We spent months exploring Northern California and fell in love with it. From the waterfalls to volcanos and lava tube caves, there may be an abundance of epic issues to do in Northern California.
Beneath we checklist out our favourite locations we visited that will help you plan an superior journey.
We’ll cowl things to do in Yosemite National Park, the enjoyable things to do in San Francisco, the superb things to do in Redwood National Park and the epic things to do in Lake Tahoe together with our favourite brewery, the perfect waterfall in California (it’s fairly spectacular), and a few distinctive much less visited Nationwide parks.
Up for much more of an journey take into consideration renting an RV for your trip! Right here our are top tips on Renting an RV and planning an RV trip.
We’ll begin on the southern a part of northern California and make our approach from San Francisco as much as the Oregon border. Here’s a map of the areas we’ll go to:
Right here is an interactive map with a lot of the stops (Google didn’t let me add all of them on the interactive one): https://goo.gl/maps/6wEYYPEtr1aaTeqv6
Yosemite Nationwide Park
We had heard Yosemite was superb and so they have been proper! We spent 5 days within the park and did one in every of our favourite hikes of all time: The Mist Path. California actually has superb National Parks!
The path had us mountain climbing up proper subsequent to a waterfall. We had introduced rain jackets for the children and it was factor we did as a result of they obtained soaked!! It was such an superior hike. Undoubtedly wasn’t simple mountain climbing up the mountain, however was properly price it.
There are such a lot of nice mountain climbing trails in Yosemite. Ensure to put aside just a few days to discover right here!
You’ll be able to try extra nice issues to do in Yosemite right here: 21 Epic Things To Do In Yosemite National Park With Kids
Excursions
We usually simply go and go to the Customer Middle after which go on hikes, however if you’re somebody who prefers excursions there are alternatives on the market! Get Your Information is a good useful resource to discover a tour in Yosemite. Check them out here.
The place To Keep
Resort:
Inside Yosemite – Check out The Ahwahnee
Exterior of Yosemite – Check out The Evergreen Lodge
RV/Tenting: North Pines Campground – IN Yosemite Nationwide Park! We liked staying within the park however please word there are a variety of restrictions on rig dimension and also you normally need to e book 6 months to a 12 months upfront to get a web site. However Yosemite camping is completely price it!
VRBO: Want to lease a home? Check out the VRBO options by and in Yosemite.
An attention-grabbing metropolis for certain! There are a variety of actually cool issues to do within the San Francisco Bay space actually and plenty of historic websites. We spent a pair days exploring town.
In the future was spent simply strolling round by Pier 39, going up the crookedest avenue in America, and testing the botanical gardens. Then heading over to Chinatown the place we actually felt like we have been in China.
There are additionally nice youngsters’s museums and different museums to go to within the metropolis together with the awe-inspiring Muir Woods and Level Reyes Seashore only a quick drive exterior of town throughout the Golden Gate bridge. You will get some nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge from right here!
In case you are in search of deal on a wide range of points of interest the San Francisco Go City Pass is the best way to go!
If in case you have extra time within the space it’s possible you’ll wish to head to Santa Cruz, the Sacramento River or San Jose.
Be taught extra about visiting San Francisco right here: 17 Unforgettable Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids
The place To Keep
Resort: Westin St. Francis in Union Square
RV/Tenting: San Francisco RV Park – Principally a parking zone, however you may stroll to a bus cease that can take you to the Metra that you would be able to take into town. So there may be that. Or else you may drive into downtown in about 20 minutes.
About an hour and 20 minutes down the shoreline is Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort. Though it’s a drive, this campground is positioned within the California Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the San Lorenzo River!
VRBO: There are such a lot of nice VRBO choices in San Francisco too! Be sure to check them out here.
San Francisco can be an incredible place to plan a graduation trip!
In case you are in search of extra nature and wonder then you definately don’t wish to miss Lake Tahoe. Plus there may be a lot of mountain climbing, biking, paddle-boarding and more. I do know the world is thought for its winter snowboarding, however it’s also a spectacular place to go to in the summertime.
