There are so many beautiful places to visit in Northern California and this is especially true for nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
From the beautiful coastlines and beaches to the forests, mountains and miles of trails-if you are someone who enjoys getting out into nature and being active you will find countless opportunities in Northern California. As an added bonus, the excellent climate (temperate weather almost year-round, no humidity and little rain) means that you can walk, hike, bike, climb or practice any other outdoor activity almost all year long, comfortably.
Here is a list of some of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Northern California, though this list is in no way exhaustive and I will keep adding to it.
You cannot visit all of the places worth visiting in Northern California in one trip-it’s simply impossible! But you can try a few this time and come back for more later…. (which I know you will want to!).
Northern California
Mount Shasta
From Allison at Dreams of Alpine
At 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta stands tall (and alone) along the border of Northern California and Oregon, dominating the landscape.
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Mount Shasta is, in reality, a volcanic peak, and the second tallest in the Cascade Range. The best way to experience the beauty and magnitude of Mount Shasta is to attempt its summit via one of many beautiful and challenging mountaineering routes. If you’ve never mountaineered before, there are a number of mountaineering outfitters that run guided trips up to the summit of Mount Shasta and whom cater to a variety of different ability levels. The Avalanche Gulch Route is among the most popular routes and is a great option if you want to experience everything Mount Shasta has to offer. This trail to the summit is for the adventurous at heart as it includes eleven miles of mountaineering and an elevation gain of over 7,300 feet.
If you’re keen to visit the Shasta region but less so about summiting the peak-there are also many beautiful hiking trails, lakes and volcanic buttes nearby. The area offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Insider tip: The best time to attempt a summit of Mount Shasta is between mid-May to mid-July because you typically get “optimal” Mt Shasta weather conditions and snow pack coverage during this time of year.
Humboldt County
Avenue of the Giants
Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile stretch of highway in southern Humboldt County that runs through a forest of stunning ancient redwoods. This road used to be a part of the ‘historic Highway 101’ until an extended parallel corridor was added in the 1960s. The route is primarily used by visitors looking to enjoy the beauty from the comfort of their cars as they make their way North, but it’s also popular with cyclists and those who enjoy walks in the woods.
There are a series of trailheads and parks/preserves spread out along this route, but two of my personal favorite trails to stop and meander on are the Bullfrog Flats/Giant Tree trail and the Drury-Chaney Loop trail.
Insider Tip #1: The incredibly charming Victorian town of Ferndale in Southern Humboldt County makes a good base for exploring this part of Humboldt County including Avenue of the Giants, Ferndale (it’s a wonderful place to wake up in the morning and stroll down Main St. to get your coffee!), Eureka, and Arcata.
Insider Tip #2: Heading north on the 101 from the Avenue of the Giants or Ferndale, make a stop at Clendenen’s Ciderworks in Fortuna for some farm-fresh apples, fresh pressed apple cider, or a baked treat. This little open air farm-stand is located right on the family’s apple farm, where they grow a handful of different heirloom apple varieties. You won’t find fresher apples than this!
Trinidad Head Trails, Beach, and Lighthouse
Located less than a half an hour north of Arcata in northern Humboldt County, Trinidad Head offers a gorgeous network of cliffside trails and brambled awnings alongside stunning ocean views. It’s a great place to come for a morning workout.
When you’re done with your hike, head down to the beach. Afterwards, stop and visit the picturesque Trinidad Lighthouse.
Insider Tip: Nearby Patrick’s Point State Park is full of amazing trails, beaches, and look-out points. A few of my favorite places are Agate Beach, Moonstone Beach (and lookout), and Patrick’s Point Rim Trail. If you’re into camping this is a great location to base yourself to explore Northern Humboldt County.
Mendocino County
Mendocino and Mendocino Headlands State Park
Three hours north of San Francisco and a little over two hours north of Santa Rosa, Mendocino is a uniquely remote and rugged yet quintessentially charming Northern California coastal town. The town itself is tiny-but offers the advantage of being easily walkable and offering up stunning ocean views just steps from its compact center (where you’ll find a cafe, bakery, restaurant, pub and market..). The natural preserve area with trails that run along the rugged cliffs and surround the town on three-sides is actually a state park. This area, encompassed within the Mendocino Headlands State Park, offers miles of trails as well as a couple of different beaches and great views of rock arches, headlands and wildlife.
If you are staying somewhere within walking distance of the town, such as Mendocino Seaside Cottages or The Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast, you can enjoy a morning walk next to the ocean (see above photo), thanks to the Headlands State Park, on your way to get coffee or breakfast. If you are not staying within walking distance of town, you can park on the West end of Main Street or Heeser Road. Trails are easily accessible.
