Northern California Holidays

The lesser explored northern parts of California are equally as beautiful as the south. Think vineyards, towering redwoods, steaming sulphur vents, mountains and the crashing surf against the rocky shores.

The wild and scenic north coast runs from San Francisco right up to the Oregon border, where the fog rolls in from the ocean and the dramatic coastline is fringed with redwood forests. Home to the tallest trees on earth, Redwood National Park is an incredibly stunning preserve. Stop for a picnic at High Bluff Overlook and scan the sea for whales, sea lions and brown pelicans or take a little hike in the Klamath area. 

Visit the romantic hamlet of Mendocino, sandwiched between the forest and the sea and experience true Californian 'farm-to-fork' dining accompanied by local wines and micro beers. Then journey further north to Eureka and Crescent City, for local oysters in Humbolt Bay and to California's northernmost lighthouse station. 

Head inland to the Shasta Cascade where you can explore volcanoes, splattering mud pots and steaming sulphur vents in Lassen Volcanic National Park, hire a boat on Shasta Lake, walk through underground limestone caverns and see fern-draped waterfalls.

This region would not complete without the mention of wine. From the well-know Napa Valley to the cooler coastal climates of Mendocino county, the north coast is home to more than half of the states wineries. There are also farmers, fishermen and chefs working together with winemakes and brew masters to create culinary sensations of which range from fine dining eateries to chowder shacks in front of the ocean. 

This beautiful and scenic region is best explored by car so you have the freedom to see everything at your own pace. Travel the full length of the west coast from Vancouver  to San Diego or venture inland to explore more of California's immense National Parks, like Yosemite.