The Golden State is perfect for some of the best day trips in Northern California. We have cool cities, quaint towns, wineries, orchards, beaches, and beautiful scenery. If it is a variety you crave, drive anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to find yourself in a completely different climate, with amazing new discoveries. This is an awesome and magical place. So next weekend, when you are sitting around with nothing to do, hop in the car, on a bicycle, or on a motorcycle, or whatever gets you around, and find these amazing opportunities to have a great time.
- Tour Gold Country
Flickr/ Ciera Lagges
Flickr/ James Gaither As you are going through, stop to hike or walk through the charming small towns throughout the gold country region of Northern California. You will have the time of your life. The people are friendly, the towns themselves have plenty of Old West and rural character, and the scenery is lovely. Don’t know where to start? For Gold Country 101, drive up Highway 50 to Placerville, then cut North on the windy but scenic Highway 49. It will take you through the towns of Coloma and Cool before bringing you to Auburn. You can toodle around there before hopping on Highway 80 to head home. Enjoy one of the best day trips in Northern California.
- Take a Walk Among the Redwoods
Flickr/ Mini OzzY Redwood National Park - Kuechel Visitor Center, California 95570, USA
Flickr/ Nick If you make up to the Redwood State and National Parks in Humboldt County or explore some of the groves farther south, walking among these graceful giants is an absolute must, and one of the most unique things to do around Northern Californian.
- Visit Sutter’s Fort and Historic Old Sac
Flickr/ Prayitno Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
Flickr/ Kent Kanouse Our state’s capital is a really interesting mix of old and new if you know where to go. Old Town Sac hasn’t changed much since the Gold Rush, and at the Sutter’s Fort State Park there are living history reenactments and other family-friendly activities.
- Go For A Hike…Anywhere!
Flickr/ mtch3l
Flickr/ mlhradio These hikes offer some of the best day trips near me in Northern California. Whether you like to bag the highest peaks or walk the forested trails, there are about a million places you can get out and about in Northern California.
- Get Lunch and Listen to Music in Nevada City
Flickr/ Darin Barry
Flickr/ Melanie This historic Gold Rush town is known for its fine dining and small town charm, but did you know that it also has an up-and-coming music scene? Especially if you like bluegrass music with a lot of twang, you will be impressed with all this town has to offer. Put on your dancing shoes and escape to one of the best getaway spots near me.
- See Volcanic Activity in Lassen
Flickr/ Madhan Kumar Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons There’s no need to drive all the way to Yellowstone to see an amazing national park with thermal geysers and other interesting features. We have one right here in Northern California, and it’s one of the coolest places you will ever visit.
- Dine At a Waterfront Restaurant
Facebook/ View 202
Facebook/ View 202 There are hundreds of amazing Northern California waterfront restaurants that you should definitely check out if you like dining with a view. We would like to suggest View 202 in Redding, which overlooks the Sacramento River and is just breathtaking at sunset. 202 Hemsted Dr, Redding, CA 96002, USA
- Rent a Kayak and Paddle in an Alpine Lake
Flickr./ Daniela
Flickr. m01229 Paddling on the lake on a bright, sunny day is an experience not to be missed. We like Lake Tahoe for the ease of rentals, and because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern California. But there are tons of amazing lakes in the mountains where you can find a little more solitude for your paddle.
- Pick Apples and Pumpkins at Apple Hill
Flickr/ RobVSF Apple Hill | High Hill Ranch, 2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667, USA
Apple Hill/Facebook Apple Hill is a network of farms located in Camino, which is on the Highway 50 corridor just east of Placerville. Get your farm-fresh produce right from the source here. There are also several wineries and even a brewery or two to stop into and wet your whistle. This vibrant farming community is like no where else in Northern California.
- Walk on Mendocino Beaches
Flickr/ Aaron Logan
Flickr/John Fowler The Northern California coastline is a must-see. Take in the dramatic views from atop the majestic cliffs or explore the tidepools and interesting rock formations on the beaches below.
- Eat Northern California Artisan Cheese
Pennyroyal Farm/Facebook Pennyroyal Farm, 14930 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415, USA
Pennyroyal Farm/Facebook Penny Royal Farm is another really interesting experience that you can only have here in this region of the country. Stop in at this vineyard and farmstead creamery, featuring goat and sheep milk cheese, wines, and farm fare, prepared in the estate kitchen. Visit the goats, while you learn a lot about the process, and go away with a cheese lover’s high.
- Go Wine Tasting in Amador County
Flickr/ Lee Coursey
Flickr/ star5112 Amador County is one of the regions in Northern California that you don’t hear a ton about…except for when it comes to their wine! These people are producing some of the finest vintages around.
