Things to Do in Northern California – Seasonal Guide, Areas, Beaches, and More!

There is so much to unpack in Northern California. From cascading waterfalls to threatening volcanoes that would definitely pique your interest. You can start wherever you want, perhaps the redwood forests beckon your arrival, followed by a light meander to the pristine sandy beaches.

With an abundance of National parks just waiting to be explored, you’ll never find yourself sitting idle, when in Northern California. Promises of incredible weather year-round, are enough to have many jumping in their seats, with jitters, ready to book their long-awaited and well-deserved getaways. Without further ado, let’s dive deep into the limitless opportunities of things to do in Northern California.

Best Time of Year to Visit Northern California

The best time of year to visit Northern California relies on what you plan to do. If you wish to go hiking, then you should visit during the spring or autumn seasons. With wet winters and foggy summers, you may find that the warmth of the spring and autumn, followed by bright sunshine, is enough to make you take the trip during this time of year. Let’s break down the seasonal changes and what to expect during these times:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring

The spring season is a wonderful time to visit Northern California. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 70s during the day. This means less crowding at popular attractions like national parks and beaches, as well as fewer people looking for hotel rooms or campsites.

Aside from the desire to explore Northern California without anyone having the same idea, spring happens to bring forth ravishing flowers, colorful and blossoming throughout the season. And, don’t expect the usual daffodils and tulips – oh no! Locally native wildflowers such as lupine, poppies, monkey flower, and Indian paintbrush are stunning additions to both city parks and rural wilderness areas alike.

While you may be able to hike some popular trails in short lighter clothes whilst on your visit. Be sure to prepare yourself for the chillier evenings, and if you plan on camping out under the stars in San Francisco during April or May; bring warm clothing if possible! Spring rains can cause wet conditions along coastal regions where it normally wouldn’t have rained yet due to colder air moving onto land from higher altitudes.

Summer

Ambling through the golden sandy beaches with the very apparent sun shimmering against your skin, would make summer the best time of year for you to visit Northern California, with the billowing breeze providing some refreshment to your day. Throughout the year the beaches are too cold to go swimming in. You needn’t concern yourself with the potentially drastic changes to the climate, as the weather remains relatively consistent throughout Northern California.

If you’re planning to specifically visit San Francisco during the summer months, then prepare yourself for the thick blankets of fog, that take charge of the city from early June till late August. However, if your trip doesn’t revolve around this city, then the rest of Northern California shouldn’t be affected.

In Yosemite National Park – which is open all year long – summer is the perfect season to explore the gushing waterfalls. In late spring and early summer, many of the rivers that flow through Yosemite become swollen with snowmelt from the Sierras and are at their peak flow levels.

With so much water rushing through the valley, these falls can create an incredible show, but they’re also very dangerous. It’s better to keep clear of these areas, especially if you’re an inexperienced climber or hiker. Instead explore other parts of this beautiful park during less busy times like autumn, when the busy crowds have left but temperatures are still mild enough for comfortable hikes through blooming meadows.

Summertime also means more festivals, with music festivals such as Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival that take place in San Francisco; Bottle Rock Napa Valley Festival in Napa Valley, and Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio city. Enjoying the arts that the city has to offer may provide some extra excitement to your summer evenings!

Autumn

The autumn months – October to November – are great for visiting Northern California, with mild weather and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the many cities in Northern California. Autumn is the best time of year to visit Northern California.

While summer travelers may have been longing for bluer skies and warmer temperatures, autumn visitors get to enjoy mild temperatures with fewer crowds than they’d experience at any other time of year. With leaves that change colors providing beautiful scenes at every turn.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking or camping, then autumn is perfect for you—the weather is still warm enough that you won’t need a jacket but cool enough that there will be less humidity than in the summer months, which also means less sweating.

Winter

Winter, which typically runs from December to March, is the best time of year to visit Northern California if you’re a skier or snowboarder. The weather can be cool, but it’s usually sunny and dry. Winter is also when most of the state’s ski resorts open for business (with some exceptions).

Additionally, this is an ideal time to go hiking or mountain biking in Northern California’s national parks and other scenic spots. Snow may fall at higher elevations during winter at Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park; these areas are often closed in spring due to mudslides or poor visibility from foggy conditions that make it difficult for hikers to see their surroundings.

