Northern California Hidden Gems For Your Bucket List

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Explore the hidden gems of Northern California for your bucket list. You can discover secluded beaches, charming small towns, mysterious lore, culinary adventures, natural wonders, and more. Northern California offers the best and most unique places to visit, so you can experience all the beauty and adventure this region offers. How many of these hidden gems have you seen?

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China Camp State Park: Fascinating History

China Camp State Park boasts a rich history dating back to the indigenous Miwok people who lived there for thousands of years. Unfortunately, with the arrival of Europeans, the Miwok population began to decline. By the 1870s, Chinese fishermen settled in the area and built a small village.

The park offers a variety of activities for all interests, including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and camping. History enthusiasts can explore the historic China Camp Village, while birdwatchers can observe more than 100 different species of birds.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy: Gourmet Goat Cheese

Harley Farms produces four types of fresh goat milk cheese. You can visit the farm’s store to try the cheese samples and buy mini, medium, or large cheese rounds. While you’re there, you can also see the goats and llamas in the main corral. If you’re interested in a more detailed tour of the farm, be sure to make a reservation. Harley Farms is located in Pescadero, CA.

Locke Historic District Walnut Grove, California

Locke was founded in 1915 and has all the standard amenities such as homes, schools, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, a fish market, hotels, a brothel, a gambling hall, and even a theater. Surprisingly, some of these establishments are still in operation today. It’s worth noting that in August 1970, Locke was added to the National Registry of Historic Places because it holds the distinction of being the only town in the United States built by the Chinese.

Ferndale, California: A Victorian Wonderland

Discover the charm of Ferndale, California, a well-preserved and beautiful historic city. The town is an officially designated California landmark, boasting brightly painted Victorian homes, a landmark hillside cemetery, and a picturesque main street. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a traveler looking for a beautiful day trip destination, Ferndale is the perfect place to visit. Despite its small size, with just over 1300 residents, this quaint California gem has a lot to see, do, and taste.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: The Oldest Trees in The World

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet and is quite secluded. It offers a great view of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest trees have been around for thousands of years. The oldest living thing in the world – the Methuselah Tree – is nearly 5,000 years old. The unique beauty of these trees is a favorite among photographers and painters, and hikers and campers also love visiting this spot.

Pinnacles National Park Stunning Peaks and Valleys

Pinnacles National Park is the newest national park in the United States. It is best visited during the spring and fall seasons due to the abundance of wildflowers and the extreme heat during the summer months. The park is divided into two entrances, east and west, by its unique rock formations. Both entrances are connected by a trail system that provides access to the park’s many caves and peaks.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park See The Sun Dial bridge

Turtle Bay Exploration Park boasts beautiful gardens that serve as an excellent setting for weddings, parties, and other special events. The Arboretum stretches across 200 acres and seamlessly connects with the renowned Sacramento River Trail at multiple points. The Sun Dial bridge, designed by the world-famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, serves as a link between the park’s northern and southern sides.

Safari West African Wildlife Tours Santa Rosa, California

At Safari West African Wildlife Tours, guests can enjoy a three-hour guided tour. You’ll ride on a Safari truck and explore the rugged terrain of the preserve. This is a safe way to experience an African safari without the risk of encountering wild animals. Your experienced guide will make sure that you have a memorable and enjoyable trip.

Bryan Preserve Mendocino County Hidden Gem

Bryan Preserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in Point Arena, Southern Mendocino County. It is home to two species of zebras and several antelope species. With over 60 zebras and antelopes on the preserve, they also prepare to bring giraffes. Interestingly, the preserve is open to the public for daily tours, which most people are unaware of.

Old Faithful Geyser of California Napa Valley Hidden Gem

Visiting Old Faithful Geyser is a must when traveling with kids in Napa Valley. The geyser erupts every thirty minutes, sending a scorching steam stream up to 75 feet high. You can also see a group of fainting goats along with the geyser. These goats are known to faint when they are startled. However, due to the frequent presence of visitors, the goats have become accustomed to noise and are less likely to get scared.

South Yuba River State Park California Gold Country

The beautiful park spans almost 20 miles, from Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park to the banks of the Yuba River. It offers visitors the opportunity to swim, hike, and explore trails that lead to historic mining sites. In addition, visitors can enjoy panning for gold and viewing beautiful wildflowers during the spring season.

Guerneville Kayak The Russian River

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities to enjoy. You can hike in the breathtaking Armstrong Redwood State Reserve or kayak down the Russian River as it winds through the valley. One of the summer highlights is the annual Stumptown Daze Parade and Barbeque. This event unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season in this section of the Russian River.

Laws Railroad Museum Bishop Step Back in Time

Located in the Owens Valley, the Laws Museum and historical site is dedicated to preserving the town’s rich railroad history. The original depot, along with numerous other historical buildings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore over 20 buildings and view mining and farming equipment, in addition to the railroad artifacts.

