Norcal Road Trips To Get You Out Of The Bay This Fall
There's nothing like the great outdoors, especially when the air is crisp and the tourists are gone. And although the Bay is near and dear to my heart, it just doesn't have the same ~nature-y vibes~ as these other NorCal spots. Whether it's just for the day or the weekend, I've got all the top road trip destinations to take that'll get you out of The Bay and into somewhere just a bit cozier.
Yosemite
This one goes without saying… But I still have to say it. If there’s one word to describe Yosemite, it’s probably magical. It’s a 3.5 hours from SF to get to the park’s entrance, but I think it's most definitely worth it —especially during the off-season when tourist visits drop and the seasonal vibes are immaculate.
Calistoga
Ah, wine country — the real relaxation station. This pick isn’t so much a peace-and-quiet in the middle of nowhere, but rather a town to hit up when you’re in need of some leisure with a hefty side of indulgence. Check out the many quaint restaurants like Lovina, hit up an outdoor tasting winery like Clos Pegase, and treat yourself to a well-deserved spa day at Golden Haven (or one of the many other spas in town). It's only 1.5 hours from SF and there's nothing like seeing the (grape) leaves change in the fall.
Mendocino County
There’s something about sleepy little coastal towns that really just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Mendocino County has plenty of those quaint little towns (Fort Bragg, Gualala, etc.) with a beautiful, rocky coastline and is perfect for the trail-explorers and beach-bummers looking for a remote getaway. Mendocino itself is about 3 hours north of SF, but the scenery along the way makes it worth doing it in and of itself.
Nevada City
Nevada City is likely one of the cutest towns in Northern California with its abundance of trees, fall foliage, and wildlife. Pro-tip, if you go during December, you’ll get to experience the town’s "Victorian Christmas” in which they deck out the downtown area with decorations + an outdoor market which is just the cherry on top. Only 2.5 hours Northeast of SF for all the feels.
Angels Camp
We’re talking major small-town vibes with this one. Angels Camp is a sweet little Western town about 2.5 hours East of SF in the Sierra Foothills. Its main street is perfect for strolling and learning about the town's history (like the Jumping Frog Jubilee... yes, you read that right). If you like old-timey Western towns like this, neighboring towns Jackson, Sonora, and Murphys are all worth a visit to while you're in the area. And, of course, Big Trees State Park.
This one likely needs no explanation as it’s a key destination when traveling the Pacific Coast Highway, however, it's quintessential in the conversation of NorCal road trips, so here we are. From thick coastal forest to massive spans of rocky cliffs, this place is truly a feast for the eyes (and the glutes, if you’re a hiker). It’s about 2.5 - 3 hours South of SF, but well worth the drive. Make it a true trip and camp overnight.
Lassen may as well be considered a different planet with its varying landscape and hydrothermal hot spots, but lucky for you, it’s only 4 hours North of SF! Alright, I realize it’s a bit of a trek, but they call it a road trip for nothing. Hike to Kings Creek Falls, swim in Manzanita Lake, hang out poolside by the Devil’s Kitchen (jk, please don’t do that).
Coloma
Grab your gold pan and your favorite cowboy — we’re going to Coloma! Coloma is a sleepy Gold Rush-era town about 2.5 hours from SF and is packed with stuff to do, but is somehow still oh so chill. I recommend rafting/kayaking down the American River with the local river rats, grabbing lunch at The Argonaut, and if you’re feeling lucky, panning for gold.
Avenue of the Giants
Best for last? Up to you, really. Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile stretch of Highway 101 that transports you through a forest of massive, ancient Redwood trees. It’s about 3.5 hours from SF and I recommend making a true road trip out of it by taking the 101 through wine country, all the way up to Avenue of the Giants, then looping back down to the Bay via Highway 1 through the oceanside towns from Hardy to Point Reyes *chefs kiss*.