Best Beaches to Visit in Northern California

Northern California is filled with beautiful beaches, from breathtaking rocky shores to sprawling coves. Whether you’re into swimming, surfing, or just sightseeing, there’s a beach for you in the Bay Area and beyond.

If strolling along the pebbled, dampened sandy beaches is more your forte, then you’re gonna love these especially scenic options in Northern California. With gentle waves crashing against the golden sand, splashing the bare feet of those brave enough to feel the wet, soggy sand burrow between their unsuspecting toes. Here are some of the brilliant beaches in this spectacular city:

• Santa Cruz
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Three Rocks Beach
• Baker Beach
• Centerville Beach
• Monterey State Beach
• Drakes Beach
• Main Beach, MacKerricher State Park
• Bodega Dunes
• Gold Bluffs Beach
• Carmel Beach
• Fort Funston
• Stinson Beach
• Battery Point Beach

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid-back family-friendly beach, with wide and flat plains of golden sand. The water is calm and shallow, so it’s an ideal place for families to swim in the ocean or build some towering sand castles. The beach also has an expansive view of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with surrounding trails that provide you with the option of exploring these lumbering favorites of nature.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is world-famous for its amusement park rides such as Giant Dipper; a wooden roller coaster that first opened in 1924. You can also spot some sea lions and dolphins from this beach: often spotted from the shoreline whilst you’re standing waist-deep in the water!

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is a national park located in northern California, only an hour away from San Francisco. It has over 100 miles of coastline (which is more than any other national park) combined with open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges. This park offers great hiking along the coast or up in the hills, especially popular amongst those who are up for such a challenge.

During whale migrations, visitors can spot grey whales from these cliffs during their yearly migration south to Baja California, Mexico. Its varied terrain offers something for everyone; from beaches to forests to rolling hills. Within an hour of San Francisco, you can find yourself on a vast, deserted beach that stretches for over 10 miles.

Access is easy with two drive-up car parks at either end, right at the sand. There are also 300 steps down to a lighthouse built in 1870; which appears particularly beautiful come sunset.

Three Rocks Beach

Three Rocks Beach is located in Point Reyes National Seashore, one of the few areas in the Bay Area that have never been developed. It is a secluded beach with no neighbors, houses, or towns in sight. Visitors will have to hike three miles along a dirt trail to reach this spot.

But, they’ll also enjoy solitude as they sit on driftwood logs and watch the dribbling seals splash by. The sand here is wide, flat, and crumbling with huge boulders and rocks scattered along with parts of it, making it a great spot for photos. The surrounding colossal cliffs are also fun to explore.

With winding hiking trails leading to their precipices, so you can take in views of Half Moon Bay’s beautiful coastline while getting some exercise at the same time. This beach offers great swimming opportunities during low tides because there are wide areas without waves where your kids can play safely, and even a spot of light surfing. The water may be cold due to strong coastal currents but there aren’t many dangers so this shouldn’t stop anyone from jumping right into it.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is a popular beach located on San Francisco’s western edge along the Pacific Ocean. Baker Beach is well-known for its great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. Apart from this, it is also quite popular due to its great surfing conditions during the winter months.

The waves can reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 m). The beach itself is more of a strolling and scene-absorbing beach, with cold, rough waters, that provide strong currents that certainly aren’t suitable for swimming or wading.

Centerville Beach

This beach is one of the less-crowded beaches between Fort Bragg and Ferndale on California’s north coast. This beach has a long-abandoned pier that locals use as an unofficial surfing area as waves rush in from strong ocean winds. Centerville Beach is a county park and has tall cliffs with many hiking trails. Both horses and dogs are allowed on the beach, as well as vehicles and ATVs.

Monterey State Beach

Monterey State Beach is a wide, gently sloping, and curving beach across the bay, and a 15-minute drive from the popular Cannery Row tourist area of downtown Monterey. Technically this beach is in a town called Seaside, but it is essentially an extension of Monterey Bay itself. The water is cold, but the surf is gentle, so it’s great for brave swimmers.

Monterey State Beach has several areas of restrooms and showers. The Monterey Tides hotel is right on the sand, and the rooms facing the ocean have spectacular views of the bay, so if you’re planning to spend a weekend in Northern California, you might want to do it right on these golden sands!

