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California is a beautiful state with plenty to see and do. Check out some of the best things to do during your next visit to Northern California.
California is a beautiful state with plenty to see and do. While the lower half of the state boasts some of the nation’s best beaches and shopping, don’t count out Northern California. Here you’ll find the state capital, gorgeous natural areas and forests, and several must-see attractions. Check out some of the best things to do during your next visit to NorCal.
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park spans nearly 1,200 square miles and includes the High Sierra Mountains, waterfalls, deep valleys, ancient sequoias, and grand meadows.
Daybreak at El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. Photo by Pexels via Pixabay
Bring your hiking boots and hit the trails if you’re up for an adventure. You can find options within the park for every skill level, whether you prefer a flat, paved path or a steep trail with challenging switchbacks and climbs. If you plan to hike Half Dome, reserve a permit in advance. Campsites, vacation lodging, and cabin rentals within the park also require reservations.
Some top attractions within Yosemite National Park include Wawona, which houses the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and the historic Wawona Hotel, and the Tuolumne Meadows, a large open area surrounded by a winding river.
Mariposa Grove has more than 500 massive and mature sequoia trees, making it the largest sequoia grove in the park.
Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia forest inside Yosemite National Park. Photo by Art Turner via Pixabay
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Napa Valley sits about 75 miles north of San Francisco and 70 miles west of Sacramento in Northern California. This small area of the state is home to hundreds of wineries and vineyards, where you can sample wines incorporating local fruit and flavors.
Schedule a wine tasting in Napa during your visit to Northern California. Photo by bedrck via Pixabay
Most wineries in Napa are family-owned, so guests often feel like part of the family as they taste different wines. You can schedule a tasting appointment or check out the tasting room hours of the winery you plan to visit.
Sightseeing in San Francisco
San Francisco is Northern California’s cultural, financial, and commercial center, boasting a big-city vibe and fascinating attractions.
Fisherman’s Wharf is one popular place to visit on a trip to the city, where you can sample the traditional fare, like clam chowder in a freshly baked bread bowl.
You must try clam chowder in a bread bowl when you visit Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Photo by PDPhotos via Pixabay
Alcatraz Island is one of the more notorious attractions near San Francisco, a prison that once held Al Capone and other infamous prisoners during its stint as a federal prison.
Alcatraz sits just off the coast of San Francisco. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
When you think of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge is likely one of the first sights that comes to mind. You can stroll across the bridge, which spans 1.7 miles and features sidewalks open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic during the day.
Nearby Golden Gate Park includes more than 1,000 acres and provides stunning views of the bridge as its backdrop. If you’re traveling to NorCal with kids, they’ll enjoy spending some time at the playgrounds within the park.
Enjoy picnics and fun in the parks at the San Francisco Botanical Garden inside Golden Gate Park. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Beachgoing in Monterey
If beaches are a must-see on your NorCal itinerary, spend some time in Monterey, a city on the state’s rugged central coastline.
Monterey, California, is a perfect laid-back destination.
Monterey was once the center of the sardine packing industry, although you may recognize it from the works of John Steinbeck, an author who praised Monterey for its natural beauty.
You can also visit any beaches in or near the city limits, like Del Monte Beach, a hidden gem frequented mainly by locals.
Try Monterey Municipal Beach if you’re looking for water sports. McAbee Beach, located in the heart of the city’s Cannery Row area, offers delicious food and great shopping.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tourist-friendly spot with white sand and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an enchanting village near Monterey. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
You can also venture indoors at The Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn more about the aquatic life that calls this area home.
Exploring Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet. This natural area of Northern California is protected by federal and state park services, ensuring that the land is managed to preserve its stunning beauty. In addition to massive redwood trees, this park features oak woodlands, wild and winding rivers, vast prairies, and nearly 40 miles of California coastline.
Redwood National Park in Northern California. Photo by 12019 via Pixabay
Plenty of wildlife call the park home so that you may spot deer, elk, moose, or bears during your visit. Leashed pets are welcome in some regions of Redwood National Park, and campsites and backcountry exploration areas are available to visitors who want to spend more time in the park.
If you plan to hike, you’ll be happy to know the park has more than 200 miles of hiking trails that weave through a variety of environments, including beaches, old-growth redwoods, and prairies.
Skiing at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous body of water in California and Nevada. On the California side, the mountainous region boasts some of the best skiing in the state.
Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous year-round resort on the California/Nevada border. Photo by mroppio via Pixabay
The main resorts in the area include Heavenly Ski Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, and Palisades Tahoe/Alpine Meadows. The ski season in Lake Tahoe typically runs between mid-November and early April. However, the resort’s elevation impacts how much snow it receives and when it normally opens.
Diamond Peak sits in the heart of North Lake Tahoe’s Incline Village. Photo by Catherine Parker
Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the more unique ski resorts in the state, boasting impressive views of the sparkling blue lake. With 20 percent of its trails suited for beginners, there is a place for those who’ve never skied. For Palisades Tahoe/Alpine Meadows, both areas offer 25 percent beginner-friendly terrain for you to try out. And if you’re more experienced, both Heavenly and Palisades Tahoe/Alpine Meadows have plenty of powder for you to traverse.
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