Travel Northern California: 5 Unique Places

5 NorCal Travel Destinations You Never Even Thought About

Looking to travel Northern California? Let’s see…Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe … all of these Northern California destinations are definitely worth the trip. But sometimes you’re tired of the “same old, same old,” or you’re just in the mood for someplace to go where 100,000 other tourists won’t be lurking with cameras and rowdy children and grotesquely large campers, oh my! Here are five top secret NorCal travel destinations where you’ll find less traffic, shorter lines (if any lines at all), and friendly locals. All of these are less than four hours’ drive from the San Francisco International Airport. Call us ahead of time, and we’ll have a limo waiting to shuttle you to your hidden destination!

1. Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

Just 3 1/2 hours from San Francisco (it’s a spectacular drive; you won’t want to doze off!), the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness offers spectacular views from various high points, particularly the Donnell Vista made famous by the classic TV show, Bonanza. From here, you can see Donnell Lake, Stanislaus River Canyon, Niagara Creek Falls, and the dramatic Dardanelles, formed by volcanic activity so many years ago. The highest point is well over a mile above sea level. You can see why Michael Landon selected this area for the filming of the 1974 Bonanza season opener, a tear-jerking 2-parter called “Forever.”

2. Mark Twain’s Cabin (Replica)

Few people made a greater impact on American literature than Samuel Langhorne Clemens, more widely known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Less than 2 1/2 hours from San Francisco lies California Historic Landmark #138, a replica version of Twain’s legendary cabin where he lived during the winter of 1864-65 at the pleasure of some area miners, the Gillis brothers. Unfortunately, the original cabin was lost in a fire. The cabin is located atop a hill called “Jackass Hill” (which just might be reason enough to visit in itself). It was the site where Twain wrote “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” which officially kick-started Twain’s long, prosperous career. The story stemmed from an old miner’s tale, but in true Twain style, he made it his own. The cabin is also where he researched his work “Roughing It.” If you visit the cabin during the 3rd weekend of May, you can also attend the Calaveras County Fair and see their local tribute to Twain and his first story, the Jumping Frog Jubilee. Lovers of literature (or just the inspiring wit and amazing storytelling of Twain), this is your dream vacation.

3. China Camp State Park

While the East coast is most known for immigration, primarily through Ellis Island, the bulk of those immigrants came from Europe. The West coast instead attracted immigrants from the Far East, and many settled in the relatively near vicinity of San Francisco, where they typically made port during the 1850’s. From this immigration movement spring a small community of about 500 people, most of whom originated from Canton, China. It was a thriving shrimping village, as most of the Chinese immigrants were fishermen before migrating to the US. They made their living drying and shipping the shrimp they caught in the waters near San Francisco back to mainland China, as well as other regions of the US. Just a short 40-minute drive from San Francisco, you can see where they lived, worked, and played, and learn more about their fascinating history and culture at the China Camp Village Museum. The terrain of this tiny historic community is amazingly diverse, featuring everything from beach to marshland to meadows and hardwood forest. It’s also home to abundant wildlife, including both forest creatures and beach-dwelling birds and animals. Come prepared to spend some time outdoors enjoying it!

4. Forestiere Underground Gardens

California just wouldn’t be what it is today without its immigrants, and that’s also quite evident when you visit the unique and intriguing Forestiere Underground Gardens. An immigrant from Sicily, a citrus farmer by trade, Baldassare Forestiere hand constructed a home underground near Fresno. The home features rooms and courtyards, including secretive passageways, one-of-a-kind fruit trees, shrubbery, and vines that have been growing there — all underground — for more than 90 years! Forestiere borrowed heavily from ancient Roman architecture for his designs, creating microclimates for his various rooms and gardens ranging in temperature as much as 30 degrees. Perhaps most amazing is that Forestiere was completely self-taught; he had no formal training in building or architecture. It’s just a 2 hour, 40 minute drive from San Francisco Airport, making it convenient to a host of hotels, restaurants, and other attractions to enjoy during your trip.

5. Point Reyes

When you land at San Francisco Airport and see the seemingly endless city sprawl, it will amaze you to learn that just one hour away is a truly natural wonder with relatively few visitors and tons to see and enjoy. Pont Reyes offers a beach that’s almost untouched by tourists, a well-kept secret only the locals enjoy. In addition to the beach, you can visit Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870 to warn ships of the Headlands, which jut 10 miles into the sea between the SF Bay and other ports north of there. The lighthouse operated for 105 years before being retired when the US Cost Guard added an automated light to take its place. Point Reyes is another incredibly varied attraction geologically, with beach views, grasslands, tree-covered ridges, and the bushy hillsides so characteristic of this part of California. One of the features of Point Reyes that is most notable is the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a literal tunnel of cypress trees growing over the picturesque country road, providing some of the most amazing natural sunlight effects you can find anywhere.

Whether your trip to NorCal is for business or pleasure, all of these hidden attractions are a short drive from San Francisco and make excellent day trips for those who only have a few hours to enjoy. Vacationers can take in all these inviting trips, plus see some other notable attractions during their stay, and go home rested instead of exhausted from fighting crowds and city traffic. Elite Limousine can pick you up at the airport and escort you to the destination of your choice. Call or visit our website today for reservations.