Manzanar National Historic Site Owens Valley

If you’re interested in Mid-century California history, Manzanar National Historic Site is worth visiting. Manzanar was one of ten internment camps that were spread throughout the western United States. During your stay, you’ll be able to see the camp’s overall size and view an extensive collection of images, artifacts, and exhibits.

Alabama Hills Owens Valley Rock Formations and Arches

The Alabama Hills are a stunning natural wonder located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Owens Valley. The area is famous for its unique rock formations and arches, which are made of sunburnt granite. The hills were named after prospectors who lived and worked in the area during the Civil War. They called the hills after the Confederate warship CSS Alabama, which had won several battles.

Forestiere Underground Hidden Gardens

Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant born in 1879, arrived in America in the early 1900s to plant a citrus orchard. However, he soon discovered the unbearable summer heat of the San Joaquin Valley. He spent the next 40 years digging out an underground home in the hardpack and clay to stay cool, creating his subterranean oasis.

Silver City Ghost Town Lake Isabella Kern County

Silver City, located in Bodfish, Kern County, is a historic town that boasts more than 20 buildings housing an array of treasures from mining camps and other frontier settlements. Situated just a few miles away from Lake Isabella, the town is famously known as Silver City Ghost Town.

Winters California

This cozy little town is a perfect day trip destination from Sacramento or the Bay Area. Many visitors travel in winter to visit the local wineries. Winters is an up-and-coming wine country, not as famous as its Napa neighbor, but connoisseurs will love the range of varietals grown in the valleys of Yolo County.

Benicia California

Benicia has a long and fascinating past and has, over the years, played an essential role in California’s history. For a short period in the mid-19th century, the town became the state’s capital. In 1853, the original capitol building was erected in the historical landmark and tourist attraction of Benicia Capitol State Historic Park.

San Juan Bautista Historic Park

There are four leading historical museums in the park. There is the Plaza Hotel, Zannetta House, The Plaza Stables, and the Castro-Breen Adobe. Additionally, you can see the historic jail, a blacksmith shop, and an early American settler’s cabin. Adjacent to the State Park is the actual San Juan Bautista Mission.

Huntington Lake

At an elevation of 6,955 feet, Huntington Lake is a beautiful hidden mountain getaway. The best time to visit is spring or summer, like the winter, although beautiful, can be brutal. Huntington Lake is perfect for those who want an unspoiled and beautiful setting to camp or rent a cabin. Connect with nature—80 miles northeast of Fresno.

Historic Truckee California

The downtown district is Truckee’s heart and soul, with its unique restaurants and shops in authentic historic buildings. Once the industrial center of a gritty railroad town, today downtown is an epicenter of activity, where visitors can browse dozens of independently owned and operated shops and dine in delectable eateries.

Hilmar Cheese Company

Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center is a fun place to stop while traveling through California’s Central Valley. Cheese samples, self-guided tours, sandwiches, and cheese products are available at the center.

Empire Mine State Historic Park

An 853-acre state historic park hidden in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, preserved since 1975 and frozen in time for visitors to see and explore. Inside the park are a visitor center and many of the mine’s original buildings, including the restored gardens and historic home of former mine owner — William Bourn, Jr.

Keough’s Hot Springs Resort

Three hot springs feed the large swimming pool and a smaller one at Keough’s Hot Springs Resort. Over one million gallons a day of hot 127-degree mineral water (cooled to about 90 degrees for the pool) flows through the resort.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Despite its menacing past, however, Lassen Peak remains one of the most accessible volcanoes in the Cascades. The peak is the world’s giant plug dome volcano and the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range.

Lava Beds National Monument

One of the significant draws of Lava Beds is the opportunity to explore dozens of developed caves. These caves are the remnants of streams of underground lava that push through the subsurface. After the lava exited, it left behind long tube-like caves. Lava Beds National Monument has the largest concentration of lava tubes in the United States.

Amador Flower Farm

Amador Flower Farm has endless gardens full of daylilies, a nice picnic area next to a small lake, and a wonderful little gift shop. With nearly 1,000 floral varieties scattered over 13 walkable acres, visitors can “stop and smell the daylilies.”

Salt Point State Park

There are trails for hikers and those on horseback, and an underwater reserve awaits divers ready to take the plunge off this exceptional stretch of Sonoma Coast. More than 20 miles of walking trails wind through the park’s inland areas, and mountain biking is permitted on fire roads and paved areas.

Walt Disney Museum San Francisco

The museum lets visitors explore the artist’s artistic, technological, and societal accomplishments who founded the Walt Disney Empire, Walt Disney. You will get a chance to understand and assess all aspects of Walt Disney’s work and the history of the man himself.

Southern California Hidden Gems