Top Tourist Attractions in Northern California

Pfeiffer Beach

Selected by USA Today reader’s as one of California’s Top 10 Beaches, Pfeiffer Beach is located in the heart of Big Sur 1/4 mile south of the Big Sur Ranger Station.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

Ventana Wilderness –  Big Sur, California

Ventana Wilderness Alliance – founded to protect public lands within California’s northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast. Forum board, quarterly journal, online trail condition reports, visitor information, and more.

Whale Watching –  Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay

Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed.  Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March.   More background on the Gray Whale >>

Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months.  Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November.  More background on the Humpback >>

Carmel Overview The quaint and charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a world-class destination for shopping, eating, and romance.  The storybook setting is bordered with white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters on one side, and groves of native Cypress trees on the other. Along with its natural beauty, you can find five star restaurants and ultra high-end retailers.  Top it off with luxurious lodging and highly ranked golf courses, and you have the beginning of an incredible visit.

17 Mile Drive

Considered by many to be one of the World’s most beautiful drives, along its route you’ll discover  the beauty of Del Monte Forest , The Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, the rugged coastline and emerald fairways of   Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach.

Carmel Mission Basilica

The most often heard comments from visitor’s center around the natural and spiritual beauty, of the Mission. They also show an appreciation of the historical legacy it represents. Through its five museums, the Carmel Mission addresses the history of one of California’s most important heritage sites. We trust the time you spend with us, will increase your understand and recognition of this heritage.

Carmel Beach and Carmel River

On Carmel Bay, the mile-long beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon (just before the Carmel River empties into the sea) featuring a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds. Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is part of the park and is popular with scuba divers. Ocean and swimming and wading are extremely dangerous.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Resorts, host of the 2010 U.S. Open, is comprised of three hotels: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero; four golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Del Monte Golf Course; and the recently opened Spa at Pebble Beach. Pebble Beach Golf Links has played host to 10 USGA championships since opening in 1919 and hosts the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am tournament. U.S. Open Champions at Pebble Beach are among the biggest names in golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tom Kite and Tiger Woods. Pebble Beach Resorts is proud to announce Pebble Beach Golf Links, site of Tiger Woods’ historic win at the 2000 U.S. Open Championship, will once again host the championship in 2010.

Point Lobos State Reserve  –  Carmel, California

Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding passive recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea.

Whale Watching –  Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay

Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed.  Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March.   More background on the Gray Whale >>

Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months.  Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November.  More background on the Humpback >>

 

 

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Fort Bragg – Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens safeguards and nurtures plants that are rare, endangered, native to the Mendocino coast or suited to the coastal northern California climate

MacKerricher State Park

Fort Bragg – MacKerricher State Park offers a variety of habitats; beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. Tide pools are along the shore. Seals may be seen on the rocks off the park’s coastline. More than 90 species of birds visit or live near Cleone Lake, a former tidal lagoon.

Mendocino Coast

Mendocino – The Mendocino coastline is truly spectacular.

Van Damme State Park

Mendocino – The park features the lush Fern Canyon scenic trail system; the Pygmy Forest where mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand six inches to eight feet tall; and the bog, or Cabbage Patch, where skunk cabbage grows in abundance. The park’s ten miles of trail go along the fern-carpeted canyon of Little River. A paved road is used by joggers and bicyclists. The beach is popular with abalone divers.

Shopping, Art Galleries and Restaurants

Mendocino – Nestled along cliffs above the beautiful Pacific Coast, Mendocino is a favorite romantic destination. You can take in the views along the ocean front walk way, window shop at the many unique shops and boutiques, and enjoy numerous art galleries.

Año Nuevo State Reserve –  Located between Santa Cruz & Half Moon Bay on Hwy. 1

New Year’s Creek Road, off Hwy 1, Pescadero, CA   (650) 879-0227

This 4,000 acre Reserve is a major gathering area for northern elephant seals, which may be seen year-around.

During the breeding season, December through March, the males battle for mates on the beaches. The females give birth to their young on the dunes.  By early March most of the adult seals are gone, leaving behind the weaned pups who remain through April. The elephant seals return to Año Nuevo’s beaches during the spring and summer months to molt and can be observed during this time through a permit system.

