This journey through Northern California takes in some of state’s finest destinations and scenic routes featuring magnificent mountains, pristine lakes and towering redwoods. From the rolling hills of the wine country and the rugged beauty of the Pacific Coast, to the lesser visited Redwood and Lassen Volcanic National Parks and Lake Tahoe, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t take this road trip to see Northern California Highlights sooner!
All of our road trips are fully customisable and can be tailor-made to suit your own individual requirements. Please let your Discover North America travel specialist know if you would like to start in a different destination, use specific hotel accommodation or simply want to add an excursion or two. Do you have more or less than 17 days for your road trip? No problem, we can add extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required.
As we can offer you such a extensive choice of flights & car rental and prices vary per departure date, we don’t include these elements as standard within the headline fare displayed on our website, unless stated otherwise in the `What’s Included’ section. When requesting your initial quote, your Discover North America Travel Specialist will take the time to understand your own individual requirements with regards to international flights and car rental and will tailor the quote specifically to your needs.
Find out more about the process we follow here.
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Start your Northern California adventure in San Francisco, in northern California. Known for its year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colourful Victorian houses, this city is also famed for its steep streets - the most famous being Lombard Street. Located in the upscale Russian Hill neighbourhood, Lombard Street is the famous crooked road that’s goes one way (down) past gorgeous Victorian mansions. During your 3 days here, see major sights such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Sacramento is a city of experiences, and one that people return to again and again. In Old Sacramento, you can relive the history of the Gold Rush and the coming of the railroads at the State Railroad Museum. At Sutter's Fort, you can put yourself in the place of the first pioneers, before coming back to the present in Midtown bars and restaurants that match any in Frisco or LA.
Welcome to California’s beautiful jewel in the mountains, Lake Tahoe. This year-round destination is a dream come true. There’s fresh mountain air, brisk turquoise water, scenic short hikes, and epic sunsets. It’s actually the largest alpine lake in all of North America. There’s nothing much better than a few days in the mountains of Lake Tahoe
Follow the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail through Northern California to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where Lassen Peak is the dominant feature. Boiling springs, steaming sulfur vents and mud pots all combine to make up this diverse landscape. Hike through the Devastated Area, and see remnants of past eruptions. Along 150 miles (241 km) of trails, you can walk through lush forests and around crystal- clear lakes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whilst in the area, don’t forget to explore the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park where you’ll be transported straight to a tropical island upon sight of the 129 foot cascading waterfall.
Take highway 89 to Mount Shasta and witness one of California’s most outstanding roads, the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Soaring to 14,179 feet high, Mt. Shasta scrapes the turquoise-blue sky, north of Redding—acting as a totem from almost anywhere in the northern part of the state. In addition to Redding, there are several attractions that should be on your itinerary while in the region. Drive south less than 10 miles on Interstate 5 and you’ll pull into the mountain hamlet of Dunsmuir, home of top fly-fishing streams, a railroad museum, and the nearby Castle Crags State Park. Farther away but worth the 70-mile drive, especially in the warmer months, is Whiskeytown Lake, a 3,000 surface-acre reservoir of crystal-clear water that’s perfect for sailing, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing. If you prefer to stay dry, admire it from the shore and hike to the 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.
Head west on Highway 29 along the Trinity River Scenic Byway where you’ll see some of the finest views in Northern California. The coastal city of Eureka or Trinidad are the perfect locations before you drive down the coast. Eureka is both charming and lively, with lots of festivals and live music and a bustling café scene. Trinidad boasts no less than 10 public beaches, and its offshore rocks are part of the California Coastal National Monument. A true coastal gem, this quiet spot will have you lost in the wildflowers as you explore the beach and its stunning rock formations.
This part of your journey takes in a section of California’s legendary Pacific Coast, Highway 1. Towered by 300 foot tall Redwood trees. In Mendocino County, you'll experience a rugged coastline, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages, majestic redwood forests and America's Greenest Wine Region.
Welcome to the land of world-class wines and agricultural abundance. Located just an hour north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is home to more than 300 wineries, a huge selection of excellent farm-to-table restaurants and a whole host of art galleries, shops and spas.
Your tour ends when you return your rental car to the agreed drop-off point. Alternatively, speak with your Discover North America Travel Specialist about possible trip extensions.