12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Northern California This Year
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Kate Freeman
Author
Think you’ve seen and done it all in Northern California? We bet there are still some hidden gems in Northern California you haven’t explored! Even when you’ve driven by a place or visited it without researching it first, there might be sights you miss out on. That’s where we come in! We did all the research and visited many places to report back and tell you what you should put on your must-see list of hidden gems in Northern California for this year.
1. January - Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
The scenery doesn’t stop at the incredible ocean views and green meadows. This 71,000-acre preserve has a reserve of tule elk that roam the preserve and can be seen from the hiking trails that are parallel to the ocean. On the drive to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, you’ll see stunning ocean-front bucolic farmland. Some of this land is privately owned by dairy farmers, so it’s likely you’ll spot cows grazing in the meadows. And don’t forget to check out the picturesque Cypress Tree Tunnel.
Get an aerial view of this hidden gem in Northern California:
Get an aerial view of this hidden gem in Northern California:
2. February - Amador County
Amador County, CA, USA
Amador County is known for several things– quaint Gold Rush towns and great wine tasting. Amador County is south of Sacramento. It includes the towns of Amador City, Sutter Creek, and Jackson. These are not only great places to go antiquing but also have many top-notch restaurants and boutiques. Travel with a small group and you can book a limo wine tour for a reasonable price.
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3. March - Arcata
Arcata, CA, USA
This out-of-the-way Northern California college town has a quirky flair that makes it stand out against neighboring coastal towns. It’s on the north side of Arcata Bay and next to some beautiful long beaches. Like many college towns, there is no shortage of coffee shops and affordable dining establishments. The highlight of Arcata is the historical town center called Arcata Plaza. The plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and is where the Saturday farmers market takes place.
Get a closer look at the whimsical farmers market in Arcata:
Get a closer look at the whimsical farmers market in Arcata:
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4. April - Trinidad
Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
The ocean view from this sleepy Northern California town is out of this world. Known for its 10 public beaches and deep blue water, Trinidad is the perfect place to have a beach day. Located just north of Arcata, Trinidad is a hub for commercial fishing and has some great places to buy fresh and cooked seafood.
5. May - Downieville
Downieville, CA 95936, USA
Downieville is a beautiful town located on the north fork of the Yuba River, and one of our favorite hidden gems in Northern California. This small Sierra Nevada town is well-known to mountain bikers for its picturesque trails. Bikers flock to the area to try the Downieville Downhill, a 15-mile route that covers a lot of varied terrain. Enjoy the quaint Gold Rush town that hosts many events throughout the year.
6. June - Locke
Locke, Walnut Grove, CA 95690, USA
This California Delta town was once a bustling settlement for Chinese immigrants more than a century ago. Located on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the historic district of this town is a National Historic Landmark. Learn about the town’s history at the local museum and visit the shops that occupy some of the old buildings.
Come along on a walk through Locke:
Come along on a walk through Locke:
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7. July - Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor, California, USA
Lake Almanor is a fan favorite! This beautiful mountain lake is a low-key lake vacation compared to Lake Tahoe or Shasta Lake. When the weather is hot the lake is a comfortable 75 degrees on the surface, making it a perfect place to cool off and do all sorts of water sports.
8. August - Redwoods National and State Parks
Redwoods National and State Parks-Crescent City Information Center, 1111 2nd St, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
This string of redwood forests spanning up Northern California is home to the tallest trees in the world. The location is not too far from the Pacific coast, making the misty woods look and feel even more magical. Take a road trip up Highway 101 and stop to see some of the many breathtakingly beautiful forests along the way.
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9. September - McCloud River Falls
McCloud River Falls Trailhead, McCloud, CA 96057, USA
The absolutely stunning McCloud Middle Falls can be reached after a short hike. To be fair, all of the McCloud Falls are worth seeing– the upper, middle, and lower. The middle falls are the grandest, though. See all on the McCloud Waterfalls Trail, which is about 4 miles and is open year-round. This green area of Northern California is away from many touristy areas and is full of beautiful scenery. Stay in the town of McCloud or the nearby Mount Shasta, where there are a lot of affordable hotels within walking distance of quaint downtowns.
10. October - Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park, California 95043, USA
An overlooked hidden gem park located south of San Jose in Salinas Valley, Pinnacles National Park is stunning. The landscape was formed 23 million years ago. The rock formations attract rock climbers as well as hikers who want an up-close view.
11. November - Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
With four types of volcanoes and more than 150 miles of trails, there’s a lot to see at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hike past the Painted Dunes, a beautiful multicolored landscape. Take the 2.7-mile trail to see the hydrothermal site called Bumpass Hell. A boardwalk around the geothermal pools lets you get a close look while staying safe.
12. December - Cedarville
Cedarville, CA 96104, USA
A true hidden gem in Northern California, Cedarville is located in the northeastern corner of the state. It’s a long drive to get there but there are several small airports nearby. If you really want to get away from it all, enjoy nature, and meet friendly people, Cedarville is the place. Stay in one of the Airbnbs available downtown, including The Cressler House, built by Senator William Cressler in 1880. Or find lodging at the nearby Surprise Valley Hot Springs.
Tell us what places you would add to this list! What are your must-see hidden gems in Northern California? Let us know in the comments. One of the best ways to explore this area is on a road trip! Check out these magnificent road trip destinations in Northern California.
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More to Explore
Places of Natural Beauty in Northern California
What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California?
The most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California include:
- Trinity Alps Wilderness. This is an area that looks as though no human has ever set foot there. While many do, it has a pristine beauty that can’t be overstated.
- Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a natural sanctuary with amazing ocean views from stunning oceanside cliffs.
- Lake Tahoe. This is a nationally famous lake and people have been taking trips here for generations.
- Redwood National Park. The trees here are massive giants and are the tallest trees on the planet. Taking a drive through this area will be something to remember.
Find out more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Northern California.
What are the best bucket-list places in Northern California?
The best bucket-list places in Northern California include:
- Lava Beds National Monument. These are ancient lava tubes that are so big that they’ve formed caves you can walk into.
- Russian River. This is a gorgeous river surrounded by lush trees in Mendocino County with light turquoise waters.
- Burney Falls. This collection of waterfalls is as beautiful as it gets and has been called the 8th wonder of the world.
- Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a picturesque coastline in Marin County with preserved wildlands.
Learn more about the best bucket-list places in Northern California.
What are the most stunning natural places in Northern California?
The most stunning natural places in Northern California include:
- Burney Falls. Located in the McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park, these lush waterfalls with bright turquoise waters are quite a sight.
- Nisene Marks State Park. There are 30 miles of trails from the sea cliffs into the redwood forests and it’s utterly gorgeous.
- Stillwater Cove Regional Park. This is a 210-acre preserve with forests, meadows, and a secret beach. Come here to get away from it all.
- Mount Shasta. This stunning mountain is replete with majestic natural scenery and is a favorite place for hiking, swimming, boating, seeing waterfalls, and more.
Discover more about the most stunning natural places in Northern California.