7 Best Towns in Northern California to Visit in 2024
What makes Northern California one of the best destinations in the nation? Consider the renowned wine country, with Napa and Sonoma, or the diverse all-season playground for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting varied weather patterns suitable for numerous activities. From skiing mountains to soft-sand beaches, and wild coastlines with rock formations like those at Stinson Beach, Northern California offers a range of landscapes. Notably, the ancient, towering coastal redwoods are a spectacular sight in Mendocino.
Yountville and Petaluma blend art, wine, and gardens, while Half Moon Bay is renowned for its monster waves, known as the Mavericks. Celebrated globally as a surfer's paradise, this tranquil beach town maintains its charm, evoking a sense of stepping back in time or into another world.
Crescent City
Home to around 7,000 residents, Crescent City is a small yet notable town that echoes its deep seafaring heritage. Visitors are drawn to the 1856 Battery Point Lighthouse, accessible via a causeway at low tide. Here, one can ascend its narrow spiral staircase for a breathtaking 360-degree vista from the lamp room. Located just 20 miles south of Oregon, Crescent City is not only known for Crescent Beach's natural beauty but also as a unique shopping destination. Nature enthusiasts often head to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, home to the famously towering, massive redwood trees. This vibrant town, where the forest and sea aromas blend, has a cinematic quality, although it was not the filming location for movies like E.T. and Star Wars.
A few miles away stands the St. George Reef Lighthouse, visible 6 miles offshore from the public walking trails along the bluffs at Point St. George. This structure commemorates an 1865 shipwreck that carried passengers and 1.5 tons of gold coins and bullion. Before embarking on a scenic drive along Pebble Beach, don't miss the Del Norte County Main Museum. The unique trails along Pebble Beach offer opportunities to discover semi-precious gemstones like agates. The vibrant waterfront of Crescent City, rebuilt entirely after a devastating tsunami in 1964, showcases the town's resilience. Tsunami warning signs are still present, while Ocean World Aquarium offers a delightful scene with playful sea lions. Additionally, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center provides a chance to observe the feeding of rescued elephant seals and sea lions before their release back into the wild.
Glen Ellen
This small and sweet unincorporated town in wine country is distinct from its neighbors, lacking a defined downtown area. Primarily woodsy along its lovely byways, Glen Ellen boasts an iconic former resident, Jack London. With many sites named after the famous writer, visitors can find Jack London Lodge and explore Jack London State Historic Park, home to his grave. Some of the region's best wineries are also nearby, including B. R. Cohn Winery, owned by the Doobie Brothers' manager, Mr. Cohn. Here, visitors can taste superb cabernets and merlots, often accompanied by live musical events. The tasting room fee is waived with a wine purchase, and guests can also stock up on fine olive oils and vinegars.
Benziger Family Winery offers a memorable 45-minute tractor-drawn tram tour through its hilly vineyards, complete with a wine-tasting session in a beautiful, German-style mansion. The tour fee includes a souvenir glass. Visitors can also enjoy strolls and picnics on the relaxed grounds, visit the peacock aviary and rose gardens, and learn at the friendly Vineyard Discovery Center. Back in town, the Glen Ellen Inn Restaurant serves attractive seasonal cuisine with a California-French twist in a warm and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant features a 550-selection wine list, dancing chefs, and options to dine in the garden or on a covered patio. This place is a great option for those looking to splurge on their stay.
Half Moon Bay
Located less than an hour south of San Francisco via Highway One, Half Moon Bay is a tranquil beach town with deep oceanic ties, famous for the world-renowned monster waves at Mavericks. Half Moon Bay, a surfer's paradise and a foodie's haven, offers the perfect setting for a beach stroll followed by a local seafood dinner. This town maintains its charm, giving the impression of stepping back into another time. Just north of Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is home to seals and features tide pools with purple sea urchins and sea stars amidst the craggy rocks. From quaint B&Bs along the coast to great hotels and motels, Half Moon Bay is nestled along a scenic area, ideal for horseback rides along coastal trails.
While the challenging 50-foot waves are best left to experienced surfers, visitors can enjoy birdwatching and golf. The town also offers a surprising blend of shopping for unique keepsakes and souvenirs. Local restaurants focus on fresh seafood, with the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company offering great bites and locally brewed beer. At Mavericks Surf Company, managed by big-wave legend Jeff Clark, you can pick up a cool hoodie. Mavericks PaddleSports provides stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons in the calm Pillar Point Harbor. Families will love Lemos Farm, a farm-themed amusement park with pony rides, train rides, hay rides, a petting zoo, goat yoga, and Halloween-themed festivities, including a pumpkin patch in October!
Mendocino
After a wind-swept coastal ride, you arrive in Mendocino, where the forest meets the ocean. Often overlooked in favor of the larger Sonoma, this charming coastal town, at the gateway to Russian Gulch State Park and Marine Conservation Area, is known for its historic architecture, antique shops, and specialty boutiques. From shopping to tiny museums, you can explore the ancient groves on a scenic ride via the Skunk Train, an old-fashioned steam-powered train following the historic 1885 railroad route. Perched on a small peninsula, bordered by crashing waves on one side and lush greenery on the other, Mendocino offers Pacific beaches and ancient coastal groves of redwoods for the adventurous, with plenty of ways to unwind afterward. In summer, tourists flock to Van Damme State Beach and learn the unique skill of ocean kayaking with professional guides around natural sea caves.