Drakes Beach

Located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, Drakes Bay is a beautiful location for you to immerse yourself in all that Northern California has to offer. There are plenty of places to park and get out onto the beach, whilst absorbing the breathtaking views along with gushing at the sights of the brilliant seals, whales, and dolphins. You can also enjoy surfing or fishing on your visit to this amazing spot on the West Coast.

The visitor center has hiking trails as well as picnic tables so that you can make a day out of your trip here! This is another popular choice for those who want immediate access to one of our most beautiful spots on the planet.

Northern California’s answer to England’s White Cliffs of Dover, this beautiful, wide beach has the similar striking white sandstone cliffs as its English counterpart does—but with an added bonus: it’s located just outside San Francisco in Marin County! It’s another beach that is part of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Main Beach, MacKerricher State Park

This beach is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in a small town called MacKerricher State Park. It has beautiful crystallized sands, as well as many faintly greening trees and plants that provide revitalizing shade from the hot sun. The park also features many trails for hiking or biking, as well as campsites for anyone who wants to camp overnight, and just spend some time with their family or friends at this beautiful place.

There are plenty of picnic tables around if you need to stop for lunch while on your hike through this park; there are also parking spaces available so that visitors don’t have any problems getting there by car!

Bodega Dunes

Bodega Dunes is a beach in Sonoma County, California. Located in Bodega Bay, a popular surf spot that you should be familiar with, especially if you’re about to visit the magnificent Northern California beaches. Bodega Dunes is a great place to go if you want something quiet and relaxing and easy on the eyes; it’s also good for swimming when the tide is low enough.

The sand here is soft to the touch, so you can comfortably roam the beach with your shoes in hand—you won’t find any sharp rocks or debris as you might at other beaches nearby. Interestingly, there are plenty of places to set up camp free of charge. There are also restrooms with showers, although these close at dusk so plan accordingly!

Gold Bluffs Beach

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a great place to camp in Northern California. It’s located in Redwood National and State Parks, only a few miles west of Crescent City. The campground has tent sites available for backpackers and car campers alike, as well as cabins for groups.

There are also picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restrooms with flush toilets on site. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground provides access to some of the most stunning coastal scenery found in California—or anywhere else for that matter!

This includes towering cliffs along the beach where you can walk alongside ancient redwood trees dating back to prehistoric times, like the tree ferns that stand proud at 100 feet high! You’ll also have phenomenal views of crashing waves from hiking trails overlooking them from above.

Carmel Beach

Located in Monterey Bay, Carmel Beach is a great place to visit. The beach stretches for 2.5 miles and is one of the longest beaches in California. The small town is a great place to visit, filled with locally-owned shops, foodie-friendly restaurants, and art galleries. It’s a very picturesque three-hour drive south of San Francisco.

Activities include strolling on the beach, playing volleyball on the public courts, and surfing. The two jetties offer perfect spots for sunbathing and people-watching since they’re at either end of this small town main strip lined with shops and restaurants.

Fort Funston

If you’re interested in beautiful bluffs, hiking trails, beach access, and picnic areas, Fort Funston is your spot. Fort Funston is a beautiful park with wide-open views of the ocean and cliffs. It is located in San Francisco, close to Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Baker Beach. The park offers hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as access to the beach itself. It’s open daily from 6 am to 10 pm with a parking fee required after 8 pm on weekdays, though fortunately, it is free on the weekends.

Fort Funston is actually part of the massive fortress-like 19th-century defenses that surround San Francisco. Built mainly in the 19th century it was used throughout the Cold War, including for target practice by military jets, this area is now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA was established in 1972 and includes more than 50 sites within or adjacent to San Francisco Bay. The park includes not only Fort Funston but also Muir Woods National Monument and Alcatraz Island—and many others!

Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a secluded beach with a rich history. It’s only 35 minutes from downtown San Francisco, yet it offers a true, Northern California, rural beach experience. No big hotels or modern beach mansions line the shore, just some cool, mid-century residential developments and some great local stores followed by some promising restaurants.

The white powdery soft sand is perfect for sunbathing and the surf here is gently making this a great swimming beach. When you’re done enjoying the beach Stinson Beach is right next to Mount Tamalpais State Park and Muir Woods National Monument where you can hike through giant redwood trees!

