There’s no better time to explore Northern California than right this moment. It has incredibly iconic mountains, beaches, rivers, parks, and more to explore, as well as wildly popular attractions in its cities and towns. It’s time to create some lifelong memories with loved ones in these beautiful places as you embark on these 12 unforgettable Northern California day trips.

1. Explore the abandoned train tunnels at Donner Summit
Donner Pass, California 96161, USA
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
These tunnels drilled through the mountainside were originally the only way trains could make it over the summit. They were replaced by a newer, much more modern route years ago, and now visitors can walk through what remains and explore. Read more about the Donner Summit Railroad Tunnels here!

Learn more about the Donner Summit Railroad Tunnels in this fascinating video from Wonderhussy Adventures:
2. Visit the Redwood State and National Parks
Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
The Redwood State and National Parks are home to the largest trees on earth, and luckily for those in Northern California, they're just a short drive away. Take a walk through these magnificent giants and you won't be disappointed!
3. Tour a haunted reform school for boys, which also just so happens to be a creepy old castle (because of COURSE it is)
Preston Castle Foundation, 900 Palm Dr, Ione, CA 95640, USA
Amadscientist via Wikimedia
Also known as the Preston School of Industry, the Preston Castle was built in June 1894. It's the most significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture in California Gold Country. It closed its doors in 1960 but it's now open to the public for tours. We don't know about you, but that seems kind of spooky.
4. Walk (or drive) through an otherworldly tunnel of trees
Cyprus Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes, California, USA
Miwok/Flickr
The Cyprus trees at Point Reyes have formed a truly awe-inspiring tunnel leading to one of the more historic buildings in the park. It's a popular place for photographers and nature lovers alike. Take a closer look at the Cyprus tree tunnels by reading this article.
5. Take a ride on an old-fashioned paddle wheel boat
Lake Tahoe Cruises / MS Dixie II, 760 Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89488, USA
Reno Tahoe Territory/Flickr
Tour Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie II, the only authentic paddle-wheeler cruising South Lake Tahoe. It's a 500-passenger vessel that is Coast Guard certified and tours the sparkling blue waters of the lake year-round. Read more about the M.S. Dixie II in this article.
6. Ride a tram into the mountains and over the spot where the 1960 World Olympics took place
Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, USA
fredsharples/Flickr
There’s nothing quite like a scenic tram ride at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. It runs year-round and takes you up out of the quaint village of Squaw, over condos and skiers enjoying the slopes, and finally to the top of the mountain.

For a unique experience head to the Squaw Valley Ski Resort for a tram ride over the beautiful landscape. Check it out n this video from Our Journey in Myles:

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7. Drive any one of the several incredible Northern California scenic byways
Feather River Canyon, CA-70, Oroville, CA 95965, USA
David Prasad/Flickr
The Feather River Canyon, along the North Fork of the Feather River in Butte County, is a truly unforgettable drive. The canyon portion of this 130-mile scenic byway route travels east-to-west across Butte and Plumas Counties on State Highway 70, following the north fork of the Feather River.
8. Explore the mountains
Castle Crags State Park, 20022 Castle Creek Rd, Castella, CA 96017, USA
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Swim, hike, fish, and play in the mountains at Castle Crags State Park. It is located about an hour north of Redding, off Highway 5. Castle Crags is a breathtaking granite rock formation that has taken millions of years to form. Learn more about this fascinating geological wonder here.
9. Walk through a field of wildflowers
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, 2488 Cherokee Rd, Oroville, CA 95965, USA
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve features incredible hiking trails, waterfalls, and lovely flowers that bloom in spring and summer each year. It’s a place that all nature lovers in Northern California need to put on their bucket list immediately.
10. Slide down a natural water slide
Little Backbone Creek, California 96033, USA
Ron Kroetz/Flickr
Little Backbone Creek is located near Shasta Lake and is accessed via a creek that drains into the Lake. Hike about 20 minutes up this little stream until you find the falls. You can't miss them!
11. Visit a historic lighthouse
Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum/Crescent City Lighthouse, 235 Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Dave Griffiths/Flickr
The Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is located on a small peninsula off A Street in Crescent City. At low tide, the peninsula is accessible via this small road. At high tide, it's an island.
12. Discover unusual rock formations along the coast
Bowling Ball Beach, California 95468, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
Tucked along the Mendocino Coast is a spectacular but unusual sight. Strange geologic spheres formed by a rare combination of elements are found here, and it's positively magical. Bowling Ball Beach, where you will find these curious rocks, is located in the Schooner Gulch State Beach area and makes for a great day of exploration.

Check out the magnificent natural wonders you'll find at Bowling Ball Beach in the Schooner Gulch State Beach area of Northern California. It is truly one of the best day trips in Northern California:

What other day trips in Northern California should be added to this list? What are your favorite must-visit parks in Northern California? Tell us all about your best Northern California day trips with a comment. Or, send us some of your favorite activities and places to explore and you might see some of your ideas and hometown favorites in a future article!

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Day Trips in Northern California

Tori Jane | June 08, 2023

What are the most scenic places to visit in Northern California?

Some of the most scenic places to visit in Northern California include:

 

If we’re being honest, Northern California is an incredibly scenic place in general. No matter where you go, you’re bound to be taken aback by the stunning beauty which surrounds you. However, there are some places that do stand out as particularly photogenic, like Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. It’s a sapphire-blue, crystal-clear portion of the lake with forest views to die for. Point Reyes is another incredible place to visit (and do NOT forget to bring a camera); the entire area is dreamlike in terms of its beauty. For more of our favorite scenic places to visit in Northern California, check out this list of ten amazing spots.

Where are the must-visit parks in Northern California?

Some of the must-visit parks in Northern California include:

 

Get a pen ready, because there’s a bunch! NorCal is home to a tremendous amount of parks, both state and national, and each of them is curated for its unique majesty. Some of the absolute must-see parks include some of the more obvious: Yosemite National Park, for one, which showcases the brilliant beauty of the Sierra Nevadas. The Redwood National and State Parks are each worth a visit as well, where you can admire the largest trees known to man. If geology and earth science are your thing, you’ve got to check out Devil's Postpile National Monument, which is more than just a towering hunk of columnar basalt.

What are the best day trips in Northern California to take?

Some of the best day trips in Northern California include:

 

There are many options for great day trips in Northern California. If you were to begin in San Fransisco as a hub, the possibilities are nearly endless. If you’re a nature lover, make an entire day out of visiting each state and national park closest to you. Whether you visit one trip or multiple, you’re in for a wonderful time getting re-acquainted with nature. Go spend the day at Big Sur, one of the most legendarily picture-perfect places in North America. Create a road trip in which you bounce from waterfall to waterfall, taking in the beauty of each (or, just borrow ours!).

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