Showing posts with label Places to Visit Along the California Coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Places to Visit Along the California Coast. Show all posts
Best Places to Camp in Northern California
Planning a camping vacation in North California?
North California is easily one of the best regions in the United States to enjoy a camping trip, and there is literary hundreds of places where you can lay out a tent, so it can be daunting choosing a spot.
If you're looking for ideas on where to go, we've rounded up a list of some of the best spots to camp out in NorCal:
Jenner
Salt Point State Park and Sonoma Coast State Beach in Jenner are without a doubt, two of the best places to camp in Northern California.
Both Salt Point and Sonoma Coast boasts breathtaking cliff scenery and hiking trails along the cliffs where you’ll be able to stop to enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and catch whale sightings.
Having said this, Sonoma Coast is the most popular spot for two reasons. First, camping in Sonoma Coast cost around $27 per night. Second, you’re not far from Santa Rosa (see things to do in Santa Rosa) and Doran Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Northern California for swimming and boogie boarding.
Another great thing about Sonoma Coast is that you’ll be able to hire kayaks from the visitor's center for fun trips along the mouth of the Russian River.
Van Damme State Park
Van Damme SP is one of the best places to camp in northern California as the views of the Mendocino coast are simple breathtaking.
Van Damme SP is also located nearby the Little River Airport, Mendocino town, Little River Golf Course, and the sea caves of the Big River and the Russian Gulch where you’ll be able to enjoy fun kayaking trips.
Van Damme SP also boasts many trails for mountain biking and hiking such as the renowned Fern Canyon Trail. There is also Van Damme Beach at the mouth of the Little River which is popular spot for abalone diving and launching sea kayaks.
As far as campsites go, Van Damme Beach State Park has about 80 camping spots which cost about $36 per night.
DL Bliss State Park
DL Bliss State Park isn't only one of the most popular camping spots in Lake Tahoe but also one of the best places to camp in northern California.
What makes DL Bliss State Park such a popular camping spot is its close location to South Lake Tahoe and Lester Beach. This means you're just meters away from the lake, which is great if you’re bringing your own boat.
DL Bliss SP is also home to the popular 2-mile Rubicon Trail, which runs past the beautiful Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle where you can enjoy a tour for around $8.
The campsites in DL Bliss State Park are family-friendly and cost around $35 per night, though you’ll have to make reservations 4 weeks in advance to guarantee a spot.
China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park is definitely one of the best places to camp in Northern California as it offers amazing views of San Pablo Bay.
China Camp boasts both steep and easy trails which makes China Camp a very popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
China Camp SP is also home to the historic Chinese shrimp fishery where you can see the original shrimp dying shed and the floating houses.
There is no doubt that one of the best things about camping in China Camp State Park is its great location nearby the towns of San Rafael and Santa Venetia, and San Francisco.
Camping in China Camp SP costs around $25, though Camp China doesn’t boast one of the biggest campsites (about 26 tent sites) so you’ll want to make an early reservation.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial is located within the Shasta National Forest, and it's one of the best places to camp in northern California hands down!
The main reason most people come here to camp is to see the Burney Falls, which are simply breathtaking!
You can get nice views of the falls from the parking lot, though you’ll get the better views by taking a hike along the Burney Falls Loop Trail, which is one of the easiest trails in the park.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP is also a popular spot for wildlife watching, and you can enjoy pleasant swims in the lake.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has over 100 campsites as well as cabins. Camping costs about $20 per night; while the cabins cost around $70 per night.
See. US West Coast Tourist Attractions
best beaches in southern California
places to visit on the west coast
places to visit in Oxnard CA
top 10 things to do in Yosemite National Park
interesting places to visit in Nevada
vacation spots in western US
North California is easily one of the best regions in the United States to enjoy a camping trip, and there is literary hundreds of places where you can lay out a tent, so it can be daunting choosing a spot.
If you're looking for ideas on where to go, we've rounded up a list of some of the best spots to camp out in NorCal:
Jenner
Salt Point State Park and Sonoma Coast State Beach in Jenner are without a doubt, two of the best places to camp in Northern California.
Both Salt Point and Sonoma Coast boasts breathtaking cliff scenery and hiking trails along the cliffs where you’ll be able to stop to enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and catch whale sightings.
 |
| places to visit along the California coast |
Another great thing about Sonoma Coast is that you’ll be able to hire kayaks from the visitor's center for fun trips along the mouth of the Russian River.
Van Damme State Park
Van Damme SP is one of the best places to camp in northern California as the views of the Mendocino coast are simple breathtaking.
Van Damme SP is also located nearby the Little River Airport, Mendocino town, Little River Golf Course, and the sea caves of the Big River and the Russian Gulch where you’ll be able to enjoy fun kayaking trips.
 |
As far as campsites go, Van Damme Beach State Park has about 80 camping spots which cost about $36 per night.
DL Bliss State Park
DL Bliss State Park isn't only one of the most popular camping spots in Lake Tahoe but also one of the best places to camp in northern California.
