I have lived in Northern California for the past 3 years and yet to really uncover all the beautiful places that this part of California has. California is a land of dramatic contrasts, where towering redwoods meet the rugged coastline, and snow-capped mountains reflect in crystal-clear lakes. If you’re planning your 2025 adventures, you won’t want to miss these breathtaking destinations that I have listed below.
Most Beautiful Places in Northern California
Alabama Hills
Anyone who has watched old westerns will immediately recognize this area as many, many westerns were filmed in there.
Fun fact: Django Unchained was filmed in Alabama Hills
Alabama Hills is near Lone Pine and is on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, California. It’s a famous desert zone with really wild rock formations where many movies were filmed including Django and Tremors. It also sits directly east of the tallest peak in the continental US- Mt.Whitney.
If you want to take an epic fall road trip I suggest you take Highway 395 Road trip which will take you through Alabama Hills and more. It’s an incredible place to see in person and even more incredible to camp at. If you ever get a chance to visit, do it!
Related Reads: Stunning Northern California Fall Road Trip
Things to Do
- See Mobius Arch, a natural rock formation, is a photographer’s dream.
- Explore the movie locations where classic Western films were shot
- Hike trails on Mount Whitney the highest in the contiguous United States
- Try rock climbing! There are many tour guides available
- Camp under the stars and experience the magic of sleeping amidst the rock formations
- Grab a bite at Alabama Hills Cafe in Lone Pine for some classic comfort food
Where to Stay
Channel Islands National Park
I know the Channel Islands are closer to Southern California, but it is worth mentioning here while I write a blog post on the most beautiful places of California. The Channel Islands always surprises me – an empty national park that is 1 hour 15 min from the edge of a megalopolis of 10M people. Its location is incredible and I am happy that it has remained untouched and protected for so long.
Things to Do
- Join a sea cave kayak tours on Santa Cruz Island are incredible–the guides are true naturalists and know so much about the islands, wildlife, history, ecology, etc.
- Hike the many trails on the islands
- Go on a whale watching tour
- You can snorkel but it’s cold, if you have wetsuits you’re good you can see kelp beds and all the garibaldi.
- Camp! Really the best thing is to camp but fires are not allowed. If you get good weather watch a sunset from scorpion cove or maybe smugglers bay.
Where to Stay
Only camping is allowed in the islands! With amazing camping right on the beach!
Point Reyes National Seashore
You could easily spend a whole day, or more, at Point Reyes. It is 65,000 acres of miles of secluded beaches, rolling hills, freshwater lakes, campgrounds, wildlife and tons more. Here, time seems to slow down. On a clear day in Point Reyes, the scenery is just unbeatable.
Why should you go?
No other reason than to witness the beauty of the rugged coastline and abundant wildlife (seals, sea lions, elk and cows
Things to Do
Check out my blog post on the best things to do in Point Reyes!
Ferndale
Ferndale is the most well preserved Victorian town on the west coast and it’s absolutely adorable. Ferndale, a quaint little seaside city that has Victorian style homes and lots and lots of history. Visit Ferndale for its Victorian charm and stay for its never ending charm. It’s named a top 50 global destination by money.com and for good reason.
Why should you go
The well-preserved Victorian architecture, the never ending charm and some amazingingly delicious food.
Things to Do
- See Victorian architecture and The “Victorian Village” on Main Street
- Visit Centerville Beach, you will see some of the best views of the coast, a hidden beach and under 2 miles. You walk through a super bloom on the way to the beach
- Eat fish and chips and fish tacos at Vista Del Mar
- Hike one of many trails in Russ Park and see a TON of bird life variety
Where to stay
Mammoth Lakes
With stunning scenery, hot springs and dramatic mountain views, Mammoth Lakes easily takes the top ten spots of the most beautiful places in Northern California.
Things to Do
- Hike Panorama Dome Trail
- Visit Wild Willy’s Hot Springs! steaming hot pools nestled amidst towering pines, surrounded by snow-capped mountains
- Kayak Twin Lakes- there are kayak and canoe rentals available to explore the crystal-clear water, or simply relax on the shore and soak in the sunshine
- strolled along the main drag in Mammoth Lakes
- Kayak Convict Lake
- Have lunch at the Mobil Gas Station in Lee Vining
- Explore the ghost town of Bodie
Places to Stay
Pro-Tip: Camping reservations at Mammoth Lakes always get completely booked within minutes of going online. So book Early!
