Spanning the state's northernmost 48 counties, its main population centers include the San Francisco Bay Area (anchored by the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland), the Greater Sacramento area (anchored by the state capital Sacramento), and the Metropolitan Fresno area (anchored by the city of Fresno). Photo courtesy of Jaret Brantley. The coastal ranges line nearly all of California’s coast. One of the coldest spots in California, Truckee sits at 5,817 feet and sees an average snowfall of 204.3 inches. It's been a popular recreation destination ever since. This friendly but tiny town is in part of Sierra County known as the "lost Sierra." Opened In 1884, Heinold’s First And Last Chance Saloon In Northern California Is The Dive Bar Of Your Dreams, The Ultimate Northern California Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State, An Animal Farm, Train Station, and Café, Northern California’s Ardenwood Historic Farm Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination, This River Cabin Resort In Northern California Is The Ultimate Spot For A Getaway, 8 Enchanting Northern California Towns That Feel Like You’ve Fallen Into A Snow Globe, The Ultimate Mountain Town Road Trip In Northern California Is Perfect For Wanderers, These 10 Towns In Northern California Have The Most Breathtaking Scenery In The State, Move To These 11 Towns In Northern California If You Wanna Get Away From It All. Humboldt Redwoods State Park One of the most impressive places in Northern California to see the redwoods is located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Thank you! There's also a geyser to take a look at. Where to play: When the temperatures drop in Lake George, bundle up and head outdoors for some winter fun. Mountain House, CA. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Northern California also contains red… Getaways in Central California and the Sierras . 8 Mountain Towns In Northern California That Are Picture Perfect For A Getaway 1. Its elevation is 4,957 feet above sea level. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Also part of the Gold Rush, Grass Valley was one of the first areas to be settled. We have amazing mountains here, and incredible resort towns that are so fun to visit, not to mention beautiful! You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Surrounded by pretty pine-covered hills, Nevada City is one of the most interesting Gold Rush towns, dating back to 1850. Sierraville is located in the quiet but beautiful Sierra Valley. Here are 10 coastal towns to visit on your drive north along Highway 1. Often called the "Sausalito of the foothills," Sutter Creek is just plain cute. Be sure to share with us on Facebook! Mountain House, CA is a relatively unknown community tucked away in northern California’s San Joaquin County, about 90 minutes east of San Francisco. South Lake Tahoe. Dunsmuir is a small railroad town that sits near the snow-capped peaks of Mount Shasta and features a historic downtown with buildings that date back to the early 20th century. While the mountains average 66 inches of snow between December and February, the remainder of the year brings many other exciting activities. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest.With a population of 84,000, Ogden is on the smaller side, but when it comes to outdoor adventures, the opportunities are massive. With the shimmering lake on one side and the rugged mountainous terrain on the other, Tahoe City … Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail pass through Dunsmuir on their cross-country journey, and thousands of adventure seekers flock to Dunsmuir each year to indulge in mountain recreation. The entire 16-acre downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A lot of people visit this blog look for what to do in Northern California because I write so much about my home region (find more in the California category).Find out what to do in Northern California in October.. Coronavirus update: Many regions of Northern California are still under restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. There’s nothing like a Northern Californian small town, and one stop in any of these charming, tourist friendly towns proves it. Explore America’s mountain towns, with trails, microbrews, lakes, and scenic views. ‘A little town in northern California. They are more hills than mountains but there are some that , perhaps no more than a few thousand feet. Within 15 miles, you’ll find more than 225 miles of trails crisscrossing the sprawling mountain ridges and pristine forests surrounding the town. Tourism also puts McCloud on the map, especially fishing. It might take a little bit to get used to the elevation since it's located at 6,237 feet. This mountain town is positioned right at the bottom of Heavenly Ski Resort, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Go east and inland to explore the mountain country and California's high desert. Rural Northern California towns are the best of the best. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! This community in Napa County is all about the wine. Northern California Map Of Cities Maps Of California Map Of Northern – Map Of Northern California Cities And Towns Map Of Northern California Cities And Towns A map can be a aesthetic reflection of any overall region or part of a location, usually displayed on the smooth surface area. Also known as Old Hangtown, Placerville has a colorful heritage and was the epicenter of the Gold Rush. Town Santa Clara: 29,413 11.08 28.7 August 10, 1887: Loyalton: City Sierra: 769 0.36 0.93 July 21, 1901: Lynwood: City Los Angeles: 69,772 4.84 12.5 July 21, 1921: Madera: City Madera: 61,416 15.79 40.9 March 27, 1907: Malibu: City Los Angeles: 12,645 19.78 51.2 March 28, 1991: Mammoth Lakes: Town Mono: 8,234 24.87 64.4 August 20, 1984: Manhattan Beach: City Los Angeles: 35,135 3.94 If you are looking for a place that is quiet and remote, then Markleeville might be just the ticket. This is definitely bigfoot country. Located a little further south where the Sierra Nevada mountain range is even higher, Mammoth Lakes is one of the highest mountain towns in Northern California at 7,880 feet. This mountain town is … Another favorite for winter adrenaline junkies is Homewood, a community located right along the edge of Lake Tahoe. Originally known as Coburn station, Truckee has a very exciting history, first as the Donner Party disaster and later as a major railway hub in the Sierra. The highway hugs the edge of forested mountains, winding its way past rugged cliffs and expansive Pacific Ocean vistas. Paso Robles is north SLO county and is very famous for its wide variety of wineries, and during the summer the California Mid State Fair.” 15. Mount Shasta. Unlike most Northern California towns, it hasn't seen a ton of growth since early 20th century. