Northern California is brimming with beauty and wonder, from stunning beaches to charming cities, towering redwood forests, sprawling vineyards, rugged mountains, and numerous national parks. There are so many fun and memorable places to visit in North California that are a bucket-list must!
One of the great appeals of California is that it’s a fantastic destination to frequent all year round weather-wise with warm summers and relatively mild winters. The high mountains in north California experience snowy winters, making it the perfect winter sports destinations (the months of December, January, and February are the best time to visit).
If beach breaks are more your thing, consider going between May to October for hot sunny days and bright blue skies. It’s best to visit San Francisco between September and October as during early July and late August the city experiences constant fog.
Here’s our selection of the best things for families to do road tripping Northern California.
This post is part of our Discover the USA and Pacific North West Road Trip series
Highlights of Northern California
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is one of the most popular National Parks in the country, and for good reason! The park is home to more than 400 species of animals as well as the ancient giant sequoia trees.
Yosemite is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern California, and the impressive rock formations make it the perfect destination for more adventurous families that enjoy exploring, climbing, and hiking. It is also home to Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, dropping an impressive total of 2,452 feet.
The best time to visit is from May to September before it gets too cold, though many parts of the National Park are open year-round. Badger Pass Ski Area is a popular family skiing and snowboarding spot, or the more adventurous may like to try a snowshoe hike through Mariposa Grove or cross-country skiing on Glacier Point Road.
Where to stay: Camping inside Yosemite is incredibly popular and books up fast, as do lodges. Yosemite Valley Lodge is a popular favorite near Yosemite Falls and good for groups.
2. Lake Tahoe
Another beautiful nature spot in Northern California is Lake Tahoe, the perfect destination for nature lovers all year round. In winter the area is known for being a world-class skiing destination, but it is also a great place to visit in summer with spectacular scenery perfect for those that enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Sand Harbor beach is perfect for paddleboarding and Kings Beach is great if you would rather just relax and enjoy the beautiful views. The dazzling blue waters are a popular tourist destination, so we recommend visiting outside of the peak summer months, although beware that it can be rather chilly in winter, with the surrounding mountains very popular .
Where to stay: A great place for renting a holiday home, there are small towns dotted all around the lake. South Lake Tahoe is home to many great resorts such as Heavenly Valley Lodge, or for a truly quaint and quiet town, try a shorefront cabin in Tahoma.
3. Redwoods National and State Parks
Redwoods National and State Parks are the best place to visit in Northern California to explore the ancient forests home to the famous California redwood trees, some of which are over 250 feet tall and nearly 1000 years old!
The National Park and State Parks are managed together, covering multiple locations from Crescent City down to Stone Lagoon campgrounds. You can enjoy a lot of the experience by scenic drive along Highway 101, but we do recommend you divert through the Newton B Dury Scenic Parkway and try some of the shirt trails for the best experience.
To the south of here you’ll find Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County. An easy diversion of the 101 if you don’t have much time to explore on foot you can still get an incredible feel for things by road. Many enjoy the novel experience of giant drive through trees for a classic photo experience (at a fee!).
Where to stay: The Redwoods are quite spread out so you can easily spend a few days hopping from one location to another. Camping is the best way to get up close, or you can base yourself in the historic coastal town of Eureka which will put you in the middle of the action.
4. Muir Woods
If you simply can’t get enough of the tall timber, don’t miss Muir Woods National Monument with kid-friendly hikes and stroller-accessible trails it is one of the most popular places in northern California for Redwood spotting.
The proximity of Muir Woods to San Fran, however, make this a VERY crowded spot. Parking or a shuttle to the entrance need to be pre-booked and don’t expect too much serenity in the forest – but nonetheless you won’t fail to be impressed by the giant redwoods.
Where to stay: It is straight forward to day trip to Muir Woods from anywhere around San Francisco but for nearby lodgings try Pantoll Campgrounds in Mount Tamapais State Park or head to Sausalito.
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Nestled in the peaceful forests of Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to four different types of volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, wildflower meadows, and clear mountain lakes. Mt. Lassen Peak is considered an active volcano with plenty of hydrothermal activity visible in the park (think hot sulphur springs and bubbling mud – it can definitely be smelly!).
If you only have time for one stop inside Lassen, we recommend the Bumpass Hell Trail for a 1.5-mile walking hike to see some of the parks best geothermal activity (a tougher walk for little legs but an incredible educational experience awaits). If you want an easy-to-spot stinky stop, try Sulphur Works, near the southwest entrance. It’s certainly one of the more unique and underrated National Parks.