Trinidad
Humboldt County is definitely “less common” than the Bay Area of Los Angeles. It’s some of the most beautiful countries in the state. If you have some time and are looking to do something off the beaten path, I’d recommend visiting Trinidad in Humboldt County.
The city of Trinidad is the place for awesome beaches and nice restaurants and just spectacular coastal scenery. There are lots of things to see, eat ( freshest seafood you will ever eat) and do in this small but vibrant city.
Why should you go
Trinidad, CA is special because it’s a charming, authentic seaside village where you will definitely want to return to once you visit!
Things to Do
- Hike Trinidad Head loop trail
- Drive, walk hike in Sue Meg State Park, (formerly Patrick’s Point State Park)
- Eat at The Lighthouse Grill – for the best mashed potatoes and gravy
- Go Tide Pooling and explore the diverse intertidal life at Old Home Beach and areas near Sue-Meg State Park during low tide
- Visit Sumeg Village, a reconstructed Yurok Indian village.
Places to Stay
Nevada City
Nevada City nestled in Sierra Nevada Foothills was a once booming Gold Rush town that now houses unique shops and restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful Tahoe National Forest. It’s definitely an underrated city and it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from San Francisco.
Things to Do
- Visit the Nevada Theatre, one of the oldest theaters in California
- Take a guided tour of the Empire Mine, once one of the richest hard-rock gold mines in California.
- hike the trails like the Independence Trail and Deer Creek Tribute Trail provide scenic adventures
- Depending on the time of year, you might be able to attend local events such as the Nevada City Film Festival and the Nevada City Farmers Market.
- Swim in the swimming holes in South Yuba River State Park and stroll along the famous Bridgeport Covered Bridge
- Stroll along downtown Broad Street and Pine Street to admire the well-preserved Victorian architecture, historic storefronts
Places to Stay
Lake Tahoe
How could I not mention Lake Tahoe as one of the most beautiful places in Northern California!
Why should you go?
For it’s stunning alpine lake surrounded by incredible mountains
Things to do In Lake Tahoe
- Kayak or paddleboard across the pristine waters of the lake, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the serenity of nature
- Relax on the beaches of Lake Tahoe, my favorites: Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor
- Bike along scenic trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Kayak/ Paddleboard to a picturesque island in Emerald Bay State Park
- Take a scenic boat tour on the lake, marveling at the majestic scenery from a different perspective
- Visit charming towns like South Lake Tahoe or Heavenly Village, offering a variety of shops, restaurant
Places to Stay
Related Reads: Northern California Road Trip from SF to Lake Tahoe
Mt. Shasta
Mount Shasta is located in Siskiyou County and it is one of the most magical places to visit. The town of Mt. Shasta itself has an incredibly charming atmosphere, with boutique shops, local eateries, and breathtaking views of the mountain’s snow-capped peak. I highly recommend staying a full day or two in Mt. Shasta so that you can take it all in.
Related Reads: Road Trip from San Francisco to Mt. Shasta
Things to Do
- Hike Helen Lake Trail, a dormant volcano with alpine meadows and dense forests
- See Burney Falls, this waterfall, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,”
- Another waterfall to check out is Mossbrae Falls. Accessing Mossbrae Falls involves a serene hike that winds through picturesque landscapes
- Kayak Siskiyou Lake
Where to Stay
The Lost Coast
A view from a headland along Scenic Drive, near Baker Beach.
Ashley Harrell/SFGATE
Road trip “Mattole Road” aka The Lost Coast a 30 mile rollercoaster of twists and hairpin turns, where you’ll share the road with roaming cattle before descending dramatically to the Pacific
The Lost Coast is something a lot of Californians don’t even know about. Drive from Ferndale, through high alpine forests, to the water’s edge, along the northern edge of King Range and then to the redwoods of Humboldt Redwoods State park. Roads can be narrow, windy and bumpy in places.. Make the town of Shelter Cove your hub, and then you’ll find some of the best wilderness around. There’s a monastery up there, some good camping, some surprisingly good restaurants (esp. for seafood).