- Explore An Abandoned Ruin
Flicker/ mlhradio
Flickr/ mlhradio With the interesting Gold Rush, logging, and railroad history of Northern California, we have a lot of old ghost towns and places to explore. These photos are of some old, abandoned structures from the Tower House Historic District in Shasta County at the El Dorado Mine. El Dorado Mine, California 96033, USA
- Go See Burney Falls
Flickr/ Miles Sabin Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Flickr/Amit Patel If you haven’t yet visited these incredible falls, book a trip today! They are majestic and one of the crowning highlights of Northern California, which is saying a lot. We have some pretty spectacular places to choose from.
- Discover Your Own Backyard
Flickr/ Josh Gray
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra Chances are that if you live in Northern California, there is something worth discovering right out your back door. Get outside and appreciate it, then share your experiences with everyone!
What are your favorite activities or destinations from this list? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook! For more Northern California adventure and travel ideas, we think you might like this article: Take This Road Trip Through Northern California’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience.
Flickr/ Ciera Lagges
Flickr/ James Gaither
As you are going through, stop to hike or walk through the charming small towns throughout the gold country region of Northern California. You will have the time of your life. The people are friendly, the towns themselves have plenty of Old West and rural character, and the scenery is lovely. Don’t know where to start? For Gold Country 101, drive up Highway 50 to Placerville, then cut North on the windy but scenic Highway 49. It will take you through the towns of Coloma and Cool before bringing you to Auburn. You can toodle around there before hopping on Highway 80 to head home. Enjoy one of the best day trips in Northern California.
Flickr/ Mini OzzY
Redwood National Park - Kuechel Visitor Center, California 95570, USA
Flickr/ Nick
If you make up to the Redwood State and National Parks in Humboldt County or explore some of the groves farther south, walking among these graceful giants is an absolute must, and one of the most unique things to do around Northern Californian.
Flickr/ Prayitno
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
Flickr/ Kent Kanouse
Our state’s capital is a really interesting mix of old and new if you know where to go. Old Town Sac hasn’t changed much since the Gold Rush, and at the Sutter’s Fort State Park there are living history reenactments and other family-friendly activities.
Flickr/ mtch3l
Flickr/ mlhradio
These hikes offer some of the best day trips near me in Northern California. Whether you like to bag the highest peaks or walk the forested trails, there are about a million places you can get out and about in Northern California.
Flickr/ Darin Barry
Flickr/ Melanie
This historic Gold Rush town is known for its fine dining and small town charm, but did you know that it also has an up-and-coming music scene? Especially if you like bluegrass music with a lot of twang, you will be impressed with all this town has to offer. Put on your dancing shoes and escape to one of the best getaway spots near me.
Flickr/ Madhan Kumar
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA
NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
There’s no need to drive all the way to Yellowstone to see an amazing national park with thermal geysers and other interesting features. We have one right here in Northern California, and it’s one of the coolest places you will ever visit.
Facebook/ View 202
There are hundreds of amazing Northern California waterfront restaurants that you should definitely check out if you like dining with a view. We would like to suggest View 202 in Redding, which overlooks the Sacramento River and is just breathtaking at sunset.
202 Hemsted Dr, Redding, CA 96002, USA
Flickr./ Daniela
Flickr. m01229
Paddling on the lake on a bright, sunny day is an experience not to be missed. We like Lake Tahoe for the ease of rentals, and because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern California. But there are tons of amazing lakes in the mountains where you can find a little more solitude for your paddle.
Flickr/ RobVSF
Apple Hill | High Hill Ranch, 2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667, USA
Apple Hill/Facebook
Apple Hill is a network of farms located in Camino, which is on the Highway 50 corridor just east of Placerville. Get your farm-fresh produce right from the source here. There are also several wineries and even a brewery or two to stop into and wet your whistle. This vibrant farming community is like no where else in Northern California.
Flickr/ Aaron Logan
Flickr/John Fowler
The Northern California coastline is a must-see. Take in the dramatic views from atop the majestic cliffs or explore the tidepools and interesting rock formations on the beaches below.
Pennyroyal Farm/Facebook
Pennyroyal Farm, 14930 CA-128, Boonville, CA 95415, USA
Penny Royal Farm is another really interesting experience that you can only have here in this region of the country. Stop in at this vineyard and farmstead creamery, featuring goat and sheep milk cheese, wines, and farm fare, prepared in the estate kitchen. Visit the goats, while you learn a lot about the process, and go away with a cheese lover’s high.
Flickr/ Lee Coursey
Flickr/ star5112
Amador County is one of the regions in Northern California that you don’t hear a ton about…except for when it comes to their wine! These people are producing some of the finest vintages around.
Flicker/ mlhradio
With the interesting Gold Rush, logging, and railroad history of Northern California, we have a lot of old ghost towns and places to explore. These photos are of some old, abandoned structures from the Tower House Historic District in Shasta County at the El Dorado Mine.