Battery Point Beach

Battery Point Beach is one of the best beaches in Northern California because of its history and its beauty. It’s located in Crescent City, which is about as far north as you can go before you start penetrating Oregon and Washington state. The landscape there is mostly redwood forest with an inviting thicket of trees, rocks, and other pure features that make it easy for visitors to enjoy themselves while exploring nature at Battery Point Beach. The water here is serene for most days, with very apparent waves varying in size.

The ocean floor drops off quickly so swimming isn’t recommended here unless you’re an experienced swimmer who knows what they’re doing. If this sounds like too much challenge for your taste then perhaps you’d prefer to spend the day, relaxing by one of the many rocky points overlooking vast bodies of water below.

This place isn’t just beautiful to look at – there are also great hiking trails nearby that lead up Mount Jupiter where there are even more spectacular views than those found here already mentioned above; including mine, shafts cut into rock faces, that are simply beckoning to be discovered.

Top Areas to Visit in Northern California

Northern California is a region that’s home to a number of amazing destinations, from the bustling cities of San Francisco and Napa Valley to the national parks and forests that offer something for everyone. With so many places to explore, it can be hard to decide where to start. If you’re looking for a trip that offers a little bit of everything, Northern California is the place to be. It’s one of the more diverse areas in the United States with plenty to do. From amazing national parks to wine country and beyond, there is never a shortage of diverse places to visit. So if you’re on the fence about where your next vacation should be, here are some great destinations to consider in Northern California:

• San Francisco
• Napa Valley
• Yosemite National Park
• Santa Cruz
• Lake Tahoe
• MacArthur Burney Falls
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Russian River
• Hot Springs
• Muir Woods
• San Jose
• Mono Lake
• Mendocino Coast
• Mendocino Headlands State Park
• Lava Beds National Monument

San Francisco

San Francisco is a great place to visit. The city has so much to offer, and it’s become famous for its Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. San Francisco is a great place to spend a weekend or even just a day! This iconic landmark in California towers 220ft over San Francisco Bay stretching at 8,900 ft long, connecting San Francisco and Marin County.

Millions of tourists visit this bridge each year, following its opening to the public in 1937, it’s one of the most famous bridges in the world and welcomes millions of visitors each year by car, bike, or foot.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous than just shyly admiring this beautiful work of engineering from afar, park your car at Lands End Trailhead and take advantage of a hike along Lands End Trail for some better shots. Plus hiking through these Marin Headlands means you’ll be able to see the span from multiple angles.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a popular tourist destination in Northern California with a number of attractions and activities to enjoy. This region is known for its wine and food, two things that make it an ideal vacation spot for those who love to explore new places.

Napa Valley has more than 100 wineries, making it one of the largest wine-growing regions in the world. The area’s famous wineries offer tours where visitors can sample different types of wines from around the world while learning about their history and production process.

On top of visiting wineries, many tourists visit Napa Valley because they are interested in seeing what happens during harvest season—when grapes are picked from their vines and turned into delicious wine beverages. Visitors can take part in this time-honored tradition by attending events such as Grape Stomping competitions at some vineyards, or by simply purchasing fresh grapes at roadside stands along Highway 29 from September through November each year.

The best time to visit Napa Valley is late summer through early autumn when most harvests take place—but no matter when you decide to make your way there, this region will not disappoint! You’ll find impeccable scenery throughout its rolling hillsides, twisting in grape vines ready for harvesting while also enjoying delicious food made by local restaurants and shops, which can easily be washed down by some fresh wine.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an ideal place for those who love to explore nature. It happens to be one of the most popular national parks in California, attracting millions of visitors each year. There are many things you can do there, including hiking, biking, or driving through the park – with a permit.

You’ll find yourself pausing in awe at the cascading waterfalls, rippling lakes, and thickening forests full of animals like bears and deer, as well as squirrels roaming around them. During the spring months, you’ll find wildflowers adorning most of Yosemite Valley’s terrain and Sierra Nevada Mountains.

One thing about this beautiful park is that it has amazing views of massive cliffs emerging from the valley floors like El Capitan or Half Dome rising over 3100 feet above sea level! To enjoy such serene views, take advantage of its 750-mile trail twisting throughout Yosemite Valley, and leading up to these famous rock formations. Aim to reach Glacier Point by evening hours where you’ll find yourself mesmerized by iridescent allure, while the sun spreads its own glory across the skies, setting over Yosemite Valley.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a city in the U.S. state of California, perched on the edge of Monterey Bay and surrounded by spectacular views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and Monterey Bay to the east. It’s known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, which include hiking, surfing, and swimming, as well as its moderate climate, which happens to be a rare treat in Northern California.

