7 Day Itinerary for a Fantastic Northern California Vacation
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When people think of California, they usually think of Los Angeles and movie stars, or alternatively, Palm Springs and golf courses. But there's a lot of fun to be had up north too.
San Francisco is probably the most well-known city in northern California, and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From trolley cars to Ghirardelli chocolate and onto Pier 39, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had in this cosmopolitan city. With shopping galore, sea lions down on the beach, restaurants enough to satisfy even the most varied of taste buds, and history that includes earthquakes and the infamous Alcatraz prison.
If you're looking for a more peaceful trip to the area, Yosemite National Park offers something for the inner nature lover in all of us. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery from a hotel room window or camp out in a tent to enjoy nature up front and personal, you'll find what you're looking for at Yosemite. Even farther up north is the amazing Redwood National Park, with its gigantic trees and serene atmosphere. Here you'll gain not only a true appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world, but will also find a new perspective on life!
It's not really possible to mention northern Californian highlights without mentioning the Napa Valley area. For the wine aficionados of the world, Napa Valley is heaven on earth. There are wine tasting parties and open houses almost year-round - just make sure to call ahead or check on the Internet to see what the latest information is. The Napa Valley also has some amazing landscapes to appreciate.
For history buffs, the northern California is a gold mine of Spanish missions, gold rush exhibits, and railroad museums. If you're interested in how California evolved into to what it is today, you'll love exploring all of the museums and exhibits dedicated to this time period.
Whatever you're looking for in a vacation, whether it's wild nights or wildlife, or high living or high summits, you're sure to find it in beautiful northern California.
San Francisco is probably the most well-known city in northern California, and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From trolley cars to Ghirardelli chocolate and onto Pier 39, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had in this cosmopolitan city. With shopping galore, sea lions down on the beach, restaurants enough to satisfy even the most varied of taste buds, and history that includes earthquakes and the infamous Alcatraz prison.
If you're looking for a more peaceful trip to the area, Yosemite National Park offers something for the inner nature lover in all of us. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery from a hotel room window or camp out in a tent to enjoy nature up front and personal, you'll find what you're looking for at Yosemite. Even farther up north is the amazing Redwood National Park, with its gigantic trees and serene atmosphere. Here you'll gain not only a true appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this world, but will also find a new perspective on life!
It's not really possible to mention northern Californian highlights without mentioning the Napa Valley area. For the wine aficionados of the world, Napa Valley is heaven on earth. There are wine tasting parties and open houses almost year-round - just make sure to call ahead or check on the Internet to see what the latest information is. The Napa Valley also has some amazing landscapes to appreciate.
For history buffs, the northern California is a gold mine of Spanish missions, gold rush exhibits, and railroad museums. If you're interested in how California evolved into to what it is today, you'll love exploring all of the museums and exhibits dedicated to this time period.
7 Day Itinerary for your Northern California Vacation
If you have just one week to explore all of the exciting destinations in Northern California, we suggest you spend your 7 days of enjoying this itinerary packed full our favorite activities... Guarantee a relaxing stay when you choose any of the many welcoming and comfortable Choice Hotels on the West Coast. Call 888-846-9378 or visit www.gowesthotels.com to reserve your next stay.
Taking your Norther California itinerary with you? Copy and print it here!
Day 1: On your week-long trip in Northern California, we suggest you start all the way at the top of this beautiful and diverse state. Spend your first day exploring the Redwood forests of Northernmost California, and take advantage of the variety of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and spending time by the iconic coastline.
Day 2: On your second day, head south to Lake Tahoe, where you will feel as though you've stepped directly into a mountain resort. On a summer visit, test your hand at water sports such as stand up paddle boarding and wake-boarding; during the snowy winters, head to the mountains where you can ski and snowboard on one of the many exciting ski resorts surrounding the lake.
Day 3: After enjoying Northern California's mountains, head west to the state's capital, Sacramento. Spend your 3rd day of vacationing exploring the rich culture and history of the city at attractions such as the California State Capitol and Museum, California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park, or bring the family out for and exciting day at the Sacramento Zoo and Funderland.
Day 4: Spend your 4th day in one of Northern California's most iconic regions, Napa Valley. While you will surely enjoy exploring the many vineyards and their incredible wines, Napa offers this and much more! Dine at the incredible variety of restaurants, explore the arts at venues such as the Uptown Theatre and Napa Valley Opera House, experience the rich history and beautiful architecture such as that of the Castello di Amorosa, or shop in downtown Napa and its surrounding towns.