The best time to visit is from around June to October as some of the trails are only accessible in the warmer months. Snow in the winter months means the Lassen Volcanic National Highway, the 30-mile scenic drive through the park, closes until after Spring clearing, usually around May.
Where to stay: Near the southwest entrance try Village at Childs Meadow, Mill Creek. Further west Red Bluff or Redding offer more varied options for road trippers.
6. Mono Lake
Mono Lake, nestled between the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada, is a salt soda lake and one of the major natural attractions in north California. The spectacular saline waters were formed at least 760,000 years ago and are home to an unusually productive ecosystem with many fish, brine shrimp, and migratory birds.
It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers with daily free walks that where you can learn all about the local wildlife and so some bird watching. It’s the perfect spot to relax with the family and enjoy some peace whilst surrounded by beautiful scenery. We recommend renting kayaks and paddling among the awe-inspiring tufas for a unique Northern California experience.
Where to stay: Your closest accommodation is Yosemite Gateway Motel, or drive onwards into Yosemite or Mammoth Lakes.
7. Big Sur
Big Sur is one of the longest and most scenic stretches of undeveloped coastline in the whole country, and there are few drives more breathtaking than down this coast on Highway 1. Many visitors will have it as their number 1 spot to visit on the West Coast – though do we warned if you have motion sickness sufferers, scenic can mean lots of twists and turns!
Bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the scenery is wild, rugged, and beautiful. With its turquoise waters and picturesque hiking trails, Point Lobos State Reserve (just south of Big Sur) is known as the “crown jewel” of California’s State Park system and well worth a visit.
NB – landslides in the area, particularly in the winter, can cause delays or closures. Always check traffic conditions for Highway 1 before you set out.
Where to stay: For some family-friendly camping fun, check out Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park with its magical redwood forest and the beautiful Pfeiffer Beach.
8. Wine Tasting in Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
One of the most fun things to do in north California is to visit one of over 500 wineries in the Napa & Sonoma counties, also known as wine country. Don’t worry if you’re traveling with your kids, as some of these wineries welcome families with kids of all ages (but do be warned, plan ahead! A trip to Napa can be akin to planning a Disney World trip when it comes to logistics; planning the perfect itinerary that’s inclusive of children and adult needs is a bit of an art form).
You can learn first-hand how wine is made and whilst parents enjoy a wine tasting, kids can experience the different flavors and smells of seasonal fruits at a smoothie tasting. But it´s not just a destination for excellent food and wine, as many of the surrounding areas also offer beautiful scenery, picturesque parks, lovely gardens, and other outdoor activities.
Our complete Napa & Sonoma with kids guide coming soon.
Kids may also enjoy a side trip to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County; popular attractions here include the hands-on Children’s Museum of Sonoma Country and the Charles M Schultz Museum, both great stops if you need a break from the wine trail.
Where to stay: The area to cover here is huge so think carefully where to locate yourselves. Just a short stopover you may benefit from staying near downtown Napa like Napa River Inn or try the stunning Silverado Resort and Spa for a truly Napa experience.
9. Russian River
If you are more of a beer lover, you won’t want to miss a trip to the Russian River, also in Sonoma County, to take a guided tour of the local brewery and taste the famous Pliny the Elder (two locations now in Santa Roas and Windsor). Children are welcome, so it’s a fun outing for the whole family – and one of the most extensive tasting paddles you’ll find in PNW!
Besides beer, there are also eco-adventures, spa retreats, and river activities such as tubing to enjoy. Visit Johnson’s Beach for a lovely day of swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. Just a short drive northwest from Sacramento, it’s the perfect weekend city escape.
Where to stay: A lovely waterfront motel with river access is Casa Secoya in Monte Rio, or find plentiful accommodation in downtown Santa Rosa, try Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country.
10. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a popular tourist destination in Northern California along the pacific coast. This National Seashore was established to protect local ecosystems and is home to a myriad of plant and animal species. Your family will love all the different indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, beach-going, kayaking, spotting elephant seals at Chimney Rock, and visiting the Point Reyes Lighthouse.
At only 35 miles from San Francisco, it is a great relaxing escape with spectacular scenery and delicious eateries. We recommend trying some oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. and checking out the award-winning cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery.
Summer travellers be warned, although its the warmest time of the year, it can also be the foggiest! Point Reyes Lighthouse is frequently shrouded in cloud but you’ll find calm waters and blue skies nearby at Tomales Bay, stop off at the picturesque town of Point Reyes Station on your way.
