Northern California

California's past still lives in Jamestown 1897 State Historic Park, from the architecture of its buildings along Main Street to Railtown, a state park that has preserved a still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back as far as 1897. Formerly a … [Read more...]

Winters rests on the foothills of the Coastal Range, nestled between Sacramento and Napa Valley. This cozy little town is a perfect day trip from Sacramento or the bay area. Many visitors travel in winters to visit the local wineries. Winters is an up-and-coming wine country, not as famous as its … [Read more...]

Only 16 miles from Santa Cruz, California, and within easy day-trip reach of San Francisco and Monterey, Sunset State Beach provides a diversity of experiences. The State Beach provides 3 miles of unspoiled Pacific coastline for visitors to enjoy. The approximately 167-acre park contains four … [Read more...]

In the Inyo Mountains high above the Owens Valley, Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, a once-booming mining town sits abandoned, and alone. It wasn't always this way. Throughout much of the 1800s, Cerro Gordo (or the “Fat Hill”) was pumping out thousands of tons of high-grade silver, lead, and other metals. … [Read more...]

There are so many pretty parts of the northern Napa Valley to visit and explore. Calistoga could well be considered the cream of the crop. Home to several of California's top spas, retreats, and wineries, Calistoga makes a perfect day trip or weekend getaway destination. Calistoga Natural Hot … [Read more...]

Located on the Pacific Ocean in the southwest corner of the city, the San Francisco Zoo features an abundance of exotic wildlife exhibits from around the world nestled amid mature Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees. Opened in the 1920s, the zoo has come a long way in recent years. And houses … [Read more...]

The “Valley of the Moon,” Sonoma Valley, is where rich history and modern pleasures collide. California winemaking started 200 years ago and where good restaurants, state-of-the-art spas, and adventurers thrive. Not as well-known or touristy as its neighbor Napa Valley, Sonoma’s kick-back vibe is … [Read more...]

When traveling to Northern California, its must-stop is Natural Bridges State Beach, a refuge for monarch butterflies and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Nestled in stunning Santa Cruz, California, this 65-acre California state park was named for the naturally occurring mudstone bridges that … [Read more...]

Salt Point State Park is not so far from some of California’s great metropolises. Once you arrive, however, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a whole other world. Above and below sea level, Salt Point offers visitors a mind-boggling array of activities. There are trails for hikers; … [Read more...]

Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns are located a few miles north of the small ranching town of Cartago in the Owens Valley of California. You can reach the kilns via a graded dirt road off Highway 395. This side trip can be made by just about any vehicle as long as your careful. The kilns are about one … [Read more...]

Lake Sonoma is created by the Warm Springs Dam, which holds back the waters from Dry Creek. During a normal rainfall season, the lake has nearly 50 miles of shoreline. Lake Sonoma is about a two-hour drive from San Francisco and is less than an hour's drive from Santa Rosa. The most popular … [Read more...]

Situated on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, and famous for the oldest campus of the University of California system. Berkeley is home to an interesting mix of college students, locals, and tourists. In just a single day trip, visitors can shop the many unique shops on Fourth Street, dine … [Read more...]

Only a 45-minute ride from the city of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises from Marin County's heart as one of the Bay Area's most breathtaking jewels. From its many trails that meander through sweeping hillsides shrouded with chaparral-covered ridges, grasslands, and oak woodlands, … [Read more...]

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is the perfect destination for farm-fresh food, handcrafted beer, wine, and all things artisan. Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, the city is host to several farmer’s markets, a thriving music scene, a variety of museums, and plenty of outdoor … [Read more...]