Day 5: After enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Napa Valley, head to San Francisco & Bay Area, where you are sure to have a day filled to the brim with sightseeing, dining, shopping, and so much more. Among the many attractions you must see are the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, and Union Square. While in the Bay Area, catch one of the many sports games, visit Silicon Valley, known for its many high-tech companies, or take the family to California's Great America or the San Jose Children's Museum.
Day 6: On your 6th day in Northern California, head south to the area's most beautiful and renowned beaches of Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey. When in Santa Cruz, enjoy the rides on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or surf the waves. On your way South, take the scenic 17-mile drive where you will see some of the most stunning views in the area, stop for some boutique shopping and dining in Carmel, and head to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Day 7: On your last day in Northern California, head inland on a drive through the state's stunning agricultural landscape towards Fresno and Bakersfield. Be sure to stop at the many fresh farm-stands and farmer's markets on your way towards these cities, after which you can enjoy the many fun things to do and see such as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Foresters Underground Gardens, catch a show at Baskerville's Majestic Fox Theatre or head to the Kern's County Museum.
No matter which route you plan to take when spending your 7 days exploring Northern California, you are sure find endless things to do and see. Guarantee a relaxing stay when choose any of the many welcoming and comfortable Choice Hotels in Northern California. Call 888-846-9378 or visit www.gowesthotels.com to reserve your next stay.
Taking your Norther California itinerary with you? Copy and print it here!
Day 1: On your week-long trip in Northern California, we suggest you start all the way at the top of this beautiful and diverse state. Spend your first day exploring the Redwood forests of Northernmost California, and take advantage of the variety of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and spending time by the iconic coastline.
Day 2: On your second day, head south to Lake Tahoe, where you will feel as though you've stepped directly into a mountain resort. On a summer visit, test your hand at water sports such as stand up paddle boarding and wake-boarding; during the snowy winters, head to the mountains where you can ski and snowboard on one of the many exciting ski resorts surrounding the lake.
Day 3: After enjoying Northern California's mountains, head west to the state's capital, Sacramento. Spend your 3rd day of vacationing exploring the rich culture and history of the city at attractions such as the California State Capitol and Museum, California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park, or bring the family out for and exciting day at the Sacramento Zoo and Funderland.
Day 4: Spend your 4th day in one of Northern California's most iconic regions, Napa Valley. While you will surely enjoy exploring the many vineyards and their incredible wines, Napa offers this and much more! Dine at the incredible variety of restaurants, explore the arts at venues such as the Uptown Theatre and Napa Valley Opera House, experience the rich history and beautiful architecture such as that of the Castello di Amorosa, or shop in downtown Napa and its surrounding towns.
Day 5: After enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Napa Valley, head to San Francisco & Bay Area, where you are sure to have a day filled to the brim with sightseeing, dining, shopping, and so much more. Among the many attractions you must see are the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, and Union Square. While in the Bay Area, catch one of the many sports games, visit Silicon Valley, known for its many high-tech companies, or take the family to California's Great America or the San Jose Children's Museum.
Day 6: On your 6th day in Northern California, head south to the area's most beautiful and renowned beaches of Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey. When in Santa Cruz, enjoy the rides on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or surf the waves. On your way South, take the scenic 17-mile drive where you will see some of the most stunning views in the area, stop for some boutique shopping and dining in Carmel, and head to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Day 7: On your last day in Northern California, head inland on a drive through the state's stunning agricultural landscape towards Fresno and Bakersfield. Be sure to stop at the many fresh farm-stands and farmer's markets on your way towards these cities, after which you can enjoy the many fun things to do and see such as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Foresters Underground Gardens, catch a show at Baskerville's Majestic Fox Theatre or head to the Kern's County Museum.
No matter which route you plan to take when spending your 7 days exploring Northern California, you are sure find endless things to do and see. Guarantee a relaxing stay when choose any of the many welcoming and comfortable Choice Hotels in Northern California. Call 888-846-9378 or visit www.gowesthotels.com to reserve your next stay.
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Whatever you're looking for in a vacation, whether it's wild nights or wildlife, or high living or high summits, you're sure to find it in beautiful northern California.