What makes DL Bliss State Park such a popular camping spot is its close location to South Lake Tahoe and Lester Beach. This means you're just meters away from the lake, which is great if you’re bringing your own boat.
 |
| Best Places to visit in California |
The campsites in DL Bliss State Park are family-friendly and cost around $35 per night, though you’ll have to make reservations 4 weeks in advance to guarantee a spot.
China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park is definitely one of the best places to camp in Northern California as it offers amazing views of San Pablo Bay.
China Camp boasts both steep and easy trails which makes China Camp a very popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
China Camp SP is also home to the historic Chinese shrimp fishery where you can see the original shrimp dying shed and the floating houses.
There is no doubt that one of the best things about camping in China Camp State Park is its great location nearby the towns of San Rafael and Santa Venetia, and San Francisco.
Camping in China Camp SP costs around $25, though Camp China doesn’t boast one of the biggest campsites (about 26 tent sites) so you’ll want to make an early reservation.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial is located within the Shasta National Forest, and it's one of the best places to camp in northern California hands down!
The main reason most people come here to camp is to see the Burney Falls, which are simply breathtaking!
You can get nice views of the falls from the parking lot, though you’ll get the better views by taking a hike along the Burney Falls Loop Trail, which is one of the easiest trails in the park.
 |
| popular national parks in California |
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has over 100 campsites as well as cabins. Camping costs about $20 per night; while the cabins cost around $70 per night.
See. US West Coast Tourist Attractions
best beaches in southern California
places to visit on the west coast
places to visit in Oxnard CA
top 10 things to do in Yosemite National Park
interesting places to visit in Nevada
vacation spots in western US
Places to Visit Along the California Coast
Wondering what places to visit along the California Coast?
The coast of California spans over 500 miles so there are literary hundreds of great places to visit along the California coast such as Monterey and Long Beach, as well as stunning stretches of coast such as Big Sur where you'll find some of the best beaches in California.
If you’re looking for vacation spots in California, or are planning a road trip along the California coast, allow yourself a few days to properly enjoy the scenic Pacific Ocean views and attractions that the California coast boasts. Most people that take a road trip of the coast of California start in Dana Point (southern California) and finish in Leggett (northern California). There are two popular routes that run along the California Coast that you can drive along: the U.S. Route 101 and California Highway 1.
However, if you’re planning a scenic drive along California coast, California Highway 1 (also known as California State Route 1) is the best route to take, as it literary runs along the coast. One of the most popular sections of the scenic drive along the California coast, it’s between Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Alternatively, you could also drive from Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco through Los Angeles if you wish to check out LA’s downtown attractions. If you do decide you want to drive through Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 from Dana Point along Route 101 to get to Oxnard. Also, I would also structure the trip along the California coast in two legs to make it more manageable. If you’re driving between Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, here it is a list of places to visit along the California Coast:
Dana Point - Oxnard (1st leg)
During the 1st leg, you’ll be driving mostly along the popular Pacific Coast Highway, and some of my favorite places along the California coast include:
Dana Point
- The Pilgrim in Dana Point is the replica vessel of the famous Brig Pilgrim ship. This landmark is for me one of my favorite places to visit along the California coast.
Newport Beach
- Balboa Island Museum boasts many photographs and memorabilia on Balboa’s fascinating past
- Newport Harbor Nautical Museum boasts many interactive exhibits such as one where you can experience the feeling of being submerged.
Huntington Beach
- Huntington Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach is a great place to learn about surfing legends. Exhibits here change periodically but they're always interesting.
Long Beach
If you have time along the way, the Long Beach Aquarium and the Museum of Latin American Art are worth checking out.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica is a great place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are pier attractions and arcade games for everyone to enjoy.
Malibu
Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu offers beach camping and boasts lovely beaches. This a great stop-over point, if you need to spend the night.
Oxnard
Emma Wood State Beach in Oxnard also offers beach camping and it’s another great stop-over point during your trip along the California coast. (see places to visit in Oxnard CA)
Oxnard – San Francisco (2nd leg)
After spending the night in Malibu or Oxnard, you can start the 2nd leg of the trip which will be mainly along California Highway 1. Here are some of my favourite places along this leg:
Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit with the family and relax along the beautiful flower trails.
- Santa Barbara Courthouse is another place you should add on your list of places to visit along the California coast, simply because of the stunning beauty of the courthouse.
Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is another of my favourite places to visit along the California coast, mainly because it is the only California State Park that allows you to drive on the beach. If you’re driving a 4x4 you’ll have a blast here!
Morro Bay
Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay is a nice little museum with top notch interactive exhibits, and since the museum is located on a bluff, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Morro Bay.
Pfeiffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera state parks
Pfeiffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera state parks boast a few campgrounds and are great places to enjoy the outdoors and spending the night.
Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz (near San Jose) is one of my favorite places to visit along the California coast, and it has to be one of the best vacation spots in Western US.
The boardwalk is beautiful with many fun attractions and the best part is that the beach is right by the park.
