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Northern California (commonly shortened to NorCal) is a geographic and cultural region that generally comprises the northern portion of the U.S. state of California, spanning the northernmost 48 of the state's 58 counties. [1][2] Northern California in its largest definition is determined by dividing the state into two regions, the other being ...
- Big Sur. One of the most scenic California locations, Big Sur is a spectacularly beautiful stretch of California's central coast located between Carmel and San Simeon, snuggled between the steep slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific.
- Yosemite National Park. The most famous, and the oldest, national park in the world, Yosemite National Park in north California is 1,200 square miles of some of nature’s most beautiful creations, from deep valleys, wildflower-covered meadows, and 3,000-year-old giant sequoias to the vast High Sierra Mountains wilderness and thundering waterfalls that dry up in August, and so much more.
- Santa Cruz. Located on the northern end of Monterey Bay about 32 miles from San Jose, Santa Cruz is a quintessential small coastal town with beautiful sandy beaches, world-famous surf, spectacular mountains covered with ancient redwood forests, serene organic farms, and a thriving wine and beer scene.
- San Jose. Snuggled between South Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area’s main technological hub.
- Check Out The Fiery Natural Wonders At Yosemite National Park. One of the most well-known national parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park is famous for its towering granite cliffs, giant ancient sequoia trees, roaring waterfalls, and outstanding scenery.
- See All Four Volcano Types At Lassen Volcanic National Park. Touted for its steaming fumarole and alpine lakes, Lassen Volcanic National Park is full of thriving nature and stunning picturesque landscapes.
- Visit The Thriving Golden Gate Park. Located in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is the third most visited park in the United States, and for a good reason!
- Join The Fun At Lake Tahoe. Boasting the largest alpine lake in the nation and the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is also the second-deepest lake in the United States!
- Mendocino. Mendocino is an artists’ colony that sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is the only one on the California coast that’s designated as a historical landmark.
- Point Reyes Station. Located on the edge of Point Reyes National Seashore about an hour north of San Francisco, this small, unincorporated town is home to just 350 residents and serves as the hub for a magnificent stretch of coastline that hosts miles and miles of scenic hiking trails and a healthy oyster fishery.
- Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City. Redwood National and State Parks, located just south of Crescent City, offers the chance to gaze up at soaring old-growth redwoods, some of the tallest trees on the planet.
- Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most scenic national parks, with its dramatic mountains and steep granite cliffs that offer a chance to enjoy outdoor activities.
- San Francisco. Visiting San Francisco should absolutely be at the top of your Northern California bucket list! This incredibly unique city is a quirky mix of Silicon Valley tech bros, beautiful Victorian mansions, and Karl, the fog (yup, the city’s fog has its very own name).
- Muir Woods. Just a short 30-minute drive from San Francisco, Muir Woods offers a tranquil escape into a world where ancient redwoods reach for the skies.
- Redwoods National and State Parks. This is quite the unique park—not only is it home to the largest collection of the tallest trees on the planet, but it’s also the only national park that’s cooperatively managed with a state park system.
- Lake Tahoe. If there’s one place in northern California where nature meets adventure, Lake Tahoe—which sprawls over 120 square miles and clocks in as the second deepest lake in the country—would be it.
Discover the attractions, culture and nature of Northern California, from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Find tips, stories and activities for your trip to this diverse region of the USA.
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Jun 12, 2024 · Discover the diverse and vast region of Northern California, from iconic cities like San Francisco and Napa Valley to natural wonders like Lassen Volcanic Park and Lake Tahoe. Explore the best places to see, things to do, and attractions in this comprehensive guide by Bobo and ChiChi.
