Everyone wants their “happily ever after.” We work very hard to have the kind of life our parents only dreamed of and we want to give our children even more. Thankfully, whether you’re in the process of working to make your future magical, or you’ve already arrived at your happy ending, Northern California is where you can find those fairy tale spots for a little rest and relaxation. Here’s a handful of our favorites:
- Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga
flickr/janeen Take a guided wine and cheese tour at this 13th century inspired castle in Calistoga. Guided tours are available without cheese too, if you’re lactose intolerant. Go wine tasting with friends and go back to a time filled with kings and queens and fire-breathing dragons.
- Crystal Cave, Sequoia National Park
flickr/qjake You’re going to hike half a mile to get to the mouth of this cave. But, oh, is it worth it. Stalagmites and stalactites make this underground fairy tale come to life. Water washes over thousands of years of marble - but go soon, because this cave is only open for tours in the summer months.
- Lighthouse, Monterey
flickr/blake read There’s something magical about a lighthouse proudly facing the ocean waves. It boats strength as it stands tall against the crashing waves. It takes a continual beating only for the chance to light a ship’s way home. It doesn’t get more fairy tale sweet than that.
- Montara State Beach, San Mateo County
flickr/hjl Beachside sunsets may just be the most fairy-tale like places. Bring a blanket and your favorite book and it’s the perfect day.
- Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods
flickr/kirt edblom Fern Canyon is where you’re going to want to plan your next five-mile hike on the James Irvine Trail. Start at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This location is such an out-of-this-world spot that Steven Spielberg used it as the backdrop to Jurassic World II.
- Tenaya Lake, Yosemite
flickr/dave toussaint This Lake of beauty has an elevation of over 8100 feet. Named after an Awhachanee Indian Chief, the basin was created through glacier movement. Amazing, right?
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
flickr/mary rotman We can’t talk about fairy tale spots without including this golden girl. She’s a beauty queen that we love to look at. End of story.
- Angora Lake, South Lake Tahoe
flickr/ian grotten This was once a 1920s getaway for the rich and famous. Today, you can rent a rowboat and row around the lake or enjoy their homemade lemonade…it helps remind you of a simpler time.
- Daffodil Hill, Volcano
flickr/Rich Johnstone A favorite fairy tale destination for Volcano. This spot has over 300000 bulbs just waiting to open for their moment of glory. Magical!
What’s your favorite place to go in Northern California to feel like you’re living in a fairy tale?
flickr/janeen
Take a guided wine and cheese tour at this 13th century inspired castle in Calistoga. Guided tours are available without cheese too, if you’re lactose intolerant. Go wine tasting with friends and go back to a time filled with kings and queens and fire-breathing dragons.
flickr/qjake
You’re going to hike half a mile to get to the mouth of this cave. But, oh, is it worth it. Stalagmites and stalactites make this underground fairy tale come to life. Water washes over thousands of years of marble - but go soon, because this cave is only open for tours in the summer months.
flickr/blake read
There’s something magical about a lighthouse proudly facing the ocean waves. It boats strength as it stands tall against the crashing waves. It takes a continual beating only for the chance to light a ship’s way home. It doesn’t get more fairy tale sweet than that.
flickr/hjl
Beachside sunsets may just be the most fairy-tale like places. Bring a blanket and your favorite book and it’s the perfect day.
flickr/kirt edblom
Fern Canyon is where you’re going to want to plan your next five-mile hike on the James Irvine Trail. Start at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This location is such an out-of-this-world spot that Steven Spielberg used it as the backdrop to Jurassic World II.
flickr/dave toussaint
This Lake of beauty has an elevation of over 8100 feet. Named after an Awhachanee Indian Chief, the basin was created through glacier movement. Amazing, right?
flickr/mary rotman
We can’t talk about fairy tale spots without including this golden girl. She’s a beauty queen that we love to look at. End of story.
flickr/ian grotten
This was once a 1920s getaway for the rich and famous. Today, you can rent a rowboat and row around the lake or enjoy their homemade lemonade…it helps remind you of a simpler time.
flickr/Rich Johnstone
A favorite fairy tale destination for Volcano. This spot has over 300000 bulbs just waiting to open for their moment of glory. Magical!
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