8 Best Northern California Towns For A Weekend Trip
Friday has finally arrived, and that means it's time to slip off on an adventure. If you're lucky enough to reside in Northern California (or are within respectable driving distance) then you have your choice of the sweeping Pacific coastline, clusters of restorative redwood groves, or the domineering peaks and corresponding alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada. Regardless of your preferred playground, we've compiled a list of captivating small towns that will refresh your spirit after a successful nine-to-five grind and make you forget all about Monday for a few blissful days. These are eight of the best Northern California towns for a weekend trip.
Sausalito
Taking San Francisco as our dividing line, we can, nay, must begin our journey in Sausalito. The incomparable Golden Gate Bridge funnels northbound motorists (and cyclists) into this upscale waterfront city, beginning with its colorful homes on the slopes of the Marin Headlands, followed shortly thereafter by the inviting Sausalito Boardwalk. This is where you'll want to switch to walking. But don't worry, parking in Sausalito is surprisingly plentiful. There are even some free lots placed a little further off the main drag.
If the sun is shining, take in the views of the Golden City, Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay/Richardson Bay as a whole. But should the recurring fog descend, you can turn your attention to the to the delights of Sausalito's commercial strip (i.e. Bridgeway) and series of moody marinas. Those looking for an adventure in the hills, a stroll through a redwood grove, or a more isolated beach experience can trend eastward to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, and Muir Beach, respectively. In terms of accommodations, Sausalito tailors to the boutique bayside crowd (i.e. The Inn Above Tide), but also has a few (somewhat) reasonably priced hotels, such as Hotel Sausalito & Suites.
Point Reyes Station
Another of Marin County's coastal(ish) stars is that of Point Reyes Station. This little Highway-1 town is a perfect place to pass an afternoon (thanks to its reduced-speed, shop-lined main street), but also offers next-day side-trips for nature-lovers looking to get off of the well-trodden California paths. Point Reyes Station's commercial stretch looks like a mix between the Old West and a hipster enclave. In terms of the former, you might pop into the Old Western Saloon for three fingers of whiskey, or scoot across the street to Toby's Cafe for a little caffeine pick-me-up beneath a white picket balcony. As for the latter vibe, continue further down the road to Black Mountain Cycles or Point Reyes Surf Shop, or backtrack and leaf through the well-stocked wooden shelves at Point Reyes Books.
This enigmatic town also serves as basecamp for Point Reyes Station National Seashore. With white-capped waves crashing on wild beaches beneath pasture-topped cliffs, this federally-protected shoreline looks spliced right out of Ireland or Wales. And with ample hiking, paddling, and even horseback riding opportunities, energetic visitors will quickly bemoan Sunday's sunset. In which case, perhaps a "sick" day is in order. I'm sure you'll be able to extend your stay at one of the many cottages and lodges that line Tomales Bay.
Mendocino
Continuing north along the Shoreline Highway, we arrive at what has to be Northern California's most charming coastal town. Mendocino is a well-kept, timeless community perched atop a small Pacific outcrop. The grassy trails and rocky lookouts of Mendocino Headlands State Park explore the top of the cliffs, while Portuguese Beach and Big River Beach (where you might spot some sunset surfers) hug the lower reaches (there are stairs/footpaths leading down).
History buffs will appreciate the Ford House Museum and adjacent Kelly House Museum but also the anachronistic wooden water towers that dot the town. Coffee connoisseurs will feel right at home at Wingspan Coffee (with its backyard seating area), and The Waiting Room (with its cabin-like feel, complete with a wood burning stove). And in terms of shopping, Mendocino is all about the mom and pop establishments. For example, along Main Street, you'll find a homemade jam shop, a family-owned winery, a book store, two-room outdoor gear dealer and more.
As for accommodations, Mendocino specializes in B&Bs and one-off luxurious lodges. With that said, Main Street was very van-life friendly, and many additional inns, cottages, and hotels can be found in the first few miles heading in either direction on the highway.
Shelter Cove
The hidden gem of this list goes to Shelter Cove, located along the aptly-named Lost Coast. Given the grunt to get here, you wouldn't want to spend less than a weekend. In fact, after my rickety campervan overheated on the way up the King Range, and then burned through its break pads on the way down, I ended up extending my stay at the Shelter Cove RV Campground to make the juice worth the squeeze. I recommend this open-air facility if you're in the camping mood, but if you'd prefer a proper roof over your head, then the Black Sands Inn and Shelter Cove Oceanfront Inn are just on the other side of the little 9-hole golf course (which also doubles as a prop-plane landing strip).
Wherever you choose to base out of, you'll be within easy walking distance of Shelter Cove's attractions. To the southeast, you have the crescent-shaped Cove Beach (great for low-tide walks and bonfires), and Mario's Marina Bar (with its thoughtful menu, cliffside patio, and evening entertainment). To the northwest, you'll discover Black Sands Beach and Little Black Sands Beach, which look exactly as you'd expect but even cooler when those Pacific waves kick into high gear. And in between, you can check out Gyppo Ale Mill, with its craft brews, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and live music.
