If you’re seeking a new place to visit in Northern California, we know some overlooked destinations that are pretty incredible. While it makes sense you’d want to see the biggest attractions in Northern California, there are some small and unknown places that are well worth your time. Northern California is composed of 21 counties. All of these counties have towns to visit, hiking trails, and natural sites to explore. It’s also fun to take the road less traveled and go somewhere new and unexpected. Here are some of the most overlooked destinations in Northern California.
Amador County is the new Napa Valley. There are wineries everywhere, as well as Gold Rush history. Plymouth is a town of about 1,000 people and has many wineries in town and on the surrounding hillsides.
Just in the downtown area, visitors will find Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar, a fine dining restaurant, and right across the street is The Vines Tasting Room & Wines. If you’d rather try a local beer, check out Amador Brewing Company
Graeagle is in the high Sierra, one hour west of Reno. If you want to experience Truckee-like mountainous terrain without the crowds, Graeagle is your ticket. Kick off the day with a game of golf at Graeagle Meadows Golf Course and have lunch at Graeagle Restaurant, located in the heart of town.
There are also several local hiking trails, including the popular Mills Peak Trail which takes hikers to the top of a mountain for an incredible view. Back in Graeagle, go swimming at The Millpond, a large pond-slash-small lake near the center of town.
You’ve probably heard a lot about Ferndale– a beautiful Victorian town in Humboldt County. Just north of Ferndale is Loleta, a rural town with a tiny downtown.
The downtown, although small, is lined with colorful old buildings. Check out the local grocery store, Loleta Grocery, and explore the old storefronts.
Mainly for High Hand Nursery, a massive nursery, with stores and a restaurant. Also on this street, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurants, and a small park with a playground.
This city of more than 43,000 people is in the heart of coastal California’s agricultural land. Hollister is not a small town but often gets overlooked for nearby beach towns to the west. There are often many farm stands in and around Hollister. Stock up on produce and farm-fresh food.
Stop by The Farm Bertuccio’s Market for fresh produce, olive oil, nuts, and dried fruit. North of the main town is Fairhaven Orchards, where visitors can buy fresh fruit by the palate. On the way out of town, stop by El Nopal Bakery for conchas and other Mexican sweetbreads.
Off of Interstate 5, between Redding and Red Bluff is the small town of Cottonwood. Cottonwood looks like an Old West movie set. It’s a fun town to explore.
Explore Front Street with old-timey buildings. There’s the Old Town Marketplace, a home goods store with all sorts of shabby chic and farmhouse decor. Drive to the other side of town to have a drink at Cody’s OK Corral, a western saloon.
Some of these destinations are ideal for a day trip, while others have enough things to do for an entire weekend. Which one of these destinations piques your interest the most?
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