We liked Sand Harbor Seashore for paddle-boarding and spent a complete afternoon into sundown having fun with the beautiful water and views.
Be taught extra about visiting Lake Tahoe in Summer time right here: 24 Spectacular Things To Do In Lake Tahoe This Summer
The place To Keep
Resort: Hotel Azure – we actually loved spending just a few nights right here in South Lake Tahoe.
RV/Tenting: Campground By The Lake – Positioned proper throughout from the Lake in South Lake Tahoe it is a lovely campground to remain at.
Coachland RV Park is one other good choice. Positioned about 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, you’ll benefit from the lovely panorama of the Sierra Nevada mountains!
VRBO: VRBO options in Lake Tahoe.
Russian River
In case you are a beer individual you don’t wish to miss Russian River. Plus there may be extra than simply beer right here! We stayed at a campground that had a enjoyable rapids/stream/river that the children performed in for hours.
However again to the beer. Russian River is the place Pliny the Elder is brewed. And it’s my husbands favourite beer of all time! We headed into Santa Rosa to go the Russian River Brewing Firm and it was packed!
We waited in line for about 10 minutes then obtained a desk. Having a Pliny The Elder out of the faucet was a spotlight of our California journey for Craig and we went residence with a case and a t-shirt!
You might be additionally near the Napa Valley space right here and there are a variety of tasting rooms the place youngsters are welcome. There are additionally a variety of things to do Sonoma with kids.
The place To Keep
Resort: There are a selection of choices out there within the Russian River space. Check them out here.
RV/Tenting: Russian River RV Campground. This was a enjoyable campground with an space to place tubes within the creek and trip it down a couple of 100 yards after which get out and stroll again as much as do it another time!
Casini Ranch Family Campground is one other good choice. Simply minutes from the shoreline and located on the Russian River, this campground affords an incredible location!
VRBO: Check out these VRBO options by Russian River.
Russian Gulch State Park
A stupendous state park space that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and Yosemite and out in the midst of nowhere. Once you go down the hill into the State Park you unfastened all web connection and you’ll really feel the stress soften away.
There’s a creek working by means of the park, a path on the again finish of the park and a wonderful seashore that you would be able to stroll to.
In case you are in search of nature and leisure that is the place for you.
The place To Keep
RV/Tenting: Russian Gulch State Park is the campground we stayed at. We didn’t suggest a resort since this cease is all in regards to the state park campground!
Fort Bragg – Glass Seashore
You recognize these Instagram footage of the seashores lined in glass. That is the place!! It doesn’t fairly seem like what it does within the footage. Since only in the near past they made it unlawful for folks to take the glass residence with them. Previous to that you could possibly take glass off the seashore which depleted the glass.
However don’t let this cease you from going. There may be nonetheless a lot of lovely glass on the seashore and you’ll sit for hours and search by means of the sand in search of all totally different coloured glass.
Additionally it is a fairly seashore space and good to simply sit and look out over the ocean.
The place To Keep
Resort: There are some actually cute mattress and breakfast and cottage choices round Fort Bragg. Check them out here.
RV/Tenting: Russian Gulch State Park is the campground we stayed at after we visited Fort Bragg and Glass Beach.
VRBO: Check out these VRBO options by Fort Bragg and Glass Beach.
Humboldt State Park
We drove on the Avenue of Giants to get right here and it was superior. The Redwood bushes are so magical and driving by means of them makes you’re feeling so small! We pulled into Humboldt State Park and we have been in a position to camp among the many Redwoods. To this point that is one in every of our favourite campgrounds.
They’ve a customer middle space the place you may be taught extra in regards to the Redwoods plus a number of trails you may stroll proper by means of the Redwoods. There are additionally bushes which have fallen down and you’ll stroll alongside them. The youngsters liked this.
You may as well climb within the roots of a few of the fallen bushes. It’s an effective way to get a perspective on how massive these bushes are.
Whereas within the space we additionally visited the city of Loleta so we may try the Loleta Cheese Manufacturing unit! If you happen to like cheese don’t miss this cease.
