Anyone else holding on to summer with white knuckles? Northern California is a master of Mediterranean weather. It’s what makes us able to camp, swim, cycle and hike like no other place on earth. There’s so much to do here, but even us folks from the north have our very own bucket lists. If you love the outdoors and haven’t made your own yet, go ahead and add a few of ours to create your very own. Here’s what we chose as the bucket list for Norcal folks who LOVE the outdoors!
- Hike Half Dome.
flickr/nathon eaton jr. Yosemite has been called one of the most beautiful places in the world. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, there’s nothing like climbing to the tippy top and seeing the world from there!
- Ski the mountainside in Lake Tahoe.
flickr/lukasz Lake Tahoe is a mecca of ski resorts in the winter. Now’s the perfect time to begin planning to cross this one off your bucket list this year. Fresh powder and the wind on your face–perfect!
- Explore Fern Canyon.
flickr/kirt edblom When you find yourself wanting to check out the Redwoods of Northern California–the Prairie Creek Redwood Forest is where you need to head. When you get here? Make sure to take a walk through Fern Canyon. It’s home to more types of ferns than anywhere else in the world. Plus, Steven Spielberg used this spot to film Jurassic Park II–which is pretty cool, too.
- White Water Raft on the American River.
flicr/zoli erdos El Dorado County has you covered if you’re more of the white water rafting-type. There’s lots of spots to drop a rubber raft and take off. But, please wear a life jacket. The rapids can be dangerous.
- Stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge.
joanne kraft If you’re more of a city person then you might want to head to San Francisco. There’s a lot to see out here, but make sure to save your legs for a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. There are some days when the weather’s just right that can take your breath away. I promise you’ll snap way more photos than you ever thought possible.
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Napa Valley.
flickr/george morris Napa Valley is an outdoorsy paradise on many levels. Take your better half and enjoy some wine -tasting. Then, stop by a favorite restaurant for some of the best food in the world. It’s here. See that sun setting? It’s the perfect time to take a hot air balloon ride…or pop the question…or both!
- Go for a dip in Burney Falls.
flickr/scott smithson McArthur-Burney Falls in Burney is where you can find Burney Falls. (That’s LOTS of Burneys!) This is the 2nd oldest state park in California with a waterfall that’s 129 feet tall!
- Teach a little friend how to fish in Lake Shasta.
flickr/kei neguchi Is there anything better than fishing? How about fishing on Lake Shasta? Yep. We agree. This is a bucket list item for sure. While you’re at it, bring the kids. Memory making for sure!
- Go Cycling in Humboldt County.
flickr/ride to dine Wind your way through the redwoods, along the Pacific Ocean and through adorable towns like Ferndale. You’ll love taking one of these cycling trips. Take your friends along for some fun and cross off a bucket list item together!
- Kayak in Bodega Bay.
flickr/lisa oullette Bodega Bay is one of the prettiest places in Northern California. Which makes kayaking even better here than anywhere else. Relax and take in the sweet hours of outdoor peace and quiet. Don’t forget your camera. Every great bucket list adventure deserves a few photos.
Which ones did we miss? Which ones have YOU already crossed off your bucket list?
flickr/nathon eaton jr.
Yosemite has been called one of the most beautiful places in the world. For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, there’s nothing like climbing to the tippy top and seeing the world from there!
flickr/lukasz
Lake Tahoe is a mecca of ski resorts in the winter. Now’s the perfect time to begin planning to cross this one off your bucket list this year. Fresh powder and the wind on your face–perfect!
flickr/kirt edblom
When you find yourself wanting to check out the Redwoods of Northern California–the Prairie Creek Redwood Forest is where you need to head. When you get here? Make sure to take a walk through Fern Canyon. It’s home to more types of ferns than anywhere else in the world. Plus, Steven Spielberg used this spot to film Jurassic Park II–which is pretty cool, too.
flicr/zoli erdos
El Dorado County has you covered if you’re more of the white water rafting-type. There’s lots of spots to drop a rubber raft and take off. But, please wear a life jacket. The rapids can be dangerous.
joanne kraft
If you’re more of a city person then you might want to head to San Francisco. There’s a lot to see out here, but make sure to save your legs for a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. There are some days when the weather’s just right that can take your breath away. I promise you’ll snap way more photos than you ever thought possible.
flickr/george morris
Napa Valley is an outdoorsy paradise on many levels. Take your better half and enjoy some wine -tasting. Then, stop by a favorite restaurant for some of the best food in the world. It’s here. See that sun setting? It’s the perfect time to take a hot air balloon ride…or pop the question…or both!
flickr/scott smithson
McArthur-Burney Falls in Burney is where you can find Burney Falls. (That’s LOTS of Burneys!) This is the 2nd oldest state park in California with a waterfall that’s 129 feet tall!
flickr/kei neguchi
Is there anything better than fishing? How about fishing on Lake Shasta? Yep. We agree. This is a bucket list item for sure. While you’re at it, bring the kids. Memory making for sure!
flickr/ride to dine
Wind your way through the redwoods, along the Pacific Ocean and through adorable towns like Ferndale. You’ll love taking one of these cycling trips. Take your friends along for some fun and cross off a bucket list item together!
flickr/lisa oullette
Bodega Bay is one of the prettiest places in Northern California. Which makes kayaking even better here than anywhere else. Relax and take in the sweet hours of outdoor peace and quiet. Don’t forget your camera. Every great bucket list adventure deserves a few photos.
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