Ferndale
Speaking of the Lost Coast, this Victorian fantasy village splits the difference between the isolated Pacific stretch and the upcoming redwood forests (stay tuned). With that said, upon entering Ferndale's Main Street Historic District, you'll be tempted to stay put for the entire weekend. The entirety of downtown Ferndale is enshrined on the National Register of Historic Places, but the Painted Ladies, ornate churches and the opulent mansions of the early dairy farmers (aka "Butterfat Palaces") are particular standouts. Shrinking the scope from sizable structures down to the street level experience, Ferdale's storefronts instill a Norman Rockwell nostalgia. There are anachronistic cafes, home goods mercantiles, artsy outlets, and even a Blacksmith Shop to cement the timeless spell.
The eye-catching and aptly-named Victorian Inn awaits at the end of Main Street, for anyone looking to immerse deeper still into the 19th-century architecture. Or, for the boutique sleeping experience, the Gingerbread Mansion Inn allows patrons to peak inside one of the aforementioned Butterfat Palaces. And if you're there for a few nights, perhaps you'll be able to catch a concert at the Old Steeple - a 225-seat performance venue housed within the old Methodist Church that's just a block from both of these accommodations.
Crescent City
Crescent City caps the coastal leg of our journey. It is a quirky community worth seeing as a standalone, but also an ideal basecamp for the nearby Oregon-esque dunes and California coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) - some of the biggest and oldest trees on the planet. Let's begin with an overview of the town. Crescent City follows the contours of Crescent Harbor. Start with a stroll out to the tip of the lengthy west pier. En route, pause to appreciate the historic Battery Point Lighthouse, and if the tide is low, walk out to this restored museum from Battery Point Beach. Then, cutting across the generous Beachfront Park, you may wish to indulge in a pint or casual plate at SeaQuake Brewing. If you're traveling with family, then the Ocean World aquarium or sprawling Crescent Beach might be more your speed.
North of town, the grass-covered hills and wild beaches of Tolowa Dunes State Park await, as does the campground and scenic thoroughfare of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - the northernmost unit of Redwoods National and State Parks. Roughly equidistant to the south of Crescent City, strong hikers will love the trails of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, while cars full of kiddos might prefer exploring the impressive canopy via suspension bridges and chairlifts at the Trees of Mystery amusement park.
Truckee
Now that we've thoroughly explored Coastal California, let's turn inland and climb into the famed Sierra Nevada range. The high-altitude town of Truckee might sound unassuming, but upon closer inspection, it is as engaging as it is historic. Rolling in on Donner Pass Road, one is first absorbed by the authentic Western facades of this old logging and railroad-turned tourist town. These muted-brick and weathered-wood structures host numerous art galleries, woodworking, glassware, and sculpture studios, and a surprising range of clothing boutiques. Then, in its immediate vicinity, Truckee transforms into an outdoor recreation hub, particularly when winter descends. Thanks to some of the highest levels of snow in the country, and not one, not two, but eight ski resorts to choose from, this section of the High Sierra is a dream come true for skiers and snowboarders.
Long before Truckee was a ski-town, a California Cultural District, or even an early frontier settlement, much of the infamous Donner Party met their demise on the shore of what is now Donner Lake, on the west side of town. To learn more about the fate of this brave band of pioneers, be sure to visit Donner Memorial State Park, including the Donner Memorial State Museum. Morbid history aside, this alpine lake is also a beloved summer spot - great for swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Tahoe City
And on the note of attractive mountain lakes, we would be remiss if we didn't end a mere 15 miles away, on the shore of Lake Tahoe - the largest alpine lake on the continent, and also one of the deepest and most voluminous lakes of any sort in the United States (not to mention, one of its most iconic). There are a number of small towns speckling the lengthy, interstate shoreline, but Tahoe City has a few distinct advantages for weekend wanderers. For starters, it is right next to all of the same ski resorts as Truckee, with Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort being mere minutes away (though cross-country skiers and mountain bikers have the quickest access of all, thanks to the publicly-managed Tahoe XC trail system). Tahoe City also has a bit of a beach scene (whether that means snagging a spot on the sandy Commons Beach, or the corresponding park grass (equally good for swimming and sun bathing), and, of course, it is something of a boating and paddling mecca during the summer's peak.
Though not shy about its outdoor recreation prowess, Tahoe City does also have a laid back side. Art enthusiasts would do well to join a workshop at North Tahoe Arts, shopaholics will get a kick out of the gift and gear shops along Lake Boulevard, and regardless if you're dining casually or romantically, waterfront views are likely to be on the menu. There are lots of accommodations around the ski resorts, but for something cozy right in the heart of town, try Mother's Nature Inn.
Until Next Weekend
Does your ideal reset involve rest and relaxation or high-octane adventure? Or perhaps you share my get after it and then indulge M.O. In either case, these Northern California towns, with their immense natural playgrounds and satiating social districts can entertain any type of weekend fun. And best of all, if you hit the beach this time around, the mountains will still be there next weekend.
