Travel and Lifestyle Blog

Watch The Design Tourist Airing on

Sate Your Taste For Adventure In Northern California

Sunset on the Mendocino Coast with Heritage House Resort and Spa in the background

Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply find yourself in The Golden State and want to make sure that you see all of the best that it has to offer, don’t forget to take some time away from the coast to discover the richness of its north side. Here, we’re going to look at some of the highlights of Northern California that are more than worth your attention.

Discover Redwood Wonders

If you want to see landscapes of a near-mythical magnitude, then you should definitely start out with some of the state’s wonderful redwood forests. From the dizzying giants of Muir Woods to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, there are plenty of great opportunities to see these, amongst the greatest of all trees to be found in the state. The coastal trails of Mendocino and the hidden beaches near Fort Bragg deliver tranquility and thrill in equal measure. Whether you’re camping beneath the stars or simply picnicking in the shadows of 300-foot trees, the experience is unforgettable.

Take A Deep Sip Of Napa Valley

If you’re looking to truly indulge the senses or you simply consider yourself a wine lover, then you should be certain to stop by this region of the state. You could savor the opportunity to tour and get a taste of some of the most renowned Napa wineries, or take to the skies and enjoy one of the finest vistas the state has to offer with a hot air balloon ride. For a smoother experience, book tastings in advance, especially at smaller or exclusive venues, and with plenty of room in advance so you have the chance to enjoy guided bike tours and hikes through the gorgeous hills.

Go Thrill-Seeking At Lake Tahoe

If you’re looking to really elevate your adventure, then there’s no better way to do it than with the heights of Lake Tahoe. These alpine slopes shine best in winter, naturally, with world-class skiing and snowboarding at their many top-tier resorts. However, as the seasons change, it still has plenty to offer. During summer, the lake transforms into a paradise for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and scenic boat cruises. The surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks are ideal for mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing.

Explore Those Rugged Peaks

Northern California’s skyline is often dominated by some pretty majestic peaks, and some of the best to explore are Mount Shasta and the Lassen Volcanic National Park. Adventure here takes the form of summit climbs, geothermal hikes, and discovering remote alpine lakes. Whether you’re glacier trekking and snowshoeing in the winter, or visiting the boiling springs and rolling wildflower meadows, here is where you can find nature at its most potent and truly beautiful. It’s one of the best places in the state for backpackers, with trails to suit all difficulty levels. Just be sure that you pack for fast-changing weather.

Northern California offers some of the most gorgeous countryside the state has to offer, not to mention culinary and tasting experiences that stand out as some of the very best in the country.

[tp_widget][/tp_widget]
Picture of Contributor Post

Contributor Post

Share the post on social media

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for the latest travel news and insider tips

[mc4wp_form id=882]

Latest blog posts

Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is an award-winning travel journalist and storyteller, honored with two Telly Awards and four North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awards for The Design Tourist travel show. As the show’s host, producer, and writer, Karen takes viewers beyond the guidebooks to explore the culture, craft, cuisine, and creativity that define the world’s most fascinating destinations.

2025 NATJA Award

2024 NATJA Award

2023 NATJA Award

SATW

NATJA

IFWTWA