Northern Attractions

From the majestic High Sierras to the Napa vineyards to the rocky cliffs and beaches of , Northern California is one of the most exhilarating and romantic destinations on the West Coast. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Hike through the canyons of Yosemite. Ski the powdery slopes of Lake Tahoe and Mount Shasta. Taste the bounty of the vines in the beautiful Napa Valley countryside.

Golden Gate Bridge A San Francisco landmark and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of architecture with vibrant orange towers and art deco. Connecting San Francisco to Marin County across San Francisco Bay, the 4,200-foot bridge offers spectacular views of San Francisco.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Hugging the coastline of San Francisco, Golden Gate National Park offers beautiful beaches, coastal hiking trails, historic sites, gardens, golf courses, and attractions such as the Presidio, de Young Museum, Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz. Walk along the beach or go kite-boarding in Crissy Field in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz Take the ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf across San Francisco Bay to the Island of Alcatraz – The Rock. Alcatraz island has served many purposes throughout its history including, a Civil War fortress, a notorious federal prison, bird sanctuary, the first lighthouse on the West Coast, and birthplace of the Native American Red Power movement. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the abandoned prison and cell blocks, which includes audio commentary, and experience a minute locked in a dark cell.

Napa Valley Discover a sip of heaven in Napa Valley, one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The charming area of Napa Valley, sits on a rolling landscape of sun-kissed vineyards, tall redwoods and award-winning wineries. Napa Valley offers wine tasting rooms, wine festivals, spas, golf courses and restaurants enhanced by the flavors of the land. Meander to Napa’s wine estates, including Domaine Chandon or boutique wineries like Chimney Rock Winery.

Yosemite National Park Discover the power of the granite and serenity of the High Sierra at . This scenic parkland is a beautiful adventure destination with towering waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows and giant sequoias. Explore breathtaking scenery and miles of hiking and horseback trails through Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Falls Trail. Go rafting and fishing on the Merced River or swimming in the waterfalls and reservoir.

Mount Shasta & Shasta Lake Discover the recreational paradise of snow-capped Mt. Shasta. The second highest volcano in the country, rising 14,179 feet, Mt. Shasta features active volcanic cones, icy glaciers, wilderness trails and alpine meadows. Explore mountain lakes and rivers, forests, and miles of backcountry for exceptional, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Edged by a mountainous shoreline of evergreens, Shasta Lake is California’s largest reservoir for boating, water skiing, and fishing.

Sequoia National Park The second oldest national park, is a diverse alpine landscape of mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, giant sequoias, high-country lakes, rivers and peaks that soar 14,494 feet. This beautiful park in the southern Sierras offers outdoor recreation, like hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, and rock climbing. Drive along Generals Highway to Ash Mountain and the Giant Forest, home of the 275-foot-tall General Sherman sequoia. Kayak the Class IV rapids of Kaweah River, and explore the waterfalls of Crystal Cave. Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco A historic waterfront marketplace in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf features seafood restaurants, unique shopping, fun attractions, street performers, entertainment and breathtaking bay views. Enjoy shopping at The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. See the playful sea lions, cruise to Alcatraz or Angel Island from Pier 41, hop on the Cable Cars and see the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier.

Big Sur Hugging the coast, where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop into the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is a destination with breathtaking coastal scenery and an eclectic vibe. Big Sur's rugged cliffs, redwoods and surf create an epic landscape for relaxation and romance. Explore beautiful state parks, beaches, redwood forest, hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, art galleries and restaurants. Go surfing, swimming, and hiking, at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Los Padres National Forest, , , and . Big Sur is one of Geographic Traveler’s 50 Places of a Lifetime.

California Petrified Forest Journey back in time 3.5 million years as you hike through the trail of majestic petrified redwood and oak giants in a mysterious grove in the California wine country. Millions of years ago when a volcano erupted, the violent blast buried this grove of redwood trees, and slowly turned the wood to stone. Take a guided tour of the gray meadow and learn about the volcanic eruption and petrification of the forest near Calistoga. See the 100-foot high Ash Fall, which contains volcanic deposits, and Queen of the Forest – a massive tree that is 8-feet in diameter and still has some bark.

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