15 Finest Weekend Getaways in Northern California

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Are you searching for the perfect weekend getaways in Northern California to your subsequent large journey?

Properly, we visited all the highest locations within the state’s northern half, searching for the proper getaways. From the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the wine nation, this record of the perfect weekend journeys in Northern California will get you on the highway to an expertise of a lifetime.

These journey concepts cowl the perfect of NorCal with seaside cities, outside actions, parks, scenic drives, epic views, meals excursions, and choices for wine tasting. 

The information additionally consists of the perfect locations to remain wherein area/place, fashionable actions, and excursions. So you may simply select the place you need to go, pack your luggage, and set for an ideal weekend journey. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a romantic Northern California getaway, a household journey concept, or an journey weekend, we obtained you lined right here!

Weekend Getaways in Northern California

Earlier than we begin our information to the distinctive locations to go to in Northern California, let me inform you that a few of these locations supply completely different experiences relying on the season.

So don’t overlook to take this into consideration when planning your summertime weekend journeys or selecting your winter vacation spot. However one factor is for certain, these fashionable weekend getaways in Northern California simply can’t be missed.

Finest locations to go to Northern California on a weekend

1 – Yosemite Nationwide Park

For nature lovers, Yosemite Nationwide Park presents the proper vacation spot for a weekend getaway the place guests can immerse themselves on this pure wonderland. Actually, it’s one of many finest Nationwide Parks on the West Coast and within the US.

Reap the benefits of this chance to rise up near the majestic big Sequoia bushes and Yosemite Falls, which is 2425 ft tall.

One of many greatest attracts to this nationwide park is its huge granite monoliths which body the valley, together with El Capitan and the well-known Half Dome.

Convey your binoculars, and chances are you’ll spot some climbers making their means up on one among these huge rock faces.

For adventurous varieties, the park has over 750 miles of trails that result in park highlights, together with Mirror Lake, or viewpoints like Glacier Level that can take your breath away.

To make a weekend getaway further particular, ebook a cabin in Yosemite the place you may loosen up by the fireside or within the scorching tub after a day on the paths.

Now that you’ve got your lodging sorted, let’s discuss excursions and experiences in  Yosemite Nationwide Park. Remember the fact that throughout excessive season it’s suggested that you just ebook the excursions prematurely. 

2 – Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is finest often known as an epic wintertime ski and snowboard vacation spot however is equally excellent for a summertime weekend getaway.

Positioned within the Jap Sierras in Mono County, this small mountain city is a paradise for journey seekers trying to make some turns on the Mammoth Mountain ski resort.

The snowboarding and snowboarding paradise sits at slightly below 8000 ft, which means they’ve among the finest snow situations in California.

This charming ski city additionally presents loads of enjoyable adventures through the summer season starting from single-track mountain bike trails to pure scorching springs for a superb soak.

There are additionally numerous mountain climbing trails excellent for exploring the 100-plus lakes in Mammoth or for a go to to Satan’s Postpile Nationwide Monument.

A number of the important lakes supply the chance to go for a paddle on a kayak or SUP or a dip within the chilly water.

And if in case you have time go to June Lake which is just half an hour’s drive from Mammoth Lake. It’s recognized for its mountain views and it’s an excellent place to see the Autumn foliage.  

For a tranquil weekend getaway, make sure that to ebook a keep close to the Village at Mammoth, which is among the finest areas to remain in Mammoth.

3 – Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe presents the proper mixture of out of doors journey and gorgeous pure magnificence that attracts in tens of millions of holiday makers yearly to expertise the lake’s crystal-clear blue water.

In the course of the winter, Lake Tahoe is the state’s high ski and snowboard vacation spot, with 15 ski resorts starting from small hills to huge amenities with slightly below 100 runs.

Lake Tahoe is much more of a summer season vacation spot, because the lake’s attractive seashores are excellent for a day of catching some rays or for a calming paddle.

