13 Incredible Trips In Northern California That Will Change Your Life
By Jill S.|Updated on August 20, 2021(Originally published August 14, 2021)
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Jill S.
Author
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
Let’s face it, we are lucky to live in one of the most amazing destinations in the world. There is just so much to do in Northern California! We know it, and now the rest of the world is starting to as well. Here’s a list of life-changing experiences that you can have right here in NorCal. Give them each a shot and report back! We can’t wait to hear about how much you loved these places. These are our picks for the best day trips in Northern California:
The Railroad Park Resort has been reliving the glory days of trains since 1968. It was founded by Bill and Delberta Murphy, who describe themselves as "local descendants of pioneering railroaders." In addition to logging and mining, California’s history was also shaped by the railroads that made this part of the world much more easily accessible to the rest of the country. In addition to restored vintage trains, this spot also features a campground, RV hookups, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
The McArthur-Burney Falls State Park is an amazing place to camp and view an incredible waterfall, located just a short hike from where you’ll set up home for the night. Teddy Roosevelt once called the McArthur-Burney Falls the "eighth wonder of the world." You’ll have to come camp and hike here for yourself to discover why! The highlight of the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is Burney Falls, a majestic 129 foot waterfall.
When was the last time you took the train out of the city and into the countryside for a fun afternoon or evening? For most of us, the answer is probably never! Luckily, Northern California offers several day trips on trains that are sure to delight you. This region stays true to its locomotive steam engine roots, so get out there and take advantage of the really amazing experience that these train rides offer. The world famous skunk train is one of the longer day trips in Northern California, running 40 from Fort Bragg along the coast to Willits. You’ll cross about 30 bridges and trestles as well as go through two mountain tunnels on this route. The train got it’s name from the original gas engines that were smelled long before you would see one coming around the bend. It was originally built as a logging train and much of the scenery you’ll see on your ride is the same as when the lumberjacks passed through this area. It offers dinners, overnight excursions and can be chartered for weddings and private events. Book your train ride by calling 866.457.5865 or visiting www.sierrarailroad.com.
Located along the dramatic coastline of Northern California, the Point Reyes National Seashore is home to some of the most beautiful cliffs and beaches along the West Coast. This area is also the site of an amazing tunnel of cypress trees that you will have to see to believe. The magnificent tunnel of trees is beautiful and evokes a good deal of prestige. Not only is it cool to look at, but this area is also historically very significant.
The abandoned train tunnels at Donner Summit are hands down one of the coolest places to explore. History, nature, and modern evidence of human visitors are all rolled into one here. The tunnels are located toward the top of Old Highway 40 above Donner Lake near Truckee. They are almost 1,700 ft long, and were completed in 1867. Built primarily by Chinese immigrant workers in the 1800s, this was the first railroad line to traverse the Sierra Nevada. A new route through this area was built in 1993, and since then, the route was abandoned and hikers have been exploring this area.
There are so many people who know and love Lassen Volcanic National Park here in Northern California that it is hard to call it underrated, but if you compare it to the much more popular parks in this state, like Yosemite and Death Valley, you’ll be amazed at the relative lack of crowds. The dramatic landscape and volcanic activity are just as beautiful, but also less crowded, than the overwhelming busy Yellowstone, and it’s located right here in our state!
The park is home to active volcanoes and hot springs that are available to see year-round. It's great for avid hikers, with more than 150 miles of trails.
If you spent your childhood scaling the treetops and love the idea of viewing the Northern California Redwoods from a birds’ eye view, then you absolutely need to take a ride on the Trees of Mystery Sky Trail. It’s a magical gondola ride that lets you soar high above the tree tops in the Redwood State and National Parks. The SkyTrail is a nearly 1/3 mile journey through the forest tree tops. There's nowhere else in the Redwoods, or the world, where you will get such an amazing up close and personal view of these majestic trees.
There’s something magical about hiking in a place like Fern Canyon. Steep walls surround you on all sides and the lush flora and towering Redwoods make you feel like you are in another world. This easy, quick hike is a beautiful spot to get outside and relax. Contemplate your life and just breathe in the misty rain forest air as you relax in this one of a kind forest. It's easy to see how Fern Canyon got its name. The steep walls are covered with at least five different species of this amazingly green plant.
