When it comes to living life to the fullest, how well does your life compare? A bucket list doesn’t have to be filled with insane death-defying acts. It can be full of places to go and see that are a lot more peaceful and enjoyable. What makes it a bucket list item is that we just don’t write these things down on our calendar and do them. Well, I for one am saying enough! Here’s a list of things in Northern California to do before you die.
- Climb Half Dome.
flickr/shannon mcgee Your bucket list MUST include a trip to Yosemite. One of the most spectacular places in the world. Mother Nature shows off here. Take the family and climb Half Dome. But, make sure to take a photo before you really get started. You might not be as pretty by the time you reach the top.
- Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
yelp/lisa s. If you’re already in Yosemite you’ll need a place to sleep. The lodge here gives all those adventurers a real comfy but rustic experience. You’re going to love it here. It’s located at 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite National Park.
- Explore this Petrified Forest in Calistoga.
flickr/sherwood411 This is Northern California’s ONLY petrified forest. Most folks stumble across it when they’re driving from Napa to San Francisco. Most of these type of trees are found in the desert states, but this one is all ours.
- Visit the 8th wonder of the world.
flickr/don graham Teddy Roosevelt called McArthur-Burney Falls the 8th wonder of the world. Some folks would agree. That’s why it’s on their bucket list. Feel the mist from Burney Falls. Great views of the falls are accessible right from the parking lot, while a short easy hike takes you to the base. A 1.3 mile trail circles the falls.
- Whitewater raft on the American River.
flickr/daniel webvick If you’re the type who enjoy an adventure than this must be on your bucket list. Take the family and make some memories. The river is spectacular. And, the later you go in the summer the less crazy the rapids are. FYI
- Visit Napa Valley and go wine tasting!
flickr/mo1229 With over 400 wineries in this part of our state you MUST come here at least once in your lifetime. If you want to up the fun then take the wine train with your significant other and enjoy a five-course meal on a sunset train ride through the valley!
- Give General Sherman a hug.
flickr/tom simpson Redwood trees are a piece of your bucket list you have to do. This one is over 275 feet tall and when you walk around the Sequioia National Park for awhile you’ll feel like a teeny, tiny ant. It’s pretty amazing.
- Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
flickr/margi levin
- Ride a cable car to the wharf.
Joanne Kraft You can’t leave San Francisco and NOT ride a cable car. We’re pretty sure that’s a bucket list felony.
- Stay a night in the Fairmont Hotel.
flickir/tony donnely Since you’re already in San Francisco, and you’re probably a little tired, spend a night in one of the oldest, most beautiful hotels in the city. YES, it is pricey, but oh so worth it!
- Kayak on Lake Tahoe.
flickr/daniella We’re pretty sure Lake Tahoe is one of the most spectacular bucket list items to enjoy. Kayak on the lake early in the morning when the water is like glass. There’s nothing like it.
- Pan for gold in El Dorado County.
flickrjames st. john Enjoy panning for gold along the American River in the tiny town of Coloma where gold was discovered. OR, head to Gold Bug Mine in Placerville. Either way you need to get your gold on!
Whether you’re young or old, it’s never too late to start your own bucket list. Northern California’s got you covered!
flickr/shannon mcgee
Your bucket list MUST include a trip to Yosemite. One of the most spectacular places in the world. Mother Nature shows off here. Take the family and climb Half Dome. But, make sure to take a photo before you really get started. You might not be as pretty by the time you reach the top.
yelp/lisa s.
If you’re already in Yosemite you’ll need a place to sleep. The lodge here gives all those adventurers a real comfy but rustic experience. You’re going to love it here. It’s located at 9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite National Park.
flickr/sherwood411
This is Northern California’s ONLY petrified forest. Most folks stumble across it when they’re driving from Napa to San Francisco. Most of these type of trees are found in the desert states, but this one is all ours.
flickr/don graham
Teddy Roosevelt called McArthur-Burney Falls the 8th wonder of the world. Some folks would agree. That’s why it’s on their bucket list. Feel the mist from Burney Falls. Great views of the falls are accessible right from the parking lot, while a short easy hike takes you to the base. A 1.3 mile trail circles the falls.
flickr/daniel webvick
If you’re the type who enjoy an adventure than this must be on your bucket list. Take the family and make some memories. The river is spectacular. And, the later you go in the summer the less crazy the rapids are. FYI
flickr/mo1229
With over 400 wineries in this part of our state you MUST come here at least once in your lifetime. If you want to up the fun then take the wine train with your significant other and enjoy a five-course meal on a sunset train ride through the valley!
flickr/tom simpson
Redwood trees are a piece of your bucket list you have to do. This one is over 275 feet tall and when you walk around the Sequioia National Park for awhile you’ll feel like a teeny, tiny ant. It’s pretty amazing.
flickr/margi levin
Joanne Kraft
You can’t leave San Francisco and NOT ride a cable car. We’re pretty sure that’s a bucket list felony.
flickir/tony donnely
Since you’re already in San Francisco, and you’re probably a little tired, spend a night in one of the oldest, most beautiful hotels in the city. YES, it is pricey, but oh so worth it!
flickr/daniella
We’re pretty sure Lake Tahoe is one of the most spectacular bucket list items to enjoy. Kayak on the lake early in the morning when the water is like glass. There’s nothing like it.
flickrjames st. john
Enjoy panning for gold along the American River in the tiny town of Coloma where gold was discovered. OR, head to Gold Bug Mine in Placerville. Either way you need to get your gold on!
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