The 9 Coolest Attractions In Northern California That Not Enough People Visit

This wildlife sanctuary located next to the rural community of Nicolaus in the Sacramento Valley will make you feel as if you’ve transported yourself to another world. Because this sanctuary is rarely crowded– especially when the weather is chilly, it’s possible to walk for miles and not see another person. The trails are well maintained in this stunning sanctuary located between the Feather River and several small bodies of water, Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary is alive with chirping birds and deer. Massive oak and sycamore trees tower over most parts of the trail providing shade. Benches placed throughout the sanctuary provide places to rest while bird watching. Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset. It is free to park and enter. Keep your pup at home– dogs are not allowed.

If you can’t get to Arizona to see the massive Petrified Forest National Park, luckily we have a petrified forest right here in Northern California. This little California forest has the largest petrified trees in the world– which are amazing to see up close! Located in Calistoga, this is a fun excursion between wine tasting and enjoying the hot springs. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive by 4 p.m. if you want to hike the trail. Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for juniors, $6 for children, and free for children under the age of 6.

Located on the famous Avenue of the Giants just south of Humboldt Redwoods State Park, this drive-thru tree is so cool to see and presents a great photo opportunity. If your car is too big to fit through the tree, you can walk through the tree. The tree was hollowed out by a fire more than a century ago. Shrine Drive Thru Tree is the oldest drive through tree in the area, at around 3,000 years old. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. except in winter. It costs around $10 to drive through the tree.

This historic Tudor Revival-style hotel has hosted celebrities and dignitaries including Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Built in 1926, Benbow Historic Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a fun getaway. Located on the south fork of the Eel River you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time at this exquisite hotel. There is a vintage bar and restaurant in the hotel that gets high reviews and has a ton of character. You can book a room for the night or just stop in to visit the restaurant and bar.

Preston Castle, also known as the Preston School of Industry, was opened in 1894 and in operation until 2011. The school housed wards of the state and is known as one of the oldest "reform schools" in the United States. The castle is a sight in rural Amador County, where it stands out for its size and the fact that it is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival Architecture. Several movies and television shows have been filmed at the castle, including the movie Apparition and an episode of the television show Ghost Adventures. Visitors can tour the 46,000-square-foot castle on one of many types of tours– public tours, private tours, paranormal tours, and self-guided tours. Self guided tours are $17.50 per person. All tours must be booked online.

The Locke Historic District has a lot of history as well as beautiful scenery. Located along the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the historic town of Locke is a well-preserved example of early Chinese-American rural communities in California. Built between 1893 and 1915, there is a lot to see and do in this rural town. Visit the Locke Chinese School Museum and the Dai Loy Museum to take a deep dive into the area’s history. Tours are available in English or Chinese for a minimum of 10 people and available Friday through Sunday. Contact the Locke Foundation for more information.

Trees of Mystery combines stunning natural scenery with whimsy. This tourist attraction located in Del Norte County off of Highway 101 is a fun way to explore the redwood forest. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see large statues of Paul Bunyon and Babe The Blue Ox. Walk along the redwood canopy trial, a netted aerial suspension bridge where you can walk 50 to 100 feet above the ground. Or glide through the forest in a gondola. The park has five trails where visitors can learn all about the old growth redwoods and see cute displays along the way (like the gnome village in the photo). At the end of the trails, guests can tour a museum with an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. General admission tickets are $25 for ages 13-59, $23 for seniors 60 and older, $13 for kids 3-12, and free for children 2 and under.

This 300-acre cultural center has tons of exhibits located in a beautiful setting next to the Sacramento River and the famous Sundial Bridge. Turtle Bay Exploration Park contains an aquarium exhibit, wildlife exhibits with live animals, and many other places to explore. Walk along the 10 miles of pathways and explore lush gardens. There are demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and many opportunities to learn something new at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Tickets are $18 for ages 16-64, $14 for children ages 4-15 and seniors over the age of 65, and free for children 3 and under.

These once secret hot springs are getting more well-known but are still a hidden gem for many Californians and tourists. These geothermal mineral springs are located outside of Bridgeport at an elevation of 6,700 feet. Enjoy the beautiful views while relaxing in these hot springs. If you can, visit during a weekday to avoid crowds.