Insider tip #1: Gluten-free travelers (along with others) will love Good Life Cafe Bakery (in the center of Mendocino-you can’t miss it!) which offers, among other delicious breakfast items-freshly baked gluten-free bread and baked goods.
Insider tip #2: A local farmers’ market runs May to October from 12 pm to 2 pm in downtown Mendocino at Main St. and Howard
Russian Gulch State Park
Two miles north of Mendocino, lies Russian Gulch State Park. This park offers fifteen miles of trails, starting with a few miles of trails that will take you through a canyon and fern-lined forest before leading you out to coastal trails. This is one of the best spots for hiking in Mendocino within just a short distance from town.
For a shorter hike with ocean views try the Headlands Trail. For a longer hike that leads to a waterfall take the Fern Canyon Trail.
Tahoe and the Sierra Nevadas
The Pacific Crest Trail (California)
From Brad at Bike, Hike, Safari
The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2650 mile trail that runs between Mexico and Canada. It traverses the deserts, mountains and forests of California, Oregon and Washington.
Some of the most scenic parts of the trail passes through the rugged mountains of the Sierra in Northern California. After thru hikers complete the brutal Californian desert they climb into the high mountains of the Sierra. Unless there is snow on the ground the trail is generally in good condition and quite easy to navigate. The campsites are often next to mountain lakes or streams of cool flowing water.
There is a side trail that leads off the Pacific Crest Trail to the summit of Mount Whitney. At 14494 feet it is not only the highest mountain in California but the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. Brutally cold temperatures and treacherous ice are normal throughout most of the year on the trail to the summit.
In good weather the views from the summit look down over Death Valley to the west. In every other direction there are mountains. It is easy to see how these mountains served as inspiration for the writings of Jon Muir when he said, “The Mountains are calling and I must go”.
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Insider tip: Permits are needed to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and climb Mount Whitney. Mid-June to Mid-September is the best time to head into the Sierra of Northern California.
Sonoma County
Jack London State Historic Park
From Sierra Schmidt of Free to Travel Mama
One of Northern California’s beautiful hidden gems is Jack London State Historic Park. Located in the charming town of Glen Ellen, this park is one of the top things to do in Sonoma County. Jack London was a writer best known for his novels, The Call of the Wild and White Fang. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of workers and a pioneer in organic farming.
The beautiful grounds of this historic state park offer walking trails through the property of Jack London’s home and ranch.
Turn left when entering the park ($10 per vehicle) to head to the museum, London’s gravesite, and the Wolf House. London’s wife, Charmian’s home has been converted to a museum called the House of Happy Walls. The plot he shares with his wife is fenced and marked. The Wolf house ruins are the remains of Jack London’s dream house which, sadly, was destroyed in a fire before he and Charmian could move into it. A replica of the original Wolf House sits upstairs in the House of Happy Walls.
Plan on about a 1.25-mile round trip walk to visit these three sites. Though not far, it can be a hot walk if it’s sunny (which it most often is), so plan accordingly and bring water along. Both rattlesnakes and poison oak are prevalent on these trails so remain vigilant and stay on the trail.
If you decide, instead, to turn right when entering the park, you will encounter colorful vineyards and the ruins of a winery, which is a popular wedding and special event site. The ranch buildings are also located here, including the Winery Cottage ($3 additional entry fee). If you wish to take a longer hike, you can also take the Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail from here.
Insider Tip #1: While picnic tables are readily available in the park, food is not, so plan ahead and grab some tasty picnic items from Glen Ellen Village Market on your way to the park.
Insider Tip #2: The ranch area on the property offers a fantastic Broadway show called ‘Under the Stars’ by Transcendence Theater in the summer. If you are visiting at this time of year, don’t pass up the opportunity to watch the sunset on the vineyards as you are entertained with stellar talent. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Armstrong Redwoods
From Jessica at One Girl, Whole World
Though Northern California is home to an insane amount of natural beauty, the towering redwoods of Armstrong Woods are definitely special. There are tons of hiking options in Sonoma County, but Armstrong Redwoods is a ‘must do’ stop-it’s gorgeous, good for all ages, and doesn’t require much planning or more than an hour or two (if you are crunched for time).
Armstrong Woods isn’t huge (only 800 acres, or 1.25 square miles), so you can fully explore in just a couple of hours if you choose. Located just outside Guerneville near the Russian River, the woods are easy to get to and perfect for all types of fitness levels and physical situations—it’s even largely wheelchair-accessible!