The place To Keep
RV/Tenting: Humboldt Redwoods State Park. You would drive in to discover this space from a few of the surrounding cities however in case you have an opportunity to remain right here it’s superb!
Johnny’s Marina and RV Park is positioned about an hour north proper on the California shoreline in Eureka.
This video covers Humboldt State Park, the Redwoods and visiting a pair cities within the space (extra on all of them under):
I hadn’t realized how unfold out the Redwoods are. I believed it was like different Nationwide Parks the place you went to the Customer Middle after which adopted a map across the Nationwide Park. Not fairly. The Nationwide Park is unfold out over all of coastal Northern California with just a few state parks blended in.
We ended up doing the Fern Canyon hike which was superb since it’s the place they filmed a part of the third Jurassic Park film! Our youngsters liked that. The path takes you thru bushes and ferns if you are strolling inside a creek. So come wearing the correct garments!
That is all we did formally within the Redwoods National Park. However after being at Humboldt State Park and driving the Avenue of the Giants we felt we had gotten the Redwoods expertise.
If you wish to add in one other cease try: Patricks Level State Park. It was a wonderful seashore space – although very harmful so don’t plan to get within the water! However there’s a good sandy seashore space to hang around and take within the views round you!
There may be additionally the Redwood Forest Steam Practice it’s possible you’ll wish to try.
The place To Keep
Resort: There are a selection of inns to remain at across the Redwoods. Check them out here.
RV/Tenting: Red Wood Coast Cabin and RV is the campground we stayed at after we visited the Redwoods and Arcata. It’s positioned in Eureka.
Johnny’s Marina and RV Park is positioned about 90 minutes south proper on the California shoreline. Additionally it is in Eureka.
Arcata
We had a good time exploring the quirky city of Arcata. They’d an natural store of their downtown space that we actually preferred and the sq. in the midst of city was a enjoyable place to hang around.
We additionally took a drive over to the city of Eureka to take a look at the Humboldt Cider Firm brewery! It was yummy and an incredible place to deliver the children alongside to hang around, play video games and hearken to music whereas I attempted a flight of Cider beer.
The place To Keep
Resort: There are a selection of locations to remain in Arcata. Check them out here.
RV/Tenting: Red Wood Coast Cabin and RV is the campground we stayed at after we visited the Redwoods and Arcata. It’s positioned in Eureka.
Johnny’s Marina and RV Park is positioned about 90 minutes south proper on the California shoreline. Additionally it is in Eureka.
McArthur Burney Falls
After the Redwoods we headed inland to what was named: The Most Stunning Waterfall in Northern California and possibly all of California – McArthur Burney Falls. It didn’t disappoint. The waterfall was superb!! It’s positively a spot to cease and take the quick hike all the way down to the waterfall.
You may as well camp right here and the campground was lovely and the spots have been massive with loads of room.
The place To Keep
Resort: There are just a few locations to remain within the metropolis of Burney. Check them out here.
RV/Tenting: McArthur-Burney Falls Campground is the campground we stayed at after we visited the falls and in addition Lassen (it was about an hour drive to get to Lassen from right here.)
Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park
Our subsequent cease was Lassen Volcanic National Park. We really camped at McArthur Burney Falls and drove a bit of over an hour to get to Lassen for a day journey. It labored out properly for us. Lassen is a type of objects that ought to be in your California bucket list! It’s such a singular place.
As soon as there, we stopped on the Customer Middle to observe a film in regards to the Nationwide Park and to be taught in regards to the 4 totally different form of volcanoes which are right here. We then headed out to drive by means of the park.
It was a wonderful drive and you’ll see the entire volcanoes they speak about within the film. We went from one finish of the park to the opposite. Then stopped on the second customer middle to sit down out on the patio and have some beer and ice cream.
Listed here are an inventory of hikes you are able to do in Lassen:
Brokeoff Mountain – 6.8 mile hike
Kings Creek Falls – 3 mile hike
Cider Cone – 5.5 mile hike
There may be additionally the hydrothermal areas and caves to discover (We didn’t do the caves since we have been going to go to Lava Beds subsequent!). Bumpass Hell is one other path choice.