During the breeding season, December 15 through March 31, daily access to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park – Rancho Del Oso, Hwy 1   831-338-8860

Located 25 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Hwy. 1, the park has miles of trails, which serves hikers and equestrians, links Big Basin to Castle Rock State Park and the eastern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. Maps

Bird Watching – Half Moon Bay and Pescadero

The surrounding areas are ideal for attracting birds and those who watch them.  The best bird watching times are late fall and early spring.

Coastside Trail — Half Moon Bay – Half Moon Bay State Beach

95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA  (650) 726-8819

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four Half Moon Bay area beaches providing close to three miles of multi-use trails to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach – Moss Beach, CA  (650) 728-3584

The Reserve is set aside to protect this complex but fragile community for us and future generations. Within the reserve, most marine life is protected. The Reserve is popular with school and community groups for its educational value.

Directions: Take California Ave. off of Hwy 1 in Moss Beach.

Purissima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve – Half Moon Bay (650) 949-5500

The 3,120-acre preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The preserve was established with a gift of $2 million from the Save-the-Redwoods League.

The centerpiece of the Preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, creek, ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub, tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the canyon. The coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve.

Whale Watching –  Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay

Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed.  Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March.   More background on the Gray Whale >>

Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months.  Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November.  More background on the Humpback >>

Oceanic Society

From Dec-May, thousands of gray whales swim north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds. Oceanic Society offres boat tours out of Half Moon Bay December through May.

 

 

Tahoe Basin Overview Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe’s beautiful, sapphire-blue waters are straddled by the California-Nevada state line. The Lake’s elevation averages 6,225 feet, and is surrounded peaks reaching heights of up to 10,880 feet.

The area’s #1 attraction is the Lake.  With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, it is the second deepest lake in the United States — trailing only Crater Lake

in Oregon.  It is approximately 22 miles long and 12 mile wide — creating 72 miles of shoreline that vary from beautiful golden and white sandy beaches on the South, West and North side of the lake  to rugged rock outcrops.

Vikingsholm Castle

Vikingsholm is located at the head of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California. This magnificent “castle” is a unique blend of Nature’s spectacular beauty and man’s architectural ingenuity.  For information call (530) 525-7277

Beaches

Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline.  The various beaches vary in greatly depending on the overall environment and how it has been preserved or develop.  Check out the link to find the right beach for you!

Tahoe National Forest –  (530) 478-6118

The Tahoe National Forest straddles the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, and encompasses a vast territory, from the golden foothills on the western slope to the high peaks of the Sierra crest.

Eldorado National Forest –  (916) 622-5061

The Eldorado National Forest is located between the historic Mother Lode region of California and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada crest overlooking Lake Tahoe basin.

Desolation Wilderness

The Desolation Wilderness is made up of 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County, the  Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Snow Ski Resorts

Lake Tahoe – World class snow ski resorts just a few hours away from San Francisco.

Sugar Pine

Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lake frontage, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and juniper. Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. From the turn of the century until 1965, the lands of what is now Ed Z’berg – Sugar Pine Point State Park were owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman Ehrman. The mansion provides an interesting view into the lifestyles of the wealthy on Lake Tahoe.

Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber  –  West Lake Tahoe

Located north of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89.  You can watch the annual run of the Kokanee Salmon in October. Nature talks by rangers are given throughout the summer. (530) 573-2674.

Casinos

Great entertainment and great food punctuate these monuments to Lady Luck!

Virginia City, Nevada

Virginia City is a famous Ghost Town known for gold and silver mining from 1857-1877. Colorful shops, museums and saloons, including the world famous Delta, Silver Queen, and Bucket of Blood Saloons, the Chollar Mine, Mark Twain Museum, Piper Opera House and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.  (775) 847-0311

For more detailed area information, go to our Lake Tahoe Explorer.

 

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Fort Bragg – Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens safeguards and nurtures plants that are rare, endangered, native to the Mendocino coast or suited to the coastal northern California climate

MacKerricher State Park

Fort Bragg – MacKerricher State Park offers a variety of habitats; beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. Tide pools are along the shore. Seals may be seen on the rocks off the park’s coastline. More than 90 species of birds visit or live near Cleone Lake, a former tidal lagoon.

Mendocino Coast

Mendocino – The Mendocino coastline is truly spectacular.

