How to Explore Northern California
When you think of sunny beaches, blondes and the Hollywood sign perched on the hills, that's Southern California. Northern California offers very different experiences, with rocky coasts, spectacular ocean views, giant redwoods, Napa Valley's wineries, Lake Tahoe's skiing and gambling, and the excitement, culture and charm of San Francisco.
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Instructions
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Rent a car. Although you can get a few places via Amtrak, the true beauty of a Northern California adventure is in driving the coastal roads -- for which you'll need a car. If you're journeying in the winter, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must, unless you're adept at putting on chains.
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Start in San Francisco. This bustling, cosmopolitan urban center and former bohemian haven features top-notch museums, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; vibrant, multicultural neighborhoods and spectacular shopping and dining. The hilly roads, sparkling water views and Golden Gate Bridge help make San Francisco one of the great cities of the world.
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Drive Highway 101. This is pretty much the definition of "taking the long way," but what you lose in speed and efficiency you'll more than make up for in beautiful views and countless diverting stops. Driving this road is an adventure in itself; be sure to pause frequently along the way to take pictures of the rocky hillsides and churning water of the Pacific. Dress warmly, as the coast gets chilly even in the summer.
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Cut inland toward Napa. Napa Valley is among the most famous wine regions of the world, and a day or two of wine tasting is an essential part of any Northern California trip. But don't neglect the other wine regions: the Anderson Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino are other very respectable destinations, and you'll find a less snobby and touristy atmosphere here, not to mention lower -- or nonexistent -- tasting fees.
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Do some whale watching. Beginning every March, tens of thousands of Pacific gray whales migrate north from Baja -- and you can spot them from the coast or take a day's cruise to watch for these great mammals. Better yet, blend whale watching and wine tasting at the Mendocino Whale Festival, held annually.
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Visit Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is indescribably beautiful -- you have to see it to fully digest its otherworldly indigo color, the spectacular pine forests hovering over it and the beautiful, multi-million-dollar homes nestled into the surrounding mountains. If you're a skier, visit during the winter, when the skiing is world-class.
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References
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Comments
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captshenanigans
Aug 22, 2008
I believe the author means highway 1 instead of highway 101. Highway 1 is arguably the most beautiful road in California which follows the coast from San Diego to Seattle while highway 101 is mainly an inland, 5 lane commuter freeway.
