Best Places to Visit in Northern California
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” — John Muir
Searching for the best places to visit in Northern California? Well, you are in the right place! I gave myself three and a half days (and three nights) to visit my favorite spots in Northern California, starting in San Jose and ending in Sacramento. I asked my friend Liz to come along and do some driving so that I could take notes and plan our next stop.
Liz is from Austin, TX like me so we took a nonstop flight on Southwest (for $197) round trip that took 3 hours and 35 minutes. We left super early because we wanted to check out a few attractions in San Jose but drive a bit and spend the night in Santa Cruz on the coast.
But first things first...We landed in San Jose around 7:30 am. As soon as we landed, I adjusted my watch to the Pacific Time Zone. Avis makes it easy to get out of the lot quickly if you book your car and join their rewards program. We were heading to San Jose before 8:30am. I've written about San Jose here on a different trip.
I highly recommend stopping for a few hours. You can start with The Tech Interactive or Computer History Museum for a full Silicon Valley immersion. I took Liz to Voyager - St. John in downtown San Jose to fuel up before our drive and watch the city through their large windows.
After San Jose (my #1 place to visit in Northern California), we drove to Santa Cruz (my #2 place to visit in Northern California). We were to spend the night here but we still had a couple of hours to go before check-in at Hotel Paradox.
A food highlight? The laid-back brunch at Café Brasil, just a short walk from the beach. I had the acai bowl topped with granola, banana, and honey, plus a strong cup of Brazilian coffee. Bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Between the surfy vibe, the colorful decor, and the energy of the morning crowd, it felt like pure Santa Cruz sunshine in a bowl.
1. Driving to Big Sur
We were both eager to head out to enjoy a scenic drive to Big Sur (my #3 best place to visit in Northern California). Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive south along Highway 1 to reach Big Sur. Even if you only get to Bixby Creek Bridge, it's worth your time, I promise!
I've been here lots of times and Liz and I didn't have an extra day to spend here but if you do, I highly recommend it. You can go hiking, beachcombing, or just watching the waves. You can easily drive to Carmel and San Simeon from here too!
My highlight? The dreamy cliffside lunch at Nepenthe. I sat on the terrace with sweeping views of the Pacific and ordered the Ambrosiaburger with a glass of local red. Juicy, smoky, and served on a French roll—it tasted even better with the ocean stretching out below. The breeze, the scent of redwoods, and that iconic Big Sur magic made it unforgettable.
2. Driving on Bixby Creek Bridge
However, unless you want to add a night in Big Sur and check out this beautiful area in detail, I suggest heading back before dark and enjoying a sunset on the Santa Cruz boardwalk which is what Liz and I did.
Day one Driving Map (from San Jose to Santa Cruz to Big Sur and back)
3. Walking along the boardwalk in Santa Cruz
Back in Santa Cruz, we had dinner at Stagnaro Bros. And, wow, was it worth it just for the views! We spent the night at Hotel Paradox, but there are many places to stay. Basically, the closer you get to the ocean, the higher the room prices here.
I recommend Santa Cruz when someone tells me they want a classic California coastal town that completely won me over. To recap, it’s just about 30 miles from San Jose (45 minutes), tucked on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, and it’s packed with charm. If you’re like me and love beach days, you’ll adore the sandy stretches here. I've spent long lazy days here with my family, but not on this trip!
4. A short stop in Oakland
Next day it was time to depart Santa Cruz and head to Oakland (my #4 best place to visit in Northern California)! The drive itself was about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
I always think of Oakland as more than just San Francisco’s neighbor across the bridge. It’s truly a place of its own. I used to bring my son here because it's a family-friendly city. My son always had fun at the Chabot Space & Science Center and Children’s Fairyland (when he was little).
What I love most about Oakland is that you can pair peaceful escapes like the Morcom Rose Garden with vibrant cultural experiences at places like Esqueleto and Johansson Projects, then wrap it up with exceptional food at Grand Lake Kitchen.