Van Damme State Park

Mendocino – The park features the lush Fern Canyon scenic trail system; the Pygmy Forest where mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand six inches to eight feet tall; and the bog, or Cabbage Patch, where skunk cabbage grows in abundance. The park’s ten miles of trail go along the fern-carpeted canyon of Little River. A paved road is used by joggers and bicyclists. The beach is popular with abalone divers.

Shopping, Art Galleries and Restaurants

Mendocino – Nestled along cliffs above the beautiful Pacific Coast, Mendocino is a favorite romantic destination. You can take in the views along the ocean front walk way, window shop at the many unique shops and boutiques, and enjoy numerous art galleries.

Cannery Row

Set on the Monterey Bay, this historic waterfront district made famous by Steinbeck offers attractions and recreation, authentic restaurants, affordable waterfront hotels, convenient shopping and exciting nightlife.

Laguna Seca Races

 

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The aquarium features habitats of Monterey Bay in its permanent galleries, and global marine life and marine conservation issues in its special exhibitions.

Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey State Historic Park is a collection of significant historic houses and buildings interspersed throughout Old Monterey.

Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding passive recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea.

Monterey County Wineries

 

Whale Watching –  Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay

Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed.  Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March.   More background on the Gray Whale >>

Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months.  Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November.  More background on the Humpback >>

Hiking & Backpacking

Mount Shasta, CA – The area has excellent trails for day hikes and backpacking.

Camping

Mt. Shasta – The area offers both rough and remote sites, and developed campgrounds with hook-ups, and showers.

Fishing

The Mt. Shasta area is a favorite destination for fishermen looking for world-class trout fishing.

Calistoga Balloons

Napa Valley ballooning is one of the most popular sporting activities.  The prime time to balloon is just after sunrise when the atmospheric conditions are best conditions are best and the breaking sunlight adds a golden glow to the picturesque Napa Valley.

Safari West

Santa Rosa, CA – Home to some of the world’s most exotic creatures, you can come close with giraffes, gazelles, zebras and many of the other 600 animals that inhabit the preserve. Take a three hour safari drive in an authentic safari vehicle and explore the wildlife preserve.

Old Faithful Geyser of California

The Geyser is a spectacular, nature-directed performance as it streams steaming water up to 100 feet into the air.  It usually erupts every 30 minutes.

Petrified Forest

Step back in Time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country.

Napa Valley Wineries

World class wine, food, and lodging can be found in the beautiful Napa Valley.

Restaurants

Looking for world-class cuisine to go with your favorite wine?  Napa Valley has some of the best restaurants on the planet.

Six Flags – Vallejo

Vallejo, CA – The park is a 135-acre park featuring awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions. (It is only 15 miles from Napa to Vallejo on CA-29.)

Golden Gate Park

This magnificent park is home to many outdoor activities and top draws such as California Academy of Science, Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

China town

This is one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. And it’s home to many fine restaurants shops, and Chinese New Year Parade

Fisherman’s Wharf

(and Pier 39) Steeped in history and tradition, this San Francisco waterfront community is home to many attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock – gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

Golden Gate Bridge

This globally recognizable icon of San Francisco has amazing architecture and awe-inspiring views.  You can park and view the bridge or walk/bike across it.

Cable Cars

The world’s last  manually-operated cable car system, and is an icon of  San Francisco.

San Francisco Zoo

The Zoo is home to a stunning and important botanical collection as well as more than 250 species of animals, many of which are highly endangered. From the smallest insect to the tallest giraffe, you’re sure to find a story that touches and inspires you.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Fun for all ages.  The boardwalk offers fun rides, food  and exhibits and it’s located on a beach that’s perfect for all of your summer activities.

West Cliff Drive / Lighthouse Field

The wide paved path that parallels West Cliff Dr. is ideal for walking, strolling, biking and skating.  You can also just sit, relax and and take in the sweeping Monterey Bay views from the bluff top benches or watch the surfers at Steamer Lane next to the historic lighthouse.

Santa Cruz Harbor

Yacht Harbor Santa Cruz Port Dist., 135 Fifth Ave., Santa Cruz, CA  (831) 475-6161 Explorer1 Review — Along with housing boats, the harbor is also home to several restaurants and bars.   But what I like best about the harbor is its wide walkways and road that boarders the harbor.  The mostly flat surfaces makes it perfect for walking, jogging and biking.  Also, with the exception of the harbor’s restaurant/bar area, most of the course has very little car traffic.

