Top Ten Northern California Attractions

Emerald Bay State Park Lake Tahoe

One of the most visited areas of Lake Tahoe, and deservedly so. Emerald Bay has the only island on Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, which rises above the surface of Lake Tahoe by 150 feet. Emerald Bay state park offers visitors two piers, a beach, campgrounds,  a visitor center, and one of the most popular Northern California Attractions on this list.

Northern California Mendocino Coast

The Mendocino coast offers beautiful crashing waves, secluded beaches, and tide pools for exploring. Majestic redwood forests are all within easy driving distance of the towns of Mendocino. So pick a weekend, pack your car, head north on Highway One, and find yourself at Mendocino. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, restaurants, and rejuvenation, and it awaits you.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park Redding, California

Turtle Bay Exploration Park features botanical gardens, a zoo, the Turtle Bay Museum, and a Sun Dial Bridge over the Sacramento River. There is something here for every family member at this Northern California attraction. Even your four-legged friends are welcome in some Turtle Bay Exploration Park areas.

Natural Bridges California State Beach

Natural Bridges is a 65-acre California state park named for the naturally occurring mudstone bridges that line the Pacific Ocean. This beach is perfect for families, couples, and friend groups to go swimming, surfing, and hiking. Bring a picnic grill out, and sit on one of the many benches. Take in the scents of the sea and the surrounding eucalyptus trees while you bask in the sun’s rays.

Napa Valley Northern California Wine Country

Napa Valley is a great place to spend a day or have a romantic getaway. Visitors come worldwide to see the beautiful valley, taste the world-famous wines, enjoy fine dining, shop at the boutiques, and get pampered in the spas. Napa, located in the southern part of the valley, has a charming downtown filled with unique boutiques and plentiful dining options.

Sacramento River Delta

The Sacramento River Delta offers an endless list of things to do—boating, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing. The Sacramento Delta region is an excellent place for a road trip.  You may be so charmed that you will want to return for a weekend getaway.

Mammoth Lakes California

Mammoth Lakes is a year-round vacation paradise in the California Eastern High Sierra Mountains. In addition, to the town’s proximity to the stunning Yosemite National Park, the area surrounding Mammoth offers endless hiking, biking, fishing, and camping options for the outdoors enthusiast.

Big Sur California Highway One

Big Sur, California, is one of the most beautiful regions in Northern California. The drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a fantastic experience everyone should have at least once. Big Sur covers a 90-mile stretch of wilderness from the north at Carmel, by Monterey, to the south at Hearst Castle.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

About 20 miles north of Santa Cruz Big Basin, Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park, covering more than 18,000 acres. While the entire area in and around Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers numerous things to see and explore, its main attraction is its trail system which includes three main trails.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Winter, spring, summer, fall – any season is an excellent time to take a day trip to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The trees have been waiting for you for thousands of years. Calaveras Big Trees is about three hours away from South Lake Tahoe and San Francisco and two hours from Sacramento.

Tahoe City Lake Tahoe California

Mendocino Couty Day Trips