The attractive lake’s shores and the encompassing mountains are residence to among the finest mountain climbing trails in Northern California, together with the Rubicon Path, which snakes its means alongside the hidden coves and seashores.

A weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe can be incomplete and not using a go to to Emerald Bay for a calming picnic or on a historic paddleboat experience on the M.S. Dixie II from Zephyr Cove.

You may purchase right here your Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour to get round simply and even uncover some hidden gems. 

Lake Tahoe is a well-liked lake weekend getaway in Northern California additionally due to its nightlife. Don’t overlook to attempt the native craft breweries like South of North Brewing Firm and on the casinos on the strip in South Lake Tahoe.

Of all the perfect Northern California getaways, Lake Tahoe has probably the most choices for leisure, from gorgeous pure points of interest to pristine mountain lake seashores and fashionable hikes.

4 – Sacramento

Sacramento is commonly neglected as a Northern California weekend getaway, however there may be loads of enjoyable to be discovered within the state’s Capital.

Town’s hottest vacationer vacation spot is Outdated Sacramento, a throwback to the Gold Rush period with its historic storefronts and picket boardwalks.

For a singular expertise here’s a downloadable strolling tour in regards to the Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento. You may discover town at your tempo whereas listening to the perfect tales from its previous. 

Outdated Sacramento presents up an opportunity to discover the distinctive retailers and go to the California State Railroad Museum. 

Be certain to seize drinks or dinner on the waterfront at one of many nice riverside eating places or on board the Delta King paddle boat.

There are additionally cruise excursions on the Sacramento River. Take a look at this Historic Gold Rush River Cruise, for a extra historic expertise, or Rock The Yacht River Cruise in case you fancy a drink and occasion with buddies. 

For a enjoyable night time out, head to Midtown, the place you will see that some nice craft breweries, wine bars, and eating places for some snacks.

To get some outside time, hire some bikes for a experience alongside the American River Parkway, which stretches 23 miles on picturesque paved trails.

A great way to pair a motorbike experience round Sacramento and some drinks is by becoming a member of this Biking Pub Crawl. Don’t fear, it has a chosen driver. 

For households searching for Sacramento lodge suites, there are a number of nice choices close to the riverfront with quick access to town’s high points of interest.

5 – Napa Valley

Napa Valley shouldn’t be solely the perfect wine area in the US, however it additionally presents up a style of the great life with luxurious and world-class hospitality.

This makes Napa one of many high romantic getaways in Northern California.

From world-class vineyards with opulent amenities to Michelin-star eating, Napa Valley is a vacation spot worthy of any particular weekend getaway.

Days will be spent tasting on the lovely wineries with picnics within the vineyards, or guests can decide to go to the lovable city of Calistoga for a soak and a few pampering on the pure scorching springs.

Napa Valley can also be a preferred vacation spot for hungry gormands trying to pattern the valley’s wine-country delicacies at eating places just like the legendary French Laundry.

Don’t miss an opportunity to go to the Oxbow Market, which is a tremendous assortment of gourmand retailers and small eating places targeted on native merchandise and produce.

For a singular wine nation expertise, head to Castello di Amorosa to tour a vineyard constructed inside a fort.

In the event you like video games, try this Scavenger Hunt Strolling Tour in Napa that you are able to do utilizing your telephone. 

To sum up, Napa Valley is among the finest getaways in Northern California for meals and wine lovers.

6 – San Francisco

San Francisco is an ideal vacation spot for a romantic weekend in Northern California the place {couples} can discover points of interest starting from the Palace of Performing Arts to miles of sandy seashores for watching the sundown.

This Northern California getaway is a good place to deal with your self to a room with a panoramic view and a eating expertise at one of many metropolis’s Michelin Star eating places.

It doesn’t matter if you’re touring as a pair, solo, with buddies or household, don’t overlook to go to Golden Gate Park. Take your time to sip some Gen Mai Cha on the Japanese Tea Gardens or have a picnic of native cheeses at Stow Lake whereas watching the swans.

