Northern California -- land of variety; land of Something for Everyone! That's why it should be on your Bucket List of "Things I Want to Do Before I Die."
Northern California is full of contrasts: from seaside beaches to towering mountain ranges; from arid desert to misty Redwood forests; from Ag land to sophisticated metropolises. I guarantee, you will find something you will love about Northern California!
So, what's to love?
1. The Ocean
You'll find sandy beaches and rocky bluffs; tide pools and fishing villages. There are seaside resorts like Carmel-by-the-Sea, harbors like Monterey Bay, and nature preserves like Point Reyes. Drive along the Big Sur coastline on Highway 1 for the most spectacular views you'll find anywhere in the world!
2. The Wine Country
Definitely Sonoma and Napa Valley -- where the California Wine Industry got it's start. But the "Wine Country" has now invaded almost all areas of Northern California. There are excellent wines and varietals being produced in such supposedly unlikely places as Mendocino, California's Gold Country, Lake County -- Lodi for Pete's sake!
3. City Life
When you think of Northern California cities, I'm sure that San Francisco is the first thing that pops into your mind. And there's good reason for that! It's a charming, sophisticated city with a European flair -- one of my favorite places! But there's also funky Berkeley, once-upon-a-time-college-town-all-grown-up San Jose, cowboy-town-turned-capital-city Sacramento, and charming Chico!
4. Snow Country
A short trip to the Sierra Nevadas or the Cascades from where ever you are in NorCal will get you to the snow anytime from late Fall to early Spring. You can ski, snow board, ice skate, travel on snowshoes, or -- sit in the Lodge in front of a giant fireplace and enjoy a hot toddy!
5. Nature's Call
Most people think of California as a heavily populated state, and that's true in some areas. But, in Northern California, most of the population resides in and near the towns and cities. Once you get outside the city limits you'll find forests teeming with wildlife, migratory waterfowl following the Pacific Flyway to warmer climes, rolling hills flowing with valley oaks, mustard, and wild flowers. Terrific for Sunday drives and/or backpacking excursions.
6. History -- Whose?
Nothing says "history" like the California Gold Rush! Names like Placerville, Hangtown, Coloma bring up images of gold panning, Long Toms, and dredging. But there's much more to NorCal's history than the Gold Rush. Native Americans who were here thousands of years before any of the others. The Spaniards and their missions, the Mexican era of pueblos and haciendas, the Russians -- even the Ozzies played a role!
7. Water Sports
Between Northern California's Pacific Ocean, its lakes, and rivers, and streams, there is an abundance of water for such sports as fishing (salt & freshwater), boating (motorboats, kayaks & canoes, houseboats, sailboats), surfing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and white water rafting!
8. Mountain Vacations
Everything from backpacking into the high country wilderness to renting a log cabin at the edge of the forest to luxury lodges in the midst of one of the most famous national parks in the country, Northern California's mountain ranges offer a huge variety of experiences.
9. National Parks, State Parks, & National Forests
Can you say, "Yosemite National Park?" Gargantuan granite "outcroppings," a valley forged by ancient glaciers, alpine meadows . . . But that's only the beginning! There's Lassen Volcanic National Park, famous for its hydrothermal areas; and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park with its giant sequoias. There's way more wilderness in NorCal than you might imagine, given its population!
10. Agriculture
What's been the biggest competition to wilderness in Northern California (besides people)? Agriculture. Wetlands were drained, forests were cleared . . . On the other hand, there's probably more variety of foodstuffs grown in Northern California than anywhere else on earth. Artichokes, cotton, fruit trees, nuts, sunflower seeds, rice, melons, squashes, corn, wheat -- not to mention raisins and wine grapes! Have you ever wanted to see how almonds are knocked from the tree, or how olive oil is pressed from the olives? Take a farm tour and see where your food comes from!
Have you heard enough? It's time to get out your Bucket List and add Northern California to it -- I'll bet it's going to be at the top of your list!
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