Pacific Garden Mall

Downtown Santa Cruz. Explorer1 Review — The Pacific Garden Mall has a multitude of fine restaurants, coffee houses, nightclubs, movie theaters, and small boutiques and book stores. The mall’s extra wide sidewalks and benches make it ideal for taking a leisurely stroll or to people watch.  One downside is that it can get extremely busy during the peak tourist season.  Also, the concentration of pedestrians seem to make it ideal for panhandling, student protesting, etc.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Next the the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  (831) 420-5270 Home to several restaurants and shops, you can spend hours strolling along the wharf while you take in the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz County Wineries

A directory of local wineries

Capitola City Beach, Capitola, CA

Selected by USA Today reader’s as one of California’s Top 10 Beaches,

Santa Cruz Beaches

Picnicking, swimming, building sand castles, sunbathing, and kite flying are just a few of the activities that the whole family can enjoy at any of the Santa Cruz beaches. More >>

Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad

The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway Company operates the train between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp.  Although, the beach train ride is enjoyable, our favorite train is the narrow-gage steam locomotive that operates from Roaring Camp and travels into towering redwood groves, over trestles, and up a winding narrow-gage grade to the summit of Bear Mountain.

Año Nuevo State Reserve –  Located between Santa Cruz & Half Moon Bay on Hwy. 1

New Year’s Creek Road, off Hwy 1, Pescadero, CA   (650) 879-0227

This 4,000 acre Reserve is a major gathering area for northern elephant seals, which may be seen year-around.

During the breeding season, December through March, the males battle for mates on the beaches. The females give birth to their young on the dunes.  By early March most of the adult seals are gone, leaving behind the weaned pups who remain through April. The elephant seals return to Año Nuevo’s beaches during the spring and summer months to molt and can be observed during this time through a permit system.

During the breeding season, December 15 through March 31, daily access to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks.

Wilder Ranch State Park  –  Santa Cruz, CA

1 mile north of  Western Drive, Santa Cruz  (831) 423-9703

The Park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian rails winding through coastal terraces and valleys.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park  –  Santa Cruz

Aptos Creek Rd. & Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA  (831) 763-7062

The park has 10,000 acres of rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park  –  Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains)

101 North Big Trees Park Rd., Felton, CA   (831) 438-2396

The park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. The park is the home of the Redwood grove, with a self-guided nature path, and Douglas fir, madrone, oak and the most unusual feature of the park, a stand of Ponderosa pine.

Moss Landing State Beach  –  Moss Landing

It features offshore fishing and horseback riding trails. The beach is also popular with surfers and windsurfers. Offering coastal views and dune protection from afternoon winds, the beach is a favorite place for picnics.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve  –  Moss Landing

This Web site is dedicated to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve.  The area is great for kayaking.  Lots of wildlife to view.

Whale Watching –  Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay

Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed.  Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March.   More background on the Gray Whale >>

Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months.  Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November.  More background on the Humpback

Mission San Francisco Solano

Built in 1823, the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma is the last of California’s 21 missions. Located off the plaza in Sonoma. It is open daily 10am-5pm. Other close by historical sites: include the Depot Park Museum, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s Home, Sonoma Barracks, Bear Flag Monument and Jack London State Historic Park.

Safari West

Santa Rosa, CA – Home to some of the world’s most exotic creatures, you can come close with giraffes, gazelles, zebras and many of the other 600 animals that inhabit the preserve. Take a three hour safari drive in an authentic safari vehicle and explore the wildlife preserve.

Above the Wine Country Balloon Tours

Being the oldest and original balloon company in the region, they have established a variety of launch sites and flight corridors — including Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Sonoma Valley Wineries

World class wine, food, and lodging can be found in the beautiful Napa Valley.

Restaurants

Looking for world-class cuisine to go with your favorite wine?  Napa Valley has some of the best restaurants on the planet.

Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Farmers’ Market

This is a great farmers’ market. It has a festival atmosphere with its local produce, music, and great food trucks.

TrainTown

If you have children on the younger side, TrainTown is your ticket to happy children. Plenty of amusement rides to keep the young and young at heart entertained.

Six Flags – Vallejo

Vallejo, CA – The park is a 135-acre park featuring awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions. (It is only 24 miles from Sonoma to Vallejo via CA-121 and CA-37 E/Sears Point Rd.)