If there may be one factor that could be a should for a visit to San Francisco, it’s to stroll throughout the Golden Gate Bridge and watch the well-known Bay Space fog roll into town.

Touristy enjoyable will be scrumptious in Fisherman’s Wharf, the place you may eat clam chowder and a few freshly caught Dungeness crab proper from the fisherman.

This romantic weekend break will certainly supply up that particular spark that makes San Francisco Bay Space the proper getaway for {couples}.

Don’t overlook to ebook your actions and keep prematurely, San Francisco is at all times busy. 

7 – Large Sur

In case you are dreaming of taking a highway journey down the enduring Pacific Coast Freeway, then this stretch of the California Coast would be the spotlight of your journey.

Large Sur is located between the rocky coast and the Santa Lucia Mountain Vary, which presents a mix of ocean and forests to expertise.

You are able to do it in a couple of hours of drive or in days. The drive time will rely upon what you need to do, see, and what number of stops you need to make. One factor is for certain, you should have scenic views.

This route alongside Freeway 1 consists of numerous alternatives to get out and stretch your legs, the place you may take within the ocean views.

There are alternatives to take a look at coves filled with turquoise waters and kelp forests, and also you would possibly even spot some sea otters snacking on some shellfish. 

One of many highlights is a cease to see the McWay Falls, which plummets off a cypress tree-covered cliff with the water crashing onto the sandy seaside.

Large Sur additionally presents an opportunity to stroll amongst the enormous Coastal Redwoods at Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park.

This is a perfect vacation spot for vacationers that love the outside, coastal views, and a superb old school highway journey.

In case you are doing this highway journey there are many locations to remain, earlier than and after the park.

You may ebook a pleasant lodge prematurely, or simply spot at one of many motels on the best way. Earlier than the Large Sur, yow will discover lodging choices in Monterey, Carmel Valley, Carmel by the Sea, Cambria, Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. (click on on town’s title to see the motels)

In the event you determine to move the central coast and go to Southern California, then try these fashionable seaside locations: Avila Seaside, Pismo Seaside, and Santa Barbara.

Here’s a complete information about issues to do in Pismo Seaside that features nice recommendations on lodging within the area.  

8 – Monterey

The coastal city of Monterey was a historic a part of California’s fishing and canning trade however is now one of many high vacationer locations on the West Coast.

Monterey County presents loads of enjoyable for the entire household and is equally particular for a romantic weekend getaway in Northern California. For a singular expertise try this Strolling Guided Tour with Meals and Drink tasting. 

The highest vacation spot in Monterey is Cannery Row which was the middle of sardine canning however is now residence to kitschy retailers, seafood eating places, and motels with ocean-view visitor rooms.

Cannery Row can also be residence to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which presents an opportunity to expertise sea life up shut whereas studying in regards to the sustainability of our oceans.

The Monterey Bay options 14 straight miles of sandy seashores the place you may catch some rays or play within the dunes. If the climate is nice you may also be a part of a Browsing Lesson in one among Monterey’s pristine seashores. 

One other high attraction is the Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, the place you may take pleasure in a seafood feast at one of many eating places or catch a ship for some whale watching. Here’s a well-rated Whale Watching Tour in Monterey.

9 – Sonoma

Sonoma is a small city and an unbelievable wine area. Sonoma is filled with outside adventures like Jack London State Historic Park, the place you may see the redwoods and the vineyards in a single hike.

The Sonoma Plaza is the middle of all of the motion, with nice eating places that includes domestically sourced elements, wine-tasting rooms, a cheese store, and extra.

You could possibly spend your day simply exploring the plaza and its state historic park, however a visit to Sonoma would solely be full with a couple of visits to the area’s wineries.

Sonoma is residence to among the nation’s high Chardonnay and glowing wine producers, the place you may style their choices of their opulent tasting rooms.

Right here is a good Sonoma Guided Vineyard Tour with Picnic Lunch, test it out and ebook prematurely as a result of it normally sells out quick.  

Sonoma County stretches from the North Coast close to Gualala to San Pablo Bay, so there may be loads to discover.