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is another attraction worth checking out. It is housed in an old lighthouse and since entry is free that’s got to be a bonus!
San Francisco
Once you get to "The City by the Bay", you’ll certainly be spoiled by the array of attractions on offer. There are certainly many fun things to do in San Francisco but a few of my favorite places to visit are San Francisco Cable Car Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Grace Cathedral.
See. best beaches in southern California
Mexico's most underrated beaches
Northern California Beaches
Popular National Parks in California
most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
Places to visit in Santa Barbara CA
Things to do on a weekend getaway in Sacramento
Top 10 things to do in Yosemite National Park
Places to visit in Monterey CA
Top 10 states to visit in US
Top Cruise Destinations
Places To Go On Holiday in April
Top 10 Theme Parks in the US
Best National Parks To Visit in the US
Places to visit in Long Beach California
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Interesting places to visit in Nevada
Interesting places to visit in New Mexico
 |
| best places to camp in Northern California |
If you’re looking for vacation spots in California, or are planning a road trip along the California coast, allow yourself a few days to properly enjoy the scenic Pacific Ocean views and attractions that the California coast boasts. Most people that take a road trip of the coast of California start in Dana Point (southern California) and finish in Leggett (northern California). There are two popular routes that run along the California Coast that you can drive along: the U.S. Route 101 and California Highway 1.
However, if you’re planning a scenic drive along California coast, California Highway 1 (also known as California State Route 1) is the best route to take, as it literary runs along the coast. One of the most popular sections of the scenic drive along the California coast, it’s between Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Alternatively, you could also drive from Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco through Los Angeles if you wish to check out LA’s downtown attractions. If you do decide you want to drive through Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 from Dana Point along Route 101 to get to Oxnard. Also, I would also structure the trip along the California coast in two legs to make it more manageable. If you’re driving between Dana Point, Oxnard and San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, here it is a list of places to visit along the California Coast:
Dana Point - Oxnard (1st leg)
During the 1st leg, you’ll be driving mostly along the popular Pacific Coast Highway, and some of my favorite places along the California coast include:
Dana Point
- The Pilgrim in Dana Point is the replica vessel of the famous Brig Pilgrim ship. This landmark is for me one of my favorite places to visit along the California coast.
Newport Beach
- Balboa Island Museum boasts many photographs and memorabilia on Balboa’s fascinating past
- Newport Harbor Nautical Museum boasts many interactive exhibits such as one where you can experience the feeling of being submerged.
Huntington Beach
- Huntington Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach is a great place to learn about surfing legends. Exhibits here change periodically but they're always interesting.
Long Beach
If you have time along the way, the Long Beach Aquarium and the Museum of Latin American Art are worth checking out.
 |
| Best Places to visit in California |
Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica is a great place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are pier attractions and arcade games for everyone to enjoy.
Malibu
Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu offers beach camping and boasts lovely beaches. This a great stop-over point, if you need to spend the night.
Oxnard
Emma Wood State Beach in Oxnard also offers beach camping and it’s another great stop-over point during your trip along the California coast. (see places to visit in Oxnard CA)
Oxnard – San Francisco (2nd leg)
After spending the night in Malibu or Oxnard, you can start the 2nd leg of the trip which will be mainly along California Highway 1. Here are some of my favourite places along this leg:
Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit with the family and relax along the beautiful flower trails.
- Santa Barbara Courthouse is another place you should add on your list of places to visit along the California coast, simply because of the stunning beauty of the courthouse.
Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is another of my favourite places to visit along the California coast, mainly because it is the only California State Park that allows you to drive on the beach. If you’re driving a 4x4 you’ll have a blast here!
Morro Bay
Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay is a nice little museum with top notch interactive exhibits, and since the museum is located on a bluff, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Morro Bay.
Pfeiffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera state parks
Pfeiffer Big Sur and Andrew Molera state parks boast a few campgrounds and are great places to enjoy the outdoors and spending the night.
Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz (near San Jose) is one of my favorite places to visit along the California coast, and it has to be one of the best vacation spots in Western US.
 |
| US West Coast Tourist Attractions |
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is another attraction worth checking out. It is housed in an old lighthouse and since entry is free that’s got to be a bonus!
San Francisco
Once you get to "The City by the Bay", you’ll certainly be spoiled by the array of attractions on offer. There are certainly many fun things to do in San Francisco but a few of my favorite places to visit are San Francisco Cable Car Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Grace Cathedral.
See. best beaches in southern California
Mexico's most underrated beaches
Northern California Beaches
Popular National Parks in California
most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
Places to visit in Santa Barbara CA
Things to do on a weekend getaway in Sacramento
Top 10 things to do in Yosemite National Park
Places to visit in Monterey CA
Top 10 states to visit in US
Top Cruise Destinations
Places To Go On Holiday in April
Top 10 Theme Parks in the US
Best National Parks To Visit in the US
Places to visit in Long Beach California
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Interesting places to visit in Nevada
Interesting places to visit in New Mexico
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
