Road tripping through Northern California

San Francisco makes for the perfect starting point to kick off your adventure—offering iconic sights, cultural charm, worldwide appeal, and a gateway to NorCal's most scenic roads.

Must-dos:

• Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge—arrive early in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
• Dive deep into Chinatown's bustling streets and authentic dim sum joints.
• Grab a cable car at Powell & Market and cruise to Alamo Square's iconic "Painted Ladies" for that perfect travel shot.
• Book your Alcatraz Island tour well in advance—the audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards is absolutely riveting.
• Savor artisanal treats and local wines at the Ferry Building Marketplace.
• Take the scenic drive down Lombard Street, the "most crooked street in the world," for a classic San Francisco thrill.

Continue up Highway 1 toward the breathtaking Mendocino Coast. This area is a quintessential NorCal destination with its misty cliffs, charming historic town, and lush redwood groves.

Must-dos:

• Wander through Mendocino's storybook historic downtown, where Victorian mansions overlook emerald headlands.
• Hunt for rare sea glass at Fort Bragg's famous Glass Beach, where decades of ocean waves have transformed discarded bottles into smooth, colorful gems.
• Board the historic Skunk Train for a scenic journey through towering redwood groves.
• Lace up your boots for the stunning coastal hikes through Russian Gulch State Park.
• Toast spectacular sunsets at ocean-view tasting rooms, where world-class Anderson Valley wines pair perfectly with endless Pacific panoramas.
• Kayak from Van Damme State Park, where you'll paddle through kelp forests and maybe encounter playful sea otters.

Switch gears and head inland to wine country. With rolling hills, sun-kissed vineyards, and world-class dining, Napa and Sonoma offer a refined yet relaxed stretch of the trip—a great midpoint for recharging.

Must-dos:

• Shop farmers markets in Sonoma (Tuesdays), Sebastopol (Sundays), and Santa Rosa (Wednesdays/Saturdays).
• Book cave tours at historic properties like Schramsberg (founded in 1862) or seek newer sustainable operations like Frog's Leap with organic farming practices.
• Take hot air balloon rides at sunrise when winds are calmest.
• Shop in Sonoma’s and Healdsburg's historic town squares with several boutiques or Yountville's luxury district featuring high-end fashion and local artisan goods.
• Experience spa treatments using grape-based products at destination spas.
• Hike the Palisades trail system for panoramic valley views from 2,000+ foot elevations.
• Visit during harvest season (late August through October) when you can participate in grape picking and crushing.