5 Underrated Places To Visit In Northern California
California. I bet images of warm LA beaches, blue skies, palm trees and sunscreen pop into your head. I love that part of California, but the state is much, much more than Southern California.
Come North and you'll find mountains, rugged coastlines, charming villages, Redwoods and some of the best wine in the world. These are my top 5 Underrated Places To Visit In Northern California to put on your bucket list!
Tucked North of Mt. Tam is Tamales Bay, most famous for hiking trails and fresh oysters. We love coming up here for a digital detxo weekend. We'll spend the night in Olema House and go hiking in Point Reyes or visit the lighthouse.
For lunch we beeline over to Hog Island Oyster Company picnic area, where you can shuck and grill your own oysters outside next to the bay. On a sunny and warm day, this is pure heaven.
We'll follow it with a mead tasting at Heidrun Meadery. And, if we time a visit right, we'll go on a Bioluminescence tour.
Tucked up in the Sierras Nevadas is Calaveras County, a true hidden gem that many Californians have never heard of, but is worth a visit.
The area is known for a failed gold rush, wine tasting, stunning Giant Sequoias, beautiful caverns, alpine lakes, hiking trails, skiing and frogs. Yes, frogs. It's a whole thing.
We'll spend the weekend at Whimsy Homes cabin and go hiking at Big Trees State Park, spend a few hours being lazy at the White Pines lake, and then wine taste in downtown Murphys. In the evening maybe go line dancing at a local general store or catch live music at The Lube Room before settling into the hot tub at the cabin.
There's always something fun happening up here in the mountains, plus it's just 2.5 hours from the Bay Area.
Just a short drive south of San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer a blend of natural wonders and quirky attractions. We always love a visit to the Mystery Spot, where gravity seems to take a vacation – it's a fun and mind-bending experience that everyone needs to experience at least once.
A morning hike at Land of Medicine Buddha, a serene retreat nestled in the hills, is a must and then we'll pop down to Capitola Village for lunch. With its colorful Venetian-style houses lining the beach, aka the perfect for a leisurely stroll and some seaside dining.
There's a lot of fun Airbnbs in the Santa Cruz Mountains, recently we spent a night at a Redwood treehouse that offered panoramic views and a cozy firepit.
Forget Yellowstone; Lassen Volcanic National Park is Northern California's own geothermal playground. This park boasts bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and crystal-clear lakes, all set against the backdrop of a dormant volcano. We love to camp at Summit Lake Campground, since you can swim in the lake on those hot summer days.
Hike to Bumpass Hell to witness the park's most active geothermal area, or take a scenic drive along the park's highway, stopping at overlooks for stunning views. The true test of fitness is a hike up their Cinder Cone which features a view of the famous Lava Beds. Don't be fooled by this hike, it's not for the weak and left us panting but the view was incredible.
Lassen is a true hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Deep in the Eastern Sierras is June Lake, a picturesque alpine village that offers year-round adventures and alpine lake access. In the fall, the surrounding aspen groves turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a stunning display of color, and is one of my favorite places in California to find fall colors.
We start our trips to June Lake with breakfast at Silver Lake Resort, then head off into nature. There's lake activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, or explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the mountains. After a day of outdoor fun, we like to unwind at June Lake Brewing, a local brewery to sample some craft beers before grabbing pizza at June Pie Pizza Co.
