Northern California is a stunning region of the United States, full of natural beauty and attractions that make it a great destination for travelers. From the majestic Yosemite National Park to the charming coastal town of Mendocino, there is something for everyone in this region. For those looking for a place to stay, the prestigious Executive Inn & Suites is a great option. But what attractions and landmarks can you find near the inn? Here are some of the best places to explore in Northern California that will make your trip unforgettable.
One of the most iconic places to visit in Northern California is Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park is home to 150 miles of hiking trails, where you can explore places like Bumpass Hell, where you'll see boiling mud pots and turquoise-colored geothermal waters flowing into the cold air. In the distance, you can see the Lassen volcano rising in the distance. It's an opportunity to get outside and away from the crowds. Another great place to visit in Northern California is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
This park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, and you can explore them on one of its many hiking trails. You might even recognize it from Jurassic Park, where some scenes were filmed. If you're looking for a unique experience, then Fern Canyon is a must-visit. This 50-foot-tall, walled canyon is drenched in ferns, where the water falls into the stream that runs through it. You can walk through the canyon and dive into what is perhaps the most supernatural place I've ever been to in California. Mendocino is another great destination in Northern California.
One of the best ways to get to know Mendocino is along coastal hiking trails in parks such as Van Damme State Park and Russian Gulch State Park. The trails cross headlands, entering and exiting the cliffs that rise above the Pacific Ocean. Lake Tahoe is another essential visit in Northern California. Popular all year round, you can't go wrong if you decide to visit it in summer or winter. Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, along the border with Nevada, and its crystal clear waters are iconic. Near San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is one of my favorite day trips in Northern California.
Located in Marin County, it is an area of California that has a protected coastline and is home to the picturesque town of Point Reyes Station. I would recommend a quiet day trip to enjoy the coastal area, with highlights such as seeing the Tulle elk in the reserve, the famous cypress tunnel, and not losing sight of the annual migration of gray whales. For those looking to get out and walk, there are 150 miles of hiking trails to choose from in the National Seashore area. Yosemite National Park should also be on every California itinerary. Visit famous spots like Half Dome and Yosemite Valley, or take epic Yosemite trails like North Dome or Clouds Rest.
One of my favorite activities is watching climbers climb El Capitan's treacherous granite walls with my binoculars. Lassen Volcanic National Park is another lesser-known national park worth visiting next time you're in Northern California. Mammoth Mountain, one of the largest in California, is one of the most popular activities to do in Northern California in winter. The Golden Gate Bridge is easily one of the most popular things to do in Northern California and also one of San Francisco's most photogenic sites. The West Nile River is also one of Northern California's top tourist attractions. Ridge Lakes Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the best hiking trails in this area and suitable for all fitness levels just 2 miles round trip. Pinnacles National Monument located on the border with Oregon is another great destination for nature lovers.
No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of attractions and landmarks near Executive Inn & Suites that will make your trip to Northern California unforgettable. From beaches to charming cities to centuries-old redwood forests, this region has stunning beauty that you won't find anywhere else.