Lassen is among the least visited Nationwide Parks. What was nice about that was it wasn’t very busy. After coming from Yosemite this was so good!! If in case you have an opportunity to go to this lovely Nationwide Park it’s best to do it!
The place To Keep
Resort: There aren’t to many choices shut by. But you can check out this link to learn more about the options.
RV/Tenting: Lassen Volcanic National Park – if doable keep within the park!
Lava Beds Nationwide Monument
We pulled in to camp right here and it was one other lovely and peaceable spot. The additional north we obtained into California the extra we preferred the state! It grew to become a lot extra lovely and peaceable.
We stopped on the customer middle to be taught all about these caves and what we may do within the nationwide Monument. They pointed us within the route of the caves. There’s a 2 mile loop you may drive that has 20+ caves you may discover!
They suggest flashlights and helmets and even knee pads. In case you are doing the tougher ones I can see why you want all that. However we did all of it with solely flashlights. We did purchase the children headlamps and I might suggest doing that someplace different then the customer middle earlier than you come – it might most likely value quite a bit much less.
We did find yourself with just a few bumped heads and scraped knees, however it was completely doable with out all of the gear. The Customer Middle could have you stroll on a disinfectant sort of mat to wash off the underside of your sneakers so that you don’t deliver any illnesses in to the bats.
Caves We Explored
The primary cave we did was: Sunshine Cave. This was is ranked as a medium issue path. We did this as our first one and it went high-quality. It was actually cool to stroll down into the cave, stroll round it and are available again out to the intense sunshine.
After conquering that one we felt like we may do a tough stage cave. That despatched us to Hercules Leg and Juniper Cave. These are 2 caves linked within the center. You go into one cave after which stroll by means of it and into the opposite and out a unique finish.
It’s over a 1/2 mile stroll and at some factors it’s pitch black and at some factors we needed to crawl!! It was a extremely cool expertise and in case you have a bunch that may crawl beneath low openings I might extremely suggest it!
As soon as we obtained out we needed to stroll a couple of half mile again to our automobiles after which we headed out.
You would spend a number of days right here if you wish to discover the entire caves or simply cease for the day and do a pair like we did.
The place To Keep
Resort: There aren’t many locations to remain within the space so you’ll have to make this a cease in your method to your subsequent location until you’re tenting. Then there are alternatives with the Nationwide Monument.
RV/Tenting: Lava Beds Campground. We actually loved staying on the campground in Lava Beds Nationwide Monument! Stunning views and really peaceable and quiet.
Lassen RV Park is about 90 minutes from the Nationwide Monument however is an efficient choice in between Lava Beds and Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park!
Northern California could be enjoyable to discover by automobile however we’ve to say we’re keen on RV journey! It might make an incredible RV highway journey! Click on right here to lease an RV to your personal Northern California RV Road Trip!
Take a look at these nice road trips in California too!
Extra On Northern California
Need extra information on Northern California? Take a look at: Stunning Spots You Must See In Northern California
Excited by studying extra about Northern California’s 5 Nationwide Parks? Take a look at this nice publish: The Ultimate Guide To National Parks in Northern California. Do you know there are additionally scorching springs in California? This state critically has all of it!
Excited by snowboarding extra of the USA? Take a look at this publish on The Top 14 Best Family Ski Resorts To Visit This Year and this one for extra California winter enjoyable 10 Amazing Winter Destinations In California For Families.
This wrapped up our North California journey and subsequent we headed into Oregon!
Issues To Do In Southern California:
15 Magnificent Things To Do In San Diego With Kids
The 23 Most Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids
19+ Unforgettable Things To Do In Sequoia National Park
14 Magnificent Things To Do In Big Sur California
12 Amazing Things To Do In Olympic National Park [Itinerary Included!]
The Best RV Camping in Northern California
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She loves being exterior and exploring new locations which is all made higher when doing it with household and buddies!
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