Cabins in Northern California

Northern California has so many gorgeous national parks that it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for your trip. Visit Mendocino Headlands State Park, El Dorado National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest for a stunning time in nature. For a challenging hike, visit Mount Shasta, a 14,179 ft volcano and one of the most gorgeous peaks in the area. Mono Lake is also known as Salt Soda Lake and is one of the best attractions in NorCal. Lake Tahoe is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year with spectacular scenic hiking trails. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and ice-skating. Explore the beautiful caves at Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark. These are just a few of the many options you have available.

For water babies, Northern California can seem like a dreamland with lots of lakes, rivers and beaches begging to be explored. Take King’s Beach Lake Tahoe, for instance. This is an all-around excellent choice for water activities surrounded by unbeatable scenery. Enjoy lake activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. For those looking to kick back and relax at an unusual beach, look no further than Glass Beach close to Fort Bragg. This unique beach is full of sea glass that looks like little gemstones dotting the shore. Surfers can choose from a palette of Northern California surf spots. For epic white-water rafting, look no further than the American River outside of Sacramento to fuel your excitement.

If you’re looking for a little history and culture to add color to your trip then head over to San Francisco. Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Visit the infamous Alcatraz or Angel Island a.k.a the “Ellis Island of the West”. While you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, take a walk in the San José Municipal Rose Garden boasting over 180 different varieties. Also, check out Fresno for the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built over a period of 40 years by a Sicilian immigrant with an affinity for the Roman Catacombs, these subterranean gardens are a unique sight worth taking the time to see.

North of San Francisco, there are several redwood parks to explore. Drive along the Avenue of Giants to Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The tallest redwoods can be found at Redwood National Park. While you’re here, be sure to check out the giant ferns where Jurassic Park is rumored to have been filmed. An amazing place to bring your kids.

World renowned Yosemite National Park is the perfect place for hiking and climbing. The trails will lead you through some of the tallest waterfalls in the world, provide breathtaking mountain views as well as possible sightings of over 400 species of animals. Visitors can also expect to see rainbows at night. The rock formations at Yosemite Valley are an incredible sight to behold.

Even though the world-famous wineries of Napa & Sonoma counties are facing extreme circumstances due to climate change and the ever more terrifying wild fires, there are still wine tours and tasting to be enjoyed. Wine lovers should also check out the wineries in Calistoga for a well-rounded experience. Not far from Napa Valley, you can head over to Santa Rosa and both visit the Russian river and have a Pliny the Elder at the Russian River Brewing Company. For beer lovers, this could be the highlight of your entire trip to California.

Take a trip back in time with a visit to Tallac Historic Site. You will find out fascinating facts about life in Lake Tahoe while touring the Historic Baldwin House and The Estates. You can expect to see exhibits, cultural events as well as costumed interpreters.

Lassen Volcanic National Park has beautifully rugged terrain and four types of active volcanos. Visitors can rest at the Crystalline lakes and hike the Bumpass Hell Trail or explore the area on horseback. Lava Beds National Monument holds a special cultural significance to the Native Americans of the area. Thanks to Medicine Lake Volcano this jaw-droppingly amazing site is home to surreal caves, ancient Native American pictographs, hiking trails and wonderful flora and fauna that will more than surpass your expectations.

Old Sacramento Railroad Museum honors the role of “The Iron Horse” in bringing together the nation in the mid-1800’s. It features antique vintage train cars dating back to the 1860s and train excursions behind an authentic locomotive. Best of all, photography is welcome. This will be a memorable trip for both adults and kids.

This highway stretches over 600 miles of California’s coastline, however, some of its most scenic points can be found on its northern half. You will pass through redwood trees, stunning cliffs, majestic mountains and state parks on this scenic drive of a lifetime.