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, most specifically fishing, mountain biking, back country jeeping and motorcycling, kayaking, hiking and nature walks, and gold panning, 2. Fun fact: Artist Georgia O’Keeffe spent many summers on the shores of Lake George, gathering inspiration for her famous paintings. Calistoga is less well-known than the neighboring towns of Napa and Sonoma, but the drive north of San Francisco is well worth the trip. Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Opportunities for recreation are unlimited here at 7654 feet. Yreka also draws outdoor enthusiasts who fish, hike, swim, and do everything they can in this beautiful area. Snow Play: Located only thirty miles from the … Liliya67 / Shutterstock. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. This Siskiyou County community is home to about 1000 souls. The seat of Trinity County, it sits amid an endless tract of mountain and forest. June Lake is another community located in the Eastern Sierra. Arcata is known for being its own ultra-progressive, eco-minded little world along the banks of Humbolt Bay in Northern California (NorCal). A central hub of attraction and getaways in Northern California, Dunsmuir is surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Castle Crags State Park. Not only are they usually spectacularly scenic, they are usually full of fun, friendly people. It's a fun place to go for history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike. Thank you! Northern California (colloquially known as NorCal) is a geographic and cultural region that generally comprises the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. At an elevation of 6,752 feet above sea level, Big Bear Lake is one of the most popular mountain towns in Southern California. Santa Cruz represents the quintessential California beach town, complete with a relaxed, laid back vibe, friendly residents, a host of outdoor recreations, and, of course, the beach. 7. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Dunsmuir. Now we head inland to artsy and historic Nevada City, about 60 miles northeast of Sacramento at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stroll down historic Washington Street for a glimpse of the past. Learn more about visiting Sonora, CA Sonora gives you the opportunity to play in the snow AND get a bit of culture. Northern California offers many scenic spots and unique activities, from wine tasting and food tours to hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor adventures. Known as the gateway to the Lost Coast, the beautiful and hard to access remote coastline of Humboldt County, Ferndale is a quaint but hopping coastal community. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Ojai enjoys a breathtaking location in a valley among the Topatopa Mountains, affording visitors stunning mountain views. Now it is popular for fishing, skiing, climbing, and sight-seeing. This is a suburb of San Francisco and truly one the best finest places to live in Northern California. The number of parks, quaint towns, and attractions along the way make it a trip of a lifetime. It's know as an artsy community and has some truly scrumptious restaurants. It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with the incredible places on this list. This town has a quaint downtown with lots of shops and a rich gold mining history. What time of year do you like to head into the mountains and where do you like to go? Called the “Avenue of the Giants,” it is a 31-mile scenic road that drives through some of the tallest redwoods. 1. Here you'll find Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta, and some small, historic towns where you can putter around. Another popular destination for outdoorsy folks, Dunsmuir was originally a major hub for the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads. This small Sonoma County town is consistently ranked within the top 10 of small towns in America. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com. Ogden, Utah. For a real recharge, spend some time at altitude. In both 1900 and 2000, the population hovered around 3,000 people. 1. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com. Another popular destination for wine and viticulture, Calistoga also has a natural hot spring to thank for tourists who visit this area. The Santa Cruz Mountains region is an adventure & leisure playground with activities for everyone. It's located on the edge of a wide plain near the mouth of the Eel River. Shops, restaurants and inns are tucked inside well-kept 19th and 20th century buildings for hours of exploring and entertainment. Visit or stay in one of the many historic downtowns that feature everything from locally owned coffee shops to tasting some of California's best wines. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Located at 3,600 feet in Siskiyou County, the town of Mount Shasta takes it name from the nearby iconic peak. The mountain scenery may be spectacular, but if you get yourself over the mountains into eastern California, you'll find some of … Visitors have access to the nearby McCloud, Sacramento and Klamath Rivers, as well as hiking, climbing and biking. Take a guided tour at Empire Mine State Historic Park and check out the allegedly haunted Holbrooke Hotel. Before the Gold Rush, Native Americans inhabited the area that would later become Nevada City. This tiny Alpine County town draws visitors who are looking to fish and experience the mountains, but it's primarily claim to fame is that it is way off the beaten path. The high elevation fields are great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city at any time of the year. Love Northern Cal? Lake George, New York. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these mountain destinations are picture perfect getaways right here in Northern California. Located on the northern end of Monterey Bay about 32 miles from San Jose, Santa Cruz is a quintessential small coastal town with beautiful sandy beaches, world-famous surf, spectacular mountains covered with ancient redwood forests, serene organic farms, and a … Hilton’s response? Share it with us on our Facebook page! Opened In 1884, Heinold’s First And Last Chance Saloon In Northern California Is The Dive Bar Of Your Dreams, The Ultimate Northern California Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 10 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State, An Animal Farm, Train Station, and Café, Northern California’s Ardenwood Historic Farm Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination, This River Cabin Resort In Northern California Is The Ultimate Spot For A Getaway, 15 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Northern California Where Life Is Still Simple, Blink And You’ll Miss These 9 Teeny Tiny Towns In Northern California, 11 Towns In Northern California You’ve Never Heard Of But Will Fall In Love With, This Quiet Gold Rush Town In Northern California Makes For A Perfect Summer Day Trip. For a Northern California weekend trip off the beaten path, check out the town of Grass Valley. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, most specifically fishing, mountain biking, back country jeeping and motorcycling, kayaking, hiking and nature walks, and gold panning. Farmers took advantage of the fertile soil and ranchers began to bring in livestock, and this rural region is a popular stop for farm to fork enthusiasts. These are more like hills, than mountains. A little town called Weaverville.’ Cute as a button, Weaverville’s streets are lined with flower boxes in the summer and banks of snow in the winter. Also voted as one of the best small towns to visit in California by The Crazy Tourist, this passageway to the Pacific Northwest combines gorgeous coastline with cloud-kissing redwood forests. Visitors exploring Northern California may drive along the coast, head inland to wine country, or explore the mountains, and along the way, find plenty of quaint towns. In 1960, the nearby unincorporated community surrounding the Squaw Valley Ski Resort, now known as Olympic Valley, hosted the winter Olympics. It's the fifth snowiest town in the US and is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. This area also affords fishing, water sports, and boating, as well as mountaineering and a nice ski and snowboard area open in winter. Key your eyes peeled, however, because you might not be alone out in the wild. The 5,000 person town boasts 416 vineyards and includes 6,800 acres of planted vineyards. This planned community is quickly gaining notoriety for its family-friendly atmosphere, access to beautiful parks, and award-winning schools. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Love Northern Cal? A historic railroad town in Northern California, Dunsmuir – named after Alexander Dunsmuir, a coal baron from British Columbia – is a serene mountain retreat known for its peaceful ambience. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Be sure to stop by Legends to grab a Sarsaparilla float in a grand 1850’ssaloon. The incomparable beauty of Tahoe City makes it one of the best Northern California towns to live in and among the most underrated small towns near Lake Tahoe. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: This friendly but tiny town is in part of Sierra County known as the "lost Sierra." Another gem of the Gold Rush, Jackson was also originally settled by Native Americans and is registered as California Historical Landmark No. With a list including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Tahoe City, and several others, each charming town on this list has its own story it’s waiting to share with visitors. A lot of people hear the word California and think beaches and strip malls. See the scenic cliffs of Big Sur, ride a bike through Napa Valley , CA , soak in the hot springs surrounded by wilderness, and explore the Monterey Peninsula with its beautiful views and a diverse choice of activities. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. Santa Cruz. 786. Paddling some of Northern California including Lake Shasta, Lewiston Lake and Lake Sonoma. It's known for its nearby natural wonders and burgeoning wine industry. It might be ideal to give this supposedly gentle giant a wide berth. Oxnard It’s an ideal place to wander, browse interesting shops and enjoy a bite to eat along with a peaceful ambiance. Located at 7,690 feet in part of Alpine County, Kirkwood feels like it's in the middle of nowhere - mostly because it is! Glistening in all their powder-covered glory, mountain towns seem to get all the love in colder months, when skiers (and après skiers) invade and conquer their snowy peaks.But here's a secret: visiting in the summer might very well be your ticket to vacation utopia. Family fun in the sun defined. Its got a great wine scene (of course) and is a very popular destination for regional, national, and international visitors. In far Northern California, the promise of uncrowded trails means plenty of space to spread out and shred the singletrack—and Redding serves as the best base camp to explore it all. Which is your favorite on this list and why? Hiking, biking, horseback riding, … It's located at 6,234 feet. Those of us who actually know Northern California, however, know that there is a lot more to this place what what the rest of the world sees on TV. Located at 3,600 feet in Siskiyou County, the town of Mount Shasta takes it name from the nearby iconic... 2. 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