Nestled in the foothills between Lake Tahoe and the Central Valley, there is a delightful small town called Nevada City. It’s got plenty of rural charm and a surprising amount of sophistication for such a small community. If you are drawn to the artsy, creative culture of large cities but crave the countryside’s charisma and slower pace of life, then Nevada City is the place for you. Take a stroll through the heart of Nevada City and be dazzled by its small town charisma. Old buildings from the 1800s will remind you of a wild west town and the mid century design of town hall hearkens back to a slower, simpler time.
There are some pretty spectacular sights here in Northern California, but there is nothing quite like the Lava Beds National Monument. Located near Tulelake, California, Lava Beds has amazing natural lava tubes as well as unique history like no where else in the world. The Lava Beds National Monument is located in Siskiyou and Modoc counties in the far northeast corner of California. Below the earth's surface are numerous lava tube caves. 25 of these are marked for public access and exploration. The caves are a huge draw for visitors to the national monument. Pictured here is the Crystal Ice Cave, which is only open for the public on ranger led tours.
Did you know that there is an old stretch of Highway 1 that is now only open to pedestrians and cyclists? It’s called the Devil’s Slide Trail and is located in San Mateo County between Pacifica and Montara. If you are a fan of the Pacific Coast Highway (aren’t we all in Northern California?), then you absolutely have to check out this one of a kind trail! There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the states. The trail was once part of a stretch of California State Route 1 that was famous for closures thanks to rock slides and other perils. In 2013, the Tom Lantos Tunnels were opened to provide a safer route through this steep terrain. Because this stretch of highway was so spectacularly beautiful, however, San Mateo County railed to keep it something to be enjoyed by the public.
Have you ever wanted to go on a safari and see exotic animals up close, but have never traveled to Africa to actually see this dream come true? Luckily for us here in Northern California, your wildest dreams can come true just a short drive away in Monterey County. At Vision Quest Ranch in Monterey County, these majestic animals will walk right up to your front door and say good morning.
Natural Bridges in Calaveras County is an amazing and relatively unknown swimming hole that will blow your mind with how cool it is. The caves are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but in order to fully appreciate their beauty, you should at least dip your toes in! The limestone caverns were carved by the steady flow of Coyote Creek. The cave gets darker and the water gets deeper the further you go in, so be reasonable about your swimming abilities. Some people are afraid of dark water, but there's nothing here that will harm you besides maybe a few sharp edges on the rocks. We suggest wearing old tennies or other water shoes to protect your feet as you wade in.
Okay, we are pretty curious about what you think of these unique destinations. They will probably make you see the world with new eyes, so schedule that adventure today! What are your favorite day trips in Northern California? Tell us all about them in the comments.
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What should I add to my Northern California bucket list?
There are literally hundreds of things one could conceivably put on a bucket list in Southern California; it’s a beautiful place with tons to do. You could climb Half Dome, for instance, inside Yosemite National Park. Heck, just add Yosemite to that bucket list, too, because you have to see it to believe it. There’s a petrified forest in Calistoga, which has some of the most intriguing geology in the region. And, did you know that NorCal is home to something often referred to as the “eighth wonder” of the world? It’s true! Visit McArthur-Burney Falls to see why – it becomes pretty clear once you see it. Of course, no journey to Northern California would be complete without checking out one (or two, or fifteen) of NorCal’s most amazing wineries.
What are some must-visit places in Northern California?
That’s an easy one: the great redwoods are calling your name. If you’ve never seen a tree so enormous you could drive through one without felling it, you need to. Sequoia National Park is home to a redwood forest, where you can wander through trees known to be more than 275 feet tall. Of course, there’s also famous attractions like San Fransisco and the Golden Gate Bridge – as well as Alcatraz Island, for the brave. For more of our favorite must-visit places in Northern California, check this article out. If you’re a fan of beautiful places and beautiful towns, Carmel by the Sea is well worth a visit. The homes look like something out of a fairy tale, and the beach is beyond breathtaking.
What are the best day trips in Northern California to do?
NorCal is full of places that are as interesting as they are beautiful, like Napa Valley, for instance. You could easily spend an entire day at your winery of choice or bouncing from one to the next. Either way, you’re in for a delicious time! Another place you could easily spend an entire day at is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the most famous aquariums in the world. Big Sur is another amazing one, especially for the nature lovers among us, and you can’t go wrong with a road trip to see several of NorCal’s amazing waterfalls all in one day.
