Francisco's aristocracy in the late 19th century.

What food is Northern California known for? ›

In Northern California, with wine country nearby, French, Italian, and Mediterranean inspired food is prominent, as well as Asian-inspired fare. Many of the restaurants, cafes, bistros, and grills use ingredients sourced from local growers and farmers' markets.

What do people call Northern California? ›

NorCal - A California slang term used to refer to Northern California, which includes the Bay Area and surrounding regions. Sacramento - The capital city of California, located in the Central Valley region.

What is the main city in Northern California? ›

San Jose, officially San José, is the largest city in Northern California by both population and area. With a 2020 population of 1,013,240, it is the third-most populous city in California and the tenth-most populous in the United States.

What is the sketchy district in San Francisco? ›

The Tenderloin District is the most dangerous neighborhood in San Francisco. Located in Downtown San Francisco, the area has a population of 39,000 and an extremely high violent crime rate, which is over 270% higher than the national average. The Tenderloin has more violent crimes, such as robberies and assaults.

Where to go outside San Francisco? ›

Best Day Trips from San Francisco for 2024
  • Napa Valley.
  • Sonoma.
  • Big Sur.
  • Santa Cruz.
  • Monterey.
  • Muir Woods National Monument.
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea.
  • Sausalito.
6 days ago

Where do Millennials live in San Francisco? ›

The 5 best neighborhoods for young professionals in San Francisco
  • Lower Nob Hill.
  • Downtown / Civic Center.
  • Hayes Valley / Lower Haight.
  • Russian Hill.
  • Telegraph Hill.
Sep 13, 2023

Where is the best place to live in North California? ›

9 Best Places To Live In Northern California In 2024
  • Half Moon Bay. Resort in Half Moon Bay, California. What is this? ...
  • Sonoma. Lush vineyards surround Sonoma. ...
  • Tahoe City. Tahoe City marina covered in snow in winter. ...
  • Eureka. Historic downtown of Eureka, California. ...
  • Jackson. Downtown Jackson, California. ...
  • St. Helena.
Mar 16, 2024

When to visit Northern California? ›

Fall is a wonderful time to visit, as the summer crowds have left, but winter rain and snow have not yet closed Yosemite, Shasta, or Tahoe. September in particular is San Francisco's “summer,” with warm sunny days and little summer fog. In winter, Tahoe draws crowds for skiing and snowboarding.

Is Monterey considered Northern California? ›

The Northern California Megaregion comprises 164 cities, 21 counties, and four regions — the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the Monterey Bay area, the Sacramento area, and the Northern San Joaquin Valley.

Why is Northern California so different from Southern California? ›

Overall, Southern California is much drier and hotter than Northern California. Although there are a few mountain areas like Julian near San Diego or Big Bear near Los Angeles that get some snow and have pine trees, generally you'll find more palm trees than anything down south.

What is the northern region of California known as? ›

The North Coast of California (also called the Redwood Empire[1] or the Redwood Coast) is the region in Northern California that lies on the Pacific coast between San Francisco Bay and the Oregon border.

What are some fun facts about Northern California? ›

Northern California also contains redwood forests, along with most of the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite Valley and part of Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta (the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range after Mount Rainier in Washington), and most of the Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural ...

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