Northern Californians are well aware of the fact that they live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The top portion of California is chock full of state parks, national parks, and hundreds of natural attractions that are just bursting with scenic glory. Nothing beats the diverse landscapes here in NorCal! How many of these unimaginably beautiful places have you been to?
1.Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith State Park is the place to go for a perfectly unspoiled experience of gigantic Redwood trees. The park is an incredibly popular place for hikers and nature lovers due to the diversity of the trees that are contained in the park. As you traverse through the park, you’ll be impressed by the gorgeous vegetation and just how untouched this natural area feels.
2. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a truly bizarre region of Northern California. There’s incredible beauty in the steaming sulfur vents and boiling hot springs. The miles of dense forest and vast lakes make this an awesome place to explore.
3. Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe
There’s nothing as wonderful as looking out on the majesty that is California’s Lake Tahoe. There’s no denying Tahoe’s beauty, but Emerald Bay may just be the most breathtaking place to take in the lake. Emerald Bay is the perfect place to look down at the topaz-colored waters of the state’s most stunning lake.
4. Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is the quintessential small Californian town that boasts unparalleled ocean views. The rugged beauty of the coast’s jagged bluffs is simply breathtaking. Bodega Bay contains a timeless beauty that seemingly never gets old.
5. Sonoma Valley
Napa Valley gets most of the credit but it’s Sonoma Valley that was truly the birthplace of the Golden State’s wine industry. Located between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains, the beauty of the valley’s long-stretching vineyards is unrivaled. Sonoma is a mecca of some of the most incredible California landscapes you’ve ever seen.
6. Lake Helen
Lake Helen, located amid Lassen Volcanic National Park, contains the bluest lake waters you’ve ever seen. This gorgeous lake sits in a remote location surrounded by forest and mountains. It’s a hidden paradise with views that will surely blow you away. You absolutely must witness the lake’s vibrant turquoise water with your own eyes.
7. Point Reyes
Point Reyes is a popular tourist destination in Northern California for good reason. The views are like something straight out of a dream. Located in Marin County, Point Reyes is made up of 71,028 acres of pristine oceanic beauty. Walk for miles along the unspoiled beach while observing giant waves crashing against the rocky bluffs. This place is as close to heaven on earth as you can get.
8. Glacier Point at Yosemite National Park
This list just wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of Yosemite National Park. The entire park is breathtaking beyond belief. However, Glacier Point may take the cake as being the most stunning area of the whole park. This heart-stopping overlook will give you jaw dropping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. It truly doesn’t get any better than this!
9. Sausalito
Sausalito is a small town of merely 7,000 people tucked away in a corner of Marin County. This little town boasts some of the most gorgeous waterfront views. The town is well known for its vibrantly colored house boats which take up much of the shore. It’s a truly postcard-perfect sight.
10. Burney Falls
Burney Falls is one of Northern California’s most beloved waterfalls, clocking in at an incredible 129 feet in height. Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, these constantly flowing falls are picture perfect all year long. The famous sight of this waterfall is something that absolutely must be experienced in person.