You may head to the coast to discover locations like Goat Rock or keep nearer to city and benefit from the valley panoramic views from the Sonoma Overlook Path.

In case you are contemplating visiting the California wine nation, think about including this charming area, particularly if you’re searching for a Northern California romantic getaway.

10 – Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park

The centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park is its plug dome volcano which is the most important on the planet.

A go to to Lassen will be thrilling because the volcano remains to be thought-about energetic, because it final erupted simply over 100 years in the past, and geothermal exercise within the park is simple to identify.

One of many park’s high points of interest is Bumpass Hell hydrothermal space, which covers a number of acres with steam vents, boiling springs, and dirt pots.

Park guests can even try the lava tubes on the Subway Cave and discover the lava cones and fields within the space.

For a extra hospitable atmosphere, head to Manzanita Lake for a calming stroll alongside the shore, or you are able to do some water actions resembling swimming or kayaking on the crystal clear water.

As Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Parks is round 4 hours from the closest large metropolis, the crowds are pretty restricted, making this an excellent summertime vacation spot for a getaway.

11 – Kings Canyon & Sequoia Nationwide Park

These two nationwide parks supply the chance to rise up near the biggest bushes on the planet.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Nationwide Parks are residence to many huge Sequoia Groves, with a number of accessible by taking a brief hike.

The largest bushes within the park are Normal Sherman and Normal Grant, that are round 270 ft tall and have a large circumference of over 100 ft.

These giants aren’t the one factor to see on the park, however many guests miss out on seeing Zumwalt Meadows, the place huge rocky cliffs flank effervescent creeks.

One other must-visit vacation spot within the parks is Moro Rock which presents majestic views of the attractive valleys and mountain peaks within the parks.

Here’s a Sequoia Park and Kings Canyon Self-Driving Audio Information that you would be able to obtain earlier than the journey. 

In case you are searching for low cost weekend getaways in Northern California, seize your tent for tenting or ebook one of many wonderful cabins close to the parks.

Another choice is to remain in Fresno (Central California) and go on a day journey to Kings Canyon and Sequoia Nationwide Parks that are close to to town. Here’s a information to Freno and the parks close to it. 

12 – Redwood Nationwide & State Parks

In the event you desperately want some disconnected time whereas having fun with nature, then the Redwood Nationwide Park and State Parks are the medication you might be searching for.

This majestic park is simply far sufficient away from metropolis facilities to scare off the crowds, which implies that the forests stay a tranquil place to loosen up even through the busy journey season.

Guests that drive to the park are handled to old-growth coastal redwood forests, residence to the tallest bushes on the planet.

Be certain to carry your mountain climbing sneakers, as these up for a trek shall be rewarded with gorgeous views at each activate the paths.

The forest is filled with trickling waterfall hikes, banana slugs, and ferns which might be sheltered by the enormous redwoods.

For those who don’t thoughts roughing it, you may carry your backpacking gear and keep a couple of nights at one of many rustic campsites within the park which might be solely reachable by mountain climbing via the majestic redwood forest.

If a lodge mattress is a should, then you may select a lodge in Crescent Metropolis (click on right here to see them). There yow will discover boutique motels, properties with non-public seaside entry, unbelievable trip houses, and budget-friendly motels.

For those who love the forest, Redwood Nationwide & State Parks are a bucket record vacation spot in California worthy of a weekend getaway.

13 – Mendocino

Positioned on the rugged North Coast of California is the charming city of Mendocino, which presents vacationers an opportunity to decompress and escape the stresses of massive metropolis life.

The principle a part of Mendocino Village is located above the crashing waves on a rocky peninsula the place you will see that nice cafes to seize a espresso to heat you up as you peruse the small retailers and take in the unbelievable ocean views.

There are additionally some nice eating places that reap the benefits of the ocean’s bounty together with different domestically sourced elements.

One of many highlights of a visit to Mendocino is mountain climbing alongside the paths that traverse the headlands, the place you’ll spot battered coves and sea caves.

