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Northern California

Northern California is positively stuffed with cool places to visit. Whether you want to go forest bathing in the coast redwoods, do a wine tasting tour or go skiing in Lake Tahoe, we've got you covered. These Northern California destinations will help you fulfill a weekend getaway or a longer California vacation.

4 Cool Northern California Regions to Visit

At 163,000 square miles, Northern California is a huge territory. And while this can seem overwhelming, it also presents a great opportunity. NorCal's terrain varies widely, spoiling you with it's unparalleled nature and cool metropolitan experiences. Here are four California regions with a bit about what makes them special.

The San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area was fueled by California's gold rush and that entrepreneurial spirit is still alive today. And sure, there's Silicon Valley, but there is also a lot of cool culture, wine tasting, redwoods and some lovely coastline...all within 20 miles of the San Francisco airport. You can explore the Bay Area's cutest coastal town by visiting Half Moon Bay, explore surf culture in Santa Cruz or take a scenic and historic hike on SF's Lands End.

The North Coast Redwoods

There are only three types of giant redwoods and two of them are only found in Northern California. The Coast and Giant Sequoia Redwoods found in Northern California are some of the tallest trees in the world...and they smell good too. You can see them by taking a multi-day redwoods road trip which transits three scenic byways and 9 key redwood state and national parks. Or you could visit individual parks like Hendy Woods and Van Damme, which are near Mendocino.

The Central Coast

The Central Coast presents a perfect opportunity for folks who like their wine tasting with a side of nature (or perhaps their nature with a glass of wine?) There are laid back beach towns like Cayucos, quirky hippie towns like Harmony and California's best coastline along Big Sur. And the Paso Robles wine growing regions has tons of fun wineries and even a distillery trail.

Lake Tahoe Basin

Lake Tahoe is California's most popular playground. During the summer, you can play on it's beaches, hike the Donner Tunnels or take the scenic drive around the lake. In the winter, you can explore the ski resorts or find fun winter activities, even if you don't ski. And after all of that, you can rehydrate at one of Tahoe's many breweries.

Round-ups of Popular Northern California Destinations

Northern California coastal towns: Trinidad beach at dusk

Chill & Charming Northern California Coastal Towns

These 12 towns feature gob smacking, jaw dropping coastline with beaches, craggy cliffs, river estuaries and redwood forests.

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Hippie towns in California green vintage van

10 Hippie Towns in California

San Francisco was ground zero for the Summer of Love, so it's no wonder that 8 of these 10 hippie towns are in NorCal.

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All 43 Redwood Parks in California

ALL of California's Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoia are located in Northern California....and our guide will make you want to go now!

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Visit San Francisco

Cool places in SF: Embarcadero heart sculpture

Local's Guide to Non-Touristy SF


Best View of Golden Gate Bridge: Welcome Center

How to Visit The Golden Gate Bridge (Full Guide)


Where to stay in San Francisco - Virgin hotel room

Where to Stay in SF


The Best of the Central Coast

Bixby Bridge Big Sur road trip. art deco bridge

How to Do Big Sur in a Day


17 mile drive Carmel California Cypress tree- carmel day trip

Carmel Getaway Guide


Cayucos beach and pier with surfers at sunset

Cayucos Getaway Guide


Explore Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay Scenic Lake Tahoe Drive lake and pine trees

13 Key Stops on the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive


Lake Tahoe in winter Emerald Bay. lake, snow and pines

Lake Tahoe Winter Fun Guide


South Lake Tahoe brewery - Sidellis. Beer pint

Lake Tahoe Brewery Guide


Peruse the Blog Roll for More Northern California Destinations

Hendy Woods State Park: Camping & Hiking Guide

Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Little Hendy Trail in Hendy Woods. Coast Redwoods in Mendocino county

This guide has everything you need to know for hiking and camping in Hendy Woods State Park. Enjoy forest bathing in the lovely Coast Redwoods of Mendocino County.

Why & How to Visit Vikingsholm Castle in Lake Tahoe

Last Modified: November 21, 2021 by Carol Guttery

Vikingsholm castle Lake Tahoe: granite exterior

Vikingsholm Castle in Lake Tahoe is a cool historic building perched right on Emerald Bay. This guide offers some history of the property and practical advice on how to visit.

San Francisco to the Redwoods Road Trip Guide + Key Stops

Last Modified: December 22, 2021 by Carol Guttery

San Francisco to Redwoods National Park road trip. giant coast redwood trees

Head from San Francisco to the Redwoods with this detailed road trip guide. Get from SF all the way to Redwoods National Park in 5 days and 13 amazing stops.

All 43 California Redwood Parks: Full Guide & Map

Last Modified: April 3, 2022 by Carol Guttery

California Redwood Parks: Humboldt State Parks. forest with light

Get inspired to visit California’s redwood parks. This guide lists ALL 43 redwood forests in California with park info, hiking ideas and a map.

The Closest Airport to Redwood National Park (It’s Complicated!)

Last Modified: March 18, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Pathway Avenue of the Giants male hiker

Figure out the best and closest airport to Redwood National Park to serve your upcoming trip. This thorough guide also offers rental car and trip planning suggestions.

16 Spectacular Things to do in Bishop, CA: Nature, History & More

Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Convict Lake view reflections

Hiking, history and mother nature await you with these spectacular things to do in Bishop, CA. Get a full guide with scenic drives, planning tips and lodging options.

The 10 Best Half Moon Bay Beaches

Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Best Beaches in Half Moon Bay: Cowell Ranch

Find the best Half Moon Bay beaches for you. This guide recommends beaches for: surfing, dogs, kids, beach strolls, tide pooling and more.

Your Scenic San Francisco to Death Valley Road Trip Itinerary

Last Modified: April 3, 2022 by Carol Guttery

San Franciso to Death Valley: Gower Gulch Hiker. desert landscape

Make the most of your San Francisco to Death Valley drive. This detailed itinerary has a routing loop with scenic stops and super useful trip planning tips.

Salt Point State Park: Hiking & Camping Guide

Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Salt Point State Park tafona sandstone coastline

This guide has everything you need to know for a visit to Salt Point State Park. Enjoy hiking, coastal views, historic sites on the Sonoma Coast.

Your San Francisco to Las Vegas Drive: 4 Routes With Scenic Stops

Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Carol Guttery

San Francisco to Las Vegas Drive Routes- city skylines

Make the most of your San Francisco to Las Vegas drive. Get 4 different scenic road trip routes with tips for key stops along the way.

20 Eyepopping Scenic Drives in California

Last Modified: May 3, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Volcanic Scenic Byway in California: Lassen National Park. highway and mountains

Get road trip inspiration with these 20 ideas for the best scenic drives in California. Find 10 multi-day and 10 day trip ideas covering Northern and Southern California.

The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Last Modified: March 23, 2022 by Carol Guttery

McWay falls in southern Big Sur

Hit the road with this detailed Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Los Angeles along America’s most scenic coastal route.

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Carol Guttery Welcome to California Crossings, your gateway to the Golden State. I'm Carol, your friendly travel buddy, here to help you plan an extraordinary California vacation. Visit the about page for more info and resources.

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