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323219197544230 Great Day Trips from San Jose
https://californiatravellife.com/day-trips-from-san-jose/
Wed, 24 Apr 2024 23:22:41 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1555San Jose’s position in San Francisco’s South Bay Area makes it the perfect hub for launching day trips that can take visitors southward down the state’s historic Highway 1, north into San Francisco or up into Wine Country, and over into the area’s warmer East Bay microclimates.
Day trips from San Jose can include windswept coastal beauty, hamlets right out of storybooks, and hiking trails that wind through Redwoods, waterfalls, and lush parks. Wine tasting, surfing, unique architecture, local lore, and history that involves famous authors are all just a short drive from downtown San Jose.
So, let’s dive into the wide variety of day trip adventures from San Jose.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 33 miles (45 minutes)
Endless summer surfer beach vibes abound in Santa Cruz. The city’s relationship with surfing dates back to 1885, when three Hawaiian princes exported it to the area.
Bone up on the sport’s history at the Surfing Museum at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Perched above the internationally renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, it is full of photos, surfboards, and other artifacts.
Pull on a wet suit to guard against the chilly Pacific waters and take a surf lesson at Cowell Beach. Pleasure Point is a great spot for more experienced surfers to ride the waves.
Natural Bridges State Park
If surfing is not your thing, there are 29 miles of stunning coastline to enjoy. Natural Bridges State Beachis the seasonal home to migrating Monarch butterflies and a great place to view whales, seals, and otters.
Seabright State Beach is a prime spot to watch the sunset. The USS Palo Alto, a half-sunken concrete freighter visible from the shores of Seacliff State Beach, makes for an interesting beach photo backdrop.
Churro Shake at the Santa Cruz beach Boardwalk by Sharlene Earnshaw
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkis one of the biggest draws for day trips from San Jose. There’s nothing like a cool ocean breeze through your hair as you scream your way through the Giant Dipper, the classic wooden rollercoaster that has been thrilling riders since 1924.
Relive your carefree summer days devouring a variety of food served on a stick, noshing on caramel apple chips, and competing for giant stuffed animals in carnival games.
Cap off your day with dinner on the Santa Cruz Wharf. The Ideal Bar & Grill is known for its seafood but offers options for non-seafood eaters.The Jack O’Neil Loungeis a nod to the local legend who popularized the wet suit among surfers. It’s also a great place to enjoy gorgeous views of Cowell Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf while you dine!
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 30 miles (42 minutes)
Despite its proximity to Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer enough activity and points of interest to enjoy as a separate day trip. You never know what you may find in the collection of small towns tucked in these mountains.
In Felton, you can visit theBig Foot Discovery Project to learn local history and see evidence, including film footage of Big Foot sightings. You can also ride the rails at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad! Take the beautifully preserved 1880s Redwood Steam Train deep into the forest and get a unique view of Northern California’s majestic Redwood trees.
Zipping through the redwoods is an adventurous option! Redwood Canopy Tour at Mt. Hermonoffers two-hour guided eco-adventures that include six zip lines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park not only offers opportunities to hike among the Redwoods, but you can camp, swim, and horseback ride, too. The park’s 40-acre redwood grove includes the tallest tree in the park, which is 277 feet tall.
Check out the famous Fremont Tree, a hollowed-out tree you can enter! Be sure to visit the Garden of Eden, a natural swimming area nestled in the forest along the San Lorenzo River.
Henry Cowell Redwoods by Sharlene Earnshaw
Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers a unique opportunity to see nature renew itself. California’s oldest state park is recovering from a devastating 2020 wildfire. Small portions of Big Basin are open for partial day-use access and by reservation only.
You’ll need some fuel for your mountain escapades. Stop by the Grove Cafe + Bakery in Felton and feast on a breakfast of delicious toasts and bowls or a hearty sandwich or salad.
If communing with nature is on your itinerary, get a day pass at the Trout Farm Inn in Felton and relax poolside, nestled among the soaring redwoods and majestic oaks overlooking Zayante Creek. It sounds like Heaven, doesn’t it?
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 34.8 miles (44 minutes)
California’s oldest seaside town, Capitola, could also easily be added to a Santa Cruz itinerary, or it could be a day trip from San Jose that is all its own.
Quieter than Santa Cruz, this charming, colorful village hugs Capitola Beach, a sandy stretch perfect for volleyball matches and beach aerobics. It’s also a great place to enjoy a sunny beach day in the shadow of the historic and colorful Capitola Venetian, the frequent subject of many photos.
A noteworthy landmark currently under repair sits at the end of the beach. The Capitola Wharf, ordinarily the finish line for the annual Wharf to Wharf Run, which starts at the Santa Cruz Wharf, suffered significant damage from the epic winter storms in 2023.
Once all that activity and sun have given way to hunger, head up to the village’s Esplanade for a slice at Pizza My Heart or lunch at Zelda’s on the Beach. Plenty of quaint spots nearby serve delicious eats.
To burn those calories, pick up a kite at Rainbow City Limit and take it back to the beach. The village streets around the Esplanade are also full of cute boutiques offering unique beach house-style art, jewelry, apparel, or other gifts.
Photo via Shadowbrook Capitola
If you want a romantic and upscale dining experience, you want a table at Shadowbrook. Set along Soquel Creek, the establishment is known for its seafood. Patrons can ride a historic funicular into the restaurant or descend the stairs wrapping around the lovely garden. Trees grow up and through the building in several areas of the restaurant, providing a natural, elegant, and organic atmosphere.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 59.5 miles (1 hour)
Fondly nicknamed the Salad Bowl of the World, Salinas was the setting of many books by Pulitzer and Noble Prize-winning author John Steinbeck.
Don’t worry if East of Eden or The Grapes of Wrath were not among your required reading in high school; you’ll still enjoy the National Steinbeck Center. The main exhibit tells Steinbeck’s story, organizing it geographically to highlight locations around Monterey County that played a role in his life and work.
The Queen Anne Victorian where Steinbeck grew up is a five-minute walk from the center. It now houses a restaurant called the Steinbeck House, where family pictures and memorabilia are displayed.
If you’re interested in including another historic house in your visit, the more than 100-year-old home of Salinas’ first mayor is a short walk from the Steinbeck place. The oldest building in Salinas, today it is a community center featuring historical exhibits.
The World’s Salad Bowl has become a destination for wine lovers in recent years. I don’t know about you, but I don’t mind a fine glass of wine with my salad! Follow the River Road Wine Trail south from Salinas toward Soledad for opportunities to sample Syrahs, Point Noirs, and other small bath varietals at wineries along the way.
Laguna Seca Raceway via See Monterey
Depending on the timing of your visit, you could catch a high-speed event at the Weather Tech Laguna Seca Raceway. Race season typically kicks off in April and goes through September.
Salinas is also a major stop on the Cowboys Association Circuit. To put it bluntly, this is California’s largest and most popular rodeo. If a day-tripping itinerary of bull riding, big shiny Cowboy buckles, and roping sounds like a good time to you, don’t miss It! Rodeo Salinas usually rolls into town during the third week of July.
Moss Landing
Kayaking on the Elkhorn Slough by See Monterey
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 59 miles (1 hour)
This day trip destination will put you in the view of otters, seals, sea lions, wharf seals, shore birds, and much more! Moss Landing is home to the Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s most wildlife-rich coastal wetlands.
Imagine seeing a mama otter swimming through the water with her baby on her chest or watching the shore birds feed on worms plucked from the muddy banks. Listen to the calls of Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions. Root on the otters (it always goes back to the otters in this part of the state) as they protect their food sources from opportunistic seagulls.
The quaint little village of Moss Landing boasts vibrant fishing and agricultural industries. It also offers a rare opportunity to slow down and take in the peaceful pace of a small town living in harmony with nature. You never know what you’ll find in such a spot — including William Shakespeare!
The Shakespeare Society of America houses over 3,000 lovingly preserved items, including rare book and visual art collections, costumes, props, photos, and slides.
Haute Enchiliada by Sharlene Earnshaw
Before heading back to San Jose, have dinner at the Haute Enchilada Art Café. Known for its elegant take on Mexican and traditional cuisine, it is an art gallery and a perfect date night dining spot. You may be lucky enough to catch a live performance while you’re there.
While the deep-fried artichoke hearts at the Moss Landing Café are out of this world, neighboring Castroville is known as the Artichoke Capital of the World.
Get an education on all things artichoke at none other than the Artichoke Festival held in June. You may even see the crowing of the Artichoke Queen. Fun fact: the first queen, crowned in 1948, was Marilyn Monroe!
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove Superbloom by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 73 miles (1 hour, 14 minutes)
Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA,” the small coastal town of Pacific Grove enthusiastically welcomes the color-winged creatures annually. The town even has a beautiful Monarch butterfly sanctuary! The butterflies start to arrive at the end of October. The migration peaks the week after Thanksgiving and wanes around the beginning of March.
If you visit in April or May, a lush carpet of blooming purple ice plant flowers hugs the coast of the Monterey Peninsula and provides amazing photo opportunities! One of the best places to see them is from the portion of the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail next to Ocean View Boulevard. Street parking and a couple of parking lots are available along Ocean View.
The beach at Lover’s Point is popular for boating, kayaking, swimming, and surfing. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear at Pacific Grove Adventures right there at Lovers Point! They also offer bicycle and surrey rentals if hiking the Pacific Grove Purple Carpet doesn’t sound appealing.
While Lover’s Point Park is a great spot for picnics, there are some delicious eateries in the immediate area for those not interested in packing a meal.
The Grill at Lovers Point is a great place to enjoy a burger and fries with an ocean view. This cash-only venue is a convenient break from a beach day without having to stray too far from the sand or feel the need to get cleaned up first. For a charge of caffeine or a sweet treat, the Lovers Point Beach Café is the place to hit up.
When your beach day is over and you’re ready for a relaxing meal, which could include Calamari, Sand Dabs, or Prime Sirloin, dine at the Beach House and watch the sunset over Lover’s Point.
Monterey
The Monterey Bay Aquarium by See Monterey
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 71.4 miles (1 hour, 11 minutes)
There was a time when Monterey’s Cannery Row, made famous by the John Steinbeck novel of the same name, was lined with sardine canneries. Today, it is full of unique boutiques where visitors shop for souvenirs instead. There are still nods to history throughout the place, including a fine dining establishment called the Sardine Factory, known for its sustainable seafood!
A quick stroll of the nearby old Fisherman’s Wharf offers panoramic views of the bay and the sight of harbor seals sunbathing on the nearby rocks and buoys. Be sure to get a bowl of clam chowder! Many wharf restaurants offer their own variations of the creamy comfort food, each claiming that theirs is “the best!”
Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium! This incredible institution is dedicated to protecting California’s ocean and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
Attend a sea otter or penguin feeding. Explore exhibits like the 28-foot-tall Kelp Forest housed in one of the tallest aquariums in the world or “Into the Deep,” the largest collection of deep-sea animals in North America, including glowing jellyfish!
The aquarium houses 200 exhibits featuring crustaceans, octopi, birds, fish, and mammals. You can even add a behind-the-scenes tour of restricted areas and spaces. There is no shortage of things to see and do for any visitor to the aquarium. Tickets to Monterey Bay Aquarium must be purchased online. No in-person ticket sales are available at this time.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Dog-friendly Carmel Beach by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 75 miles (1 hour, 14 minutes)
The fairytale cottage architecture, manicured gardens, and adorable shops make Carmel-by-the-Sea a must-do day trip.
If this destination doesn’t already sound special, one more detail may level things up for you! Carmel-by-the-Sea prides itself on being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the state.
Water bowls sit outside almost every shop. Gourmet dog treats are among the delectable items for sale in the Carmel Bakery. It’s common to be presented with a doggie menu when dining out. I have ordered grilled chicken and steak for my pup at Toro Sushi and Forge in the Forest. Some establishments even offer a “Yappy Hour” for four-legged friends traveling with their humans.
Designer-builder Hugh Comstock had a huge influence on the cottage architecture that came to shape Carmel by the Sea. There are 21 of his storybook cottages are scattered throughout Carmel. You can purchase a self-guided audio walking tour to check them out yourself.
If walking on hilly roads is not for you, two of his cottages are in the downtown business area – and house businesses you’ll want to patronize! The Tuck Box is a charming breakfast and brunch spot that will give you the experience of dining in a dollhouse. Down the hill, you’ll find the Cottage of Sweets, the most divine candy store you’ll ever come across.
Don’t leave downtown without getting an Instagram-worthy shot of your crew in front of the Carmel Shell Mural at the corner of Mission and Sixth.
A trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea would be complete without a visit to gorgeous Carmel Beach! Let your beautiful pup run free with the other dogs living their best lives down there! If you enter the beach from the parking lot at the end of Ocean Avenue, there’s a Free Little Library for dogs—it’s full of sticks, of course!
You may spot a green oasis on the shores across Carmel Bay as you stand on the beach. That is the world-famous golf mecca of Pebble Beach, home of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am professional golf tournament!
Lone Cypress on 17-Mile Drive
You can visit this storied property via the 17-Mile Dive. The breathtaking ocean views along the rugged Pacific coastline make the admission fee worth it ($12 per vehicle). But throw in stunning sights like the Ghost Trees, Cypress Point Lookout, and Spanish Flats as you wind through the Del Monte Forest, and you’ll be glad you ponied up the dough!
Big Sur
Big Sur by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 99.7 miles (1 hour, 46 minutes)
Whether you’re watching it pass by your car window or stopping at the iconic Bixby Bridge for a photo, Big Sur offers unparalleled scenic beauty. If this is your day trip destination, then make sure you get out in this gorgeous landscape. There’s an extensive trail system for hikers of all levels and abilities. Keep in mind that you are venturing out into a fragile natural landscape. Make sure you pack out whatever food and supplies you pack in with you!
McWay Falls by Jerry Kirkhart
The Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View Trail is a short and relatively easy hike. It’s about 2 miles out and back, with 500 feet of elevation and a waterfall to admire! The Waterfall Overlook Trail is wheelchair accessible. About 0.5 miles long, it leads from the parking lot to an overlook where visitors can take in the majestic McWay Falls, which pour down on the sandy beach below it in McWay Cove.
If you’d like a little more adventure and some local lore, set out on the trail to Partington Cove. The route winds its way down a slope, where you can enter a long tunnel that opens on a rocky cove. Big Sur pioneer John Partington carved the tunnel, which was once used for shipping logs and later smuggling moonshine. Never mind that there’s a nearly 300-foot climb back to the trailhead off Highway 1, you’ll have bragging rights and a cool story to tell!
All of this hiking is bound to make you hungry. Stop by Nepenthe! Perched high above the Pacific, this establishment has served poets, artists, and travelers since 1949. After you enjoy Nepenthe’s iconic Ambrosia burger, head to the Phoenix shop on the same property to find distinctive clothing and handcrafted jewelry.
Pinnacles National Park
Hiking in Pinnacle National Park by See Monterey
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 76.4 miles (1 hour, 25 minutes)
For this day trip destination, you’ll need a good pair of hiking shoes and plenty of water. Pinnacles National Park gets its name from the towering spires of volcanic rock that appear to bulge from its landscape.
Sky-high volcanic structures line the Moses Spring Trail, which takes visitors up 377 feet of elevation gain to Bear Gulch Reservoir. The mile-round hike also includes some easy-to-navigate caves.
If your day trip is in the spring, you could be treated to a super bloom. Over 100 species of wildflowers carpet the park. But that’s not the only natural wonder you’ll spot in Pinnacle National Park, it is also home to the endangered California Condor. With its nine-foot wingspan and bald head, the condor is quite a sight!
While condors are Pinnacles National Park’s signature bird, close to 200 other species live there, including turkey vultures, hawks, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons, so bring your binoculars!
Pack a flashlight, too, because you do not want to miss the Bear Gulch Cave Trail! This 1.5-mile hike includes a talus cave with two sections that have rocky, dark paths to navigate. Talus caves are formed when rocks fall from higher locations creating a jumble of boulders.
There are no restaurants in Pinnacles National Park. The only option for dining inside the park is to pack a picnic to set it up and enjoy with a view. Keep in mind that you are visiting a fragile natural place, visitors are encouraged to leave no trace. Pack out all of your trash.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 45.7 miles (46 minutes)
A day trip to San Juan Bautista is like traveling back in time. Home to Mission San Juan Bautista, a picturesque and beautifully preserved example of California’s historic missions, this city teems with an appreciation and commitment towards preservation. The mission sits on the edge of the only remaining Spanish Plaza in California.
The main street is lined with buildings straight out of the Old West, including adobes dating back centuries. There is even a nationally registered historic district! Take a self-guided tour by following the historic district walking trail.
Photo via California State Parks
Visit San Juan Bautista State Historic Park for a guided tour of life in the 1800s. The park features four main historic museums, a blacksmith shop, a historic jail, and an early American settler’s cabin.
The historic downtown offers plenty of opportunities for bringing some history home with you. Peruse fabrics and quilts at the Family Threads Quilt Shop, go antiquing at Fool’s Gold, Sweet Pea, Vintage Rose, or Old Adobe Antiques, and look for fashionable treasures in thrift shops like Mrs. B’s Z Store.
Untouched hillsides, open fields, and natural habitats surround San Juan Bautista. Hike the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail, an unpaved 8-mile section of trail that goes through the northern Gabilan Range starting near downtown San Juan along the Alameda south of Highway 156. Park near the trailhead and walk this scenic mountain trail exploring local geology, wildlife, and wildflowers in the spring.
From the hiking trails of Fremont Peak State Park, visitors enjoy expansive views of Monterey Bay, San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains east of Big Sur.
Once all this exploring has you hungry, there are quite a few family-owned eateries to choose from for fueling up. Dona Esther’s serves authentic Mexican cuisine in historic surroundings. Get a table at Jardines Restaurant for a more romantic meal al fresco amid gardens under shade trees.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 43 miles (57 minutes)
Affectionately referred to as the “Slow Coast,” it’s immediately evident why the towns of Davenport, Pescadero, and San Gregorio have earned this nickname.
The Slow Coast is the 50-mile stretch between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Its coastline is a little wilder, the pace is slower, and its beauty is unparalleled, but you can easily fill a day trip itinerary with fun explorations of these lesser-known spots.
Let’s start with Davenport. Hit up Whale City Bakery for sustenance to fuel your adventures! They are known for their ham and cheese croissants and tacos.
Davenport’s roots go back as far as 1867 when whaling captain John Pope Davenport built a shipping wharf in the area. The eerie remains of the Davenport Pier provide an interesting photo backdrop. Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, a swing is often fastened to a partially submerged pylon close to the beach.
The town’s most famous landmark, though, is Shark Fin Cove. It is home to a unique rock formation shaped like the slimy dorsal.
This hidden gem is also well worth the short hike! Be careful, though—the trail is steep and can be slippery, but it is worth the stunning view. There’s also a large rock arch tunnel to check out down on this beach! Go at low tide for beautifully framed shots of the ocean from inside it.
Backed by high cliffs and sand dunes, Bonny Doon Beach is another stunning spot. Be warned, though, there are times you may have to wade across Liddell Creek to get to it.
The most elusive beachy spot in Davenport is Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. The name comes from its only access point, a hole in the rock off the southern part of Panther Beach. If you intend to go, low tide is the best time for getting in and out of the hole. I should also warn you that this is considered a clothing-optional beach due to its secluded location.
Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park
Continuing north toward Pescadero, you’ll pass by Año Nuevo State Park, which is famous for its large population of elephant seals in the winter months, as well as being home to Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Standing 115 feet tall and positioned on the edge of a cliff, the lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1872.
Venture a few miles further to Pescadero State Beach, which is a great place to explore tidepools and spot starfish, anemones, crabs, and more. The town of Pescadero isn’t far from here. Grab some artichoke bread at Arcangeli Grocery Co and then get caffeinated at the quirky Downtown Local coffee shop.
As you head out, stop by Harley Farms for a tour, an opportunity to meet the goats, and a chance to purchase some creamy and delicious goat cheese!
Continue on down the coast to San Gregorio, popping into the historic San Gregorio General Store. This cool off-beat little place is part bookstore, bar, cafe and gift shop. You can pick up picnic items and take them out to gorgeous San Gregorio State Beach. If there’s a band setting up when you arrive, my advice is to get a couple of cold ones and stick around to enjoy the live music. The scene is always fun!
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, Photo by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 40 miles (49 minutes)
A day trip to Half Moon Bay offers a variety of active outdoor fun that includes kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, and surfing. This is the home of the Mavericks Invitational, after all.
Head to Pillar Point to get out on the waters with Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.; no experience is necessary to navigate one of these vessels around the protected harbor! Visit the fish markets or reach out ahead of time on the FishLine for information on how to buy fresh fish right off the boats!
The famed Mavericks surf spot isn’t far from here. This is where the big-wave pros ride up to 60-foot waves in the winter months.
During warm summer weather, enjoying a handcraft artisinal cocktail in the garden patio at the Jettywave Distillery is a great way to beat the heat. The historic Moss Beach Distillery(which is not a distillery, but it is haunted) is a great dinner option, with an outdoor patio where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific.
If land-based activities are more of your thing, consider taking to the Coastside Trail. Whether you go by foot or by wheels, this paved six-mile pathway has all sorts of natural delights to reveal, including breathtaking views and access to beautiful beaches and parks.
Fuel up during your ride at the Barn, a locally sourced burger spot housed in a cool rustic barn not far off the trail near Miramar Beach. Reward all your calorie-burning fun with a thick shake with flavors like Cookie, Affogato, and Horchata.
It’s ok to indulge, especially if you’re hopping back on that bike and continuing on afterward! Sam’s Chowder House is another local favorite near the trail. Sam’s Lobster Roll was selected as one of the Top Five “Best Sandwiches in America” by NBC’s The Today Show.
Devil’s Slide area
Don’t miss Devil’s Slide! A once treacherous section of Highway 1, it was once plagued by accidents and road closures, including a landslide that closed the road for good in 1995. The highway was eventually diverted through a tunnel system. The old 1.2-mile section of road is now part of the California Coastal Trail with dedicated lanes for cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians.
Stroll Half Moon Bay’s Main Street for unique gifts and shopping experiences. One of my favorites is the Garden Apothecary. At first glance, it looks like a plant nursery, but it is so much more. They offer a natural skincare line, herbs, organic teas, and lots of healthy community outreach!
Get lost in the shelves of Inkspell Books, an independent bookstore full of new and used books. Pick up locally-made kombucha, sauces, preserves, and jams at Cunha’s Country Store. Finish off your day with a fine dining experience at one of my family’s favorites Pasta Moon!
Half Moon Bay hosts a famous annual pumpkin festivalworthy of an autumn visit. No matter the season, though, you’re in for a welcoming, laid-back experience in Half Moon Bay.
Palo Alto & Mountain View
Stanford University, Photo by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 18 miles (22 minutes)
Considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this day trip from San Jose is a great one for techies. Silicon Valley’s exact birth location is on Addison Avenue in downtown Palo Alto.
The iconic Hewlett-Packard Garage is where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard launched HP and inspired every garage-based tech startup afterward. Tucked behind a quaint home, the garage can only be viewed from the sidewalk. However, there’s a sizeable historical marker detailing its history out front. It may not seem like much, but it is considered hallowed history in these parts.
Down the road in Mountain View, the Google Visitor Center provides a nice background in all Googly things, a lovely cafeteria sourced by local small businesses, and a cool art walk. It’s located near Shoreline Park, not far from another great tech-inspired stop, the Computer History Museum.
No visit to the area would be complete without spending some time at Stanford University. I recommend entering the campus from Palm Drive. This scenic stretch leads into the Stanford Oval, revealing a postcard-worthy view of the historic quad and Hoover Tower.
Among Stanford’s many notable sights is the largest collection of work by French sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of France. The first of several possible encounters with Rodin is just outside the quad.
The six figures known as the Burghers of Calais cast quite a presence. In fact, they often appear in visitor Instagram feeds and selfies. The Rodin Sculpture Garden is just a 10-minute walk from this spot. The left wing of the adjacent Cantor Arts Center houses an additional 170 Rodin pieces.
Once all that artsy exploring makes you hungry, there’s no need to tear yourself away from feeding your soul in order to feed your body. Tootsie’s at the Cantor overlooks the Rodin Sculpture Garden. There is nothing like a leisurely lunch on the café terrace.
If you enjoyed your outdoor art experience with Rodin, you might be interested to know that there are 80 more outdoor artworks around campus, including the spectacular Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden.
The Coffee House, often referred to as the CoHo, is a favorite student hangout. Located in the Student Union, it is packed whenever live music or a game is on TV. Be sure to check out the cafe wall featuring caricatures of famous Stanford graduates.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 29.4 miles (32 minutes)
This is one of those day trips from San Jose that will have you time-traveling. By exploring the estate and the 16 acres of perfectly manicured formal gardens at the Filoli Historic House and Gardens in Woodside, you’ll get a look at how some of the area’s more well-heeled folks lived in the early 1900s.
You’ll begin a the beautiful Georgian-style house built between 1915 and 17 for William Bowers Bourn II and his wife. William was the president of Spring Valley Water Company and the owner of a California gold mine.
The Bournes lived in San Francisco, so this was their “humble country place.” This simple home includes a stately ballroom that was the site of many formal balls and concerts and an elegant dining room. I was particularly impressed by the kitchen, which included a walk-in safe for storing the silver!
The gardens at Filoli are gorgeous any time of year. Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth, who bought the home in 1936, are to thank for their expansiveness. Not only did they add a pool, they further developed and enhanced the formal gardens.
After you make your way from the Visitor Center through the Clock Tower Shop, you will pass through an ornate door and enter the Sunken Garden with its serene reflecting pond in the center. The adjacent Walled Garden is named for the 10-foot-high brick walls around it. Clipped hedges separate it into many smaller ornamental rooms.
Blossoming crabapple and cherry trees provide a lot of shade and a hint of scent during the spring. On the other side of the formal garden walls is a large working garden with fruits, vegetables, and many flowers.
Imagine beating the heat with a summertime party at the Pool Pavillion! This lovely little oasis instills as much peace as it does fun. Spending the day stretched out on a chaise with a lemonade and a book sounds pretty great, too! The Garden House is another great haven for such an activity. Located in the middle of the gardens, the tall windows enable a view of all the blossoms or autumn colors, depending on the season.
The best time to visit is in the spring when the gardens are in full bloom. My family also enjoys Christmas at Filoli when the gardens are decked out in lights. Visitors drink hot chocolate or mulled wine around the outdoor firepits.
The house is also decorated with a tree in every room and a bounty of gift wrapped presents in every room. There are events and performances throughout the year, so be sure to consult Filoli’s calendar when planning your visit!
If the place looks familiar, that’s because it was the filming location for movies like Heaven Can Wait with Warren Beatty, The Game with Michael Douglas, and The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez. It was also the home of the Carrington family in the TV show, Dynasty.
There is a cafe on site. The Quail Cafe offers delicious entrees and side salads, hearty sandwiches, and satisfying pastries.
Fun fact: The name “Filoli” comes from the first two letters of each sentence in William Bourn’s three-part credo: “Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.”
San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge, Photo by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 49 miles (54 minutes)
A day trip here will involve a lot of hills- after all, San Francisco is known for them! How else would you be able to ride a cable car halfway to the stars? Three routes remain from San Francisco’s iconic cable car system, including one that takes visitors up and down those infamous steep hills.
The beloved Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular landmark in these parts. Flanked by stunning Golden Gate National Parks on each end, a walk across the structure is an easy activity for all abilities and hiking levels.
If the famous San Francisco Fog, Karl, does not interfere, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and the Marin Headlands all along the way. This includes a birdseye look into Fort Point, the Civil War-era fort that is tucked under one of the arches of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Presidio Park is on the San Francisco end of the bridge. It’s the largest US national park in an urban area, it’s home to a myriad of butterfly species, birds, and native plants. San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood street also runs along a tidy row of officers’ homes on this former military base.
You can enjoy a picnic in lush meadows and along breezy headlands. Take to secluded hiking trails that wind through cypress, pine, and eucalyptus forests.
Explore San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods. The Castro neighborhood is known for its colorful LGBTQ+ community and iconic movie theater.
Chinatown is a great destination to eat dim sum and then stroll the interesting shops filled with everything you can imagine (and some things you never would). Delicious Dim Sum and Wing Sing are solid options.
The Haight Ashbury neighborhood evokes images of free-spirited 60s hippie culture and is also filled with great thrift shops. Enjoy family-style Italian dining and gelato in North Beach.
Hike the staircases of Telegraph Hill in search of the area’s famous parrots. Take in the city views around Coit Tower. Get a taste of Latin culture in the Mission District. Traverse the eight hairpin turns of the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard Street.
Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin’s. For a sweet treat, visit the world-famous Ghirardelli Square for a decadent chocolate sundae.
San Francisco is also home to many fine museums. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has an impressive collection of contemporary art, and the Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages.
The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park features a planetarium, rainforest, and natural history displays. The park is also home to great playgrounds, swan boats on Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stowe Lake), and the enchanting Japanese Tea Garden, which explodes in bloom in the Spring.
Another great experience is taking the ferry to Alcatraz Island, the former federal prison that’s now a popular tourist attraction. The audio tour takes you through the cells and gives a glimpse into what life was like for the prisoners who were housed there. If this activity is on your list, be sure to book way in advance!
Muir Woods
Muir Woods, Photo by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 65 miles (1 hour, 27 minutes)
Often described as a pilgrimage rather than an excursion, a day trip to Muir Woods leaves its visitors with a reverence that can only be evoked by walking into a place like Cathedral Grove, a silent preserve and home to the tallest and oldest (we’re talking 400 to 1,000 years old!) redwoods in Muir Woods.
It’s not unusual to see fellow hikers and tree huggers lovingly running a hand over the massive tree trunks or standing at their large roots, looking up into their heights as if they were acknowledging a visitation by one of nature’s miracles.
The trees in Muir Woods are so massive and dense that light bends as it squeezes between the trunks and comes through the branches in pieces. The tallest tree is about 258 feet tall, and the largest diameter is 17 feet. Redwood trees can only be found on the Pacific coastline between Monterey and Southern Oregon, so visitors to San Francisco will definitely want to see these ancient groves.
The Fern Creek and Hillside Trail is a great trail for a classic Muir Woods experience. It’s a 1.9-mile loop that takes an average of 40 minutes to complete. You’ll pass popular sites like the Redwood Tree Slice, the Pinchot Tree, and the Cathedral Grove as you walk fully shaded and surrounded by towering trees.
Like on any other hike, you should bring plenty of water and a water-resistant jacket. Muir Woods can get chilly and damp. For sustenance, you can pick up a grab-and-go sandwich at the Muir Woods Trading Company or dine in the cafe before or after your pilgrimage in the trees. Just remember to always pack out whatever you pick up and leave no trace in the woods.
Due to its close proximity to San Francisco, this redwood forest is an incredibly popular destination. Parking must be reserved in advance, and shuttles are available through gomuirwoods.com.
Muir Beach is located three miles west of Muir Woods and is a great addition to your time in Muir Woods.
Napa
Napa Valley Vineyard by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 88.5 miles (1 hour, 34 minutes)
A stroll along the leafy paths of a Napa Valley vineyard with a gleaming glass of Chardonnay or a robust Cabernet in the grasp of your hand, taking in the crisp air—it’s a nice mental picture, isn’t it?
Home to over 400 wineries, any time of year is a great time for a day trip to the gorgeous Napa Valley, but there are two that I find particularly special.
The first is Mustard Season. Bright yellow wild mustard blooms carpet Napa Valley vineyards annually from January through March. This is a wonderful time to enjoy art, wine, and events throughout the Valley.
Here’s a little factoid to go with your Instagram photos, mustard is not only a colorful sight against the valley’s green landscape, it is also a cover crop to protect the soil and replenish it with nutrients while also attracting beneficial insects, preventing erosion, and warding off grapevine pests.
Autumn is another spectacular time to make a day trip to Napa. The fall colors are popping, the air is crisp, and it’s Harvest season, or as the locals refer to it, Crush.
Running from August through October, Crush starts with picking grapes for white and sparkling wine and concludes with red wine. By September, the warm, oaky smell of wine barrels is in the air, fueling expectations of the coming vintage of wine.
A drive along Silverado Trail is the perfect way to experience either of these seasons. It winds through the heart of the valley, sweeping through the small towns that make up this picturesque area.
A hot air balloon ride is the best way to get a bird’s-eye view of the valley’s beauty! Watch a new day dawn over the valley from 2,000 feet in the air! All rides begin at dawn, and many offer coffee or champagne.
If your day trip takes place during the hot summer months, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard from Enjoy Napa Valley and take to the Napa River. A couple of great options for exploring the scenic valley floor include the Wine Train and the Napa Vine Trail, a cycling/walking system that runs about 15 miles.
Gilroy
Biking in Henry Coe Park, Photo by Visit Gilroy
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 49 miles (56 minutes)
Garlic is the most immediate thing that comes to mind for most who know about Gilroy. The aromatic herb is celebrated annually at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a full weekend of sampling garlicky morsels, including ice cream!
Don’t worry, garlic fans, should your day trip not fall during the Garlic Festival, you will not miss out on needing a breath mint after lunch! Gilroy has a Road to Garlic Map you can follow to find all of the best restaurants, shops, and other great garlic experiences in the Garlic Capital of the World!
Why stop at the Garlic, though? None of the other day trips from San Jose list a Taco Trail! Gilroy is home to a wide variety of affordable authentic Mexican Food. You’ll find delicious tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, and more at casual taquerias and sit-down restaurants throughout the city — and they are all mapped out for you!
Now that you’ve eaten — and eaten well — it’s time to burn off those calories! Gilroy is a great place for getting outdoors. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is perfect for day-trippers. It offers trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For those interested in fishing, the lake is home to a population of black bass, bluegill, black crappie, and Eurasian carp.
The shores offer opportunities for bird watchers with over 219 different species of birds, including bald eagles. The park is also home to numerous reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals, black-tailed deer, turkeys, wild pigs, and even mountain lions.
Henry Coe State Park is another great option for outdoor activity. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals.
It has over 87,000 acres of wild open spaces and over 250 miles of trails and old ranch roads to explore. You’ll find hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, equestrians, picnickers, and photographers there year-round!
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 59 miles (1 hour, 14 minutes)
This day trip is a three for one- three spots in one day trip from San Jose, that is! Start at the Bridgeway Promenade in Sausalito. A walk south along the promenade offers the best views of San Francisco across the bay. Grab a coffee at Equator Coffees or the Sausalito Bakery & Cafe. As you walk back towards town, browse through the art galleries and boutiques.
If you’d like to get out on the bay, rent a kayak or paddleboard with SeaTrek. Located in Richardson Bay, SeaTrek is sheltered from the open ocean and strong currents, which means the waters in and around it are generally calmer, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
Getting out on the bay can put visitors in closer proximity to area residents including birds, seals, and humans occupying Sausalito’s famous houseboats.
In Tiburon traversing on two wheels is a great way to see the town. Blackie’s Pasture,Paradise Beach State Park, and the Tiburon Loop all offer great scenic experiences for bicyclists that include bay views, wildflowers, and rolling hillsides. Blackie’s Pasture adds a little local folklore involving a swaybacked horse. Didn’t bring a bike? You can rent an electric Bike from Demo Sport on Tiburon Blvd.
For a sweeping view of Tiburon, the San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline beyond it, hike up the hill to Old St. Hilarys. Built in 1888 as a place of worship for local railroad workers, this simple church can be spotted from almost anywhere in Tiburon, its bright white coat of paint standing out against the blue sky. It sits in an impressive wildflower conservatory consisting of over 217 species of ferns, grasses, and other seed-bearing plants.
You may need to fuel up before making the trek. Woodlands Market is a great place to stock up on gourmet picnic supplies to enjoy, along with that stunning view!
View of Angel Island from Marin
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon’s shores, Angel Island is often called the “Ellis Island of the West” due to its history as a holding place for Asian immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. Park rangers offer informative one-hour tours of the station and barracks.
The island’s trails reveal other histories of the place. Before becoming a military installation, the island was a seasonal hunting spot for the coastal Miwok people. Pack a picnic and enjoy 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay from atop Mt. Livermore, the highest point on the island. It’s a one-hour hike to the top.
Angel Island’s 6-mile paved Perimeter Trail is perfect for the casual bike rider. The route offers spectacular views and gorgeous scenery without a lot of effort!
Berkeley
UC Berkeley Campus, Photo by Kristine Dworkin
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 47 miles (59 minutes)
A city with a track record of serious academics and a history of civic unrest, a visit to Berkeley conjures images of liberal activism and the 1960s hippie scene.
There’s no better way to showcase this than a walk down Telegraph Avenue. Within a six-block radius of UC Berkeley’s south entrance, you’ll find an array of locally owned businesses with interesting wares. Moe’s Books has been a Berkeley favorite and a world-famous destination for readers since 1959.
Telegraph Avenue is also home to a number of vintage clothing boutiques full of finds that will stylishly set you apart from your friends! As they say in Berkeley, “Buy secondhand and say no to fashion waste!”
Telegraph Avenue is also known for its record shops. Rasputin Music has been a favorite since the 1970s, and Amoeba Music has a vast selection.
A popular foodie enclave has taken hold. Controversially nicknamed the Gourmet Ghetto, this part of town is home to well-known institutions like Chez Panisse and Cheese Board Pizza. I can tell you from personal experience that the smoked pastrami at Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen is so amazing that it has ruined all other smoked pastrami for me!
If you’d like to try a little bit of everything in this part of North Berkeley, I highly recommend a food tour with Edible Excursions. It was a delectable afternoon of amazing locally sourced and sustainable food served at colorful culinary landmarks in this neighborhood.
UC Berkeley’s Campanile turned out to be a fabulous calorie burner. The third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world, it offers a spectacular, sprawling view of the San Francisco Bay Area from its observation platform.
The Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a great place to experience the city’s rich arts and culture scene. BAMPFA is the cultural centerpiece of downtown Berkeley with more than 20 exhibitions, 450 film screenings, and dozens of public programs each year.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 59 miles (1 hour, 18 minutes)
Rolling peninsulas, breathtaking scenery, and some surprising history are some of what you’ll enjoy during a day trip to the Marin Headlands. The area holds cultural history originating with the Coast Miwok peoples who have lived here for thousands of years to the American military, and you would never know about a lot of it at first glance!
Here’s one intriguing example: the only fully restored Nike Missile Site in the country! It is nestled in a formerly secret underground missile bunker. You don’t just get up close and personal with the missiles; you get to watch them rise out of the ground on a massive elevator and into a firing position. It’s a stirring sight to see!
During the tense years of the Cold War, from 1953 to 1979, the United States Army built and operated close to 300 Nike missile sites in the United States. These sites were designed to be the last line of defense against H-Bomb carrying Soviet bombers that had eluded the Air Force’s interceptor jet aircraft.
