10 Best Attractions To Visit In Northern California
From alpine lakes to record-setting redwoods, dreamy beaches and architectural achievements, Northern California is filled with jaw-dropping attractions. It doesn't matter if you hug the Pacific Coast the whole time, or climb in and out of the Sierra and Cascade Mountains, the upper half of the Golden State shines bright at every turn. These ten attractions are not only some of the best in the land, but showcase California's exceptional blend of natural, historical, and recreational features.
Lake Tahoe
At more than 6,000 feet above sea level, the crown jewel of California's Sierra Nevada is not a single snow-capped peak, but rather, a massive blue epicenter whose clear waters reflect the surrounding mountain range. Known simply as dáʔaw, or the lake, by the indigenous Washo people, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America at 191 square miles and roughly 39 trillion gallons, the second-deepest in the U.S. behind Oregon's Crater Lake, and with a purity rating of 99.9 percent, it is one of the purest bodies of water anywhere in the world.
Shared between eastern California and western Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a summertime rallying point for anyone seeking a break from the heat courtesy of the high altitude, a refreshing swim, epic hiking trails, and a picturesque view. The fun doesn't stop with summer's end, for Tahoe is orbited by more than a dozen ski resorts, among them Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Donner Lake & Pass
Nearby Donner Lake and Pass unfurl the High Sierra's light and dark sides. Just west of the railroad and logging town of Truckee, stunning natural beauty meets tragic human history. The names commemorate George Donner, his family, and the party of 87 pioneers who pushed west through these mountains on the Emigrant Trail in 1846 to 1847 where nearly half of them perished after being stranded in the snow for months.
Much of the group hunkered down on the shore of what is now called Donner Lake, eventually resorting to cannibalism, while the fittest pushed up and over Donner Pass in search of help. Today, visitors are greeted by a dazzling alpine lake, but the monuments and interpretive displays of Donner Memorial State Park serve as a reminder of this region's troubled past. After soaking in the shoreline experience, you can drive or hike up Donner Pass, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of the forested lake below and the sprawling mountains in the distance.
Nevada City
Despite its tragedies, the California Gold Rush also brought prosperity to certain mountain towns. Case in point, Nevada City. With its oozing 19th-century Victorian look, this Gold Country downtown is a 16-acre National Register historic district with more than 70 contributing buildings.
The 1856 National Exchange Hotel, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels west of the Rockies, the 1865 Nevada Theatre, California's oldest existing theater building and a stage that has hosted legends like Mark Twain, and the 1861 Firehouse No. 1, now a compact history museum, all act as time capsules for this cinematic era.
Along with these classy accommodations and museums, Nevada City functions as a modern tourist town, with cafes, saloons, eclectic eateries, and shops of all sorts lining Broad Street and Commercial Street. Ultimately, Nevada City complements Northern California's uncontested natural attractions by preserving an essential part of its rich history.
Redwoods
Moving from the mountains to the coast, another of Northern California's towering attractions demands attention. Redwood National and State Parks is a single cooperative unit made up of Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Together their 133,000 acres protect 45 percent of California's remaining old-growth coast redwood forest — home to the world's tallest trees and a species that grows nowhere else. On top of its state and national park designations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has crowned this region a World Heritage Site as it forms part of the California Coast Ranges Biosphere Reserve.
Camp amongst these giants at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, hike between their trunks at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and wander the elk meadows and fern-lined canyons of Prairie Creek.
Roughly 60 miles south, beyond the official park boundaries, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is worth the detour for the Avenue of the Giants, a 32-mile drive threading groves that include the Founders Tree. Those with a fondness for heights, or young families in need of some extra entertainment, as if 300-foot redwoods weren't captivating enough, should check out the rope-bridge canopy trail at Trees of Mystery. Just look for the giant Paul Bunyan and blue ox statues right off the Redwood Highway (Highway 101) in Klamath.
Shelter Cove
Shelter Cove refers to the Lost Coast's hidden body of water, namesake community, and perhaps even a state of mind, where California's swaths of northern redwoods end, its King Range begins. A winding climb and steep decline is what separates Highway 101's itinerant motorists from the tranquil settlement of Shelter Cove, which sits on headlands above the Pacific. On its south side, Shelter Cove sports a tidal beach and boat launch.