Liz and I had a quick lunch in Oakland and kept driving because we planned on spending the night in Sonoma. So we had at least another 2 hours of driving ahead of us.
Day two driving map: Santa Cruz to Oakland and on to Sonoma:
5. Sonoma
Our drive from Oakland to El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We were planning to have a gourmet dinner and spend the night here.
After checking in, we were able to forget about the car for a while and stroll everywhere. I recommend this location if you like exploring on foot.
Sonoma County (my #5 best place to visit in Northern California) always feels like I landed in another world. If you love nature, good food, and relaxing in beautiful surroundings, you’re going to adore it too. There are nearly 500 wineries in Napa and Sonoma and I'm sure we could have spent a week here, easily!
But we planned to do a lot more driving next day...
My highlight? The dinner at the girl & the fig on Sonoma Plaza. I started with the fig and arugula salad, followed by duck confit over creamy polenta, paired with a local Rhône-style red. Every bite felt thoughtful and seasonal. The rustic-chic setting, with twinkling lights and soft jazz in the background, made it a perfect wine country evening.
Liz and I both woke up early and decided to get an early start because we were about to do a lot of driving. Our next destination? Yosemite Valley (my #6 best place to visit in Northern California), about 3.5 hours from Sonoma.
I wanted to see this mile-wide, seven miles long valley and I wasn't disappointed. It was absolutely worth the drive. Shaped by glaciers and carved by rivers, it’s framed by towering cliffs and famous granite domes. I recommend more than a day in Yosemite is your schedule permits.
6. Visiting Gold Rush towns in Calaveras County
We continued our drive towards Calaveras County (my #7 best place to visit in Northern California) because I've always found it to be one of Northern California’s most charming and underrated spots. Since we went to all these touristy spots, I felt like this should be our last stop.
Nestled in the Gold Country and High Sierra regions, Calaveras County has this laid-back, small-town feel. We went to Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see Giant Sequoias and spent the night at Arnold Meadowmont Lodge (rooms from $184).
Day Three Driving Map (from Sonoma to Yosemite to Arnold Meadowmont Lodge)
If you’re up for a bit of adventure (and have the time), I highly recommend exploring the Mercer Caverns. There are some great lakes here too if you are into fishing.
Liz and I had to part ways next day in Sacramento (my #8 best place to visit in Northern California). We both felt happy to return to our daily routines full of new memories.
More Places to Visit in Northern California
Over the years, we've enjoyed exploring many other destinations in Northern California and here are some of my favorites:
7. Aptos - 1 hour 30 minutes from San Francisco
Aptos is one of my favorite hidden gems along the Central Coast. You get both sides of the coin here: redwood forests on one side and wide, open Pacific on the other. It’s part of Santa Cruz County, but it has a slower, more local feel that makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or a calm coastal day trip.
I drove down from San Francisco in about an hour and a half, following Highway 1. You can also take the train to San Jose and rent a car from there. Either way, I always see the journey as part of the adventure. For an overnight stay, 3-star Seacliff Inn offers comfy rooms, a pool, and is close to the beach which I love.
You can start your day at Seacliff State Beach. You can see S.S. Palo Alto just offshore. From there, it’s easy to head along the sand to Rio del Mar or hike into the forest trails at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, depending on your mood. Do you want open skies and blue ocean views or shaded creek-side trails with ferns? Your pick...
8. Pacific Grove
A great spot to visit just a 15-minute drive along the coast from Carmel is Pacific Grove.
The town feels like a step back in time, complete with old homes painted in cheerful colors. For an overnight stay, the Seven Gables Inn is a dream. Since it's set above the rocky shoreline, you get incredible views all around.
You can walk or bike the scenic Ocean View Boulevard, stopping at Lovers Point Park (look out for sea otters!), or explore the trails through Asilomar State Beach. We admired the dunes and tide pools that feel so untouched here. In winter, thousands of monarch butterflies gather at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, turning the trees into living clouds of orange and gold.