Fort Baker
There are also remnants of multiple military installations to explore, including Fort Baker. Nested at the Sausalito end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this 335-acre fort consists of 25 historic buildings. There are seacoast fortifications to check out and hiking trails where you can look for rare plants and endangered butterflies. Fort Baker will also give you a different perspective of the San Francisco Bay.
Adjacent to picturesque Rodeo Beach is Fort Cronkite, a former World War II military post. The barracks, mess halls, and other structures are still standing. Hike along the coastal trail to Battery Townsley, where you can see the 16-inch caliber gun.
The Marine Mammal Center is another amazing stop in this area. The world’s largest marine mammal hospital, the center cares for over 130 sick or injured marine mammals at any given time. Visitors learn what it takes to care for and rehabilitate marine mammals, including meal prep at the Fish Kitchen.
The center also features interactive exhibits and gorgeous wildlife photography on display. It’s free to visit, with the option to pay for a guided tour that allows you to see these animals and learn about their stories and treatment.
Bridge to the Point Bonita Lighthouse
Walk the trails along the headlands and take in the amazing views of San Francisco. Don’t miss Point Bonita Lighthouse, which was built in 1855 and is accessible by footbridge. It appears to be precariously balanced on a jagged cliff above the ocean.
I know, I know, I have covered a lot of military sites thus far. However, we cannot forget about the original residents of this beautiful place! The Marin Headlands Visitor Center offers more information about their cultural history. You can also see a Miwok shelter and listen to modern-day Miwok people talk about their lives.
As you head back south to San Jose, I advise you to make one last stop. Hawk Hill is the highest point in the headlands and provides one of the best views in the Bay Area. Scanning this panoramic lookout with views of Point Bonita and Rodeo Beach will leave you amazed that you were so close to an urban center during this excursion.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 128 miles (2 hours, 45 minutes)
A day trip to Sonoma County is only the beginning of what will surely be an ongoing relationship with Sonoma County. I say that because there are so many varied ways to enjoy this area, they simply cannot be covered in one day. Believe me when I tell you, you will want to return to this area and see more.
While wine may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sonoma County, the area offers a lot more than that. For example, the county includes over 50 miles of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline along California’s famed Highway 1.
There are more than 60 regional and state parks, which means you have many choices for communing with nature. By booking a Russian River kayaking, cycling, and wine-tasting tour with Getaway Adventures, you can enjoy some of that nature and world-renowned wine at the same time.
Take a drive along California’s Bohemian Highway and fall in love with the tiny little hamlets of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. You’ll find organic farms and wineries, innovative restaurants and shops, and specialty nurseries.
In Occidental, you’ll find an adventure with a little more adrenaline in it—ziplining through ancient Redwood Trees with Sonoma Zipline Adventures.
Sonoma Ballooning offers hot-air ballooning packages for those wanting to fly over all the gorgeous vineyards and pastoral landscapes instead.
Coastline near Bodega Bay
Visit the coastal town of Bodega Bay for some amazing seafood and Alfred Hitchcock-related folklore. Along with the neighboring village of Bodega, which is 4 miles inland, it was featured in the Hitchcock classic thriller The Birds.
Many of the film locations still exist, including the Potter School House and the Tides Wharf & Restaurant, where you can enjoy a bowl of scrumptious chowder without being bothered by one bird!
Should you feel the need for speed, check out the racing action at Sonoma Raceway. NASCAR, Indy Car, and motorcycle racing are big draws as some of the biggest names compete on a road track with 11 challenging turns. Those wanting to experience racing on a more personal level can suit up and jump in a real race car at the track’s driving school.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 105 miles (2 hours, 14 minutes)
A day trip to Point Reyes National Seashore is like landing in heaven for outdoor activities. Imagine 70,000 acres intended solely for playing outside!
The area includes 70 miles of bucolic wilderness, perfect for horseback riding, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting.
Depending on the timing of your visit, you can watch the gray whale migration, spot elephant seals, and observe raptors and shorebirds from the bluffs above the ocean and a few of the beaches alongside it. Tule Elk has even been spotted on some of the trails! Geology buffs enjoy studying the seismic forces at work along the Earthquake Trailhead.
Alamere Falls
For those who like a hiking challenge, I recommend trekking out to stunning Alamere Falls. While not an easy trek—a 13-mile round-trip hike—this spectacular spot is popular! The falls cascade over a ~40-foot-tall cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach.
Beware of getting too close to cliff edges, and be mindful of coastal erosion! Also, make sure to check the tides before you go; you will want to complete this hike at low tide. At high tide, the waves will cover the beach, forcing you to turn around on your hike.
If you like oysters, I can tell you there is nothing like slurping right out of the shell right next to where they are harvested! About half the state’s shellfish growers lease acreage on the floor of nearby Tomales Bay.
I highly recommend stopping by The Marshall Store in the bayside hamlet of Marshall, where oysters are prepared every which way— raw, barbecued, smoked, Rockefeller (spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs), and Kilpatrick-style (bacon and Worcestershire sauce).
Cypress Tree Tunnel
The iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel, located at what is now Point Reyes National Seashore’s North District Operations Center, has appeared in many Instagram posts.
The Monterey cypress trees that now create the “tree tunnel” were planted around 1930. Be on the lookout for signs for “North District Operations Center” on the road out to the area’s famous lighthouse.
Speaking of the lighthouse, I promise you that the 308 steps down (and back up again) to the Point Reyes Lighthouse are well worth it!
Built in the 1870s, it is a stunning sight. The natural beauty around it and the sheer drama of the lighthouse itself perched on the edge of a cliff down a rigorous slope will leave you amazed. If you are headed out this way, go prepared! There are no services, so make sure the car is fueled up fully, and you pack in snacks and water.
The pizza at Osteria Stellina is out of this world. Dig into the mouth-watering, spice-rubbed rotisserie Chicken at Side Street Kitchen. Enjoy a cheese tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. This locally made cheese includes the famed Point Reyes blue cheese.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 42 miles (48 minutes)
You might think that on its surface, a day trip to Oakland doesn’t appear to be much different than a visit to any other urban center. Oh, how wrong you would be to think that!
Not many day trips from San Jose include visiting an inactive volcano! This one is less than 15 minutes from downtown Oakland.
The Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, one of the East Bay’s oldest parks, is crowned by a 1,763-foot round-top volcano. This park offers 30 miles of trails for exploring by foot or bike. Volcanic features to check out include two lava tubes, a cinder cone, and a manmade labyrinth.
On your way back downtown, relive the sweet ending from the Pixar movie Up! with a cone at Fenton’s Creamery.
Back in the city’s urban center, don’t miss the Oakland Museum of California! This institution lays out a nice overview of the state’s history, art, and culture through a variety of exhibits and programs.
Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces surround the museum One of my favorite spots is Peace Terrace. Named for the giant sunny yellow Peace sculpture at its center, it also offers a panoramic view of Lake Merritt.
Lake Merritt
There are a few water-based adventures to enjoy in Oakland. Picnic lakeside and then rent a paddle boat for two at the Lake Merritt Boating Center. Test your balance with a stand-up paddleboard lesson at California Canoe and Kayak at Jack London Square.
Captain a kayak on the Oakland Estuary and paddle over to Oakland’s Local German beer garden, Brotzeit Lokal. You can also find out what it was like to cruise presidential style on the USS Potomac, FDR’s “floating White House.”
Visiting Jack London Square is a must! Named after the famous American author who lived in Oakland, the area features several historic buildings, including Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which opened in 1884.
Oakland is also home to one of the best zoos in California! I told you this place is full of surprises! The Oakland Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world. The zoo features several unique exhibits, such as the African Savanna, which allows visitors to see giraffes, zebras, and other animals up close.
Mount Hamilton, Lick Observatory
The Shane telescope at Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, by Sundry Photography
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 24 miles (57 minutes)
Perched on the summit of Mount Hamilton, the Lick Observatory has a lot to offer those who want a day trip trained on the skies. Start with a picnic lunch in the parking lot, where you can enjoy an expansive view of the Santa Clara Valley at 4,209 feet in elevation. If you forget your picnic basket, snacks and sodas can be purchased from vending machines on-site.
Lick Observatory is a multi-campus research unit owned and operated by the University of California. A major site in the University of California Observatories, Lick has been operating in the university system since 1888. It provides access to world-leading optical-infrared observing equipment for education and research. A self-guided walking tour allows you to explore the facilities at your own pace.
The main observatory building, constructed in 1888, houses many exhibits highlighting Lick Observatory’s science research, technology, and history. Lick also serves as UC’s chief testbed for developing new instruments and technologies for optical astronomy.
Take a look at the Great Lick Refractor in the 36-inch telescope dome while enjoying a short informal talk about the observatory’s history. Talks begin at the Gift Shop at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m. Afterwards, take a short walk over to the Shane dome to view the 120-inch Reflector, one of the major telescopes used first to discover extrasolar planets.
The observatory is open to the public year-round on Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and the Gift Shop gives tours of inside the dome of the 36-inch Great Refractor every hour on the half-hour. It is possible to visit the observatory at night by purchasing tickets to the Summer Series from June through September.
One last thing to know about traveling to Lick Observatory—travel prepared! The road follows a gradual grade laid out over a century ago for horses and carts. It is narrow in places and has many sharp turns. If you visit during the winter, the road could see temporary closures because of snowfall. Also, due to the high elevation, the weather on Mt. Hamilton may be cool and changing, so pack a sweater or a coat in the car.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 33.5 miles (41 minutes)
Landscape painter Francis McComas referred to Point Lobos as “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” It’s easy to see why world-class photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams spent so much of their lives patrolling the woods and shores of Point Lobos for the perfect photograph.
Considered the crown jewel of the California State Park System, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is great for nature study, painting, picnicking, SCUBA diving, jogging and, as we’ve already established, photography.
There are 16 hiking trails in this reserve, all well-groomed and accessible along the coast. Bird Island Trail Loop is probably the most popular. This easy, 0.8-mile loop leads past highlights like China Cove, Gibson Beach, Pelican Point, and Bird Island Overlook.
From December through April, Gray Whales can be seen migrating offshore. You might see Orcas during April and May. Humpback whales travel through the region between May and December. Sea Lion Point lookout is a great spot for watching all this activity.
Point Lobos State Reserve is also the spot for some epic bird-watching. Take a walk to the rocky outcrop of Bird Island and watch for herons, seagulls, egrets, hawks, and many more. Sometimes, park docents have their scopes out and trained on bird activity. If you’re lucky, you may even see baby chicks during the springtime hatching season.
There are tidepools on either side of the south shore of Point Lobos. They’re in a rocky area called Carmelo Formation, where you can go exploring at low tide to look for fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, mussels, snails, and seaweed.
If you’re interested in SCUBA or snorkeling, Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove are the places to go. Reservations must be made in advance.
If you’d like to learn about the area’s human history, check out the Whalers Cabin. Built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s, it is the only intact structure in the state park system. Once one of several cabins built around Whaler’s Cove, it housed multiple residents and operations up until 1983, when it was finally vacated and proposed to be converted into a museum.
An additional small structure, the Whaling Station Museum, was built next to the original cabin. Both are informative places for learning more about Point Lobos’s rich cultural history and the whaling industry that thrived in this region in the mid-to-late 1800s.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 38 miles (45 minutes)
Tucked within the Diablo Range, Livermore is California’s oldest wine region. Today, over 50 wineries are spread throughout the Livermore Valley. Each one is unique and offers a different wine-tasting experience.
If you are curious about wine but feel a little intimidated, stop by 3 Steves Winery. Founded by three friends, all named Steve, the place is as casual as the warmth of friendship. What better spot is there to learn about wine than nestled in the warmth of friendship? You don’t even need a reservation!
The Wente Vineyards are more well-known. Located on beautiful rolling hills, this family-owned winery has won many awards. Fun fact: There is also an 18-hole golf course on the grounds. It is 181 yards and par 72, designed by Jack Norman. It’s part of the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour.
The tasting room at McGrail Vineyards and Winery is situated in the middle of the valley with beautiful views of the vineyards and the mountains around it. McGrail’s Cabernet Reserve put them on the map when it won the Best Red Wine in the US at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
Del Valle Regional Park
If you thought Livermore’s wine country was gorgeous, wait until you see the city’s open-space recreational areas. Del Valle Regional Park features a five-mile-long lake perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Sycamore Grove Park offers sweeping vineyard views, surrounding valleys, a creek, and wildlife. From the ridge top in Morgan Territory Regional Reserve, you can enjoy views of Mount Diablo and Mount St. Helena.
Downtown Livermore is a colorful place to visit partly because it is home to 15 vibrant murals created by local artists. All of them are “Insta-worthy,” download the Livermore Mural Guide and see for yourself!
While you’re hunting those artsy walls, you can also take advantage of some unique shopping experiences! Vault Calfornia sells one-of-a-kind products and gifts made by local artists and crafters. Baughman’s Western Outfitters features cowboy-themed apparel for all ages. Fantasy Books & Games is a great place to indulge in fantasy and sci-fi, card games, and hard-to-find figurines.
If none of what I’ve laid out for you in Livermore sounds cerebral enough, perhaps you’d like to visit what has been dubbed as the “smartest one-square mile on Earth.” Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is world-famous for its premier research and development. You can do things like step inside the replica of a target chamber and learn about the facility’s work in climate science at the the lab’s Discovery Center.
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
East Peak Observation Deck at Mount Tamalpais, by Bruce Washburn
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 63 miles (1 hour, 21 minutes)
Of all the day trips from San Jose, this one will leave you most stunned by what you see. Once the home of the world’s most crooked railroad, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises to an elevation of 2,579 feet. Its deep canyons and sweeping hillsides are cloaked with cool redwood forests, oak woodlands, open grasslands, and sturdy chaparral.
One of the most confusing things about visiting Mt. Tamalpais is that it is actually made up of many different parks — with interconnecting trails and open spaces. It is a state park, a national park, and a water district.
No matter which one you choose, there are outstanding hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife-watching opportunities. With over 200 miles of trails, hiking is the most popular way to spend a day.
The most spectacular views in the Bay Area can be marveled at from the East Peak of “Mt. Tam,” as it is affectionately nicknamed. You can stroll the 0.75-mile-long Verna Dunshee Trail, a handicap and stroller-accessible loop circling the mountaintop.
The trail runs past remains of the old railroad, which used to go all the way up the mountain. Interpretive plaques along the way provide information on the history.
The reward at the end is 360-degree views across the Bay Area, including downtown San Francisco, Point Reyes, the Farallon Islands, and Mt. Diablo. The views are especially magical at sunset. There’s no better way to get an overview of the Bay Area than to lay it at your feet!
The Dipsea Trail is calling for hikers who hunger for a challenge. This 9.7-mile out-and-back trail is near Mill Valley, California. Considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime.
Mount Tam is also renowned as the birthplace of mountain biking. The first mountain bike race, Repack, was held on the gravel service roads of this state park. Old Railroad Grade, Deer Park Fire Road, and Coast View are all great for newer riders; Dias Ridge has some single-track.
Whether you decide to hike or bike, come to the park prepared. If you’re biking, bring food, water, and a flat kit. Mill Valley Market is a great place to pick up sandwiches and other picnic items.
Distance from Downtown San Jose: 12.4 miles (17 minutes)
This scenic day trip is a short drive from downtown San Jose. Charming and quaint, downtown Saratoga is affectionately referred to as “the village.” The historic 1880s buildings in this stretch on Big Basin Way off Highway 9 are home to unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Take a coffee break atSue’s Gallery Cafe. Known for its mochas and matcha lattes, the caffeine here is served in pottery pieces that can be purchased at the gallery next door.
Looking to seriously fuel up for the activities ahead? The Big Basin Burger Bar is quite satisfying! If your travel partner is a very particular eater, this place has an extensive BYO (build your own) menu.
Once you’re ready to work off that burger, head up the road to the Hakone Estate and Gardens, one of the oldest Japanese gardens on this side of the Pacific. Take a docent-led tour through this 100-year-old traditional Japanese garden or enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in the tatami mat room.
Explore the Zen garden, walk around the pond and fountains, and relax in the bamboo garden. Don’t miss the Cultural Exchange Center, which reproduces a 19th-century Kyoto tea merchant’s shop and home.
Montalvo Arts Center is another cultural gem! The estate’s 175 acres feature hiking trails, landscaped gardens, marble sculptures, and rustic woodlands. The Italianate 19-room villa hosts weddings and events.
Concerts are hosted in the Carriage House Theatre, Historic Villa, and Lilian Fontaine Garden Theatre. You can also check out the art exhibits in the Project Space Gallery and Art on the Grounds.
Saratoga has 15 town parks. In Kevin Moran Park, the largest, you can toss bocce balls or relax in the meditation garden. In Congress Springs Park, you can play soccer or baseball. In Azule Park, you can pitch horseshoes or cook on the barbecue grills.
Saratoga also offers many fabulous wine-tasting opportunities. Pack a picnic and head to Savannah Chanelle Winery for lunch with a view of a Redwood forest. Mount Eden Vineyards is a small historic wine estate overlooking the Santa Clara Valley. Founded in 1945, it is recognized as one of the original “boutique” California wine properties.
The Mountain Winery is another great stop. This mountaintop gem became famous when actor Orson Welles uttered its slogan, “We will sell no wine before its time,” in television commercials from 1978 to 1981. Today, it is more frequented as a concert venue. Enjoy dinner with a view before a show in the summertime. In its historic stone masonry, the tasting room still attracts many wine enthusiasts.
Cap your day off with a fine dining experience back in the historic Saratoga Village. The Plumed Horse offers upscale modern dining that is as impressive to the eye as it is to the palate. With a menu full of creative shared plates like crispy sushi bites and buttermilk fried chicken sliders, the Hero Ranch Kitchen is a local favorite.
]]>155575 Incredible California Landmarks You Must See Before You Die
https://californiatravellife.com/california-landmarks/
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:35:00 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=107California is an incredible place. It is 163,696 square miles of diverse landscapes, culture, and beauty. There is so much to see and do in the Golden State, but what are the California landmarks you really don’t want to miss?
This list of 75 California landmarks is designed to serve as a bucket list for those of us who aim to see an do it all in the Golden State!
From the remote redwoods in the northwestern reaches of the state to the deserts that dominate the southeast (and everything in between), here are 75 California icons you must see for yourself.
75 California Landmarks to Check Off Your Bucket List
1. Golden Gate Bridge
There are few California landmarks more iconic than the Golden Gate Bridge.This stunning, 2-mile suspension bridge was completed in 1937 and connects San Francisco with Marin County to the north.
It is continuously being touched up with the pain color International Orange because of the harsh impacts of the salty air on the metal structure.
The Golden Gate Bridge is California Historical Landmark No. 974.
2. Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley | Photo by Mimi Ditchie
Yosemite Valley has been leaving visitors awe-struck for generations. The granite monoliths of Half Dome and El Capitan stand like skyscrapers above the Valley, while waterfalls cascade down to join the Merced River winding down below.
It is just eight miles long and one mile wide but packed into that small valley is enough beauty to inspire the likes of John Muir, Ansel Adams, and countless visitors who have stood in her presence.
Yosemite is a National Park and Yosemite Valley is a California Historical Landmark No. 790.
3. The General Sherman Tree
General Sherman Tree | Photo by Flickr/NA Parish
General Sherman is another natural California landmark that must be witnessed in person to be fully appreciated. If you have ever wondered what it must feel like to see the world from an ant’s perspective, stand next to this tree.
General Sherman is the largest tree in the world and is located inside of Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest. It measure 103 feet around and 275 feet high… for now. This behemoth is still growing, adding enough wood each year to make a 60-foot tree!
4. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame | photo by Flickr/Christian Haugen
Over 10 million tourists flock to the Hollywood Walk of Fame each year to spot the stars of their favorite actors and musicians each year. The first star was placed in 1960. Today, there are over 2,500 stars on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Star maps are available, but I think it more fun to wander around and stumble upon my favorites!
5. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier | Photo by Flickr/Gustavo Tejal
Thanks to television and movies, the Santa Monica Pier is easily one of the most recognizable California landmarks. The amusement park atop the pier opened in 1916, and still entertains over four million visitors annually with its rides, games, and street performers.
The Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Historic Route 66! Muscle Beach is located just south of the Pier, as well as the original Hot Dog on a Stick stand.
Santa Monica Pier’s Loof Hippodrome received National Historic Landmark designation in 1987.
6. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano | Photo by Flickr/LauraB
Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the “Jewel of the Missions”. Originally founded in 1776 – the year our nation was founded- and has an iconic bell wall and well-preserved ruins.
Many people know also know Mission San Juan Capistrano as the California landmark where swallows return every year. Seeing the mission is a popular day trip by train, since the station is just across the street.
On the other side of the tracks you will find the Los Rios District, which is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in California.
Mission San Juan Capistrano isCalifornia Historical Landmark No. 200
7. Sutter’s Mill and the Marshall Gold Discovery Site
Sutter’s Mill Relpica | Photo by Flickr/Nick Ares
California might not have been rushed to statehood in 1850 if it weren’t for that fateful day in January 1848 when gold flakes were discovered near Sutter’s Mill in Coloma by James Marshall.
The California Gold Rush brought 300,000 people from all over the world to “them thar hills”, hoping to strike it rich.
Unfortunately, few people made their fortune during the gold rush outside of bankers and storekeepers, but this piece of California history continues to captivate us.
History enthusiasts can make the pilgrimage to Coloma and see a working replica of Sutter’s Mill, the spot where gold was discovered, and several historic buildings.
They can also meet with pan for gold, watch docents working as blacksmiths, and enjoy the beautiful of the American River. Who knows, maybe you will see something sparkling in the water.
Sutter’s Mill is California Historical Landmark No. 143.
8. Hearst Castle
The Famous Hearst Castle Neptune Pool | Photo by Flickr/LostInTheRedwoods
Hearst Castle is located high atop a hill in San Simeon, along the Central Coast. The extravagant castle belonged to famed publishing tycoon William Randolf Hearst and played host to countless celebrities during the 1920s and 30s.
The main house is 68,500 square feet with 38 bedrooms, 30 fireplaces, and 42 bathrooms. It is filled with art from all over the world, has a private theater, billiard room, library, and three guest houses. There are over 70,000 trees planted on the grounds.
The Neptune Pool, filled with beautiful intricate tiles, took over 15 years to build. Why? Because it took three different attempts before Hearst was finally satisfied with the design. This is one of those California landmarks that truly must be seen to believed.
Tip: Keep your eyes out for zebras on the hillsides near Hearst Castle. They are descendants of those who were once part of Hearst’s private zoo.
9. Alcatraz
Alcatraz | Photo by Flickr/AndreaN
Alcatraz, aka The Rock, sits on a lonely island surrounded by the freezing, shark infested waters of the San Francisco Bay. Over 1500 inmates called this prison home during the 29 years that it served as a penitentiary.
Alcatraz was the place to send inmates who weren’t behaving in other California prisons, especially those who were known to be escape artists. Famous names who were sentenced to time in Alcatraz include Whitey Bulger, Machine Gun Kelly, and Al Capone.
Ultimately, it was just too cost prohibitive to continue to operate Alcatraz as a prison, and it was eventually turned over to the National Park Service. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the prison, check out the tiny cells for themselves, and learn about the colorful history of this special place.
Alcatraz was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
4. Catalina’s Casino
Catalina Harbor and Casino | Photo by Patty Mooney
When I was growing up and watching the weather report on Today in LA before school, I remember often seeing a live shot of the Catalina Casino before the weather report began. It always looked so glamorous and far away, although it was just a one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach.
I never did make it to Catalina as a kid, but I have taken my own family for weekend getaways on multiple occasions. On Catalina, golf carts far outnumber cars, and life moves at a more relaxed and carefree pace. It truly feels like you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of LA.
The Catalina Casino is not a gambling house. Built in the late 1920s, this 11-story circular fixture on Avalon Harbor is an entertainment venue. Its ballroom hosts events throughout the year and its theater shows movies.
5. The Presidio of San Francisco
San Francisco Presidio | Photo by Flickr/Fumi
The San Francisco Presidio was first built in 1776 and was used by a military base for over 218 years by the Spanish, Mexican, and American armies during that time. In 1994, ownership was transferred to the National Park Service and has become a tourist attraction.
There are 24 miles of hiking and biking trails inside the Presidio, as well as the only overnight campsite in all of San Francisco, located in an eucalyptus grove above Baker Beach. It is also home to 470 historic buildings, as well as the Walt Disney Museum.
The Presidio is a National Historic Landmark District and California Historical Landmark no. 79.
6. Burney Falls
Burney Falls | Photo by Flickr/Wenjieqiao
Burney Falls is not the tallest waterfall in California (that honor goes to Yosemite Falls) but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. It is located in California’s scantly-visited northeastern corner, about 65 miles east of Redding.
The 129-foot waterfall is fed by underground springs, resulting in a weeping wall of water. It is a site so beautiful that President Theodore Roosevelt once called it the “eight wonder of the world”.
Visitors to Burney Falls will enjoy area trails, great camping, and plenty of opportunity for water play at Lake Britton which borders McArthur-Burney Falls State Park.
7. Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar | photo by Flickr/ScorpioTiger
In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 Japanese American men, women, and children to leave their homes and be placed in military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center, located near Owens Valley off lonely Highway 395, was one of these camps.
This is a chapter in American history that nobody should be proud of, and many aren’t even aware of. But it is important to learn about the mistakes of our nation’s past and honor those who were forced to leave their homes and live like prisoners.
Manzanar National Historic Site is operated by the National Park Service. Guided tours are led by park rangers but self-guided experiences are available as well. There are two reconstructed barracks, a reconstructed women’s latrine, and a remodeled WWII era mess hall.
Manzanar is California Historical Landmark No. 850.
8. Sutter’s Fort
Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento | photo by Flickr/Nick
Sutter’s Fort was built by John Sutter in 1841. It was meant to be the trade and commerce center of the Sacramento Valley. Several pioneers lived inside the fort during the early 1840s and the city of Sacramento was built around it.
During the winter of 1847, residents of Sutter’s Fort formed rescue parties to rescue the legendary Donner Party. Sutter’s Fort is also associated with the gold rush because it is where James Marshall let Sutter know about the discovery of gold at Sutter’s sawmill.
Unfortunately, the gold rush led to the desertion and destruction of the fort by miners looking to harvest its resources before heading out to the gold mines.
Today, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is open for self-guided tours. Much of the fort has be reconstructed and highlights what life was like inside the fort during the 1840s.
Sutter’s Fort was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is California Historical Landmark No. 525.
9. California State Capitol
California State Capitol Building | Photo by Flickr/Daveynin
California became a state in 1850 but the State Capitol building was not completed until 1874. It is a grand Neoclassical building and its architecture was inspired by the US Capitol building in Washington DC.
Visitors can tour portions of the building that are open to the public on a guided tour or via a self-guided walk around the grounds. The 40-acre park surrounding the capitol is filled with trees from around the world and is especially beautiful in the fall when autumn leaves are brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange.
The California State Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is California Historical Landmark No. 872.
10. Calistoga’s Petrified Forest and Old Faithful Geyser
A Petrified Tree in the Petrified Forest | Photo by Flickr/RavenswoodTravel
Did you know that California has its very own petrified forest and an Old Faithful geyser that erupts every 15-30 minutes? Both are located in Calistoga, in Sonoma County’s Wine Country.
The geyser is open daily, and in addition to the geyser’s eruption, visitors will enjoy the petting zoo which has llamas, sheep, and goats. The goats are supposedly “fainting” goats, but don’t seem to faint very often these days.
The California Petrified Forest is home to the largest petrified trees in the world! They are fossilized redwood trees that were excavated after laying beneath volcanic ash for millions of years. The volcanic ash is the result of an explosion of Mt. Saint Helena eons ago, which knocked down the redwood forest.
The Petrified Forest is privately owned but open for visitors. There are trails that allow you to take a self-guided journey through the forest and admire these ancient giants.
The Petrified Forest is California Historical Landmark No. 915.
11. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Boardwalk | Photo by Flickr/DougJones
Everyone who grew up in the Bay Area is familiar with the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It was a place to escape the heat of summer, enjoy a day at the beach, eat half your body weight in hot dogs and funnel cake, and enjoy carnival rides and games.
A visit to the Boardwalk is definitely an essential California experience. It is the only major seaside amusement park that is still operating on the West Coast. There are over 40 rides and attractions on the Boardwalk, including midway games, an indoor mini-golf course, laser tag, and arcades.
Ride highlights include throwing rings into the giant clowns mouth from the historic Loof Carousel and riding the famed Giant Dipper roller coaster. Both became National Historic Landmarks in 1987.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkis California Historical Landmark No. 983.
Entrance to the Mystery Spot | Photo by Flickr/Michael Gray
The Mystery Spot is a classic California roadside attraction that has been around since 1941. In the Mystery Spot, the laws of gravity and physics seem to disappear.
Tour guides speculate that it was an ancient meteor that left a “magic circle” or that cones of metal were secretly buried to act as guidance for spacecraft.
In actuality, the Mystery Spot is a tilt-induced visual illusion. The house is slanted at a 20-degree angle, allowing people to stand crooked on chairs and balls to seem to roll uphill.
Whatever the reason, the experience if witnessing the wonders of the Mystery Spot is tons of fun, especially with young kids who haven’t visited before.
The Mystery Spot is California Historical Landmark No. 1055.
13. Trees of Mystery
Paul Bunyan Statue at the Trees of Mystery | Photo by Flickr/HenskeChristine
Another roadside attraction that has joined the ranks of other California landmarks is the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, near Redwood National Park.
It is known for its aerial tramway, as well as its trails filled with unusual tree formations and 50 different chainsaw sculptures. It is most famous for Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. Paul Bunyan stands 49 feet high and Babe the Blue Ox is 35 feet alongside him and both can be spotted from Highway 101.
14. Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House | Photo by Flickr/AmytheNurse
The Winchester Mystery House is an extraordinary maze of Victorian craftsmanship. The home is infamous for staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and its 160 rooms.
The houses oddities were built to throw off the spirits following Sarah Winchester, wife of the Winchester rifle heir. She had lost her husband and only child and many believe her constant home remodeling was fueled by superstition as well as grief.
Today, the massive mansion is open for tours which are especially popular during Halloween and Christmas. Many visitors report experiencing paranormal activity.
The Winchester House is California Historical Landmark No. 868.
15. Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara | Photo by Flickr/Mmmyoso
There are 21 missions along California’s historic mission trail, El Camino Real, but Mission Santa Barbara is definitely one of the most popular to visit. It was founded in 1786 and is the only mission to be continuously operated by the Franciscans since its founding.
Mission Santa Barbara is called “The Queen of Missions” because it is the most beautiful and best preserved. Juana María, the lead character in Island of the Blue Dolphins was buried at the mission cemetery in 1853.
Today, visitors can tour the garden, cemetery, mission church, and museum.
Mission Santa Barbarahas been a US National Historic Landmark since 1960 and is California Historical Landmark No. 309.
16. Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf | Photo by Flickr/Damian Gadal
Stearns Wharf, on the Santa Barbara waterfront, is the oldest working wooden wharf in California. It was built in 1872 by John Peck Stearns in order to help facilitate the movement of people and cargo from ship to shore.
These days, Stearns Wharf is a hub of tourist activity. Shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center are the main draws, as well fabulous views of Santa Barbara’s coast and mountains.
17. Point Bonita Lighthouse
Point Bonita Lighthouse
During the Gold Rush, over 300 boats ran aground as they tried to enter the San Francisco Bay via the famed- and often foggy- Golden Gate. Thus, the Point Bonita Lighthouse was built in 1855.
It is perched on a perilous spot in the Marin Headlands, and is the only lighthouse in the US that is reached by walking over a suspension bridge. The trail down to the Lighthouse offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding area.
Visitors are allowed to cross the suspension bridge and visit the lighthouse on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 -3:30pm. The trail to the lighthouse includes a walk through a tunnel carved into the hillside, which is pretty cool!
Point Bonita Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
18. Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge
The drive along California’s Big Sur coastline is one of the most beautiful on the planet. It is 85 miles of pure scenic bliss, and just when you think the views have peeked at one turn of the road, it turns again and you discover an even better view.
Completing this rugged stretch of Highway 1 was no easy feat. The greatest engineering marvel along this drive is the iconic Bixby Bridge. It was completed in 1932 and stands 260 above Bixby Creek.
Bixby Bridge is one of the highest single-span arch bridges in the world, and is incredibly popular to photograph.
19. Morro Rock
Morro Rock | Photo by Flickr/MorroElsie
One of the most well-known natural California landmarks on the Central Coast is Morro Rock. It is a remnant of an extinct volcano that sits at the mouth of Morro Bay, and is 581 feet tall.
It is a nesting ground for several bird species, including the peregrine falcon. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are often spotted in the water around Morro Rock. You can use the Harborwalk Trail to visit the rock or kayak out onto the calm bay and enjoy it (and the sea mammals) from the water.
Morro Rock is is California Historic Landmark no 821.
20. Coit Tower
Coit Tower | Photo by Flickr/MmmYoso
Coit Tower is another iconic structure found in San Francisco. This concrete Art Deco tower sits atop Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park.
The 210-foot building was built in the 1930s and is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a San Francisco philanthropist who left a third of her fortune to the city of San Francisco with instructions “to be expended in an appropriate manner for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved.”
Inside Coit Tower there are 27 murals created by 26 artists, making it the largest collection of Public Works Art Project art in the country. The murals were not created without controversy. Some of the original had Communist symbols which were painted over.
Most visitors to Coit Tower come for the view which include the Financial District, Nob Hill, Lombard Street, Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, Angel Island, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.
Coit Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2008.
21. Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo NM and Point Loma Lighthouse | photo by Flickr/Mmmyoso
On the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego are two important California landmarks, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the eight original lighthouse built on the West Coast. It was commission in 1855 and decommissioned in 1891. Its location 422 feet above sea level meant fog often obscured the light so a replacement lighthouse closer to sea level had to be built.
Today, visitors can go inside the lighthouse as well as visit Cabrillo National Monument which is the same location. This monument was built in 1913 to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who landed at the San Diego Bay back on September 28, 1542. He was the first European to set foot on the West Coast.
Prime time to visit this area is December through March, when gray whales can often be spotted off Point Loma during the migration to and from their birthing grounds off the coast of Mexico. There are also some nice tide pools to explore. No matter the time of year, the views of San Diego and its harbor are spectacular.
Point Loma is California Historical Landmark No. 51 and Cabrillo National Monument is California Historical Landmark No. 56.
22. Antelope Valley Poppy Fields
Antelope Valley Poppy Fields | Photo by Flickr/Lauren_DW
The California poppy is our state flower, and it can be found en masse at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve during the spring bloom. The wildflower blooming season is dependent on rainfall, but typically take place mid-February through May.
There are eight miles of trails to enjoy and several benches to stop at along the way. Remember, look at but don’t touch these delicate flowers.
23. San Andreas Fault
San Andreas Fault | Photo by Flickr/Bossco
The San Andreas fault is definitely the most famous fault in all of California. It runs for 800 miles, from the Salton Sea to Cape Mendocino. When it ruptures, it has the potential to trigger an earthquake magnitude 8.0 or higher!
None of us in California are really fans of the San Andreas fault, but we are certainly fascinated by it. One great way to see the San Andreas fault and learn about it is to take a San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour with Red Jeep Tours in the Coachella Valley.
This great tour is led by a naturalist who takes you to geologic cuts and canyons created by the San Andreas fault while teaching tour-goers about the geology, seismology, flora, and fauna of the region.
24. California’s Lowest Point (Death Valley)
Badwater Basin, California’s Lowest Point | Photo by Jim Choates
California is a large state filled with extremes. The lowest point in California (and all of North America) is Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park. It is 282 feet below sea level!
Badwater Basin is an extremely inhospitable place, named for the spring that produces undrinkable water which pools to form a shallow pond.
There is a thick layer of salt on the floor of Badwater Basin which is formed by temporary lakes that settle in after a heavy (and extremely rare) rainstorm. When the water evaporates, mineral salts are left behind.
76 miles from Badwater Basin is Mount Whitney, the highest point in California, and the continental USA. It soars at 14,501 feet in height in the rugged southern Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Mt. Whitney does border Sequoia National Park, but nearly everyone accesses the mountain via the town of Lone Pine off Highway 395. The trail to the top is 22 miles round trip and gains 6130 feet in elevation along the way.
In order to make the strenuous hike to the top you must secure a permit in the permit lottery held by the US Forest Service.
26. California’s Easternmost Point (3 Miles South of Parker Dam)
Parker Dam | Photo by Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
We’ve covered the highest and lowest, but what about north, south, east, and west?
Let’s begin with the easternmost spot in California, a spot not generally considered when people think about a state the occupies for more latitude than longitude.
Technically, the most eastern spot in California can be found out in the middle of the Colorado River about three miles south of Parker Dam. So, if you make it to Parker Dam, let’s call it close enough!
Parker Dam is the concrete structure that holds back Lake Havasu. This area is a popular vacation destination for boaters.
27. California’s Westernmost Point (Cape Mendocino)
Cape Mendocino | Photo by Flickr Paulhami
While all of the western edge of California hugs the Pacific, the most western reaches of the state can be found at Cape Mendocino in Northern California. Yep, that same Cape Mendocino where the San Andreas fault makes its way out into the ocean. No surprise, it is quite seismically active.
This is a wild and remote section of coastline known as the Lost Coast. The closest town is tiny Petrolia, which earned its name for being the first place an oil well was drilled in California.
28. California’s Southernmost Point (Border Field State Park)
California/Mexico Border at Border Field State Park | Photo by Flickr/VtPoly
California’s southernmost point is the border that it shares with Mexico, specifically at Border Field State Park in Imperial Beach, California. This spot is within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve which provides habitat for threatened and endangered birds.
The beach here is usually uncrowded, and a nice place to hike and view wildlife, but not a good place to swim. It is, however, a good place to see the infamous border wall for yourself.
29. California’s Northernmost Point (42nd Parallel)
The Caliornia/Oregon Border | photo by Flickr/ChrisDevers
It is no surprise to anyone with geography knowledge that California’s northernmost point is the border that it shares with Oregon. The entire border runs along the 42nd Parallel, so any spot along this border qualifies as “the northernmost”.
It is easiest to reach this point via California’s major north/south highways- Interstate 5 and Highway 101. Highway 101 offers the beaches and redwoods, while the portion of Interstate 5 that cross the border is forested but not as lush. There are several other crossing highways along the border, but any route you choose will be rural.
30. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Photo by Flickr/GlendaAndKen
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar. It begins at the base of Chino Canyon at 2,643 feet and carries passengers up the steep mountainside to the station Mountain Station at 8,561 feet. The ride to the top takes about 10 minutes.
