The Northern California region of The Golden State is simply fantastic! Exuding often indescribable beauty, a wealth of history, outstanding attractions, and more, there is a great deal to see, do, and enjoy. Because of the size of the region, you could spend any number of days choosing where to go and what to do. But if you’re short on time, here’s a brief but no less wonderful day trip in Northern California guaranteed to delight and inspire!

Here is a map and directions to get you on your way.

If you drove it straight through the entire trip would take about 2 hours and 10 minutes. But the point of making it “epic” is to stop, smell, and enjoy the roses along the way!
Google Maps
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
Nicolas Raymond/Flickr
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge. And even if you live here, there's no denying that you can enjoy some of the best sunrises in Northern California from here. They are nothing short of spectacular!
Fun fact: Even though the bridge is known for its beautiful red hue, the official color is actually “International Orange.”
Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA, USA
Nagarajan Kanna/Flickr
Whether standing on the bridge somewhere along the gorgeous 1.7-mile span, taking in the views from below, or enjoying the multi-hued morning glow from a vantage point close by you’re sure to be inspired.

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2. Shadowbrook Restaurant, 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola
Lisa Suender/Flickr
Capitola, located in Santa Cruz County along Monterey Bay, is one of the most charming cities in America. There’s a lot to see and do here, but one of its biggest draws is the wide array of delectable gastronomic offerings.
One of the most popular restaurants in town is Shadowbrook Restaurant.
Shadowbrook Restaurant, 1750 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010, USA
Jem Le/Google Maps
Serving some of the finest upscale cuisines in the state in a spectacular setting exuding Old-World charm, the Shadowbrook Restaurant has been an iconic area establishment since it first opened in 1947.
Situated along California’s beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a spectacular Northern California gem. The town is definitely for art lovers, and you’ll find over 100 art galleries offering works including painting, photography, sculptures, ironworks, and other forms.
Dawson Cole Fine Art, Lincoln St &, 6th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Dawson Cole Fine Art, Carmel-by-the Sea Facebook Page
Dawson Cole Fine Art is one of the more well-known galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The gallery specializes in contemporary and modern prints, sculptures, and unique American and European works on paper, just to name a few focus areas. But you really can’t go wrong with a short stop inside any of them. Each offers its own unique flavor and flair.
Whether you use its official full name or its more commonly used moniker, “Carmel,” you’ll no doubt agree that this boutique square-mile coastal town is a spectacular California gem.
Qu1m/Flickr
Sit by the cliffs, on an inviting park bench, or even on the beach and watch the sunset as it makes its descent along the Pacific Ocean horizon. Any time of year, it is a sight to behold. A scenic day trip in Northern California just wouldn’t be complete without it!

Have you ever been to any of the spots mentioned in this Northern California sunrise-to-sunset road trip? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

Also, be sure to check out the following resources for the places mentioned:

Golden Gate Bridge: Website and Facebook page

Shadowbrook Restaurant: Website and Facebook page

Dawson Cole Fine Art: Website and Facebook page

If you’re interested in other themed Northern California journeys, be sure to check out this fantastic State Parks road trip!

Still clamoring for another Northern California day trip itinerary idea? Then check out this one day waterfall road trip video:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Northern California

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 07, 2023

Where can we find kid-friendly hikes in Northern California?

  • The Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Crescent City is a 0.7-mile hiking trail meandering through a redwood forest inside of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.
  • The Potem Falls Trail in Montgomery Creek in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area features a stunning waterfall.
  • The Subway Cave Trail in Hat Creek is a 0.6-mile trail located in the Lassen National Forest that leads to some underground caves.

 Read on to learn more about the many kid-friendly hikes in Northern California.

 

Where can we find waterfalls in Northern California?

  • The Whitney Portal Falls in Mt. Whitney is accessible by a short hike and well worth the journey to enjoy the  natural, untouched landscapes.
  • The Battle Creek Falls in Battle Creek split every summer into separate falls that converge on a swimming hole at that base of it.
  • The Hidden Falls are found at Hidden Falls Regional Park in Auburn and accessible by an easy loop trail.

Read on to learn more about the many beautiful waterfalls in Northern California.

 

What are some of the best beaches in Northern California?

  • Black Sand Beach in Sausalito has just what it says, beautiful black sand, and you descend old wooden stairs to get there.
  • Marshall's Beach in The Presidio is located on the west side of the Golden Gate Bridge, offering spectacular views.
  • Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is unique in that the beach is littered with remnants of colorful glass bottles.

Read on to learn more about some of the best beaches in Northern California.

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