Places to Visit in Northern California – there are so many to choose from!
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable weekend getaway in Northern California, look no further than the many small towns that dot the landscape. From wine tasting to hiking and camping, there’s something for everyone in these scenic locales. And best of all, most of them are just a short drive. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in northern California to check out. Enjoy!
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First of all, about California – did you know?
California, a western U.S. state, stretches from the Mexican border along the Pacific 
for nearly 900 miles. Its terrain includes cliff-lined beaches, redwood forest, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland, and the Mojave Desert. There are so many things to see and do! And so many fun places to visit in California!
California has so many choices of places to visit – so many options! Did you know that California is 155,959 square miles with Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet as the high point and Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level as the low point? California’s water area is 7,734 square miles and has 840 miles of coastline. Wow! Small towns and big cities? Desert, mountains, or ocean?
Fun Places to Visit in Northern California
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Fun Places to Visit in Northern California – How About Exploring Small Quaint Towns?
The Sierra Foothills is home to a number of small gold rush towns that are well worth a visit. These towns offer a glimpse into the past, with their quaint shops and historic buildings. They also provide a range of activities for visitors, from exploring old mines to panning for gold. And of course, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, making the Sierra Foothills a great destination for a weekend getaway. So if you’re looking for places to visit in northern California, be sure to add the Sierra Foothills to your list. You won’t be disappointed.
Sutter Creek is a charming gold rush era town located in the Sierra foothills of California. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience a taste of the old west. The town is filled with historic buildings, interesting shops, wine tasting rooms and great places to eat. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the nearby area, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend or longer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Sutter Creek is definitely worth a visit.
Point Reyes Station is a small town in Marin County, California. It’s situated on the Point Reyes Peninsula, just north of San Francisco. The town is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery, its relaxed atmosphere, and its many places to visit. These include the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Olema State Park, and the Tomales Bay Oyster Company. There’s also a variety of shops and restaurants in town, as well as a few bed and breakfast places. Visitors to Point Reyes Station can enjoy all that this charming town has to offer.
Duncan Mills is a quaint little town in northern California that is definitely worth a visit! There are plenty of places to explore, including a charming old mill, a beautiful riverfront park, and even a winery. The mill is the centerpiece of the town and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll. The riverfront park is perfect for picnics or just relaxing in the sun, and the winery offers tours and tastings for those who want to learn more about California wines. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Duncan Mills is definitely worth checking out!
There’s no place quite like Nevada City, California. This small town, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is full of charm and history. Founded in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, Nevada City was once a bustling center of commerce and industry. Today, it is a quiet oasis, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and quaint shops.
Visitors can stroll down tree-lined streets, enjoy a meal at one of the many cozy cafes, or explore the many historic landmarks and museums. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Nevada City is the perfect spot.
Fun Places to Visit in Northern California – Like to Camp?
There are so many places to visit in northern California, and the state parks are some of the best. We’ve enjoyed hikes in the forests, picnics by the river, and days spent exploring the coast. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit:
Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful spot on the coast where you can see migrating whales and elephant seals. The Marin Headlands offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Muir Woods is a magical place where you can stroll among giant redwoods. And finally, Lake Tahoe is a perfect place to spend a summer day swimming, hiking, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
California has wonderful State Parks, Forest Service parks, and private parks. Here are a few we have enjoyed.
Morro Bay State Park has a great campground. Morro Bay is a beautiful coastal town in northern California. With its picturesque harbor and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Morro Bay is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are plenty of places to explore in and around Morro Bay. Downtown Morro Bay is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the iconic Morro Rock.
The Sacramento Delta area is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern California. We spend a lot of time there as it is close to home (Sacramento). With its miles of waterways, marshlands, and farmland, it’s easy to see why. The Delta is also home to a variety of wildlife, including many bird species. Visitors can take advantage of the area’s many parks and trails, or go on a boat ride to see the Delta from a different perspective. No matter how you choose to explore it, the Sacramento Delta is sure to leave a lasting impression.
There’s no place quite like the Tahoe area. Whether you’re looking for a place to camp, hike, bike, or just relax on a beach, there’s something for everyone here. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of activities, it’s no wonder this area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. And no visit to Tahoe would be complete without spending some time in one of its many picturesque towns, such as Truckee or South Lake Tahoe.
Burney Falls is one of the most popular places to visit in northern California. I’m partial to this one as I spent my high school years living right up the street from the falls – dad is a retired State Park ranger. The park is located east of Redding, and it’s a must-see for any nature lover. The falls flow all year round, and they’re especially spectacular in the spring when the snowmelt is at its peak.
There are several hiking trails in the area, so you can explore the falls from different vantage points. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a rainbow in the mist created by the falls. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, Burney Falls is definitely worth a visit.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is another very popular place to visit in northern California. The park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, and visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking amidst these giant sequoias. The park also offers educational programs about the history and ecology of these majestic trees. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, camp, or learn about nature, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is definitely worth a visit. It’s a beautiful area.
Fun Places to Visit in Northern California – How About Wine Tasting?
California is well-known for its excellent wine, and wine tasting is a popular pastime in the state. There are many great places to visit in Northern California, and many of them have excellent vineyards and wineries. Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous wine region in the state, and it is home to some of the best wineries in the world. Sonoma County is also a great place to visit, and it has a wide variety of vineyards and wines to taste.
In addition, there are many smaller wine regions scattered throughout the state, each with its own unique character. One of my favorites is the Sierra Foothills Wine Region. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just getting started, there’s sure to be a California wine region that’s perfect for you. Wineries are fun places to visit in Northern California.
Of course, there are many fun wine-tasting adventures awaiting you! California is home to some of the best wines in the world, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than by visiting the places where they’re made. Not only will you have a chance to sample some amazing wines, but you’ll also get to experience the stunning scenery and meet the friendly people who make them. So what are you waiting for?
California is the leading wine-producing state—making more than 90 percent of all U.S. wine—and also ranks first in wine consumption. As of May 2019, there are 139 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the state, with grapes grown as far north as Shasta and as far south as the Temecula Valley.
There are so many fun places to visit in Northern California! While we’ve only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do in Northern California, we hope this list has given you a few ideas for your next vacation or weekend getaway. If you haven’t been to visit us here in California yet, what are you waiting for? We promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you have visited before or are a local Californian, tell us about your favorite spot in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