The weather at the Mountain Station is 30-40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor, making it a really fun and unique experience. Where else can you from lounging by the pool to playing in the snow in less than an hour?
31. Mono Lake
Mono Lake | photo by Flickr/RonRiering
Mono Lake is a weird place. It is an ancient lake with large tufa formations sprouting out of its waters and is twice as salty as the ocean.
Tufas are calcium-carbonate pillars and knobs of varying heights and sizes that protrude from the lake’s surface. They’re formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.
The best way to experience the lake is to either take a free, guided tufa walk or a guided kayak tour. Both are led by naturalists which can answer all your questions about this unique spot, including those about the massive migratory bird population that calls the lake home seasonally.
32. Bodie Ghost Town
Bodie Ghost Town | Photo by Flickr/Jeff Moser BikeCarson.com
Not too far from Mono Lake is Bodie, Bodie, a California gold mining era ghost town. It is fun to wander the town’s abandoned streets and witness a town in the state of “arrested decay”.
At its boom during the Comstock Lode gold strike in 1879, Bodie had a population of 10,000. By 1915, it had become a ghost town.
Today, only a small portion of the town still exists but this portion still look as if the residents left moments ago. There is a wheel barrow dumped over in a yard, cups left on tables, and a tricycle parked on a porch.
Bodie State Historic Park is California Historical Landmark No. 341 and a National Historic Landmark.
33. Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento | photo via Flickr/HyperHamlet
Old Sacramento is a historic eight-block section of the city along the Sacramento River next to downtown. It is a popular tourist destination where folks can take horse-drawn carriage rides past several historic buildings.
Along raised wooden sidewalks are entrances to souvenir shops, old-fashioned candy stores, and restaurants. Other big draws to this area are the California State Railroad Museum, riverboat rides, and historic train rides.
The Old Sacramento Historic District is California Historic Landmark no. 812 and a US National Historic Landmark District.
34. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn | Photo by Flickr/LittleKoshka
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside is the jewel of the Inland Empire. It was founded in 1876 as nothing more than an adobe boarding house, but by the early 1900s it became a full-service hotel catering to wealthy travelers from Back East.
Mission Inn’s architecture is Mission-Revival style and incorporates architectural features from more than 20 different California missions. It also houses artwork and furniture from around the world, as well as a bell that dates back to 1247. The Inn has hosted several US Presidents and celebrities throughout the years.
The best time of year to visit the Mission Inn is during the Festival of Lights which takes place every holiday season. People come from all around to enjoy thousands of lights and decorations, visits with Santa, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even live reindeer!
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is California Historical Landmark no. 761 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
35. Empire Mine
Empire Mine | photo by Flickr/CBCastro
The Empire Mine is known for being one of the largest and richest gold mines in California. It is located near Grass Valley, and operated for over 100 years between 1850 and 1956. During that time, 5.8 million ounces of gold were pulled from 367 miles of underground passages.
According to geologists, only about 20% of the gold in the mine has been recovered. A mining company still owns the mining rights down below but the surface has been turned into a state park.
The park’s museum has a scale model of the the mine’s tunnels, along with ore samples and a collection of minerals.
The Bourne Mansion is also part of Empire Mine State Historic Park. It was built entirely from the rock pulled out from the mine. This English country lodge has 13 acres of gardens and a reflecting pool.
On weekends during the high season (May through October) volunteers dress up in Edwardian clothing giving tours.
Empire Mine is California Historic Landmark no. 298.
36. Charles Krug Winery
Charles Krug Winery | photo by Flickr/MrPhancy
The Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world. There are over 800 wineries all over the region, but the first person to establish a winery in the region was Charles Krug, back in 1861 in Saint Helena. Krug was an innovator and true industry pioneer.
The winery was purchased by the Mondavi family in 1943 and has been operating the oldest winery and tasting facility in California ever since. The Redwood Cellar Tasting Room was originally built in 1872 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is a lovely spot for wine tasting.
Charles Krug Winery is California Historic Landmark no. 563.
37. Lava Beds National Monument
Lava Beds National Monument | Photo by Flickr/JeffMoser BikeCarson.com
Lava Beds National Monument is a remote park in the far northeastern corner of California. It is home to the largest concentration of lava tubes in North America. Lava rocks and scrub brush dominate the scene above ground, but below ground is wear the main attractions reside.
There are lots of great caves you can explore on your own. Favorites include the ice floor of Skull Cave, beautiful Valentine Cave, and the life growing inside of Sunshine Cave.
Be sure to bring flashlights and sweatshirts because even though the weather can be warm on the surface, things cool off quite a bit below ground. Helmets and flashlights can be rented from the visitor center.
38. Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Sign | Photo by Flickr/Gnaphron
One of the most famous and iconic California landmarks is most definitely the Hollywood sign. It was originally built to be nothing more than a giant advertisement for a new real estate development, Hollywoodland. The sign rapidly became a tourist attraction and emblem of the glitz of Hollywood.
You can’t actually touch the massive, 45-foot letters, but you can get close. There are a couple different trails which will lead you to the backside of the Hollywood sign, with great views of it along the way. It is even possible to hike from the Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign.
The Hollywood Sign was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1973.
39. Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory | photo by Flickr/Matthew Field
Speaking of the Griffith Observatory… It most certainly deserves a spot in this list of California landmarks! Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is the place to visit after a good rainstorm.
The skies clear up and it is easy to see the ocean, downtown, the LA Basin, the San Gabriel Mountains, and even all the way out towards Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs! Inside the Griffith Observatory you will find great astronomy exhibits, the historic Zeiss telescope, and a planetarium.
The Griffith Observatory was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1976.
40. Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bumpass Hell | Photo by DonJD2
One of the most unique hikes in all of California is the hike into Bumpass Hell at Lassen Volcanic National Park. This 3-mile, roundtrip hike descends into a Lassen’s most active geothermal area filled with sulfur-scented hot springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots.
Bumpass Hell was named for a cowboy named Kendall Bumpass who lost his leg after his foot broke through the thin dirt crust and his leg went into one of the boiling mud pits! Thankfully, the area is safe to explore now as long as you follow the rules and stay on the boardwalk.
41. Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain | Photo by Kevin Dooley
The California desert has always been a refuge for unique individuals. There are several California landmarks out there that celebrate the creativity and vision of of those who think outside the box.
Salvation Mountain is the brainchild of Leonard Knight, a self-described “visionary American folk artist’. He built a mountain east of the Salton Sea out of adobe bricks mixed with straw and sprinkled in with old tires and car parts.
The mountain is covered with several murals with Bible verses and other Christian sayings which were created with thousands of gallons of paint, much of it donated.
Knight faced health issues in 2011 which ended his work on Salvation Mountain, and he passed away in 2014. Today, a non-profit group works to maintain the mountain.
42. Mt. Diablo
View from the Summit of Mt Diablo | Photo by Flickr/TimeWelbourn
There are 520 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails inside Mount Diablo State Park. This 3,849-foot peak looms over the Bay Area and is visible from all over the region.
The summit of the mountain, can be reached via car. There is a visitors center with an observation deck that offers great views of the Bay Area. Oddly enough, the actual peak is housed inside the building and can be accessed via a circular staircase.
One of the most popular spots for families to visit on Mount Diablo is Rock City. It’s fun to scramble around in the the sandstone caves and climbing atop big boulders.
Mount Diablo is a US National Natural Landmark and California Historical Landmark no. 905.
43. Carrizo Plain Wildflowers
Carrizo Plain Wildflowers | Photo by BLM
Tucked into the southeastern portion of San Louis Obispo County is the largest native grassland in California, Carrizo Plain National Monument. It is remote, wild, and one of the best places to enjoy wildflowers in the entire country, especially during a super bloom.
Carrizo Plain has been called “California’s Serengeti” because it is home to more endangered species than any other part of the state. Animals include the California condor, San Juaquin kit fox, pronghorn antelope, deer, and Tule elk.
The landscape and biology of the region is very similar to what the Central Valley looked like before agriculture took over.
44. McWay Falls
McWay Falls | Photo by Jerry Kirkhart
An 80-foot waterfall cascading onto a deserted beach on the Big Sur Coast. Do I really need to say anything else? McWay Falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and is certainly one of the most beautiful scenes in all of California.
The falls are visible from Highway 1, but it is safer to park inside the state park and take the short, 1/2-mile trail to the falls overlook.
45. Skunk Train
The Skunk Train | Photo by Art Poskanzer
The Skunk Train is a legend of the Mendocino Coast. Formerly known as the California Western Railroad, it is a popular tourist destination for those looking to enjoy the scenic redwood forest.
It runs from both Fort Bragg and Willits and the track cross over 30 bridges and trestles as well as two deep mountain tunnels. The railroad was first founded in 1885 as a way of making lumber transportation easier.
It was nicknamed “Skunk Train” because of the pungent odor the motorcars from the 1920’s expelled.
In addition to a train tour, visitors can also opt to go on a railbike tour. These bikes are electric and virtually silent, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the region. The guided tour includes a stop at Glen Bair Junction for a picnic.
46. Disneyland
Disneyland
The most popular attraction in all of California is Disneyland. It was founded in 1955 and since then, has only gained in popularity. Over 18 million people visit Disneyland resort each year.
The best time to visit Disneyland (in my humble opinion) is during the first two weeks in December. The park is fully decked out for the holidays but the Christmas crowds haven’t showed up yet. Plus the weather is usually quite pleasant.
I also really enjoy visiting the parks when the California Food and Wine Festival is going on at Disney California Adventure. The food and drink offerings are quite tasty, and the Sip and Savor Pass is a great way to sample the festival offerings in between rides.
47. Universal Studios
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios is another one of those California landmarks that is also a theme park. The movie studio was founded in 1915 , during the silent movie era. Even then, the studio was open for tours. Admission was a quarter and included lunch! The first tram rides were given in 1964.
The first ride that wasn’t a part of the studio tour came about in 1991 and was ET-themed. Today there are nine rides, seven shows, a play area, and the ever-popular 60-minute studio tour to enjoy.
One of the most popular areas in the parks is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which brings the famous book and movie franchise to life.
48. San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo | photo by Flickr/TDelCoro
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous and beloved zoos in the world. It is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species. It was started with animals left abandoned in their exhibits from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
In addition to world class exhibits housing animal from around the world, the zoo is also a wonderland for plant enthusiasts. The zoo grows over 700,000 exotic plants. The landscaping often reflects the environment that the animals originate from.
Highlights include Elephant Odyssey, Monkey Trails, Polar Bear Plunge, The Outback, and the new Africa Rocks exhibit.
49. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe | Photo by US Dept of State
Straddling the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is the jewel of the Sierras. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and a playground for skiers, hikers, and water enthusiasts alike.
South Lake Tahoe sees over 400 inches of snow per year on average, resulting in world-class skiing conditions. The lake itself is incredibly clean and nearly as pure as drinking water!
It is 1,644 feet deep at its deepest point, and if it was drained it contains enough water to cover a flat space the size of California in 14 inches of water!
50. Fern Canyon
Fern Canyon | Photo by: Flickr/KirkEdblom
If you want to know what it is like to be immersed in a scene from Jurassic Park, head to Fern Canyon.Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World was filmed in this special spot. The canyon is located inside of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, in the heart of redwood country.
Walking into Fern Canyon you will be surrounded by a 50-foot fortress of walls, covered in ferns. It is lush and shady, with a creek running through. During the summer months, wooden slats act as footbridges to help keep your shoes dry.
Keep your eyes out for elk, which frequent the beach and fields near Fern Canyon.
51. Cabazon Dinosaurs
Cabazon Dinosaurs | Photo by Flickr/Edrabbbit
If you have ever driven west on Interstate 10 towards Palm Springs, you have likely seen two massive dinosaurs hanging out by the side of the highway.
150-foot-long Dinny- an apatosaurus- and Mr. Rex, his 65-foot T-Rex companion were the brainchild of Claude Bell, a former Knotts Berry Farm artist and sand sculptor. He built them to attract customers to his Wheel Inn Cafe,
The dinosaurs gained quite a bit of notoriety after appearing in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure in 1985. You climb through the T-Rex’s mouth just like Pee Wee Herman!
52. The Original In-n-Out in Baldwin Park
Replica of the First In-N-Out
In-N-Out is a California institution. Sure, Mc Donald’s started in California as well, but us lifelong Californians have pledged our allegiance to In-N-Out. So what is the reason a long line is omnipresent at every In-n-Out drive thru? Simple answer- their hamburgers are the best!
We all have our favorite things to order from the secret menu – I like the double meat animal style with fries well done- and the simplicity and consistency of the food brings us back again and again.
Sadly, the original In-N-Out was torn down to make room for Interstate 10. You can visit a replica of the first In-N-Out in Baldwin Park. It is a great place to get pictures. An actual working In-N-Out is on the other side of the freeway. In addition to selling those amazing hamburgers, it also sells souvenirs.
53. Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks | Photo by Flickr/Matthew Dillon
Located off the 14 freeway in near Aqua Dulce, the Vasquez Rocks are a unusual-looking rock formation best known for being a popular filming location for several movies and tv shows. The rocks were named after Tiburcio Vasquez, a bandit who hid from law enforcement in the rocks.
It is probably best known for being featured in several episodes of Star Trek, but Big Bang Theory, Blazing Saddles, The Flintstones movie, and even Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey have all featured scenes here.
In addition to tv and film, commercials and even music videos have been shot at Vasquez Rocks. Eddie Money, Radiohead, and Michael Jackson are just a few of the musicians who have shot videos there.
Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
54. Queen Mary
Queen Mary | Photo by Flickr/Bernard Spragg
Long Beach is well known for its port which is a popular spot for cruise ship embarkations and its most famous permanent resident is the Queen Mary. Today, the Queen Mary is a hotel and attraction, but in its heyday, it made 1001 transatlantic crossings.
The Queen Mary is larger than the Titanic and was considered to be the finest ocean liner of its time. Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Queen Mary herself have all sailed on the famous ship.
The Queen Mary is said to be haunted. Several prisoners of war died in the lower decks, and there are rumors that former passengers and crew haunt the ship as well.
Today visitors can choose from several different tours, watch a movie in the 4D theater, view a replica of the Queen Mary made from 250,000 LEGO bricks, eat at the onboard restaurants, or stay in one of the rooms.
The RMS Quuen Marywas added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
55. The World’s Tallest Thermometer
Baker Thermometer | Photo by Flickr/KBuckingham
If you have driven from Southern California to Vegas along Interstate 15, you have surely seen the famous thermometer in Baker. It is the world’s largest thermometer, after all!
It was built in 1991 and stands at a height of 134 feet to commemorate the record-setting temperature that was recorded in nearby Death Valley in 1913. There is a gift shop at its base where you can purchase a variety of thermometer-themed souvenirs.
56. Madonna Inn
Madonna Inn | Photo by Flickr/RollerCoasterPhilosophy
The Madonna Inn is a famous hotel that sits along Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo. This California landmark was built by Alex Madonna and his wife, and it well known for having 109 uniquely-themed guest rooms.
The exterior of the building has a Swiss Alps style. The interior common areas are ornately decorated, with plenty of carnation pink to go around.
Rooms come in all sorts of themes such as Caveman, Jungle Rock, Pioneer America, Antique Cars, and Old Mexico. Several of the suites have rock waterfall showers.
Even if you don’t stay at the Madonna Inn, it is still worthy of a pit stop. There is a famous rock waterfall urinal in the men’s bathroom in the lobby.
57. Bubblegum Alley
Bubblegum Alley | Photo by Flickr/Ars5017
Bubblegum Alley is easily the grossest California landmark on our list. It is located in downtown San Louis Obispo and the walls of this narrow alley are literally covered in people’s old chewing gum. If you are so inclined, you can add to the display. I think I have said enough…
58. Lombard Street
Lombard Street | photo by Flickr/DavidYuWeb
The most famous street in all of San Francisco is crooked Lombard Street. It is known as the most crooked street in the world, but that title really goes to Vermont Street, also in San Francisco.
Still, the 600-foot stretch of Lombard has eight turns and the lovely hydrangeas planted in between curves make it quite photogenic.
Why all the curves? Well, the street is steep and back in the 1920’s cars didn’t have the best braking systems, so the curves were added for safety. It became a one way street (downhill) in the 1930s to further improve the safety of the street.
59. Balboa Park
Balboa Park | Photo by Flickr/KevinBaird
Balboa Park is San Diego’s version of Central Park but it is almost twice the size! It is home to gardens, the Morley Field Sports Complex, theaters, museums, and the San Diego Zoo. Visiting the park is an absolute “must” for any tourist but locals love and use the park regularly as well.
Much of the design and aesthetics of the park is a result of the park hosting the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Another interesting tidbit about this parks historic past- Balboa Park was used as barracks and training grounds in both World War I and World War II.
Balboa Park became a National Landmark in 1977.
60. Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado | Photo by Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado is an architectural icon on Coronado Island. Built in 1888, it is one of the few remaining wooden Victorian beach resorts, which were quite popular near the turn of the century. It has hosted countless celebrities, as well a multiple presidents and even royalty!
The Hotel Del sits on Coronado Beach. This beautiful beach has made several lists highlighting the best beaches in the United States.
My favorite time to visit Hotel Del Coronado is during the holiday season when the resort puts up an outdoor skating rink right next to the beach!
Hotel Del Coronado became a National Landmark in 1977.
61. La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits | Photo by Flickr/KonradSummers
More than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered at the La Brea Tar Pits, where asphalt has bubbled up to the surface since the last Ice Age! Out of those 3.5 million fossils, 600 species have been found, including dire wolves, massive lions, huge sloths, and towering mammoths.
Scientists are working to study and uncover more and more fossils on a daily basis. You can watch them at work inside the Page Museum, which showcases a variety of fossils and information onsite.
While there have been plenty of big animals found inside the asphalt, there has only been one human found. She was discovered way back in 1914 and her remains were over 9,000 years old!
Hancock Park La Brea is California Historical Landmark no. 170 and a US National Natural Landmark.
62. Cannery Row
Cannery Row | Photo by Flickr/MeloTrinindadmd
Monterey’s Cannery Row was made famous by the famous novel, Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck. At that time, it was the “Sardine Capitol of the World”. The canned sardines were especially popular during World War I and II.
The last cannery closed in 1973 and today, it is home to Monterey’s most popular tourist attraction, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are several restaurants, hotels, and shops housed in former cannery buildings as well.
63. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
With its towering boulders, diverse desert life, and iconic namesake trees, Joshua Tree National Park is a California landmark everyone should see.
My favorite time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during a wildflower bloom after a wet winter when the desert comes alive with color. Scrambling on boulders is a favorite activity and Hidden Valley is a great spot to climb and scramble around.
Fun fact: The cover for U2’s famous album, The Joshua Tree, was actually shot in Darwin, California about 200 miles away!
64. Pier 39
The Sea Lions of Pier 39 | Photo by Flickr/Enfad
Easily the most touristy spot in all of San Francisco, Pier 39 is one of the places you just have to visit at least once in order to check it off the California bucket list.
Much of the pier is filled with tourist shops and a couple restaurants, but you really want to visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions.
I have spent at least 30 minutes at a time watching those hilarious sea lions and laughing at their hijinks. They continuously fight over the same dock, even though there are plenty of surrounding docks that are unoccupied! They are noisy, boisterous, and endlessly entertaining.
65. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Grauman’s Chinese Theater | Photo by Flickr/Cezzie901
There are so many great historic theatres in Hollywood, but the one that is probably most famous is Grauman’s Chinese Theater because of the handprints, footprints, and signatures of several stars that are out front.
It has gone through several name changes over the years (technically it is currently the TCL Chinese Theatre) but since Sid Grauman built the theatre, that is the name that most people tend to know it by.
The theatre has been the site of several movie premiers, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Mary Poppins, and Star Wars. And while it is always fun to stand where movie stars once stood, it is far more fun to compare hands with over 200 icons like Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument.
66. Drive-Thru Trees
The Chandelier Drive Thru Tree | Photo by Flickr/JStephenConn
Only in California do the trees grow so big that you can drive right through them! There are three giants redwoods up by Eureka which have had holes big enough to fit a car carved into them.
The Shrine Tree is 50 miles south of Eureka on the Avenue of Giants. The hole in this tree was mostly carved by Mother Nature, which makes it all the more impressive.
The Chandelier Tree is in Leggett and its opening is wide enough to allow some larger vehicles to pass through. Unlike the Shrine Tree, which is closed in the winter, the Chandelier Tree is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Klamath Tree is close to Redwood National Park near the Klamath River Bridge. There is a small gift shop and picnic tables nearby.
67. Glass Beach
Glass Beach | Photo by Flickr/ImagesByJohnK
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Well, that is literally the case at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg! The glass pebbles scattered across the beach are the remnants of when the beach was used as a dump in the 1950s and 60s.
There are actually three “glass beaches” in Fort Bragg, but the third and most recent site is the most well known. Unfortunately, because people keep collecting the sea glass they find, the sea glass is rapidly diminishing from the beach. So visit sooner rather than later, and leave the glass at the beach.
68. Salton Sea
Salton Sea | photo by Flickr/MarcCooper
The Salton Sea is a weird place. It is the largest lake in California, but it has only been around since 1905. During that year, the Colorado River flooded through farm irrigation channels in the Imperial Valley, forming the lake.
The Salton Sea quickly became a big tourist destination. It had a yacht club, golf course, marina, and was a popular destination for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra. Over 30,000 homes were built near the lake. By the 1980’s the towns along the lake had become ghost towns.
Agricultural runoff from the Imperial Valley brought too much salt and pesticides into the lake. Massive fish die offs have occurred, due to lack of oxygen and too much salt. The Salton Sea is now 50% saltier than the ocean and shrinking at a rate of about 3 % per year.
Today, visitors enjoy bird watching, fishing for tilapia, and checking out the remnants of the thriving tourist towns that used to be.
69. Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument | Photo by Flickr/ParksTraveler
Another weird but natural monument in California is Devils Postpile National Monument near the town of Mammoth Lakes. It looks tall columns of rock were stacked upright by some supernatural being but in reality, this columnar basalt stack was caused by cooling lava 10,000 years ago.
During the summer, visitors must take a shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to access the monument. Head two miles further down the trail and you will come across 100-foot Rainbow Falls.
On sunny days, the mist reflects rainbows near the base of the falls, giving the waterfall it’s colorful name.
70. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Carlsbad Flower Fields | photo by Flickr/Kellinahandbasket
For those living in the far southern reaches of coastal California, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are a welcome site along Interstate 5 every spring.
Thirteen different varieties of Ranunculus are planted each year, resulting in over 500 million flowers and 10 weeks of color!
The fields are open from March 1- May 10 each year. There are wagon rides, several themed gardens, and poinsettia and orchid greenhouses to enjoy. Bring your camera!
71. Venice Canals
Venice Canals of America | Photo by Frank Fujimoto
Did you know that California has its own version of the famed Venice canals? These man-made canals were put in by Abbot Kinney in 1905 for his Venice of America housing development.
Originally there were 13 canals, but the popularity of the automobile and the need for roads in the area meant some of the canals needed to be drained and paved over.
Today there are six beautiful canals to enjoy. The canals are a popular spot for walking, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Nearby Venice Beach is a quirky spot filed with funky shops and entertaining street performers.
The Venice Canals Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
72. San Francisco Cable Cars
San Francisco Cable Car | photo by Flickr/Janitors
Cable cars have been a part of the San Francisco landscape since 1873. There were over 600 cable cars in operation until the famed 1906 earthquake. Street cars replaced 500 of the cable cars during the city’s recovery.
Today, San Francisco is down to 40 cable cars but they still are an important part of the city’s identity. They run on Powell Street and California Street, and are mostly used by tourists these days.
The San Francisco Cable Cars are US National Historic Landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the only moving National Landmark.
73. Circus Trees of Gilroy Gardens
A Gilroy Gardens Circus Tree | Photo by Flickr/Milst1
Axel Erlandson turned tree grafting into an artform when he created his famed Circus Trees. He carefully shaped trees into basket weaves, hearts, rings, and many other designs that have to been seen to be believed.
By 1957, he had created more than 70 amazingly-shaped trees and was featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Life Magazine.
Erlandson passed away in 1964 and there have been several owners of the Circus Trees since. Even Disney tried to purchase the trees at one point, but the price was too high.
In 1985, 29 of the remaining trees were moved to Gilroy Gardens, a theme park and botanical garden. Today, 25 of the incredible trees are still alive.
74. Palm Springs Windmills
Palm Springs Windmills | Photo by Flickr/Samhowzit
There are several windfarms in California. The most famous is the windfarm just outside of Palm Springs in the San Gorgonio Pass off Interstate 10.
There are about 3,000 windmills in this windfarm that has been an “we’re almost there!” signal for travelers from LA metro heading towards a weekend of fun and sun in the Coachella Valley. Together, they can power up to 300,00 homes! It was the first commercial wind farm in the United States.
From one windmill to the next, the last of our California landmarks is a roadside restaurant that is well known for it’s billboards and split pea soup.
This roadside restaurant has been feeding travelers since 1924 at its original location in Beullton, next to Highway 101. It was founded by Danish immigrant, Anton Andersen, and his wife Juliette. They opened a second location in Santa Nella, off Interstate 5, in 1976.
Important update: The Buellton location closed suddenly in January of 2024. Santa Nella is still open. There is hope that new owners will reopen the Buellton location but the future status is still TBD.
During peak road trip season, Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton goes through 500-600 gallons of pea soup per day! Here is the recipe so you can make their famed pea soup at home.
]]>10712 Incredible California Ghost Towns You Need to Visit
https://californiatravellife.com/california-ghost-towns/
Tue, 12 Dec 2023 23:17:21 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1504Who doesn’t love a good ghost town? With their colorful history and unique remnants of the past, visiting a California ghost town is a great way to spend the day.
Many ghost towns are shells of what they were during their rough and rowdy heydays, but each leaves a clue about the history of the state and its impressive mining history. After all, it was mining that lead the masses flocking to what would become the Golden State.
Most of these California ghost towns are in remote locations, but each has a fascinating story to tell. Use this guide to find a ghost town on your next road trip route, and spend a couple hours exploring.
12 California Ghost Towns to Visit
Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town
If you have driven Interstate 15 from Southern California to Las Vegas, you have passed right by Calico Ghost Town. This California ghost town is located just outside of Barstow and is the most popular ghost town in the state.
Calico was founded in 1881 during the silver mining boom in California. The town quickly grew as miners flocked to the area in search of silver. The boom in silver mining, however, was short-lived. By the mid-1890s, the price of silver dropped, leading to the closure of many mines. As a result, Calico’s population dwindled, and the town was eventually abandoned.
In the 1950s, Walter Knott, of Knott’s Berry Farm fame, purchased Calico and began to restore the town which eventually became a county park and popular tourist attraction. The town is designed to reflect its late 19th-century appearance.
The Calico Odessa Railroad is a narrow-gauge railroad which gives visitors train rides around the town. I remember taking a field trip out Calico when I was in kindergarten and abolutely loving that train ride!
Calico Ghost Town Train
There are also several historic buildings to explore including the former schoolhouse, general store, and the Maggie Mine. Visitors can walk 1000 feet into Maggie Mine as they take a self-guided tour and look at minerals in the rock and learn about the mine and the miners that worked there in the late 19th century.
If you have ever been to Knott’s Berry Farm, then you will be familiar with the Mystery Shack where water runs uphill and crooked rooms play mind tricks. Mr. Knott added a Mystery Shack to Calico Ghost Town and it is always fun to explore. There is also gold panning onsite where kids will be excited to take home some iron pyrite aka: Fool’s Gold.
For $12, adults can purchase a package that allows them to tour the mine, visit the Mystery Shack, and pan for gold. Kids 5 – 11 are just $6. The railroad is a separate cost- $5.50 for adults and $3 for kids.
In addition to the special attractions there is a restored schoolhouse, town hall, bottle house, general store, woodworking shop, mineral shop, old-time photo store, and a handful of other shops. The Lucy Lane Museum has artifacts, photographs and documents from Calico’s origin. There are a couple restaurants serving food as well.
During last two weekends in October Calico Ghost Town hosts Town of Terror with scary attractions from 5-9pm on Fridays and 5-10pm on Saturdays. They also host three different ghost tours- Main Street, Maggie Mine, and Schoolhouse. Tours happen on Saturday nights at 6pm and 7:30pm.
Calico Ghost Town is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except on Christmas Day.
Bodie State Historical Park is a California ghost town in the Eastern Sierra, about 75 minutes north of the popular Mammoth Lakes resort area and 30 minutes east of the town of Bridgeport. It is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States.
It began as a small mining camp after gold was discovered in the area in 1859. The town was named after Waterman S. Body (William Bodey), who discovered gold there. In the 1870s and 1880s, the town “boomed” as gold mining operations expanded. At its peak, Bodie had a population of around 10,000 people and was known for its rough and lawless reputation.
The Standard Mine, one of the most productive in Bodie, yielded millions of dollars in gold during its operation but like many other mining towns, Bodie’s prosperity was short-lived. By the early 20th century, the gold began to run out, and the town’s population started to decline. By the 1940s, Bodie was almost entirely deserted.
The arrested decay of Bodie Ghost Town
Thankfully, in 1962, the State of California took over the Bodie State Historic Park, and efforts were made to preserve the town in a state of arrested decay. This means that the buildings are maintained but not restored to a pristine condition, giving visitors a sense of how the town looked when it was abandoned. Visitors will discover cups left on tables, a wheel barrow dumped over in a yard, and even a tricycle parked on a porch.
Only about five percent remains of the original town of 2,000 buildings, but more than 100 buildings still stand, including homes, stores, a church, and a school. Visitors to Bodie can explore the streets and enter some of the buildings. Guided tours of the Stamp Mill are available during peak season and highly recommended.
Techinically, Bodie is open all year but it is accessible only by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles during winter months because of its high elevation (8,375′).
Bodie is open to cars and fully staffed with park rangers Memorial Day through Labor Day. The road will close once it starts snowing for the season. It is a 13 mile journey off Highway 395 and the last three miles are unpaved, but most cars are fine on the road. Admission is $8 per adult and $5 per child 4 – 17.
Way out in the middle of nowhere, but not far from the northern reaches of Death Valley, is the town of Darwin, a a quiet, semi-ghost town. It is located in Inyo County, about two hours north of Ridgecrest and 40 minutes south of Lone Pine. About 40 people do still live in Darwin so it isn’t technically deserted, but it might as well be.
Like most California ghost towns, Darwin’s history is tied to mining, particularly lead and zinc. The town experienced its peak during the late 1870s when it had 3500 residents and was the second largest town in the county at the time. It had about 20 operating mines, hundred of homes, a post office, saloons, restaurants, a hotel, and even a newspaper!
It was also a particularly rowdy and lawless town, thanks in big part to its isolation and gun fights and stage robberies were common.
Mining declined due to several factors including an outbreak of small pox, a countrywide economic recession, and the movement of many miners up north to Bodie. An arson fire in 1879 wiped out a big portion of the heart of the town and by 1880, just 85 people remained. Despite the small population, mining did contiinue on some level in the area thorugh the 1970s.
Visitors can explore the remnants of old buildings, mining structures, vehicles, and equipment. The town has an authentic, weathered feel, providing a sense of what life was like during its mining heyday. The remains of the old Defiance smelter still exist as well. On the hillside of Mt. Ophir there are remnants of the company camp, including decaying rows of company houses.
Be respectful of private property and residences when you visit this semi-ghost town.
Panamint City
Surprise Valley Mill and Water Company smokestack
Death Valley has its very own ghost town in the Panamint Mountains of the northern portion of the park. Panamint City was founded by a trio of prospectors in the early 1870s who found a deposit of silver ore in Surprise Canyon. Unfortunately, they were followed into the area by bandits who forced them into a partnership on the profits made by the mine.
It didn’t take long for word to get out about the newly formed Panamint Mining Company and soon hundreds of miners flocked to the area. Soon there were 2,000 people in town, along with saloons, a bank, restaurants, a brewery, a newspaper, and lots of ramshackle houses.
It was an especially wild and lawless area, complete with its very own red light district and dozens of shootings. Alas, the town did not last long. In 1876 two of the main mines were exhausted of ore and a large flood wiped out much of the town.
Not much of this ghost town remains except for some foundations, and the crumbling smokestack of Surprise Valley Mill and Water Company.
Access is challenging, involving a steep and strenuous five-mile hike which should only be attempted by seasoned hikers in the cool season. Here are some of the animals in Death Valley which you may encounter on your hike.
Ballarat is a ghost town in Death Valley National Park at the base of the Panamint Range. It was founded in 1897 to serve as a supply point for the mines in the Panamint Range, including the nearby Ratliff Mine. It was named after the Australian gold mining camp of Ballarat.
Ballarat experienced a boom during the early 1900s as mining activity increased in the Panamint Range. Life was especially tough in the summer, when temperatures would soar over 120 degrees, but 500 hardy folks endured the heat at the town’s peak.
And of course these 500 residents needed seven saloons, because this was the Wild West after all! However, like many other mining towns in the region, its prosperity was short-lived.
What makes this California ghost town especially interesting and unique is its connection with the Manson Family. In the late 1960s, Charles Manson and his followers lived in the area at Barker Ranch south of Ballarat, and members of the Manson Family left graffiti in an old truck they abandoned in town.
Seldom Seen Slim is Ballarat’s most famous resident, who lived in town from around 1918 until his 1968 when he died. He was the last to be buried the town’s cemetary, aka Boot Hill. He claimed to be “half coyote and half wild burro” and said he hadn’t take a bath for 20 years!
There are still a couple people that live in Ballarat and operate a small store. There are remains of old adobe structures to visit as well as several miner cabins. Unlike Darwin, Ballarat is accessible by vehicle, and is located off State Route 178, approximately four miles south of the park boundary.
About 15 miles northeast of Nevada City in the heart of Sierra Nevada Gold Country is North Bloomfield, a preserved gold rush town that is now a state park. The town is closely associated with the Malakoff Diggins, one of the largest hydraulic mining operations in California history.
Originally named Humbug because of some failed gold mining attempts, North Bloomfield was established in 1851 after a few prospectors found gold in a nearby creek. Once gold was discovered in the area, a rush of prospectors and settlers seeking their fortunes flocked to the area.
By the late 1860s, North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company employed 1100 people, including 800 Chinese workers. The population of the town reached a height of 2000 residents. The company used hydraulic mining which uses highly pressured water to basically blast away mountainsides in the pursuit of gold.
As you can imagine, hydraulic mining was absolutely terrible for the environment and a law was passed in 1884 to make the current system illegal. Once that happened, operations at the mine should have ceased, but they didn’t. Instead they installed a new system to pull debris from the tailings and retain it in holding ponds.
Then the mine basically ignored that law as well as the law passed by Congress in 1893 requiring all hydraulic mines to be licensed. In the late 1800s the law and all the resulting fines caught up with the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company and operations were ceased. They left behind a massive pit.
The population continued to dwindle until less than 20 people remained. At that point, the locals urged the state to preserve and protect the historic area. In 1965 Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park was established.
Malakoff Diggins cliffs exposed from hydraulic mining
Today, the state park encompasses the remnants of the hydraulic mining infrastructure, including towering cliffs and the townsite. One of the central features of the historic park is the enormous tailings piles resulting from the hydraulic mining operations.
Visitors can also view the restored and operational Malakoff Diggins Dredge, which is a large floating gold dredge that was used to extract gold from the sediment.
Within the park, visitors can explore various historical landmarks, such as the North Bloomfield Schoolhouse, which is a well-preserved one-room schoolhouse dating back to the 1870s, and the cemetery where some early residents are buried. There is also a drug store, church, and several houses.
Three miner’s cabins in North Bloomfield may be reserved for camping. The area is quite scenic and has several miles of trails so spending a couple days here makes for a lovely getaway.
Doble
Photo via WikiMaps
Doble is a former mining community located in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear Lake. It was originally named Bairdstown but the name changed to Doble, named for horse trainer and silent movie actor, Budd Doble.
Doble’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was primarily a mining and logging town. The area was rich in timber, and the timber industry played a significant role in the town’s early development. In 1875 there was a butcher shop, a bakery, several saloons, three general stores, two livery stables, three restaurants, two hotels, a black smith shop, a cemetery, and much more. This town was legit!
It did experience a brief period of silver mining activity when several mines operated in the surrounding mountains. At that time, the Doble Mine Mill processed 100 tons of ore per day. However, the mining boom was short-lived and last only about 8 months .Another attempt was made to rebuild the mill (the original burned down) in 1899 with a promising new “Cyanide Process” to mine the region’s poor quality ore but the mine shut down in 1903 and the town became a ghost town.
Ruins of the 1875 Stamp Mill and the cemetery are all that remain today. Still, if you are exploring in the Big Bear Lake area, it is worth a stop. Baldwin Lake is within view of the ruins because most of the trees in the area were cut down to help run the steam engine for the stamp mill. Most of the trees in the area these days are second generation growth.
Laws is a historic site and former railroad town located in the Owens Valley, a few miles north of the town of Bishop on Highway 395. It is not a traditional ghost town, but rather a preserved area that showcases the history of the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra.
Laws began as a station on the Carson and Colorado Railroad in the late 19th century. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of the Owens Valley by providing transportation for mining and agricultural products. It became a hub for maintenance, repairs, and other services related to the operation of the narrow-gauge railroad and an essential stop for trains traveling through the Owens Valley.
The Great Depression hit Laws hard and in 1938, Southern Pacific tore up the rail lines north of town. Still, the town persisted as the northern terminus until the railroad fully shut down the narrow gauge line between Keeler and Laws in 1960.
Today, Laws is home to the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site. The museum features a collection of historic buildings, vintage railroad equipment, and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the original depot, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and various railway cars. Some of the buildings were moved to their current location inside the museum.
Paramount Pictures made the film, Nevada Smith, on the site in 1966 and the Laws Railroad Museum protects buildings from that set as well. It also houses a collection of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as a variety of rolling stock.
Laws is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It is open from 10am – 4pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Admission is a $10 donation.
Amboy was founded as a railroad and mining town in the Mojave Desert. However, its location halfway between Barstow and Needle on Route 66, the most popular route out west back before the advent of the Interstate Highway system, made the town a popular tourist stop for travelers heading to California.
When Interstate 40 opened in 1973, 100 miles of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert were basically deserted. And with it went all the towns that lined that stretch, including Amboy.
Amboy began as a mining camp in 1858 and was named in 1883 when the first railway tracks were being built in the area. It was never a big town. Only 200 people lived there during its heyday of the 1930s and 40s. At that time the town had 13 businesses, three gas stations, three motels, a couple cafes, a post office, a church and even a small school.