From winding short trails along the bluffs to deeper ventures into Mendocino Headlands State Park, you'll be eager to visit Ravens', a vegetarian restaurant at the Stanford Inn, offering a delightful 'slow food' experience with vibrant flavors and organic wines. This fairytale-like inn is a splurge-worthy, delightful, pet-friendly stay, home to llamas, horses, and birds. With so much to do in nature, downtown charms include local coffee roasters, the best uncrowded wine and shopping scene, and historic buildings, making it the perfect place to relax and decompress. Breggo offers tastings of signature pinots at a great price, while Navarro Vineyards serves gewürztraminer, pinot noir, and chardonnay, offering an hour-long vineyard tour with babydoll sheep and complimentary tastings.
Petaluma
Located 40 miles north of San Francisco, this riverfront town welcomes you after a lovely drive through rolling hills and lush greenery into Sonoma County. Boasting a vibrant Victorian downtown, visitors can explore blocks of historic architecture and bustling boutiques for vintages and quirky antiques, all in a captivatingly nostalgic atmosphere. The Seed Bank, housed in a grand old former bank building from the 1920s, now offers a light-filled retail space selling over 1,300 varieties of organic heirloom seeds. Thanks to Petaluma’s riverfront location and rich agricultural land, the culinary scene is crafted and delectable, evident in farm-to-table restaurants and artisanal eateries paired with local wines.
As another destination for wine enthusiasts, don't miss Keller Estate, known for its commitment to art and architecture as well as its excellent wine. Enjoy a five-flight tasting for $20, featuring the best pinot noirs, or opt for a tour of the caves and vineyards, complete with a complimentary tasting, for $35. Downtown's Michelin-recommended Central Market is a culinary delight, where Chef Tony Najiola creates magic with seasonal farm-fresh ingredients. From the picturesque vineyards to the downtown curiosities, Petaluma invites exploration, easy-going recreation, and relaxation. Lagunitas Brewing Co., known for its tasty IPAs, offers daily tours and encourages fun times with complimentary pours at its 'TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary.'
Stinson Beach
Located just 24 miles from San Francisco, Stinson Beach is a popular day trip from the city or a weekend escape. The adventure starts as you embark on a scenic journey across the Golden Gate Bridge and onto Route 1, taking you along a narrow two-lane highway beneath breathtaking cliffs. Offering jaw-dropping, panoramic views, the winding drive beneath towering trees overlooking the ocean takes about 50 minutes. Upon arrival, the town greets you with a stunning beach, perfect for lounging, hiking, and indulging in seafood. Dating back to the late 1800s, Stinson Beach thrived through the region's dairy farming era.
Local cuisine incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into surf-n-turf dishes and baking. RV parks are popular among outdoor lovers, in addition to the many great lodgings around. Families enjoy Stinson Beach for quick getaways or extended vacations, thanks to its generous stretch of white, soft-sanded beaches with calm, shallow waters. The renowned rock formations just south of the state beach offer a spectacular backdrop for photoshoots while enjoying summer's three S's. Visitors can sight whales from vantage points like the Dipsea Trail Head, and find a friendly vibe at the popular Red Rock Beach, five miles away, where clothing is optional.
Yountville
Yountville, one of the most characterful towns in Northern California, has a big reputation for luxury and relaxation. With the Welcome to Napa Valley Sign to the north and the Napa River flowing just east, it is the NorCal place to indulge in breathtaking natural surroundings. And there is a whole blend of pleasures, from vibrant art to shopping and wining. But let's be honest, many head to Yountville for a foodie's paradise. Destination: Thomas Keller's French Laundry. If you're not dining at this three-Michelin-starred restaurant, its impeccable garden of ingredients is a must-see from the sidewalk. Aside from this exquisite dining experience, there's also Bistro Jeanty, Bottega, Brix, Hurley's, and Redd. Prefer a casual option? Grab a delicious sandwich from The Model Bakery before exploring the privately owned, curated boutiques, each vying for your attention.
V Marketplace is a unique upscale swap meet, and Beard Plaza is a great spot to mingle with art fans between galleries. The best wineries include nearby Domaine Chandon, a part of the French champagne house Moët et Chandon, specializing in sparkling wine, with tours starting at $12. Its upscale Etoile restaurant pairs bubbles with outdoor dining. Cliff Lede Vineyards pairs Bordeaux and other wines with a garden of art by modern artists, including Keith Haring and Jim Dine. From picturesque vineyard strolls during the harvest season to indulgent spas, Yountville could not be more romantic. Admiring the valley from a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience.
Final Notes
San Francisco serves as a central hub, providing easy access to these destinations, often via the winding oceanfront Hwy. 1, such as the scenic drive to Stinson Beach. The region, rich in seafaring heritage and gold mining history, offers a Victorian charm, as seen in towns like Petaluma. Glen Ellen, Mendocino, Petaluma, and Yountville are notable wine destinations. The allure of these three-Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned for their exceptional cuisine and gardens of fresh ingredients, is certainly justified.
