As this post goes to press, we’re experiencing one of the wettest winters on record. But all that rain means our top northern California road trip destinations will be that much more gorgeous this year. From vibrant green vistas to mountains, waterways, and vibrant wildflowers, our Top 10 Northern California Road Trip Destination list has it all.
There was a time when families regularly packed a picnic and headed out for a “Sunday Drive.” It’s a great way to see places you’d never visit otherwise, bond with the family, and escape the time suck of screens.
With that in mind, here are 10 places we recommend visiting on your next Nor Cal road tripping adventure.
One of our technicians is groaning as we write because he loves Lassen Volcanic National Park and appreciates that it’s one of the least visited national parks in the state. Of course, Yosemite gets all of the attention, and rightly so, but it’s also exceptionally crowded almost year-round.
It’s like California’s Yellowstone because it’s home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land. Remember that winter snow clearance is consistent from April to June, so factor in the weather when planning a trip anywhere in the state during the winter months.
Not too far from Lassen, in the town of Dunsmuir, lives Railroad Park Resort. The resort owners have been reliving the romantic days of railroading since 1968. While there, guests can eat on the train and sleep in a caboose (or another train car) while enjoying the resort’s amenities and close proximity (and gorgeous views!) of nearby Castle Crags.
Spring and early summer mean Northern CA hills and fields explode with color. We recommend striking out to one of the best-known areas for its beautiful wildflower blooms. Visit Stunning Spots for Northern California Wildflowers for specific recommendations, then plan your road trip accordingly.
Some of the best displays take place in:
And remember, as long as you’re packing a lunch, don’t forget to stock up on the emergency roadside kit so you’re prepared for anything.
We mentioned Point Reyes above. This area is considered “sacred” by almost all who visit and love it. We don’t say that lightly. There’s something extra special about Point Reyes National Seashore. Besides its stunning seashore appeal and fantastic hiking opportunities, it also provides views of gray whales as they migrate from North to South and back again.
According to their Whale Watching page, the Gray Whale southern migration peak usually occurs in mid-January, and that of the northern migration in mid-March. Late April and early May offer visitors the best opportunity to see mothers and calves near shore. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Experienced Northern California road trippers know that frequent breaks are the key to finding some of the lesser-known road trip destinations. One of these is Hedge Creek Falls. Just north of Redding and on your way to Shasta, Hedge Creek Fall is a pretty easy, half-mile hike that leads to a small cave behind the falls. It’s a crowd-pleaser for adults and children alike.
While not a safe destination for winter travelers, McCloud Falls is ideal for a cool swim on a hot summer’s day. The McCloud River Trail passes three beautiful waterfalls as it winds through a canyon of basalt lava rock. This smooth, well-maintained trail offers summer swimming, fall foliage, and an early spring thaw, making it fun and accessible year-round.
The section between the Lower Falls and Fowlers Campground is paved for wheelchairs (ADA compliant). All three overlooks have ADA features.
Most people shoot on by the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway when headed north (or south) on 1-5. However, the 500-mile stretch is its very own road trip and should be done from start to finish at least once if you’re looking for top northern California road trip destinations.
Along this 500-mile journey from volcano to volcano, you will find opportunities for adventure, exploration, communion with nature, and an appreciation for the culture and history of the region. You will also find residents eager to share the beauty and mystery of this land dotted with evidence of a violent past.
If you’re a career road tripper, then you know some fellow trippers are only in it for the hot springs. That’s the case for one of our crew, who always makes a point to plan trips around where the best hot springs are found. You’re welcome to bring your suits, but know that many natural hot springs are “clothing optional,” so keep that in mind.
We like Wanderlog’s guide to Nor Cal hot springs because it lets you know the basic ins and outs of each one, including which ones require AWD or 4WD for safe access.
Most people know Santa Cruz for its Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park redwoods-meet-the-beach geography. However, we recommend making Santa Cruz one of your road trip destinations to enjoy the hiking trails and unparalleled scenery in Natural Bridges State Park. We also recommend taking an open-air train ride at Roaring Camp (in nearby Felton) for a new and fun way to revel in the splendor of coastal redwood trees.
You may notice that we didn’t feature any of the biggies, like Tahoe, Yosemite, or Mt. Shasta. That’s because we figure you already know about them and because we prefer road trip destinations that are lesser occupied (we spend enough time in commuter traffic during the typical work week).
To our minds, the stunning mountain vistas and unrivaled outdoor life at Mammoth Lakes are every bit as appealing - if not more - than Yosemite. Located just a little more than five hours outside of San Francisco, Mammoth Lakes is a ski resort by winter and a hiking, biking, water rafting, and climbing haven in all other seasons. If you’ve never been there before, we recommend taking your first road trip in the fall, when Aspen’s fall colors rival that of the east coast.
The team at J&T Towing wishes you and your loved ones a happy and safe road trip to one or more of these top northern California road-trip destinations. And don’t forget, our roadside assistance team is here for you whenever you need us.