Simply south of city, you will see that Van Damme State Seaside, the place you are able to do some ocean kayaking or hike again into Fern Canyon to be amongst the redwoods and the banana slugs.

The Russian Gulch State Park is near Mendocino and is understood for seashores, waterfalls, tide swimming pools, and caves. Price testing.

And in case you plan to go north of the city, then stretch a bit extra, and go to Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Glass Seaside, this north seaside is just a 17-minute drive from Mendocino. 

Mendocino is an ideal cease for a Northern California highway journey and is a good vacation spot to hire a trip residence for some relaxation and rest.

14 – Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is a small fishing city that grew to become well-known after being featured within the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds.”

The city has since turn out to be a must-stop for vacationers heading down the coast as a part of a highway journey or for some coastal tenting.

Bodega Bay can also be well-known for its seafood eating places and shacks, the place you may check out some contemporary Dungeness Crab or a bowl of clam chowder.

A visit to Bodega Bay can be incomplete and not using a cease at one of many 15 lovely seashores inside eight miles of the middle of city.

Guests can drive out to the headlands for a brief hike on the Bodega Bay Path which presents unbelievable views of the jagged shoreline and an ideal spot to look at the sundown.

The Bodega Head can also be an excellent spot for watching grey whales migrating up and down the coast with out getting on a ship.

15 – Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore sits in Marin County, close to San Francisco. It’s a wonderland for outside fanatics and is an ideal weekend getaway for some lovely time away from town and near the ocean.

Guests to Level Reyes shall be handled to numerous trails that vary from brief hikes to a lighthouse on the purpose, or a trek via a Tule Elk Protect.

There are additionally many unbelievable seashores the place you may spend the day, like Drake’s and Kehoe seashores, the place you’ll simply discover an empty stretch for a tranquil go to.

Earlier than heading out to discover, spend a while at Level Reyes Station, an enthralling city with nice bakeries and retailers.

You can even go to one of many award-winning cheese producers within the space for a tasting and a picnic at Marin French and Level Reyes Farmstead cheese firms.

Drake’s Bay, simply up the highway from city, is the epicenter of oyster farming within the state, and also you style these scrumptious bivalves proper from the water.

Don’t miss out on this particular vacation spot that is perhaps probably the most lovely in the whole state.

Wrap-Up: Weekend Getaways in Northern California

Now that you’ve got picked out the perfect weekend getaway in Northern California to your large journey, all it’s a must to do is ebook your lodging and pack your luggage.

Northern California transportation recommendation:

One of the best ways to journey in Northern California is by driving. So in case you come from a unique state or nation, you may discover the perfect automotive rental offers right here.

The larger cities will in all probability have extra presents and retailers, try the airports as nicely. Simply needless to say it’s low cost in case you gather and drop off the automotive on the identical vacation spot. 

In case you are nonetheless planning your journey to California, then yow will discover the finest flight offers right here.

For lodging, try Reserving.com. We normally discover the perfect lodging offers there.

Touring past Northern California:

In case you are planning a visit round California, then learn these two articles: prices of touring to San Diego, and the cool issues to do in Malibu.

For these planning to go to many nationwide parks, try the America the Lovely Nationwide Parks Cross and also you would possibly save a couple of bucks on entrance charges. 

Northern California climate recommendation:

Remember the fact that parks, peaks, and seaside cities have completely different climates. A lot of the locations listed below are excellent for gentle climate. 

In case you are heading to the nationwide parks for mountain climbing or tenting, be ready for chilly climate, particularly at night time.

Verify the climate forecast and the nationwide park’s web site for climate alerts earlier than the rip.

However it doesn’t matter the season, if it’s raining or you might be fortunate to get dry climate, the area presents some unbelievable locations to probe for well-planned journeys or for last-minute Northern California getaways.

And you might be sure to have a good time, irrespective of which getaway you select.

Now get able to load up the automotive and get in your technique to expertise one among these distinctive weekend getaways in Northern California.

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