We all have our go-to favorite destinations, but with all the sights to see and things to do a great way to discover more is by taking some of the best day trips in Northern California. There’s nothing quite like uncovering something new in this beautiful and fun region. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state. Try out something different this summer — take some new photos, and add new entries to your journal or scrapbook. Here’s a list of some of the most fun adventures we could possibly come up with. And we scoured the state in our research! We hope there’s something new on the list you haven’t experienced before. Make this summer one to remember with these 15 ideas, which we consider to be some of the best day trips in Northern California!

1. Take a Boat Ride to Natural Caverns
Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, 20359 Shasta Caverns Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA
Flickr/ Ray Krebs
This other-worldly spot is one of the newest national natural landmarks in Northern California, and the only way to see it is to take a short boat ride across Lake Shasta. The Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark was preserved in 2012, but the caverns themselves are at least 200 million years old. Eons ago, the caverns were formed by underground water that has since drained away. They are made entirely of limestone. Today, thousands of visitors every year board boats like these for a short drive across the lake to tour the caverns, which are then accessed via a private road. It's definitely one of the most unique things to do around Northern California.
2. Discover a New Swimming Hole
Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Julie W. / AllTrails
A little while ago, we compiled a great list of lesser-known swimming holes in the area. If you’re looking for some neat places to swim that aren’t your local — and likely crowded — pool, then these lesser-known swimming spots in Northern California are perfect. Take the day off, gather the family and dive into an unforgettable day of fun in the sun. You'll be blown away by the natural beauty of these places.
3. Ride a Train
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, 56001 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, USA
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad / Facebook
Locomotive travel can bring us back to a day when we took the time to watch what was outside of our windows and simply enjoy the journey. If you’re looking to remember what it’s like to enjoy the journey and tour Northern California in a unique way — or you just want to give the family a special experience they’ll never forget — then traveling Northern California’s scenic railways are the perfect way to do just that. We recently compiled a list of all historic train rides you can take in Northern California. We think you'll get a kick out of what we found including one of the best day trips near me in Northern California.
4. Sample Ice Cream from all the Best Places In Northern California
815 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Google Maps
Northern Californians love our ice cream, and almost every city or town has a great dessert parlor to call its own. We compiled a list of some top ice cream joints and organized them into a convenient little road trip for you! Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, there’s nothing that hits the spot like one of these delicious ice cream parlors. Your mouths will be watering just reading about them!
5. Go for a Hike — even a short one
Eagle Lake Trail, California 96150, USA
AllTrails/ Robin Kinsel
You don't have to be an extreme mountaineer to love nature. It's just as much fun to go for a short walk in the woods as it is to go on a long hike. All throughout the state you’ll find gorgeous loops and short overlook trails that only take a little bit of time to complete—and they’re just as stunning as the more rigorous hikes Northern California is known for. We recently discovered 11 short trails that pack a lot of scenery into a smaller package.
6. Stay In a One-of-a-Kind-Cabin
Nick's Cove, 23240 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940, USA
Nick's Cove & Cottages / Facebook
From waterfront bungalows to high-altitude mountain yurts, Northern California has it all. If you like rustic stays, consider looking into one of the cabins we recently added to our master list of places to stay. Pictured is Nick’s Cove, in Marshall, California, one of the best getaway spots near me.
7. Eat Your Way Through This Taco Trail
Don Pistos, 510 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Google Maps
There’s not much that’s better than a delicious taco! Hearty meat, fresh ingredients, and just the right amount of spice: Is your mouth watering yet? Here in Northern California, we’ve got plenty of awesome taco restaurants, each with its own unique take on this culinary classic. While it would be impossible to list each and every great taco spot in the Northern California region, we’ve created a "mini road trip" that highlights a handful of the best taco eateries around.

