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 or looking for weekend getaways from San Francisco? Well, you are in the right place! (If you are looking for Southern California destination, and California beaches, you will find them here.)
- My Favorite Road Trip in Northern California
- - Big Sur - Santa Cruz - Oakland - Sonoma - Calaveras County
- Best Places to Visit in Northern California
- - Aptos - Pacific Grove - Pacifica - San Jose - San Francisco - San Jose - San Francisco - Palo Alto - The Madrones in Anderson Valley - Petaluma - Los Altos History Museum - Truckee - Sebastopol - Plymouth
My Favorite Road Trip in Northern California
Last month, I gave myself three and a half days (and three nights) to re-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. Moreover, I also included here my favorite places to visit in Northern California from my previous trips...
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 and one of my favorite beach destinations). 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 here (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! We absolutely love Big Sur, and have been many times.
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!
- Location: Location Map
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 coastal 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.
- Location: Location Map
I recommend this city 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 on 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 the "Valley of the Moon" 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
Beyond this recent road trip with my friend Liz, 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
This is one of my favorite hidden gems along the Central Coast and I think it's one of the best places to visit in California. Why? First off, you get both sides of the coin here: redwood forests on one side and wide, open Pacific on the other. In addition, Aptos is part of Santa Cruz County, but it has a slower, more local feel that makes it perfect for a weekend getaway.
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 where you can admire 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 and energy level. Do you want open skies and blue ocean views or shaded creek-side trails with ferns? Your pick...
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was dinner at The Hideout where I had amazing short ribs!
8. Pacific Grove
Just a 15-minute drive along the coast from Carmel is one of my favorite finds in California! I love that the "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." 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 and since it's set above the rocky shoreline, you get incredible views all around.
You can walk or bike along the scenic Ocean View Boulevard, stopping at Lovers Point Park (look out for sea otters!), or explore the trails through Asilomar State Beach where we admired the dunes and tide pools that feel so untouched here.
What I loved best:
On our winter trip, thousands of monarch butterflies gathered at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, turning the trees into living clouds of orange and gold, my favorite highlight.
9. Pacifica - 20 minutes south from San Francisco
I thought that this place was one of the best day trips from Northern California when I visited last month. Why? For me, the cliffs and beaches in Pacifica are absolutely spectacular, with panoramic ocean views that always feel like a dream.
We drove about 20 minutes south on a day trip from San Francisco to Pacifica, and spent five romantic nights at the Pacifica Beach Hotel on Highway 1 with views of the ocean.
My first and favorite stop was Mori Point, where the trails lead to some of the coolest viewpoints on the coast.
The 1.3 mile Devil’s Slide Trail is another highlight because the views are simply exceptional. I also love that this trail is actually paved with separate lanes for hikers and bikers, pet waste stations, drinking fountains and restrooms.
What I loved best:
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, my favorite highlight.
10. San Jose - 1 hour south from San Francisco
Ready for a history-rich urban escape? I thought that this city was one of the best Northern California destinations because it’s filled with countless experiences 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 five exciting 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 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.
What I loved best:
The Heritage Rose Garden is a hidden treasure and locals told me that its unusual collection of roses is one of the largest in the world, my favorite highlight!
11. San Francisco
This is one of my favorite places to visit in California because it offers a bit of everything: iconic views, easy-to-explore neighborhoods, and great restaurants.
We took Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor from Sacramento to Emeryville (about 2 hours, $24), then hopped the connecting Amtrak bus over the Bay Bridge into downtown San Francisco.
The train hugged the water through the delta, making the trip part of the experience. Once we arrived in San Francisco I immediately felt that familiar spark that makes us come back year after year.
We started our trip with a stop at Rec Room by East Brother Beer Co. in downtown San Francisco located inside the Metreon, just steps from Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center.
After, we explored Golden Gate Park, where trails, lakes, and gardens.
Later, one of my favorite parts of the trip was walking along the Embarcadero at sunset.
In the evening, we tried Champagne Society, intimate and stylish.
What I loved best:
Dining was my personal highlight, with fresh seafood at the wharf and 3-Michelin-starred flavors at Benu in SoMa.