When you arrive, there’s a parking lot right outside the ranger station where you’d pay, but “those in the know” head straight into the park since there are a few parking lots there as well. Once you’re inside the gate, the road splits—if you take the left fork, you’ll head down a beautiful road to the Colonel Armstrong Tree, where there’s a small parking lot. Unless the park is massively crowded, this is where I’d recommend parking and starting your walk (most people head right at the fork, so that parking lot is rarely crowded).
If you park there, you’re right at the Colonel Armstrong Tree. It’s the oldest in the park at 1,400 years old! From there you can follow a couple of different paths through the park. Additionally, some of the best scenery and photos–and the biggest redwoods–in the park are located along the single-lane (driving) road you came in on. So once you’ve explored the walking paths, you should definitely walk along the regular road for a while (just watch for cars).
Insider Tip: The cell service in this region is truly terrible, as in, non-existent, so pull up the directions from your hotel or somewhere with wifi and download them, before you depart so that you can more easily navigate.
The Russian River
From Leah at An Adventure is Calling
The Russian River is arguably one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy in Sonoma County, in Northern California. If you are visiting the area during the summer, allow for at least one full river day (if not more!). The Russian River is approximately 110 miles long, and there are several spots to hop in and hop out. One of the best areas to access the river from, is the Healdsburg stretch.
In Healdsburg, one of the best access points is Del Rio Woods Beach on South Fitch Mountain Road. There is a small parking lot, so arrive by 10 am on the weekend or by 11 am on weekdays when the weather is hot – or be prepared to wait. Do not park along Fitch Mountain Road. You will be ticketed or towed. The Del Rio Woods Beach is a small beach that feels remote and is upstream from the beaches that tend to be more susceptible to algae. It is a great spot to hang out and swim all day.
If you would like to kayak, canoe, or tube down the Russian River, consider hopping in at Del Rio Woods and getting out at Veteran’s Memorial Beach. Dependent upon the water levels, you can expect this trip to take around 1-2 hours. If you would like to make a longer day of it, hop in further up the river at Alexander Valley Campground. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
The best time of year to enjoy the Russian River is summer. The river dam is often put up around Memorial Day each year, which makes the current slower and the water deeper. As the summer goes on, the water levels drop and there is an increased risk of blue-green algae. Throughout the summer, keep an eye out for these “Blue-Green Algae” warning signs, especially if you’re visiting with young children and/or pets.
Insider Tip: After a warm day out on the river, stop at Amy’s Wicked Slush on Healdsburg Avenue (directly across from the entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Beach). Try one of their amazing slushes, which is a combination of soft-serve ice cream and shaved ice. Expect a little bit of a wait on summer days – it’s worth it!
The Sonoma Coast
One of the most beautiful drives along California’s iconic Highway 1 can be enjoyed on the Sonoma Coast, especially as you head North up Highway 1 from Bodega Bay. Regional and state parks abound with beach after beach offering the opportunity to stop and enjoy the salty breeze, a picnic or a view, and hiking trails stretching for miles along the coastline or in the headlands.
Bodega Head
When you arrive in Bodega Bay, skip the touristy Lucas Wharf shops and eateries and drive a mile further north, taking a right on Eastside Road which will take you out to Bodega Head. Here, you will find a few miles of trails that you can take from the parking area up and around the head and back down in a loop. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and of Bodega Bay, the town. On windy days (which are common) the waves get wilder and frothier and you can hear them crashing wildly against the cliffs below.
Take the time to wander, enjoy the views and visit the (very simple) memorial to those lost at sea before heading down to Spud Point for some epic clam chowder or fresh seafood.
Insider Tip: Spud Point is an institution in Bodega Bay and they are famous for their chowder (they make both white and red chowder and people get really serious about which they believe is best). This is a simple walk up and order kind of joint-where you order your chowder to eat outside at their picnic tables or stop by to pick up some fresh crabs (pulled out of the water that morning!) to take back home with you.
Shell Beach, Kortum Trail and Jenner Headlands Preserve
If you are looking for both a gorgeous vista point and a few miles of trails next to the ocean, Shell Beach and Kortum trail are the perfect stop. The Kortum trailhead is located at the parking area at Shell Beach and will take you down a route that runs alongside the cliffs and offers spectacular views. All in all the trail is a little over four miles if you take it all the way around and back.
If you’re looking for a slightly longer (but still mellow) route, you can start from Wright’s Beach instead of Shell Beach, and do a 15 minute portion along the beach before linking back up with the trail that will lead you back up to Shell Beach’s Kortum Trail trailhead.