Amboy is best known for Roy’s Motel and Café, an iconic roadside stop along Route 66. Roy’s became a symbol of the classic American road trip, featuring the distinctive Googie architecture and neon signs that were popular in the mid-20th century.
With the construction of Interstate 40 which bypassed Route 66, traffic through Amboy declined significantly. The town’s businesses struggled, and by the late 20th century, Amboy had become a near-ghost town.
In 2005, Amboy was purchased by Albert Okura, the founder of the Juan Pollo restaurant chain, for just $425,000. Okura aims to restore and preserve the town’s historic features, including Roy’s Motel and Café.
Roy’s, with its classic mid-century design, includes a motel, café, and gas station. While the motel is no longer operational, the café is occasionally open, and the site attracts visitors interested in its nostalgic appeal.
Roy’s famed neon sign was relit in 2019 after many decades of disrepair. There are continued plans to renovate the motel, add a gift shop, update the gas station to be a 24-hour self serve establishment, and get a food permit so the restuarant can once again sell more than food. Installing a water system is another key aspect of the rehab to be tackled.
While in Amboy, make time to visit Amboy Crater, a volcanic cinder cone that rises prominently from the desert landscape. It is a popular hiking destination, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
Randsburg
Known as the “Living Ghost Town,” Randsburg has a mix of abandoned and occupied buildings, showcasing its mining and Old West history near the junction of Highway 395 and Highway 14 in the Mojave Desert of Kern County about 17 miles south of Ridgecrest. Less than 50 people live in the area today.
Randsburg’s history began with the discovery of gold in 1895 by three prospectors: John Singleton, Charles Burcham, and Henry Singleton. The discovery sparked a gold rush, leading to the rapid growth of the town.
Randsburg was unique in that it was situated at the junction of three major mining districts: Randsburg, Johannesburg, and Red Mountain. The combined output of these districts contributed significantly to the town’s prosperity.
As the town grew, it developed essential infrastructure such as schools, churches, saloons, and stores. The Yellow Aster Mine, one of the most successful gold mines in the region, brought considerable wealth to the area. The population grew to over 4000 people in the early 1900s.
Like many mining towns, Randsburg faced a decline in the early 20th century as the easily accessible gold was depleted. The town’s population dwindled, and many businesses closed, especially during World War II when mining for gold was considered non-essential. However, some mining operations continued into the mid-20th century.
In the latter part of the 20th century, there was renewed interest in preserving and restoring Randsburg’s historic buildings. Many structures from the town’s heyday still stand, providing visitors with a glimpse into its past. Randsburg has been designated a California Historical Landmark (#285) due to its significance in the state’s history as a major mining town during the Gold Rush era.
Today, Randsburg is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors with its well-preserved ghost town atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic district, including the 1896 White House Saloon, opera house, a tiny jail cell, and other vintage and dilapidated structures and rusted-out abandoned vehicles.
Be sure to visit the Randsburg General Store which opened in the 1930s. It has a soda fountain from 1904 where you can still order soda, shakes, and ice cream sundaes.
Shasta State Historic Park protects and preserves the remains of old Shasta City, a ghost town north of Redding. Shasta was founded during the California Gold Rush in the early 1850s. Gold was discovered in the area, leading to a rapid influx of settlers and the establishment of a mining and commercial community.
Shasta quickly became an important commercial and transportation hub in the region. It was known as the “Queen City of the Northern Mines” and served as a supply center for miners and travelers heading to the goldfields.
The town boasted numerous businesses including hotels, saloons, general stores, and a theater. The construction of a courthouse and jail reflected Shasta’s aspirations to become the county seat. The town was plagued by fires, once in December of 1852 and again six months later, but the residents quickly rebuilt.
Gold claims in the area were largely depleted in the late 1860s and the towns prominence further waned as other transportation routes, such as the railroad, bypassed the town. By 1888 the county seat was moved to Redding and many of the buildings were left abandoned.
Beginning in the 1920s, efforts were made to preserve the historic structures in Old Shasta. The California State Parks Commission began purchasing some of the old buildings, eventually forming Shasta State Historic Park, which covers over 300 acres.
The park preserves the historic district of Old Shasta, including the Litsch General Store, jail, blacksmith shop, and the Blumb Bakery. The ruins of the original brick courthouse, which burned down in 1861, has been rebuilt and is filled with historic exhibits. The park also offers interpretive programs, guided tours, and living history events.
Cerro Gordo is a historic mining town located in the Inyo Mountains of eastern California, near the town of Lone Pine. It gained prominence after the discovery of rich veins of silver was made by Pablo Flores in 1865. By 1867, word had gotten out and people began flocking to the area.
By the mid-1870s, Cerro Gordo experienced a mining boom and the town quickly grew into a bustling mining community, attracting fortune-seekers from different parts of the country.
The mines in Cerro Gordo were known for their high-grade silver ore, and the town became one of the most significant silver producers in California. At its peak, it was producing millions of dollars’ worth of ore annually.
The town boasted a range of structures, including mines, mills, a general store, saloons, a hotel, and housing for the miners and their families. The town’s growth reflected the prosperity brought by mining activities. It was also quite lawless and at one point there was a murder a week!
Cerro Gordo’s remote location in the Inyo Mountains posed significant challenges for transportation and logistics. Supplies and ore had to be transported over difficult mountain roads, adding to the town’s isolation. There was also a lack of water and timber which added to the town’s challenges.
As the easy-to-access silver ore was depleted, Cerro Gordo experienced a decline in the late 19th century. The town went through periods of boom and bust over the years, with mining operations intermittently resuming. During the early 20th century, zinc became the towns’s main ore export.
These days, the town is privately owned. Cerro Gordo has gained notoriety in recent years since one of town’s owners, Brent Underwood, moved to the town in 2020 and began a very popular YouTube channel(over 1.6 million subscribers!) about life in the ghost town and his efforts to bring it back to life as a tourist destination.
The preservation efforts aimed at maintaining its historical integrity. Several of the town’s structures have been stabilized and restored, helping to preserve the town’s unique character. The American Hotel, which was built in 1871, burned down in 2020 and is currently being rebuilt for guests to enjoy.
Cerro Gordo is accessible by a rough mountain road, and visitors are advised to check conditions before attempting the journey. Most people who visit these days are volunteering to help restore the property. Hopefully in a few years it will be open for overnight stays. The best way to keep up with the town’s progress is to follow the YouTube channel.
]]>150425 Amazing Weekend Getaways in Northern California
https://californiatravellife.com/weekend-getaways-in-northern-california/
Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:07:30 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1213The upper half of the state is a diverse place, which means there are plenty of great weekend getaways in Northern California to get excited about. From coastal escapes to wine country towns, forested hamlets, and cosmopolitan cities, there is really something for everyone.
Some of these weekend destinations might be on your radar, but my guess is that several of them aren’t. There are quite a few small towns that have really come into their own in recent years which definitely deserve a weekend stay. Here are 25 terrific weekend getaways in Northern California to enjoy.
Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County wine country, is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Northern California. There are over 30 tasting rooms located in downtown Healdsburg, as well as many wineries in the surrounding countryside.
Williamson Wines is a family-owned winery which offers a tasting experience that includes food pairings with each wine. The tasting room is located in a beautiful courtyard setting and features an extensive selection of wines. Stephen & Walker Winery also has a tasting room downtown. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
Outside of town, follow Dry Creek Road and discover several amazing wineries along the way like the breathtaking Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, known for its magical scenery and delicate chardonnays, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blancs.
Of course, no wine experience in Healdsburg is complete without a visit to The Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Movie Museum just north of town in Geyserville. In addition to great wines, there is also an extensive movie memorabilia collection, poolside cabanas to enjoy, and a great restaurant.
Beyond wine, Healdsburg is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking, floating, or swimming in the Russian River.
Hungry? Healdsburg is known for its fantastic farm-to-table dining scene, with many restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The town is also home to several acclaimed restaurants, including SingleThread, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating the Japanese concept of omotenashi, and Valette, a restaurant focused modern American cuisine with a French twist and plenty of locally-sourced ingredients.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Glamping in Healdsburg is a luxurious way to experience the natural beauty of the region. We love Wildhaven Sonoma which has heated glamping tents steps fom the Russian River.
Fort Bragg
Glass Beach near Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is located on the ruggedly beautiful Mendocino Coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and towering redwoods.
It is home to several unique natural attractions, including the Glass Beach, where visitors can see colorful glass stones that have been worn smooth by the ocean.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve is located just north of Fort Bragg and features a unique “Ecological Staircase” that showcases the area’s diverse ecosystems, including a beach, a coastal prairie, and a pygmy forest.
The Skunk Train, another popular attraction, is a historic railroad line that runs from Fort Bragg in Mendocino County to Willits in inland Mendocino County, California. It is named after the “skunk-like” smell that the train used to emit from its gas-powered engines in the early 20th century.
Today, the Skunk Train offers scenic train rides through the dramatic redwood forests dominating the region. The most popular route from Fort Bragg is the Pudding Creek Express, a 75-minute round trip from Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Junction. The trip includes views of the Pudding Creek Estuary and plenty of redwoods. There are also rail bikes available which are electric-powered and an incredible way to enjoy the lush, forest scenery.
There are several great festivals held in the region throughout the year. Held every July, the Mendocino Music Festival is a two-week event that features a variety of musical performances, including classical, jazz, and world music. The festival takes place in a beautiful outdoor venue overlooking the ocean.
The Whale Festival in March includes whale watching, nature walks, arts and crafts, and a chowder cook-off. In September, Winesong is a weekend-long event that features wine tastings, gourmet food, live music, and a charity auction.
Held every first Friday of the month, the Art Walk is a self-guided tour of galleries and artist studios in downtown Fort Bragg. Visitors can meet local artists and view their work, which includes painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Noyo Harbor Inn is an elegant inn featuring rooms with ocean views, as well as a restaurant and bar overlooking the Noyo River.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser-visited national parks in Northern California, but it is truly a fantastic place to visit. The park protects the lands around Mount Lassen, an active volcano that last erupted about 100 years ago.
The volcano is still very much alive and the best place to experience volcanic activity is on the Bumpass Hell Trail three-mile, round-trip hike takes visitors to the Bumpass Hell geothermal area. A boardwalk leads you through an area filled with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
The park also has several alpine lakes which are just lovely. My favorite is Manzanita Lake which is located near the park’s visitor center. There is an easy, 1.8-mile loop trail takes visitors around Manzanita Lake, and there are places where you can see Lassen Peak reflecting off the lake, making for amazing pictures.
Lake Helen near the Bumpass Hell trailhead is another simply grogeous lake. It is crystal clear (and freezing) and often has snow and ice through mid-summer.
Another great hike inside the park is the 2.6-mile round-trip hike which leads to Kings Creek Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades over a 30-foot drop.
Peak baggers will want to make the climb to the top of Lassen Peak. This strenuous five-mile, round-trip hike offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and requires some scrambling near the top.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins are a nice glamping option within the park. They have beds, a propane heater, and their own fire rings and picnic tables. Shower and bathrooms are in another building.
If you want more traditional lodging, head to the gateway town of Chester and stay at the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn which serves up a complimentary hot breakfast in the morning and coffee and cookies all day!
Winters
Pick Your Own Bouquet, photo via Discover Winters
When I first moved up to Northern California about 25 years ago, Winters was nothing more than a sleepy farm town known for its snow cone stand on the way to Lake Berryessa and steak dinner splurges at The Buckhorn. My how things have changed.
It seems as though the snow cone stand is long gone (thankfully you can still get a great meal at Buckhorn Steakhouse) but in its place wineries, breweries, and even a craft distillery has popped up.
Some of the area wineries include Turkovich Family Wines which is located in downtown Winters and offers a range of wines made from grapes grown on the family’s nearby vineyards that are available for tasting.
Berryessa Gap Vineyards is another family-owned winery located just a few miles from Winters on Highway 128 and offers a range of wines made from grapes grown in the surrounding hills. Visitors can taste wines at the winery’s tasting room and enjoy views of the nearby vineyards and hills. Wine tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm and 2:30pm and tastings can be reserved at both the winery and the downtown tasting room.
If you prefer beer, check out Berryessa Brewing Company, which offers a farm-to-table food menu featuring ingredients sourced from local farms as well as great brews. Patio 29 is the only craft distillery in the region and they make a variety of whiskeys, vodka, gin, rum, and even grappa. Their tasting room is open Friday through Sunday.
If you are looking for outdoor fun, head to nearby Lake Berryessa whre you can swim, boat, and fish. Fishing can also be found along Putah Creek as it heads out of town.
A unique outdoor experience can be found at Park Winters where you can pay $25 and pick your own bouquet from a wide selection of flowers including cosmos, marigolds, zinnias, dahlia, poppies, snap dragons,ranunculus, and sunflowers.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Abbey House Inn is a charming bed and breakfast built in 1905 that offers a farm-to-table breakfast experience. The innkeepers source many of their ingredients from their own garden and nearby farms, and their breakfast menu features a range of sweet and savory dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.
San Francisco
San Francisco has long been one of the best weekend getaways in Northern California. Its distinctive neighborhoods, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and endless activity dining options keep us coming back again and again.
San Francisco is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the cable cars.
Many of us NorCal folks have never actually tried the touristy stuff but truth be told, there is a reason these attractions are so popular. If you haven’t visited Alacatraz, you should! If you haven’t taken the time to walk across the bridge, what are you waiting for? I recommend starting on the Marin side and walking towards the city to enjoy those epic bay views.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the city by heading to the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, or taking a boat cruise to view this special place from the water.
Experience some of the best museums in the state, including including the de Young Museum, the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Eat your way through San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods- grab a carnitas burrito from La Taqueria in the Mission District, dim sum at Wing Sing in Chinatown, incredible Burmese food at Burma Superstar in the Richmond District, and pizza worth writing home about at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in Little Italy.
There are more festivals taking place throughout the city than we can count, so you are always sure to stumble upon something special. A few highlights include the Chinese New Year Parade, Bay to Breakers, Outside Lands, and Oktoberfest by the Bay.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Stanyan Park Hotel in the Haigh-Ashbury borders Golden Gate Park and has plenty of luxurious Victorian charm and budget-friendly rates. In addition to an included contintental breakfast, they also offer a complimentary manager’s reception with wine and cheese on weekday evenings and a tea service every evening.
Sacramento
Sacramento has had a bit of a “glow up” this century. It has long sat in the shadow of the Bay Area but these days, there is definitely more of a food and night life scene, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.
The Midtown and Downtown areas of Sacramento are known for their lively food and bar scenes. The Waterboy is an upscale, farm-to-table restaurant that offers a seasonally inspired menu with a focus on Mediterranean and Northern Italian cuisine.
If you’re in the mood for German food, LowBrau is a popular spot. They specialize in gourmet sausages, including vegan and vegetarian options, along with a variety of craft beers on tap. Mikuni is our favorite sushi spot in the area and their Incredible Roll can’t be missed!
Of course, Sacamento is is rich in history, from the California Gold Rush to the state’s role in the Civil War. Visitors can explore historic sites like Sutter’s Fort and the California State Capitol, and learn about the city’s fascinating past.
Old Sacramento is also a fun place to explore because it feels like you have stepping back in time thanks to the restored buildings and wooden walkways akin to the Gold Rush days. It is filled with interesting shops (we love Evangelines and the candy shops), lots of dining options, and the California Railroad Museum.
Old Sacramento was built on top of the original street level, which is now underground. You can take a cool guided tour via the Sacramento History Museum to explore the hidden underground tunnels and learn about the history of the city.
You can also board a riverboat and cruise the Sacramento River. The dinner cruise is highly recommended.
The rivers also provides great recreational opportunities. Bring your bikes and explore the American River Parkway, a 23-mile stretch of parkland along the American River. Or rent a boat and cruise the Sacramento River for the day.
Sacramento has a thriving craft beer scene, with many excellent breweries and taprooms to choose from. Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse is a popular brewery in downtown Sacramento is known for its high-quality craft beers and delicious smoked meats. The taproom has a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day.
Track 7 Brewing Company is a well-known name in the Sacramento craft beer scene, and for good reason. Their flagship beer, Panic IPA, is a favorite among locals, and their two taprooms (in the Curtis Park and Natomas neighborhoods) is a great spot to hang out and enjoy a pint.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: I love the location of the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade. It is within walking distance of Old Sacramento and the Sacramento Rivercats’ stadium, an awesome place to catch a minor league baseball game.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Located north of Eureka is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, one of the four state parks that help make up the Redwood National and State Parks complex. It is a great place to spend the weekend because there is plenty to do outdoors and the scenery is spectacular.
The park is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth, including the famous “Big Tree,” a massive redwood tree that is over 1,500 years old. Many of the redwoods in this park reach dizzying heights of over 300 feet and nine of the trees are over 350 feet tall!
Prairie Creek is a special park not only for its towering trees, but also for its resident population of Roosevelt elk. In 1925, there were as few as 15 of these elk left in the California redwoods. Today, the population has rebounded to 1,000 and they are most often seen at Elk Prairie, along Davidson Road west of Highway 101, and on Gold Bluffs Beach.
Golds Bluff Beach is a special place beyond being a place to spot wild elk on the sand. It is also near the entrance to Fern Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in the state. It is lush and shady, with a creek running through and an easy one mile trail helping you explore this 50-foot fortress of walls, covered in ferns.
The road to Gold Bluff’s Beach is unpaved and there are a couple stream crossings, but it is usually quite easy to manage in the summer and fall, or when there haven’t been any recent rains.
If you are looking for a longer hike that takes you to all of the park’s highlights, check out ther 12-mile route that take you from the visitor center to Fern Canyon via the James Irvine Trail. The trail takes hikers through some of the most impressive old growth forest in the park.
CTL Tip: This secret is out about this spot and the park now requires Day Use Permits to access Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon from May 1st – September 30th. Permits for the 2023 season can be reserved by the public beginning April 15th.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a popular spot for tent and rv camping, and sites book up well in advance. There are several neat VRBOs in the area including a vintage farmhouse and homes with waterfront views. The Holiday Inn Express Klamath is highly rated and only eight miles from the park entrance.
Mount Shasta
The small town of Mount Shasta is a wonderful weekend getaway in Northern California. It acts as gateway to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is a great destination for enjoying some of the outdoor adventures throughout the area. Mount Shasta is one of our favorite mountain towns in California.
It is home to the headwaters of the Sacramento River which are located in Mount Shasta City Park at Headwaters Spring.
Downtown Mt. Shasta is a charming and walkable area with a few different shops and restaurants. The region is known as a spitirtual destination and there are a few different new age shops selling crystals as well as Berryvale Grocery, a natural foods store with great options for pre-made food to take on a picnic while exploring.
Lake Siskiyou is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and walking or cycling the seven-mile Lake Siskiyou Trail which circumnavigates the lake. In the summer there is a beach with roped-off swim area, hourly SUP board and kayak rentals, and a Splash Zone with inflatable toys to play on in the lake.
Outside of town, the McCloud RiverRecreation Area has a set of three waterfalls (Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls) interconnected by a four-mile trail. They are especially popular to visit in the summer when the pools below these waterfalls are fun places to swim.
Castle Lake is another great destination nearby. This lake is filled with pure water and has been studied by UC Davis for decades. I suggest taking the two-mile hike from Castle Lake up to Heart Lake, and enjoying the great views of Mount Shasta.
Finally, just north of town in Dunsmuir is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Mosbrae Falls is a lush and elegant waterfall formed when pure spring water pours out of the moss-covered cliffside into the Sacramento River. You have to walk along train tracks to access them, so be safe!
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway:Mount Shasta Resort is a great year-round destination set on over 125 acres at the base of Mount Shasta. There are one-and-two-bedroom chalets and some are lakeside. There is also a golf course and spa on property.
Mammoth Lakes
Many people in Northern California have never ventured over to the eastern side of the Sierras and that is a shame became the eastern side is actually my favorite side! I love that it is less crowded than places like Lake Tahoe, equally as beautiful, and has some of the best hiking and skiing around.
Mammoth Lakes is the big destination town in the eastern Sierra. It is home to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort which often has the longest ski season in the country. This year they have so much snow that it has been extended well into July!
When the snow melts, mountain bikers flock to the resort to take the gondola up to the 11,000-foot summit and ride some of the 80+ miles worth of trails that traverse the mountain. Those newer to the sport will enjoy the Discovery Zone which has easier trails, a skills park, and a lift that is suitable for beginners. A wide range of bike rentals are available, including e-bikes.
If you aren’t a biker you can still take the scenic gondola ride up to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views. Or, try a different type of adventure- via ferrata. It is basically a safer, easier version of rock climbing with safety cables and iron rungs to help you along the way.
One of the main attractions near Mammoth is Devils Postpile National Monument. During the summer, visitors must take a shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to access the monument. The road down to the monument is only open seasonally due to snow pack, so check the park website for opening dates.
From the shuttle stop, it is an easy 1/2 mile hike to Devil’s Postpile. Head two miles further down the trail to 100-foot Rainbow Falls where on sunny days, the mist reflects two rainbows near the base of the falls.
Of course, you can’t visit Mammoth Lakes without spending time at one of the areas many lakes. Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake are all connected via a paved bike path.
f you are looking for a workout with plenty of views of Mammoth Lakes along the way, take the 1.6-mile trail (gaining 800 feet in elevation) up to Crystal Lake. Or hike see seven lakes in one day on one of my favorite hikes in the state, the eight-mile Little Lakes Trail south of Mammoth Lakes.
In town, there is still plenty of fun to be had, no matter the season. We love grabbing a drink at Mammoth Brewing Company. Devil’s Creek Distillery makes their own bourbons and rye whiskeys and they are open for tasting Friday and Saturday from 3-6pm. Shelter Distilling in Mammoth Village serves up housemade sprits and beers as well as a great food menu.
If you want to try something different check out Skadi, a Scandinavian-inspired fine dining restaurant that serves creative seasonal dishes like duck breast with lingonberries.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: We usually rent a VRBO vacation home when we visit Mammoth. There are dozens of options.
Read why Mammoth Lakes is one of our favorite California mountain towns and see what other special spots made the list!
Lake Tahoe
Most people know that Lake Tahoe is one of the best weekend getaways in Northern California no matter the season. Those of us who have lived along the Interstate 80 corrider are certainly aware of the Friday night traffic jam created by the masses headed in that direction.
It is no secret that Lake Tahoe is a beautiful destination, with crystal-clear blue waters, breathtaking mountain views, and an abundance of wildlife. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. In the summer, there’s boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Thanks to its location on the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is also a big gambling destination with plenty of nightlife in the casinos.
Visiting Emerald Bay State Park, skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort, picnicking at Fallen Leaf Lake, having Rum Runners at Camp Richardson’s Beacon Bar & Grill, and a day cruising on the lake are among our favorite things to do in South Lake Tahoe.
On the north side, popular activities include floating down the Truckee River, beach days at the lake, hiking on trails such as the Tahoe Rim Trail, and rides aboard the Tahoe Gal, a ship that cruises Lake Tahoe from Tahoe City.
There are also a few different ski resorts on this side of the lake. Palisades Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar all have varied terrain and offer some of the best sking in the country.
There are special events that take place throughout the year as well. Fourth of July is always a huge deal with fireworks going off from various points on the lake. Known as the “Super Bowl of celebrity golf,” the American Century Championship brings together top celebrity athletes and entertainers for a competitive golf tournament.
In the autumn, North Lake Tahoe hosts the three-day Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival This culinary event celebrates the region’s food and wine scene. It features cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and other food-related activities.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway:Granlibakken Tahoe is situated on 74 acres in Tahoe City and is filled with onsite activities no matter the season. Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort has a 275-foot private beachfront and each room features a lake view and a full kitchen over in the Tahoe Vista area. On the south side of the lake, Camp Richardson is a beloved historic resort just outside of town with a beach, marina, camping, and lodging.
Clarksburg
Photo via Visit California
There is a decent chance you have never heard of Clarksburg. This tiny Yolo County town is off the radar of most, but it is one of the best under-the-radar wine destinations in the state. Clarksburg is located in the California Delta, known for its hot summer days and cool nights, perfect for growing 35 varietals including the Chenin Blancs and Petite Sirahs the region is known for.
You will definitely want to visit the Old Sugar Mill, a renovated sugar beet refinery built in 1934 which has tasting rooms for 14 different wineries. On weekends there are also food trucks which offer a variety of tasty dishes to pair with your wine. You will also want to try Husick’s Taphouse, a local favorite that offers a great selection of craft beers on tap along with a menu of tasty pub food and they often have live music.
One of the best experiences in Clarksburg is Sacramento River Cruise‘s private wine and cheese boating cruises. These two-hour boat cruises feature flights of local wine, craft beer, as well as cheese and charcuterie plates. Private boats can accomodate up to six people so grab some friends and go! There is also an option to upgrade to premium wines on your cruise.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Why not stay on a houseboat on the river? This VRBO option comes with a slide and amazing delta views.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has been a classic Northern California weekend getaway for generations thanks to its beautiful beaches and beloved boardwalk. There’s a thriving surf culture as well as a definite focus on being environmentally conscious and loving Mother Earth.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic California landmark filled with classic amusement park attractions and a large variety of fried foods served on a stick. It was a place to escape the heat of summer inland, enjoy time playing the beach, and attempt to eat half your body weight in hot dogs and funnel cake.
There are over 40 rides and attractions on the Boardwalk, including midway games, an indoor mini-golf course, laser tag, and arcades. We also love the bowling alley nearby which has karaoke and beer- a great Saturday night combo!
If you love to shop, head to Pacific Avenue. You can shop for unique gifts and souvenirs at a variety of little shops. Make time to visit Bookshop Santa Cruz, a large independent bookstore with a 50-year history as well as Comicopolis which has the finest selection of comics around.
Getting outside is an important part of any Santa Cruz getaway and the scenic three-mile walking and biking path on West Cliff Drive has plenty of incredible ocean views to enjoy.
The Santa Cruz Harbor is a popular departure point for exploring Monterey Bay to spot California sea otters, whales, and other marine life. Whether you rent from Kayak Connection, hit up the SUP Shack, or set sail with Chardonnay Sailing Charters, you are sure to have an incredible day.
Santa Cruz is also located near several state parks that feature giant redwood trees, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Portola Redwoods State Park. Big Basin was hit by a major fire and will take generations to recover, but it is still interesting to witness the forest’s rebirth. Henry Cowell and Portola both have thousands of acres of lush forest and plenty of trails to get you out among the tall trees.
One of the best ways to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains via the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad has two routes to choose from. One heads into Santa Cruz, dropping passengers off at the Boardwalk, and the other travels deeper into the mountains.
If you are looking for something more adventurous to do in the Santa Cruz mountains, Redwood Canopy Tour at Mt. Hermon offers two-hour guided eco-adventures that include six zip lines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet.
Santa Cruz is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Natural Bridges State Beach is the seasonal home to migrating monarch butterflies and well-known for its heavily photographed sea arch. A half-sunken concrete freighter is visible from the shore at Seacliff State Beach. And Wilder Ranch State Park is a historic ranch along a rugged coastline with some nice tide pools.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Located on legendary Cowell Beach, the Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and great dining on the Santa Cruz Wharf. You can enjoy your own beach house with all of the amenities of a four-star accommodation at the Seascape Resort.
Monterey
Monterey has long been one of my favorite Northern California weekend getaways for those who love wildlife. It is well-known for being home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium which houses over 35,000 creatures, including sea otters, penguins, and sharks.
But, there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy beyond that marvelous facility. Monterey Bay is a marine sanctuary, and there are many opportunities to view wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, and whales. Taking a whale watching tour or scenic cruise of the bay almost a requirement, especially for first timer visitors.
Elkhorn Slough is my favorite place to spot sea otters, seals, and sea lions, and it is especially wonderful in the spring when they babies are everywhere! While kayakers are welcome to venture out on their own, I recommend a guided tour with Monterey Bay Kayaks. Passionate and friendly guides educate tourgoers about the animals that call the slough home as well as the history and ecology of this critical environment.
After your paddle, grab a bite to eat at The Haute Enchilada, a funky eatery in nearby Moss Landing. This eclectic café serves up Latin American dishes and has onsite galleries which feature local artists’ work.
The rocky coastline of Monterey affords numerous opportunities to enjoy expansive overlooks on jutting bluffs as well as fantastic rocky tide pools for exploring sea life and ocean critters.
Monterey happens to be one of California’s oldest cities, with Spanish settlement beginning in the early 1600s and the state’s oldest standing public building, the Custom House, built in 1814.
It is also home to many other historic sites such as Cannery Row, which was made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name, and the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf, no leave without grabbing a bread bowl filled with clam chowder!
If you want to get active on land, take a stroll or bike ride on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This 18-mile scenic trail takes you along the coast of Monterey Bay and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Monterey’s romantic coastline features dozens of bed and breakfasts, as well as exclusive boutiques for lovers, but if you are looking for lodging overlooking Fisherman’s Wharf in the heart of the action, look no further than Portola Hotel & Spa. Make time to enjoy the rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the bay.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great weekend getaway filled with incredible natural beauty. The town is situated along a scenic coastline with beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and it is surrounded by the dramatic coastal hills of the Monterey Peninsula.
It is a charming and picturesque coastal town known for its unique architecture and rich artistic heritage. The town is home to numerous galleries, studios, and museums, as well as historic landmarks like the Tor House and the Carmel Mission.
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. La Bicyclette is a charming French bistro that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and rustic French cuisine.
Dametra Cafe is popular Mediterranean restaurant that features live music and dancing, along with delicious mezze plates, kebabs, and other Mediterranean dishes. Those looking for a little romance should try Casanova Restaurant, a cozy Italian restaurant with a beautiful garden patio.
Get outside at Point Lobos State Marine Reserve which is just south of town. Deemed “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world” by Australian landscape artist Francis McComas, Point Lobos is a meeting of turquoise waters, craggy cliffs, and sculptural cypress trees.
Bluefin Cove and Whalers Cove are prime spots for viewing baby seals laying on the tiny beaches below. A hike south to China Cove is a fun option for beachfront rock scrambling and admiration of the aquamarine waters.
You will also want to make time to take a scenic drive on 17-Mile Drive which takes you along the scenic coast of the Monterey Peninsula and offering views of the Pacific Ocean and famous landmarks such as The Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: One of my most favorite resort views in all of California is at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. If you can’t afford the splurge to stay there, at least make time to enjoy a cocktail in their lounge with floor to ceiling windows.
Grass Valley and Nevada City
Grass Valley and Nevada City are neighboring towns located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains with rich histories dating back to the Gold Rush era. Both Grass Valley and Nevada City have charming downtown areas with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for strolling and exploring.
Much of Nevada City’s downtown area has been deemed a historic district, with several buildings deemed California Historical Landmarks or on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to Nevada Theater, California’s oldest theater, as well as the National Hotel which is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the West.
Nevada City also happens to be the headquarters for the Tahoe National Forest, and there are several great hiking trails in the forest as well as around town. The Independence Trail, a five-mile round-trip trail, is the nation’s first handicapped-accessible wilderness trail which was created by transforming a historic gold mine ditch!
The downtown area of Grass Valley has streets lined with well-preserved historic buildings, many which were built in the mid-1800s, reflecting the town’s boom during the California Gold Rush era. There are a variety of locally-owned shops, boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and specialty shops. The Grass Valley Museum, located in the old Firehouse No. 1, offers exhibits detailing the town’s history and heritage.
Grass Valley is also home to Empire Mine which was once one of the largest and most prosperous gold mines in California, operating from 1850 to 1956. Today it is a state park and guided tours are available. Visitors can explore the blacksmith shop, the machine shop, and the mine yard, which houses an impressive collection of vintage mining equipment.
In December, both towns come alive with holiday spirit. At Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas celebration you can enjoy wandering carolers dressed in Victorian attire, over 100 artisan vendors, visits with Father Christmas, and fresh roasted chestnuts.
Cornish Christmas is an annual holiday event held in downtown Grass Valley when the area is transformed into a winter wonderland with streets lined with vendors, twinkling lights, and a festive atmosphere. Local merchants and artisans set up booths along the streets, offering a wide array of crafts, handmade goods, art, clothing, jewelry, and holiday treats. There are plenty of holiday-themed activities, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: In Nevada City, stay at the National Exchange, a historic hotel built in 1856 which has been recently renovated. In Grass Valley, The Gold Miners Inn is a nice option.
Point Reyes
Point Reyes is a great weekend getaway destination if you are looking for a spot with rugged scenery, cool ocean air, and the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Head to the Elephant Seal Overlook from late December to mid-March to see the always-entertaining seals during the breeding and pupping season.
Drakes Beach is a great place to spot harbor seals and the occasional sea lion. Chimney Rock is the place to spot migrating gray whales from mid-January to mid-May. You may also see seals, sea lions, and a variety of bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, and gulls.
If you are looking to enjoy a wildlife hike, take the Tomales Point Trail which leads you along the coast and offers spectacular views of the ocean and the chance to spot Tule Elk, which are only found in California.
Tomales Bay is an excellent place to enjoy kayaking, and there are even bioluminescence tours which take place during the evening.
In addition to its natural beauty, Point Reyes is also home to several historic sites, including the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which provides a glimpse into the area’s maritime history. Stop by the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company to taste cheese made locally, including the famed Point Reyes blue cheese.
For a unique experience, visit Heidrun Meadery. This unique winery produces sparkling mead using sustainably sourced honey from Northern California.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway:Nick’s Cove is a historic property is located on Tomales Bay that offers waterfront cottages with fireplaces, a restaurant, and a bar.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a beautiful coastal town just south of San Francisco but its small town charm makes it feel a world away. This is a great destination if you are looking to be outside but it also has an artsy flair and plenty of great culinary pursuits.
Surfing and fishing are the primary attractions near Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor. The fish markets are frequented by locals and the best surfers from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to ride the massive waves at the Mavericks Invitational.
The harbor has several little shops and eateries, and if you would like to get out on those harbor waters yourself, it is easy to rent a kayak at Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.
The tide pools at the Fitzgerald Marine Preserve are a great place for checking out all sorts of critters that call these ecosystems home like clams, starfish, and crabs.
Dreaming about a horseback ride on the beach? Sea Horse Ranch offers a ride through meadows filled with colorful patches of wildflowers, a small gorge with water flowing through it, and a slope opening onto a picture-perfect beach.
Head to the California Coastal Trail and check out Devil’s Slide, a once treacherous section of Highway 1, that was plagued by accidents and road closures until a landslide closed the road for good in 1995. There are dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians now to enjoy the views safely.
Half Moon Bay hosts a famous annual pumpkin festival, making it an especially great weekend destination in the autumn. This community produces more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins each year, earning the town the title, “Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
Lemos Farm is popular destination for pumpkin patchers, and there are train rides, hayrides, and plenty of other attractions to enjoy. If you visit outside of pumpkin season than you may want to head to Lemos Farm for some goat yoga!
Half Moon Bay is also home to several world-class golf courses, including the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which offers incredible ocean views and challenging holes.
When you get hungry, check out It’s Italia for special occassion dining, Sam’s Chowder House for (you guessed it) chowder or their famed lobster rolls, and The Barn for grass-fed burgers and shakes.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Affectionately referred to as the “castle on the coast,” the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is the ultimate place to stay in town if you are craving luxury. Just steps from Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor, the Oceano Hotel and Spa is a centrally located, casual, and comfortable place to stay as well.
Napa
Napa is one of the most famous Northern California weekend getaways thanks to its world famous wineries. Napa is home to some of the world’s best wineries and many of them offer unique tasting experiences.
Taking a tour which visits several wineries is a great way to explore the area and there are various tour options in all sorts of modes of transportation. The Napa Valley Wine Train is a unique and luxurious way to explore the vineyards of Napa. You’ll board a beautifully restored vintage train and travel through the valley while sipping on local wines and dining on gourmet food.
For a more active experience, you can bike through Napa’s vineyards with a guided tour with Napa Valley Bike Tours. You’ll stop at multiple wineries along the way and enjoy tastings.
Platypus Tours offers small group tours of Napa’s best wineries, with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation. Tours include visits to three different wineries (whch rotate daily) and a picnic lunch.
Beyond wine, offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures including hot air balloon rides, hiking, cycling, and golfing. The region is also home to several art galleries, museums, and cultural events throughout the year.
One of my favorites is the annual Mustard Celebration which takes place January through March. This is a celebration of art, wine, and the wild mustard that covers the hillsides in the spring. There are lots of booths and food options to enjoy (including plenty of types of mustard).
If you visit outside of the festival season make time to visit the Jessel Gallery which features many of the artists who produce the gorgeous posters and artwork for the fest each year.
Food is a big part of the Napa Valley experience and Thomas Keller is the most famed chef in the area. His most renowed (and expensive) restaurant is French Laundry, but he also has Ad Hoc and Bouchon Bistro which are also fabulous.
La Toque by chef Ken Frank is known for its dynamic menu highlighting seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to make inventive dishes. Oenotri celebrates the flavors of Southern Italy and sources many of its ingredients from its garden to create wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and authentic Italian dishes. If you want sushi you will never forget, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Napa has several innovative sushi, sashimi, and robata grill dishes.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Setting Inn Napa Valley is a 100-year- old bed and breakfast situated in between Napa and Yountville. The one-acre property features fruit trees, an old English rose garden and herb garden. Rooms are spacious and contemporary and many have balcony views of the surrounding vineyards.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is located along the rugged Sonoma Coast, a scenic and relaxing destination. This is a place to enjoy hiking, beachcombing, and kayaking in the harbor. Bodega Bay is known for its fresh seafood, including Dungeness crab and oysters, which are harvested locally and can be enjoyed at many of the town’s restaurants.
The Bodega Head Trail is a popular coastal hike that offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. The trail is relatively easy and is a fantastic spot for whale watching during the migration season.
Sonoma Coast State Park has a network of hiking trails that wind through rugged coastline, including the Kortum Trail which is well known for its ocean vistas. Also in the park, Bodega Dunes Trail takes you through coastal dunes and lush forested areas.
Bodega Bay is also known for being the filming location of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. The Bodega Bay Visitor Center has a display showcasing the making of the film, and visitors can take a self-guided tour to see the sites where the movie was filmed.
If you are hungry, head to a waterfront restaurant like The Boat House, which is a great spot for Dungeness crab, clam chowder, and fish and chips. The Tides Wharf & Restaurant also offers seafood dishes and waterfront views. Spud Point Crab Company is a family-owned establishment is known for its award-winning clam chowder and fresh crab sandwiches.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Inn at the Tides is known for its rustic elegance and quiet serenity. The location is primo and you get a free bottle of wine upon check in. Bodega Harbor Inn has cottages along the bay that are surrounded by nature as well as classic inn rooms. Their lawn chairs are perfect for watching the sun set while sipping on wine.