12. Palo Alto - 1 hour from San Francisco
Ready for a history-rich, intellectually charged escape? Palo Alto is a real standout! We drove about 45 minutes south from San Francisco to this incredible city that grew up around Stanford University (founded in 1885!).
In town, first thing, I browsed unique shops along University Avenue before spending one night at the 3-star Cardinal Hotel, a restored 1924 landmark.
Next morning, we enjoyed Gamble Garden, then wandered through the quiet halls of the Cantor Arts Center.
What I loved best:
We finished with lunch at Joanie’s Café, a standout, where I ordered a buttery toast and a golden egg that melted into the cheese!
13. The Madrones in Anderson Valley - 2.5 hours north from San Francisco
For me, one of the absolute best parts of our day trip to Anderson Valley was discovering this hidden gem that feels like its own little world tucked right off Highway 128 in Philo, California.
I found it fascinating to learn from locals that vineyards here date back to the mid-1800s, when European settlers planted along the Navarro River.
What I loved best:
What I love most is that The Madrones isn’t just about beautiful rooms—it’s also home to some of my favorite tasting rooms, shops and dining options.
14. Things to Do in Petaluma
This Sonoma County town is one of my favorite places to visit on the West Coast when I want a mix of incredible food, local wine, and easy outdoor adventure.
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.
We were based at the 3-star Metro Hotel for two days, a restored midcentury gem. First, we strolled along Kentucky Street looking at antique shops and stopped at a local cafe.
Next, I loved the cheeses we picked up at Petaluma Creamery...Chris is still talking the amazing flavors months later.
In the evening, our riverside walk was remantic, followed by a candlelit dinner at Risibisi.
What I loved best:
Next day, we tried Central Market, where local olive oil and heirloom produce were amazing.
15. Los Altos History Museum
This museum in downtown Los Altos feels like a pocket of time tucked into Silicon Valley, one of my favorite places to visit in California. Located in a shaded corner of downtown Los Altos, this is a museum that let us learn about the valley’s agricultural past in an interactive way.
What I loved best:
The museum is housed in a farmhouse-style building, with the grounds that are so beautiful (with gardens, exhibits, and shaded benches)!
16. Truckee
This mountain town is one of my favorite places to visit in NorCal when I want a mix of outdoor adventure, great food, and a little bit of alpine atmosphere.
I timed my trip for Truckee Thursdays, when downtown fills with music, local artisans, and open-air food stalls in the summer. Chris, our son and I enjoyed our cozy base at 3-star Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe for two days. First thing in the morning, we strolled along the riverwalk, followed by a picnic in Donner Memorial State Park. we ended the day with a wood-fired pizza under string lights.
What I loved best:
Our family highlight was our afternoon at the KidZone Museum, where creativity comes alive through hands-on exhibits!
17. Sebastopol
This bohemian-spirited town in West Sonoma County, is one of my favorite weekend getaways from San Francisco when I'm in the mood for incredible food, organic wineries, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
We started the day wandering through The Barlow, an open-air market district with artisan shops, craft breweries, and local food spots.
After, one of my favorite moments was walking among the quirky art installations and murals around town, which gave Sebastopol such a cool, offbeat character.
We stopped for lunch at Goldfinch where we shared plates and had a fun family meal.
What I loved best:
In the afternoon, we took a drive through the apple orchards, and I thought it was exciting to see how the city’s farming roots still thrive alongside its modern wine country scene.
A downside? Mornings can be cool and foggy especially from fall through spring.
18. Plymouth
This is one of my favorite places to visit in the Sierra Foothills for a romantic weekend getaway from San Francisco! We loved our stay at the Rest Hotel ($256/night) for two days. It was such a peaceful retreat, with lovely romantic sunsets!
First, Chris and I visited Iron Hub Winery, set on a hilltop at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills, so it has these amazing panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, a true hidden gem!
Next, we visited a small farms and olive oil producer, and enjoyed a short hike after.
What I loved best:
For me, Plymouth is one of the best places to visit in Northern California because it's scenic, slow-paced and unique!
On our autumn visit, the vineyards were turning shades of bronze and burgundy, and the whole valley had that warm, harvest-season glow, my personal highlight.
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.