And for a unique side trip, visit nearby Mono Lake, an otherworldly saline lake with tufa towers that rise from its surface. June Lake is a perfect escape for those seeking natural beauty and a laid-back mountain vibe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
11 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to spotlight Venice's artisanal heritage during upcoming nuptials
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have invited celebrity friends like fellow space traveler Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger and Ivanka Trump for their Venice nuptials later this month, but the couple hopes to put a spotlight on Venice's traditions during the celebrations. They are sourcing some 80% of their wedding provisions from Venetian vendors, according to people close to the couple, as a way to share their appreciation for the romantic lagoon city. The wedding will take place over three days in late June, with events kept private. Two historic Venetian companies will add artisanal touches to the celebration: Rosa Salva, the city's oldest pastry maker that has been crafting donut-shaped fishermen's biscuits since 1876, and Laguna B, a design studio known for its distinctive handblown Murano glass prized by fashion and design clients. Treats good for fishermen and VIPs alike Antonio Rosa Salva, the 6th generation in his family to run the business, said the wedding order of a selection of surprises for goody bags was important recognition of his family's long tradition of baking Venetian specialties dating back 150 years. They include the bussola buttery biscuit that was long a fisherman's staple, and small zaletti cookies, made from the Veneto region's corn meal, flavored with raisins and lemon zest. 'We try to maintain the old recipes,'' said Rosa Salva, whose family business includes a catering service and four locations in Venice's historic center and one on the mainland. 'We do everything with love. It's a pleasure and a privilege.'' Rosa Salva, whose business regularly caters large events for 1,000 or more people in Venice, is perplexed by posters that have gone up around the historic center protesting the use of the city as a venue for the Bezos-Sanchez wedding. 'Events like this bring quality tourism to Venice,'' he said. 'I don't see how an event with 200 people can create disruptions. It's responsible tourism. It's prestigious that a couple like this, who can go anywhere in the world, are getting married in the city.' Collectible glass wear with social responsibility Laguna B was founded by Marie Brandolini, who became known as the glass countess, in 1994, and the company is now being guided by her son, Marcantonio, from the family's palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. The younger Brandolini said his vision is to restore the Venetian tradition of running creative enterprises out of Venice's grand palazzi, which historically dedicated the ground floor to work spaces for the merchant nobility. His is a good example. The company employs 14 people under 30 out of offices in the back garden and a boutique in an adjacent alleyway, in a sector, he underlines, 'not related to tourism.'' His upstairs neighbors are Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller – close friends of Bezos and Sanchez, but he doesn't think that is why the wedding planner singled out his company, which is well known among a small network of collectors. Laguna B won't disclose what his master glassblowers on Murano have created for the wedding, but the company is known for distinctive glassware that at times feature an undulating lip – no two alike. 'I hope they like what we did for them,'' Brandolini said. 'For us, it's a great opportunity, it gives extra support for our growth.'' While the business thrives on such important orders, Brandolini said he is equally gratified by young, discerning customers who seek out the shop because they admire the company's commitment to community building, reviving Venice's artisanal heritage and projects to help protect the fragile lagoon. They might buy just a single drinking glass. His is a message of inclusivity, which he also applies to the Bezos-Sanchez choice of wedding venue. 'The world is for everybody. Whoever wants to do something, should be able to do it, following the law.' Venice protests Unsurprisingly in a city whose future is fiercely debated at every turn, the wedding has attracted the attention of protesters, who on Thursday hung a banner on St. Mark's bell tower with Bezos crossed out. They cite the risk of disruptions in a city so overrun with mass tourism that officials are for a second year requiring day-trippers to pay a tax to enter on key summer days. City officials have pledged that services will function normally during the wedding, and issued a denial in late March to reports that the wedding organizers had booked half the city's water taxis and blocked out rooms at luxury hotels. 'We are very proud,'' Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told The Associated Press this week in St. Mark's Square, saying he hoped he would get the chance to meet Bezos. 'I don't know if I will have time, or if he will, to meet and shake hands, but it's an honor that they chose Venice. Venice once again reveals itself to be a global stage.''
Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Washington Post
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to spotlight Venice's artisanal heritage during upcoming nuptials
VENICE, Italy — Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have invited celebrity friends like fellow space traveler Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger and Ivanka Trump for their Venice nuptials later this month, but the couple hopes to put a spotlight on Venice's traditions during the celebrations. They are sourcing some 80% of their wedding provisions from Venetian vendors, according to people close to the couple, as a way to share their appreciation for the romantic lagoon city. The wedding will take place over three days in late June, with events kept private.
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square. Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025. Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida. This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli. Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa. For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music. A room at the Grand Maloney. Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby). Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited. Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure. Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea. Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