Where to stay: Camping in Point Reyes National Seashore is popular in this remote areas, or try a VRBO property in picturesque Inverness on Tomales Bay.
11. Lava Beds National Monument
One of the top north California attractions is Lava Beds National Monument where volcanic eruptions over the past half a million years have created a rugged landscape with more than 800 caves.
There are some guided options for visiting these impressive caves (between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends), but for the most part, you and your family can explore the underground lave tubes and tunnels without a guide, and as the park is quite remote, you will feel like you have the caves to yourselves.
The area was once home to Native American tribes, and in some of the caves, you can find petroglyphs and pictograms dating back thousands of years!
Where to stay: Your nearest town is Klamath Falls with several reasonably priced hotels and motels.
12. Bodie
One of the most interesting places to visit in Northern California is the former gold-mining town of Bodie. This once bustling town in the Basin Range of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains was home to more than 10,000 residents in the 19th century, but it is now an abandoned town.
It is a place of seeping in history where you can learn all about the California gold rush and how it went from a booming metropolis with 65 saloons to a ghost town. Bodie has been a State Historic Park since the 1960s with many areas very well preserved so you and your family can imagine exactly what it looked like in its heyday.
Where to stay: No accommodation in Bodie itself but stay close by at Virginia Creek Settlement, Bridgeport.
13. Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
A rare geological sight and one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt, the 80,000 year old Devils Postpile National Monument is a popular summer site for hikers and day trippers near Mammoth Mountain.
Often paired with a trip to the beautiful neighbouring Rainbow Falls, access to these natural wonders is only possible in the summer and by shuttle bus due to accessibility issues (unless you’re an avid cross country skier or snowshoer!)
Where to stay: There are plenty of accommodation options from Reds Meadow Campground to the more upmarket Juniper Springs Resort in Mammoth Lakes.
14. San Francisco
The famous city of San Francisco is a charming destination with something for everyone. The multicultural city is knowns for its great food, friendly and open-minded residents, historic cable cars, impressive bridges, iconic hills, and fantastic views.
The city offers plenty of things to do with world-class museums, high-end shopping, fantastic street art, and delicious food. There are so many fantastic places to explore, but some of the top spots to visit include Chinatown, Little Italy, the Haight district, the Mission district, the Botanical Garden, North Beach, and Golden Gate Park.
You can find our fabulous guide to 24 hours in San Francisco with kids from local Preethi over here.
Where to stay: Try Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square or on the waterfront The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square for upmarket family apartments with resort conveniences and great Bay views. See a complete guide to San Francisco family accommodation here.
15. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is another city well worth a visit in Northern California with kids. On sunny summer days, families can partake in water sports, enjoy picnics on the golden sands, eat at one of the many delicious local eateries, and play in the blue waters. The popular beach town is also home to the most famous boardwalk in all of California.
A top summertime plan for many years now, the Boardwalk first opened in 1907 and today the oceanfront amusement park boasts free admission, with plenty of fun rides, classic arcade and carnival games, treats and music to keep all the family entertained.
Where to stay: Rent a gorgeous 3 bedroom house in Downtown Santa Cruz, or try Bella Notte Inn offering family quadruples near the beach.
16. Sacramento
For those that want to learn more about the history of California, a trip to Sacramento and the State Capital Museum is a must. A stroll around the charming Old Town Sacramento will take you back to the city’s Gold Rush era of the 1850s, with its wooden sidewalks and horse-drawn wagon rides.
The riverside area is a top tourist spot, with excellent riverside dining and shopping. Don’t forget to visit one of the most beloved museums in the city, the California State Railroad Museum which is often cited as the most popular railroad museum in all of the USA!
Where to stay: Some great centrally located options for families include Hyatt Centric Sacramento Downtown or Inn Off Capitol Park
17. Golden Gate Bridge & Sausalito
San Francisco and the bay areas makes the list again! A trip to Northern California wouldn’t be the same without seeing the architecturally astounding Golden Gate Bridge. Each year, more than 10 million tourists flock to the 1.7 mile-long bridge with its tremendous 746ft tall towers.
The best way to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge is to bike across it, but there are also various viewing spots nearby with excellent views of both the city and bridge. Check out Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Marin Headlands, and Point Bonita Lighthouse to take some spectacular city snaps with the bridge in the background.
Extend your journey on to historic Sausalito known for its waterfront restaurants, elegant Victorian mansions and trendy shopping district with spectacular Bay views.
