Figure 1 Surely one of the modern wonders of the world?
Mention that you are thinking of heading to California for a vacation and most people will immediately think of the golden beaches of Southern California and the cultural mecca that is Los Angeles. But we think that the northern regions of the state are unfairly forgotten much of the time.
Northern California is hardly a hidden gem of a vacation spot, of course. But you can have the holiday of a lifetime and never set foot in the southern part of the Golden State. With stunning scenery, world-renowned attractions, and unique destinations, visitors don’t even have to think about the incredible food and the best online betting sites in California to get excited about making a trip north.
We should say that we have nothing against Los Angeles, San Diego and all the other great cities in the south of the state. But we thought it was about time that someone highlighted some of the places everyone should visit in Northern California.
Golden Gate Bridge
Let’s start off with an iconic structure, shall we? The 1.7-mile span can be made on foot, bike, car, or bus and only drivers going south into San Francisco have to pay the toll. But whatever way you end up crossing one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, you should make the trip (at least once).
Opened in 1937 after four years of building, this architectural masterpiece is almost universally loved by locals. But there are plenty of different ideas when it comes to getting the perfect view. Some say it is below from Fort Point. Others will say that Marin’s Vista Point is better. Either way, when the fog envelops the famous orange structure, there seems to be no better view on Earth.
Lake Tahoe
The border between California and Nevada actually runs through the middle of Lake Tahoe. But for this guide to unmissable Northern California locations, we are calling it for the Golden State. Formed around two million years ago, this freshwater lake is the second deepest in the US after Crater Lake in Oregon.
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, winter visitors will want to hunt out the perfect snow for skiing, while summer vacationers will prefer lazing around the lake or hiking the many surrounding trails. This place is hugely popular all year round, so avoiding the weekend rush is a good move, if possible.
Big Sur
Travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles in either direction and you will come across the rugged coastline of Big Sur, looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and providing some of the most beautiful views you will ever see. Driving up or down Highway 1 with the wind in your hair is a bucket-list moment for many.
It must have been terrible in the days before digital photography to have to choose when you would take a picture while exploring the Big Sur coastline. These days you can take as many photos as you like, of course. But make sure you get out of the car near the Bixby Bridge to add yourself to the millions who have stopped and grabbed a snap at this picturesque spot.
Yosemite National Park
Southern California is usually portrayed as being full of surfers, while Northern California is home to natural beauty spots. The truth is that the entire state is a flora and fauna-lovers’ dream. But one place is prized above all others – and that is the Yosemite National Park.
Located due east of San Francisco, 95% of the park is designated as ‘wilderness’ and is one of the most picturesque places in the country. Hiking, climbing, and horse riding are all popular activities and there are also 13 official campgrounds to extend your stay in this natural wonderland.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
From a natural utopia to a man-made paradise. The Neptune opened way back in 1904 and the amusement park of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk really took off in the 1920s and 1930s. The Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster was opened in 1924 and is still in action today.
Extending along the coast of Monterrey Bay, the park is a throwback to a simpler time in many ways. But there are plenty of modern attractions to keep visitors of all ages interested. You could spend all day checking out the amusements but you should definitely make time for a stroll along the beach and to dip your toes in the water.
Alcatraz
A passing Spanish lieutenant named the island in 1775 and a US military fort was set up in 1859. But the strong currents surrounding the island – and the cold-water temperatures – inspired the government to turn Alcatraz into a prison island in 1934, where there was very little chance of escape. It was only operational for just over 30 years but housed some of the most infamous criminals in history.
Al Capone was one such resident but now around 1.4 million visitors a year make the ferry ride across the bay, taking in stunning views of San Francisco on the way, to explore the former prison and take in its bone-chilling atmosphere. There is literally nowhere else like it on the planet.
Figure 2 A road with a difference
Avenue of the Giants
The giant redwoods of Northern California have to be seen to be believed – and there are plenty of opportunities for nature lovers. But one of the most dramatic places to marvel at these huge trees is on State Route 254 through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, otherwise known as the Avenue of Giants.
Running parallel to Highway 101, this 31-mile scenic road takes in some incredible sights, with redwoods towering over the side of the car lanes. There are guided trails that will take you deeper into the forest and towards some tranquil picnic spots. This is also the place where you can famously drive through a tunnel inside one of the giant redwoods.
