The 4 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Northern California

If you want to feel like you've stepped into a painting, Northern California's vivid scenery will do just that. From sparkling sea glass to otherworldly volcanic fields, these are the most colorful places in Northern California.

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Despite their name, the Painted Dunes in Lassen Volcanic National Park are not sand dunes, but rather ash deposits oxidized by lava flow. Located in the northeastern section of the park, this watercolor-like landscape is best viewed from the Cinder Cone Trail, a 4-mile hike that features a steep, 200-foot ascent to the summit of the Cinder Cone volcano. From the peak, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Painted Dunes as well as Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, and several other iconic sights. The entrance fee for Lassen Volcanic National Park is $30 per vehicle ($10-$15 during winter).

When to Visit for the Best Color and Light

Although the park entrance fee is lower in winter, June through November is the best time to see the Painted Dunes, as snow can obscure the lava field from view. Additionally, the Cinder Cone Trail can be dangerous in winter, as slippery conditions make the steep climb even more challenging. As for the time of day, early morning is preferred because sunlight washes out the vibrant colors of the dunes.

2. Point Reyes National Seashore

As if the dramatic cliffs of the Point Reyes National Seashore weren't stunning enough already, just wait until you see them in the spring and summer. The coastline erupts in jaw-dropping displays of wildflowers in nearly every color of the rainbow, from cheerful California poppies to soothing sky lupine. Flowers bloom at various locations along the seashore; Abbotts Lagoon, Chimney Rock, and Tomales Point are some of the best early-season sites. Superblooms are not uncommon in the area, and when they occur, you'll swear you're looking at a painting.

3. Napa Valley

When most people think about fall foliage, California isn't the first place that comes to mind, but NorCal is one of the best places in the U.S. for leaf peeping. Vineyards along the Silverado Trail and Highway 29 transform into seas of yellow, begging you to come take a stroll through the grapevines while sipping a glass of wine. Foliage typically peaks between late September and early October, but every year is slightly different.

4. Glass Beach, Fort Bragg

Glass Beach takes the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," to a whole new level. From 1906 to 1967, this section of coastline on the southern beach of MacKerricher State Park was a dumping site, and glass bottles once littered the shore. Over time, nature shaped the bottles into the most beautiful sea glass. It's illegal to remove glass from the beach, but people still do it, so there's less to see than in the past. However, enough remains to make it a worthwhile stop, especially when the sun reflects on the glass and magnifies the vibrant colors. Glass Beach is free to visit, with easy access via a footbridge near the intersection of Elm St and Old Haul Road. You'll see the most glass at low tide (and you can explore tide pools).

The Most Colorful Places to Visit in Northern California

More colorful places to visit in Northern California year-round include the Big Sur coastline, the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for autumn foliage, Burney Falls and Lake Tahoe offer postcard-worthy displays. Road trips and scenic drives in Northern California are some of the best ways to enjoy the vivid scenery.

How many of the most colorful places in Northern California have you visited? Would you add any others to the list?

If you're feeling inspired to discover more destinations where you can experience NorCal in color, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.