9. Pacifica - 20 minutes south from San Francisco
I thought that Pacifica was one of the best day trips from Northern California when i visited last month. Why? First off, the cliffs and beaches here are absolutely spectacular, with panoramic ocean views that always feel like a dream.
We drove about 20 minutes south from San Francisco to Pacifica, a seaside town that grew from fishing villages and farms into a surf-friendly suburb. We spent the night at the Pacifica Beach Hotel, perched on Highway 1 with views of the ocean.
One of the best spots to visit is Mori Point, where the trails wind along vibrant wildflower fields in spring and lead to some of the coolest viewpoints on the coast.
I love stopping by Pacifica State Beach, which is not only beautiful but also one of the most exciting surf spots in the Bay Area—it’s awesome to watch locals catching waves.
What makes Pacifica unique is that it feels both peaceful and lively; I can hike the rugged hills in the morning and then grab fish and chips at a casual seaside café in the afternoon.
The 1.3 mile Devil’s Slide Trail is another highlight because the views are simply exceptional and the trail is actually paved with separate lanes for hikers and bikers, pet waste stations, drinking fountains and restrooms. I also find Pacifica to be a joyful getaway for families, with easy trails, beach picnics, and tide-pooling adventures that kids love.
I thought that Pacifica has the best mix of natural beauty, cool hidden spots, and affordable fun, making it one of the most unusual yet spectacular escapes along the Northern California coast.
10. San Jose - 1 hour south from San Francisco
I thought that San Jose was one of the best Northern California day trips. Why? First off, it’s filled with countless experiences for every type of traveler that make every visit exciting and unique.
We drove about 1 hour south from San Francisco to San Jose, the oldest civilian settlement in California, founded in 1777, and checked into 3-star AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown for two days.
One of the most spectacular spots is the Municipal Rose Garden, a romantic oasis with thousands of colorful blooms that make it one of the absolute best places for a joyful stroll and beautiful photos.
I also love exploring History San Jose and the charming History Park, where the vintage buildings and exhibits make me feel like I’ve stepped back in time...it’s both unusual and fascinating.
Whenever I’m in the mood for shopping, the Makers Market is a cool hidden gem, full of unique handcrafted goods that make perfect keepsakes or gifts.
For food, I’m a big fan of Communal Bar and Restaurant, which has such a lively, modern vibe and serves some of the most exceptional dishes I’ve had in the city—it’s the perfect place to end the day.
When I want a family-friendly adventure, I can’t resist Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, an affordable and exciting spot where kids can enjoy rides, animals, and playful attractions all in one place.
The Heritage Rose Garden is another hidden treasure—its unusual collection of roses is one of the largest in the world, and walking through it feels like a dreamy, fragrant getaway.
I thought that San Jose is the coolest mix of gardens, history, food, and fun, making it one of the absolute best destinations for a weekend or a quick city escape.
11. Palo Alto - 1 hour from San Francisco
We drove about 45 minutes south from San Francisco to Palo Alto, a city that grew up around Stanford University, founded in 1885.
In town, I browsed unique shops along University Avenue before spending the night at the Cardinal Hotel, a a restored 1924 landmark with vintage charm.
I stopped for lunch at Joanie’s Café where I ordered a buttery toast and a golden egg that melted into the cheese. We walked it off at Gamble Garden, then wandered through the quiet halls of the Cantor Arts Center.
12. The Madrones in Anderson Valley - 2.5 hours north from San Francisco
One of the absolute best parts of a day trip to Anderson Valley is discovering The Madrones, a hidden gem that feels like its own little world.
I always think of it as the coolest mix of wine country charm and boutique luxury, tucked right off Highway 128 in Philo.
The property is vibrant and unique, with Mediterranean-inspired courtyards, lush gardens, and suites that make you want to stay for the whole weekend instead of just the day.
We drove about 2.5 hours north from San Francisco into Anderson Valley, a quiet stretch of Mendocino County known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian varietals.
I found it fascinating to learn that vineyards here date back to the mid-1800s, when European settlers planted along the Navarro River.