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8. Visit the Redwoods
Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA
Visit Redwoods
We've all seen pictures of the magnificent redwoods, but those static images really don't do them justice. In order to really understand the awe-inspiring nature of the redwoods, you have to breathe in the misty rainforest air, listen to the wind in the trees, and stand right next to one of these gentle giants.
9. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens / Facebook
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are located in Fort Bragg between California's Highway One and the Pacific Ocean. They are comprised of 47 acres of canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, and a closed-cone pine forest in addition to the beautiful flowers.
10. Visit all the Covered Bridges In Northern California by Following this Road Trip Itinerary
Bridgeport Covered Bridge, 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946, USA
Google Maps
Northern California is known for its scenic beauty, but there’s not much that can top a covered bridge when it comes to the juxtaposition of man-made creations and nature. The old-fashioned bridges are a sight to behold and should definitely be seen in person.
11. Take a Spur of the Moment Camping Trip
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, Davison Rd, Orick, CA 95555, USA
Flickr/ Dain Sandoval
In a recent article, we highlighted all the places in Northern California where you can go camping without needing reservations. With reservations often being accepted nearly a year in advance, sometimes your favorite spots get snatched up before you can even plan your vacation dates. Try out these new campgrounds and live a little more spontaneously.
12. See Northern California’s Most Iconic Waterfalls
Burney Falls, California 96013, USA
Flickr/ Don Graham
Burney Falls are considered by many the most beautiful falls in California, if not the world. Unlike Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, or Nevada Falls there isn't just one mighty stream of water that tumbles over rocks. Instead, the waterfall is a multitude of streams that seep out of mossy rocks and craggy crevices. The water cascades down the lush green growth into a pool of turquoise blue water, capped off by a brilliant rainbow. It's one of the most popular things to see in Northern California, but the experience is well worth braving the crowds.
13. Go On A Hidden Beaches Road Trip
Panther Beach, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Google Maps
Is there anything better than relaxing on the beach during the height of summer? Not much, except for maybe this road trip that we came up with that takes you to all the most remote beaches along the coast of Northern California.
14. Visit a One-Log Home
One Log House, 705 US-101, Garberville, CA 95542, USA
Redwood Coast / Flickr
There are a lot of fabulous and mind-boggling sites in Northern California, but there is only one like this unusual and altogether quirky home. Located in Humboldt County, this unique home is known as the "One Log House" and has been a popular attraction since it was built in the 1940s.
15. Shop at an antique mall
The Petaluma Collective Antique and Militaria Mall, 300 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Petaluma Collective Antique and Militaria Mall/Facebook
An extensive selection of military, vintage, and antique treasures await you at Petaluma Collective Antique and Militaria Mall. The impressive collection includes vintage advertising signs, such as soda, beer, and automotive. Plan to spend some time perusing the shelves at this one-of-a-kind gem in Northern California.

What did you think of our list of some of the best day trips in Northern California? What fun excursions would you add to the list? Let us know by commenting below or on Facebook today! And if you are looking for some more fun, check out this updated list of awesome vacation ideas. It is full of unique things to do around Northern California including some of the best day trips near me.

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Where is another one of the best day trips in Northern California?

Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero, California, has been delighting Californians since 1894, offering American country cooking enhanced by the Portuguese roots of the Duarte family. Depending on the luck of the week's catch, local, fresh fish is served, along with other simple dishes. Most of the produce comes from the restaurant's garden or is grown locally including the wine from the Santa Cruz mountains. Start off with a chilled artichoke heart or a deep-fried smelt appetizer, enjoy something heavier, such as the bacon bleu cheese burger or French dip with fries. And definitely save room for one of the freshly-baked fruit pies of the day.

Where is one of the best overlooks of the ocean in Northern California?

Wedding Rock sits in Patrick's Point State Park, which is located in Trinidad, California. This super short, 0.3-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging, and is open year-round. This stunning, approximately 10-minute walk is surrounded by lovely, inspiring views of the California Coast. Keep your eyes open for whales, among other interesting ocean wildlife. Parking is available near the back of the park along Wedding Rock Road.

Where is one of the oldest cities to visit in Northern California?

Sonora, California, is located in the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Foothills smack-dab in the heart of “Gold Country.” Its beautiful name comes from Sonora Mexican miners who settled there in 1848. The “Queen of the Southern Mines” has grown into a thriving government, commercial, and cultural center for the area, while holding onto its historic roots. Another plus, it is located near Yosemite National Park, and try out a hike on Dragoon Gulch Trail through Mother Lode’s oak woodlands.

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