Sonora and Jamestown
Sonora is a historic Gold Rush town in the Sierra Nevada foothills that has a charming and well-preserved downtown area with Victorian architecture, unique shops, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Not too far from Yosemite, the surrounding area has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby parks and forests.
The Columbia State Historic Park is a living museum that recreates a Gold Rush town. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own, and can even try their hand at gold panning. Between the 1850s and 1870s over one billion dollars in gold was mined around Columbia and at that time it was the second largest city in California!
Nearby Jamestown is another great place to visit during your wekeend in the Sonora area. It is home to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, which features a historic railroad roundhouse and steam train rides. Visitors can take a train ride through the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and learn about the history of railroads in California.
One of my favorite places to visit when staying in Sonora during the summer is Lake Don Pedro. It is a reservoir that is a fun place to enjoy boating and other watersports like jetskiing waterskiing. In the winter, head up to Dodge Ridge, a small ski resort that is perfect for beginners.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Sonora Inn is a historic hotel in downtown Sonora which was built in 1896 with nice accommodations.
Ferndale
Located in Humboldt County, Ferndale is known for its charming Victorian architecture and small-town atmosphere. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best-preserved Victorian towns in California, with many of its buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
There are several state parks and forests located near Ferndale, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, and Avenue of the Giants. These parks offer hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities surrounded by the tallest trees on the planet.
The Lost Coast is a remote, rugged coastline located north of Ferndale. It is a truly wild place, a far cry from the masses in the Bay Area. It is a good place to go hiking and wildlife viewing.
Ferndale hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. The Kinetic Grand Championship is held in Ferndale every year and it is basically a triathlon of art. Kinetic Sculptures, which are basically all-terrain human-powered art vehicles, race over road, water, mud and sand over 50 miles. It is a crazy spectacle you won’t want to miss!
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Stay in one of the Victorian bed and breakfasts like Gingerbread Mansion where buttermilk waffles, savory sausage quiche and stuffed French toast await.
Mariposa
Mariposa Grove of Sequoias
Mariposa serves as a gateway to Yosemite National Park, but it is also a charming historic town with lots of interesting architecture and cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Getting outside to hike and explore are some of the best reasons to visit.
Mariposa Grove, a grove of giant sequoias inside Yosemite not far from town, has some great hiking trails featuring the massive trees including the Grizzly Giant Loop and the Mariposa Grove Trail.
Yosemite Valley is only an hour away and features some of the most famous hikes and landmarks in the world, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Here is our guide to the best easy hikes in Yosemite.
Finally, the surrounding countryside is gorgeous, with rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
The Merced River Trail outside of town is a four-mile trail that follows the Merced River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the river itself. It is a nice place to picnic alongside the river.
Back in town, the Mariposa Museum & History Center is small but wonderful museum with exhibits concentrating on the Gold Rush and late 19th century. There are exhibits recreating rooms from that era, showcasing mining equipment, and even blacksmithing.
There are several fun little shops in town that sell antiques, crystals, souvenirs, and even a haberdashery where men can experience an old-time shave.
If you are hungry head to 1850 Restaurant and Brewery which is located in the historic courthouse to enjoy local brews and a variety of creative burger options. High Country Health Foods & Cafe is a good place to pack up some vegetarian and gluten free options to take on your daily explorations.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway:Mariposa Lodge is located in the heart of downtown Mariposa and offers comfortable rooms with rustic decor. There is also a lovely garden area where you can relax.
Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek is known as the “Jewel of the Motherlode” and one of the most popular detinations in Gold Country. Main Street is lined with 19th-century buildings and boutique shops which are fun to explore, but the surrounding Sierra foothills lined with vineyards are the main draw.
There are several wineries and tasting rooms in and around Sutter Creek. Bella Grace Vineyards,Baiocchi Wines, Le Mulet Rouge, Miller Wine Works, Uphill Vineyards, and Scott Harvey Winery all have tasting rooms on Main Street.
Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark is located nearby in tiny Volcano, California. This cave gained its “National Natural Landmark” status from the National Park Service due, in part, to its large display of rare helictite formations. You can take 50-minute, guided walking tours which visit three different chambers of the cave and as you descend about 100 feet.
Roaring Camp was a former gold mining camp during the oroginal gold rush which was very difficult to reach, so most of the gold still remains. Today, visitors can see our operating gold mine as well as pan for their own gold in the Mokelumne River Canyon. It is also a great place for fishing and swimming in brilliantly clear waters.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: The Hanford House Inn is an elegant and historic inn features nine guest rooms and suites, each with a unique decor and charm. Hotel Sutter is another historic hotel features 21 rooms and suites, each with modern amenities and classic decor.
Placerville
Placerville is a Gold Rush town east of Sacramento that serves as a gateway to the Tahoe wilderness, El Dorado Wine Country, as well as Gold Country. It was once known as Hang Town due to the fact that five men were once hung on the same day from the same tree.
Historic dowtown Placerville is home to the Fountain-Tallman Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s Wild West history. You will also want to stop in Placerville Hardware Store, “the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi” as well as the towns many antique shops. If you plan well, you can even take advantage of the free stagecoach rides offered once a month.
If you want to dive deeper into the town’s mining history, head to Gold Bug Park and Mine which offers tours and has a museum, historic stamp mill, blacksmith shop, and gem panning trough.
During the fall and holiday seasons, head up Highway 50 a few miles to Apple Hill, a community of farmers that grow Christmas trees, pumpkins, and plenty of apples. During this time of year the region is bustling with tourists visit the farms to enjoy festivals, food, apple picking, and plenty of fun.
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway: Embrace Placerville’s history by staying at the Historic Cary House Hotel. The property has plenty of antiques, some dating back to the 1850s, and is a short walk to all that Placerville’s Main Street has to offer.
Crescent City
Tucked up in to the northwestern corner of the state is Crescent City, a coastal town with plenty of history which serves as an excellent home base for exploring the redwoods.
One of my favorite parks in the area is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, located just nine miles east of town. It is home to a lush rainforest and the crystal clear Smith River, the longest major free-flowing river in California. Some of the trees have been growing in this park for over 1,000 years!
Crescent City is located on the Pacific Ocean, providing visitors with stunning views of rugged coastlines, sea stacks, and beaches. On March 27, 1964 a tsunami triggered by the Great Alaska Earthquake (amginitude 9.2!) hit the town, damaging the harbor area, destroying buildings, and resulted in the loss of several lives. In all 30 city blocks were destroyed but thankfully the town rebuilt and has today been deemed “tsunami ready”.
The Battery Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on a small island just off the coast of Crescent City. You can actually walk across to the lighthouse during low tide when the water receeds which is pretty fun to do! Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the lighthouse and the area.
Crescent City is a great whale watching destination from December through April, during the gray whale migration. You can try to spot whales from the Battery Point Lighthouse, Pebble Beach, and Point St. George but your best bet is to book a whale watching excursion out of Crescent City Harbor.
If you are looking for a more active experience out on the water, Redwood Rides offer guided sea kayaking trips where you paddle a 1/2 mile out to Castle Rock, a protected National Wildlife Refuge.
Crescent City has a variety of dining options to choose from. Some of the best places to eat in Crescent City include:
Where to stay on your Northern California weekend getaway:Oceanview Inn and Suites is just steps from the beach and a short drive to Redwood National Park. Cheerful model sailboats line the lobby and breakfast is included.
]]>121312 Venomous Snakes in California
https://californiatravellife.com/venomous-snakes-in-california/
Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:25:18 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1394There are several different varieties of venomous snakes in California. From legends of Old West lore like the Western Diamondback Snake to the dizzying dancers of the desert, the Sidewinder, there is great variety of poisonous snakes in California to enjoy (from a distance- of course!).
Not all poisonous snakes in California cause a life-threatening danger to humans. Some use their venom to subdue their prey and will only cause mild irritation to large mammals. Others are quite dangerous but not deadly, as long as medical treatment is sought immediately.
Only about 800 people receive a venomous snake bite in California per year. That”s just 2.5 bites per 100,000 people! And even better news- there are only one or two deadly rattlesnake bites per year in the entire country! Those are pretty great odds!
Snakes should not be feared but respected. Give them plenty of space and head their warnings (like a shake of the rattle) and you can enjoy these wonderful creatures who play a crucial role in our state’s ecosystems.
At the end of this article you will find snake safety tips as well as tips on what to do on the rare occassion of a venmous snake bite.
The Western Rattlesnake is the most widepspread venmous snake in California and there are four distinct subspecies that can be found in the state- The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Northern Mojave Rattlesnake, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. Here are details about each one:
1. Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is a larger snake, with adults typically ranging from 3 to 4 feet in length. They have a relatively thick body with a series of dark, diamond-shaped blotches running down their back. The coloration can vary, but they often have a brown, gray, or olive background color, with darker brown or black blotches bordered by lighter scales.
This subspecies is found in the Pacific Northwest, including parts of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, rocky slopes, and desert areas. In California, they are known to inhabit regions such as the Sierra Nevada, the coastal ranges, and the Central Valley.
Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes are primarily active during the warmer months and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are ambush predators, feeding on a diet that primarily consists of small mammals, birds, lizards, and occasionally other snakes. They use their venom to immobilize and digest their prey.
Fun fact: A new rattle is gained each time a rattlesnake sheds it skin!
2. Northern Mojave Rattlesnake
The Northern Mojave Rattlesnake, aka: the Mojave Green Rattlesnake, is found in southeastern California, from the Colorado River north of the San Bernardino County line, west through the Mojave Desert to the Antelope Valley, to Walker Pass in the Sierra Nevada, and east of the Sierra Nevada into Inyo County.
In many ways, the Northern Mojave Rattlesnake looks and acts like a Western Diamondback, but there are some differences in appearance.
The most easy way to differientiate the two is location, location, location. Northern Mojave Rattlesnakes live in the high desert while Western Diamondbacks live in Southern California’s low desert.
It is a stout snake with a triangular head and a blackish or brown body with a series of light-colored saddles. The tail is long and has a prominent rattle. Adults typically measure between 2 and 4 feet in length.
This snake prefers open, arid habitats, such as grassland, desert scrub, rocky slopes, creosote bush flats, open juniper woodland, and light chaparral. It can also be found in lower mountain slopes up to about 8,000 feet in elevation. This rattlesnake feeds primarily on small mammals (mice, rats, rabbits, gophers), but will eat lizards and amphibians as well.
The Northern Mojave Rattlesnake is the most venomous snake in California, and its bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, most bites are not fatal, and with proper medical care, the vast majority of people bitten by this snake make a full recovery.
3. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
Light Morph Southwest Speckled Rattlesnake
The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is found in the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern California. It has a light brown or grayish-brown coloration with lighter blotches outlined by darker speckles.
It lives in the Santa Ana mountains of eastern Orange County, most of San Diego County (except the coastal area), eastern Imperial County, most of Riverside County, most of the southern half of San Bernardino County, and the Antelope Valley.
Speckled Rattlesnakes are most often spotted in rocky areas and they come in a variety of colors that camouflage well with their rocky homes. When the rocks are lighter in color, the snake will be snake will be light in color with darker speckled bandings across its back. If the rocks are darker, the snakes will be dark as well.
Adult Speckled Rattlesnakes are typically 2-3.5 feet in length. They do have black and white rings near the end of their tail at the rattle. Like all pit vipers, they have pits on the sides of their triangular heads which they use to detect heat and identify prey. They are primarily ambush predators who eat small mammals, reptiles, and small birds.
The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is the subspecies of Western Rattlesnake that is most commonly seen in Southern California. They live in Southern California west of the San Bernardino Mountain range. They won’t be found in the desert or Imperial County.
Many people tend to think that the rattlesnakes they are seeing in the LA/OC/SD area are Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, but those snakes do not live in this area. If you see a rattler in this region, itis very likely a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.
You will see them most often in chaparral, rocky areas, and grassy areas. I have seen them most often near rocks sunning themselves or in dry grass near the edges of trails.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes are most active in the spring and fall. Truth be told, they usually see you before you see them and will give you fair warning with a rattle of their tale. They are not aggressive but they are venomous, so steer clear and give them plenty of space if you are passing by.
These snakes are anywhere from 1-5 feet long, and have a stripe behind the eye extending behind the corner of the mouth. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes have rattles and their tails are more stumpy than a Gopher Snake (which can look similar). Gopher Snakes have tails that taper and become quite skinny at the end and no rattle.
Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Tail vs Gopher Snake Tail
They do have light and dark rings at the tail but they aren’t sharply contrasting like the Western Diamondback and Northern Mojave Rattlesnake. There is a thicker tail ring right before the rattle that is generally dark brown in color. It has a light brown or grayish-brown coloration with distinctive dark blotches along the body.
Like other rattlesnakes in California, these snakes eat lizards, small mammals, amphibians, birds, and even other snakes!
There are over 25 varieties of snakes in Joshua Tree National Park, including the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. Use our Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary and keep your eyes out while exploring.
5. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a beautiful rattlesnake that is highly regarded in Western lore. It is named for the diamond-shaped pattern on its back, which consists of dark brown or gray-brown diamond-shaped blotches outlined in lighter color.
They have a triangular-shaped head and a distinctive rattle at the end of their tail, which they use as a warning signal when threatened. These are big snakes, generally 3-5 feet in length, but some have been recorded at up to seven feet long! The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake in California.
Western Diamondbacks are not agressive towards humans andmost bites occur when people are messing with these snakes or not paying attention to where they are walking. They can strike within one-third of their body length, so give them space!
Diamondbacks have pits on the side of their heads that sense heat and help them target prey. They eat a variety of small mammals such as mice, kangaroo rats, and jackrabbits.
Did you know? Rattlesnake rattles are made of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up our fingernails and a rhino’s horn. Pieces of rattles can get damaged or break off, but it is painless.
6. Red Diamond Rattlesnake
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is another one of the beautiful venomous snakes in California. It lives in the southernmost reaches of the state, mostly in coastal areas, chaparral, and rocky, scrubby mountain areas in San Diego County, Orange County, and western Riverside County.
It is easiest to identify this snake because of its rusty or ruddy red coloring. The snake’s body does have a faint diamond pattern and the black and white rings near the rattle that are common among many rattlesnakes in Southern California.
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is 2-5 feet long and has those trademark rattlesnake pits on the sides of their triangular heads used to detect heat and identify prey. They eat small mammals, lizards, and birds .
Fun fact: A rattlesnake shakes its rattle 60 time per second. That’s fast!
7. Mojave Desert Sidewinder
The Mojave Desert Sidewinder or Horned Rattlesnake, is a venomous snake species found primarily in the Mojave Desert in California. Their venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans, and bites are relatively rare. However, if you are bitten, you should still definitely seek medical attention.
The Mojave Desert Sidewinder has a distinctive horn-like projection above each eye, which gives it a unique appearance. The body coloration varies but often includes shades of tan, brown, or gray, allowing the snake to blend in with its desert surroundings and is typically 2-3 feet long.
One of the most remarkable adaptations of sidewinders is their unique mode of locomotion known as sidewinding. Rather than slithering in a typical serpentine fashion, the sidewinder moves by utilizing a lateral series of sideways loops, with only a few points of its body in contact with the ground at any given time. This specialized movement helps the snake navigate loose sandy terrain efficiently.
Sidewinders are pit vipers and use their heat-sensitive pits located between its nostrils and eyes to detect and accurately locate warm-blooded prey, such as small mammals, even in complete darkness or buried beneath the sand. Sidewinders are primarily nocturnal, being most active during the cooler hours of the evening and night.
8. Colorado Desert Sidewinder
The Colorado Desert Sidewinder is a sidewinder subspecies that is primarily found in the Colorado Desert of California which is in Riverside and Imperial County.
Sidewinders have a distinctive appearance with a relatively small and slender body, typically measuring 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length. They have light tan to pale brown coloration, often with darker brown or reddish-brown patches or crossbands on their back. Their most notable features are the horn-like scales above each eye.
Colorado Sidewinders are well-adapted to desert environments. Their name comes from their unique method of locomotion, where they move by a sidewinding motion. This movement pattern helps them navigate loose sand while minimizing body contact with the hot surface. Their scales are also specialized to enhance traction in sandy environments.
Sidewinders are primarily nocturnal, preferring to be active during the cooler hours of the evening and night. They spend much of their time buried in the sand during the day, seeking refuge from the intense desert heat.
The Panamint Rattlesnake is a rattlesnake found in the Panamint Mountains of Death Valley National Park. It lives on rocky slopes as well as the canyons and shrublands of this arid desert range.
This rattlesnake has a slender body with a distinct diamond-shaped pattern along the back. The coloration of the snake varies, but it typically has a gray or brownish background color with dark brown or black blotches bordered by lighter edges. Adults are usually 3 to 4 feet in length.
Like all rattlesnakes, the Panamint Rattlesnake has a rattle at the end of its tail which is used to give a warning as a mechanism of defense. They are primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending much of their time hidden under rocks or in crevices during the day. These ambush predators feed on small mammals, lizards, birds, and even other snakes.
The Panamint Rattlesnake is considered a species of conservation concern due to its restricted range and habitat fragmentation. It is protected under California state law, and efforts are being made to conserve its habitat and monitor its populations.
The Lyre Snake is a variety of venomous snake that lives in California. Thankfully, the venom of this snake is not nearly as dangerous of those previously listed in the this guide. It may cause some irritation to humans and large animals, but isn’t truly dangerous.
There are two species of Lyre Snake that call California home. The California Lyre Snake is by far the most common. It lives throughout much of Southern California, other than the desert regions west of the LA Metro area and most of Imperial County. The other variety is the Sonoran Lyre Snake which lives in far eastern San Bernadino, Riverside, and Imperial counties.
These snakes generally live in rocky areas like deserts and chaparral hillsides. They are good at climbing in and around rocks and their coloration makes for excellent camouflage.
The color of these snakes’ bodies (which are 2-3 feet in length) usually matches the rocks of their habitat, which are usually shades of tan or brown. They have large, irregular shaped splotches on their backs and smaller version of those splotches on their sides. The splotches are darker than the body. The Sonoran Lyre Snake has fewer splotches than California Lyre Snake and their splotches tend to be further spaced apart.
They have a v-shaped marking on the top of their heads, aka: a lyre and the pupils of the Lyre Snake are vertical.
Lyre Snakes are nocturnal and mostly eat lizards, but they will also eat small snakes and mammals. They will also eat birds and bats. The tend to camouflage themselves in the rock and sneak up and ambush their prey.
11. Ring-necked Snake
Monterey Ring-necked Snake
The Ring-necked Snake is mildly venomous, but the good new is that the venom does not pose a threat to humans. In the rare event of a bite from a Ring-necked snake, it may cause a slight irritation or localized reaction, but it is generally harmless and does not require medical attention.
They tend to be shades of gray, from olive to charcoal, and have a distinctive orange or yellow band on the back of their necks. They are bright orange underneath, and will flip their tail up to show you their underside if they feel threatened.
There are four subspecies of Ring-necked Snake in California:
The Monterey Ring-necked Snake lives in Santa Barbara County and up the Central Coast.
The San Bernardino Ring-necked Snake can be found in the LA Metro area (minus the Antelope Valley) frmo Ventura County south to Orange County.
The San Diego Ring-necked Snake lives in San Diego County.
The Sierra Ring-necked Snake lives in montane habitats within the Sierra Nevadas, including forests, meadows, and rocky areas.
Ring-necked Snakes are small, only about pencil width, and just 10-16 inches in length. They live in moist habitats like woodlands, irrigated farmland, grasslands, riparain areas, or rocky hillsides. These are shy snakes that generally hide under things and you are most likely to find them by lifting up rocks or logs, or out around dusk.
They like to eat amphibians like salamanders, small frogs, and tadpoles. They will also eat slugs, worms, and tiny snakes and lizards.
12. Nightsnake
San Diego Nightsnake
Nightsnakes are another species of snake that is mildly venomous, but the venom is not dangerous to humans. The snake’s venom is primarily used for subduing its small prey, and typically result in only mild symptoms such as slight pain and localized swelling on humans.
There are three subspecies of the Nightsnake in California:
The California Nightsnake lives along the Central Coast, Sierra Nevada Foothills, and the mountains north and west of the Sacramento Valley,
The Desert Nightsnake is in Mojave and Colorado river regions of the state as well as the arid regions in the far northeastern corner of the state.
The San Diego Nightsnake lives mainly in Ventura County, LA Metro, and San Diego Metro regions that aren’t desert.
These snakes are common to chaparral and deserts, grasslands and sagebrush, and even backyards! They like to hide under rocks or pieces of wood during the day. At night they hunt for lizards, frogs, salamanders, and small mice. They inject their mild venom by chewing.
Nightsnakes can look like rattlesnake, but they are much smaller (10-16 inches), don’t have rattles, and are nocturnal. They also have flat, triangular heads. Nightsnakes can also be mistaken for Gopher Snakes but again, they are much smaller. Also they have vertical pupils whereas the Gopher Snake has round pupils.
Their base color tends to match their environment which is usually anywhere for cream to light brown or gray. They have big brown or gray splotches down their backs and small splotches on their sides. They have bigger, darker blotches on their necks and their heads that match their base color.
Tips on How to Minimize Your Risk of Snake Bites While Exploring California
I love to hike and explore the more wild portion of our state, but encounters with wildlife are inevitable. I have seen rattlesnakes while hiking many times but have never come close to a bite because I follow some common sense tips. Here they are:
Wear appropriate footwear: When hiking or exploring in snake-prone areas, especially during the spring and fall when they are most active, wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet and ankles. This is the place you are most likely to get bit, especially if you accidentally step on a snake.
Stay on designated paths: Avoid walking through tall grass, dense vegetation, or rocky areas where snakes may be hiding.
Watch where you are going: We call my daughter the “snake finder” because she always has her eyes on the ground ahead of her on the trail. She has saved more than one oblivious hiker from an unnecessary encounter.
Avoid reaching into concealed areas: I feel like this should go without saying but I will say it- don’t stick your hands into holes in the ground or piles of rocks where snakes might be resting. If you want to lift a log or rock, use a tool or stick to gently probe before lifting it up.
Avoid surprising snakes: Make noise while walking, especially in areas with limited visibility, to alert snakes of your presence and give them a chance to move away.
Use a flashlight at night: If you’re exploring at night, use a flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your surroundings and watch for any snake movement. Many snakes are nocturnal.
Keep a safe distance if you see a snake: If you encounter a snake, give it a wide berth and maintain a safe distance. Most snakes will try to retreat and avoid confrontation if they feel threatened. And for goodness snake, don’t try to touch or pick up the snake!
If You Get Bit by a Venomous Snake in California
If you get bitten by a rattlesnake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Follow these tips and try to get to a hospital as soon as possible:
Stay Calm: Keep the affected area as still as possible. Movement can spread the venom more quickly through the body.
Call for help: Call 911 or have someone call for help immediately. Describe the situation and let them know that it is a snakebite.
Remove tight clothing or jewelrynear the bite: Swelling may occur, and it’s important to prevent constriction if possible.
Keep the bite below heart level: If possible, position the affected limb below the level of your heart to slow the spread of venom. This can help reduce the rate at which venom circulates through the body.
Do not apply a tourniquet: A tourniquet can worsen tissue damage and restrict blood flow, potentially causing further harm.
Do not ice the wound: Cold applications are generally not recommended as they can worsen tissue damage.
Do not attempt to suck out the venom: You have probably seen this happen in Old Westerns but it isn’t a good idea. It is ineffective and can introduce bacteria into the wound.
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]]>139434 California Birds of Prey + Pics and Identification Tips
https://californiatravellife.com/california-birds-of-prey/
Wed, 14 Jun 2023 22:32:11 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1276California is a diverse state that provides wonderful habitat for a variety of raptors. There are over 30 different California birds of prey that you might see soaring up above, diving for a kill, or calling out into the night sky.
Birds of prey are a group of birds characterized by their predatory behavior and specialized adaptations for hunting. They are known for their exceptional eyesight, sharp talons, hooked beaks, and powerful flight capabilities, which enable them to efficiently capture and subdue their prey.
Birds of prey play important ecological roles as top predators in their ecosystems. They help regulate prey populations and maintain the overall balance of their habitats. They occupy diverse habitats in California, ranging from forests and grasslands to deserts and coastal areas. These birds exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and hunting techniques.
Some common examples of birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and harriers. These birds exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and hunting techniques. They occupy diverse habitats in California, ranging from forests and grasslands to deserts and coastal areas.
34 California Birds of Prey You Might See in the Golden State
Eagles That Live in California
1. Bald Eagle
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Thanks to conservation efforts, the Bald Eagle is now a species of least concern. While the Bald Eagle has a stable population, The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, prohibits anyone from “taking” bald eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs.
Where in California can I see bald eagles?
According to the California Depatment of Fish and Wildlife, “Bald Eagles are found 41 of the State’s 58 counties,” and, “about half of the State’s wintering bald eagles are found in the Klamath Basin along the California-Oregon border, the location of the largest winter concentration of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states.”
In all, there are about 1,000 Bald Eagles in California. Some are year round residents but most are only in California through winter. Peak time for spotting Bald Eagles is November through March when they are breeding and hatching new fledglings.
In Northern California, in addition to the Klamath Basin, Bald Eagles are also commonly seen at Shasta Lake and Lake Almanor, thanks to the lakes’ abundant fish populations which attract the eagles. They are also spotted sometimes at Mono Lake on the eastern side of the Sierras.
Bald Eagles have made a comeback in the San Francisco Bay Area in recent years. They can be observed in locations such as Lake Chabot in Castro Valley, Lake Berryessa in Napa County, and Crystal Springs Reservoir in San Mateo County.
In Southern California they are seen most often at Lake Perris, Lake Hemet, Lake Arrowhead, and Catalina Island. There is also a rather famous pair of Bald Eagles that live in Big Bear Lake which have a live bald eagle webcam dedicated to them. The Catalina Island pair has a live cam as well.
Bald Eagle Description and Identification Tips
Adult Bald Eagles have a distinctive white head and tail, contrasting with their dark brown body. They have a wingspan of around 6-7 feet and can weigh between 8-14 pounds.
Bald Eagles are primarily fish-eaters and have a diet that consists mainly of fish such as salmon, trout, and herring. However, they are opportunistic hunters and will also feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion. They have powerful talons and sharp beaks to catch and tear their prey.
They prefer to live near large bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and marshes. Bald Eagles build large nests called “aeries” in tall trees near water bodies. Bald Eagles are monogamous and typically mate for life.
Bald Eagles eggs take 35 days to hatch. Hatchlings learn to fly at around three months of age and fledge about four weeks after that. They reach full maturity at 4-5 years old and typically have a lifespan of 15-25 years in the wild.
Fun Fact: The Bald Eagle was chosen as the national bird and emblem of the United States in 1782 (despite Benjamin Franklin’s lobbying for the turkey). The Bald Eagle appears on the Great Seal of the United States and is widely depicted in American art, currency, and government insignia.
2. Golden Eagle
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: While the Golden Eagle has a stable population and is a species of least concern, The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibits anyone from “taking” golden eagles, including their parts (including feathers), nests, or eggs.
Where in California can I see Golden Eagles?
Golden Eagles can be found up and down the state, but the Bay Area has the largest population of Golden Eagles in the world. There are more breeding pairs around Mount Diablo and the surrounding hillsides than anywhere else.
Unfortunately, wind turbines in the area have had a harmful impact on these majestic birds of prey. According to the California Audubon Society, “Thousands of Eagles have been maimed, injured, and killed by the turbines used to generate wind energy, particularly in Altamont Pass.”
Most Golden Eagles that live in California are year-round residents, but there are some than migrate into California for the winter. In addition to the large Bay Area population, Golden Eagles can be found in forests, canyons, grasslands, and oak woodlands throughout the state. They aren’t seen much in the Central Valley.
Did you know? Golden Eagles started breeding on the Channel Islands thanks to a population of feral pigs, deeer, and endemic Channel Islands fox that provided an easy food source. The result was a catostrophic decline in the fox population, bringing them close to extinction.
The National Park Service made the decision to live trap and relocate the Golden Eagles from 1999-2006. 44 Golden Eagles, including 10 eaglets born on the islands, were trapped and relocated. None have returned and as a result, the fox population has rebounded.
Golden Eagle Description and Identification Tips
Golden Eagles are one of the largest birds of prey in North America. They have a wingspan of about 6 to 7.5 feet and can weigh between 7 to 15 pounds . Adults have dark brown feathers on their body and wings, with a golden-colored head and neck.
Golden Eagles primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and marmots. They are also known to prey on birds, including waterfowl and even larger species like cranes and swans. Occasionally, they may scavenge on carrion or even capture larger prey such as deer or sheep.
Golden Eagles are skilled hunters and use their sharp talons and powerful beaks to catch and kill their prey. They are known for their incredible speed and agility in flight, often soaring high in the sky and then diving swiftly to catch their prey.
They are solitary birds, except during the breeding season when pairs come together to raise their young. They do mate for life.
Golden Eagles are known for building huge nests. They are typically 5-6 feet wide and about about three feet deep. They are most often found on cliffs can but also be built on trees, windmills, and even transmission towers. They are not usually city dwellers and stick to more wild spaces with lots of prey.
Female Golden Eagles will lay 1-3 eggs with an incubation period of about 45 days. Eaglets fledge about 7-10 weeks after hatching and juveniles become independent of their parents about 80 days after fledging. They reach maturity at four years of age and generally live 25-30 years.
Vultures That Live in California
3. Turkey Vulture
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Turkey Vultures are the most widespread vulture in North America and are a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Turkey Vultures?
Turkey Vultures are the most common bird of prey in California and are found all throughout the state in all sorts of environments such as forests, grasslands, deserts, suburban, and even urban areas. They will basically be found everywhere throughout the state except for the highest elevations.
I live in Orange County and see Turkey Vultures nearly every day. As a matter of fact, we have a large flock that roosts in the wildlands in between two housing developments nearby. They love to circle in the air currents, looking for carrion.
Turkey Vulture Description and Identification Tips
Turkey Vultures have a unique appearance with a bald, red head, a long, hooked beak, and a dark brown to black plumage. They have a wingspan of about 5.5 to 6.5 feet and weigh around 4 to 5 pounds.
They are easy to identify in the air thanks to their light plummage (typically light gray) which forms a “v” from the tips of their wings to their tail. This contrasts with the remaining plummage which is dark brown to black. In flight, their wings form a V-shape and they have a wobbly, rocking motion as they soar.
Turkey Vultures are often seen soaring high in the sky, using thermals (rising columns of warm air) to gain altitude. They have excellent flying abilities and can cover long distances during their flights. When on the ground, they walk with a wobbly, unsteady gait.
Turkey Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion (dead animals). They have a highly developed sense of smell, which helps them locate dead animals from a distance. They are not equipped for killing or tearing apart prey like other raptors, but instead rely on their keen sense of smell to locate and feed on decaying carcasses.
Turkey Vultures do not build nests. Instead, they lay their eggs on the ground in caves, hollow logs, or other sheltered locations. They typically lay one to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. They take about five weeks to hatch.
Babies take about 12 weeks to become fully independent and juveniles take two years to become fully mature. Turkey Vultures live up to 20 years in the wild.
Fun Fact: Turkey Vultures have some pretty gross habits (besides eating decaying animals). One of their main methods of self defense is vomitting their food at an animal that is disturbing it, sending their vomit up to 10 feet in the nuisance’s direction.
Their other gross habit involves them defecating on their feet. They do this for two reasons. First, it cools off their feet in hot weather and second, the digestive juices in their stomach kill bacteria so their feces can act as an antiseptic.
4. California Condor
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The California Condor is Critically Endangered and has been protected as an endangered species by federal law since 1967 and California state law since 1971. At that time, there were only a few dozen condors left in the wild.
In the 1980s, their population reached a low point of only 27 individuals. Through intensive conservation efforts, in large part by the San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos, their population has slowly increased. As of 2022, there were over 561 California Condors.
Where in California can I see California Condors?
The historic range of the California Condor extended across much of North America. However, due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning (DDT caused egg shells to be brittle and crack easily and digestion of bullets in animal carcasses resulted in lead poisoning), their population dramatically declined. By the 1970s and 80s, they were only found in a small area of Southern California.
Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and reintroduction programs, have expanded their range, and they can now be found in parts of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico.
The Southern California Flock at the Hopper Mountain Refuge was established in 1995 and there are 89 birds. The Central California Flock at Pinnacles National Park was introduced in 1997 and there are 94 birds today.
A new Pacific Northwest flock was established in 2022 with eight individuals at Redwood National Park. It is a collaborative effort many decades in the making and the Yurok Tribe has been a large reason for the selection of this particular area for introduction.
California Condor Description and Identification Tips
California Condors are one of the largest flying birds in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 9.8 feet and can weigh up to 26 pounds. They have black feathers with white markings under the wings, and their bare head and neck are pinkish-orange.
California Condors are scavengers and primarily feed on carrion. They rely on their excellent eyesight to locate carcasses from the air. They feed on a variety of animals, including deer, cattle, and smaller mammals. They play a crucial role in cleaning up the environment by consuming carrion and preventing the spread of diseases.
Like other vultures, California Condors do not build nests. They find cavities in rocky cliffs or in the hollows of large redwood trees. Females only lay one egg per nesting cycle. Eggs hatch in about 55 days. Juveniles fledge about six months after hatching. They don’t have adult coloration until they are five years old. They can live for over 60 years, and impressive age for a bird of prey.
Conservation efforts for the California Condor involve captive breeding programs, habitat protection, and public awareness campaigns. The birds are monitored closely, and some individuals are fitted with radio transmitters to track their movements and health. Reintroduction efforts have focused on releasing condors into suitable habitats and reducing threats such as lead poisoning from ammunition fragments in carrion.
5. Black Vulture
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Black Vultures are considered a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Black Vultures?
Black Vultures do not breed in California. Instead there are vagrants that seem to be leaving the Arizona population for points north. They have been spotted as far north as Sonoma County in Bolinas, but are mostly seen in California closer to the border. Sometime young Turkey Vultures can be mistaken for Black Vultures.
Black Vulture Description and Identification Tips
Black Vultures are medium-sized birds with a wingspan of about 4-5 feet and a body length of around two feet. They have black feathers all over their body, including their head and neck. Their legs and feet are grayish-black in color. Unlike other vultures, black vultures have a short, hooked beak.
Black Vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. They are adaptable and can be seen in both rural and urban environments.
Black Vultures are scavengers, feeding primarily on carrion. They have a keen sense of smell and can locate carrion from long distances. They often gather in groups and compete with other scavengers, such as turkey vultures, for food. Flocks can have hundreds of individuals, especially near garbage dumps.
Fun fact: Black Vultures don’t have voice boxes! They will, however, hiss and grunt when bothered.
Hawks That Live in California
6. Red-Tailed Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Red-tailed Hawks are considered a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Red-tailed Hawks?
Red-tailed Hawks are widely distributed across the state and certainly the most commonly spotted hawk in California. They can be seen from the coastline to the desert, and in both wild and urban areas.
The vast agricultural landscapes of the Central Valley provide excellent hunting grounds for Red-tailed Hawks. Look for them perched on fence posts or soaring in the sky.
Along the coastlines of California look for them in areas with cliffs, bluffs, or open fields near the ocean. Red-tailed Hawks can be also found in forested areas throughout the state. They can be spotted soaring above the tree canopy or perched on treetops.
Red-tailed Hawks are adaptable and are often spotted in urban and suburban environments. Look for them perched on light posts, buildings, or in tree-lined neighborhoods. We have a dark morph Red-tailed Hawk that I see in our neighborhood regularly. I usually hear him before I see him soaring above the neighborhood looking for a snack.
Red-Tailed Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Red-tailed Hawks have a wingspan of around 4 to 5 feet and a body length of about 18 to 26 inches. They have broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail that is often red or reddish-brown, giving them their name. Their plumage can vary but typically includes shades of brown with a pale underbelly and a dark belly band.
Red-tailed Hawks are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on small mammals such as rodents (mice, voles, rabbits), but they also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, and sometimes carrion. They use their keen eyesight to spot prey from high perches or while soaring, then swoop down to catch it with their sharp talons.
These California birds of prey are known for their impressive aerial displays during courtship, where they engage in thrilling acrobatic flights and aerial courtship rituals. Their loud, high-pitched scream-like calls are often associated with their presence. You can hear them here.
Red-tailed Hawks are solitary birds outside of the breeding season and typically mate for life. They are excellent co-parents and work together to build their nest, incubate the eggs, and raise their young. Red-tailed Hawks tend to lay 2-3 at a time andincubate the eggs for 28-35 days.
Young Red-tailed Hawks stay with their parents for about 10-12 weeks and generally fledge around 45 days. They reach full maturity at 3-4 years of age and live for 10-15 years in the wild.
7. Ferruginous Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Ferruginous Hawks are considered threatened. There are currently fewer than 4,000 pairs left on Earth. Their decline is due to hunting and loss of habitat.
Where in California will I find this raptor?
Far less common than the Red-tailed Hawk, the Ferruginous Hawk does use California as a wintering destination. They can be spotted between late September and April in grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, and low foothills.
They generally prefer open, treeless areas and will roost on a lone tree in the area or even a utility pole. You will not find these raptors in urban areas or heavily treed regions because they do require those wide, open expanses in order to hunt.
The Central Valley offers good habitat for Ferruginous Hawks. Look for them in agricultural areas, grasslands, and open fields. You will also see them in Mojave Desert, Owens Valley east of the Sierra, and Carrizo Plain National Monument which has vast expanses of grassland.
Ferruginous Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Ferruginous Hawks are one of the largest North American hawks, with a wingspan of about 4 to 5 feet and a length of around 22 to 27 inches. They have a robust build with broad wings and a large head.
Their plumage varies depending on the age and geographic location, but adults typically have a rusty or light brown color on their upperparts, while their underparts are pale or white. They have a distinctive white or light-colored throat and a dark belly band. These hawk can be identified in flight by the V that forms as result of their rust legs and white underparts.
They tend to eat small mammals that inhabit grasslands such as rabbits, squirrels, gophers, and mice. They will also eat birds and snakes.
Ferruginous Hawks build large stick nests in trees, shrubs, or on the ground. They may start with an old nest, like a crow’s nest, and then make it much bigger and bulkier with lots of sticks and twigs, as well as cow dung. They often return to their nests year after year, growing them to huge sizes over time.
Fun fact: Back when bison roamed the West, Ferruginous Hawk’s built their nests with sticks and pieces of bison bones, and lined their nests with bison dung!
The female lays around 2-4 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young. Ferruginous Hawks co-parent as well, but the mother does most of the nesting and the father does the bulk of the hunting. Eggs hatch after 30-35 days.
The chicks fledge at 45 days and stay a few weeks longer after that to learn to hunt with their parents. The reach full maturity after 3-4 years.
8. Red-Shouldered Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Red-shouldered Hawks are considered a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Red-shouldered Hawks?