What I love most is that The Madrones isn’t just about beautiful rooms—it’s home to some of my favorite tasting rooms in the valley, where I’ve sipped exceptional Pinot Noirs and sparkling wines in such a relaxed, welcoming setting.
I also get excited every time I step into their small collection of shops and studios; it feels unusual and creative, and I’ve found some of the coolest local goods there.
For food, The Madrones has amazing on-site options that make it easy to linger longer, whether it’s wood-fired pizza, farm-to-table bites, or a glass of wine enjoyed under the oak trees.
Every visit feels like a dream because the atmosphere is so joyful and serene, and it’s one of those places where I can truly slow down and soak up the Anderson Valley magic.
For me, The Madrones is one of the best and most underrated spots in Northern California—romantic, affordable, and always filled with exceptional discoveries.
13. Things to Do in Petaluma
This was such a lovely month to visit this charming Sonoma Valley town — golden sunshine, hills brushed with wild mustard, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of lavender and hay from nearby farms. I timed my trip for Butter & Egg Days, Petaluma’s whimsical spring parade celebrating its agricultural roots, and the Art & Garden Festival (free admission) filled downtown with color, music, and laughter.
Landing in San Francisco, I drove north through rolling vineyards to my base at the Metro Hotel, a restored midcentury gem that mixed vintage flair with laid-back comfort. My five mellow days were a delicious blur of farm-to-table brunches, antique hunting along Kentucky Street, and slow afternoons at Petaluma Creamery or Lagunitas Brewing Company. Evenings were for riverside walks and candlelit dinners at Risibisi or Central Market, where local olive oil and heirloom produce turned every plate into poetry.
By the time I left, Petaluma felt like a perfect blend of pastoral calm and small-town charm — a place where time lingers, and every day tastes just a little bit sweeter.
14. Los Altos History Museum
The Los Altos History Museum feels like a pocket of time tucked into Silicon Valley — a place where orchards, homesteads, and local traditions still echo beneath the modern hum of tech campuses. Nestled in a shaded corner of downtown Los Altos, it’s a museum that feels both intimate and rooted, connecting the valley’s agricultural past with the community spirit of today.
The museum is housed in a farmhouse-style building, and the grounds — with gardens, exhibits, and shaded benches — invite you to linger.
We drove down from San Francisco in under an hour and stayed at Hotel Citrine for two days in Palo Alto, a boutique spot with eco-friendly touches. My best meal was brunch at Los Altos Grill, where I had the rotisserie chicken sandwich ($19) — flavorful, fresh, and just right before an afternoon wandering the museum. My son loved their wood-grilled artichokes ($15).
15. Truckee
This was such a lovely month to visit this high Sierra mountain town — crisp blue skies, pine-scented breezes, and the first hints of summer along Donner Lake. I timed my trip for Truckee Thursdays, when downtown fills with music, local artisans, and open-air food stalls, and the Truckee Old West Day Parade brought a festive, hometown charm to the historic district.
Flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, I followed the winding mountain roads to my cozy base at The Truckee Hotel, a century-old landmark blending rustic character with boutique comfort. My five mellow days were filled with morning strolls along the riverwalk, picnics by Donner Memorial State Park, and long, golden evenings spent sampling wood-fired pizzas and craft brews under string lights.
A highlight was my afternoon at the KidZone Museum, where creativity comes alive through hands-on exhibits — a joyful, family-friendly space that captures the playful heart of Truckee itself. By the time I left, I’d fallen for the town’s balance of alpine adventure and small-town soul — the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and stay just one more day.
Conclusion
Northern California is one of my favorite regions in the U.S. Why? Where else can you see redwood trees, incredible beaches and end the day tasting some of the best wine in the world?
So, where should you go first? To answer that, think about the kind of adventure that’s the best fit for you. Need more ideas? If you live in San Francisco of plan to base yourself there for your adventure, check out my favorite Day Trips from San Francisco.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
