7 Underrated Places In Northern California To Take An Out-Of-Towner

There is so much to see in San Francisco. But if you're with people who have been there before and have seen the major sites, you’ll be able to impress them with a walk around Lands End. This area of the city somehow feels quiet and remote despite the fact it’s not far from the crowds. Towering trees frame the paths through Lands End. You’ll also get a view of Sutro Baths. In the late 1800s, this was a privately owned saltwater bath filled by the Pacific Ocean. Guests could rent swimsuits and enjoy the water. With so many views and historical sites, be sure to bring your camera!

This tiny Alpine County town has a picturesque historic downtown. Stop in the General Store and visit the Alpine County Museum. Down the road you’ll find Grover Hot Springs State Park, where you can hike through mountains and meadows, and then relax in the hot springs. plus numerous hiking trails. End the day at South Lake Tahoe, which is less than an hour drive north.

This lively coastal town in the northern part of the state is home to many beaches and many forests. There are many hiking trails in and around Eureka– including the Eureka Waterfront Trail that goes along the beach next to the city. On the northside of town, explore the downtown area and check out the Carson Mansion.

Remnants of an ancient volcano, the Sutter Buttes feature prominently in the creation stories of numerous Native American tribes. Often called "The Smallest Mountain Range in the World", the Buttes are worth a visit. There is only one road to access the Buttes. Stop along the way to get photos of the Buttes from the valley.

The largest lake in Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa can reach 75 degrees in the summer– making it perfect for swimming after an afternoon of wine tasting. Hiking and picnicking are also popular activities here. It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive from both Sacramento and San Francisco– making this lake perfect for a one-day getaway.

If you want to take your visitors to a beautiful mountainous forest but don’t want to deal with Lake Tahoe crowds, Arnold is the place for you. Located in Stanislaus National Forest, Arnold is just minutes away from Calaveras Big Trees. Some of the trees in Calaveras are 300 feet tall and 2,000 years old. Arnold is a great basecamp to explore the many hiking trails in the summer, or ski resorts in the winter.

The towns of Isleton, Rio Vista, and Freeport are just a few of the charming towns on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Located in the northern Central Valley, the delta area has all the best things you’d expect from the "breadbasket of California" such as farm stands, delta-front restaurants, and wineries. Life in the valley feels a bit more slow pace than San Francisco to the west and Sacramento to the northeast.