The Red-shouldered Hawk is onother one of the more commonly spotted hawks in California. This beautiful bird has a year-round population in the state and can be found in various regions of California, particularly in the central and coastal parts of the state. They prefer habitats with dense woodlands, forests, riparian areas, and wetlands.
It is commonly spotted in riparian woodlands, but it also makes an appearance in residential areas when there is bird feeder attracting song birds that it can easily hunt and eat. It also likes to hang out in eucalyptus groves and oak woodlands.
Red-shouldered Hawks are most commonly spotted in the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Cruz Mountains, Sierra Nevada foothills, Sacramento Valley, and the coastal areas around San Francisco Bay.
Red-shouldered Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Red-shouldered Hawks are about 17-24 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 37-43 inches. Generally speaking, they are about the size of a crow and females are larger than males.
These hawks have a distinct reddish-brown coloration on their upper wings and shoulders (no its’s not just a clever name!). They have a barred pattern on their chest and belly, with a white underside. Their tail is marked with dark bands.
In addition to song birds in residential areas, these hawks also eat small mammals (like mice and voles), lizards, and snakes. They hunt from a perch, like a tree, and then swoop down to snag their prey when they spot it.
Red-shouldered Hawks do return to the same nest year after year, so once you have found their “spot”, you can expect to see your new pals again next year. They are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They build nests in the forks of large trees using sticks and lined with softer materials such as moss and leaves.
Their nests usually have 3-4 and young hatch after 30-35 days, fledge after six weeks, and stay with their parents for 8-10 weeks longer to get fed and learn how to hunt. They reach full maturity after 2-3 years and live for 10-15 years in the wild.
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Cooper’s Hawks are considered a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Cooper’s Hawks?
Cooper’s Hawks are versatile and can be found in a variety of habitats across the state, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with ample tree cover. They are particularly fond of edge habitats where they can hunt prey in both open areas and wooded areas.
The Cooper’s Hawk is also a common hawk in urban and suburban areas. While their natural habitat is the forest, they have discovered that they have a taste for doves and pigeons, and they have plenty of both to eat if they stick to where the people are.
If you have a bird feeder, there is a chance that a Cooper’s Hawk might look at it as a smorgasbord, and we aren’t taking about the bird seed! If you do have a hawk that is suddenly using your bird feeder as a hunting ground, remove it for a week and the bird will move on.
Cooper’s Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Cooper’s Hawks have a compact and agile build with rounded wings and a long, rounded tail. Adults have blue-gray upperparts, reddish barring on the chest, and a distinctive black cap on their heads. They have a long tail and shorter wings than a Red-tailed or Red-shouldered Hawk.
Cooper’s Hawks are excellent flyers and move quickly through the air or vegetation to snag their prey. They kill it by squeezing it to death, but they have also been known to drown their prey as well. While they primarily feed on birds, they will also eat small mammals like squirrels and rabbits.
Did you know? Cooper’s Hawks like to eat medium-sized birds, including their own! That’s right, they are cannibals!
A male Cooper’s Hawk is much smaller than a female (they are both around crow size. Males are a small crow, females are a large crow), so it has to be very submissive to the female and send out calls letting her know it is a mate and not food.
Then, the male considers the submission (any thing to make you happy honey, just don’t eat me!) by building the nest and providing all the food for its mate and their young for three months until the young leave the nest.
Cooper’s Hawks are monogamous and typically breed in the spring. They build nests in the dense foliage of trees, usually near the trunk. The female lays 2-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 30-35 days. Both parents participate in feeding the young until they fledge, which occurs around 4-5 weeks after hatching.
10. Sharp-shinned Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Sharp-shinned Hawks are a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Sharp-shinned Hawks?
Sharp-shinned Hawks tend to be winter visitors to California. They can be spotted all across the state in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
In Northern California look for them at Point Reyes, in the Medocino National Forest, the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lake Tahoe area.
In Central California they are often spotted along the Big Sur coast and in Yosemite National Park. Down south, they are found in desert areas like Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as well as destinations close to urban areas like the Santa Monica Mountains and San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Sharp-shinned Hawks look, and in many ways behave, like Cooper’s Hawks, but they are smaller and more secretive.
Like the Cooper’s Hawk, they live in forests but have also adapted to live in urban and suburban areas which are home to lots of songbirds and bird feeders.
So how does one tell a Cooper’s hawk from a Sharp-shinned Hawk? They both have bluish-gray backs, reddish chests, reddish-gold eyes and a blackish-gray cap on their heads. They both have long, banded tails. They are around 10-14 inches in length and has a wingspan of about 20-27 inches.
When in the air, the best identifier is that Sharp-shinned Hawks have square-edged tails while Cooper’s Hawks have rounded tails. If you can see a the hawk perched, take a look at its head. The Sharp-shinned Hawk has a curved head and short neck. The Cooper’s Hawk has a flat head and slightly longer neck.
They are skilled hunters and when the Sharp-shinned Hawk catches their prey, they bang their future meal on a stump or low branch until they die. These hawks tend to eat smaller birds like robins or sparrows, but they will also eat small amphibians and mammals if available.
Sharp-shinned Hawks are monogamous birds and form breeding pairs during the breeding season. Males perform flight displays, which may include swooping, diving, and circular flights to attract the female.
They work together to build the nest and the female lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 28 to 35 days. Young fledge after 25-30 days. They leave their parents after 6-7 weeks and reach full maturity after two years. Sharp-sinned Hawks typically live for 5-10 years in the wild.
11. Northern Goshawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: In California, the Northern Goshawk is listed as a Species of Special Concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Where in California can I see Northern Goshawks?
There are about 1,000 breeding pairs in the state of California. Forested regions such as the Sierra Nevada, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and Lassen National Forest in Northern California are the common locations to see these birds.
In Southern California, the Northern Goshawk is only really seen in the mountains of Los Padres National Forest around Mt. Pinos and Frazier Mountain in northern Ventura County.
Northern Goshawk Description and Identification Tips
The Northern Goshawk is a medium-sized hawk with a stocky build and a broad wingspan of about 40-46 inches. They are fairly easy to identify. Adults have a slate-gray back and wings, a pale gray chest, and a finely barred tail. They have a distinct white eyebrow strip and their eye color is orange to red.
Northern Goshawks are typically found in mature coniferous forests, especially those with dense tree cover. They require a mix of open spaces for hunting and closed canopy areas for nesting.
Northern Goshawks are sit-and-wait predators. They will sit on a treetop and patiently wait until they spot prey like squirrels, woodpeckers, rabbits, or even small birds of prey.
They do breed in monogamous pairs and have huge territories of 2,000-8,000 acres. They build large stick nests high up in trees, usually near the trunk. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young.
Goshawks leave the nest after 35-40 days, however they may still rely on their parents for food and guidance for some time after leaving the nest. They reach maturity after 2-3 years and live 10-15 years.
12. Northern Harrier
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Since heir population is declining, the Northern Harriers is considered a Species of Special Concern in California.
Where in California can I see Northern Harriers?
Northern Harriers can be found in marshes, wetlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, and coastal areas. They prefer open areas with low vegetation where they can hunt effectively.
You are most likely to see this bird in the rice fields or salt water marshes of Northern and Central California. There is a larger winter population but there are some birds that live in the western portion of the state year round.
In Southern California, they have been spotted in marshy areas like the Newport Beach Back Bay, especially during the winter.
Northern Harrier Description and Identification Tips
Northern Harriers have a distinctive appearance. Adult males have a gray body with a white rump and a pale belly. Adult females and immature birds have a brown body with streaks and a more mottled appearance. Both sexes have a white patch near their rump which is a main identifier of this hawk in flight.
These birds are small and light, but their long wings and tails make them appear larger, around the size of a crow. As with nearly all hawks, the females are significantly larger than the males. Harriers fly with their wings higher than their bodies in a v-shape.
Northern Harriers hunt by sound and have a heart-shape facial disk that helps them locate their prey, just like owls. They mainly eat small mammals and birds that live in the marshy areas like mice, voles, and even small ducks.
They fly low over open fields, marshes, and grasslands, using their keen eyesight and hearing to detect small mammals, birds, and other prey. They have a distinctive hovering behavior called “sky-dancing,” where they fly in slow circles or hover in mid-air before diving down to catch their prey.
Northern Harriers are monogamous. The female builds a nest on the ground or in low vegetation, using grasses and other plant materials. They lay 4-6 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month. After hatching, the young birds stay in the nest for a few weeks before they start flying at about 30-35 days.
After fledging, the young Northern Harriers still rely on their parents for food and guidance for some time until they become fully independent. These birds reach full maturity after two years and typically live for 10 years.
13. White-Tailed Kite
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The White-tailed Kite is considered a species of least concern but it is fully protected under California law.
Where in California can I see White-tailed Kites?
The largest population of White-tailed Kites in North America is found in California, mainly in the grassy lowlands west of the desert.
They like farmland, wetlands, and open grasslands. They prefer areas with nearby perches, such as trees, power lines, or fence posts, from where they can hunt.
They will roost in trees on the edges of these more open areas. When they aren’t breeding, you can often find White-tailed Kites roosting together in great numbers, sometimes up to 100 birds will hang out together in a small cluster of trees!
Look for white-tailed kites in the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and Southern California. You may find them soaring in the air or perched on elevated spots like utility poles, dead trees, or fence posts.
White-tailed Kite Description and Identification Tips
The White-tailed Kite is a small to medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive appearance. It has a slender body, long wings, and a white head and underparts. The upperparts are gray, and the tail is white (hence the name) with a black band near the end. Eyes are generally orange or red.
This bird eats mostly mice, voles, and gophers, and hunts by hovering above the ground with its wings flapping and its head tipped down. This behavior is called “kiting”. When it sees movement of a mouse or vole on the ground, it then darts down to grab it.
White-tailed Kites are monogamous and form pairs that last for multiple breeding seasons. They build nests made of sticks in tall trees, shrubs, or sometimes on man-made structures like telephone poles. The female typically lays 3-4 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating. The chicks hatch after about a month, and both parents participate in raising and feeding them.
White-tailed Kites typically fledge after about 4-5 weeks. After fledging, they continue to be dependent on their parents for several more weeks as they learn to hunt and become proficient flyers. They reach maturity after one year and live for 5-10 years.
14. Swainson’s Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Swainson’s Hawks are considered a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Swainson’s Hawks?
Swainson’s Hawks are migratory birds, spending their breeding season in North America and migrating to South America for the winter. During the breeding season, they can be found in a variety of habitats across the western portion of California, including grasslands, prairies, agricultural fields, and open woodlands.
Swainson’s Hawks are commonly found in the agricultural areas of the Central Valley, including the Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley. They are known to nest in trees and utility poles in these areas. They are also seen in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge near the Oregon border.
In Southern California, you will Swainson’s Hawks at Carrizo Plain as well as many other coastal and inland destinations as theey migrate through the area.
Swainson’s Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Swainson’s Hawks are medium-sized birds with a wingspan ranging from 4 to 4.5 feet and typically weigh between 1.2 to 2.2 pounds. They have long, slim wings and a relatively small head. Adults have dark brown plumage on their upperparts and a white or pale underbelly with reddish-brown barring. They also have a distinctive white throat patch.
Swainson’s Hawks primarily feed on small mammals, such as rodents, rabbits, and ground squirrels. They also consume a variety of birds, reptiles, and insects. They are known to forage while soaring in the air, searching for prey on the ground.
Swainson’s Hawks are known for their impressive migration patterns. They undertake one of the longest migratory journeys of any North American raptor, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in South America. During migration, they often form large flocks known as kettles, where they soar together in thermal updrafts.
Swainson’s Hawks exhibit an interesting feeding behavior known as “kiting.” They hover in the air, facing into the wind, and flap their wings vigorously while scanning the ground for prey. This behavior allows them to maintain a stable position in the air while hunting.
Swainson’s Hawks are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They build large stick nests in trees or on utility poles. The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about a month.
The young birds leave the nest after about 5 to 6 weeks but may stay near their parents for a period of time. Swainson’s Hawks reach maturity after 2-3 years and live for 10-15 years.
15. Zone-tailed Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The Zone-tailed Hawk is considered to be a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Zone-tailed Hawks?
The Zone-tailed Hawk is typically found in forested areas, including riparian woodlands, canyons, and mountainous regions. These birds of prey prefer habitats with large trees and open spaces, where they can hunt for prey.
Zone-tailed Hawks are migratory birds, spending their breeding season in the southern United States and Mexico, and migrating to Central America for the winter.
In Central and Southern California, you may find Zone-tailed Hawks in areas such as the coastal regions, deserts, and mountainous regions that have wooded areas near rivers or streams. They are not a common site in California, so if you spot one, take time to enjoy it!
Zone-tailed Hawk Description and Identification Tips
The Zone-tailed Hawk is a medium-sized raptor with a wingspan of around 3.5 to 4 feet and a length of about 17 to 20 inches. It has a dark brown or blackish plumage with a pale grayish-brown barred belly and distinctive whitish bands on its tail. The wings are broad and rounded.
The Zone-tailed Hawk resembles the Turkey Vulture in flight, as it has similar coloring and patterns. However, when perched, it can be distinguished by its broad wings, relatively short tail, and dark plumage. They also have feathered heads while Turkey Vultures do not.
The Zone-tailed Hawk primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It is known for its unique hunting behavior, where it often flies among groups of Turkey Vultures, taking advantage of their presence to remain inconspicuous and surprise its prey. This clever hunting adaption is called mimicry.
These hawks are monogamous, typically build stick nests in tall trees and may reuse nests from previous years. Females lay one to three eggs, which are incubated for about 30 to 35 days. The young birds fledge and become independent after around 45 to 50 days. Maturity is reached after 2-3 years and their lifespan is 10-15 years in the wild.
16. Rough-Legged Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The Rough-legged Hawk is a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Rough-legged Hawks?
Rough-legged Hawks are migratory birds. They breed in the Arctic during the summer months and then migrate south for the winter. In winter, look for them perched on poles, trees, or hovering in search of prey.
Throughout the state, look for them in grasslands, agricultural fields, marshes, and open woodlands. You are not likely to see them around forests. Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, and Modoc National Wildlife Refuge are some of the places you might see them.
Rough-legged Hawk Description and Identification Tips
The Rough-legged Hawk has a wingspan that ranges from about 52 to 58 inches and weighs between 1.2 to 3.3 pounds.
They have a stocky build with broad wings and a feathered facial disk that resembles an owl. The adult plumage varies, but it typically features dark brown to black feathers on the body, a white or light-colored head and underparts, and a dark belly band or bib. They have feathered legs that extend all the way to their toes, giving them a rough-legged appearance.
Rough-legged Hawks are known for their hovering behavior, similar to that of a kestrel. They hover in the air while scanning the ground for prey. They are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on small mammals like voles, mice, lemmings, and ground squirrels. They will perch on elevated perches, such as fence posts or trees, from which they can spot potential prey.
Rough-legged Hawks are monogamous and form pair bonds that can last multiple breeding seasons. They build nests on cliffs or high trees using sticks and lined with grass and other soft materials. The female usually lays 2 to 6 eggs, and both parents participate in incubating them for about a month.
The chicks fledge after around 5 to 6 weeks and become independent within a few months. Rough-legged Hawks generally reach maturity at around two to three years of age. Their lifespan in the wild is typically around 10 to 15 years.
17. Broad-Winged Hawk
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Broad-winged Hawks are a Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Broad-winged Hawks?
In California, the Broad-winged Hawk is considered a rare visitor during migration. They have been spotted at the Marin Headlands in Northern California as well as far south at Point Loma in San Diego.
They can be seen primarily during the fall migration. Birdwatchers and hawk enthusiasts often keep an eye out for this species during the migration season in woodlands, edges, and forested wetlands
Broad-winged Hawk Description and Identification Tips
Broad-winged Hawks are relatively small hawks with a body length of about 14-17 inches and a wingspan of approximately 31-37 inches. They have a stocky build, broad wings, and a short, rounded tail. Adult birds have dark brown upperparts with a rufous-barred belly and a white or pale underwing with dark wingtips.
Broad-winged Hawks are known for their distinctive behavior of migrating in large flocks called “kettles” during the fall migration. These flocks can consist of hundreds or even thousands of hawks soaring and spiraling together in thermal updrafts. They are also skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
These hawks are monogamous and form pair bonds that can last multiple breeding seasons. They build nests in the crotch of a large deciduous tree. The female typically lays two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30 days. The young fledge after about six weeks and become independent shortly thereafter. Maturing happens after three years and typically live 12-15 years.
Falcons
18. Peregrine Falcon
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Previously endangered, the Peregrine Falcon was delisted in 2009, but it is still a fully protected species.
Where in California can I see Peregrine Falcons?
Peregrine Falcons have a widespread range in California, occupying a variety of habitats throughout the state. They can be found along the coast, in mountainous regions, and in urban areas.
Locations such as Big Sur, Point Reyes National Seashore, Channel Islands National Park, and the Farallon Islands provide suitable habitat for nesting pairs.
Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are wonderful places to observe Peregrine Falcons in the Sierra Nevada. Cities with tall buildings like San Francisco and Los Angeles have nesting pairs that can be observed as well. You can find these amazing birds from the big cities to the suburbs to the forest.
Peregrine Falcon Description and Identification Tips
Peregrine Falcons are medium-sized raptors, with adult males measuring around 15-20 inches in length and having a wingspan of about 40-45 inches. Females are slightly larger. They have a compact and streamlined body and long pointed wings. The head is dark with a distinctive black “mustache” mark on each side.
Peregrine Falcons are renowned for their exceptional speed during hunting. They are one of the fastest animals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds over 240 miles per hour in a stoop, which is a steep dive they use to strike their prey. They primarily feed on birds, which they capture mid-air by diving from great heights and striking their prey with their sharp talons.
These California birds of prey faced a significant decline in the mid-20th century due to the widespread use of pesticides like DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells and reduced reproductive success. However, conservation efforts, including banning the use of these chemicals, have led to a remarkable recovery of their populations.
Peregrine Falcons are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They construct nests called “scrapes” on ledges, cliffs, or tall structures. Females typically lay 3-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month.
The chicks hatch and are cared for by their parents until they fledge, which usually occurs after about 6 weeks. They reach maturity after 2-3 years and live for 10-15 years in the wild.
19. Prairie Falcon
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Prairie Falcons are a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see Prairie Falcons?
Prairie Falcons can be found in various regions of California, including the Central Valley, Mojave Desert, and parts of the Sierra Nevada. They prefer open habitats with suitable nesting cliffs and abundant prey populations. Look for them in grasslands, shrublands, deserts, canyons, and on rocky outcrops or cliffs.
Prairie Falcon Description and Identification Tips
Prairie Falcons have a compact and muscular body with a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 3.9 feet. They have a dark brown or grayish-brown back and wings, with a paler underbody that may have fine streaks or barring. Their tail is long and tapered, and their face shows a distinctive dark mustache mark.
Prairie Falcons are agile and swift fliers, known for their powerful and fast hunting flights. They primarily feed on small to medium-sized birds, such as songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. They may also prey on mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Like other falcons, Prairie Falcons are known for their ability to engage in high-speed stoop attacks, diving from great heights to capture prey. Prairie Falcons are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a series of harsh, raspy calls. They are territorial birds and often defend their nesting areas against intruders, including other raptors.
Prairie Falcons are monogamous and form breeding pairs. They build their nests on ledges or in crevices on cliffs, often reusing the same site in subsequent years. The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30 days.
The young falcons fledge after about 5 to 6 weeks and become independent within a few months. They reach maturity at 1-2 years of age and live for 12-15 years.
20. American Kestrel
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: American Kestrels are a species of least concern.
Where in California can I see American Kestrels?
American Kestrels are found throughout California, in various habitats such as grasslands, agricultural areas, coastal regions, and open woodlands. They are a relatively common and widespread species in the state. They are often perched on wires, poles, or trees, and their hovering hunting behavior can be fascinating to watch.
American Kestrel Description and Identification tips
American Kestrels are small falcons, measuring just 9 to 12 inches in length and having a wingspan of approximately 20 to 24 inches. They weigh only 3-5 ounces.
Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning they have different appearances. Males have a distinctive coloration with blue-gray wings, a rusty-red back, and a white and rusty-red belly with black spots. Females are larger and have a similar color pattern but with more brown tones.
American Kestrels are active hunters, primarily feeding on small mammals, insects, and small birds. They have a distinctive hunting style, hovering in mid-air and rapidly flapping their wings while scanning the ground for prey. They are also known for their ability to perch-hunt, where they observe the surroundings from a high vantage point and swoop down to catch prey.
American Kestrels are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or nest boxes as their nesting sites. The female typically lays 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30 days. The young kestrels fledge after about 4 to 5 weeks and may continue to be cared for by the parents for some time.
They reach matuiry after one year but often don’t breed until the second year. They live for 5-10 years.
21. Merlin
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Merlins are a Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Merlins?
Merlins can be spotted along the California coast, including coastal woodlands, open beaches, and estuaries. Keep an eye out for them perching on trees, utility poles, or scanning for prey over the water.
Merlins are adaptable and can be found in urban and suburban environments, including city parks, golf courses, and open spaces with trees. They may perch on buildings, lampposts, or other structures. They are most often in areas with a study supply of House Sparrows.
Merlin Description and Identification tips
The Merlin is a small but fierce bird of prey that belongs to the falcon family. Merlins are compact birds, measuring about 9 to 12 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 20 to 24 inches. Males weigh 5-7 grams and females weigh 6-10 grams.
They exhibit sexual dimorphism, and males are smaller than females. Their plumage varies, but generally, they have a dark brownish-gray back, a pale breast with streaks, and a dark head with a distinctive facial pattern consisting of a mustache-like mark.
Merlins are fast and agile flyers known for their impressive hunting skills. They primarily feed on small birds, capturing them in mid-air during high-speed pursuits. They are adept at maneuvering through trees and vegetation to surprise their prey. They are also known for their characteristic flight display, called “stooping,” where they dive steeply from high altitudes during courtship or territorial defense.
In North America, they breed in the northern parts of the continent and migrate to wintering grounds in the southern parts. Merlins often reuse old crow or hawk nests. They will even lay their eggs on magpie nests.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated for about 28 to 32 days. Both parents participate in raising the young, and the chicks fledge after about 25 to 30 days. Merlins may have multiple broods in a season. Merlins reach sexual maturity after 1-2 years but they may not breed until they are 2-3 years old. In terms of lifespan, Merlins in the wild typically live around 5-10 years.
Did you know? Medieval falconers called Merlins, lady hawks, and used them to hunt sky larks.
Owls
22. Great Horned Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The Great Horned Owl is a Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Great Horned Owls?
Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats including forests, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas. They are commonly found in both dense forests and open habitats with scattered trees, as they require perches for hunting and nesting.
There range is basically all over California. In suburban Orange County where I live, we have a Great Horned Owl that lives in our nieghborhood and can often be heard calling in the middle of the night. It is always neat to find him on the roof of one of the homes in our cul de sac.
Great Horned Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Great Horned Owl is a large owl with prominent ear tufts and distinctive yellow eyes. It is one of the most widespread and adaptable owl species in North America and can be found in a variety of habitats in California.
It has a body length of around 18 to 25 inches and a wingspan of about 3 to 5 feet. They weigh 2-4 pounds. They have prominent ear tufts or “horns” on their heads, which are not actual horns but rather tufts of feathers.
Their plumage is mottled and varies in color from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in their woodland habitats. They have a facial disk, which helps funnel sound towards their ears.
They have a distinctive hooting call that sounds like “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo,” with the last note lower and drawn out.
Great Horned Owls are opportunistic predators and have a diverse diet. They use their sharp beaks and talons to kill rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, and voles. They also prey on birds of various sizes, including other owls, waterfowl, songbirds, and occasionally even larger species like herons or raptors. They may also feed on reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Great Horned Owls typically mate for life and form long-term pair bonds. They build nests on tree branches, in tree cavities, or even on the ground. They are known for taking over abandoned nests of other large birds such as hawks or crows.
The female lays 1-4 eggs, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young. The chicks, known as owlets, hatch after about a month and stay with their parents for several months before becoming independent. Threach maturity after 2-3 years and live for 15-20 years.
23. Western Screech Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Western Screech Owls are Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Western Screech Owls?
Western Screech Owls inhabit forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across California. They are found more frequently found at lower elevations and often roost in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or nest boxes. Look for them in forests, woodlands, riparian areas, canyons, and suburban parks and gardens.
Western Screech Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Western Screech Owl is a small owl with a rounded head and prominent ear tufts. The are typically 8-10 inches in length and weigh just 4-8 ounces. It has a range of plumage variations, including gray and reddish-brown morphs, which provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Western Screech Owls can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, riparian areas, canyons, and suburban parks and gardens. They often roost in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or nest boxes.
Like most owls, Western Screech Owls are primarily active at night. They hunt for small mammals like mice and voles as well as birds, insects, and other prey using their excellent hearing and night vision. They are also known to eat reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
The call of the Western Screech Owl is a distinctive trilling or whinnying sound, often described as a series of soft, descending whistles. Their calls can be heard during the breeding season as well as during territorial disputes or encounters with other owls.
Western Screech Owls typically breed from late winter to early spring. They lay 2-5 eggs in a tree cavity or nest box, which are incubated by the female for about a month.
The young owls leave the nest after several weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for some time. They reach maturity after a year but may not breed for another year. They live 10-15 years in the wild.
24. Northern Pgymy Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey:The Northern Pygmy Owl is a Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Northern Pygmy Owls?
These owls are most often found in coniferous forests and mixed woodlands of California. Northern Pygmy Owls are relatively small and well-camouflaged, making them challenging to spot. They are primarily active during the day, so keep an eye out during daylight hours and listen for their distinctive calls.
They can be found in the higher elevation forests of the Sierra Nevada range, including areas such as Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and the Tahoe National Forest. Forested areas along the northern coast of California, such as Redwood National and State Parks and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, are also habitats for the Northern Pygmy Owl.
Forested areas in the central part of the state, including parts of the Los Padres National Forest and the Stanislaus National Forest, may provide opportunities to spot Northern Pygmy Owls. The mountainous regions of Southern California, such as the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains are also home to this owl.
Northern Pygmy Owl Description and Identification tips
Northern Pygmy Owl Eye Spots on Rear of Head, by Tim from Ithaca
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a small owl with a relatively long tail and a round head lacking prominent ear tufts. It is one of the smallest owl species in North America, measuring about 6-7 inches in length and weighing just 2.5-3.5 ounces.
It has a rounded head with bright yellow eyes and lacks ear tufts. The plumage varies but typically includes a mix of brown, gray, and white feathers, providing excellent camouflage in forested habitats.
Despite their small size, Northern Pygmy Owls are formidable predators. They primarily hunt during the day and are known for their agility and ability to capture prey larger than themselves. Their diet consists mainly of small birds like sparrows, warblers, and finches, as well as voles, mice, and insects
The Northern Pygmy Owl has a distinctive call that consists of a series of whistling or tooting notes. The male’s call is higher-pitched and more melodious, while the female’s call is lower and harsher. They use vocalizations to communicate with their mate, establish territories, and potentially attract prey.
Northern Pygmy Owls breed in late winter or early spring. They typically nest in tree cavities, often reusing old woodpecker holes or using natural tree cavities. The female lays a clutch of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 3 weeks.
After hatching, the young owls stay in the nest for several weeks before fledging. They reach maturity after a year and live 3-7 years.
25. Burrowing Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The Burrowing Owl is a Species of Special Concern due to habitat loss.
Where in California can I see Burrowing Owls?
Burrowing Owls can be found in grasslands and open areas in parts of California.
They can be found in the Central Valley of California, including areas around Bakersfield, Merced, Modesto, Fresno, and Stockton. They are also often found in agricultural fields, and vacant lots.
In the Sacramento Valley, they are quite common around Sacramento, Davis, and Redding. I remember seeing quite a few of these little guys out in the fields when I was studying raptors at UC Davis.
Along the Central Coast, they are most likely to be seen in Carrrizo Plain National Monument and the Santa Maria Valley. In SoCal, the Antelope Valley, Imperial Valley, and Mojave Desert are the best places to see burrowing owls. They can be found in open desert habitats, grasslands, and even near more urban areas with suitable nesting sites.
Burrowing Owl Description and Identification tips
The Burrowing Owl is a small, ground-dwelling owl with a distinctive appearance. It has long legs, short tail, and bright yellow eyes. It nests in underground burrows, often repurposing burrows made by other animals.
Burrowing Owls are small, measuring around 7-11 inches in length, with a wingspan of about 20 inches and a weight of 5-8.5 ounces.. They have a round head, long legs, and a short tail. Their plumage is typically brownish with white or pale spots, and they have bright yellow eyes.
As their name suggests, Burrowing Owls are known for nesting and roosting in burrows. They can be found in open grasslands, deserts, agricultural fields, prairies, and other open habitats with low vegetation. They rely on burrows created by other animals, such as ground squirrels or prairie dogs, or they may dig their own burrows.
Burrowing Owls face various conservation challenges due to habitat loss and degradation. Their reliance on burrows makes them vulnerable to land development and the destruction of nesting sites.
They are protected under state and federal laws, and conservation efforts focus on preserving suitable habitat and creating artificial burrows to support their population.
Burrowing Owls are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They breed in the spring and females lay around 6-12 eggs. The incubation period lasts about 28-30 days, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
The young owlets leave the nest after approximately 3-4 weeks but continue to be dependent on their parents for several more weeks. They start breeding when they are about two years old and only live for 6-8 years.
26. Barn Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Barn Owls are A Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Barn Owls?
Barn Owls are one of the most common California birds of prey. They live throughout California except for in the highest elevations. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, open woodlands, marshes, and even urban areas. They are even found in the desert, but not in as large of numbers.
They are often found near open areas with suitable nesting sites, such as barns, abandoned buildings, birdge girders, cliffs, and tree cavities.
Barn Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized owl known for its heart-shaped face and pale plumage. It is primarily nocturnal and hunts small mammals in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and marshes .
Barn Owls have a distinctive appearance with a heart-shaped face and dark eyes. They have pale, creamy plumage with mottled shades of brown, gray, and white. Their wings are long and broad, allowing for silent flight.
They are primarily nocturnal birds with exceptional low-light vision and acute hearing, which helps them locate prey in the dark. they feed primarily on mall mammals, such as mice, voles, rats, and shrews. They also eat some birds, reptiles, and insects. They hunt by silently flying over their hunting grounds and capturing prey with their sharp talons.
Barn Owls are known for their unique nesting behavior. They don’t build their own nests but instead use existing structures or cavities. They may occupy barns, tree hollows, cliff ledges, or nest boxes.
These owls are monogamous and form long term bonds. The females lay 4-7 eggs and both parents help incubate the eggs which take abotu a month to hatch. Young fledge after 8 to 10 week and reach maturity after one year. The live for 4-5 years in the wild.
27. Long-Eared Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Long-eared Owls are a Species of Special Concern. Long-eared Owls face various threats including habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, as well as disturbance at nesting sites.
Where in California can I see Long-eared Owls?
Long-eared Owls live in dense woodlands, conifer forests, oak woodlands, and riparian areas of California. They can be elusive and difficult to spot due to their excellent camouflage and secretive behavior.
They can be found in these habitats in the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Big Sur, Humboldt County, Mendocino County San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and Orange County.
Long-eared Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with long ear tufts that are often difficult to see. It has a slim and elongated body with long ear tufts on the top of its head. It has a mottled brown and buff plumage with streaks and bars, providing excellent camouflage in its woodland habitat. The facial disc is pale with a dark border, and the eyes are orange or yellow.
Long-eared Owls prefer dense woodlands, including coniferous forests and mixed forests. They are also found in riparian areas, groves, and sometimes even in urban parks and gardens.
Long-eared Owls are nocturnal and mainly active during the night. They have excellent hearing and rely on it more than their sight for hunting. They are stealthy hunters, relying on their ability to silently fly and capture small mammals, including mice, voles, and shrews. They may also feed on small birds and insects.
Long-eared Owls typically nest in dense tree foliage, using old nests built by other birds or selecting tree cavities. They may also use abandoned buildings, cliffs, or ground nests. The female lays a clutch of 3-8 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about a month.
The young owls leave the nest after about 4-5 weeks. They reach maturity after a year, typically start breeding at two years, and live for 4-5 years.
28. Short-Eared Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Short-eared Owls are considered to be a Species of Special Concern. This is due to habitat loss, degradation, and changes in agricultural practices. Loss of grassland habitats and increased use of pesticides can negatively impact their populations.
Where in California can I see Short-eared Owls?
Short-eared Owls have been observed in various parts of California, including coastal areas, grasslands, and marshes. They can be found in regions such as the Central Valley, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Salton Sea, and coastal areas like San Francisco Bay and Humboldt County.
Short-eared owl Description and Identification Tips
The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with short ear tufts that are often difficult to see. It has a compact and stocky body with a relatively short tail and broad wings. It has a round head with prominent yellow eyes and small ear tufts (which are usually not visible). The plumage is mottled brown with streaks and spots, providing excellent camouflage.
Short-eared Owls can be found in a range of open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, and coastal dunes. They prefer areas with low vegetation cover, which allows them to hunt for small mammals and birds by flying low over the ground.
These owls are often active during the day, especially during dawn and dusk. They have a distinctive flight pattern characterized by buoyant and erratic wingbeats, similar to a moth. Short-eared Owls are known for perching on the ground or low perches like fence posts or shrubs.
Short-eared Owls are ground-nesting birds. They create shallow scrapes on the ground where they lay their eggs, usually in grassy areas or open fields. The female typically lays a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs, which takes about 24 to 28 days.
The chicks fledge around 3 to 4 weeks after hatching. They mature after one year and live for only 3-5 years in the wild.
29. Great Grey Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Great Grey Owls are Endangered Species in California.
Where in California can I see Great Grey Owls?
Great Grey Owls are in the Sierra Nevada and this population is genetically distinct from the Great Grey Owl populations outside of California.
Yosemite is the southernmost portion of their rang and home to about 300 owls which make up over half the state’s population. This means a visit to Yosemite is your best bet for spotting this owl in California.
Great Grey Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Great Grey Owl is the largest owl species in length, although it is not the heaviest. They have a height of about 24-33 inches, a wingspan of around 53-60 inches, and weigh 2-4 pounds.
It has a round face with a large facial disc and bright yellow eyes. The plumage is mostly gray, with intricate patterns and bars that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has long wings and a relatively short tail.
Great Grey Owls prefer areas with dense tree cover, particularly where there are old-growth forests with large trees.
These owls are mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are active during twilight and night hours. They have excellent hearing and rely on their keen sense of hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. Great Grey Owls primarily feed on small mammals, such as voles, mice, and other rodents.
Great Grey Owls are not known for their hooting calls. Instead, they communicate through a variety of low, soft hoots and whistles.
Female Great Grey Owls lay a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs, which they incubate for about 28 to 35 days. The male provides food for the female during this period. Owlets leave the nest after about 4 to 5 weeks but continue to rely on their parents for several months before becoming independent. They mature after 1-3 years and live for 5-10 years.
30. California Spotted Owl
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: California Spotted Owls are Species of Special Concern in California and is listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. It faces various threats to its habitat, including logging, wildfires, and habitat fragmentation. The species relies on intact forest ecosystems, and its conservation requires efforts to maintain suitable habitat conditions.
Where in California can I see Spotted Owls?
The California Spotted Owl lives in places with large, old -growth trees and dense canopies. They prefer mixed-conifer forests, including areas dominated by Douglas-fir, white fir, and ponderosa pine. They rely on these habitats for roosting, nesting, and hunting.
They can be found in the Cascade Range up in far northern California (Shasta County), the western slope of the Sierras, and in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains.
California Spotted Owl Description and Identification Tips
California Spotted Owls are medium-sized owls, measuring about 16-19 inches in length and weighing around 1.5 pounds. They have dark brown plumage with distinctive white spots on their head, back, and breast. Their facial disc is round and brown with dark brown or black concentric circles around their eyes.
These owls are primarily nocturnal and have a characteristic hooting call, which they use for communication and territorial defense. They feed mainly on small mammals, such as mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits but will aslo eat birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
The Spotted Owl does not build its own nest but depends on finding suitable, naturally occurring sites in trees. They will nest in tree cavities or use abandoned nests of other large birds.
These owls are monogamous and form long term pairs over several seasons. Females lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30-35 days. The young owls leave the nest after about 6-7 weeks and become independent after a few months. They reach maturity after two years and live for 10-12 years in the wild.
31. Northern Spotted Owl
Photo by USFS Region 5
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: The Northern Spotted Owl is listed as Threatened under the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts. It faces significant threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by logging, wildfires, and land development. The decline of old-growth forests and the encroachment of the more aggressive Barred Owl species have also contributed to its population decline.
Where in California can I see Northern Spotted Owls?
Northern Spotted Owls live in the coastal range forests of Northern California. They rely on these habitats for nesting, roosting, and hunting. They are typically found at elevations ranging from sea level to mountainous areas. They are found as far south as Marin County and as far east as the Pit River Area in Shasta County.
Northern Spotted Owl Description and Identification Tips
The Northern Spotted Owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring about 17-19 inches in length and weighing around 1.5-2 pounds. Females are typically 20% larger than males. It has dark brown plumage with distinct round spots on its head, back, and underparts. Its facial disc is rounded and dark brown with a pale or grayish rim.
These owls are primarily nocturnal and have excellent low-light vision and acute hearing, which helps them hunt for small mammals like flying squirrels, woodrats, and other rodents. They are known for their silent flight and stealthy hunting techniques.
Northern Spotted Owls typically breed in late winter or early spring. They nest in tree cavities or use abandoned nests of other large birds. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30-35 days.
The young owls, known as fledglings, leave the nest after about 6-7 weeks and become independent after a few months. They mature after two years and live for 10-15 years in the wild.
32. Elf Owls
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Elf Owls are considered endangered in California due to habitat loss.
Where in California can I see Elf Owls?
Since much of the land along the Arizona border/Colorado River in California has been converted to agriculture, the Elf Owl has suffered tremendous habitat loss in the state. Still, if you are going to see them, along this border region is the place you will spot them.
Elf Owl Description and Identification Tips
Elf Owls are the smallest owls in North America.They measure just 5-6 inches in length and weighonly around 1-1.5 ounces. They have a distinctive rounded head with large yellow eyes and no ear tufts. Their plumage is mainly gray-brown, with white and buff markings on the face and underparts.
They inhabit a variety of habitats, including deserts, scrublands, open woodlands, and riparian areas. They prefer areas with a mix of trees and shrubs, providing suitable nesting sites and a diverse food supply.
These owls are primarily nocturnal and well-adapted for hunting in low-light conditions. They feed on a variety of small prey, including insects (especially moths and beetles), spiders, scorpions, and small rodents. Elf Owls have a distinctive flight pattern characterized by quick, fluttering wingbeats and agile maneuvering through vegetation.