Or, you can do the shorter portion of Kortum Trail from Shell Beach and then head across the road from the Shell Beach parking lot where you will find the trailhead for the Pomo Canyon trail which is a 6.5-mile loop trail (easy to moderate in difficulty).
Jenner Headlands Preserve
For a longer and more challenging hike in Jenner, keep driving North (about five miles) until you reach the Jenner Headlands Preserve where you can do the Sea-to-Sky Trail (a steep 7.5-mile hike one-way/15 miles round trip) and witness a superb array of wildlife while also enjoying fewer crowds.
Insider Tip: For a great coffee (or matcha tea latte or sweet baked treat…) with a phenomenal view and plentiful outdoor seating, make a stop at Cafe Aquatica in Jenner on your way up to Jenner Headlands Preserve, or after a morning hike from Shell Beach. Note: They close at 5 pm on most days.
Marin County
Point Reyes National Seashore
There are a plethora of options for outdoor lovers in Marin County (just North of San Francisco) but perhaps the most beloved is the Pt. Reyes National Seashore preserve, one of the best places for hiking in Northern California.
Head to the Bear Valley Visitor’s Center off of Highway 1, to access trailheads that lead to a myriad of different trails and routes. You can choose to hike just a few miles or as far as 16-20 miles. Longer routes offer a bigger pay-off with secluded beaches and cliffs overlooking the majestic Pacific making the perfect place to stop for lunch and re-energize before making the trek back. The scenery glides between open and airy to trails canopied by redwoods, and then opens up into salty fresh air with the brilliant blue of the ocean never far from sight.
Beyond the preserve and hiking trails that head-off from the Bear Valley Visitor’s Center, there are also a series of beaches that stretch over the forty or so miles between the preserve, Point Reyes Station (the town) and the historic Pt. Reyes lighthouse (another must-visit site that offers spectacular views and, at certain times of year, is prime for whale-watching).
Insider Tip #1: You need more than one day to take full advantage of the Pt. Reyes area. Don’t miss the opportunity to go have lunch and/or walk around the charming little town(Pt. Reyes Station). If you are visiting on a weekend, you can also attend the fantastic weekend Farmer’s market in the center of Pt. Reyes Station, where you will find a smorgasbord of local produce, cheese, and other artisan products for sale.
Insider Tip #2: If you prefer camping (or RVing) to staying in hotels or bed and breakfasts, the Olema Campground is a fantastic option right next door to the Bear Valley Visitor’s Center.
The East Bay (East of San Francisco)
Mount Diablo State Park
From Karen Bakar of My Next Big Adventure
Some of the most impressive vistas in Northern California are experienced from atop Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County. On a clear day, the views from its 3,849-foot summit – the third highest in the San Francisco Bay Area – encompass up to 80,000 square miles including the San Francisco skyline and Farallon Islands to the west; Mount Hamilton to the southeast; and even the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.
Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the park, but the ultimate Mount Diablo experience is to climb from base to summit from the Mitchell Canyon Staging Area in Clayton. The 13-mile round-trip journey will make for a full but satisfying day. For a shorter and more scenic route try the Mountain Loop Trail, which starts and ends at the Juniper Campground. This connection of trails circumvents the summit along varied terrain and features stunning vistas on every side of the mountain.
When to Go: Mount Diablo is open year-round, and each season has distinct appeal. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, and views from the summit are particularly impressive after a winter storm.
Insider Tip: During the warmer months, watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions. If creepy crawlers are no bother, check out the Tarantula Trek that takes place in early fall when the hairy arachnids are mating.
Monterey County
Carmel-by-the-Sea
From Teresa at Unstuck Everyday
A little over two hours south of San Francisco and ten to fifteen minutes from Monterey off of the Pacific Coast Highway, lies the charming seaside jewel, Carmel-by-the-Sea. To explore this idyllic town on foot, start near Devendorf Park, where live oaks and iconic regional gardens provide shelter for the wooden totem of Father Junipero Serra, founder of Carmel Mission Basilica. Then join the flow of local canines and elegant foreign tourists meandering and stopping at each nostalgic window display. Slip into art galleries, stop for a tasting at one of the many local tasting rooms or plot out your own self-guided Secret Passageways tour of Carmel’s European style brick alleyways and courtyards.
Every nearby neighborhood is a ramble into fantasy land. Trek up and down hills and discover hobbit huts, stone cottages, and artistic gardens and gates. Pick up the official Hugh Comstock fairytale cottage map at the Carmel Visitor Center (most houses are along 6th St. near Torres, Santa Fe, and Sante Rita). Eventually, you will want to cut toward the beach and follow Scenic Road all the way to Tor House, former home of poet Robinson Jeffers. If you are inclined toward contemplation, literary wandering, or stone and wood craftsmanship, try the tour (reservations required).
