Northern California
Underrated winelands, gold-rush towns and hidden histories await in NorCal
Best for: Small towns, history, nature and exceptional food and wine
Why go? Experience the state's great diversity, from the spectacular coast to the stunning landscapes of wine country, to the Sierra Nevada foothills and gold-rush towns
Route: Mendocino; Anderson Valley; Santa Rosa, Sonoma; Nevada City/ Grass Valley; Mariposa
This route begins in Mendocino County, a magical region of waves, wines and redwoods, filled with historic villages and outback adventures. To reach it, you can fly into Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, or any of the airports in San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento, and hire a car from there.
Start in the artsy town of Mendocino (about 250km north of San Francisco), a historic 1850s logging community that has become a popular escape. Amble around town to check out the Victorian-era buildings, galleries, cafes and restaurants, and overnight in one of its quaint inns.
From Mendocino, travel south along the scenic coast and its series of serene beaches to Highway 128, threading your way through the pastoral, uncrowded Anderson Valley. Be sure to check out the tiny towns of Philo and Boonville on your way to the region's main thoroughfare, Highway 101 .The area is known for its premium vineyards and wineries; organic and biodynamic farms; and parks with beautiful trails that wind through vast redwood forests.
Turn south on Highway 101 to reach peaceful Healdsburg, which is acclaimed for its wineries and restaurants and is a good option for an overnight stay. Further on, it's worth making time to visit Santa Rosa and the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center. Then veer east on Highway 12, through vineyards and rural farmland, to the historic town of Sonoma. Explore the town square, which was the site of pivotal early events in California's history and is home to the northernmost Franciscan mission in California, then continue cast to Sacramento, the state capital.
You are about to enter California's Gold Country, where in 1849, thousands of people (often called the ‘49ers) hoped to strike it rich in the foothills near Sacramento. Sadly, the Indigenous Americans who had lived in the region were almost wiped out by this influx; learn about their travails and perseverance at the State Indian Museum at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in downtown Sacramento.
Next, drive to the heart of Gold Country. Overnight in Nevada City, California's best-preserved gold-rush town and an arts and music magnet for the region. Or head instead to Grass Valley (choose from various routes), where you can tour one of the area's oldest, deepest and richest mines at the Empire Mine State Historic Park, before turning south to pan for gold at Columbia State Historic Park, the site of a well-preserved town just north of Sonora.
End your journey by heading along Highway 49 to Mariposa, a major gateway to Yosemite National Park. It has restaurants, hotels and historic inns, as well as several interesting museums, including the Mariposa Museum and History Center, Yosemite Climbing Museum and Gallery, and the California State Mining and Mineral Museum,
Hankering for more? Extend your trip to the Highway 49 terminus at Oakhurst, where you can base yourself for a day's adventure at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (at Yosemite's southern entrance). Alternatively, head to Lake Tahoe, one of California's greatest outdoor playgrounds.
Discover Yosemite Climbing Museum and Gallery
If you've ever seen photos or videos of climbers clambering up iconic Yosemite rock faces, such as El Capitan, or dangling from hammocks on their journey skyward and wondered how in the world they accomplished these feats, this is the place for you. Visit this small museum in Mariposa, run by the non-profit Yosemite Climbing Association, to learn about the area's many climbing accomplishments. Its fascinating exhibits chronicle the ascents of some of the planet's most successful climbers in the early years of the sport in Yosemite, as well as the evolution of the gear that got them there. It's amazing to compare their original equipment - pitons, bolts, ropes, cables, climbing boots - with today's high-tech versions; they often crafted these tools