Fun fact: Elf Owls catch blind snakes, which look quite a bit like worms, but they don’t eat them! Instead, the place them in their nestss to eat parasites that might otherwise hurt their owlets!
Elf Owls are known for their unique and melodious call, which consists of a series of soft, high-pitched notes. They use vocalizations to communicate with their mate, establish territories, and locate each other in the dark.
They nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or natural hollows in saguaro cacti. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 3 weeks. After hatching, the young owls remain in the nest for another 3-4 weeks before fledging and becoming independent. They reach maturity after a year and live for just 3-5 years.
33. Barred Owls
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Barred Owls are a species of least concern and considered a nuiscance in California.
Where in California can I see Barred Owls?
Barred Owls have only lived in California for a short time. They were first seen in the state in 1976 and by 2020, 2,000 Barred Owls inhabited the ranges of the Spotted Owls. They are found in Northern California’s coastal forest where the Northern Spotted Owl lives and have recently began to make appearances in the California Spotted Owl’s Sierra Nevada range.
Barred Owl Description and Identification Tips
Barred Owls are larger and more aggressive than Spotted Owls. They are also less picky about food options and habitat. Since the Barred Owl entered Spotted Owl habitat, there has been a population decline of the Spotted Owl because they get displaced by the more aggressive owls.
US Fish and Wildlife in currently conducting experiments where they remove the Barred Owls from Northern Spotted Owl habitat to see if that helps the Northern Spotted Owl population grow.
Barred Owls are medium-sized owls. Adults typically measure 16-24 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 38-49 inches. They about 1-2.5 pounds and females are generally larger than males.
Barred Owls have a distinctive appearance with a rounded head and no ear tufts. They have large, dark eyes, a pale face with a dark outline, and a hooked beak. Their plumage is primarily brown with horizontal barring on the chest, belly, and wings. The upperparts are mottled brown, while the underparts are lighter with vertical streaks.
These owls are nocturnal, skilled hunters, and primarily feed on small mammals such as mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits. Barred Owls have a distinctive hooting call, often described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
Barred Owls are monogamous and typically mate for life. They nest in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other large birds. The female lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated by both parents for about 28-33 days.
The young owls leave the nest at around 4-5 weeks of age but may continue to be dependent on their parents for several months. They reach maturity after 1-2 years and typically live for 10-15 years in the wild.
Other California Birds of Prey
34. Osprey
Conservation Status of this California Bird of Prey: Osprey are considered a Species of Least Concern.
Where in California can I see Ospreys?
Ospreys can be found throughout California, particularly along the coast, in wetlands, and near bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. The are found south of the Bay Area in the winter, with year-long populations in Marin County and along the Central Coast. They inhabit the northern coastal regions in the summer.
There is also a yearlong population in the lower elevations of the western Sierras, winter population near the Salton Sea, and summer population in the higher elevations of the Sierras.
Osprey Description and Identification Tips
While the Osprey is often referred to as a “fish hawk” or “sea hawk,” it is not a true hawk. Taxonomically, it belongs to its own unique family called Pandionidae. They are large birds of prey with a wingspan of around 4 to 6 feet, body length of nearly two feet, and weight of 3-4.5 pounds.
They have a distinctive appearance with dark brown upperparts and white underparts. Ospreys have a white head and breast with a dark eye stripe extending down to the side of their neck. They also have long, narrow wings and a hooked beak for capturing and feeding on fish.
Ospreys are well adapted for catching fish. They are primarily associated with freshwater or saltwater habitats near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas.
They have reversible outer toes that allow them to grasp fish with two toes in front and two toes in the back. They are excellent hunters and can spot fish from high above in the air. Ospreys perform dramatic dives, called “plunging dives” or “fish dives,” into the water to catch fish, and then they carry their prey with their feet to take it to a safe place to eat.
Ospreys are monogamous and usually mate for life. They build large nests, called eyries, on high structures such as trees, cliffs, or man-made platforms. Both the male and female participate in nest construction. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them, which typically takes about 5 to 6 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years and live for 10-15 years.
]]>1276Mammoth Hikes- 10 Great Day Hikes in and Around Mammoth Lakes
https://californiatravellife.com/mammoth-hikes/
Fri, 21 Apr 2023 23:20:26 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=498Mammoth Lakes is an Eastern Sierra paradise home to dozens of lakes, steep granite mountains, and plenty of geologic formations to remind us all of the volcanic activity happening below the surface. Mammoth hikes are as diverse as the landscape around the town, but they all seem to manage to pack in the “wow factor”.
Here are 10 of my favorite hikes in and around Mammoth. They include waterfalls, lakes, national monuments, and lots of picture-perfect scenery. Use Mammoth Lakes as your home base as you explore this lesser-visited section of the Sierra Nevadas. Be sure to be mindful of current conditions before you head out, especially during heavy snowpack years which can delay trail openings.
10 Mammoth Hikes You Won’t Want to Miss
1 . Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls
Devils Postpile National Monument, photo by Flickr/ParksTraveler
Distance: About 5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: About 550 feet.
The hike to Devil’s Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular in the Mammoth Lakes region, for good reason- you will be able to enjoy two incredible natural landmarks in one day hike.
It is only a 0.4-mile hike from the small parking area near the trailhead/shuttle stop on a well-maintained trail to reach Devils Postpile.
Devils Posptile is an impressive formation made up of towering hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity about 100,000 years ago. The volcanic lava that formed the columns cooled slowly, causing it to contract and crack into the polygonal shape that we see today. These columns are some of the most well-preserved examples of basalt columns in the world, with some standing up to 60 feet (18 meters) tall.
Devil’s Postpile is one of 75 California Landmarks we think you should visit. How many have you visited so far?
The trail skirts the edge of the columnar basalt formation but there is another spur trail you can take which will lead you up ot the top of Devils Postpile where you can walk on the top of the hexagonal columns.
After exploring the formation, continue on the trail to Rainbow Falls which is a little over two miles further. There are portions of the trail that are recovering from fire, but it is really neat to see new trees and growth.
Rainbow Falls large waterfall cascades down a 101-foot drop, creating a rainbow mist in the sunlight. I have seen two rainbows at the same time on particularly sunny days. It is the most impressive waterfall in the Eastern Sierra. The trail leads you to a viewing area, but you can take a spur which winds down to the base of the falls if you want.
During the summer, visitors must take a shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center to access the monument. There are a few stops on the shuttle, including the ranger station and Reds Meadow.
If you are taking the shuttle, you may want to consider taking the trail from Rainbow Falls to Reds Meadow to enjoy a milkshake from the legendary Mule House Cafe, a popular stop for through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. There are also horseback rides available here. The shuttle picks up at Reds Meadow, so there is no need to walk back to the trailhead.
If you are looking for a workout with plenty of views of Mammoth Lakes along the way, take the series of switchbacks up to Crystal Lake. You will gain a little over 800 feet in elevation on the 1.5-mile route up, but the view, especially off the spur trail which overlooks all the lakes below, is splendid.
The trailhead begins at the Lake George parking area in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be leashed. It is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, but the breathtaking views along the way make it worth the effort. Keep your eyes out for wildflowers like lupine, paintbrush, Indian paintbrush, daisies, mountain bluebells, and columbines.
Along the way, you will also be able to see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Minarets and the Ritter Range as well some of the lower lakes in the Mammoth Basin.
Crystal Lake itself is a glacial lake that sits at an elevation of approximately 9,750 feet (2,972 meters). It is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and swimming, but the water is very cold since it is the result of snowmelt.
3. Sherwin Lakes
Distance: About 5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 880 feet
Another great option in Mammoth (but not in the Mammoth Lakes Basin) is the trail to Sherwin Lakes. This popular trail leads to two beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains. The trailhead begins at the Sherwin Creek Road parking area which is on the eastern side of town closer to Old Mammoth and Snowcreek, less than 10 minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes.
Sherwin Lakes is considered moderately challenging, and does have its share of switchbacks but most of it isn’t too steep. Hikers will pass through forests of pine and aspen trees, rocky outcroppings, and meadows filled with wildflowers. Along the way, they will also be able to see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Sherwin Range and the Mammoth Crest.
The first lake, Lower Sherwin Lake, is approximately 2.2 miles from the trailhead and is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic reflections of the surrounding mountains. The second lake, Upper Sherwin Lake, is approximately 0.5 miles beyond Lower Sherwin Lake and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and towering peaks. Both lakes are popular spots for fishing and swimming, but the expect the water to be plenty cold.
4. Convict Lake Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: minimal
The Convict Lake trail is a popular hiking trail south of Mammoth just off Highway 395 that follows a loop around the lake. The trailhead begins at the Convict Lake parking area, and gently winds around the lake.
The trail features several interpretive signs that provide information about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. It passes through an aspen grove that is especially pretty when it turns brilliant gold shades during the fall.
There is also a portion of the trail that is a boardwalk that crosses over inlet streams that can be running pretty strong when the snow melts.
The lake itself is surrounded by towering mountains, including Mount Morrison, and is known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding peaks. In addition to hiking, Convict Lake is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent boats or kayaks at Convict Lake Resort, located near the trailhead.
5. Parker Lake
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 650 feet
One of the best hikes for families in the area is the trail to Parker Lake, a gem of a lake located on the south side of the June Lake Loop. The hike is just over 3.5 miles round trip and the reward is a peaceful lake framed by 12,000-foot peaks.
In order to reach the trail you will have to navigate a dirt road for a couple miles, but we found the dirt road to be no trouble for our two-wheel drive vehicle.
The trail begins with relatively little tree cover but it doesn’t take long to reach aspen and pine trees.
Parker Creek runs along a portion of the trail and is a fun place for families to play. The creek is crystal clear and there are both brook trout and brown trout in the lake and creek, so if you like ot fish don’t forget your poles!
Once you reach Parker Lake the trail largerly disappears but you can do some scrambling around water’s edge if you are so inclined. We saw a waterfall on the opposite end of the lake that we attempted to reach but our efforts didn’t get us close to the falls.
6. Little Lakes Valley Trail
Long Lake
Distance: Eight miles round trip
Elevation Change: 1,000 feet
About 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes down HIghway 395 is the exit for Tom’s Cabin. Take that exit and make your way up Rock Creek Road for 10 miles. Before long, you will be whisked away into an Eastern Sierra wonderland.
The last portion of the road to the trailhead is dirt but suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. It will end at Moquito Flats where you will find the trailhead. Little Lakes Valley is popular with backpackers, but it also makes for an incredible day hike, leading you past seven lakes along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail.
If you want to find a parking spot neaar the trailhead, arrive early! This is easily one of the most scenic day hikes in all of California and the parking area is relatively small, so plan on arriving before 7am to guarantee a spot. You may aso get lucky and find a spot in the afternoon after the first round of day hikers ends their day, but I wouldn’t count on it!
There is a 1,000 foot elevation gain along the way but it is very gradual up to Long Lake and not challenging, expecially if you have already adjusted to the high elevation. Mosquito Flats is at 10,215 feet in elevation so this is high alpine hiking folks!
Skipping rocks on Heart Lake
Follow the Little Lakes Trail as it passes by Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake, Gem Lake and Chickenfoot Lake. Each one has its one charm and beauty. The entire route is about four miles in each direction, but hikers can simply go as far as they would like and turn around.
I think the most beautiful lake on the route is Heart Lake and the fishing seems to be quite good at Long Lake. We could see plenty of fish swimming about in the lake’s freezing but clear waters.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen on this hike. The thin air makes everything more intense. This trail is generally available May through Septemebr but opening dates are greatly affected by snowpack.
7. Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddleback Lake Loop
Distance: 7.7 miles round trip
Elevation Change: About 900 feet
Mammoth Lakes is a great home base for exploring the Eastern Sierra, including the region near Lee Vining and Tioga Pass. As you are approaching the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass, you will see a turnoff to Saddleback Lake Road.
At the end of Saddlebag Lake Road is a great hike known as the Saddlebag Lake Loop, When this loop is combined with a visit to several of the little lakes that dot Twenty Lakes Basin, it makes for a great day hike.
In all, the entire loop is about eight miles long, and the best way to enjoy the scenery is to go about it in a counterclockwise direction. High peaks dominate the scenery, including Mount Conness, which towers over the basin at 12,590 feet.
The hike begins above 10,000 feet in elevation and gains another 900 feet along the way but the grade is mostly gradual and not terribly challenging.
In addition to nine lakes, lots of high peaks, and wildflower-dotted meadows, you may get lucky enough to see wildlife such as yellow bellied marmots, deer, and bears. Be sure to give wildlife plenty of space as you pass by.
In summer months, there used to be a boat taxi that would take you across Saddlebag Lake and allow you to shorten your hike, but the water taxi did not operate in 2022 and its current status seems to be up in the air.
8. Horseshoe Lake
CO2 damaged trees at Horseshoe Lake, photo by Linnea
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Change: About 100 feet
Horseshoe Lake is a popular hiking destination in Mammoth’s Lakes Basin at the lend of Lake Mary Road. It is an easy hike, but it is also home to an unusual geological feature that makes this lake hike especially interesting.
There are CO2 gas seeps at Horseshoe Lake that have killed trees in the area. They are caused by volcanic activity in the area. The Mammoth Lakes area is located in the Long Valley Caldera, which is a large volcanic depression that formed from a massive eruption about 760,000 years ago.
The area is still geothermally active and the volcanic activity is responsible for the release of carbon dioxide gas through the soil in certain areas, including Horseshoe Lake. The gas can accumulate in low-lying areas and pose a risk to wildlife and humans if inhaled in high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to follow the designated trails and avoid getting too close to the seeps.
Most of the seeps are found at the beginning of the hike and they are all well marked. From there, the trail takes you through a forest of pine trees, with occasional views of the surrounding mountains.
Horseshoe Lake itself is a beautiful alpine lake with crystal-clear water. It’s a great spot for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
9. Tuolumne River Cascades via Pothole Dome
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Change: Minimal
I hate using the term “hidden gem” but this trail inside of Yosemite National Park in the Tioga Pass truly is. It is not a trail that is listed on brochures provided by the park and it is largely overlooked.
The trail begins at the parking area near Pothole Dome and heads along the road towards the Dome until you reach the base. Many people start climbing up the dome from there.
You can certainly take time to climb the dome. The views from the top are lovely and it will get your legs burning a bit which is great because the rest of this hike is mostly flat.
After you have climbed up and down the dome (or not) keep following the trail as it hugs the edge of Tuolumne Meadows, winding in and out of the forest.
After a little more than a mile you will reach the Tuolumne River which is picture perfect, especially during the snowmelt. You can continue to follow the creek for quite a while by scrambling on the granite that hugs the river and discovering the occasional path that pops up. The river’s edge is also an ideal place for a picnic,so have a seat and enjoy the cascades while you eat.
This hike made my list of my favorite easy hikes in Yosemite. See what else is on the list!
10. Lundy Canyon
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 600 feet
Lundy Canyon is a beautiful canyon located near Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains known for its waterfalls, wildflowers and fall color. It is about seven miles from Lee Vining and the end of the appropriately named Lundy Lake Road.
The trailhead up Lundy Canyon to the falls is located at the Lundy Canyon Campground. The trail is considered moderately challenging, with some rocky terrain and steep sections but nothing too difficult.
The Lundy Canyon Falls are a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests of pine and aspen trees, and the sound of the water rushing down the rocks creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Just imagine what it looks like during the peak of the fall color change!
]]>49822 Waterfalls in Northern California to Add to Your Bucket List
https://californiatravellife.com/20-waterfalls-in-northern-california-to-add-to-your-bucket-list/
Fri, 21 Apr 2023 09:56:00 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=531There are several amazing waterfalls in Northern California, including the tallest in all of North America! Northern California is home to towering mountains and ample rivers, which means water has to fall from time to time.
While many of the best waterfalls in Northern California are located in national parks, they can also be found close to urban areas, in remote corners of the state, and even on the beach!
Here are 20 Northern California waterfalls that deserve a spot on your bucket list along with details about what it takes to see each one.
22 Best Waterfalls in Northern California
1. Burney Falls
Burney Falls | Photo by Flickr/Wenjieqiao
Tucked up in Northeastern California is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial, home to a set of falls so impressive tha Teddy Roosevelt once deemed them “the eight wonder of the world”.
Burney Falls are fed by an underground spring. The waterfall emerges through dozens of holes in the cliff, dropping 129 feet in an ethereal display.
It is a short and easy walk from the parking lot to the viewing area for the falls. There is also a one-mile loop trail which is nice to walk. It offers a different perspective of the falls and is a nice way to stretch your legs.
Lake Britton is also located in this state park and is a great place to camp or enjoy water sports and fishing during the summer.
Admission to the state park is $10.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Burney Falls flows all year and is lovely no matter what time you visit. The falls are especially beautiful when the area foliage is turning colors in the autumn. The busiest season is summer and parking can become an issue by midday.
2. McCloud Falls
The Mount Shasta region is home to some great waterfalls. McCloud Falls are located less than 20 miles from the town of Mt. Shasta, and visiting them is easy while traveling on Insterstate 5.
McCloud River Falls are actually three separate waterfalls which are all interconnected by an easy, four-mile (round trip) trail. During the summer months, the pools below these waterfalls are fun places to swim.
Jumping from the 15-foot lower falls was a popular activity in the past, but now it is strongly discouraged because large submerged rocks have moved into the area, making it extremely dangerous.
Middle McCloud Falls is the most impressive. It is about 50 feet tall and 100 feet wide. Upper Falls is still quite beautiful and worth the walk. It is 30 feet tall and typically the least crowded for swimming.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Summer is a great time to visit if you want to get in the water, but know it can get busy when the weather is warm. Spring and fall are great options if you want fewer crowds and don’t care about swimming. Winter is subject to snow.
3. Mosbrae Falls
Another waterfall in the Mount Shasta region that you will definitely want to check off you “waterfalls in Northern California bucket list” is Mosbrae Falls in Dunsmuir.
This lush and elegant waterfall is formed when pure spring water pours out of the moss-covered cliffside into the Sacramento River.
Here is the problem with Mosbrae Falls- it requires that people walk along the train tracks (which are private property) in order to access them and this is considered trespassing.
Thousands of people walk along the tracks to Mosbrae Falls every year, but unfortunately someone did get hit by a train once so be aware that there is risk involved if you don’t stay off the tracks. Here is the full skinny on hiking along the tracks to Mosbrae Falls.
Thankfully, the city of Dusnmuir has been working with the Mount Shasta Trail Association to build a trail that connects Hedge Creek Falls with Mosbrae Falls. They are actively taking steps forward to build the trail, but it saeems like it is still in the “red tape phase”.
It is currently a 0.6-mile round trip walk to Hedge Creek Falls which are next to the Sacramento River.
Hedge Creek Falls are small and the water flow is slight during low water years. But if you take the trail past the falls, you cross the river which is typically 1-2 feet deep in the height of summer. The water is quite cold but popular for swimming.
After you cross the river and walk a short distance down the tracks you will come to Mosbrae Falls which never disappoints.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: It is best to come in the summer if you are planning on crossing the Sacramento River to reach Mosbrae Falls. If you do choose to follow the tracks, just avoid the snowy season.
4. Potem Falls
Want more Shasta area waterfalls? How about one that drops 70 feet down into the Pit River which eventually become an arm of Lake Shasta?
This waterfall lies in a deep canyon. The swimming hole at the bottom of Potem Falls can’t be beat during the summer months, and you don’t want to forget to check out the rope swing.
So how does one access this wonderful waterfall? The good news is that the hike is only 0.4 miles. It is narrow in spots and can be a bit slippery near the bottom so be careful and have fun!
You will have to drive on a dirt road for about 10 miles to get to the trailhead but the road is well maintained.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: You can visit this waterfall anytime of year (weather permitting) but summer is best if you want to swim.
5. Feather Falls
Feather Falls Before the Fire
Feather Falls once claimed to be “the sixth tallest waterfall in the United States” at 640 feet, but recent measurements have put it more accurately at 410 feet.
Still, 400+ feet is impressive and this waterfall is surely one of the best in Northern California. It is located near Lake Oroville in the Plumas National Forest.
Sadly, the area around Feather Falls was ravaged by the North Complex fire in 2020. According to the California Wilderness Coalition, “It burned 318,935 acres of public and private forest lands, destroyed 2,352 structures and wiped out the small mountain communities of Berry Creek and Feather Falls, and killed at least 15 people.”
Before the fire, Feather Falls was accessed via an 8-mile loop trail. This trail will likely be closed for a few years until crews have had time to clear debris, fix portions of the trail that have been damaged by uprooted trees, and rebuild the viewing platform for the falls.
Save this waterfall for a visit once the trail is reopened and you will be able to witness a forest regenerating.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Once the trail has been reopened, the best time to visit is April and May when waterflow is at its most robust.
6. Kings Creek Falls
Kings Creek Falls is a waterfall located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, one of the more underrated national parks in California.
This 40-foot waterfall is accessed via a 2.5-mile round trip trail (choose from an out and back or a loop option). Unlike many waterfall hikes, the walk to the waterfall is downhill. This means you will have to hike back up 500 feet in elevation on the way back to the trailhead.
Thankfully, much of the trail follows the creek and there are several small waterfalls to enjoy along the way.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: You can only access the road which leads to the trailhead when it has been cleared of snow. This is typically mid-June through October. The waterfalls flow will be higher in June than October, but it does flows all year.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to another waterfall hike that you won’t want to miss. Mill Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall inside the national park with a drop of 75 feet.
Accessing this waterfall requires a couple creek crossings and lots of ups and downs on the trail along the way but anyone reasonably fit should have no issues on the 3.8-mile (round trip) trail. Much of the hike is forested and there are colorful wildflowers along the trail in early summer.
Mill Creek Falls is just below the confluence of Sulphur Creek and Bumpass Creek. Bumpass Creek comes from the active geothermal area of Bumpass Hell within the park, so don’t be surprised if you catch a whiff of rotten egg smell thanks to the sulphur in the water.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: You want to visit when the snow has melted and the wildflowers are in bloom. Late June is an ideal time to see Mill Creek Falls.
8. Whiskeytown Falls
The Newly Rediscovered Whiskeytown Falls, Photo via Flickr/Ron Lute
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, west of Redding, is home to several different waterfalls, including the recently rediscovered (in 2004) Whiskeytown Falls.
How does a 220 foot waterfall hide in a popular recreation area for decades? Well, the simple answer is that the area was previously owned by a logging company so it was on private property.
Then, the land became national park service land, but the park rangers who knew about the waterfall back in 1967 when it was acquired kept it quiet because they didn’t have the staff or money at that time to protect the waterfall.
Those who knew about the falls either passed on or moved on, and it wasn’t until 2004 when park resource managers rediscovered the Whiskeytown Falls. They secured funding and built a trail to the falls, which has now been open for 15 years.
Today, you can enjoy this waterfall if you are willing to hike 2.7 miles round trip and battle the steep, uphill climb along the way. The trail gains over 750 feet in elevation in about 1.3 miles, but trust me, the waterfall is worth it.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: It is best to visit Whiskeytown Falls from May to October because the weather can make things challenging during the rest of the year. Temps can be very hot in the summer, so it is best to get an early start.
9. Codfish Creek Falls
If you are looking for an enjoyable waterfall hike within daytrip distance of Sacramento, look no further than the easy hike along the North Fork of the American River to Codfish Creek Falls.
This trailhead is accessed off Interstate 80 near Weimar on a dirt road that can be steep and bumpy in spots, but is well worth the effort. An SUV or 4WD is definitely recommended, but I once watched a friend (barely) make it her passenger car. I would avoid the road when it is muddy.
The trail to the waterfall follows the American River through the canyon for 1.4 miles before reaching 68-foot Codfish Creek Falls. The falls are a two drop cascade which you can get right next to.
There is a bridge that crosses the river and it is a popular spot for swimming and jumping. There is also often a rope swing hanging from the bridge.
Note: There is a fee to park at the trailhead.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: The trail along the American River is a nice hike anytime it isn’t raining or hasn’t recently rained (due to the rough road). Fall has less water but pretty autumn color. Spring has the best water flow and summer is ideal for swimming.
10. Ukunom Falls
Photo via Discover Siskiyou
Way up near the Oregon border lies remote mountain town of Happy Camp on the Klamath River, about 70 miles west of the nearest city of Yreka. It is the land of tall trees and wild rivers, making it no surprise that it is a popular river rafting destination.
Ukonom Creek is a clear creek that feeds into the Klamath River about 18 miles from Happy Camp and is home to Ukonom Falls, a pair of 25-foot waterfalls that are great for swimming under and around during the summer months.
You can reach the falls via a three-mile, out-and-back hike that gains 1,500 feet in elevation along the way, but the most popular option is to visit them as part of a river rafting side trip. Several different operators in the area offer excursions to these lovely falls.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Summer and early fall are the best times to visit this waterfall. It will be far too cold to swim during the winter and spring runoff can be dangerous on heavy snow melt years.
11. Alamere Falls
I have highlighted several waterfalls in Northern California that are located near the mountains, so how about one that flows directly onto the beach?
Many know about McWay Falls along the Big Sur coast in Central California but far fewer know about California’s second tidefall, Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore.
This waterfall that drops 40 feet onto the sand below has gained more notoriety in recent years thanks to Instagram. An un-sanctioned “shortcut” has also become popular, but it is very dangerous and not recommended. The park reports injuries caused by attempting the shortcut every week.
Instead, make a full day of it and take a magical 13.8-mile journey past lakes, through the forest, and enjoying incredible ocean vistas until you reach one of only four tidal waterfalls in the country.
It is essential that you start your hike early in the day (before 8am to ensure parking) and pay attention to tide charts so you don’t caught in high tide.
I suggest making a weekend of it and camping atWildcat Campgroundso you don’t have to do the full hike in one day. Just be aware that the campground books up months in advance.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: There really isn’t a bad time to visit Alamere Falls as long as the weather cooperates. You will get the most sunshine in September and October. Spring is great for wildflowers and a heavier waterfall flow.
12. Cataract Falls
If you are looking for a waterfall hike in the Bay Area, head to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County to follow Cataract Creek to Cataract Falls.
This hike is more about the journey than the destination. Cataract Falls are nice, but the series of waterfalls you pass while walking through a lush forest of redwoods and ferns are what makes this spot so special. There are several cascades along Cataract Creek to enjoy.
This is classic coastal Northern California scenery packed into a moderate, 2.8-mile trail. There are several sets of stairs along the way as trail does climb about 1,000 feet up the side of Mt. Tam.
The trail begins at Alpine Lake and ends at picnic tables along Cataract Creek, a perfect spot to enjoy a snack. This trail is extremely popular due to its proximity to a major urban area (and immense beauty) so arrive early to secure a parking spot at the trailhead.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: The water flows best after storms which typically occur in the winter and spring.
Castle Crags State Park in the far northern reaches of California is known for its dramatic granite peaks. I have always thought they look a little bit spooky and mystic.
The Crags are popular with rock climbers and hikers alike. Root Creek Falls is a stunner of a waterfall, tumbling 500 feet over a series of drops in a granite chute with the impressive Castle Dome looming in the background.
Accessing this waterfall requires a 3.2-mile hike. Most of it is easy and wheelchair accessible, but the last 1/2 mile to the falls requires a bit of a scramble up the south side of the creek on a lesser maintained trail at the end.
Park at the Vista Point parking area inside the state park. Begin on the Crag Trail until you reach the split for the Root Creek Trail. Then make your way up the Root Creek Trail. When this trail ends, follow a less maintained trail to the left of the creek up the canyon until you reach the falls.
The area with the best view of the falls can be a bit precarious to access, so watch your footing and be aware of the poison oak in the area.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: March and April are prime time. The water is flowing thanks to the higher elevation snow. The waterfall is dry in the summer.
14. Rainbow Falls
The most impressive waterfall near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra and one of my favorite waterfalls in Northern California is Rainbow Falls. This waterfall drops an impressive 101 feet and there is often a rainbow or two at its base when the sun is shining.
Rainbow Falls is located in Devil’s Postpile National Monument, which protects an impressive geological wonder that is made up of hexagonal basalt columns that are 60 feet tall. They were created by a volcanic eruprion 100,000 years ago.
The road down to Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls is closed due to snow for a good chunk of the year. It is usually open from around mid-June to mid-October. During the summer, visitors must park at the Mammoth Adventure Center and take a shuttle down to the trailheads.
If you visit when the road is open but the shuttle is not yet operating, try to arrive early in the morning because the parking lots will be full by 8 or 9am.
It takes less than a mile to hike to Devil’s Postpile, and Rainbow Falls is a little more than 1.5 miles futher. Take time to enjoy the falls and then double back until you reach the spur trail to Red’s Meadow.
Finish your hike with an ice cream cone at Reds Meadow Resort, a popular destination for Pacific Crest Trail backpackers. You can pick up the shuttle back to your car from here. The entire hike is about 4.5 miles.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Unless you are up for a long hike down a closed road through the snow to the trailhead, you need to visit Rainbow Falls when the road is open. September will be the least busy time to do that, but the water flow will be stronger earlier in the summer.
Several of the best waterfalls in Northern California are located inside Yosemite National Park. There are many impressive cascades throughout the park’s 750,000 acres. Here are some of the most scenic and accessible.
15. Lundy Canyon Falls
Lundy Falls are located in gorgeous Lundy Canyon located near Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. The trailhead up Lundy Canyon to the falls is about 4.6 miles round trip with a moderate, 600-foot elevation gain. There is some rocky terrain and a couple steep sections along the way, but nothing too difficult.
The Lundy Canyon Falls are actually a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests of pine and aspen trees, which are especially lovely in the fall during the color change and early summer during wildflower season. In all, there are 4-5 cascades, depending on your definition of waterfall.
16. Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is not only one of the most impressive waterfalls in Northern California, it is also the tallest in North America. This set of falls cascades 2,425 feet over sheer granite cliffs down to Yosemite Valley.
It is easy to spot Yosemite Falls from several locations throughout the Valley, including Sentinel Meadow and Yosemite Village, but the best way to see them is to get close to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls and feel the spray coming off the thundorous falls in late spring.
You can also hike to the top of Yosemite Fall,s but be prepared for a strenuous, all-day adventure. The hike is only 7.2 miles round trip but it gains an impressive 2,700 feet along the way!
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: May and early June are the best times to see Yosemite Falls because this is when snowmelt is at its peak. The deeper the snowpack, the stronger and longer the falls will flow. In many years, the falls are nothing more than a skinny trickle by August.
Vernal Fall is the first waterfall you will come to when hiking on the popular Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. Alternatively, you can also access Vernal Fall from the John Muir Trail.
The waterfall drops 317 feet in a lovely cascade which is sure to get you wet with its spray as you climb the steps of the trail (now you know where the trail gets its name!).
You can choose to view Vernal Fall from the footbridge which is about 0.8 miles from the Mist trailhead, or choose to hike to the top of Vernal Fall, gaining 1,000 feet over 1.2 miles.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Vernal Fall does run year round, but as with most Yosemite waterfalls, it is at its peak in late spring.
18. Nevada Fall
About 1.6 miles beyond Vernal Falls is Nevada Falls, another impressive Yosemite waterfall that drops nearly 600 feet. It is accessed via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail.
The total distance to the top of Nevada Fall and back is 5.4 miles on the Mist Trail, gaining 2000 feet in elevation along the way. I suggest taking the Mist Trail up to Nevada Fall and the John Muir Trail back down to create a lovely loop.
If you aren’t up for a hike, you can catch a distant view of both Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall from Glacier Point.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Nevada Fall doesn’t ever dry up, but it has its highest water volume in late spring.
19. Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is the first waterfall you see when you get that first majestic view of the Yosemite Valley at Tunnel View near the edge of the valley. It is a waterfall that flows all year long, falling 620 feet in an elegant single drop.
It is an easy to walk to the base of the waterfall from the parking lot on the short, 1/4-mile trail. It made our list of the best easy hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: There isn’t a bad time to visit Bridalveil Fall since it flows nicely year round, but it is typically at its peak in late May.
20. Wapama Falls
Relatively few people make there way over to Hetch Hetchy, a beautiful valley 15 miles from Yosemite Valley that was dammed and filled with water from the Tuolumne River to support the people of San Francisco’s water needs.
It was the only time in history that a city was allowed to develop a national park for their exclusive use. Sadly, the Raker Act was signed in 1913, despite massive public outcry lead by conservationist John Muir.
The fight to remove O’Shaughnessy Dam continues today thank to groups like Restore Hetch Hetchy. In the meantime, it is still a nice place to explore, and home to a few different waterfalls, including Wapama Falls.
Wapama Falls cascades 1100 feet over three distinct cascades. It is one of the most distinct features in Hetch Hetchy Valley and during the heavy rain years, the flow can be so high that it flows over the footbridge, making further passage on the trail impossible.
Most of the year, it flows at a reasonable rate, though in spring you can expect to get wet on the footbridge.
The trail to Wapama Falls is an easy, 5.5-mile (round trip) journey, with just 200 feet in total elevation gain.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: Visit in spring if you want to see this waterfall at its best. Just check trail conditions ahead of time because after major rains some of the stream crossings on the trail may be too difficult.
21. Sentinel Falls
Some of Yosemite’s waterfalls only make limited appearances. Sentinel Falls is one such waterfall, only flowing from March through June.
Still, Sentinel Falls drops an impressive 2,000 feet into the Yosemite Valley which means it had to make our list of waterfalls in Northern California that you don’t want to miss.
This waterfall is located on the south side of the Valley, near Sentinel Rock. Instead of one big drop, it is made up of several different cascades.
You can best see this waterfall from the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area or when hiking the trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: March through June. The waterfall is very seasonal and only makes an appearance in the spring.
22. The Horsetail Falls Firefall
One of the most legendary waterfalls in Northern California is the famed firefall in Yosemite National Park.
The firefall is created when the glow of the sunset hits 1,000-foot Horsetail Fall during mid to late February. For a few brief moments, the water looks like it is on fire, a sight that those who have witnessed it will never forget
This waterfall drops off the east side of El Capitan, the famed granite monlith well-known by rock climbers, from December through April. To see the firefall, park at the El Capitan picnic area and view the waterfall from the road.
There used to be another firefall in Yosemite, made of real fire! In the late 1800s there was a hotel up at Glacier Point and most nights the owner would kick the embers from the night’s campfire over the cliff’s edge, creating a firey display that looked like a flaming waterfall to those below in the valley.
Then, from the early 1900s until 1968, David Curry of Camp Curry fame revived the firefall. Every night at 9PM there was a call up to Glacier Point to “Let the fire fall!” and burning logs would be pushed over the cliff, creating an impressive display.
Eventually the National Park Service ended the practice since it caused large crowds, strained the park’s natural resources, and was not a natural occuring event. Thankfully, you can still enjoy the natural version if you time things right.
Best time to visit this Northern California waterfall: If you want to see the firefall, come mid to late February on a sunny day when there is enough water from a recent rainfall to supply the waterfall.
]]>53130 Great Day Trips from Sacramento
https://californiatravellife.com/day-trips-from-sacramento/
Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:48:52 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=331One of Sacramento’s biggest selling points is that it is centrally located. Day trips from Sacramento to the mountains, beach, Wine Country, and San Francisco are all within easy reach. As this region continues to grow rapidly, so do the opportunities to get out and explore.
I spent over a decade exploring Northern California from our home base in the Sacramento area, and it really is amazing how many different types of destinations are just a day trip away! Day trips from Sacramento often felt like mini vacations, re-energizing my spirit to face grind of the week ahead.
Here are my favorite Sacramento day trips. There really is tremendous variety awaiting you just a short drive from home.
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 88 miles (90 minutes)
San Francisco is a city with endless possibilities for a day trip. Whether you’re looking to take in the city’s iconic landmarks, indulge in some delicious food, or explore the unique neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in the City by the Bay.
Start your day with a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s most famous landmark. You can walk or bike across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the city.
For the best photo opportunities, head to Fort Point, a historic military fort located directly under the bridge or the Marin Headlands on the north side of the bridge. Baker Beach is another great spot to enjoy Golden Gate views.
Next, explore the charming neighborhoods of San Francisco, each with its own distinct character. Head to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for a glimpse of the city’s hippie culture, or wander through the colorful houses of the Mission District. Be sure to grab a carnitas burrito at La Taqueria. It will be one of the best you will ever have.
The Castro neighborhood is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and iconic movie theater. Chinatown is a great destination to eat dim sum and then stroll the interesting shops filled with everything you can imagine (and some things you never would). Delicious Dim Sum and Wing Sing are solid options.
San Francisco is also known for its seafood, so head to Fisherman’s Wharf for some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin’s. For a sweet treat, visit the world-famous Ghirardelli Square for a decadent chocolate sundae.
In the afternoon, visit one of San Francisco’s many museums or art galleries. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art, while the Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages.
In Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences features a planetariums, rainforest, and natural history displays like dinosaur skeletons. Golden Gate Park is also home to great playgrounds, swan boats on Stowe Lake, and the enchanting Japanese Tea Garden.
Another great experience is taking the ferry to Alcatraz Island, the former federal prison that’s now a popular tourist attraction. The audio tour takes you through the cells and gives a glimpse into what life was like for the prisoners who were housed there.
Napa
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 62 miles (one hour)
One of the world’s premier wine regions is just an hour away from Sacramento. Napa Valley is the ultimate destination for wine lovers and foodies. The region is home to over 400 wineries, so the first thing on any itinerary should be a wine tasting. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, and there are several wine tour companies that can arrange transportation and tastings for a fee.
In addition to wine tasting, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Napa Valley. Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards and valley. Hot air balloon tours typically take off early in the morning and include a champagne brunch upon landing.
For a more relaxing experience, visit one of the many spas in the area. Several spas offer mineral-rich hot springs and mud baths, a popular activity in Calistoga. After a day of wine tasting, a soak in a hot spring followed by a massage is the perfect way to unwind.
For those looking for a more active day, there are numerous hiking trails in the area, including the popular Mount St. Helena Trail. The trail offers panoramic views of the valley and on a clear day, you can see all the way to San Francisco.
Finally, no trip to Napa Valley would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The region is known for its farm-to-table restaurants, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many wineries also have their own restaurants, providing the perfect pairing of wine and food.
Grass Valley and Nevada City
Crazy Horse Inn, Nevada City, photo by Erin Johnson
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 56 miles (one hour)
Grass Valley and Nevada City are charming historic towns located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. They offer a glimpse into California’s Gold Rush era, with preserved Victorian architecture and unique local shops and restaurants.
Start your day trip in Grass Valley by visiting the Empire Mine State Historic Park, one of the oldest and richest gold mines in California. Take a guided tour of the mine and see the restored buildings and gardens, or explore the hiking trails and picnic areas.