If you’re looking for an epic beach destination, head down to Main Beach where you can enjoy surfing in the refreshing waters of Monterey Bay or take a stroll along Natural Bridges State Beach Park. The best way to catch sight of these unique rock formations, whilst strolling along Natural Bridges State Beach Park is from above.

Head up the stairs located near Seacliff State Beach Park Entrance, or drive up through West Cliff Drive into Lighthouse Point. There you can hop down nature’s stairs, carved out from rocks leading north towards Natural Bridges Cove’s area, providing panoramic views all around including those reaching out along Santa Cruz Harbour, towards other parts such as Capitola Village and Downtown Santa Cruz.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a large, freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. It is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City and south of Reno. Any time of year is perfect for visiting Lake Tahoe: it’s a hub for boating enthusiasts especially during the summer, but also popular with skiers and snowboarders during winter months when its scenic slopes turn into one of America’s premier ski resorts.

Enjoy the icy breeze, whipping against your cheeks, as you ski through these brilliant slopes, with your icy breath following not far behind!

MacArthur Burney Falls

This is definitely a hidden gem in Northern California. The waterfalls are located in the northern part of the state, just south of Mount Shasta. You will want to get there early because parking can be limited on weekends and holidays. Parking is $10 per car which includes access to all the trails for one day. The drive from San Francisco takes about 3 hours with traffic lights, so plan accordingly.

You’ll glimpse several varieties of brilliant streaming waterfalls as you hike up to the top of the falls; some are more than 100 feet high! At this location, you can experience its 129ft elevation gain over 1.3 miles, but it’s worth every step because beauty like this cannot be appreciated from afar without getting up close and personal with nature’s wonderland.

You may want to bring a swimsuit because after hiking around for a while on these hot summer days there is nothing better than jumping into those invigorating waters.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a United States National Park in north-eastern California. It’s home to the largest volcanic complex in the Cascade Range, about northeast of Redding. The main feature of this national park is Lassen Peak, an active volcano, which last erupted between 1917 and 1921. The park is a popular tourist destination that draws people for its geothermal hot springs, snow-capped mountains, and waterfalls.

The brilliance of Lassen Peak, is unmissable, as the largest plug dome volcano in the world coupled with the fact that it is one of only two actively erupting volcanoes in the Cascade Range, it happens to be an excellent destination for those looking to explore nature, as it boasts almost 90% wilderness area. The highest peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park is Bumpass Hell Volcano which stands at 9,943 feet above sea level.

The park encompasses a wide range of landscapes that include alpine lakes, lava flows, cinder cones and craters, waterfalls, and meadows—the perfect backdrop for any outdoor activity. With more than 30 different kinds of volcanic features visible within its boundaries (including Crater Peak which last erupted in 1915), as well as countless geothermal features such as hot springs and fumaroles (steam vents), Lassen Volcanic National Park is also home to some unique flora and fauna species such as pumas or bears.

Russian River

The Russian River is a great place to visit during the summer season. The area is filled with scenic natural landmarks, from the river itself to redwood forests and magnificent hills. The Russian River runs through Sonoma Wine Country, so it’s no surprise that this town has become known for its excellent wines since most of them are made from grapes grown nearby. It’s also a playground for water lovers who enjoy everything from kayaking and other water sports to relaxing at one of the many beaches along its banks. Rentals like kayaking and other water sports are available on site.

Hot Springs

These hot springs are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, making them a perfect respite for those who want to enjoy the scenery of Northern California. They’re also near several towns on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, including Volcano and Mammoth Lakes. If you’re looking for a place to relax, Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs is an ideal destination. This resort offers all the amenities and activities you could ask for—and then some.

The hot springs are open year-round and have water temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for soaking the stress out of your body and rejuvenating your soul. You can also enjoy the private cabins or RV sites at Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs Resort, which has both primitive tent camping facilities as well as premium RV sites with full hook-ups.

Muir Woods

Muir Woods is the most famous redwood forest in the United States. The national monument is located in Marin County, California, just north of Mill Valley. It’s a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which encompasses over 80 protected areas within San Francisco and Marin Counties.

