Road trips are a great way to spend time together as a family and see the country. Even if you’ve only got a few days, you can cover some serious ground and see the sites. Many people opt for this method of travel as a way to see places and do things without having to break the bank.
California is an ever-popular tourist destination thanks to its great weather, beautiful scenery and abundance of things to see and do. While most people think of Southern California locales like Los Angeles and San Diego as must-see stops on a California vacation, Northern California (or NoCal for short) has just as much to see and do as its southern counterpart and is ideal for road tripping, even if you’re on a limited budget.
If you do have to watch your pennies, you may want to skip the big cities like San Francisco, famous for its over-priced hotels, heavy traffic and frequent toll bridges, but that doesn’t mean a road trip through NoCal shouldn’t be an option. Simply bypass the city and head north via the coastal roads to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.
Although Napa Valley is home to beautiful rolling hills and incredible wineries, it is an expensive area and should probably be left off the itinerary if you are trying to stick to a budget.
State Highway 101 parallels the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as the 1 most of the way. While the 101 moves much quicker than PCH (until the two highways meet at the town of Leggett where the road continues north as the 101), the 1 offers incredible ocean scenery and lets you experience the small coastal towns you would otherwise not notice from the main highway.
Mendocino, California. Photo: Nancy Ziller | Dreamstime.com
One possible itinerary for your NoCal road trip is to head north from the Bay Area toward Mendocino then up to Crescent City, making sure you hit Redwood Forest National Park along the way. From there head to Mt. Shasta where you can either pick up the 5 and head back south toward Sacramento via the inland route or you can venture southeast through the mountains to pick up Highway 395 and take that into Lake Tahoe to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery before continuing south to Yosemite National Park.
Some spectacular sites to see along your route should include Lassen Volcano National Park, Redwood National Park and Lake Shasta. There are reasonable accommodations along the way to each of these sites that will make your trip comfortable without breaking your budget. Along the way you will find great spots for hiking, picnicking and viewing the beautiful landscapes.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
May 1, 2024Experience Extravagance this Mother’s Day at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
If family travel is on the itinerary for Mother’s Day this year, consider Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and its over-the-top Mother’s Day offering, for up to four people. No detail will be overlooked for mom this year.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Apr 30, 2024Explore Waterfalls and Wildflowers in Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County, California, is an ideal place for family travelers to witness nature’s spring awakening.
Destinations / North America
Apr 30, 2024Rhode Island’s Weekapaug Inn Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Pets and Their People
Family travel means something different for each type of family, but for those of us with dogs, it takes on a whole meaning. Our furry friends are part of the family, and traveling with them can bring so much joy, but also a great deal of stress in trying to find the perfect blend of luxury, fun and relaxation while making sure our pets get the comfort and care they deserve.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / Mexico
Apr 30, 2024Make Blue Diamond Resorts Your Mother’s Day Getaway
With Mother's Day right around the corner, it's time to plan the perfect getaway for mom. Gift your mom the life of luxury at one of Blue Diamond Resort’s all-inclusive luxury resorts.
ShareThis