Afterwards, head to the historic downtown area of Grass Valley, where you can wander through the unique shops and art galleries. Stop by the Grass Valley Brewing Company for a refreshing craft beer.
Next, head to Nevada City, a small town known for its beautiful architecture, including the Nevada Theatre, the oldest continuously operating theater in California. Take a guided tour of the theater or catch a live performance.
For lunch, try the New Moon Cafe, known for its organic and locally sourced ingredients. Or, head to Lefty’s Grill for some classic American fare and a wide selection of local wines.
In the afternoon, explore the South Yuba River State Park, located just outside Nevada City. The park offers hiking trails, swimming holes, and picnic areas, with stunning views of the Yuba River and the surrounding mountains.
You may also want to make time to visit the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, located in Nevada City. The museum features a collection of historic locomotives and railroad artifacts, offering a glimpse into California’s transportation history.
Folsom Lake
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 32 miles (40 minutes)
Folsom Lake is a reservoir located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just a short drive from Sacramento. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the summer when those Sacramento temperatures climb up into the 90s or higher.
Start your day at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft. Spend the morning exploring the lake’s tranquil waters and scenic shoreline.
If you prefer to stay on land or visit during the cooler season, the recreation area also offers hiking and mountain biking trails.
For lunch, pack a picnic and head to one of the park’s many picnic areas, with views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
After lunch, head to the nearby Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park. This historic hydroelectric power plant dates back to the late 1800s and offers a glimpse into California’s early energy industry. Take a guided tour of the plant and learn about the history of hydroelectric power in the region.
If you like to shop, head to the Folsom Historical District, a charming downtown area filled with local shops, restaurants, and museums. Folsom is also home to a large outlet mall.
The Folsom History Museum offers exhibits on the town’s history, while the Folsom Prison Museum showcases the history of California’s prison system.
If you want to extend your day trip to an overnight stay head to the Lake Natoma Inn, located just steps from the lake. Relax and unwind at the hotel’s spa or enjoy a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant, offering a farm-to-fork menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Coloma
Sutter’s Mill Relpica, photo by Flickr/Nick Ares
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 46 miles (55 minutes)
Coloma is a small town located in the Sierra foothills, about an hour’s drive from Sacramento. The town has great historic significance, as it was the site of the first discovery of gold in California. A day trip to Coloma offers the chance to explore this fascinating history, as well as to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Start your day at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where you can take a guided tour of the historic gold discovery site and learn about the town’s history. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum with exhibits on the Gold Rush era. Make time to explore the charming downtown area of Coloma, with its unique shops and galleries.
For lunch, try the Sierra Rizing Cafe, a local favorite that offers delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Alternatively, head to the Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe in the heart of the state park for a farm-to-table meal featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Another great option is to get out on the river where you can go rafting, kayaking, or tubing. Half day and full day Class III river rafting can be enjoyed on the South Fork of the American River. The river also offers great fishing opportunities, with rainbow and brown trout among the species found in its waters.
Lake Tahoe
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 103 miles (~2 hours)
Lake Tahoe is a breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake, straddling the border of California and Nevada. It’s a popular year-round destination, offering a wealth of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and a lively dining and nightlife scene. A day trip to Lake Tahoe can be packed with adventure and relaxation, depending on your preferences.
Start your day by taking a scenic drive along the lake’s eastern shore, with stops at overlooks like the Inspiration Point Vista and the Emerald Bay Overlook. These viewpoints offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
If you are visiting in the warmer season, head to one of the lake’s many beaches for some water sports and relaxation. The most popular beaches include Kings Beach, Sand Harbor, and Zephyr Cove, where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis.
You can also explore the lake’s many hiking trails, such as the Tahoe Rim Trail which offers some of the tremendous views of the lake and the Rubicon Trail which is a moderate hike with plenty of photo opportunities.
If you are visiting in the winter, you will definitely want to head to the slopes and enjoy a ski day at a local resort like Heavenly or Sierra-at-Tahoe.
You might want to end your day trip with a sunset cruise on the lake, enjoying the colorful skies and peaceful surroundings. Tahoe Gal and Cruise Tahoe are two popular companies that offer lake cruises.
Yosemite
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 165 miles (3 1/2 hours)
Yosemite is a destination that would take weeks to fully explore but if you live in Sacramento, a long day trip is a fun option as well. The key is to arrive at the park early to make sure you can pack in as much fun as possible.
The best time of year to visit Yosemite and see its waterfalls at peak flow is late spring and early summer. In addition to flowing falls, you will also be able to enjoy longer days, so you will get the most out of your Yosemite day trip.
Possible destinations inside the park include the sequoia groves of Merced and Tuolumne Grove, exploration of the Yosemite Valley and its many meadows and cascading waterfalls, or even a trip to Hetch Hetchy, a valley that was filled with water to become a reservoir for the city of San Francisco and a lovely place to hike.
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 147 miles (2 1/2 hours)
When the weather heats up, one of the most popular day trips from Sacramento is the pilgrimage to cool temps and beachside fun in Santa Cruz.
Start your day by heading to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic amusement park that dates back to 1907. Take a ride on the Giant Dipper, the park’s classic wooden roller coaster, or try your luck at the arcade games. The carousel is another classic favorite. The boardwalk also offers several beach access points.
If you are a shopper you will want to head to the downtown area, where you can explore the many eclectic shops, galleries, and cafes. The Pacific Garden Mall is a pedestrian-friendly street filled with unique boutiques, vintage shops, and street performers.
For a bit of nature, head to Natural Bridges State Beach, a beautiful beach known for its unique rock formations and tide pools. The beach also offers great birdwatching opportunities, with several species of seabirds and shorebirds in the area.
End your day with a sunset stroll along West Cliff Drive, a scenic drive that offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
The Marin Headlands & Sausalito
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 92 miles (90 minutes)
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from bustling San Francisco life slows down a bit and sky scrapers are traded in for houseboats and bluff tops. A day trip to Sausalito and the Marin Headlands is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Bay Area.
Start your day in Sausalito by enjoying a leisurely breakfast at one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the waterfront. Take a stroll through the town’s narrow streets, filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and enjoy the views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline.
Next, head up into the Marin Headlands, a hilly region located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The headlands offer wonderful views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding hillsides, as well as several hiking trails that wind through the area. The Point Bonita Lighthouse is a popular destination in the headlands, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the ocean.
For lunch, head back down into Sausalito and enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the town’s many restaurants. Fish is a popular spot, serving up fish and chips, clam chowder, and other seafood favorites.
In the afternoon, you may want work off lunch and rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the bay.
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 68 miles (75 minutes)
A day trip to Sonoma is the perfect way to explore California’s wine country and enjoy a day filled with delicious food, beautiful scenery, and award-winning wines.
Start your day by visiting a winery, such as the Buena Vista Winery, which is the oldest winery in Sonoma County, or the Chateau St. Jean, which is known for its elegant tasting room and stunning gardens. Both wineries offer tastings and tours, providing an opportunity to learn about the history of winemaking in the region and sample some of the best wines in California.
Next, head to the Sonoma Plaza, a charming town square surrounded by historic buildings and boutique shops. The plaza is also home to several excellent restaurants, such as The Girl & The Fig, which is known for its French-influenced, farm-to-table cuisine and extensive wine list.
Also on the plaza, make time to visit Figones Olive Oil Company where you can taste and purchase artisanal olive oils and vinegars made from locally grown olives.
Berkeley
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 78 miles (75 minutes)
A day trip to Berkeley is a great way to explore the vibrant cultural scene and eclectic atmosphere of this university town, located just across the bay from San Francisco.
Start your day by visiting the UC Berkeley campus, which is known for its Beaux-Arts architecture and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll through the campus, and visit the famous Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, which offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding hills.
Next, head to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, which showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art and classic films from around the world.
In the afternoon, explore the famous “Gourmet Ghetto” neighborhood, which is home to several excellent restaurants and cafes, such as Alice Water’s Chez Panisse, which is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to sustainability. You can also visit one of three different Farmers’ Markets in Berkeley, which offers fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and other local specialties.
There is great shopping to be had in Berkeley, including old record stores, thrift shops, and chic furnishings. Telegraph Avenue and 4th Street are popular shop-til-you-drop destinations.
Oakland
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 82 miles (80 minutes)
A day trip to Oakland is a great way to explore the vibrant culture and diverse neighborhoods of this bustling city that often sits in San Francisco’s shadow.
The Oakland Museum of California showcases the state’s history, art, and culture through a variety of exhibits and programs and is housed in a building that features beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, making it a great spot for a morning stroll.
Next, head to the Lake Merritt area, which is home to several excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboat and explore the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful parks and walking trails.
In the afternoon, visit Jack London Square, which is named after the famous American author who spent time in Oakland. The area features several historic buildings, including the Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It opened in 1884 and its decor reflects its colorful past.
The Oakland Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals from around the world, is well worth a day trip visit as well The zoo features several unique exhibits, such as the African Savanna, which allows visitors to see giraffes, zebras, and other animals up close. The Oakland Zoo is one of the best zoos in California.
Apple Hill
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 50 miles (55 minutes)
During the fall, a day trip to Apple Hill is almost a requirement for many living in the Sacramento area who love to celebrate the season.
Start your day by visiting one of the many apple orchards that dot the hillsides. Head to the Apple Hill Growers website to view a map of the area and what each farm has to offer.
You can pick your own apples, take a tractor ride through the orchard, and sample fresh apple cider and other treats. You can also pick up fresh-baked pies, pastries, and other treats made from local apples and other seasonal ingredients.
During the weekend, many of the apple orchards also host craft fairs and have live music to enjoy. We always love to visit several different orchards to see what they have to offer.
During October, you will want to head to one of the many pumpkin patches in the area, where you can pick your own pumpkins, go on a hayride, and enjoy other fall activities such as corn mazes and petting zoos.
There are also several different wineries in the area, which offer tastings of local wines on patios and decks with views of the surrounding hillsides. You can also visit one of the many artisan shops and boutiques in the area, which offer unique gifts, crafts, and other items.
Auburn
Placer County Courthouse in Auburn
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 33 miles (35 minutes)
A day trip to Auburn is a great way to enjoy the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada while discovering the town’s rich Gold Rush history.
First head to Old Town Auburn, which features a charming collection of shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Take tmie to visit the historic Aubrun Firehouse and Bell which begs to be photographed.
The Placer County Museum is housed in the historic Courthouse Building and features exhibits on the history of the region.
Dine at Josephine’s, a French bistro located in the historic Odd Fellows No. 7 Lodge which was built in 1894 at the peak of the area’s gold rush. There close to two dozen winieries in Placer County and many of them have tasting room in Old Town Auburn.
Get outside at the Auburn State Recreation Area where you can go hiking and biking as well as swimming or fishing in the American River, which flows through the park. You will also want to make your way over to the Foresthill Bridge which is the highest bridge in California, standing 730 feet above the North Fork of the American River.
San Jose
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 120 miles (Two hours)
San Jose is the third largest city in California and a hub for technology companies so it makes send to start your day trip by visiting the Tech Interactive. It features interactive exhibits on science and technology, including a hands-on robotics exhibit and a virtual reality experience.
Art enthusiasts will want to visit the San Jose Museum of Art, which features a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. After ou get cultured head to Santana Row which is filled with shops and restaurants.
If you have young children, make your way to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo which sits on 15 acres in Kelley Park. It has rides that are geared towards young children, a puppet theater, and plenty of animals. Expect to see exotic creatures like lemurs, birds, capybaras, and fossa as well as barnyard animals.
One of the most popular destinations in San Jose is the Winchester Mystery House, a historic mansion that is rumored to be haunted. The house was built 100 years ago and underwent continuous construction for 36 years! The house features a variety of architectural oddities and secret passageways and touring this unusual residence is definitely a “must do”.
Sacramento River Delta
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 68 miles (80 minutes)
The Sacramento River Delta is a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially during the summer. It is a popular spot for boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Many of the small towns, like Bethel Island and Discovery Bay, that sit along the Delta have watercraft available.
The Delta Discovery Experience at Big Break Shoreline in Oakley features interactive exhibits on the ecology and history of the Delta. The center also offers guided kayak tours of the nearby waterways, which provide a close-up look at the area’s abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. Fishing off the park’s pier is very popular as well.
The Delta town of Locke, which was established in the early 20th century by Chinese immigrants who came to the area to work in the local rice fields. Today, the town is a National Historic Landmark and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and museums that showcase the town’s unique history and culture.
Point Reyes
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 95 miles (Two hours)
A visit to Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my favorite day trips from Sacramento. Everything about this stretch of land feels rugged and wild, and gives us a glimps at what California’s coast once was before all the development.
Point Reyes National Seashore, which features miles of hiking trails that wind through a variety of ecosystems, including beaches, forests, and grasslands. Elephant seals, whales, and even elk are common sights, as are the cows the still pasture here.
The park’s Bear Valley visitor centerhas a recreated Miwok Village and the 0.6-mile Earthquake Trail which highlights the 16 feet of land displacement that occurred as a result of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake along the San Andreas Fault.
At the westernmost edge of Point Reyes is the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which offers sprawling views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse also features exhibits on the history of the area and the local marine life.
On the other end of the park is Tomales Bay which is a great place to go kayaking, especially in the evening when there is bioluminescence occuring. The trails in this area are also common places to spot the elk.
Visit the nearby Hog Island Oyster Company, which offers tours and tastings of their fresh and delicious oysters. You can also visit the Heidrun Meadery which makes sparkling honey wines and offers tasting flights.
Mount Diablo
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 85 miles (Two Hours)
You have likely seen Mount Diablo looming on the horizon many times, but have you ever paid it a visit? A day trip to Mount Diablo offers visitors breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, as well as a variety of recreational activities to enjoy.
Begin your trip with a drive or hike up to the summit of Mount Diablo, which reaches an elevation of over 3,800 feet. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Farallon Islands, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Mount Shasta, over 200 miles away.
After taking in the views, explore the Mount Diablo State Park, which offers over 20,000 acres of wilderness and a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Be sure to visit the Rock City area of the park, which features unique rock formations and picnic areas. The rocks are so much fun to climb around on and explore.
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 50 miles (One hour)
A day trip to Jackson and Sutter Creek is a journey through California’s Gold Country and a glimpse into the state’s rich history.
Begin your trip in Jackson, known as the “Gem of the Mother Lode.” The town is home to many historic buildings, including the Amador County Museum, which tells the story of the town’s mining past. Visit the Kennedy Gold Mine, where you can take a tour of the underground mine and learn about the life of a gold miner in the 1800s.
Next, head to Sutter Creek, a charming town that retains its historic charm. The Main Street is lined with antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Take a stroll and admire the beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, many of which are now home to unique shops and restaurants.
There are a few wineries in the area that are worth visiting as well, including Avio Vineyards, Bella Grace Vineyards, and Miller Wine Works which also has a gourmet cheese shop.
Foresthill
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 52 miles (55 minutes)
Foresthill is a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills that is a quick escape from life in the flat lands and a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. The town is known for the historic Foresthill Bridge, which spans over 700 feet across the American River Canyon and offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape.
Start your day trip with a hike on one of the many trails in the area. The Foresthill Divide Loop Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the American River Canyon. This trail is also very popular with mountain bikers so bring yours along if you have one.
If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity, head to the nearby North Fork American River, where you can enjoy whitewater rafting. This stretch of river is the only fork of the American River is not dam controlled, so water levels and length of rafting season are dependent on snowpack.
After all that outdoor adventure, head to Brew Masters Deli, a casual joint serving up hot sandwiches, Bavarian pretzeks, and craft beers that locals swear by.
Lake Berryessa
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 60 miles (75 minutes)
Lake Berryessa is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports in Napa County. It is well-known for its famous “Glory Hole,” a unique spillway that allows excess water to flow into Putah Creek below the Monticello Dam.
When you are ready to get out on the water, head to Markley Cove, where you can rent a ski boat, patio boat, or jet ski to explore the lake. The resort also offers a variety of other water sports activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re more interested in fishing, Lake Berryessa has bass, catfish, and trout.
For a more relaxed activity, head to one of the many picnic areas around the lake, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and the lake.
End your day with a stop at Berryessa Brewing Company in Winters, a local craft brewery that offers a variety of beers that you can take home and enjoy.
Bodega Bay
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 110 miles (Two hours)
Bodega Bay is a picturesque coastal town located in Sonoma County that is great or enjoying salty air, seafood, and outdoor adventure.
Bodega Bay is one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in Northern California, thanks to Bodega Head, a peninsula that is four miles long and one mile wide. Gray whales migrate past this spot November through April on there journey from Alaska to their Baja birthing waters and vice versa.
You can also get out on the water by renting a kayak. Bodega Bay Kayaks offers guided tours as well as rental options for those who prefer to go it alone. If you would rather stick to the beach, head to Doran Regional Park, which is a great place to fly a kite or sunbathe.
For lunch, head to one of the many seafood restaurants in the area, such as The Tides Wharf & Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and offers stunning views of the bay. Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds in Bodega and some scenes were filmed at this restaurant. You can also visit the famous Potter schoolhouse and the St. Teresa of Avila Church which were both featured in the film.
Petaluma
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 82 miles (90 minutes)
Petaluma is cute town in Sonoma County, California, with a nice little dowtown and lots of interesting history.
Start your day by visiting the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park which was the site of Rancho de Petaluma and home of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, who helped rule back when California was a part of Mexico in the 1800s.
Today this national landmark showcases the life and culture of the early Spanish and Mexican settlers in California. The park offers guided tours, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
After, head to the downtown are which features many well-preserved Victorian-era buildings. Explore the unique shops, galleries, and antique stores. Be sure to stop by the Petaluma Seed Bank, a unique and charming store that offers a huge variety of heirloom seeds and gardening supplies.
When you start to get hungry, visit to the Lagunitas Brewing Company, a local brewery that offers a variety of craft beers and live music. Take a tour of the brewery, sample some of their delicious beers, and enjoy a meal in the relaxed atmsophere.
Afterward, work off all those carbs and head to the Petaluma River, where you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the waterways. The river is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, herons, and eagles.
Santa Rosa
Safari West
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 98 miles (105 minutes)
Santa Rosa is another great Sonoma County city with plenty of things to do on your day trip from Sacramento.
Start your day by visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the famous cartoonist who created Peanuts. The museum features a collection of Schulz’s original comic strips, as well as interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Then walk over to Snoopy’s Home Ice and ice skate your troubles away.
Next, head to the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, which showcases the work of the famous horticulturist who developed many new plant varieties, including the Burbank potato and the Shasta daisy. The gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and offer a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Experience an African Safari at Safari West, where animals roam free on a wildlife preserve. You will encounter rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous other animals of the savannah while on a guided tour of this private facility. There are also luxury glamping tens for those who wish to stay the night and listen to the lions roar at night.
If you are visiting on a Saturday, stop by the Santa Rosa Farmers Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farmers and food makers. The market is a great place to taste the flavors of Sonoma County and pick up some unique souvenirs.
After lunch, explore the Railroad Square Historic District, which features many well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
End your day with a visit to the Russian River Brewing Company, a local brewery that is famous for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger beers. Take a tour of the brewery, sample some of their delicious beers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 64 miles (75 minutes)
Some of my favorite memories have been made on a patio boat in the middle of Englebright Lake. This lake was created when a dam was constructed in the late 1930’s to control the debris from hydraulic mining happening along the river in the steep Yuba River Gorge.
Today, Englebright is a recreation area, with boat-in campsites and houseboats, speed boats, patio boats, and small watercraft available for rent at Skippers Cove Marina.
I suggest grabbing a few friends, packing a big lunch, and then cruising around the lake on a patio boat. Jump into the refreshing cool water when things heat up. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, as well as local cattle that graze near the lake’s edge.
Calistoga
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 86 miles (105 minutes)
Calistoga is known for its wine, its water and its spas.
Start your day by visiting the Old Faithful Geyser, which is one of the three geysers in the world with the name “Old Faithful.” Calistoga’s version erupts regularly every 30 minutes.
Next, head to Calistoga’s Petrified Forest where more than two dozen petrified redwood trees that were knocked over and covered with ash during a violent volcanic eruption, turning them to stone. Take a self-guided tour on the easy trails of Calistoga’s Petrified Forest and see these ancient beauties for yourself.
Then, head to the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs pools. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages and mud baths, which are a great way to unwind and pamper yourself.
For lunch, stop by the Solbar Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table cuisine and a great selection of local wines. The restaurant is known for its beautiful setting and outdoor seating, which offer lovely views of the surrounding vineyards.
Finally, end your day with a visit to the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-inspired castle and winery. Take a tour of the castle and the winery, sample some of their delicious wines, and enjoy the views of the surrounding vineyards.
Davis
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 15 miles (20 minutes)
Davis, California is a funky college town that offers a variety of fun activities for a day trip.
Start your day by visiting the UC Davis Arboretum which spans over 100 acres and offers beautiful gardens and walking trails along Putah Creek. The Arboretum has 2,400 kinds of trees and plants which can be enjoyed along a 3.5-mile loop trail which you can walk or ride your bike alone.
Next, bike (this is Davis after all) your way over to the Davis Farmers Market, which is held every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. There is usually a musical performance happening as well.
Then explore downtown with its eclectic shops, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. I love stopping at A Better Place to Bead to check out their impressive bead collection, Tibet Nepal which has a great collection of good and jewelery from that part of the world, The Avid Reader bookstore, and the UC Davis store when I visit.
For lunch, head to Woodstock’s for pizza, Cafe Bernardo for comfort food with flaire, Mikuni for sushi, and Sophia’s for Thai food.
End your day with a visit to the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year. Check their schedule to find a performance or workshop that interests you.
Truckee
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 100 miles (Two hours)
Truckee is a small mountain town located just outside of Lake Tahoe. It offers a charming, rustic atmosphere, and a wide range of outdoor activities that make it the perfect destination for a day trip.
If you arrive earyl the day enjoy breakfast at Squeeze Inn, a beloved cafe that is well-known for serving up 60 different specialty omelettes.
During the winter, there are several snow play and ski resorts in the area. Tahoe Donner, Boreal, Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs, Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and Alpine Meadows are all within 30 minutes.
If you visit outside of ski season or don’t feel like hitting the slopes, take a stroll through historic downtown Truckee, which is filled with quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants. Check out the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a paved path that follows the Truckee River.
You will also want to visit Donner Memorial State Park, which is located just outside of town. Here, you can learn about the history of the infamous Donner Party and enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum that tells the story of the ill-fated journey.
In the summer, Donner Lake becomes the main attraction for vacationers enjoying fishing, boating, and water sports. You can also rent rafts and float down the Truckee River for a different take on outdoor fun.
If you are looking to take a unique hike, check out the Donner Summit Tunnels. They were built by Chinese laborers in the 1800s and abandoned in 1993 when a new route was established. It is really cool to walk through the tunnels as part of an easy, 4.5-mile round-trip hike. Be sure to bring a flashlight!
Muir Woods National Monument
Distance from Downtown Sacramento: 95 miles (105 minutes)
Muir Woods National Monument is a nature reserve located just 30 minutes north of San Francisco. It is famous for its breathtaking coast redwoods, the tallest trees in the world which can reach heights of over 250 feet
CTL Tip: Muir Woods does require advanced reservations for parking. Make your reservation well in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weeked.
The main trail is a flat, easy stroll that takes visitors through the heart of the forest, passing by trees that are over a thousand years old. The park also offers several longer hikes for those looking for more of a challenge.
For those interested in learning more about the park’s ecology and history, the Muir Woods Visitor Center is a must-visit. The center features interactive exhibits on the redwood forest ecosystem, the flora and fauna that call it home, and the history of the park and its namesake, John Muir.
Make time to take a short drive to nearby Muir Beach. This beach is an excellent representation of the rugged and beautiful beaches along the Northern California Coast.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg, located in the heart of Sonoma County, is a charming town known for its vineyards and rich history. There is no shortage of things to do on a day trip to Healdsburg, making it the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city.
One of the most popular things to do in Healdsburg is to explore the many vineyards and wineries that surround the town. Healdsburg is located in the center of three major wine regions – the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley – and is home to some of the most acclaimed wineries in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample some of the area’s best wines.
For those who prefer to spend time outdoors, Healdsburg offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The town is located near the Russian River, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
Visitors can also hike or bike through the rolling hills and redwood forests that surround the town, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.
Another popular attraction in Healdsburg is the Healdsburg Plaza. This historic town square is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon browsing and people watching.
]]>33112 National Parks Near San Diego
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Wed, 29 Mar 2023 18:56:45 +0000https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1088California and the surrounding Western States are home to several incredible and diverse national parks which means there are lots of great national parks near San Diego. San Diego has long been a vacation destination unto itself, but it is also a great home base for exploring several national parks within a day’s drive.
There is one national park unit within the city limits, but there are 11 more national parks that can be easily be reached from San Diego, making them incredible weekend destinations or day trips. This guide gives you the driving distance from San Diego and lots of things to do in each of these national park units.
12 National Parks Near San Diego
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo NM and Point Loma Lighthouse by Flickr/Mmmyoso
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 11 miles (25 minutes)
Just 11 miles from downtown San Diego on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula is Cabrillo National Monument, a place to experience the natural beauty and history of San Diego.
This historic site commemorates the arrival of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States in 1542. Visitors can explore the museum exhibits and learn about the history of the region, including the Kumeyaay people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
The monument is also home to Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the eight original lighthouses built on the West Coast. It served as a beacon for sailors entering San Diego Bay from 1855 to 1891.
Prime time to visit this area is December through March, when gray whales can often be spotted off Point Loma during the migration to and from their birthing grounds off the coast of Mexico.
Visitors can explore the tide pools during low tide and see a wide variety of sea life, including anemones, crabs, and starfish. There are several hiking trails that lead visitors through the park’s diverse landscape. The Bayside Trail is a great option if you are looking for sweeping views of the bay and downtown San Diego.
Joshua Tree National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 160 miles (Three hours)
With its towering boulders, diverse desert life, and iconic namesake trees, Joshua Tree National Park is a special place. The park is home to two different desert environments, the Mojave high desert and the Colorado low desert.
Joshua Tree is a great place to enjoy rock climbing and bouldering, and there are plenty of fun options for novices and experts alike.
One of the most popular things to do in Joshua Tree National Park is hiking. With over 800 miles of trails, visitors can choose from easy nature walks to more strenuous hikes up rocky terrain.
The trail to Barker Dam is a 1.1-mile loop trail with plenty of boulders to climb on, prehistoric rock art, and even the occassional appearance by desert bighorn sheep.
If you want more of a challenge, hike the 1.5-mile trail to the top of Ryan Mountain. It gains 1,000 feet in elevation in that short distance, but the 360-degree views of the park from the 5,461′ summit are worth the effort.
Additional highlights of this park include Skull Rock, the Keys Ranch tour, bouldering in Hidden Valley, and the sprawling vistas at Keys View.
The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is the spring when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. If you visit during the winter, snow is possible but most days are chilly and dry. I would avoid this park in the summer due to the soaring temperatures which make hiking dangerous.
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 155 miles (Three hours)
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area spans over 150,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the world. It encompasses a variety of destinations like Franklin Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Solstice Canyon, Circle X Ranch as well as several more canyons and parks. It also works in collaboration with many of the surrounding state parks and beaches.
One of the best ways to explore the park is by hiking its many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Backbone Trail is a 67-mile trail that traverses the entire park and offers breathtaking vistas of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Pick a segment of this trail and enjoy the scenery which is especially scenic in the spring when it is covered in greenery and wildflowers.
The hike to Split Rock (3.5 miles RT) at the Circle X Ranch and the Solstice Canyon Trail (2.1 mile RT) which leads to a waterfall and ruins of an old cabin are also popular (and dog friendly!) trails.
If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the park. The beaches along the coastline are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Point Mugu and Zuma Beach are two popular spots where you can catch some waves and soak up the California sunshine. Leo Carillo is a great place for tide pooling.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
Carrizo Plain Wildflowers by BLM
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 270 miles (Six hours)
Carrizo Plain National Monument is a remote park in Central California that is located about ninety minutes from both Bakersfield and San Louis Obispo in between the rolling foothills that separate the Central Valley from the coast. It is the largest native grassland left in the state of California.
This park is known for its wildflower blooms in the spring, which produce a riot of color after a rainy winter. Color tends to peak in late March through April and include yellow daisies, owl’s clover, goldfields, coreopsis, poppies, and phacelia.
Another must-see attraction in the monument is Painted Rock, an ancient Native American site with pictographs and petroglyphs. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site to learn more about its history and cultural significance.
For those looking for a more active adventure, there are several hiking trails in the monument, including the Caliente Ridge Trail, which provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You will also want to walk the boardwalk at Soda Lake, which reflects the wildflowers on its waters. If you want to walk on the famed San Andreas Fault, take the 1.3-mile Wallace Creek Trail.
Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the few places in Califoria where you have a chance of spotting pronghorn antelope. They were once the most common big game animal in California’s Central Valley, but overhunting during the Gold Rush era and agricultural development drastically reduced their range and numbers. You can also spot tule elk inside the park.
Mojave National Preserve
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 240 miles (Four hours)
Mojave National Preserve protects over a million acres of the Mojave Desert. As you can imagine, it is very hot in this park in the summer, so winter and shoulder season visits are the most enjoyable.
It is home to Kelso Dunes, some of the largest sand dunes in the country. These enormous piles of sand rise 600 feet above the desert floor. There is a three-mile trail around the dunes but they are most fun to just climb and slide, snowboard, or even roll down.
These dunes are known to “sing”, making a deep sound that happens when a large amount of sand is pushed off the top of the dunes in hot weather.
Another popular attraction is the Mitchell Caverns, which offers guided tours of an underground cave system. Visitors can explore the unique rock formations and learn about the geological history of the area.
You will also want to check the park’s lava tube. It was created by molten lava 27,000 years ago. There is a beam of light that shines into the lava tube at certain times of day (usually early afternoon in the summer), begging to be photographed.
You also won’t want to miss the 1.5-mile Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail where you can use the rock-mounted ringbolts to climb into the rocky amphitheater at the bottom of Banshee Canyon.
Castle Mountains National Monument
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 310 miles (5 1/2 hours)
Castle Mountains National Monument, established in 2016, is located two hours east of Barstow. It protects 21,000 acres of desert northwest of the Colorado River in between Interstates 15 and 40. This desert is very much alive with Joshua trees, rare desert grasslands, seasonal desert wildflowers, and even pinyon-juniper forest at the highest elevations.
The Castle Mountains are protected habitat for a variety of wildife including for desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bobcats, golden eagles, gila monsters, and desert tortoise.
One of the highlights of the monument is the Castle Mountains themselves, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The mountains are a popular destination for hikers and provide a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit.
There are several abandoned mines and ghost towns to explore. The Hart Mine and the Oro Belle Mine are both popular destinations as historic sites like the restored Hart Homestead, which provides a glimpse into life in the desert in the early 1900s.
This park is only accessible by dirt roads, so a four-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended. There are no maintained trails; simply drive in and hike where you want. Here is a good article on visiting this remote national monument.
Channel Islands National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 190 miles (Three hours)
The Channel Islands National Park may be one of the closest national parks near San Diego, but it is also one of the least visited. This is because reaching these islands involves a boat trip, so only about 400,000 people make the journey each year.
Skipping this national park would be a shame, because these wild and untamed islands are filled with incredible scenery and help us catch a glimpse of what the California coast might have been like generations ago.
The first step to visiting is to book a trip with Island Packers. This boat ferry company has trips to several different islands, including options for campers. Keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins as you cross the channel. Day trips are popular ways to see the islands, and Anacapa and Santa Cruz are the most popular islands to visit.
Sea kayaking is one of the best things to do at Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island is the most popular place for sea kayaking because of its incredible sea caves. Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers great sea kayaking tours.
Snorkeling is another activity at Channel Islands. The water is cold, so wetsuits are highly encouraged. The kelp forests surrounding the islands are amazing and full of sea life.
Hikers will want to visit during wildflower season in the spring. The bright yellow brilliant yellow coreopsis flowers are showstoppers. Keep your eyes out for the tiny Channel Island fox which stands at just a foot tall and weighs only 4-5lbs.
Death Valley National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 283 miles (Five hours)
Death Valley National Park is 3,422,024 acres in size, making it the largest national park outside of Alaska. It is also a park of stark contrast. Badwater Basin, the lowest spot in North America at -282 feet, is impressively offset by Telescope Peak looming 11,331 feet above just 15 miles away.
Death Valley is well known for its fiery summer temperatures which can exceed 130 degrees during a heat wave, but it is a delightful place to visit during the winter, late fall, and early spring when the weather is mild.
There are lots of great places to hike inside of Death Valley National Park, and unlike most national parks, you don’t have to stay on trails while you explore. As a matter of fact, many places don’t have trails at all! We love to explore Golden Canyon, Sidewinder Canyon, and Mosaic Canyon.
One of the most beloved destinations inside the park is the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. They are not the tallest in the park, but they are the most accessible and so much fun to play on.
Other park destinations you don’t want to miss are Zabriski Point, Artist’s Drive, and the Devil’s Golf Course. Here are 24 animals in Death Valley that you may encounter on your visit.
Saguaro National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 398 miles (Six hours)
Saguaro National Park is home to the mighty saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the United States. The park is divided into two districts by the city of Tucson, which sits in the middle. The Tucson Mountain District, aka Saguaro West, is closest to San Diego. The Rincon Mountain District, aka Saguaro East, is located on the eastern edge of Tucson.
Both sides of the park have visitors centers with exhibits and great information about current condidtions within the park. The also both have cactus gardens with labeled plants which are great for familiarizing yourself with the park’s flora.
The east side of the park is closer to neighborhoods and feels more suburban. There are often many locals out biking and walking the road, epsecially on weekends. The west side is much more rural and feels more remote.
One of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park during late fall, winter, and early spring is to go hiking. The park has more than 165 miles of hiking trails to explore- but be sure to bring plenty of water before heading out!
On the west side, down the road from the visitor center is the Desert Discovery Nature Trail. It’s only about half mile in length and is paved, so it is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
The Valley View Overlook Trail and the Signal Hill Trail are two easy and popular trails in Saguaro West as well. The Valley View Overlook trail is known for its lovely views, especially during the spring wildflower bloom while Signal Hill is known for both views and impressive petroglyphs.
In Saguaro East, the Mica View Loop Trail (3.7 miles) is an easy trail that is great for viewing wildflowers in the early spring. If you want to see a waterfall in the desert, head out on the Bridal Wreath Falls Trail which gains about 1,000 feet in elevation along the way.
If you are looking for scenic drives, check out the Bajada Loop Drive in the Tuscon Mountain District. It is dirt but graded and suitable for passenger vehicles. A portion of this route is one way.
In the Rincon Mountain District, Cactus Forest Drive is a one-way, paved loop road that leads visitors into the heart of the Saguaro forest and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. It is a total of eight miles in length.
Sequoia National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 325 miles (5 1/2 hours)
Sequoia National Park is known for its namesake trees which are sure to make you feel like as small as an ant when you stand beside them.
One of the main attractions in Sequoia National Park is the General Sherman Tree, the largest known living single-stem tree on earth. Visitors can hike through the Giant Forest, which has more than 8,000 sequoia trees. The further you hike away from General Sherman, the fewer people you will encounter.
Beyond the impressive trees, this park is filled with great hiking and tremendous Sierra Nevada scenery. Don’t miss the trail to Tokopah Falls which follows the refreshingly cold Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Black bears are commonly spotted in the area.
Another popular attraction is Moro Rock, a granite dome that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It is quite an adventure to climb the step carved into this granite monolith, and take in views of the treeless mountaintops along the Great Western Divide.
Sequoia National Park is also home to Crystal Cave, which is open for cave tours seasonally. The tours are popular, and it is recommended that you purchase tickets two months in advance of your visit. It is a 1/2-mile walk down the hill to the Crystal Cave entrance. Be sure to bring a sweatshirt because it is a constant 50 degrees inside the cave.
Kings Canyon National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 340 miles (Six hours)
King Canyon is a national park that in many ways, feels like two distinct parks. It is home to Grant Grove, an impressive Sequoia Grove that is home to the General Grant tree, the second largest sequoia in the world and the Fallen Monarch, a fallen sequoia that is cool to walk through and explore.
The other portion of the park is accessed via a winding mountain road which ends in valley that gives Yosemite Valley a run for its money. It is certainly less crowded than Yosemite and has beautiful granite peaks and sprawling meadows to enjoy.
We especially love hiking the Zumwalt Meadow loop, stopping to see Sheep’s Creek Cascade, and playing in the Kings River on warm summer days.
Horseback riding is a fun way to enjoy Kings Canyon as well. Trail rides along the Kings River are offered at the Cedar Grove Pack Station.
Be sure to make a stop at Boyden Cave on your way to or from the valley. This marble cave is located deep in Kings Canyon and is open for tours.
Yosemite National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 400 miles (Seven hours)
Yosemite National Park is the most popular park in California thanks to the magical Yosemite Valley which is home to towering waterfalls, remarkable granite features like Half Dome and El Capitan, abundant wildlife, and pristine meadows.
Beyond Yosemite Valley there is still so much more of this special park to discover. Yosemite is home to three Sequoia groves and plenty of high Sierra backcountry to explore. You will definitely want to make time to explore Tioga Pass and the enjoy the panoramic views at Glacier Point.
Given the size and scope of Yosemite, I suggest that you plan on spend at least two to three full days exploring the park. But, I also know that sometimes schedules won’t allow for that which is why I put together this Yosemite in One Day itinerary if you are short on time.
There are so many great day hikes in Yosemite National Park that you won’t want to miss. They include trails to gushing waterfalls, verdant green meadows, and crystal clear waterways. Here are the 16 best easy hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Pinnacles National Park
Distance from Downtown San Diego: 405 miles (Seven hours)
Pinnacles National Park is the newest national park in California, known for its famous for its caves, hikes, rock climbing, camping, and condors.
There are two sides of the park, the west and east entrance, and there is no road that goes through the park connecting the two. If you want to explore both sides you will have to go back to Hwy 101 and go around.
On the east side of the park, the Bear Gulch area is home to large talus caves that are formed by massive boulders. It is so much fun to scramble through on your way these caves (bring a flashlight or head lamp) up to Bear Gulch Reservoir. The caves are closed seasonally when bats are roosting, so check the park website before heading out.
If you are on the west side of the park, the 2.4-mile Balconies Cave loop is another cool talus cave to explore. As with the Bear Gulch Cave, flashlights or headlamps are necessary.
As you hike the hills of Pinnacles National Park, keep your eyes out for the rare California condor. There are only about 300 living in the wild so spotting one of these giant birds is quite a treat. Some climbing and hiking routes can be closed during nesting season.
