Northern California is an incredible place to take a road trip, with everything from beaches to wine country and the most beautiful parks. With so much to see and do, it can be tough to know where to start!
All of Northern California has something special to offer visitors – from the redwoods in the North Bay Area all the way down past Big Sur on the Central Coast. There’s a lot of ground to cover between those two regions, but each area offers something special for families that will give you holiday memories that last a lifetime.
You’ll get to see soaring cliffs along Highway 1 as you head south towards Big Sur, visit San Francisco’s landmarks such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, hike amongst giant sequoias at Yosemite National Park, and so much more. It will be the trip of a lifetime!
A Road Trip Through Northern California
Redwoods
Muir Woods and Jedediah State Park are both amazing options for enjoying the serenity of the redwoods. Some of the redwoods in the Bay Area are nearly 1,000 years old. Their majestic nature will draw you in as you stare up at the trees, some of which are more than 250 feet tall!
Muir Woods gets busier with tourists because of its location, so if you can make it out to Jedediah State Park, it will be worth it.
Muir Woods is adjacent to Golden Gate Park, just a few miles north of San Francisco – making it easy to have a day of adventures in this area.
Both of these have great hikes that are kid-friendly and you can walk with a pushchair so you don’t need to miss out on them if it’s a family road trip.
Sequoias at Yosemite
Can’t get enough of big trees? Visit Yosemite’s Giant Grove of Sequoias. Make sure you check the status of the park before you set off, as sometimes they’re closed due to bad weather, or other reasons. It takes a little planning, but you can avoid crowds at Yosemite.
Lava Beds
With more than 800 caves created by flows of lava more than 10,000 years ago, Lava Beds National Monument is a must-see attraction in Northern California. The monument also includes historic battlefields and campsites. Plan ahead and add camping and caving to your trip’s itinerary!
Fort Bragg
You can choose to hike, bike, kayak, and walk the beach during your visit to the historic landmark known as Fort Bragg. This beautiful town is full of rich history. During the earthquake of 1906, Fort Bragg was damaged severely with most brick buildings collapsing as fire ravaged the town. From the first salmon fishery back in 1898 to the redwood power poles that still stand to this day, these things remind us of days of the past.
Visiting Fort Bragg is like taking a step back in time. Locals and tourists alike say there’s a spirit of community that you don’t find in many other places.
You’ll find that Fort Bragg has everything from tidepools and surfing to hiking and sunbathing, a stop sure to keep everyone in the family happy all day long. Glass Beach is absolutely worth checking out whilst you’re there.
Bodie
Speaking of taking a step back in time, Bodie Historic State Park is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Though it is located more towards Central California than the northern portion, if you’re driving in, it’s worth a stop. In 1859, William Waterman Bodey discovered gold near what is now referred to as Bodie Bluff. In 1861, a mill was established and the town started to grow and an estimated 10,000 people had landed in Bodie by 1880.
A town literally frozen in time, Bodie has been a State Historic Park since the 1960s. Bodie does not restore the buildings from the 1800s, they simply preserve them.
Print this fun Bodie word search for the kids to work on before your visit!
Lake Tahoe
The mesmerizing turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe are world-renowned. With so much to do, it’s difficult to choose between hiking the trails, chilling on the lake, or taking all the pictures you can!
Have you heard of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion? You can take an hour-long tour through this mansion, which was built in 1903 – the kids especially love this one.
Bring your own bike (or rent one) to enjoy the bike trails that run along the highway. If you’re looking for a serene trip, then it is less crowded in the winter but it will also be cold so bear that in mind!
Another point worth visiting during your trip to Lake Tahoe is the Balancing Rock Trail in D.L. Bliss State Park. The trail is about half of a mile long, and it takes you to Balancing Rock (stacked boulders) and down to a beautiful stream.
Highway 1
Highway 1 really deserves its own post entirely. You can make a week (or more) out of the trip up this coastal highway. If you’ve never had the opportunity to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s a MUST for any Bucket List.
“Sunny beaches. Foggy coastline. Swaying palm trees. Towering redwoods. Playful otters. [..] Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is not only one of the best California road trips: it’s one of the best road trips in the world!” – Practical Wanderlust
Be prepared: you’ll notice damp, windy weather during the summer along the northern part of Highway 1. Some parts of the route have no (or very poor) mobile phone service too so make sure you are prepared beforehand.
Should you head up the coast, or down the coast? If it were up to me, I’d drive north inland and south down the coast. That way you’ll get the very best views.
Depending on when you visit, you may want to pack a jacket or coat as the weather can get chilly, which you might not expect from California. You’ll also want to take some binoculars as there are so many breathtaking views to see – you might even be lucky enough to spot whales, seals, and other wildlife!
Don’t forget your camera, obviously, as well as hiking shoes. And dress in layers, because the temperature changes frequently. When the sun comes out, it can warm up quickly.
Bodega Bay
Just north of the bay, caused by erosion, you’ll see sea stacks overlooking the coast. Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film, “The Birds”, was shot in Bodega Bay.
Fort Ross
History buffs love this hunting base, built in 1812. Russians owned and operated Fort Ross from 1812 to 1841. It is now a State Historic Park with trails, beaches, a book shop, and a museum. There’s plenty to keep everyone interested here. A 30-minute walk up to Fort Ross Road will land you in the orchard. You can scuba dive a shipwreck, or walk across the San Andreas Fault.
Whichever bits you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to have an amazing, memorable experience when doing a road trip through beautiful Northern California.
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