Evening bonfires can be seen from the clifftop patio at Mario's Marina. Up on the north side, black sand beaches add mystique, especially when those northern California fogs descend. In between, seals congregate below the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, the tower itself was moved here from its namesake cape in 1998 and now stands in Mal Coombs Park, within earshot of the cozy Surf Point Coffee House.
Mount Shasta
Climbing back into the captivating mountains of Northern California, if there's one peak that deserves some attention it's Mount Shasta. At 14,179 feet, this composite volcano is the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range and the most voluminous composite volcano in the entire Cascade arc.
"When I first caught sight of it over the braided folds of the Sacramento Valley, I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary. Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since," said John Muir, California conservationist in a 1874 letter.
That's quite a pitch.
Located just outside of the Siskiyou County city by the same name, this often snow-dusted beauty sets the stage for hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing. It last erupted in 1786, and it has something of a mystical reputation amongst Native Americans, New Age hippies, lost continent hunters, and even UFO enthusiasts. But whether Mount Shasta shows you her paranormal side or simply her tried-and-true geological prowess, as per Muir, she is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Mendocino & Noyo Headlands
Speaking of Northern California's impressive headlands, the one-two punch of Mendocino Headlands State Park and Noyo Headlands Park is nothing short of eye-catching. The first set of pacific-facing cliffs surrounds the wholesome, highly-walkable village of Mendocino. Armed with nature trails, countless vistas, and wooden steps leading down to the literal overlooked Portuguese Beach, this community-centric state park is highly approachable by locals and tourists alike.
Shortly up the way, Fort Bragg enjoys its own beautiful headlands. Noyo Headlands Park, built on a former mill site, sits directly off the Shoreline Highway. Facing west, over the shimmering ocean, and you'll feel like Poseidon in a land before time. Speaking of time, visiting Noyo Headlands Park at sunset, when the last light of the day slips off the California coast and below the horizon is essential for any naturalist.
Stinson Beach
We've covered a few low-tide, hidden cove beaches thus far on our Northern California venture, but we've yet to stroll aimlessly along one of those quintessential infinite beaches. Far from the only lengthy stretch of soft sands along the North Coast, Stinson Beach stands out for its accessibly-isolated locale and timeless beach-town partnership. The three mile slice of paradise hugs the bend and sand spit of Bolinas Bay as it reaches over the Marin Headlands from San Francisco and Sausalito, or following an extended ride down the Shoreline Highway.
Upon arrival, you'll have a few surf-style lodgings, coffee shops, and one-off stores to choose from. Otherwise, just fan out and find your personal happy place for your stay. If you ever get bored, there are fantastic trails leading up the verdant slopes of Mount Tamalpais.
Napa Valley
Another leisure-based attraction immediately north of the San Francisco Bay Area is the famed Napa Valley. Stretching 30 miles from the town of Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north, and narrowing from about five miles wide to barely one, this revered wine region harbors more than 400 wineries, more than 95 percent of which are family-owned.
Shuttles are available to take grape enthusiasts, especially of the Cab-Sav variety, safely through the rolling scenic valley. When dinner rolls around, Napa Valley provides more than 150 restaurants, including several that are Michelin-starred, to choose from. Best of all, the valley's average daily temperature hovers around 72 degrees, with summer highs in the low 80s down in Napa and winter highs near 60. Add the long, dry, sunny stretch from spring through fall and Napa Valley becomes a four-season destination for hiking, hot air balloons, outdoor festivals, open-air spas, you name it.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the Golden State's most recognizable icon, and as it spans across the mouth of San Francisco Bay, it is the gateway to Northern California proper. Opened in 1937, the 1.7-mile suspension bridge, with towers rising 746 feet and a coat of International Orange paint, can be seen from many captivating angles within San Francisco's Presidio, but perhaps the best view of all comes from the Marin Headlands above Sausalito, atop the old gun batteries of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. From this high angle, the bridge, the boats passing beneath through the Golden Gate strait, Alcatraz Island (another of Northern California's top attractions), and San Francisco's unmistakable skyline all get a chance to shine.
Northern California's Top Attractions
It doesn't matter if you've come to Northern California to sip wine, sunbathe, forest bathe, or climb big mountains, you are in for a treat. These ten attractions show the diverse naturescape and the indulgent, inspiring, and informative human influences have, and continue to be, throughout this less-populated, less-explored portion of California.