Muir Woods was named after John Muir who was an environmental activist and founder of the Sierra Club in 1892. He played a significant role in promoting the establishment of this area as a national park or monument for future generations to enjoy its natural beauty.

San Jose

You’ll want to take a trip to San Jose, the largest city in Northern California and the 10th largest city in the United States. It’s known as the capital of Silicon Valley and is home to many tech companies and start-ups. In addition, San Jose has a large Asian population; over half of its residents are Asian or from another ethnic group.

The city also boasts one very popular team: The San Jose Sharks hockey team plays at SAP Center in San Jose, where they won their first Stanley Cup Championship in 2016.

If you’re looking to explore San Jose’s neighborhoods on foot or bike then head over to Santana Row—a pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping complex with more than 200 shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for culture instead of commerce, head downtown to explore museums like The Tech Museum of Innovation and Children’s Discovery Museum Silicon Valley.

Or check out some local art at North First Street Art District or Winchester Mystery House, where you can tour all 13 rooms of a haunted mansion.

Mono Lake

Mono Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Northern California. It’s located east of Yosemite National Park and has been a tourist attraction for years, but it’s not as popular as some of the other destinations on this list. Mono Lake is a large freshwater lake in Mono County, California, formed at least 760,000 years ago as a terminal lake in an endorheic basin. With the lack of an outlet causes high levels of salt to gather in the lake.

Mono Lake is majorly known for its natural beauty, but there are plenty of activities to do here as well. You can hike across the lake bed or explore one of several kayaking trails that surround its shoreline, but some may require permits. You can also visit Mono Lake’s tufa towers—conical rock formations formed by calcium carbonate deposits—and take an aerial tour over the lake in a helicopter!

Mendocino Coast

The Mendocino Coast is an area of the California coast located on the Pacific Ocean. It is located in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. The region is known for its redwood forests, rocky coastline, wineries, and lighthouses. Point Arena Lighthouse was built in 1870 after a series of shipwrecks off Cape Mendocino threatened to end shipping on that portion of the Northern California coast.

The lighthouse has been restored and is open to visitors daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the summer months and on weekends only from the beginning of April, till the end of October. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its architectural style which resembles that found in France at about 1000 feet above sea level (300 meters).

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino Headlands State Park covers 347 acres and is a California State Park located in Mendocino, California, United States. The park began operation in 1974. It offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Mendocino, and the headlands of Mendocino County.

Hike along seaside bluffs where views of the rocky coast extend into the Pacific Ocean. Discover beaches obscured by seaside cliffs or visit an old lighthouse that sits on top of a rocky outcrop on Point Cabrillo. You can take advantage of your time here with some relaxing activities like beachcombing or hiking through forests while enjoying nature at its best!

Lava Beds National Monument

This national monument is located in the Modoc County region of California, which is just east of Mount Shasta and Lake Siskiyou. It was established in 1925 to protect the outstanding volcanic features of the Medicine Lake shield volcano. The lava flows have imprinted a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features including lava tubes caves, cinder cones, spatter cones, and lava fields.

In fact, there are more than 800 caves here! This area was once home to Native American peoples such as the Klamath tribe who were known for their hunting practices and rock art sites that can still be found today (along with historic battlefields).

The Lava Beds National Monument also offers visitors opportunities for hiking on trails through ancient lava beds and exploring wildflowers in springtime; camping or horseback riding at Chiloquin Creek Campground; or simply enjoying nature’s beauty from one of its scenic overlooks.

Fun Things to Do in Northern California

Additional things-to-do-related pages:

• Top Things to Do in Big Sur – Beaches & Places to Visit
• Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
• Famous Purple Sand Beach – Location & Things to Do in Area
• Point Reyes Things to do?
• The Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree
• Things to Do in Meridian, Idaho
• Top 14 Things to Do In Red Lodge, Montana
• Things To Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
• Things To Do in Destin, FL
• Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
• Bishop Hot Springs – All You Need to Know
• Big Pine Lake Trails – All You Need to Know

Natural Beauty of Northern California

With plenty to see and do, Northern California is a fantastic destination for either a weekend trip or an extended vacation. The natural beauty of the region will leave you speechless, while the urban areas are full of fun and culture. Whether you’re traveling with family or on business, there’s something for everyone here in northern California!