Where to stay: If you fancy staying just outside of San Francisco and closer to the northern beaches try the superb rated Cavallo Point, Sausalito.
18. Shasta Lake
A totally under-rated part of Northern California that seldom seems to make most tourist publications “best of” lists, we only found Shasta Lake by chance when a change of plans (hello bushfire season!) put as in nearby Redding.
Shasta Dam, across the Sacramento River is an incredible feat of engineering which forms the man-made Shasta Lake. The largest fresh water dam in California, the waters here not only serve a vital role in water supply but numerous recreation activities including water-skiing, swimming and fishing. Renting a houseboat on Shasta Lake is an incredibly popular family vacation activity in Northern California.
Off the water, the local area is popular for hiking, mountain hiking and camping in the mountains. For a more in-depth experience, there is a visitor centre to learn more about the dam or even take a tour inside the inner workings (cancelled as at summer 2021).
Where to stay: Of course, renting a houseboat is the top choice, or just stopping through there are several neat and affordable lodgings in Redding, we loved Americana Modern Hotel with basic rooms that fit five.
19. McArthur Burney Falls, Memorial State Park
McArthur Burney Falls might not be the highest or largest waterfall in California, but it is easily the most beautiful with more than 100 million gallons of water flowing every day. Memorial State Park, the second oldest state park in California, has a looping trail that allows for various vantage points to observe the stunning falls.
Families can also enjoy the local wildlife, stunning landscapes, and you can even camp on the grounds. Additional nearby activities outside of the park include golfing, hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, and even skiing during the winter months.
For a unique trip down memory lane, seek out the nearby famous railway bridge from Stand by Me in Burney!
Where to stay: Find the perfect camp spot at Mcarthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP or if you prefer 4 walls Green Gables Motel & Suites, Burney.
20. Monterey
Last but not least, the beautiful coastal town of Monterey is sure to be on your kids bucket list! Best known for its Monterey Bay Aquarium – the inspiration for the “Marine Life Institute” in Finding Dory – most of your under 10’s are no doubt going to be very familiar!
The aquarium is home to sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, sea horses, rays, starfish and octopus, while otters and sea lions can be spotted in the kelp forest-filled waves below. The shoreline here is also known for it’s humpback whale spotting opportunities April to November.
Aside from the aquarium, there’s so much on offer in Monterey including the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, one of the most epically scenic drives in the US! There are plenty of tide pooling opportunities at Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Park and kids will also love a stop at Dennis the Menace Playground (El Estero Park Complex).
Monterey can be tackled as a day trip from San Francisco, though most will take on as part of the incredible coastal drive through Carmel by Sea and down to Big Sur.
Where to stay: Try the beautiful and homely Victorian Inn, or Monterey Bay Inn both walking distance to the aquarium.
How long do I need to road trip Northern California?
Your Northern California road trip can be flexed around your available dates, but with anything less than a fortnight, you’ll spend most of your time in the car. If you want to squeeze out the most from all the suggestions above, you can try this route:
Example 2 weeks Northern California Itinerary
We have assumed coming from LA/Southern California, but you can easily adjust this itinerary to loop onto the end of a PNW Road Trip coming from the Oregon Coast and start with the Redwoods.
Day 1 – Big Sur – Monterey
Day 2 – Santa Cruz
Day 3 – San Francisco
Day 4 – Golden Gate Bridge – Muir Woods – Saulista
Day 5 – Point Reyes – Napa/Sonoma
Day 6 – Russian River – Avenue of the Giants – Eureka
Day 7 – Redwoods National and State Parks
Day 8 – Lava Beds National Monument (option to visit southern Oregon)
Day 9 – McArthur-Burney Falls – Shasta Lake
Day 10 – Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day 11 – Lake Tahoe
Day 12 – Bodie – Mono Lake
Day 13 – Yosemite
Day 14 – Devils Postpile
Top tips for a Northern California Road Trip
- Be mindful, this is over XX miles in 2 weeks. Traveling with kids, you will be better to concentrate on one area of Northern California at a time to make the most of the experience, or spread the above itinerary out over one month.
- Summer is the most popular time for visiting Northern California and it also means bushfire season. Be prepared that your plans may need to be flexible and have maps downloaded ready in case you need to suddenly change route (do not rely on having internet wherever you go!)
- Don’t forget our handy road rip packing list. This has all the essentials you’ll need to bring with you on a road trip through California in a downloadable PDF.
You and your family will without doubt love your trip to Northern California. There is so much fun, beauty, nature, and history awaiting you! Do you have any other Northern California favourites you think we’ve missed?
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