Summer in Northern California is all about keeping cool while enjoying that wonderful sunshine. We’re lucky to have access to so many fantastic beaches, swimming holes, and other refreshing outdoor spots for doing just that! We’ve been looking for the most tropical place in Northern California. Below are six destinations that look and feel like a Caribbean paradise – well, maybe except for the water temperature. Stay cool this summer and visit one of these refreshing places for a wonderful summer outing.

1. Meeks Bay, Lake Tahoe
Meeks Bay, CA 96150, USA
Flickr/the_tahoe_guy
We can't talk about vibrant blue waters and white sand beaches without talking about Lake Tahoe. This beautiful alpine lake is home to what seems to be an endless amount of beaches and coves that double as summer hot spots. Meeks Bay is an especially fantastic place to soak up some sunshine. Located two miles south of Tahoma, it's here that you'll find cabins, campsites, a restaurant, concessions, and of course, access to Lake Tahoe's cold waters! Judging from the beautiful scenery, and not the water temperature, Meeks Bay is one of the most tropical places in California.
2. Gray Whale Cove
Gray Whale Cove Trail, California 94019, USA
Brendan Lim/Flickr
Tucked away underneath the seclusion of the cliffsides, Gray Whale Cave is a sweet oasis in the town of Half Moon Bay. A steep trail leads you down to one of the best Northern California beaches where you'll be treated to pristine white sand and bright blue ocean waves. The cove's secluded nature means that you won't run into many crowds around here. It'll just be you and the sound of the ocean at this tropical paradise.
3. Partington Cove
Partington Cove Trail, California 93920, USA
Shelby Wilt/AllTrails
This little-known spot is located just two miles north of the incredibly popular and picturesque McWay Falls. Partington Cove is a hidden cove that you can find by following an easy hiking trail. The trail will lead you underneath magnificent redwoods before going through a 60-foot-long tunnel and arriving at this hidden gem. This cove is simply stunning with its turquoise waters and serene atmosphere that make it one of the most tropical places in California. There's even a little wooden beach where you can sit and soak up the view!

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4. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
Hole In The Wall Beach, CA-1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
yhelfman via Getty Images
Here's another coastal spot that belongs on your summer bucket list! Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is one of the most unique Northern California beaches. Located between the towns of Santa Cruz and Davenport, this hidden beach can only be accessed by walking through a small rock arch at low tide. Swimming is not recommended at this beach due to the dangerous conditions, but it's still a great spot to seek out and explore while enjoying the ocean breeze.
5. Granite Bay, Folsom Lake
Granite Bay, California, USA
Jarrod W.C. Lamar/Google
Ocean beaches are great and all, but sometimes you're more in the mood to visit one of California's fantastic lakes. Granite Bay at Folsom Lake is a popular summer destination for its crystal clear waters and scenic setting. A marked swimming area with a lifeguard station is open to the public during the summer months. Pack a picnic, your beach towels, and plan a day at Granite Bay! You can't go wrong with this wonderful lakefront beach. it's one of the most tropical places in California.
6. College Cove
College Cove, California 95570, USA
John C/Google
Located near Trinidad is another hidden cove that you need to seek out. College Cove takes some effort to find and it does require a steep descent down to it. However, the serene setting makes your effort definitely worthwhile. Surrounded by towering cliffs, you'll feel as if you've fallen into your own private Caribbean oasis at College Cove! The area is also known for its wildlife sightings, so keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and whales. Are you ready to plan a beach day to this most tropical place in Northern California?

Are you ready to discover the most tropical place in Northern California? How many of these Caribbean paradises have you visited? What’s your favorite way to keep cool in the outdoors during summer? Feel free to sound off in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Most Tropical Place In Northern California

Libby Monson | May 23, 2022

Where can I find beautiful blue water in Northern California?

Something is mesmerizing about beautiful blue water, but you don't have to be at the most tropical place in Northern California to spend the day relaxing at the edge of a stunning blue lagoon. Lagoon Valley Park is just outside Vacaville. The lagoon is set among emerald green hills making the blue water even more striking. Here you'll find the perfect spot to paddleboard or kayak while taking in the scenery. There is an easy two-mile loop that goes around the lagoon if you feel like stretching your legs or bring your mountain bike and enjoy the many trails. Of course, you'll want to remember this beautiful Northern California spot, so don't forget your camera!

Where can I find a secluded white sand beach in Northern California?

Near McKinleyville, off Redwood Highway 101, you'll find Clam Beach with a long sandy shoreline. Spend the day playing in the pristine white sand and digging up the razor clams this beach is named for. Bring a kite and take advantage of the ocean breeze or bring your wetsuit and surf the cold winter waves. You are sure to notice the solitude at this beach. Unlike other Northern California beaches, Clam Beach doesn't get too many visitors, and with all the beautiful white sand to stretch out on, you are sure to have plenty of space to yourself.

Are there any tropical hikes in Northern California?

It's true that Northern California doesn't enjoy tropical weather, but during a hike through Fern Canyon, you'll feel like you are in the most tropical place in Northern California. This emerald green canyon is covered in ferns. In addition, the stream that runs through the canyon is home to salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians. As you continue down the trail, the canyon gets more narrow, and you start to feel like you are in another world. Water shoes are recommended for this fun tropical adventure.

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