Circle back to town to dine patio style, or grab a deli meal and drive to Carmel River State Beach, for a scenic picnic.
Carmel River State Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay
This gorgeous beach boasts views that are worth a detour, and, for bird enthusiasts, offers excellent birding. You can enter from Rio Road or Ribera Road off of Highway 1, but Ribera offers a more interesting ramble and better views. Drive slowly and soak it all in, before heading over to splurge on a drink or decadent dessert at Roy’s at Pebble Beach at The Inn at Spanish Bay. You’ll feel like royalty as you sip and nibble with the wild Pacific crashing around you and caddies dashing just yards from your table.
Insider Tip: If you linger at Roy’s until sunset, cozy up on the stone terrace near one of the fire pits to hear the resident bagpiper playing his sunset melodies.
Garrapata State Park
Yet another great hiking spot near Carmel, Garrapata State Park is just seven (gorgeous) miles south (from Carmel) on Highway 1. You don’t want to miss this gem if you have the time to explore further. Choose between a steep inner canyon hike on the east side of Highway 1 or a windswept oceanside trek on the west. Both are relatively short but well worth it. Enjoy the landscape-carpeted with California wildflowers, stream crossings, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife. If you’re lucky, it will be a misty day, and you can watch the fog settle and lift at the top of the Santa Lucia mountains.
Point Lobos
From Dhara at Not About the Miles
California is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: there are so many beautiful parks you can visit to enjoy being in nature. And one of the must-visit parks on the Central California coast is Point Lobos State Reserve. Just a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Reserve is right off California Highway One.
You could spend a full day enjoying the many sights and trails in the park, but plan on a minimum of a couple of hours. Point Lobos State Reserve has a network of hiking trails, many of them along the water. Most of the trails are easy, and a few are even accessible. Walk the trails to enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful coastline. You’ll see lots of sea and land birds, and tons of wildflowers in season. You can also join a guided walk with a docent: ask at the admission booth for a brochure with a map and information. The docents impart lots of interesting tidbits about the history of the park and its flora and fauna.
The South Shore Trail is one of the best trails in the park you can do, especially if you have time for just one trail. The trail runs along the ocean and offers great views. At the end, tack on the short Bird Island trail, to see hundreds of sea birds on Bird Island just off the shore. Stop to see the pristine beauty of the blue-green China Cove and the lovely Gibson Beach.
Not into hiking? You should still visit Point Lobos State Reserve, to enjoy the spectacular water views, take lots of photos, picnic, sketch or paint, learn about the flora and fauna in the park, or just enjoy a day in nature.
Insider Tip: Point Lobos is a hugely popular park, especially at weekends. The parking lots tend to get full, so start early in the day if you want to find a spot inside the park. Overflow parking is along Highway One: you then walk into the park. Admission is charged only if you enter in a vehicle.
Yosemite National Park
From Cat at Walk My World
There’s nowhere on earth quite like Yosemite. It is justifiably one of the most popular national parks in the world and a true nature lovers paradise. No matter what you like to do, there is something for everyone as well as plenty of spots to escape the crowds.
The park has hiking trails that are suitable for every level of fitness, from the short half-mile flat stroll to Lower Yosemite Falls to the 20-mile epic climb up to the summit of Yosemite’s icon on the El Capitan hike.
Anyone visiting for the first time should do the short hike through the meadows in the valley and stop at Bridal Veil or Lower Yosemite Falls. If you are visiting during the fall, the waterfalls in the valley will have largely dried up, so you may want to take the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls instead. On the way, you can stop at the foot of El Capitan to see if you can spot any of the rock climbers who take on one of the hardest walls in the world.
For those who are looking for more of a challenge (and have a good level of fitness), the hike to Half Dome (permits required) or to the summit of El Capitan are experiences you’ll never forget. They will take all day, but these are some of the greatest hikes we’ve done in the USA.
As well as the hiking trails, there are several viewpoints that showcase the beauty of Yosemite. Tunnel View is very popular, but you can’t leave Yosemite without checking out this iconic view.
Insider Tip:
For a secret viewpoint is heading to the top of Sentinel Dome for sunset. This involves an easy one-mile walk (each way) and from here you will get one of the best views in the park with few people around. Sentinel Dome offers 360 views, so you can see both El Capitan and Half Dome. Alternatively, Artists Point or Inspiration Point both have stunning sunset views, and with a fraction of the crowds at Tunnel View.
