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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

The Best Ways to Get From San Francisco Airport to Downtown SF

Last Modified: January 5, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Figure out the best way to get from San Francisco airport to downtown SF. Learn how much it costs and pros and cons for each transportation option.

14 Outstanding Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints: See it from Every Angle

Last Modified: January 8, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Best View of Golden Gate Bridge: Welcome Center

Find ALL the best Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints. Learn where to go, how to get there and the best time of day for seeing the bridge from any angle.

Uniquely SF: 30 Unusual, & Cool Things to Do in San Francisco

Last Modified: April 22, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Cool places in SF: Embarcadero heart sculpture

This local’s guide to cool things to do in San Francisco has unusual, weird and counter culture experiences that show SF’s unique culture.

10 Top Things to Do on Angel Island State Park: Hiking, History and a Whole Lotta Views

Last Modified: January 6, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Angel Island State Park: view of Tiburon

Explore hiking and history with these popular things to do on Angel Island State Park. This guide includes top activities and practical island logistics.

The 14 Best Bookstores in San Francisco: Your Local Booknerd’s Guide

Last Modified: January 6, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Blackbird Books in San Francisco. Children's books on shelf

Find your new favorite SF book shop. Get this guide to 14 of the best indy San Francisco bookstores, recommended by a local and former bookseller

Where to Stay in San Francisco: Advice From a Local

Last Modified: April 3, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Where to stay in San Francisco - Virgin hotel room

Local’s guide for where to stay in San Francisco. Fit your budget and your vibe with this very thorough guide to hotels & AirBnB

San Francisco’s Mission District Murals: Explorer’s Guide & Map

Last Modified: April 22, 2022 by Carol Guttery

SF Mission Murals: Born in the Mission

Take the full tour of San Francisco’s Mission District Murals. This guide (with map) gives you history, context and lots of eye candy.

17 San Francisco Photography Spots: Locations, Galleries & Guide

Last Modified: April 22, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Goldsworthy lines in the Presidio San Francisco. Woman walking in the woods

Take epic shots with this guide to the best San Francisco photography spots. Find shooting locations, photography galleries and Instagram hashtags.

What to do in Santa Cruz for a Rad Weekend Getaway

Last Modified: January 6, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Natural Bridges Surfer Santa Cruz

Plan your perfect weekend getaway with these nine ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz. Find active adventures, chill time and great eats.

The 6 Best Things to Do in Guerneville on a Weekend Getaway

Last Modified: April 3, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Things to do in Russian River Valley Vineyard landscape

These top things to do in Guerneville California will give you a getaway full of activities, wine and eating guaranteed to chill you out.

Heed the Call of the Wild: Jack London in California

Last Modified: January 5, 2022 by Carol Guttery

Heinhold Saloon in Jack London Square Oakland

Heed the Call of the Wild and visit Jack London in California. His life and travels offer inspiration for the adventurous traveler

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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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