El Dorado Mine, California 96033, USA
Flickr/ Miles Sabin
Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Flickr/Amit Patel
If you haven’t yet visited these incredible falls, book a trip today! They are majestic and one of the crowning highlights of Northern California, which is saying a lot. We have some pretty spectacular places to choose from.
Flickr/ Josh Gray
Flickr/ Susan Stienstra
Chances are that if you live in Northern California, there is something worth discovering right out your back door. Get outside and appreciate it, then share your experiences with everyone!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Here Are 15 Unique Day Trips In Northern California That Are An Absolute Must-Do June 23, 2022 Carolyn Harmon Where is another one of the best day trips in Northern California?
A trip to Preston Castle is an interesting destination, especially for those loving history. Constructed in 1894, the castle was the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, which was a reform school for boys made to look like a school instead of a prison, with its Romanesque Revival style of architecture. In 1960 the school closed with the state’s plan to demolish the building. For the next eight years, a group of local women fought to prevent the demolition. The building and about 13 acres, is now owned by the Preston Castle Foundation, which is working to preserve its history. Public tours are available, especially near Halloween, with the Preston Castle Haunt. What is another one of the most unique things to do around Northern California?
The Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best getaway spots near me. Point Reyes National Seashore is an expansive and protected coastline in Marin County of Northern California. The National Seashore has identified 12 historic cultural landscapes that are being evaluated and documented, following the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is one of those historic landscapes. The Monterey cypress, planted around 1930, create the tree tunnel leading to the Point Reyes Maritime Radio Receiving Station. Where is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Northern California?
Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar, located on California State Route 1 in Marshall, California, serves award-winning cuisine along one of the most gorgeous coastal settings in the state. Located on the West Marin coast, this unique restaurant serves an abundance of farm-fresh seasonal and locally-delicious California cuisine. The menu offers entrees using products of local dairy and produce farmers, and fresh seafood from Tomales Bay and nearby waters. Try the crab macaroni and cheese or sample some of the locally-harvested oysters.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Here Are 15 Unique Day Trips In Northern California That Are An Absolute Must-Do
June 23, 2022
Carolyn Harmon
Where is another one of the best day trips in Northern California?
A trip to Preston Castle is an interesting destination, especially for those loving history. Constructed in 1894, the castle was the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, which was a reform school for boys made to look like a school instead of a prison, with its Romanesque Revival style of architecture. In 1960 the school closed with the state’s plan to demolish the building. For the next eight years, a group of local women fought to prevent the demolition. The building and about 13 acres, is now owned by the Preston Castle Foundation, which is working to preserve its history. Public tours are available, especially near Halloween, with the Preston Castle Haunt. What is another one of the most unique things to do around Northern California?
The Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best getaway spots near me. Point Reyes National Seashore is an expansive and protected coastline in Marin County of Northern California. The National Seashore has identified 12 historic cultural landscapes that are being evaluated and documented, following the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is one of those historic landscapes. The Monterey cypress, planted around 1930, create the tree tunnel leading to the Point Reyes Maritime Radio Receiving Station. Where is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Northern California?
Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar, located on California State Route 1 in Marshall, California, serves award-winning cuisine along one of the most gorgeous coastal settings in the state. Located on the West Marin coast, this unique restaurant serves an abundance of farm-fresh seasonal and locally-delicious California cuisine. The menu offers entrees using products of local dairy and produce farmers, and fresh seafood from Tomales Bay and nearby waters. Try the crab macaroni and cheese or sample some of the locally-harvested oysters.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
A trip to Preston Castle is an interesting destination, especially for those loving history. Constructed in 1894, the castle was the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, which was a reform school for boys made to look like a school instead of a prison, with its Romanesque Revival style of architecture. In 1960 the school closed with the state’s plan to demolish the building. For the next eight years, a group of local women fought to prevent the demolition. The building and about 13 acres, is now owned by the Preston Castle Foundation, which is working to preserve its history. Public tours are available, especially near Halloween, with the Preston Castle Haunt.
What is another one of the most unique things to do around Northern California?
The Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best getaway spots near me. Point Reyes National Seashore is an expansive and protected coastline in Marin County of Northern California. The National Seashore has identified 12 historic cultural landscapes that are being evaluated and documented, following the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is one of those historic landscapes. The Monterey cypress, planted around 1930, create the tree tunnel leading to the Point Reyes Maritime Radio Receiving Station.
Where is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Northern California?
Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar, located on California State Route 1 in Marshall, California, serves award-winning cuisine along one of the most gorgeous coastal settings in the state. Located on the West Marin coast, this unique restaurant serves an abundance of farm-fresh seasonal and locally-delicious California cuisine. The menu offers entrees using products of local dairy and produce farmers, and fresh seafood from Tomales Bay and nearby waters. Try the crab macaroni and cheese or sample some of the locally-harvested oysters.
