If you think California is all beaches and palm trees, you’ve only seen half the story.
Northern California is a different world where you’ll find massive redwoods, rugged coastlines, and volcanic landscapes that look like something out of a movie.

This road trip will take you through hidden beaches, misty forests, and beautiful waterfalls that you’ll never forget.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, charming towns, or coastal seafood, this is the ultimate Northern California road trip you have to do at least once.
1. San Francisco

San Francisco is a hilly city between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the Golden Gate Strait.
It’s famous for its old-school cable cars, colorful Victorian houses, and steep streets like Lombard Street, which twists and turns like a rollercoaster.
You can check out Alcatraz Island (a former prison that once held Al Capone) and eat fresh sourdough bread at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Once you’re done doing that, explore neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, which are packed with amazing food, murals, and history.
2. Muir Woods National Monument

Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument feels like stepping into another world, one where giant redwood trees stretch hundreds of feet up.
The trails here are easy to walk, winding through peaceful forests where the air smells fresh and earthy, and the sunlight filters through the towering trees.
It’s the perfect spot to slow down, listen to the sounds of birds and rushing creeks, and feel ridiculously tiny next to trees that range from around 600 to over a thousand years old!
3. Point Reyes National Seashore

Keep heading up the coast, and you’ll hit Point Reyes National Seashore, a rugged stretch of land that sticks out into the Pacific with rolling green hills and hidden beaches.
One of the famous spots here is Drakes Beach, where soft white sand meets sandstone cliffs, and you might even spot elephant seals lounging near the water.
Whether you’re hiking to the famous lighthouse, watching for whales, or just soaking in the salty ocean air, this place feels wild and untamed in the best way.
4. Mendocino

If you continue cruising up Highway 1, you’ll reach Mendocino, a tiny coastal town that looks like something out of a storybook.
Here you’ll find charming cottages, bluffs, and views of the Pacific stretching as far as you can see.
On the edge of town, Mendocino Headlands State Park has cliffside trails where you can watch waves crash against sea caves and maybe even spot migrating gray whales in the distance.
The town itself is lined with art galleries, cozy cafés, and historic buildings, making it a great place to wander around before grabbing a bowl of clam chowder with an ocean view.
5. Fort Bragg

A little farther up, Fort Bragg has a more off-the-beaten-path vibe, with wild beaches, rocky cliffs, and one of the coolest attractions on the California coast—Glass Beach.
This once was an old dumping ground, but over decades, the ocean smoothed the broken glass into colorful pebbles that now shine along the shore.
If you’re up for more, hop on the historic Skunk Train for a ride through the redwoods or explore the tide pools and sea caves at MacKerricher State Park.
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6. Black Sands Beach

Make your way north, and you’ll reach Black Sands Beach, a remarkable stretch of coastline where dark greywacke sand meets crashing Pacific waves.
💡 Greywacke sands are sand-sized grains of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals that are part of a sedimentary rock called greywacke sandstone
It’s part of the Lost Coast, one of the most remote and untouched areas in California, where rocky cliffs and steep trails make every hike feel like an adventure.
Here you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean and the occasional sea lion barking in the distance.
7. Humboldt Bay

Heading inland from the Lost Coast, you’ll find Humboldt Bay, a laid-back spot known for its fishing boats, fresh oysters, and waterfront views.
Just a short drive away, Clam Beach is a long, sandy stretch perfect for flying kites, beachcombing, or digging for razor clams if you’re up for getting your hands dirty.
With towering redwoods to the east and the Pacific to the west, this area has that classic Northern California atmosphere that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
8. Eureka

Right on the edge of Humboldt Bay, Eureka is a quirky little city with a Gold Rush-era history, colorful Victorian houses, and a fun mix of artsy, coastal, and old-school vibes.
Old Town Eureka is filled with cool shops, local breweries, and historic buildings.
One of the key attractions is the Carson Mansion, a massive Victorian house that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
As you stroll along the waterfront, check out the murals, or grab fish and chips at the marina, you’ll experience a perfect blend of history and small-town feel.
9. Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks, located north of Eureka, provide incredible hiking, coastal scenery, and a chance to walk among giant redwood trees.
One of the best spots to soak it all in is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail, an easy hike through moss-covered trees that are so tall you’ll probably strain your neck trying to see the tops.
Because of its winding trails, hidden canyons, and wild elk roaming through open meadows, this area will remind you of just how small we really are.
10. Fern Canyon

Fern Canyon feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park—probably because it actually was a filming location for The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
The trail takes you through a narrow canyon where walls covered in lush ferns tower over a small creek that you’ll have to splash through (bring waterproof shoes!).
With its cool air and total silence except for trickling water and rustling leaves, this hidden spot feels like a secret world frozen in time.
Related Reading: This Magical Canyon In California Is Straight Out Of Jurassic Park
11. Trinity Alps Wilderness

Trinity Alps Wilderness is a totally different kind of fun—think mountains, alpine lakes, and miles of remote hiking trails with barely another person in sight.
If you’re up for a challenge, the trail to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes is a stunning trek through rocky peaks and wildflower-filled meadows, ending at crystal-clear lakes.
Here, you can backpack deep into the wilderness, do a day hike, or unplug completely and just soak in the mountain views.
12. Mount Shasta

Keep heading east, and you’ll spot Mount Shasta long before you get there—this massive, snow-capped volcano rises over 14,000 feet and completely dominates the skyline.
Beyond the mountain itself, the area is packed with outdoor adventures.
For example, you’ll find McCloud Falls nearby, a series of three waterfalls where you can hike, swim, or just sit and watch the water crash down into pools.
It even has a campground!
Whether you’re climbing the peak, soaking in nearby hot springs, or wondering if the legends about hidden underground civilizations under Shasta are true, Shasta has a unique energy that’s hard to ignore.
Related Reading: This California Campground Is Right Next To 3 Waterfalls, A Majestic River And A Hidden Dam
13. Burney Falls

Just south of Mount Shasta, Burney Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in California, but it might be the most jaw-dropping.
With water spilling over a 129-foot cliff in hundreds of little streams, you’ll get a view of one of the best waterfalls in all of California.
The constant flow comes from underground springs, which means the falls run strong all year.
It’s surrounded by lush green moss and mist that makes the air feel cool even in the summer.
Teddy Roosevelt once called this the “eighth wonder of the world,” and honestly, after standing in front of the water and feeling the spray on your face, it’s hard to argue with him.
14. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place that looks like a mix between Yellowstone and another planet.
Steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and hot springs make spots like Bumpass Hell feel almost prehistoric, while lava rock and lakes remind you that this whole area was shaped by fire and ice.
You can hike up Lassen Peak for panoramic views, stroll through fields of wildflowers, or just appreciate the fact that you’re standing in one of the most volcanically active places in the state.
15. Redding

As you leave the volcanic landscapes behind, Redding feels like a breath of fresh air, sitting right on the Sacramento River with tons of outdoor areas to explore.
One of the popular stops here is Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Here you can walk across the glass-decked Sundial Bridge, visit rescued wildlife, and learn about the region’s history—all in one spot.
You can enjoy kayaking on the river, hiking at Whiskeytown Lake, or just grabbing ice cream downtown.
Whatever you choose to do, Redding offers adventure and a little well-earned relaxation.
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